Packaging system with multiple cross-palletizing packaging machines and cross-palletizing packaging machine equipped therewith

Abstract

A packaging system provided with a plurality of horizontal pillow packaging machines, each of which is provided with a packaging machine main body, an input device, a control device, and a communication device, the packaging machine main body packaging a packaged article supplied in sequence, the input device in which operation information including a plurality of parameters is input, the control device including a storage section storing the operation information and an action control section controlling the action of the packaging machine main body based on each parameter of the operation information stored in the storage section, the communication device transmitting and receiving the operation information, the control device further including a communication control section transmitting the input operation information to the other horizontal pillow packaging machine via the communication device when the operation information is input to the input device, and causing the storage section of the other horizontal pillow packaging machine to store.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a packaging system comprising multiple horizontal pillow-type packaging machines that sequentially package multiple items, and the horizontal pillow-type packaging machines equipped therewith. Background Technology

[0002] As a horizontal pillow-type packaging machine, a packaging device such as Patent Document 1 is known, for example. The packaging device of Patent Document 1 can sequentially package food or other items using film. The packaging device includes, for example, a conveyor, a film supply device, a sealing device, and a control device. The packaging device controls the operation of the conveyor, the film supply device, and the sealing device to package the items.

[0003] Existing technical documents: Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-298384. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem the invention aims to solve: In the packaging apparatus of Patent Document 1, operating information is set for each type of packaged item, and a control device controls the operation of the conveyor, film supply device, and sealing device based on the selected operating information. The operating information includes various parameters. In the packaging machine, the parameters of the operating information are carefully set in order to package the desired packaged item in the desired state.

[0005] Packaging machines configured in this way are used in multiple units, such as in manufacturing plants. That is, the packaging system consists of multiple packaging machines and is located in the manufacturing plant. In the packaging system, multiple operating settings are configured for each packaging machine. As mentioned earlier, the operating information includes various parameters that need to be set individually for each packaging machine. Furthermore, in the packaging system, when packaging the same type of goods, the same operating information is sometimes used across all packaging machines. Therefore, when setting parameters, the same settings are sometimes performed across all packaging machines. This requires repeatedly inputting the same parameters into multiple packaging machines, making the setup process cumbersome.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a packaging system and its equipped horizontal pillow packaging machines that, in a packaging system having multiple horizontal pillow packaging machines, enables other packaging machines to share the set operating information after the operating information is set.

[0007] Solution methods: The packaging system of the present invention is a packaging system comprising multiple horizontal pillow-type packaging machines. Each of the multiple horizontal pillow-type packaging machines includes a packaging machine body, an input device, a control device, and a communication device. The packaging machine body packages the sequentially supplied items. The input device receives operating information including multiple parameters. The control device includes a storage unit for storing operating information and an action control unit for controlling the operation of the packaging machine body based on the parameters of the operating information stored in the storage unit. The communication device sends and receives operating information. The control device also includes a communication control unit that, when operating information is input to the input device, sends the input operating information to the other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines via the communication device, so that the storage units of the other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines store the information.

[0008] According to the present invention, the control device includes a communication control unit. When operation information is input to the input device, the communication control unit transmits the input operation information to other cross-pillow packaging machines via the communication device, so that the storage units of the other cross-pillow packaging machines store it. Therefore, when operation information is input to one cross-pillow packaging machine, the operation information is transmitted to other cross-pillow packaging machines. Thus, in the packaging system, other cross-pillow packaging machines can share operation information. Therefore, the setting operations that would otherwise be performed on other cross-pillow packaging machines can be omitted.

[0009] The horizontal pillow-type packaging machine of the present invention is a packaging system equipped with multiple horizontal pillow-type packaging machines, comprising: a packaging machine body that sequentially packages multiple items; an input device that receives operating information including multiple parameters for controlling the operation of the packaging machine body; a control device including a storage unit for storing operating information and an operation control unit that controls the operation of the packaging machine body based on the parameters of the operating information stored in the storage unit; and a communication device for transmitting and receiving operating information. The control device further includes a communication control unit that, when operating information is input to the input device, transmits the input operating information to other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines via the communication device, and stores the information in the storage units of the other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines.

[0010] According to the present invention, the control device includes a communication control unit. When operation information is input to the input device, the communication control unit transmits the input operation information to other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines via the communication device, so that the storage units of the other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines store it. Therefore, the horizontal pillow-type packaging machines can share the input operation information among other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines. Thus, the setting operations in other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines can be omitted.

[0011] Invention effects: According to the packaging system of the present invention, the set operating information can be shared by other packaging machines after the operating information is set.

[0012] According to the present invention, the horizontal pillow-type packaging machine can enable other packaging machines to share the set operating information after the operating information is set.

[0013] The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view illustrating a packaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 It is shown in magnification Figure 1 A top view of a packaging line in a packaging system; Figure 3 It is roughly shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the main body of the horizontal pillow-type packaging machine equipped on the packaging line; Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the electrical structure of each horizontal pillow-type packaging machine equipped in the packaging system; Figure 5 It roughly shows the relationship with Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the main body of the horizontal pillow-type packaging machine equipped with different packaging lines. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Hereinafter, the packaging system 1 and the horizontal pillow-type packaging machine (hereinafter referred to as "packaging machine") 2, 2A to 2E according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the above-mentioned drawings. Furthermore, the directional concepts used in the following description are for ease of explanation only and are not intended to limit the orientation of the present invention to these directions. Also, the packaging system 1 and packaging machines 2, 2A, and 2B described below are only one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and additions, deletions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0016] [Packaging System] Figure 1The packaging system 1 shown is a system for packaging items 5. Items 5 include wet wipes, linear guides, bearings, thermal paper, protective tape, resin tubes, steel pipes, glass wool and other insulation materials, as well as food products. The packaging system 1 has multiple packaging lines 4, 4A to 4E, on which various items 5 are packaged. Furthermore, in the packaging system 1, the items 5 packaged on each packaging line 4, 4A to 4E are placed into turnover boxes 9. In this embodiment, the packaging system 1 has six packaging lines 4, 4A to 4E. In this embodiment, the packaged items 5 are food products, such as toast, savory bread, sweet bread, boxed meals, cooked food, tray-packaged snacks, and surimi products such as fish cakes. The packaging system 1 has multiple packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E. To elaborate further, in packaging system 1, each packaging line 4, 4A-4D is equipped with packaging machines 2, 2A-2D, and a case packing machine 3. For example, packaging line 4... Figure 2 As shown, it includes packaging machine 2 and turnover box packing machine 3. Furthermore, only packaging machine 2E is equipped on packaging line 4E.

[0017] Packaging machine Packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E are devices for packaging the items 5. Packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E sequentially transport multiple items 5 along one of the horizontal directions and package them sequentially. Packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E include different types of horizontal pillow-type packaging machines. In this embodiment, the first to sixth packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E include three different types of horizontal pillow-type packaging machines. For example, the first and second packaging machines 2, 2A are first-type horizontal pillow-type packaging machines, such as medium-sized forward pillow-type packaging machines. The third, fourth, and sixth packaging machines 2B, 2C, and 2E are second-type horizontal pillow-type packaging machines, such as medium-sized reverse pillow-type packaging machines. Furthermore, the fifth packaging machine 2D is a third-type horizontal pillow-type packaging machine, such as a large forward pillow-type packaging machine. However, the above models are just examples. Packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E can also be small forward pillow packaging machines, small reverse pillow packaging machines, or large reverse pillow packaging machines.

[0018] While the various models of horizontal pillow-type packaging machines differ in the addition, modification, and omission of their constituent components, the presence or absence of their respective functions, and differences in their performance, their basic structure and functions are the same. For example, the difference between small, medium, and large models is due to the size of the items that the horizontal pillow-type packaging machine can package. For instance, a large horizontal pillow-type packaging machine can package larger items than a small or medium-sized horizontal pillow-type packaging machine. Furthermore, horizontal pillow-type packaging machines can be configured to have more functions depending on their size (e.g., the number of components and optional devices). Hereinafter, the structure of packaging machine 2, which is the first model of horizontal pillow-type packaging machine, will be mainly described. In addition, for packaging machine 2A of the same model, the configuration is the same as that of packaging machine 2, and the same symbols are used for each structure, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, for other models of packaging machines 2B to 2E, the same symbols are used for structures that are the same as those of packaging machine 2, and their descriptions are omitted; the different structures will be mainly described. The packaging machine 2 includes a main body 11, a foreign object detection device 12, an input display device 13, a communication device 14, and a control device 15.

[0019] [Packaging machine body] Packaging machine body 11 Figure 3 As shown, multiple items to be packaged 5 are sequentially transported along the transport direction, and the transported multiple items to be packaged 5 are sequentially packaged. Thus, a package 7, in which the items to be packaged 5 are individually packaged in pillow bags 6, is produced in the packaging machine body 11. Furthermore, in the packaging machine 2, the items to be packaged in pillow bags 6 are not limited to one, but can be multiple. The packaging machine body 11 thus configured includes a film supply device 21, a bag maker 22, an item to be packaged supply device 23, a center seal device 24, and a top seal device 25. The packaging machine body 11 also includes a center seal conveyor 26, a transport conveyor 27, a printing device 28, and a sensor group 29.

[0020] <Thin Film Supply Device> The film supply device 21 supplies film 8 for packaging the packaged item 5 to the bag-making device 22, which will be described in detail later. The film supply device 21 includes, for example, a film roll 21a, a feed roller 21b, and a drive motor 21c. The film roll 21a is constructed by winding a strip of film 8 onto a core material. The feed roller 21b supplies the film 8 released from the film roll 21a to the bag-making device 22. More specifically, the feed roller 21b is driven to rotate, for example, by the drive motor 21c. Thus, the feed roller 21b supplies the film 8 to the bag-making device 22.

[0021] <Bag Maker> The bag maker 22 forms the film 8 supplied from the film supply device 21 into a cylindrical shape. More specifically, after being fed from the film supply device 21, the film 8 passes through the bag maker 22 and is conveyed to the center-sealing device 24 located downstream of the bag maker 22 in the transport direction. As the film 8 passes through the bag maker 22, the bag maker 22 forms the film 8 into a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the bag maker 22 bends the two width-direction edges 8a of the passing film 8 downwards, thus rolling the film 8. Furthermore, the bag maker 22 inserts the two width-direction edges 8a of the rolled film 8 into a slit 22a on its lower side, so that they meet. Thus, the film 8 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the width-direction edges 8a hanging downwards. In this way, the bag maker 22 rolls the film 8 into a cylindrical shape.

[0022] <Packaging Material Supply Device> The packaged item supply device 23 sequentially supplies packaged items 5 to the bag-making machine 22. More specifically, the packaged items 5 are placed sequentially onto the packaged item supply device 23 by human labor or a robot. The packaged item supply device 23 then transports the placed packaged items 5 along the transport direction and supplies them to the bag-making machine 22. More specifically, the packaged item supply device 23 transports the packaged items 5 into a cylindrical film 8 formed by the bag-making machine 22. The packaged item supply device 23 is, for example, a flat belt conveyor, driven by a drive motor 23a.

[0023] <Center sealing device> Furthermore, the center-sealing device 24 seals the two width-direction edge portions 8a that are abutted against each other in the bag maker 22. More specifically, the center-sealing device 24 heats and presses the two width-direction edge portions 8a hanging down from the film 8 after being rolled up by the bag maker 22. Even more specifically, the center-sealing device 24 clamps the two width-direction edge portions 8a from both sides perpendicular to the transport direction and heats them. Thus, the two width-direction edge portions 8a are thermally fused together. Alternatively, each of the two width-direction edge portions 8a can be configured to be pressed together by an adhesive or the like, as long as they are sealed together.

[0024] Furthermore, as an example of a tension adjusting device, the center-sealing device 24 adjusts the tension of the film 8. More specifically, the center-sealing device 24 pulls the film 8 and conveys it downstream in the transport direction. The center-sealing device 24 adjusts the tension applied to the film 8 based on the difference between its pulling speed and the supply speed of the film supply device 21. In this embodiment, the center-sealing device 24 pulls the two edge portions 8a in the width direction for center-sealing, and adjusts the tension applied to the film 8 based on the difference between this pulling speed and the supply speed of the film supply device 21.

[0025] The sealing device 24 with such function is configured as follows: The sealing device 24 includes a support plate 31 and multiple pressure roller mechanisms 32, 33. The support plate 31 allows the packaged item 5, wrapped in a cylindrical film 8, to flow downstream in the transport direction. Furthermore, the support plate 31 has a slit 31a. The slit 31a extends in the support plate 31 along the transport direction and is correspondingly arranged with the slit 22a of the bag maker 22. In this embodiment, the two edge portions 8a in the width direction enter the slit 31a at an intersection with the slit 22a. When the cylindrical film 8 and the packaged item 5 flow together on the support plate 31, the two edge portions 8a in the width direction flow downstream in the transport direction so that the drooping portion 8b protrudes from the slit 31a.

[0026] The pressure roller mechanisms 32 and 33 heat and press the two edge portions 8a in the width direction together, thereby sealing the two edge portions 8a in the width direction. In this embodiment, the center sealing device 24 includes two pressure roller mechanisms 32 and 33. The two pressure roller mechanisms 32 and 33 are separated from each other in the transport direction of the support plate 31 and are arranged on the lower side of the support plate 31. More specifically, the pressure roller mechanisms 32 and 33 each have a pair of roller portions 32a and 33a. Each pair of roller portions 32a and 33a are separated in the width direction at a downward angle and separated by a slit 31a, and press and clamp the drooping portion 8b. Furthermore, the pair of roller portions 32a and 33a are heated by a heater (not shown) and heat and press the drooping portion 8b during clamping. As a result, the drooping portion 8b is sealed and a center sealing portion 8c is formed on the cylindrical film 8.

[0027] Furthermore, drive motors 32b and 33b are respectively installed on each pair of rollers 32a and 33a. Each pair of rollers 32a and 33a is driven to rotate about an axis extending in the height direction by drive motors 32b and 33b. In this embodiment, the height direction is orthogonal to the transport direction and the width direction. The pair of rollers 32a on the upstream side pulls the drooping portion 8b towards the sealing device 24 by rotating about the axis. At this time, the tension of the film 8 is adjusted by making the pulling speed of the film 8 different from the supply speed of the film supply device 21. The pair of rollers 33a on the downstream side transports the sealing portion 8c from the sealing device 24 to the downstream side in the transport direction.

[0028] <Center Sealing Conveyor> The center-sealing conveyor 26 is located downstream of the center-sealing device 24 in the transport direction. More specifically, the center-sealing conveyor 26 is positioned between the center-sealing device 24 and the end-sealing device 25, which will be described in detail later. The center-sealing conveyor 26 is, for example, a belt conveyor, with a drive motor 26a rotating the conveyor belt 26b. Thus, the center-sealing conveyor 26 carries the film 8 from the center-sealing device 24, along with the packaged item 5 it wraps, onto the conveyor belt 26b and transports it downstream in the transport direction, i.e., to the end-sealing device 25. Additionally, the center-sealing conveyor 26 may also be equipped with a foreign object detection device 12 and a metal detector, which will be described later.

[0029] <End sealing device> The end-sealing device 25 is located downstream of the middle-sealing device 24 in the transport direction. More specifically, the end-sealing device 25 is located downstream of the middle-sealing conveyor 26 in the transport direction. The packaged item 5, wrapped in the cylindrical film 8, is conveyed to the end-sealing device 25 by the middle-sealing conveyor 26. The end-sealing device 25 has the following function: it seals the portion of the packaged item 5 between adjacent items in the cylindrical film 8 (i.e., the sealed portion 8e). Furthermore, while sealing, the end-sealing device 25 cuts the sealed end-sealed portion 8d, dividing it into an upstream and downstream side in the transport direction. This forms a pillow bag 6 that individually packages the packaged item 5. In other words, a package 7 is produced where the packaged item 5 is individually packaged in the pillow bag 6.

[0030] In more detail, the end-sealing device 25 is, for example, a box-motion type sealing mechanism, including an upper sealer 36, a lower sealer 37, and a drive mechanism 38. Alternatively, the end-sealing device 25 can be a rotary sealing mechanism or other types of sealing mechanisms. The upper sealer 36 and lower sealer 37 are disposed downstream of the conveying direction of the middle-sealing device 24. More specifically, the upper sealer 36 and lower sealer 37 are disposed downstream of the middle-sealing conveyor 26 and are separated vertically across the middle-sealing conveyor 26. Further, the upper sealer 36 is located above the middle-sealing conveyor 26, and the lower sealer 37 is located below the middle-sealing conveyor 26. Furthermore, the upper sealer 36 and lower sealer 37 are configured to move vertically up and down to approach and separate from each other.

[0031] To explain in further detail, the upper sealing member 36 and the lower sealing member 37 revolve synchronously in counterclockwise and clockwise directions respectively (i.e., they undergo box-like motion). Furthermore, the upper sealing member 36 and the lower sealing member 37 repeatedly separate and abut through this revolution. Each of the upper sealing member 36 and the lower sealing member 37 has a built-in heater (not shown) and is heated by the heater. Therefore, the upper sealing member 36 and the lower sealing member 37 approach each other and clamp the film 8 between them, thereby sealing the film 8 to form an end-sealing portion 8d. Moreover, the state of the end-sealing portion 8d (e.g., length, fit, etc.) can be adjusted by controlling the respective revolution speed of the upper sealing member 36 and the lower sealing member 37 and the temperature of the heater. After sealing, the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 separate, so the cylindrical film 8 and the packaged item 5 pass between the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 and are transferred to the conveyor 27, which will be described in detail later.

[0032] Furthermore, the upper sealing device 36 is provided with a cutting blade (not shown). The cutting blade cuts the end-sealing portion 8d of the film 8. In the cylindrical film 8, the upstream and downstream portions of the packaged item 5 are sealed to form the end-sealing portion 8d. Moreover, the end-sealing portions 8d on both sides in the transport direction are cut by the cutting blade, thereby forming a pillow bag 6 containing the packaged item 5, that is, producing the packaged item 7. Alternatively, the cutting blade may be provided in the lower sealing device 37, or it may be provided separately from the upper sealing device 36 and the lower sealing device 37.

[0033] The drive mechanism 38 drives the upper sealing device 36 and the lower sealing device 37 to move up and down. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 38 includes, for example, a drive motor 38a and a cam (not shown). The drive mechanism 38 drives the upper sealing device 36 and the lower sealing device 37 to revolve synchronously via the drive motor 38a and the cam. Thus, the upper sealing device 36 and the lower sealing device 37 move up and down synchronously, and subsequently approach and separate from each other. Furthermore, by bringing them closer together, the cylindrical film 8 is sealed as described above; then, by separating them, the packaged item 5 passes between the two sealing devices 36 and 37.

[0034] <Conveyor> The conveyor 27 transports the package 7, consisting of the film 8 sealed by the end-sealing device 25 and the packaged item 5, to the case packer 3 located downstream in the transport direction. More specifically, the conveyor 27 and the center-sealing conveyor 26 are arranged with a gap between them in the downstream transport direction. Furthermore, the gap is smaller than the external dimensions of the packaged item 5 and larger than the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37. Therefore, the conveyor 27 can receive the packaged item 5 wrapped by the film 8 from the center-sealing conveyor 26 and seal the sealed portion 8e by the end-sealing device 25. Also, the conveyor 27 can receive the packaged item 5 and the cylindrical film 8 from the center-sealing conveyor 26, place them on the conveyor 27, and transport them downstream in the transport direction.

[0035] Furthermore, the conveyor 27, in coordination with the sealing conveyor 26, transports the cylindrical film 8 and the packaged item 5 together, thereby enabling the sealed portion 8e of the film 8 to be positioned between the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37. The sealed portion 8e can then be sealed and cut by the end-sealing device 25. This produces the packaged item 7. The conveyor 27 then transports the packaged item 7 downstream in the transport direction (for more detailed explanation, the foreign object detection device 12 will be described later). In this embodiment, the conveyor 27 is, for example, a belt conveyor. The conveyor 27 rotates the conveyor belt 27b via a drive motor 27a. Thus, the conveyor 27 can transport the packaged item 5 and the packaged item 7, both wrapped in the film 8 and placed on the conveyor belt 27b, downstream in the transport direction of the end-sealing device 25. However, the conveyor 27 is not limited to a belt conveyor; it can also be a roller conveyor.

[0036] The printing device 28 prints text on the film 8 supplied from the film supply device 21. The printing device 28 is, for example, disposed in the film supply path from the film supply device 21 to the bag-making machine 22. More specifically, the printing device 28 is disposed downstream of the feed roller 21b in the film supply path. The printing device 28 prints, for example, manufacturing date, shelf life or best-before date, batch number, and barcode on the film 8.

[0037] Foreign Object Detection Device The foreign object detection device 12 detects whether the film 8 (in this embodiment, the package 7) contains any foreign objects (such as metal, stone, and glass). Furthermore, the foreign object detection device 12 detects whether the end-seal portion 8d of the package 7 contains any foreign objects or the packaged item 5. The foreign object detection device 12 is located downstream of the packaging machine body 11 in the transport direction. More specifically, the foreign object detection device 12 is located downstream of the transport conveyor 27 in the transport direction. The foreign object detection device 12 detects foreign objects contained in the package 7 delivered from the transport conveyor 27 and any material trapped in the end-seal portion 8d of the packaged item 5. The foreign object detection device 12 outputs these detection results to the control device 15. Additionally, the foreign object detection device 12 rejects package 7 containing detected foreign objects and trapped material. The foreign object detection device 12 thus configured includes a soft X-ray inspector 12a, an X-ray inspector 12b, and a rejection device 12c. The foreign object detection device 12 also includes a transfer conveyor 12d. The transfer conveyor 12d receives the package 7 from the handling conveyor 27 and then moves the package 7 to the downstream side in the handling direction.

[0038] <X-ray inspection equipment> Flexible X-ray inspectors 12a and 12b detect foreign objects and trapped material in the packaged goods 7 flowing on the transfer conveyor 12d. For example, flexible X-ray inspector 12a is positioned upstream in the transport direction within the transfer conveyor 12d, and X-ray inspector 12b is positioned downstream in the transport direction within the transfer conveyor 12d. That is, flexible X-ray inspector 12a is positioned upstream in the transport direction within the foreign object detection device 12, and X-ray inspector 12b is positioned downstream in the transport direction within the foreign object detection device 12. However, the configuration of flexible X-ray inspectors 12a and 12b is not limited to the above configuration. Flexible X-ray inspectors 12a and 12b are configured to allow the packaged goods 7 transported by the transfer conveyor 12d to pass through their respective interiors. Furthermore, flexible X-ray inspector 12a uses soft X-rays to detect whether there are foreign objects or trapped material in the end-sealed portion 8d of the packaged goods 7 passing through its interior. Furthermore, the X-ray inspector 12b uses hard X-rays to detect whether the package 7 contains foreign objects as it passes through it. Additionally, the soft X-ray inspector 12a and the X-ray inspector 12b output their respective detection results to the control device 15.

[0039] <Elimination Device> The rejection device 12c rejects defective packaging 7. More specifically, the rejection device 12c rejects defective packaging 7 from the transfer conveyor 12d due to issues such as material trapping of the packaged item 5 in the end-seal portion 8d or foreign objects contained in the pillow bag 6. Furthermore, the rejection device 12c also rejects defective packaging 7 caused by packaging defects in the packaging machine body 11 from the transfer conveyor 12d. Packaging defects refer to conditions such as the packaged item 5 shifting relative to the cylindrical film 8, preventing proper sealing, or insufficient sealing in the center and end seals. The rejection device 12c is positioned on the transfer conveyor 12d downstream of the transport direction of the flexible X-ray inspector 12a and the X-ray inspector 12b. The rejection device 12c rejects defective packaging 7 detected by the flexible X-ray inspector 12a and the X-ray inspector 12b from the transfer conveyor 12d. The removal device 12c is, for example, a flap-type removal device 12c, which removes the defective package 7 from the transfer conveyor 12d via a pair of arms 12e. In addition, the removal device 12c is not limited to the flap type, but can also be a drop type.

[0040] <Sensor Group> Sensor group 29 detects various states of each structure of the packaging machine body 11. More specifically, sensor group 29 includes multiple sensors (not shown). Each sensor detects various states of each structure of the packaging machine body 11. More specifically, the multiple sensors include a speed sensor, a packaged item detection sensor, a temperature sensor, and a power measurement sensor. The speed sensor, for example, is an encoder, and is arranged in the packaging machine body 11 as follows: Speed ​​sensors are respectively installed on seven motors 21c, 23a, 26a, 27a, 32b, 33b, and 38a to detect the speed of each motor. The packaged item detection sensor, for example, is a photoelectric sensor, which detects the presence or absence of packaged items 5 delivered from the packaged item supply device 23. Furthermore, temperature sensors are respectively installed on the heaters of a pair of rollers 32a and 33a, the upper sealer 36, and the lower sealer 37 to detect the temperature of the rollers 32a and 33a and the sealers 36 and 37. Furthermore, the power measurement sensor detects the power consumed (i.e., power consumption) by each structure of the packaging machine body 11. Each sensor also outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to the control device 15, which will be detailed later. Additionally, the sensor group 29 is equipped with various sensors other than those mentioned above (e.g., photoelectric sensors for detecting the position of the packaged item 5 within the film 8, and photoelectric sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the film 8, etc.).

[0041] <Input Display Device> As an example of an input device, the input display device 13 can input operating information. The operating information includes multiple parameters used to control the movement of the packaging machine body 11. These parameters will be detailed later, and include, for example, bag length, pressing amount, alignment mark position, packaging setting capability, and printing position. The input display device 13 is, for example, a touchscreen display, allowing input of multiple parameters displayed on the screen. However, the input display device 13 may also be a combination of a display unit and an input unit. Furthermore, the input display device 13 can input various instructions and display various information based on those instructions. In addition, the input display device 13 can display various states of the structures of the packaging machine body 11 detected by the sensors of the sensor group 29.

[0042] <Communication device> The communication device 14 transmits and receives operation information, as detailed later. The communication device 14 is, for example, a wireless router or a wired router. Alternatively, the communication device 14 may be a device that communicates via Bluetooth (trademark). In this embodiment, the communication device 14 is a wireless router that wirelessly communicates with other packaging machines 2A-2E (more specifically, the communication devices 14 of the other packaging machines 2A-2E) via Wi-Fi. More specifically, the communication device 14 transmits operation information to the other packaging machines 2A-2E based on instructions from the main control unit 42 of the control device 15, which will be detailed later. Furthermore, the communication device 14 receives operation information from the other packaging machines 2A-2E. The communication device 14 also stores the received operation information in the storage unit 41.

[0043] <Control Device> The control device 15 stores operation information and controls the operation of the packaging machine body 11 based on the parameters of the stored operation information. Furthermore, when operation information is input via the input display device 13, the control device 15 sends the operation information to other packaging machines 2A-2E (i.e., packaging machines 2A-2E on other packaging lines 4A-4E) for storage. In addition, the control device 15 can store various states of the packaging machine 2 detected by the sensor group 29 and display these states on the input display device 13. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 15D in the packaging machine 2D, which will be described in detail later, has a server function. The control device 15 sends various states detected by the sensor group 29 to the control device 15D of the packaging machine 2D via the communication device 14. Furthermore, the control device 15 causes the packaging machine 2D to send the various states of each of the other packaging machines 2A-2E and displays them on the input display device 13. The control device 15 thus configured is as follows... Figure 4 As shown, it includes a storage unit 41 and a main control unit 42. Furthermore, the control device 15 also includes a check control unit 43. Additionally, for ease of explanation, Figure 4Only the control devices 15 and 15D of packaging machines 2, 2B, and 2D are shown.

[0044] Storage unit 41 stores the aforementioned operation information. Storage unit 41 may be a storage medium such as ROM, RAM, HDD, or SSD. More specifically, storage unit 41 stores operation information corresponding to each type of packaged item 5. Storage unit 41 stores operation information input via input display device 13, and also stores operation information sent from other packaging machines 2A to 2E. Further, storage unit 41 stores the corresponding packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E to which the operation information should be sent for each type of operation information. Furthermore, the operation information may include the product name and various parameters as shown below.

[0045] Specifically, the operational information includes parameters such as bag length [mm], pressing position [mm], alignment mark position [mm], packaging setting capacity [pieces / minute], printing position [mm], film tension [mm / packet], and end-seal tension [mm]. Furthermore, the operational information also includes: correction limit value [mm], product length [mm], supply conveyor speed [%], production pattern [cmd], center seal conveyor tension [mm], center seal tension [mm], end-seal pressure [level 11], delay timer, four temperature settings [°C], and end-seal timer value [sec].

[0046] The bag length is a parameter that sets the length of the long side of the pillow bag 6, which in this embodiment is the length in the transport direction. The pressing position is a parameter that sets the transport direction position of the packaged item 5 within the pillow bag 6. The alignment mark position is a parameter used to set the cutting position on the film 8 by the cutting blade, and is a parameter indicating the distance from the alignment mark to the cutting position. The packaging setting capacity is a parameter that sets the number of packages per unit (in this embodiment, per minute). The printing position is a parameter that sets the position on the film 8 where the manufacturing date, shelf life or best-before date, batch number, and barcode are printed, and is, for example, a parameter indicating the distance from the alignment mark position. The end-sealing tension is a parameter that sets the tension applied to the film 8 by the end-sealing device 25, and is expressed as the speed at which the end-sealing device 25 seals and delivers the film 8. In this embodiment, the end-sealing tension is expressed as the distance the film 8 is transported per pillow bag 6 produced. Film tension is a parameter that sets the tension of the film 8 supplied to the bag maker 22, and is expressed as the speed at which the film 8 is fed out by the pair of rollers 32a of the sealing device 24 (i.e., the pair of rollers 32a on the upstream side). In this embodiment, film tension is expressed as the transport distance of the film 8 per pillow bag 6 produced (equivalent to one cycle described in detail later).

[0047] The correction limit value is a parameter that sets the maximum value (i.e., maximum length) of the correction when adjusting the cutting position to produce identical pillow bags 6, based on the cutting position set by the alignment mark. The product length is a parameter that inputs the length of the packaged item 5. The supply conveyor speed is a parameter that sets the speed of the packaged item supply device 23, representing the increase or decrease ratio relative to the reference speed. The production mode [cmd] is a parameter that sets the production mode of the packaging machine body 11, providing a more detailed description of the packaging method for the packaged item 5; for example, it can be set using any number from 0 to 3. When it is "0", the packaging action of the packaged item 5 is performed continuously. When it is "1", the packaging action of the packaged item 5 is performed according to the operation of the operator or other personnel on the operating device (not shown). When it is "2", the packaging action of the packaged item 5 is performed intermittently at set time intervals. When it is "3", the supply status of the packaged item 5 is detected, and the packaging action of the packaged item 5 is performed according to the detected supply status.

[0048] The center-sealing conveyor tension is a parameter that sets the tension of the film 8 carried by the center-sealing conveyor 26, and represents the speed at which the center-sealing conveyor 26 carries the film 8 together with the packaged item 5. In this embodiment, the center-sealing conveyor tension is expressed as the distance the film 8 is carried per pillow bag 6 produced (equivalent to one cycle, detailed later). The center-sealing tension is a parameter that sets the tension applied to the film 8 in the center-sealing device 24. More specifically, the center-sealing tension is the tension acting on the film 8 between a pair of rollers 32a and 33a of the center-sealing device 24. More specifically, the center-sealing tension is expressed as the speed at which the film 8 is fed out by the pair of rollers 33a (i.e., the downstream pair of rollers 33a). In this embodiment, the center-sealing tension is expressed as the distance the film 8 is carried per pillow bag 6 produced.

[0049] The end-sealing pressure is a parameter that sets the pressure when the film 8 is held by the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 to seal the film 8 via the end-sealing device 25. In this embodiment, the end-sealing pressure can be set to 11 levels, with different pressures for each level. The delay timing is a parameter that sets the time interval between the start of the packaging action to intermittently perform the packaging action of the packaged item 5, as detailed later. The first to fourth temperature settings are parameters that set the temperatures of the pair of rollers 32a and 33a, as well as the temperatures of the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37. Furthermore, the end-sealing timing value is the sealing time in the end-sealing device 25, that is, the time during which the film 8 is held by the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37.

[0050] Furthermore, the storage unit 41 stores information related to the packaging machine body 11, namely packaging machine information. The packaging machine information includes sensor information and production information. Sensor information relates to various states of the packaging machine body 11 detected by the sensor group 29. Sensor information includes, for example, the aforementioned rotational speed, temperature, and power consumption. Production information relates to the production of packaged goods 7 (i.e., packaging of the packaged items 5) performed by the packaging machine body 11. Production information includes, for example, the running time of the packaging machine body 11, error history of the packaging machine body 11, the number of packaged goods 7 produced, the number of good packaged goods 7, the number of defective packaged goods 7, the amount of film 8 used, the stop time of the packaging machine body 11, and error times in the packaging machine body 11. Production information is counted by the main control unit 42 (described in detail later) during control, or calculated by the main control unit 42 based on the obtained control information and sensor information.

[0051] As an example of a motion control unit, the main control unit 42 controls the operation of the packaging machine main body 11 based on various parameters of the operation information stored in the storage unit 41. More specifically, the main control unit 42 is, for example, a CPU, which controls the operation of various structures of the packaging machine main body 11, namely the film supply device 21, the packaged material supply device 23, the center sealing device 24, the end sealing device 25, the center sealing conveyor 26, the handling conveyor 27, and the printing device 28. More specifically, the main control unit 42 controls the rotation of motors 21c, 23a, 26a, 27a, 32b, 33b, and 38a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, motors 21c, 32b, 33b, and 38a are servo motors, and the main control unit 42 controls the rotation of motors 21c, 32b, 33b, and 38a with higher precision based on various parameters of the operation information and signals detected by the sensor group 29. However, motors 21c, 32b, 33b, and 38a do not necessarily have to be servo motors. Furthermore, the main control unit 42 controls the heating operation of the heaters of the pair of rollers 32a and 33a, as well as the heaters of the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37.

[0052] Furthermore, as an example of a communication control unit, the main control unit 42 transmits various information to other packaging machines 2A-2E via the communication device 14. More specifically, when operation information is input to the input display device 13, the main control unit 42 transmits the operation information to the other packaging machines 2A-2E via the communication device 14. More specifically, each piece of operation information is stored corresponding to at least one target packaging machine 2A-2E. When operation information is input into the input display device 13, the main control unit 42 transmits the operation information to the corresponding target packaging machine 2A-2E. Furthermore, the main control unit 42 causes the target packaging machines 2A-2E to store the input operation information. To further explain in detail, for operation information already stored in the storage unit 41, when the parameters of the operation information are changed via the input display device 13 (i.e., overwritten), the main control unit 42 transmits the changed operation information to the corresponding target packaging machine 2A-2E. Furthermore, the main control unit 42 overwrites the previous parameters with the modified parameters in the packaging machines 2A to 2E (in this embodiment, the storage units 41 and 41D of the packaging machines 2A to 2E) that send the target.

[0053] Furthermore, the main control unit 42 acquires sensor information and generates production information based on counts during control, various production information, and the acquired sensor information. The main control unit 42 also outputs packaging machine information, including sensor information and production information, to the packaging machine 2D. As detailed later, the packaging machine 2D has a server function, and the main control unit 42 enables the packaging machine 2D (more specifically, the control device 15D of the packaging machine 2D) to store packaging machine information. Additionally, based on instructions input to the input display device 13, the main control unit 42 acquires packaging machine information for each of the packaging machines 2A to 2E from the packaging machine 2D (more specifically, the control device 15D of the packaging machine 2D), and displays the acquired packaging machine information on the input display device 13. Furthermore, the main control unit 42 detects packaging defects in the main body 11 of the packaging machine based on the detection results of various sensors included in the sensor group 29.

[0054] The inspection control unit 43 acquires the detection results from the foreign object detection device 12 and controls the operation of the rejection device 12c based on the inspection results. More specifically, the inspection control unit 43 acquires the inspection results from the flexible X-ray inspector 12a and the X-ray inspector 12b. Furthermore, when defective packaging 7 is detected by the flexible X-ray inspector 12a and the X-ray inspector 12b, the main control unit 42 activates the rejection device 12c based on the detection results indicating this, thereby rejecting the defective packaging 7 from the transfer conveyor 12d. The inspection control unit 43 is configured to communicate with the main control unit 42. When the main control unit 42 detects defective packaging in the packaging machine main body 11, it outputs a rejection command to the inspection control unit 43. Based on the rejection command, the inspection control unit 43 activates the rejection device 12c, thereby rejecting the defective packaging 7 from the transfer conveyor 12d.

[0055] [The operation of the packaging machine] The operation of packaging machine 2 will be described below. Since packaging machine 2A of the same model operates in the same manner as packaging machine 2, the operation of packaging machine 2A will be described with reference to the operation of packaging machine 2 and will be omitted here. In packaging machine 2, multiple sets of operating information adapted to the type and production status of the packaged item 5 are input to the input display device 13. Furthermore, in packaging machine 2, the input display device 13 displays the input multiple sets of operating information. During operation, the operator selects one set of operating information based on the type and production status of the packaged item 5. Then, the main control unit 42 of the control device 15 controls the operation of each structure of the main body 11 of the packaging machine based on the selected operating information. In more detail, the main control unit 42 controls the operation of each structure of the main body 11 of the packaging machine to perform the packaged item feeding operation, film feeding operation, center sealing operation, and end sealing operation. Furthermore, the main control unit 42 also controls the operation of the foreign object detection device 12 to perform foreign object detection and removal operations. Hereinafter, for each of the above operations, refer to... Figure 3 The operation of the packaging machine 2 is explained along the flow direction of the packaged item 5.

[0056] <Packaging Material Supply Operations> In the packaging material supply operation, the main control unit 42 supplies the packaged items 5 sequentially to the bag maker 22 via the packaged item supply device 23. More specifically, the main control unit 42 drives the drive motor 23a of the packaged item supply device 23 to supply the packaged items 5 to the bag maker 22. At this time, the main control unit 42 controls the rotation amount of the drive motor 23a based, for example, on the bag length, pressing position, product length, and packaging setting capacity from the operation information. Thus, the packaged items 5 are supplied to the bag maker 22.

[0057] <Film Supply Operation> In the film supply operation, the main control unit 42 controls the operation of the film supply device 21 as follows: The main control unit 42 supplies the film 8 to the bag-making machine 22 via the film supply device 21. In this embodiment, as detailed later, the main control unit 42 operates the film supply device 21 in a manner corresponding to the selected production style. For example, the main control unit 42 supplies the film 8 continuously to the bag-making machine 22, or supplies the film 8 to the bag-making machine 22 based on trigger conditions such as operation of an operating device (not shown), a set time interval, or the supply of the packaged item 5 from the packaged item supply device 23 to the bag-making machine 22. When supplying the film 8 to the bag-making machine 22, the main control unit 42 drives the feed roller 21b by rotating the drive motor 21c, thereby releasing the film 8 from the film roll 21a and conveying it to the bag-making machine 22. During unloading, the main control unit 42 controls the operation of the drive motor 21c that drives the feed roller 21b based on various parameters included in the operation information (e.g., bag length, pressing position, and packaging setting capability). Thus, the main control unit 42 can position the supplied film 8 to be packaged at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, when the film 8 is unloaded from the film roll 21a into the bag maker 22, the main control unit 42 controls the printing device 28 based on the printing position in the operation information to print the shelf life, etc., on the film 8.

[0058] Furthermore, the film 8 fed from the film supply device 21 is formed into a cylindrical shape by the bag maker 22. More specifically, the film 8 is formed by the bag maker 22 into a cylindrical shape with its two edges 8a hanging downwards in the width direction. Also, during the bag-making process, the packaged item 5 is fed into the cylindrical film 8 from the packaged item supply device 23, and the bag maker 22 rolls the film 8 into a cylindrical shape by wrapping the packaged item 5.

[0059] Furthermore, the main control unit 42 coordinates the sealing device 24 with the film supply device 21 to release the film 8 from the film roll 21a and feed it into the bag maker 22. More specifically, in the sealing device 24, the two width-direction edges 8a of the film 8 are held by a pair of rollers 32a and 33a (primarily the upstream pair of rollers 32a). The main control unit 42 rotates the pair of rollers 32a via the drive motor 32b of the sealing device 24, thereby causing the sealing device 24 to pull the width-direction edges 8a of the film 8.

[0060] Thus, the sealing device 24 applies tension to the film 8 by pulling it. Therefore, the sealing device 24 can feed the film 8 into the bag maker 22 under tension. The film 8 is then formed into a cylindrical shape by the bag maker 22. The main control unit 42 controls the drive of the drive motor 32b based on various parameters of the operating information (e.g., film tension) to pull the film 8 under tension. Furthermore, the sealing device 24 pulls the cylindrical film 8 and the packaged item 5 it wraps together towards the sealing device 24 by pulling the cylindrical film 8.

[0061] <Middle Sealing Operation> In the sealing operation, the main control unit 42 controls the operation of the sealing device 24 as follows: The main control unit 42 seals the two edges 8a in the width direction using the sealing device 24 to form the sealing portion 8c. More specifically, the main control unit 42 seals the two edges 8a in the width direction using a pair of rollers 32a and 33a to form the sealing portion 8c. In this embodiment, the main control unit 42 rotates the drive motor 32b to pull the two edges 8a in the width direction to the pair of rollers 32a on the upstream side, and then sends them downstream in the transport direction through the pair of rollers 32a and 33a. The two edges 8a in the width direction are sealed by the pair of rollers 32a and 33a.

[0062] In more detail, a pair of rollers 32a and 33a contain heaters (not shown). The two edges 8a in the width direction are pressurized and heated by the heaters as they pass between the rollers 32a and 33a. The main control unit 42 controls the operation of the drive motor 33b based on various parameters of the operating information (e.g., center seal tension), and controls the operation of the heaters of each of the rollers 32a and 33a based on various parameters of the operating information (e.g., temperature setting). As a result, the two edges 8a in the width direction are fused together, forming a center seal portion 8c on the film 8. The cylindrical film 8 forming the center seal portion 8c is folded towards the width direction midway through the process and placed on the center seal conveyor 26 along with the packaged item 5. The main control unit 42 controls the operation of the drive motor 26a of the center seal conveyor 26 based on various parameters of the operating information (e.g., center seal conveyor tension), and the packaged item 5 and the cylindrical film 8 are conveyed together by the center seal conveyor 26 to the end-sealing device 25.

[0063] <End-sealing operation> During the end-sealing operation, the main control unit 42 controls the operation of the end-sealing device 25 as follows: The main control unit 42 seals the sealed portion 8e of the cylindrical film 8 via the end-sealing device 25. More specifically, the main control unit 42 brings the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 close together to clamp and pressurize the cylindrical film 8, which is fed by the middle sealing conveyor 26. Specifically, the main control unit 42 lowers and raises the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 respectively via the drive motor 38a of the drive mechanism 38. This brings the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 close together, clamping and pressing the sealed portion 8e. At this time, the main control unit 42 controls the operation of the drive motor 38a of the drive mechanism 38 based on parameters of the operating information (e.g., end-sealing tension). Specifically, the main control unit 42 adjusts the tension applied to the cylindrical film 8 in the end-sealing device 25 by controlling the revolution speed of the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37. Furthermore, the upper sealing unit 36 ​​and the lower sealing unit 37 have built-in heaters (not shown), which heat the sealed portion 8e when pressurized. At this time, the main control unit 42 controls the operation of the heaters of the upper sealing unit 36 ​​and the lower sealing unit 37 based on various parameters of the operating information (e.g., temperature setting). As a result, the sealed portion 8e is fused together, forming an end-seal portion 8d on the cylindrical film 8. Furthermore, by bringing the upper sealing unit 36 ​​and the lower sealing unit 37 close to each other, the formed end-seal portion 8d is cut by the cutting blade into an upstream side and a downstream side in the transport direction. In order to form and cut the end-seal portion 8d at the desired position, the main control unit 42 controls the operation of the drive motor 38a of the drive mechanism 38 according to the parameters of the operating information (e.g., alignment mark position and correction limit value).

[0064] Furthermore, after cutting, the main control unit 42 uses the drive mechanism 38 to raise and lower the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 respectively, thus separating them from each other. This opens the space between the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37. After opening, the packaged item 5, along with the tubular film 8 encasing it, is conveyed downstream in the transport direction by the middle sealing conveyor 26, passing between the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37. Then, the packaged item 5 and the tubular film 8 are transferred to the transport conveyor 27, which conveys it downstream in the transport direction. After being delivered, the sealed portion 8e soon reaches the end-sealing device 25. The main control unit 42, in conjunction with the arrival of the sealed portion 8e at the end-sealing device 25, uses the drive mechanism 38 to bring the separated upper sealer 36 and lower sealer 37 closer together again. Thus, the sealed portion 8e is sealed in the same manner as described above to form the end-sealed portion 8d, and the end-sealed portion 8d is cut into an upstream side and a downstream side in the transport direction. As a result, a pillow bag 6 containing the packaged item 5, i.e., the package 7, is produced on the transport conveyor 27. Then, the main control unit 42 transports the package 7 to the downstream side in the transport direction (more specifically, the foreign object detection device 12) by driving the transport conveyor 27 (more specifically, its drive motor 27a).

[0065] <Foreign Object Removal Operation> During the foreign object removal operation, the foreign object detection device 12 detects whether there are any foreign objects inside the film 8 of the packaging 7, i.e., the pillow bag 6. Furthermore, during the foreign object removal operation, the foreign object detection device 12 detects whether there are any foreign objects or material trapped in the packaged item 5 in the end-seal portion 8d. Additionally, during the foreign object removal operation, the inspection control unit 43 removes the packaging 7 using the removal device 12c based on the detection results of the foreign object detection device 12. More specifically, the packaging 7 is transported by the conveyor 27 and placed on the transfer conveyor 12d, passing through the foreign object detection device 12. Furthermore, by passing through the foreign object detection device 12, the packaging 7 is detected for any foreign objects and material trapped. That is, by passing through the soft X-ray inspector 12a, the end-seal portion 8d is detected for any foreign objects and material trapped in the packaged item 5, and by passing through the X-ray inspector 12b, the packaging 7 is detected for any foreign objects contained within it. When foreign objects or misplaced material in the packaged item 5 are detected by the soft X-ray inspector 12a, or when foreign objects are detected within the packaged item 7 by the X-ray inspector 12b, the respective inspection results indicating the presence of misplaced material or foreign objects are output to the control device 15. Based on the detection results from the foreign object detection device 12, the inspection control unit 43 removes the defective packaged item 7 via the removal device 12c. That is, the main control unit 42 removes the defective packaged item 7 via a pair of arms 12e. Furthermore, the inspection control unit 43 also removes the packaged item 7 via the removal device 12c based on the removal command from the main control unit 42. On the other hand, packaged items 7 that do not show any abnormalities are transported by the transfer conveyor 12d to the turnover box packing machine 3, which will be described in detail later.

[0066] Thus, in packaging machine 2, the packaged items 5 are sequentially fed to bag maker 22 and packaged by film 8. To produce only the desired quantity of packaged items 7 packaged in the desired state, the main control unit 42 synchronously controls each structure of the main body 11 of the packaging machine based on the parameters included in the operation information, as described above. In this embodiment, the main control unit 42 outputs commands corresponding to the bag length, pressing position, alignment mark position, correction limit value, product length, production pattern, packaging setting capability, printing position, film tension, end-seal tension, center-seal tension, and delay timing included in the operation information to each drive motor 21c, 26a, 27a, 32b, 33b, and 38a to synchronously control their operation. Furthermore, the main control unit 42 outputs commands corresponding to the temperatures set in the temperature settings of the operation information to the heaters respectively built into the rollers 32a and 33a and the sealing devices 36 and 37 to control their temperatures.

[0067] Furthermore, as described above, the operation information includes the production pattern, and the main control unit 42 controls the operation of each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 according to the selected production pattern. For example, when the production pattern is set to 0, the main control unit 42 continuously (i.e., uninterruptedly) supplies the film 8 from the film supply device 21 to the bag maker 22, so that the packaging of the packaged item 5 is performed continuously. In addition, when the production pattern is set to 0, the packaged item supply device 23 is basically not used, and the packaged item 5 is supplied to the bag maker 22 manually or by a robot, or at certain intervals by a finger type conveyor, which will be described in detail later. The same applies to production patterns "1" and "2" described later.

[0068] When the production mode is set to 1, the main control unit 42 operates each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 in only one cycle according to the operation of the operating device (not shown). One cycle is as follows: The main control unit 42 feeds a film 8 of the length corresponding to the bag length contained in the operation information from the film supply device 21. One cycle is, for example, the period from the start of feeding the film 8 from the film supply device 21 to the feeding of the film 8 of the length corresponding to the bag length. During one cycle, in the center sealing operation, a center sealing portion 8c of the length corresponding to the bag length is formed on the film 8. In the end sealing operation, the two sealers 36 and 37 are brought close together, the sealed portion 8e is welded and cut, and then the two sealers 36 and 37 are separated. In addition, the packaged item 7 is transported by the conveyor 27 to the downstream side in the transport direction, i.e., to the foreign object detection device 12, in an amount corresponding to the bag length.

[0069] The main control unit 42, after completing one cycle of operation, stops the operation of each structure of the packaging machine main body 11. When the operating device is operated again, it causes each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 to operate only one cycle. In this way, the main control unit 42, in coordination with the operation of the operating device, performs the packaging operation of the packaged item 5 intermittently. Furthermore, the foreign object removal operation can be performed intermittently based on the operation of the operating device (not shown), or it can be performed continuously regardless of the operation of that device. The same applies to other production modes.

[0070] Furthermore, when production mode is set to 2, the main control unit 42 causes each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 to operate for only one cycle at set time intervals. More specifically, the operation information includes a delay timer. The main control unit 42 causes each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 to operate for only one cycle at the time intervals set in the delay timer. That is, after the main control unit 42 causes each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 to operate for only one cycle, it stops the operation of each structure of the packaging machine main body 11. After the time set in the delay timer has elapsed after stopping, the main control unit 42 again causes each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 to operate for only one cycle, and then stops the operation of each structure of the packaging machine main body 11. Thus, when production mode is set to 2, the main control unit 42 performs the packaging operation of the packaged item 5 at time intervals set in the delay timer, that is, it intermittently performs the packaging operation of the packaged item 5.

[0071] Furthermore, when production mode is set to 3, the main control unit 42 operates each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 for only one cycle based on the detection results of the packaged item detection sensor. More specifically, the packaged item detection sensor is, for example, located at the downstream end of the packaged item supply device 23. The main control unit 42 detects the packaged item 5 by sensing its presence from the packaged item supply device 23. Based on the start of the packaged item 5 supply, the main control unit 42 operates each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 for only one cycle. Afterward, the main control unit 42 stops the operation of each structure of the packaging machine main body 11. Furthermore, when the main control unit 42 detects again that the packaged item 5 has started supplying from the packaged item supply device 23, it operates each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 for only one cycle based on the start of the packaged item 5 supply.

[0072] Furthermore, when production mode is set to 3, the main control unit 42 controls the supply operation of the packaged item supply device 23 to the packaged item 5 as follows: The packaged item detection sensor detects the packaged item 5 passing through a predetermined position (in this embodiment, the downstream position of the packaged item supply device 23) of the packaged item supply device 23, and continuously detects the packaged item 5 while it passes through the downstream position. The main control unit 42 then operates the packaged item supply device 23 until the detection of the packaged item 5 ends and the next packaged item 5 is detected. When the next packaged item 5 is detected, if one cycle of operation in the packaging machine main body 11 has ended, the main control unit 42 does not stop the operation of the packaged item supply device 23, but continues to supply the packaged item 5. On the other hand, if one cycle of operation has not ended, the main control unit 42 stops the operation of the packaged item supply device 23, and restarts the operation of the packaged item supply device 23 after one cycle of operation ends. Thus, when the production mode is set to 3, the main control unit 42 intermittently performs the packaging action of the packaged item 5, and simultaneously supplies the packaged item 5 automatically in coordination with the packaging action of the packaged item 5, that is, it can intermittently and automatically perform the packaging action of the packaged item 5.

[0073] <Second Model Horizontal Pillow Packaging Machine> The third, fourth, and sixth packaging machines 2B, 2C, and 2E, as examples of the second type of horizontal pillow-type packaging machine (i.e., the second horizontal pillow-type packaging machine), are medium-sized reverse pillow-type packaging machines as described above, and are configured, for example, as Figure 5 As shown. That is, the main body 11B of the third, fourth and sixth packaging machines 2B, 2C and 2E is similar in structure to the packaging machine 2. The main body 11B of the packaging machine is equipped with a bag maker 22B, a center sealing device 24B, a center sealing conveyor 26B and a foreign object detection device 12B.

[0074] Similar to bag maker 22, bag maker 22B forms the film 8 supplied from film supply device 21 into a cylindrical shape. On the other hand, bag maker 22B bends and rolls the film 8 so that the two edges 8a in the width direction are upright. Thus, the film 8 is formed into a U-shape, and as detailed later, it is formed into a cylindrical shape by sealing the two edges 8a together with the center sealing device 24B.

[0075] That is, the center-sealing device 24B pulls and connects the two width-direction edge portions 8a of the cylindrical U-shaped film 8, and seals the two width-direction edge portions 8a. More specifically, in the center-sealing device 24B, two pressure roller mechanisms 32, 33 are arranged on the upper side relative to the cylindrical film 8. A pair of rollers 32a, 33a connect the upward-standing width-direction edge portions 8a, and then heat and press the width-direction edge portions 8a to seal them. A center-sealing conveyor 26B is disposed on the lower side of the center-sealing device 24B instead of the receiving plate 31, and extends from the bag maker 22B to the end-sealing device 25. The center-sealing conveyor 26B receives the packaged item 5 and the cylindrical film 8 wrapped around it from the bag maker 22B, forming the center-sealing portion 8c in the center-sealing device 24B, and conveys it to the end-sealing device 25. Furthermore, the foreign object detection device 12B only includes a soft X-ray inspector 12a, which detects whether there are foreign objects in the end-sealed portion 8d and whether there is any material trapped in the packaged item 5.

[0076] The following describes the operation of packaging machines 2B, 2C, and 2E. Since the operations of packaging machines 2B, 2C, and 2E are similar to those of packaging machine 2, the differences between their operations and those of packaging machine 2 will be primarily explained; descriptions of identical operations will be omitted. Furthermore, the operation of packaging machine 2B will be described below. For the operations of packaging machines 2C and 2E, refer to the description of packaging machine 2B; their descriptions will be omitted.

[0077] Packaging machine 2B differs from packaging machine 2, which is a forward pillow-type packaging machine, in that it is a reverse pillow-type packaging machine. Therefore, in packaging machine 2B, during the film supply operation, the supplied film 8 is rolled by bag maker 22B as follows: that is, the film 8 is rolled into a cylindrical shape by bag maker 22B so that its two edges 8a in the width direction are upright. Furthermore, in packaging machine 2B, similarly to the forward pillow-type packaging machine, the rolled cylindrical film 8 is fed into the packaged item 5 by packaged item supply device 23, and then, while the packaged item 5 is wrapped by the cylindrical film 8, it is pulled out from bag maker 22B by center-sealing conveyor 26. The packaged item 5 and the cylindrical film 8 are conveyed together on center-sealing conveyor 26 to the downstream side in the transport direction. During conveying, the two edges 8a in the width direction of the cylindrical film 8 are sealed by heating and pressing by center-sealing device 24B. Thus, a central sealing portion 8c is formed on the upper part of the cylindrical film 8. Furthermore, in the packaging machine 2B, the foreign object detection device 12B only includes a soft X-ray inspector 12a, which is used to inspect for materials such as misaligned material in the packaged item 7.

[0078] <Third type horizontal pillow packaging machine> The fifth packaging machine 2D, as the third type of horizontal pillow-type packaging machine, is a large-scale forward pillow-type packaging machine, and is a higher-level model than the first packaging machine 2 and the second packaging machine 2A. Here, "higher-level model" refers to a model with more functions than a lower-level model, such as the ability to set more parameters for operational information. The fifth packaging machine 2D is configured as follows: The main body 11D of the fifth packaging machine 2D includes a packaged material supply device 23D, a center sealing device 24, an end sealing device 25D, and a control device 15D. In the packaged material supply device 23D, the drive motor 23a is a servo motor with servo functionality. Therefore, in the fifth packaging machine 2D, the main control unit 42D, which will be detailed later, can perform complex actions on the packaged material supply device 23D. More specifically, it can perform more complex control on the drive motor 23a (e.g., detailed control of acceleration and deceleration), or control over a wider speed range. In the end-sealing device 25D, the drive mechanism 38D has two drive motors 38b and 38c (see...). Figure 3 (The double-dotted line). Two drive motors 38b and 38c drive the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 along two different axes (e.g., up and down and transport direction). Therefore, more complex actions can be performed on the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37.

[0079] The control device 15D includes a main control unit 42D, which has a higher processing capacity than other control devices 15. Furthermore, the main control unit 42D performs more complex control, i.e., controls each structure based on more parameters. Therefore, in the packaging machine 2D, it is possible to achieve control using more drive motors and sensors, or to enable each structure to perform more complex and high-precision actions. Also, as an example of a storage device, the control device 15D has a server function; the main control unit 42D obtains packaging machine information from each of the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2C, 2E and stores it in the storage unit 41D. Moreover, based on instructions from the main control units 42, 42D of each of the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2C, 2E, the main control unit 42D outputs packaging machine information for each of the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2C, 2E.

[0080] The operation of packaging machine 2D is similar to that of packaging machine 2. The main focus is on the differences between the operation of packaging machine 2 and that of packaging machine 2. Descriptions of the same operations are omitted. In packaging machine 2D, the drive motor 23a of the packaged item supply device 23D has a servo function, and the main control unit 42D can enable the packaged item supply device 23D to perform more precise and complex operations.

[0081] In packaging machine 2D, during the end-sealing operation, the main control unit 42D, similar to the main control unit 42, controls the operation of the two drive motors 38b and 38c of the drive mechanism 38D based on parameters of the operation information (e.g., alignment mark position and correction limit value) to form and cut the end-sealed portion 8d at the desired position. Furthermore, the main control unit 42D drives each drive motor 38b and 38c of the drive mechanism 38D according to the end-sealing pressure of the selected operation information, and rotates the upper sealer 36 and lower sealer 37 in the same manner as the drive mechanism 38. On the other hand, the main control unit 42D can pressurize the sealed portion 8e with pressure corresponding to the selected end-sealing pressure by controlling the operation of the lifting drive motor 38b. Furthermore, the main control unit 42D can adjust the sealing time by controlling the operation of the front and rear drive motors 38b according to the end-sealing timing value.

[0082] In the packaging machine 2D operating in this manner, the main control unit 42D, like the main control unit 42, synchronously controls each structure of the packaging machine main body 11 based on the parameters included in the operation information. On the other hand, as described above, the main control unit 42D uses end-sealing pressure and end-sealing timing values ​​in addition to the parameters from the operation information used by the main control unit 42. Furthermore, the main control unit 42D outputs commands corresponding to those parameters to each drive motor 21c, 23a, 26a, 27a, 32b, 33b, 38b, and 38c to synchronously control their operation. In addition, the main control unit 42D outputs commands corresponding to the temperatures set in the temperature settings of the operation information to the heaters respectively built into the rollers 32a and 33a and the sealing devices 36 and 37 to control their temperatures.

[0083] [Crate Packing Machine] The tote box packing machine 3 is installed corresponding to each of the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2D, and loads the packaged goods 7 delivered from the conveyor belts 27 of the corresponding packaging machines 2, 2A to 2D into tote boxes 9. More specifically, the tote box packing machine 3 includes a packaging material conveyor 17, a tote box conveyor 18, and a tote box packing robot 19. The packaging material conveyor 17 receives the packaged goods 7 delivered from the conveyor belts 27 of the corresponding packaging machines 2, 2A to 2D and transports them downstream in the transport direction. The tote box conveyor 18 moves on it, thus transporting the tote boxes 9. The tote box packing robot 19, for example, is a six-axis robot that grasps the packaged goods 7 delivered by the packaging material conveyor 17 and loads them into the tote boxes 9 located on the tote box conveyor 18.

[0084] [The operation of the box packing machine] Packaging material 7 is transported from the corresponding packaging machines 2, 2A to 2D to each turnover box packing machine 3, where the packaging material conveyor 17 receives the packaging material 7. Then, the packaging material conveyor 17 transports it to the turnover box packing robot 19, which picks up the transported packaging material 7 and loads it into the turnover box 9. Furthermore, when the turnover box 9 contains a predetermined number of packaging materials 7, the turnover box conveyor 18 moves the turnover box 9 and positions the next turnover box 9 in a predetermined position. The turnover box packing robot 19 then loads the turnover box 9 with the predetermined number of packaging materials 7 again. By repeating this operation, the packaging materials 7 packaged by packaging machines 2, 2A to 2D are loaded into the turnover boxes 9 and transported.

[0085] [Inter-operational information communication function] In packaging system 1, when operation information is input into any of packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E, packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E store the input operation information themselves and simultaneously send the input operation information to the other packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E for storage. For example, taking packaging machine 2 as an example, when operation information is input into packaging machine 2, the operation information is input into packaging machine 2 and simultaneously sent to other packaging machines 2A and 2D for storage. More specifically, in packaging machine 2, as described above, operation information (more specifically, various parameters) is input through input display device 13. In this embodiment, as described above, the operation information includes the product name, which is the name of the packaged item, and packaging machine 2 can store operation information for each product (i.e., each type of packaged item 5). For example, for operation information related to the first product, the product name is used as the first product, and then the parameters of the operation information are set. Furthermore, as operation information related to packaging machine 2, at least the following parameters are input through input display device 13. That is, parameters such as bag length, pressing position, alignment mark position, correction limit value, product length, production style, packaging setting capability, printing position, film tension, center seal tension, and end seal tension are input as operating information. In this embodiment, parameters such as end seal pressure and end seal timing value are also input as operating information.

[0086] Furthermore, in packaging machine 2, when operation information is input via input display device 13, at least one of packaging machines 2A to 2E can be designated as the sending target for the operation information. For example, when operation information related to the first product is input, packaging machine 2A of the same model and packaging machine 2D of a higher-end model are selected as the sending targets. Thus, in packaging machine 2, both packaging machines 2A and 2D are designated as sending targets corresponding to the input operation information. The main control unit 42 stores the input operation information in storage unit 41 and simultaneously transmits it via communication device 14 to the designated packaging machines 2A and 2D. In packaging machine 2A, the main control unit 42 stores the operation information received via communication device 14 in storage unit 41. Similarly, in packaging machine 2D, the main control unit 42D stores the operation information received via communication device 14 in storage unit 41. That is, in packaging machine 2D, in addition to the parameters of the operation information used by packaging machine 2, the end-sealing pressure and end-sealing timing value can also be set. Therefore, the main control unit 42D sets parameters that are not set in the received operation information to initial values, or sets them based on other parameters. Additionally, in the packaging machine 2, although not used for packaging operations, the end-sealing pressure and end-sealing timing values ​​can also be settable in the operation information.

[0087] Thus, the main control unit 42 of packaging machine 2 sends the input operation information to other packaging machines 2A and 2D via communication device 14, so that the other packaging machines 2A and 2D (more specifically, storage unit 41) store it. This eliminates the need to re-input the same operation information to packaging machines 2A and 2D. Therefore, the convenience of packaging system 1 is improved. Furthermore, the parameters included in the operation information are not limited by machine model and use common parameters (i.e., common parameter items). In addition, for other packaging machines 2A to 2E, the operation information is stored interchangeably at the corresponding target packaging machines 2A to 2E, just as it is for packaging machine 2.

[0088] Furthermore, in packaging machine 2, any parameter included in the stored operation information can be changed via the input display device 13. When changed, the main control unit 42 sends the operation information including the changed parameters to the corresponding target packaging machines 2A and 2D via the communication device 14. In packaging machines 2A and 2D, the main control unit 42 stores the parameters from before the change as the changed parameters for the corresponding operation information, even if they are overwritten. Therefore, when the parameters of the operation information are changed in one packaging machine 2, the corresponding parameters of the operation information in other packaging machines 2A and 2D are also changed. Thus, it is not necessary to change the parameters of the operation information for each packaging machine, reducing the complexity of the setup process. Additionally, for other packaging machines 2A to 2E, similarly to packaging machine 2, the parameters of the operation information are also changed in the corresponding target packaging machines 2A to 2E.

[0089] [Operating status display function] Furthermore, in packaging machines 2, 2A to 2C, and 2E, the main control unit 42 transmits packaging machine information to packaging machine 2D via the communication device 14. The main control unit 42D of packaging machine 2D causes the storage unit 41D to store the received packaging machine information from each of packaging machines 2, 2A to 2C, and 2E. Also, in packaging machines 2, 2A to 2C, and 2E, in order to confirm the packaging machine information of other packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E, a display instruction can be input via the input display device 13. When a display instruction is input, the main control unit 42 outputs a command corresponding to the display instruction to packaging machine 2D, causing it to send the desired packaging machine information from packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E. Furthermore, when the main control unit 42 receives the desired packaging machine information from packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E, it causes the input display device 13 to display the desired packaging machine information from packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E. In addition, in packaging machine 2D, when a display instruction is input, the main control unit 42 obtains the desired various states of packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E from the storage unit 41 and displays them on the input display device 13.

[0090] In the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, the control device 15 includes main control units 42 and 42D. When operation information is input to the input display device 13, the main control units 42 and 42D transmit the input operation information to other packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E via the communication device 14, so that the storage units 41 and 41D of the other packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E store it. Therefore, for example, when operation information is input in packaging machine 2, the operation information is transmitted to other packaging machines 2A and 2D. Thus, in packaging system 1, other packaging machines 2A and 2D can share operation information. Therefore, the setting operations that should be performed on other packaging machines 2A and 2D can be omitted. For other packaging machines 2B, 2C, and 2E, operation information can also be shared in the same way as packaging machines 2, 2A, and 2D.

[0091] Furthermore, in the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, each main control unit 42, 42D sends operation information to other packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E, so that the changed parameters override the parameters before the change. Therefore, for example, when the operation information is adjusted in packaging machine 2, the operation information of other packaging machines 2A and 2D can be adjusted simultaneously. The same applies to packaging machines 2B, 2C, and 2E.

[0092] Furthermore, in the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, the main control units 42 and 42D each send the modified operation information to the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E corresponding to the sending target of the operation information. Therefore, the operation information can be sent to the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E that require the modified operation information and stored therein. As a result, the required storage capacity in the storage units 41 and 41D can be reduced, and manufacturing costs can be lowered.

[0093] Furthermore, in the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, the main control units 42 and 42D of each packaging machine 2, 2A to 2E, which have different machine models, control the operation of each packaging machine main body 11, 11B, and 11D based on operation information composed of multiple common parameters. Therefore, the input operation information can also be sent to and covered by the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E, which include packaging machine main bodies 11, 11B, and 11D with different machine models. As a result, operation information can be shared among the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E, which include packaging machine main bodies 11, 11B, and 11D with different machine models.

[0094] Furthermore, in the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, each of the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E includes at least one of the following packaging machine bodies 11, 11B, 11D, which vary depending on the machine model: a packaged item supply device 23, 23D; a film supply device 21; a center sealing device 24, 24B; and an end sealing device 25, 25D. In such packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E, the input operating information can be shared among them.

[0095] Furthermore, in the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, the operating information includes bag length, pressing amount, film tension, and packaging setting capability as parameters. Therefore, when bag length, pressing amount, film tension, and packaging setting capability are input, the storage units 41 and 41D of each packaging machine 2, 2A to 2E can share bag length, pressing amount, film tension, and packaging setting capability. Therefore, the setting operations for each bag length, pressing amount, film tension, and packaging setting capability of each packaging machine 2, 2A to 2E can be reduced.

[0096] Furthermore, in the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, the operating information includes the printing position as a parameter. Therefore, when the printing position is input, the storage units 41 and 41D of each packaging machine 2, 2A to 2E can share the printing position. Thus, the setting operation for each printing position of each packaging machine 2, 2A to 2E can be reduced.

[0097] Furthermore, in the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, the control device 15D stores the packaging machine information sent via the communication device 14 corresponding to each of the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E. The input display device 13 acquires and displays the packaging machine information of each of the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E via the communication device 14. The packaging machine information includes the operating status detected by the sensor group 29, i.e., sensor information. Therefore, the operating status of the other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E can be confirmed in each of the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E. This eliminates the need to visit the input display device 13 of each packaging machine 2, 2A to 2E to confirm its operating status, thus improving the convenience of the packaging system 1.

[0098] Furthermore, in the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, the packaging machine information includes production information related to the packaging of the packaged item 5 performed by the packaging machine body 11. Therefore, the input display device 13 acquires and displays the production information of each of the horizontal pillow-type packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E via the communication device 14. Thus, the production information of other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E can be confirmed for each of the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E. As a result, the operation of going to the input display device 13 of each packaging machine 2, 2A to 2E to confirm the production information of each horizontal pillow-type packaging machine 2, 2A to 2E can be eliminated, thereby improving the convenience of the packaging system 1.

[0099] Furthermore, in the packaging machines 2, 2A-2E of this embodiment, the control device 15 includes a main control unit 42. When operation information is input to the input display device 13, the main control unit 42 transmits the input operation information to the packaging machines 2, 2A-2E via the communication device 14, so that the storage units 41, 41D of the other packaging machines 2, 2A-2E can store it. Therefore, the packaging machines 2, 2A-2E can share the input operation information with other packaging machines 2, 2A-2E. Thus, the setting operations in other packaging machines 2, 2A-2E can be omitted.

[0100] Furthermore, in packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E of this embodiment, the main control unit 42 sends operation information to other packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E, storing the parameters before the change as the parameters after the change, even if they are overwritten. Therefore, when the operation information is adjusted, the operation information of other packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E can also be adjusted simultaneously.

[0101] [Other Implementation Methods] In the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E are each configured as described above, but may also include various optional devices. That is, packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E may also include optional devices such as gusset devices, header devices, automatic film splicers, anti-pinch devices, and pinhole devices. In this case, the operation information also includes optional device information and optional device setting information. Optional device information is a parameter indicating whether various optional devices are equipped. For example, the optional device information has separate items for each type of optional device, and the presence or absence of each optional device is indicated in each item. Each optional device includes control information for the equipped optional device.

[0102] Furthermore, regarding packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E, there may be high-end models where the drive motors 26a and 27a of the sealing conveyors 26 and 26B and the handling conveyor 27 are servo motors, and such high-end models can be used in packaging system 1. On the other hand, packaging system 1 may also use low-end models that do not have drive motors 26a and 27a, and where the sealing conveyors 26 and 26B and the handling conveyor 27 are driven by drive motor 21c via gear and belt transmission mechanisms. In this case, the main control unit 42 controls the operation of drive motors 26a and 27a based on the tension of the sealing conveyors according to the operating information. In addition, in packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E of this embodiment, sealing conveyors 26 and 26B are provided in the main bodies 11, 11B, and 11D, but it is not mandatory for the main bodies 11, 11B, and 11D to have sealing conveyors 26 and 26B.

[0103] Furthermore, in the packaging system 1 of this embodiment, the temperature of the heater is set according to a temperature setting, but it can also be set according to a temperature follower setting. The temperature follower setting is a parameter that causes the heater temperature to change in accordance with the speeds of the pair of rollers 32a and 33a, as well as the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37, and is set using a graph or mathematical formula. Also, the number of heaters provided with the pair of rollers 32a and 33a, as well as the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37, is not limited to one; there can be two or more. Furthermore, different temperature settings can be set for each heater separately.

[0104] Furthermore, in the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E of this embodiment, each pair of rollers 32a and 33a is driven to rotate independently, but it is not necessary to provide drive motors 32b and 33b on each pair of rollers 32a and 33a. For example, the pair of rollers 32a and 33a may also be driven by a drive motor 21c of the feed roller 21b via a transmission mechanism or the like. In this case, the tension of the film 8 is adjusted by the speed increase ratio of the transmission mechanism that transmits power from the feed roller 21b to the pair of rollers 32a and 33a. Also, the conveyor 27 does not necessarily have a drive motor 27a, and may be driven by the drive motor 21c of the feed roller 21b. In addition, the packaged item supply device 23 is composed of a flat belt conveyor, but it may also be composed of a finger conveyor with multiple fingers provided on the flat belt. In this case, the operating information may also include the supply conveyor speed in the parameters.

[0105] In the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E of this embodiment, the sensor information includes, for example, the aforementioned rotational speed, temperature, and power consumption, but may also include the load rate of each motor and photoelectric sensor information. Furthermore, the packaging machine information does not necessarily need to include both sensor information and production information; it may include only one of them. Also, in the packaging machines 2, 2A to 2E of this embodiment, the main control unit 42 functions as a communication control unit, but it could also be the inspection control unit 43 that functions as a communication control unit, or another control unit that functions as a communication control unit.

[0106] Based on the foregoing description, many improvements and other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description should be interpreted as illustrative only, intended to teach those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out this disclosure. Details that can substantially change its structure and / or function without departing from the spirit of this disclosure are also included.

[0107] Symbol explanation: 1: Packaging system; 2. 2A~2E: Packaging machines; 5: The packaged item; 6: Pillowcase; 7: Packaging materials; 8: film; 11, 11B, 11D: Main body of the packaging machine; 13: Input display device (input device, display device); 14: Communication device; 15, 15D: Control device; 21: Thin film supply device; 22, 22B: Bag maker; 23, 23D: Packaging material supply device; 24: Center sealing device (tension adjustment device); 25, 25D: End sealing device; 28: Printing device; 41, 41D: Storage section; 42, 42D: Main control unit.

Claims

1. A packaging system comprising multiple horizontal pillow-type packaging machines, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of horizontal pillow-type packaging machines includes a packaging machine body, an input device, a control device, and a communication device. The main body of the packaging machine sequentially supplies the items to be packaged. The input device receives operational information including multiple parameters. The control device includes a storage unit for storing operational information and an action control unit for controlling the actions of the packaging machine body based on various parameters of the operational information stored in the storage unit. The communication device sends and receives operation information. The control device also includes a communication control unit that, when operation information is input to the input device, transmits the input operation information via the communication device to other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines, so that the storage unit of the other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines stores the information.

2. The packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When any parameter contained in the operation information is changed by the input device, each of the communication control units sends the operation information to the other horizontal pillow packaging machines, so that the parameter before the change is stored as the parameter after the change.

3. The packaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the storage units stores the target information for the horizontal pillow-type packaging machine corresponding to each type of operational information. When any parameter of the operation information is changed by the input device, each of the communication control units sends the changed operation information to the horizontal pillow packaging machine corresponding to the sending target of the operation information.

4. The packaging system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of horizontal pillow-type packaging machines includes multiple horizontal pillow-type packaging machines with different machine bodies from each other. The operational information includes several parameters common to different models. Each of the storage units stores multiple operational information parameters, each set for each type of the packaged item. Each of the input devices is configured to be able to select one of a plurality of operational information stored in the storage unit. Each of the motion control units controls the movement of the packaging machine body based on the parameters contained in the selected operation information.

5. The packaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main body of the packaging machine includes a packaged goods supply device, a film supply device, a bag maker, a tension adjustment device, and a sealing device. The film supply device supplies film. The tension regulating device regulates the tension of the film supplied from the film supply device. The bag maker forms a tubular shape from the film supplied by the film supply device. The packaged item supply device sequentially supplies the packaged item into the cylindrical film made by the bag maker. The sealing device seals the cylindrical film made by the bag maker. The main body of the packaging machine is configured such that at least one of the following components—the packaged item supply device, the film supply device, the tension adjustment device, and the sealing device—may vary depending on the machine model. Each of the motion control units controls the operation of the packaged item supply device, the film supply device, and the sealing device based on the parameters included in the selected operation information.

6. The packaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The operational information includes bag length, pressure, film tension, and packaging setting capacity as parameters. The bag length is the length of the pillow bag formed from the bag, the pressure is the position of the packaged item in the pillow bag, the film tension is the tension of the supplied film, and the packaging setting capacity is the number of packages per unit.

7. The packaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The main body of the packaging machine also includes a printing device for printing text on the film. The operation information also includes the printing position as a parameter, which is the position of the text printed on the film.

8. The packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a storage device. The main body of the packaging machine includes a packaged item supply device, a film supply device, a sealing device, a sensor, and a display device. The packaged item supply device supplies the packaged items sequentially. The film supply device supplies film for packaging the packaged item supplied from the packaged item supply device. The sealing device seals the film supplied from the film supply device, which is bagged in such a way as to wrap each of the items to be packaged sequentially supplied by the packaged item supply device. The sensor detects the operating status of at least one of the packaged item supply device, the film supply device, and the sealing device. The display device displays packaging machine information, including sensor information, which represents the operating status detected by the sensors. The communication control unit sends the packaging machine information to the storage device via the communication device. The storage device stores the packaging machine information transmitted via the communication device and its corresponding locations within the horizontal pillow-type packaging machine. The display device acquires and displays the packaging machine information of each of the horizontal pillow-type packaging machines via the communication device.

9. The packaging system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The packaging machine information includes production information, which is information related to the packaging of the items being packaged by the main body of the packaging machine. The motion control unit acquires production information based on various control information and sensor information obtained when controlling the motion of the main body of the packaging machine.

10. A horizontal pillow-type packaging machine equipped with multiple horizontal pillows in a packaging system, characterized in that, have: The main body of a packaging machine that sequentially packages multiple items; An input device that receives operating information including multiple parameters for controlling the movement of the main body of the packaging machine; A control device including a storage unit for storing operational information and an action control unit for controlling the movement of the main body of the packaging machine based on various parameters of the operational information stored in the storage unit; as well as A communication device for sending and receiving operational information. The control device also includes a communication control unit that, when operation information is input to the input device, transmits the input operation information to other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines via the communication device, so that the storage unit of the other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines stores the information.

11. The horizontal pillow-type packaging machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The storage unit stores the other horizontal pillow-type packaging machines corresponding to the target of the delivery, based on the operational information. When any parameter of the operation information is changed in the input device, the communication control unit sends the changed operation information to other horizontal pillow packaging machines of the sending target corresponding to the changed operation information.

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