Bag transfer apparatus and bag transfer method

Abstract

A bag transfer apparatus (10) includes: a conveyance device (11) that has a conveyance surface (S) on which a plurality of bags (B) are to be placed, and conveys the plurality of bags in a conveyance direction (Dc), each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; a feed device (12) having a contact conveyance section (C) that contacts, from above, a most downstream bag which is a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags, the contact conveyance section feeding the most downstream bag in the conveyance direction while contacting the most downstream bag; and a spacing measurement sensor (13) that directly or indirectly measures a specified feed spacing which is a spacing between the conveyance surface (S) and the contact conveyance section (C).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to a bag transfer apparatus and a bag transfer method.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In a bag supply device disclosed in Japanese patent application publication No. 2024-27194, in a state in which a plurality of bags are placed on a conveyance belt while being arranged one upon another in the conveying direction in an inclined posture, the plurality of bags are conveyed as a whole by the conveyance belt, whereas a bag located at the most downstream position is selectively fed in the conveying direction by a feed belt (bag separating unit) that makes contact with the bag from above.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In a case where a plurality of bags are conveyed by a conveyance device located downward while the most downstream bag is selectively sent by a feed device located upward as in the device of Japanese patent application publication No. 2024-27194, the feed state of the bags may vary depending on the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device (and thus on the number of bags located between the conveyance device and the feed device).

[0004] Specifically, when the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device is narrow and only a relatively small number of bags exist between the conveyance device and the feed device, it is advantageous for the feed device to separate the most downstream bag from the other bags and then feed it downstream. However, in this case, it takes time for the next most downstream bag to be positioned at a desired downstream location by the feed device. Thus, the next downstream bag may not be provided in time for the process performed by a downstream device (such as a bag feed device), and consequently, it may occur that a bag is not properly fed by a bag take-out device.

[0005] On the other hand, when the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device is wide and a relatively large number of bags exist between the conveyance device and the feed device, it is advantageous for not only the current most downstream bag but also the next most downstream bag to be quickly positioned at a desired downstream position. However, in this case, the accuracy of separating the most downstream bag from the other bags by the feed device deteriorates, potentially causing the most downstream bag to be positioned at the desired downstream position in a state in which the most downstream bag overlaps extensively with another bag. For example, in a case where the downstream device is a bag take-out device (bag feed device), the most downstream bag may be positioned at a desired downstream position without being sufficiently separated from the other bags, resulting in double picking of bags (picking multiple bags at one time) by the bag take-out device.

[0006] As described above, the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device is likely to cause problems if the spacing is either too narrow or too wide, and it is preferable that the conveying and feeding of bags be carried out in a state in which the spacing (and thus, the number of bags located between the conveyance device and the feed device) is maintained within an optimal (allowable) range. On the other hand, the optimal range of the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device is not necessarily fixed and may vary depending on the characteristics of bags (such as thickness, surface properties like friction coefficient, and surface material), the processing capacity of downstream devices, and the device environment (such as humidity). Therefore, an operator (user) determines an optimal value (within an allowable range) of the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device in consideration of various conditions, and operates the devices to maintain the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device within the allowable range.

[0007] To achieve such device operation, device control may be performed to maintain the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device within a desired range based on the detection results of a proximity sensor that detects whether or not the swing state (height position) of the feed device has exceeded an allowable range. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the allowable range for the distance between the conveyance device and the feed device may vary depending on various conditions, and therefore the operator is required to individually set the allowable range and adjust the mounting position (e.g., height position) of the proximity sensor. However, such adjustments to the mounting position of the proximity sensor are generally performed in units of several millimeters (or even 0.1 millimeters in some cases), and therefore it is not easy to perform such adjustment work stably. In addition, since the adjustment work largely depends on the operator's personal perception, the adjustment work tends to become person-dependent, and it is also difficult to keep records of the adjustment operations for the purpose of information sharing among different operators. Furthermore, such a proximity sensor is often required to be installed in a space where other devices are also present. For example, in a multi-unit machine in which multiple pairs of conveyance devices and feed devices are arranged side by side, it may be difficult for a user to access the limited installation space available for a proximity sensor.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a technique advantageous for at least partially separating and feeding the most downstream bag from a plurality of bags.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a bag transfer apparatus comprising: a conveyance device that has a conveyance surface on which a plurality of bags are to be placed, and conveys the plurality of bags in a conveyance direction, each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; and a feed device having a contact conveyance section that contacts, from above, a most downstream bag which is a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags, the contact conveyance section feeding the most downstream bag in the conveyance direction while contacting the most downstream bag; and a spacing measurement sensor that directly or indirectly measures a specified feed spacing which is a spacing between the conveyance surface and the contact conveyance section.

[0010] The bag transfer apparatus may comprise a control device that controls the conveyance device, wherein the contact conveyance section may be provided to be able to move up and down, and wherein when a measurement result of the spacing measurement sensor may indicate that the specified feed spacing deviates from an allowable range, the control device may stop conveyance of the plurality of bags in the conveyance direction by the conveyance device.

[0011] The feed device may have a swing body that is provided to be able to swing about a swing fulcrum and may form the contact conveyance section, the swing body may swing in accordance with up and down movement of the contact conveyance section, and the spacing measurement sensor may measure a distance to a portion of the swing body that is located on an opposite side from the contact conveyance section across the swing fulcrum, to detect the specified feed spacing.

[0012] The bag transfer apparatus may comprise a bag take-out device that takes out a bag from the take-out area, wherein the feed device may feed the most downstream bag toward the take-out area.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a bag transfer method comprising the steps of: transferring a plurality of bags placed on a conveyance surface in a conveyance direction, each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; feeding a most downstream bag in the conveyance direction by a contact conveyance section while the contact conveyance section contacts the most downstream bag from above, the most downstream bag being a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags; measuring a specified feed spacing directly or indirectly, the specified feed spacing being a spacing between the conveyance surface and the contact conveyance section; and controlling conveyance of the plurality of bags in the conveyance direction based on a measurement result of the specified feed spacing.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is advantageous for at least partially separating and feeding the most downstream bag from a plurality of bags.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Fig. 1 is a side view showing an example of a bag transfer apparatus; Fig. 2 is an enlarged simplified view of a feed device (in particular a portion in the vicinity of a contact conveyance section) and a conveyance belt (in particular, a conveyance surface); Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the state of bags (including the most downstream bag) in a take-out area when the spacing (a specified feed spacing) between the contact conveyance section and the conveyance surface is set relatively large; Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the state of bags (including the most downstream bag) in the take-out area when the spacing (the specified feed spacing) between the contact conveyance section and the conveyance surface is set relatively small; and Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of a bag transfer apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring to the drawings, a typical embodiment of a bag transfer apparatus 10 and a bag transfer method are described.

[0017] In the following description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are based on the conveyance of bags B, unless otherwise specified. Further, unless otherwise specified, the terms "up" and "down" are based on the height direction, and the direction of the action of gravity (the vertical direction) may also be expressed as the downward direction.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a side view showing an example of a bag transfer apparatus 10. Fig. 2 is an enlarged simplified view of a feed device 12 (in particular, a portion in the vicinity of a contact conveyance section C) and a conveyance belt 21 (in particular, a conveyance surface S). In Fig. 2, various elements are schematically illustrated for ease of understanding the device configuration, and illustrations of the swing main body 44 and the like are omitted.

[0019] Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the condition of bags B (including the most downstream bag Bd) in a take-out area Rt when the spacing (a specified feed spacing D) between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S is set relatively large. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the condition of bags B (including the most downstream bag Bd) in the take-out area Rt when the spacing (the specified feed spacing D) between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S is set relatively small. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the bag transfer apparatus 10.

[0020] The bag transfer apparatus 10 of the present example illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 as an example comprises a conveyance device 11, a feed device 12, a spacing measurement sensor 13, a bag take-out device 17 and a control device 15 (see Fig. 4).

[0021] The conveyance device 11 has a conveyance surface S on which a plurality of bags B are placed and conveys the plurality of bags B in a conveyance direction Dc.

[0022] The conveyance device 11 of the present example is configured as a so-called conveyor magazine (bag loading magazine) and includes: an endless conveyance belt 21 supported by a plurality of conveyance rollers; and a conveyance driving unit 20 that rotates a conveyance roller to cause the conveyance belt 21 to travel. The conveyance surface S is formed by a portion of the conveyance belt 21 where the outer exposed surface is directed upward. It is not necessarily required for the entire conveyance surface S to be formed by the conveyance belt 21. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the conveyance surface S near a forward end stopper 50 is not formed by the conveyance belt 21, but is formed by a flat upper end surface of a support member provided in a fixed manner.

[0023] A plurality of bags B (in the present example, empty flat bags) to be conveyed are placed on the conveyance surface S of the conveyance device 11. The plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S are arranged in a so-called shingled manner (i.e., "sashimi"-like manner) in the conveyance direction Dc while taking an inclined posture or a lying posture, and each bag B is placed on the conveyance surface S in such a manner that each bag B overlaps at least partially with another bag B.

[0024] The type of bags B to be transferred by the bag transfer apparatus 10 is not limited to empty flat bags. For example, spout bags, stand-up bags, or other bags of any shape and any configuration may also be transferred using the bag transfer apparatus 10 (the conveyance device 11, the feed device 12 and the bag take-out device 17).

[0025] The feed device 12 has a contact conveyance section C, and the contact conveyance section C makes contact with a bag B located at the foremost position of the plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S in the conveyance direction Dc (i.e., the most downstream bag Bd) from above. The most downstream bag Bd is then conveyed by the feed device 12 in the conveyance direction Dc, in particular, toward the take-out area Rt (in the present example, the most downstream area of the conveyance surface S defined by the forward end stopper 50) in a state in which the contact conveyance section C is in contact with the most downstream bag Bd from above.

[0026] The feed device 12 of the present example includes: a swing body 41 that is provided to be able to swing about a swing fulcrum P and forms the contact conveyance section C; and a feed driving unit 40 that generates a feed force to feed downstream a bag B contacted by the contact conveyance section C downstream. The contact conveyance section C of the swing body 41 is provided to be able to move up and down, and the swing body 41 swings in response to the up / down movement of the contact conveyance section C.

[0027] The swing body 41 shown in Fig. 1 includes: a swing main body 44 extending in a direction not parallel to the height direction and the horizontal direction (in the left-upper / right-lower direction in Fig. 1); a plurality of feed rollers 42 (a driving feed roller 42A and a lower end feed roller 42B) attached respectively to an intermediate portion and a lower-end portion of the swing main body 44; and an endless feed belt 43 supported by the plurality of feed rollers 42.

[0028] The feed roller 42 mounted on the lower end portion of the swing main body 44 (the lower end feed roller 42B) is provided to be able to freely rotate and rotates to follow the movement of the feed belt 43. The portion of the feed belt 43 supported by the lower end feed roller 42B (in particular, the portion closest to the conveyance surface S) forms the contact conveyance section C.

[0029] The rotation axis of the feed roller 42 mounted on the intermediate portion of the swing main body 44 (the driving feed roller 42A) forms the swing fulcrum P of the swing body 41, and the driving feed roller 42A is driven to rotate by the feed driving unit 40, thereby causing the feed belt 43 to travel. The mechanism for transmitting the output (power) from the feed driving unit 40 to the driving feed roller 42A is not limited, and power transmission elements such as a gear may be used.

[0030] The swing main body 44 also includes, in addition to the intermediate portion and the lower end portion to which the aforementioned driving feed roller 42A and lower end feed roller 42B are attached, the upper end portion located on the opposite side of the lower end portion across the intermediate portion, and extends from the intermediate portion towards both the lower end portion side and the upper end portion side. Furthermore, the swing main body 44 is provided to be able to swing about the swing fulcrum P, and, for example, when the lower end portion receives an upward force, the upper end portion rotates about the swing fulcrum P so as to move downward.

[0031] Therefore, for example, when the contact conveyance section C of the feed belt 43 receives an upward force, the contact conveyance section C, the lower end feed roller 42B and the lower end portion of the swing main body 44 pivots upward about the swing fulcrum P, and the upper end portion of the swing main body 44 pivots downward about the swing fulcrum P. Conversely, when the contact conveyance section C, the lower end feed roller 42B and the lower end portion of the swing main body 44 pivot downward around the swing fulcrum P, the upper end portion of the swing main body 44 pivots upward around the swing fulcrum P.

[0032] The spacing measurement sensor 13 directly or indirectly measures the specified feed spacing D, which indicates the spacing between the conveyance surface S and the contact conveyance section C. The spacing measurement sensor 13 of the present example is fixedly installed while being supported by a support frame, and measures a distance (measurement distance M) to a portion of the swing body 41 that is located on the opposite side from the contact conveyance section C across the swinging fulcrum P (i.e., to a measured portion formed by the upper end portion of the swing main body 44), thereby indirectly measuring the specified feed spacing D. The spacing measurement sensor 13 may be configured by a contact-type distance sensor that makes physical contact with the measured portion (the upper end portion of the swing main body 44) of the swing body 41, or may be configured by a non-contact-type distance sensor that does not make physical contact with the measured portion.

[0033] As described above, the swing body 41 is provided to be able to swing about the swing fulcrum P, and the height position of the contact conveyance section C and the height position of various portions of the swing main body 44 (e.g., the measured portion) are mutually related in such a manner that when one height position is determined, the other height position is also determined. Therefore, the distance between the spacing measurement sensor 13 and the measured portion of the swing body 41 changes in accordance with the height position of the contact conveyance section C. Therefore, it is possible to indirectly obtain the specified feed spacing D based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the specified feed spacing D between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S varies depending on the number of bags B between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S (on the total height of the bag(s) B located between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S). However, the minimum value of the specified feed spacing D is set to a fixed value based on the mechanical configuration of the feed device 12. Therefore, even if there are no bags B between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S, there is an interval (minimum spacing) between the contact conveyance section C (feed belt 43) and the conveyance surface S (conveyance belt 21), so that the contact conveyance section C does not come into direct contact with the conveyance surface S.

[0035] The bag take-out device 17 removes the bag B (i.e., the most downstream bag Bd) located in the take-out area Rt, from the take-out area Rt. The specific configuration of the bag take-out device 17 is not limited. The bag take-out device 17 of the present example includes: a take-out suction cup device 17a capable of lifting a bag B located in the take-out area Rt while suctioning the exposed surface (flat side surface) of the bag B; and a take-out driving unit 60 (see Fig. 4) that performs the driving of the suction and the movement (pivot motion) of the take-out suction cup device 17a. The take-out suction cup device 17a has a configuration capable of reciprocally pivoting between a take-out position, which is a relatively lower position, and a delivery position, which is a relatively upper position". The take-out suction cup device 17a sucks and holds a bag B positioned in the take-out area Rt at a take-out position, and transfers the held under suction bag B to a downstream device (e.g., a packaging device, a spout attachment machine, or any other device) at the transfer position.

[0036] Near the take-out area Rt, a positioning unit 55, a forward end stopper 50 and a forward end detection sensor 51 are provided.

[0037] The forward end stopper 50 extends so as to protrude above the conveyance surface S and blocks a bag B (the most downstream bag Bd) from moving further downstream than the take-out area Rt. The forward end detection sensor 51 is a sensor that detects whether a bag B is positioned in the take-out area Rt. The forward end detection sensor 51 may have any configuration, and for example, may include a detection body that is moved due to physical contact with a bag B positioned in the take-out area Rt, or may detect without coming into contact with a bag B positioned in the take-out area Rt.

[0038] The positioning unit 55 is a device for reliably and accurately positioning a bag B (the most downstream bag Bd) in the take-out area Rt, and feeds bags B (in particular, the most downstream bag Bd) on the conveyance surface S downstream. The positioning unit 55 of the present example includes: a positioning roller driven by a positioning driving unit 56 (see Fig. 4); and a plurality of flexible positioning blades protruding radially from the outer circumferential surface of the positioning roller. The positioning roller is driven by the positioning driving unit 56 in such a manner that a bag B on the conveyance surface S is delivered downstream toward the take-out area Rt by a relatively weak force (e.g., within a contact range of approximately 1 mm in the conveyance direction Dc) while a positioning blade is in contact with the exposed surface (upward wall surface) of the bag B. The positioning unit 55 may operate in coordination with the feeding operation of a bag B (the most downstream bag Bd) by the feed device 12 and / or the take-out operation of a bag B by the bag take-out device 17, or may operate continuously without intermittent operational stops, independent of the feeding operation and the take-out operation.

[0039] The positioning unit 55 shown in Fig. 1 is mounted on the bag take-out device 17 and moves integrally with the take-out suction cup device 17a. Specifically, the positioning unit 55 performs pivotal reciprocating motion together with the take-out suction cup device 17a. While the take-out suction cup device 17a is positioned at the transfer position (upper position), the positioning unit 55 is positioned at a location spaced upward from the exposed surface (upward side wall surface) of the most downstream bag Bd on the conveyance surface S (in particular, between the forward end stopper 50 and the contact conveyance section C).

[0040] On the other hand, while the take-out suction cup device 17a is positioned at the take-out position (lower position), the positioning unit 55 is positioned at a location such that the positioning unit 55 is in contact with the exposed surface (upward side wall surface) of the most downstream bag Bd on the conveyance surface S (in particular, between the forward end stopper 50 and the contact conveyance section C) (see Figs. 3A and 3B).

[0041] In a state in which the most downstream bag Bd is positioned in the take-out area Rt, the most downstream bag Bd may at least partially overlap other bags B (e.g., a bag B that is to become the next most downstream bag Bd). In particular, from the perspective of increasing the supply speed of bags B to the take-out area Rt, it is preferable that in a state in which a "current most downstream bag Bd" is positioned in the take-out area Rt, a "bag B that is to become a next most downstream bag Bd" is waiting at a position as close as possible to the take-out area Rt (e.g., the forward end stopper 50).

[0042] The overlapping condition of bags B other than the most downstream bag Bd in the vicinity of the take-out area Rt (in particular, in the range between the forward end stopper 50 and the contact conveyance section C (feed belt 43)) may vary depending on the specified feed spacing D between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S. Specifically, as the specified feed spacing D increases, the tendency for a greater number of bags B to be arranged in an overlapping manner in the vicinity of the take-out area Rt becomes stronger (see Fig. 3A). On the other hand, as the specified feed spacing D becomes smaller, the tendency for fewer bags B to be arranged in an overlapping manner in the vicinity of the take-out area Rt becomes stronger (see Fig. 3B).

[0043] As shown in Fig. 3A, by arranging a greater number of bags B to overlap each other in the vicinity of the take-out area Rt, it is advantageous for improving the supply speed of bags B to the take-out area Rt; however, malfunctions such as multiple-sheet take-out (two-sheet take-out) are more likely to occur. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3B, by arranging fewer number of bags B to overlap each other in the vicinity of the take-out area Rt, it is advantageous for avoiding the occurrence of multiple-sheet take-out issues, but it is disadvantageous for improving the supply speed of bags B to the take-out area Rt, and it also increases the likelihood of improper feeding of bags B by the bag take-out device 17. An operator can determine an appropriate "allowable range for the specified feed spacing D" by considering these advantages and disadvantages.

[0044] The control device 15 receives detection results from various sensors and controls various devices (e.g., the conveyance device 11, the feed device 12, and the bag take-out device 17). The control device 15 of the present example is connected to the spacing measurement sensor 13, the forward end detection sensor 51, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 25, as shown in Fig. 4, and is also connected to the conveyance driving unit 20, the feed driving unit 40, the positioning driving unit 56 and the take-out driving unit 60.

[0045] Specifically, the control device 15 drives the conveyance driving unit 20 to control the conveyance of a plurality of bags B by the conveyance device 11. Furthermore, the control device 15 drives the feed driving unit 40 to control the feed of bags B (in particular, the most downstream bag Bd) by the feed device 12. Furthermore, the control device 15 drives the positioning driving unit 56 to control the positioning of a bag B (the most downstream bag Bd) into the take-out area Rt by the positioning unit 55. Moreover, the control device 15 drives the take-out driving unit 60 so as to control the take-out and delivery of a bag B by the bag take-out device 17.

[0046] The control device 15 may, for example, drive the conveyance driving unit 20, the feed driving unit 40, the positioning driving unit 56 and the take-out driving unit 60 based on the detection results of the forward end detection sensor 51 as will be described below, to control the conveyance of a plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S, the feed of the most downstream bag Bd, the positioning of the most downstream bag Bd in the take-out area Rt, and the take-out of the most downstream bag Bd from the take-out area Rt.

[0047] Furthermore, the control device 15 drives the conveyance driving unit 20 based on the detection results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 as will be described below, to control the conveyance of a plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S. Specifically, when the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D (see Fig. 2) has deviated from an allowable range, the control device 15 performs controls to stop conveyance of the plurality of bags B in the conveyance direction Dc by the conveyance device 11.

[0048] The "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" referred to here can be appropriately set by an operator (user) via the HMI 25. As described above, the optimal value (optimal range) of the spacing (specified feed spacing D; see Fig. 2) between the feed device 12 (in particular, the contact conveyance section C) and the conveyance device 11 (in particular, the conveyance surface S) may vary depending on the characteristics of the bags B, the processing capacity of downstream devices (e.g., the packaging device) and the device environment. Therefore, it is preferable that the specified feed spacing D be appropriately determined by the operator, and in particular, it is preferable that the specified feed spacing D can be adaptively changed in accordance with the operating state of the bag transfer apparatus 10 (e.g., a transfer error condition of bags B).

[0049] As mentioned above, the "specified feed spacing D between the conveyance surface S of the conveyance device 11 and the contact conveyance section C of the feed device 12" and the "measurement distance M between the measured portion of the feed device 12 and the spacing measurement sensor 13" measured by the spacing measurement sensor 13 are mutually correlated. Therefore, the "allowable range of the measurement distance M" and the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" are also correlated, and determining the "allowable range of the measurement distance M" is essentially equivalent to determining the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D". Therefore, an operator may input either the "allowable range of the measurement distance M" or the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" to the HMI 25. In the following description, even in a case where the operator determines the "allowable range of the measurement distance M" and inputs it into the HMI 25, it is regarded as a case where the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" is determined and input to the HMI 25 by the operator.

[0050] The operator may determine the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" at the start of operation of the bag transfer apparatus 10, for example, based on the operator's own experience and / or past operational results, taking into account various conditions such as the characteristics of the bags B, the processing capacity of downstream devices (e.g., the packaging device) and the device environment, and input it to the HMI 25. Additionally, the operator may determine modification of the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" during the ongoing operation of the bag transfer apparatus 10, taking into account the actual operation state of the bag transfer apparatus 10, and input the changed "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" to the HMI 25. In this case, information indicating the actual operation state of the bag transfer apparatus 10 (e.g., a transfer error condition of bags B) may be presented to the operator via the HMI 25. In this case, the operator may determine whether to change the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" and the amount of change based on the presented information.

[0051] Here, the "transfer error condition of bags B" referred to herein corresponds, for example, to a case where the state of a transferred bag B (e.g., its posture or arrangement) is not in a desired state and a case where a bag B is not positioned in the take-out area Rt at the appropriate timing. The method for detecting such a "transfer error condition of bags B" is not limited. For example, the control device 15 may obtain information indicating the "transfer error condition of bags B" based on the detection results of a sensor(s) (not shown) that detects the suction state of the take-out suction cup device 17a (e.g., the detection results of a vacuum sensor that detects the suction pressure of the take-out suction cup device 17a) and / or the state of a bag B (e.g., its posture or arrangement).

[0052] The information (data) indicating the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" input to the HMI 25 in this manner is transmitted from the HMI 25 to the control device 15. The control device 15 controls the bag transfer apparatus 10 (such as the transfer of a plurality of bags B by the conveyance device 11) based on the information regarding the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" sent from the HMI 25.[Bag Transfer Method]

[0053] Next, an example of the transfer method of bags B by the bag transfer apparatus 10 is described. The bag transfer method shown below as an example is executed as appropriate by the control device 15 controlling each part of the bag transfer apparatus 10 appropriately.

[0054] The bag transfer method according to the present example includes: a step of transferring a plurality of bags B placed on the conveyance surface S in the conveyance direction Dc by the conveyance device 11 (a conveyance step); and a step of feeding the most downstream bag Bd in the conveyance direction Dc by the contact conveyance section C while the contact conveyance section C is in contact with the most downstream bag Bd among the plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S from above (a feed step). Specifically, the conveyance driving unit 20 drives to cause the conveyance belt 21 to travel, thereby conveying the plurality of bags B placed on the conveyance surface S in the conveyance direction Dc. Additionally, the feed driving unit 40 drives to cause the feed belt 43 to travel, thereby feeding the most downstream bag Bd in the conveyance direction Dc by the contact conveyance section C (the feed belt 43) and positioning the most downstream bag Bd in the take-out area Rt.

[0055] Then, a step (a bag take-out step) where a bag B (the most downstream bag Bd) is removed from the take-out area Rt by the bag take-out device 17 and is transferred to a downstream device (e.g., a packaging device) is performed. The control device 15 controls the bag take-out device 17 (the take-out driving unit 60) in such a manner that when a detection result of the forward end detection sensor 51 indicates that a bag B is positioned in the take-out area Rt, the bag B positioned in the take-out area Rt is held under suction by the take-out suction cup device 17a. On the other hand, the control device 15 may control the bag take-out device 17 (the take-out driving unit 60) in such a manner that, when a detection result of the forward end detection sensor 51 does not indicate that a bag B is positioned in the take-out area Rt, the suction holding process of a bag B by the take-out suction cup device 17a is not performed.

[0056] The above-described conveyance step, the feed step and the bag take-out step are performed repeatedly in conjunction with each other, and the bags B on the conveyance surface S are successively positioned in the take-out area Rt and are successively supplied from the take-out area Rt to a downstream device. As a result, each bag B (in particular, the most downstream bag Bd) can be appropriately separated one by one from a plurality of bags B being in a state of overlapping with each other, and each bag B can be supplied one by one to the downstream device in an appropriate transfer state (posture and arrangement).

[0057] The "state in which bags B on the conveyance surface S are appropriately separated from each other" is not limited to a state in which bags B are completely separated from each other overall, but also includes a state in which bags B are partially overlapped and in contact with each other. The "state in which bags B on the conveyance surface S are appropriately separated from each other" means that two or more bags B are placed in a state such that when a bag B is taken out by the bag take-out device 17, only a desired bag B (i.e., the most downstream bag Bd) is taken out by the bag take-out device 17, and the other bags B are not taken out together with the desired bag B.

[0058] While the conveyance step by the conveyance device 11, the feed step by the feed device 12 and the bag take-out step by the bag take-out device 17 are performed as described above, a step (a spacing measurement step) is performed to directly or indirectly measure the specified feed spacing D, which is the spacing between the conveyance surface S and the contact conveyance section C, using the spacing measurement sensor 13. Then, a step (a conveyance control step) is performed in which the control device 15 controls the conveyance of a plurality of bags B by the conveyance device 11 in the conveyance direction Dc based on the measurement results of the specified feed spacing D.

[0059] Specifically, the control device 15 determines whether the specified feed spacing D is within an allowable range or outside the allowable range based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13, and controls the conveyance of a plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S by the conveyance device 11 in the conveyance direction Dc in accordance with the determination result.

[0060] As a plurality of bags B are conveyed in the conveyance direction Dc by the conveyance device 11, the number of bags B entering between the feed device 12 (the contact conveyance section C) and the conveyance device 11 (the conveyance surface S (the conveyance belt 21)) in an overlapping state with each other. As a result, the overall height of the plurality of bags B located between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S increases, and the contact conveyance section C receives an upward force from the plurality of bags B and moves upward, thereby increasing the specified feed spacing D. Meanwhile, bags B are successively fed downstream from between the feed device 12 (contact conveyance section C) and the conveyance device 11 (conveyance surface S (conveyance belt 21)) by the feed device 12, whereby the number of bags B between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S gradually decreases, the contact conveyance section C gradually moves downward, and the specified feed spacing D becomes smaller.

[0061] The control device 15 monitors the up and down movement of the contact conveyance section C (and thus the size of the specified feed spacing D between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S) based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13, and controls the conveyance device 11 (conveyance driving unit 20) as necessary to maintain the specified feed spacing D within an allowable range.

[0062] In the present example, for instance, when the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is a value equal to or greater than the upper limit value of the allowable range, the control device 15 controls the conveyance device 11 to stop the conveyance of a plurality of bags B in the conveyance direction Dc by the conveyance device 11. On the other hand, when the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is a value less than the upper limit value of the allowable range, the control device 15 controls the conveyance device 11 in such a manner that the conveyance device 11 conveys a plurality of bags B in the conveyance direction Dc.

[0063] When the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is a value less than the upper limit value of the allowable range and equal to or greater than the lower limit value, the control device 15 may control the conveyance device 11 to stop the conveyance of a plurality of bags B in the conveyance direction Dc by the conveyance device 11. On the other hand, when the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is a value less than the lower limit value of the allowable range, the control device 15 may control the conveyance device 11 in such a manner that the conveyance device 11 continues the conveyance of a plurality of bags B in the conveyance direction Dc.

[0064] The above-described bag transfer method may be implemented in such a manner that the bag transfer apparatus 10 executes the following basic operations as an example.

[0065] Specifically, when "it is not detected by the forward end detection sensor 51 that a bag B has been positioned in the take-out area Rt" and "the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is not equal to or not greater than the upper limit value of the allowable range (hereinafter also referred to as an 'allowable threshold')", the conveyance step of bags B by the conveyance device 11 and the feed step of bags B by the feed device 12 are performed.

[0066] On the other hand, when "it is not detected by the forward end detection sensor 51 that a bag B has been positioned in the take-out area Rt" but "the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is equal to or greater than the allowable threshold", the feed step of bags B by the feed device 12 is performed, but the conveyance step of bags B by the conveyance device 11 is stopped.

[0067] Furthermore, when "it is detected by the forward end detection sensor 51 that a bag B has been positioned in the take-out area Rt", neither the conveyance step of bags B by the conveyance device 11 nor the feed step of bags B by the feed device 12 is performed.

[0068] By repeatedly performing these basic operations, the bag transfer apparatus 10 successively positions bags B (the most downstream bag Bd) each of which is appropriately separated from the other bags B, at the take-out area Rt at appropriate timing. As a result, the bag take-out device 17 can sequentially remove bags B from the take-out area Rt at appropriate timing and supply the removed bags B to a downstream device.

[0069] In the above-described basic operations, each of the downstream conveyance of bags B by the conveyance device 11, the downstream feeding of bags B by the feed device 12, and the take-out of bags B by the bag take-out device 17 may be performed at predetermined timings. Such predetermined timing may be determined under the control of the control device 15 or may be determined independently of the control device 15 (e.g., may be determined by a cam switch controller).

[0070] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the "specified feed spacing D between the conveyance surface S and the contact conveyance section C", which varies depending on the condition of bags B (e.g., the number of bags B or the overlapping condition of bags B) between the conveyance surface S of the conveyance device 11 and the contact conveyance section C of the feed device 12, can be monitored based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13. Then, based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13, for example, by controlling the conveyance of a plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S by the conveyance device 11, it is possible to adjust the number of bags B (an overlapped condition of bags B) between the conveyance surface S and the contact conveyance section C. This enables the supply and positioning of bags B to the take-out area Rt to be performed with high precision and stability. Further, since it is possible to monitor over time the transfer condition of bags B based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13, it is possible to visualize the risk of defects caused by bag feeding and the tendency of bag feeding defects.

[0071] In particular, according to the bag transfer apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, changing the allowable range of the measurement results obtained by the spacing measurement sensor 13 makes it possible to appropriately deal with a change in the optimum value (optimum range) of "the specified feed spacing D between the conveyance surface S and the contact conveyance section C", such as when the type of the bags B to be transferred is changed. In this manner, changing the "setting value of the allowable range of the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13" makes it possible to address changes in the optimal value of the specified feed spacing D, it is possible to manage the numerical values of the "allowable range of the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13". Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to respond quickly and appropriately to changes in transfer conditions, such as changes in the type of bags B to be transferred. Additionally, by managing the numerical values of the "allowable range of the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13", it becomes easier to maintain past records of the allowable range and makes it possible to easily share information among operators. This makes it possible to easily realize control support of multiple product types by the bag transfer apparatus 10.

[0072] Furthermore, the "adjustment of the mounting position of a proximity sensor in response to changes in the optimal value of the specified feed spacing D", which was previously required in conventional technologies, is unnecessary in the bag transfer apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user's workload and work time (workload and work time required for adjusting the position of a sensor) can be significantly reduced, tools required for adjusting the position of a sensor are unnecessary, and it is also possible to prevent the adjustment work from becoming dependent on individual operators. In particular, in cases where it is difficult for a user to access the peripheral regions of the conveyance device 11 and the feed device 12 of each pair as in a multi-array machine where a plurality of pairs of conveyance devices 11 and feed devices 12 are arranged side by side, the bag transfer apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, in which accessing the peripheral regions for sensor position adjustment itself is unnecessary, is highly advantageous.

[0073] Further, in the present embodiment, the upper end portion of the swing main body 44 that is located on the opposite side from the contact conveyance section C across the swinging fulcrum P, is used as the "measured portion to be detected by the spacing measurement sensor 13". Therefore, space for installing the spacing measurement sensor 13 can be easily secured, and the installation of the spacing measurement sensor 13 is facilitated. Furthermore, by the swing body 41 having a configuration in which the swing body 41 extends not only downward but also upward via the swinging fulcrum P, it is possible to adjust the center of gravity position of the swing body 41 and adjust the swinging characteristics (for example, ease of swinging motion) of the swing body 41 to desired characteristics. Furthermore, by changing the ratio of the "distance between the swing fulcrum P and the measured portion" to the "distance between the swing fulcrum P and the contact conveyance section C", it is possible to adjust the detection accuracy (detection resolution) of the spacing measurement sensor 13. For example, by making the "distance between the swing fulcrum P and the measured portion" larger than the "distance between the swing fulcrum P and the contact conveyance section C" (in particular, the longer the "distance between the swing fulcrum P and the measured portion"), it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy (detection resolution) by the spacing measurement sensor 13.

[0074] It should be noted that the embodiments and variations disclosed in the present specification are merely illustrative in all respects and are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. The above-described embodiments and variations can be omitted, substituted, and changed in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. For instance, the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined in whole or in part, and embodiments other than those described above may also be combined with the above-described embodiments or variations. Further, the effects of the present disclosure described in the present specification are merely illustrative, and other effects may also be achieved.

[0075] The technical categories for embodying the above-described technical concepts are not limited. For example, the above-described technical concepts may be embodied by a computer program for causing a computer to execute one or more procedures (steps) included in a method for manufacturing or using the above-described apparatus. Further, the above-described technical concepts may be embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which such a computer program is recorded.[Additional Notes]

[0076] The following configuration aspects also fall within the scope of the present disclosure technology.[Aspect 1]

[0077] A bag transfer apparatus comprising: a conveyance device that has a conveyance surface on which a plurality of bags are to be placed, and conveys the plurality of bags in a conveyance direction, each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; a feed device having a contact conveyance section that contacts, from above, a most downstream bag which is a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags, the contact conveyance section feeding the most downstream bag in the conveyance direction while contacting the most downstream bag; and a spacing measurement sensor that directly or indirectly measures a specified feed spacing which is a spacing between the conveyance surface and the contact conveyance section. [Aspect 2]

[0078] The bag transfer apparatus as defined in Aspect 1, comprising a control device that controls the conveyance device, wherein the contact conveyance section is provided to be able to move up and down, and wherein when a measurement result of the spacing measurement sensor indicates that the specified feed spacing deviates from an allowable range, the control device stops conveyance of the plurality of bags in the conveyance direction by the conveyance device. [Aspect 3]

[0079] The bag transfer apparatus as defined in Aspect 1 or 2, wherein: the feed device has a swing body that is provided to be able to swing about a swing fulcrum and forms the contact conveyance section, the swing body swings in accordance with up and down movement of the contact conveyance section, and the spacing measurement sensor measures a distance to a portion of the swing body that is located on an opposite side from the contact conveyance section across the swing fulcrum, to detect the specified feed spacing. [Aspect 4]

[0080] The bag transfer apparatus as defined in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, comprising a bag take-out device that takes out a bag from a take-out area, wherein the feed device feeds the most downstream bag toward the take-out area.[Aspect 5]

[0081] A bag transfer method comprising the steps of: transferring a plurality of bags placed on a conveyance surface in a conveyance direction, each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; feeding a most downstream bag in the conveyance direction by a contact conveyance section while the contact conveyance section contacts the most downstream bag from above, the most downstream bag being a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags; measuring a specified feed spacing directly or indirectly, the specified feed spacing being a spacing between the conveyance surface and the contact conveyance section; and controlling conveyance of the plurality of bags in the conveyance direction based on a measurement result of the specified feed spacing.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Referring to the drawings, a typical embodiment of a bag transfer apparatus 10 and a bag transfer method are described.

[0017]In the following description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are based on the conveyance of bags B, unless otherwise specified. Further, unless otherwise specified, the terms "up" and "down" are based on the height direction, and the direction of the action of gravity (the vertical direction) may also be expressed as the downward direction.

[0018]Fig. 1 is a side view showing an example of a bag transfer apparatus 10. Fig. 2 is an enlarged simplified view of a feed device 12 (in particular, a portion in the vicinity of a contact conveyance section C) and a conveyance belt 21 (in particular, a conveyance surface S). In Fig. 2, various elements are schematically illustrated for ease of understanding the device configuration, and illustrations of the swing main body 44 and the like are omitted.

[0019]Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the condi...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to a bag transfer apparatus and a bag transfer method.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In a bag supply device disclosed in Japanese patent application publication No. 2024-27194, in a state in which a plurality of bags are placed on a conveyance belt while being arranged one upon another in the conveying direction in an inclined posture, the plurality of bags are conveyed as a whole by the conveyance belt, whereas a bag located at the most downstream position is selectively fed in the conveying direction by a feed belt (bag separating unit) that makes contact with the bag from above.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In a case where a plurality of bags are conveyed by a conveyance device located downward while the most downstream bag is selectively sent by a feed device located upward as in the device of Japanese patent application publication No. 2024-27194, the feed state of the bags may vary depending on the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device (and thus on the number of bags located between the conveyance device and the feed device).

[0004] Specifically, when the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device is narrow and only a relatively small number of bags exist between the conveyance device and the feed device, it is advantageous for the feed device to separate the most downstream bag from the other bags and then feed it downstream. However, in this case, it takes time for the next most downstream bag to be positioned at a desired downstream location by the feed device. Thus, the next downstream bag may not be provided in time for the process performed by a downstream device (such as a bag feed device), and consequently, it may occur that a bag is not properly fed by a bag take-out device.

[0005] On the other hand, when the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device is wide and a relatively large number of bags exist between the conveyance device and the feed device, it is advantageous for not only the current most downstream bag but also the next most downstream bag to be quickly positioned at a desired downstream position. However, in this case, the accuracy of separating the most downstream bag from the other bags by the feed device deteriorates, potentially causing the most downstream bag to be positioned at the desired downstream position in a state in which the most downstream bag overlaps extensively with another bag. For example, in a case where the downstream device is a bag take-out device (bag feed device), the most downstream bag may be positioned at a desired downstream position without being sufficiently separated from the other bags, resulting in double picking of bags (picking multiple bags at one time) by the bag take-out device.

[0006] As described above, the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device is likely to cause problems if the spacing is either too narrow or too wide, and it is preferable that the conveying and feeding of bags be carried out in a state in which the spacing (and thus, the number of bags located between the conveyance device and the feed device) is maintained within an optimal (allowable) range. On the other hand, the optimal range of the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device is not necessarily fixed and may vary depending on the characteristics of bags (such as thickness, surface properties like friction coefficient, and surface material), the processing capacity of downstream devices, and the device environment (such as humidity). Therefore, an operator (user) determines an optimal value (within an allowable range) of the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device in consideration of various conditions, and operates the devices to maintain the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device within the allowable range.

[0007] To achieve such device operation, device control may be performed to maintain the spacing between the conveyance device and the feed device within a desired range based on the detection results of a proximity sensor that detects whether or not the swing state (height position) of the feed device has exceeded an allowable range. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the allowable range for the distance between the conveyance device and the feed device may vary depending on various conditions, and therefore the operator is required to individually set the allowable range and adjust the mounting position (e.g., height position) of the proximity sensor. However, such adjustments to the mounting position of the proximity sensor are generally performed in units of several millimeters (or even 0.1 millimeters in some cases), and therefore it is not easy to perform such adjustment work stably. In addition, since the adjustment work largely depends on the operator's personal perception, the adjustment work tends to become person-dependent, and it is also difficult to keep records of the adjustment operations for the purpose of information sharing among different operators. Furthermore, such a proximity sensor is often required to be installed in a space where other devices are also present. For example, in a multi-unit machine in which multiple pairs of conveyance devices and feed devices are arranged side by side, it may be difficult for a user to access the limited installation space available for a proximity sensor.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a technique advantageous for at least partially separating and feeding the most downstream bag from a plurality of bags.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a bag transfer apparatus comprising: a conveyance device that has a conveyance surface on which a plurality of bags are to be placed, and conveys the plurality of bags in a conveyance direction, each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; and a feed device having a contact conveyance section that contacts, from above, a most downstream bag which is a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags, the contact conveyance section feeding the most downstream bag in the conveyance direction while contacting the most downstream bag; and a spacing measurement sensor that directly or indirectly measures a specified feed spacing which is a spacing between the conveyance surface and the contact conveyance section.

[0010] The bag transfer apparatus may comprise a control device that controls the conveyance device, wherein the contact conveyance section may be provided to be able to move up and down, and wherein when a measurement result of the spacing measurement sensor may indicate that the specified feed spacing deviates from an allowable range, the control device may stop conveyance of the plurality of bags in the conveyance direction by the conveyance device.

[0011] The feed device may have a swing body that is provided to be able to swing about a swing fulcrum and may form the contact conveyance section, the swing body may swing in accordance with up and down movement of the contact conveyance section, and the spacing measurement sensor may measure a distance to a portion of the swing body that is located on an opposite side from the contact conveyance section across the swing fulcrum, to detect the specified feed spacing.

[0012] The bag transfer apparatus may comprise a bag take-out device that takes out a bag from the take-out area, wherein the feed device may feed the most downstream bag toward the take-out area.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a bag transfer method comprising the steps of: transferring a plurality of bags placed on a conveyance surface in a conveyance direction, each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; feeding a most downstream bag in the conveyance direction by a contact conveyance section while the contact conveyance section contacts the most downstream bag from above, the most downstream bag being a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags; measuring a specified feed spacing directly or indirectly, the specified feed spacing being a spacing between the conveyance surface and the contact conveyance section; and controlling conveyance of the plurality of bags in the conveyance direction based on a measurement result of the specified feed spacing.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is advantageous for at least partially separating and feeding the most downstream bag from a plurality of bags.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Fig. 1 is a side view showing an example of a bag transfer apparatus; Fig. 2 is an enlarged simplified view of a feed device (in particular a portion in the vicinity of a contact conveyance section) and a conveyance belt (in particular, a conveyance surface); Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the state of bags (including the most downstream bag) in a take-out area when the spacing (a specified feed spacing) between the contact conveyance section and the conveyance surface is set relatively large; Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the state of bags (including the most downstream bag) in the take-out area when the spacing (the specified feed spacing) between the contact conveyance section and the conveyance surface is set relatively small; and Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of a bag transfer apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring to the drawings, a typical embodiment of a bag transfer apparatus 10 and a bag transfer method are described.

[0017] In the following description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are based on the conveyance of bags B, unless otherwise specified. Further, unless otherwise specified, the terms "up" and "down" are based on the height direction, and the direction of the action of gravity (the vertical direction) may also be expressed as the downward direction.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a side view showing an example of a bag transfer apparatus 10. Fig. 2 is an enlarged simplified view of a feed device 12 (in particular, a portion in the vicinity of a contact conveyance section C) and a conveyance belt 21 (in particular, a conveyance surface S). In Fig. 2, various elements are schematically illustrated for ease of understanding the device configuration, and illustrations of the swing main body 44 and the like are omitted.

[0019] Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the condition of bags B (including the most downstream bag Bd) in a take-out area Rt when the spacing (a specified feed spacing D) between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S is set relatively large. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the condition of bags B (including the most downstream bag Bd) in the take-out area Rt when the spacing (the specified feed spacing D) between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S is set relatively small. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the bag transfer apparatus 10.

[0020] The bag transfer apparatus 10 of the present example illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 as an example comprises a conveyance device 11, a feed device 12, a spacing measurement sensor 13, a bag take-out device 17 and a control device 15 (see Fig. 4).

[0021] The conveyance device 11 has a conveyance surface S on which a plurality of bags B are placed and conveys the plurality of bags B in a conveyance direction Dc.

[0022] The conveyance device 11 of the present example is configured as a so-called conveyor magazine (bag loading magazine) and includes: an endless conveyance belt 21 supported by a plurality of conveyance rollers; and a conveyance driving unit 20 that rotates a conveyance roller to cause the conveyance belt 21 to travel. The conveyance surface S is formed by a portion of the conveyance belt 21 where the outer exposed surface is directed upward. It is not necessarily required for the entire conveyance surface S to be formed by the conveyance belt 21. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the conveyance surface S near a forward end stopper 50 is not formed by the conveyance belt 21, but is formed by a flat upper end surface of a support member provided in a fixed manner.

[0023] A plurality of bags B (in the present example, empty flat bags) to be conveyed are placed on the conveyance surface S of the conveyance device 11. The plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S are arranged in a so-called shingled manner (i.e., "sashimi"-like manner) in the conveyance direction Dc while taking an inclined posture or a lying posture, and each bag B is placed on the conveyance surface S in such a manner that each bag B overlaps at least partially with another bag B.

[0024] The type of bags B to be transferred by the bag transfer apparatus 10 is not limited to empty flat bags. For example, spout bags, stand-up bags, or other bags of any shape and any configuration may also be transferred using the bag transfer apparatus 10 (the conveyance device 11, the feed device 12 and the bag take-out device 17).

[0025] The feed device 12 has a contact conveyance section C, and the contact conveyance section C makes contact with a bag B located at the foremost position of the plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S in the conveyance direction Dc (i.e., the most downstream bag Bd) from above. The most downstream bag Bd is then conveyed by the feed device 12 in the conveyance direction Dc, in particular, toward the take-out area Rt (in the present example, the most downstream area of the conveyance surface S defined by the forward end stopper 50) in a state in which the contact conveyance section C is in contact with the most downstream bag Bd from above.

[0026] The feed device 12 of the present example includes: a swing body 41 that is provided to be able to swing about a swing fulcrum P and forms the contact conveyance section C; and a feed driving unit 40 that generates a feed force to feed downstream a bag B contacted by the contact conveyance section C downstream. The contact conveyance section C of the swing body 41 is provided to be able to move up and down, and the swing body 41 swings in response to the up / down movement of the contact conveyance section C.

[0027] The swing body 41 shown in Fig. 1 includes: a swing main body 44 extending in a direction not parallel to the height direction and the horizontal direction (in the left-upper / right-lower direction in Fig. 1); a plurality of feed rollers 42 (a driving feed roller 42A and a lower end feed roller 42B) attached respectively to an intermediate portion and a lower-end portion of the swing main body 44; and an endless feed belt 43 supported by the plurality of feed rollers 42.

[0028] The feed roller 42 mounted on the lower end portion of the swing main body 44 (the lower end feed roller 42B) is provided to be able to freely rotate and rotates to follow the movement of the feed belt 43. The portion of the feed belt 43 supported by the lower end feed roller 42B (in particular, the portion closest to the conveyance surface S) forms the contact conveyance section C.

[0029] The rotation axis of the feed roller 42 mounted on the intermediate portion of the swing main body 44 (the driving feed roller 42A) forms the swing fulcrum P of the swing body 41, and the driving feed roller 42A is driven to rotate by the feed driving unit 40, thereby causing the feed belt 43 to travel. The mechanism for transmitting the output (power) from the feed driving unit 40 to the driving feed roller 42A is not limited, and power transmission elements such as a gear may be used.

[0030] The swing main body 44 also includes, in addition to the intermediate portion and the lower end portion to which the aforementioned driving feed roller 42A and lower end feed roller 42B are attached, the upper end portion located on the opposite side of the lower end portion across the intermediate portion, and extends from the intermediate portion towards both the lower end portion side and the upper end portion side. Furthermore, the swing main body 44 is provided to be able to swing about the swing fulcrum P, and, for example, when the lower end portion receives an upward force, the upper end portion rotates about the swing fulcrum P so as to move downward.

[0031] Therefore, for example, when the contact conveyance section C of the feed belt 43 receives an upward force, the contact conveyance section C, the lower end feed roller 42B and the lower end portion of the swing main body 44 pivots upward about the swing fulcrum P, and the upper end portion of the swing main body 44 pivots downward about the swing fulcrum P. Conversely, when the contact conveyance section C, the lower end feed roller 42B and the lower end portion of the swing main body 44 pivot downward around the swing fulcrum P, the upper end portion of the swing main body 44 pivots upward around the swing fulcrum P.

[0032] The spacing measurement sensor 13 directly or indirectly measures the specified feed spacing D, which indicates the spacing between the conveyance surface S and the contact conveyance section C. The spacing measurement sensor 13 of the present example is fixedly installed while being supported by a support frame, and measures a distance (measurement distance M) to a portion of the swing body 41 that is located on the opposite side from the contact conveyance section C across the swinging fulcrum P (i.e., to a measured portion formed by the upper end portion of the swing main body 44), thereby indirectly measuring the specified feed spacing D. The spacing measurement sensor 13 may be configured by a contact-type distance sensor that makes physical contact with the measured portion (the upper end portion of the swing main body 44) of the swing body 41, or may be configured by a non-contact-type distance sensor that does not make physical contact with the measured portion.

[0033] As described above, the swing body 41 is provided to be able to swing about the swing fulcrum P, and the height position of the contact conveyance section C and the height position of various portions of the swing main body 44 (e.g., the measured portion) are mutually related in such a manner that when one height position is determined, the other height position is also determined. Therefore, the distance between the spacing measurement sensor 13 and the measured portion of the swing body 41 changes in accordance with the height position of the contact conveyance section C. Therefore, it is possible to indirectly obtain the specified feed spacing D based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the specified feed spacing D between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S varies depending on the number of bags B between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S (on the total height of the bag(s) B located between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S). However, the minimum value of the specified feed spacing D is set to a fixed value based on the mechanical configuration of the feed device 12. Therefore, even if there are no bags B between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S, there is an interval (minimum spacing) between the contact conveyance section C (feed belt 43) and the conveyance surface S (conveyance belt 21), so that the contact conveyance section C does not come into direct contact with the conveyance surface S.

[0035] The bag take-out device 17 removes the bag B (i.e., the most downstream bag Bd) located in the take-out area Rt, from the take-out area Rt. The specific configuration of the bag take-out device 17 is not limited. The bag take-out device 17 of the present example includes: a take-out suction cup device 17a capable of lifting a bag B located in the take-out area Rt while suctioning the exposed surface (flat side surface) of the bag B; and a take-out driving unit 60 (see Fig. 4) that performs the driving of the suction and the movement (pivot motion) of the take-out suction cup device 17a. The take-out suction cup device 17a has a configuration capable of reciprocally pivoting between a take-out position, which is a relatively lower position, and a delivery position, which is a relatively upper position". The take-out suction cup device 17a sucks and holds a bag B positioned in the take-out area Rt at a take-out position, and transfers the held under suction bag B to a downstream device (e.g., a packaging device, a spout attachment machine, or any other device) at the transfer position.

[0036] Near the take-out area Rt, a positioning unit 55, a forward end stopper 50 and a forward end detection sensor 51 are provided.

[0037] The forward end stopper 50 extends so as to protrude above the conveyance surface S and blocks a bag B (the most downstream bag Bd) from moving further downstream than the take-out area Rt. The forward end detection sensor 51 is a sensor that detects whether a bag B is positioned in the take-out area Rt. The forward end detection sensor 51 may have any configuration, and for example, may include a detection body that is moved due to physical contact with a bag B positioned in the take-out area Rt, or may detect without coming into contact with a bag B positioned in the take-out area Rt.

[0038] The positioning unit 55 is a device for reliably and accurately positioning a bag B (the most downstream bag Bd) in the take-out area Rt, and feeds bags B (in particular, the most downstream bag Bd) on the conveyance surface S downstream. The positioning unit 55 of the present example includes: a positioning roller driven by a positioning driving unit 56 (see Fig. 4); and a plurality of flexible positioning blades protruding radially from the outer circumferential surface of the positioning roller. The positioning roller is driven by the positioning driving unit 56 in such a manner that a bag B on the conveyance surface S is delivered downstream toward the take-out area Rt by a relatively weak force (e.g., within a contact range of approximately 1 mm in the conveyance direction Dc) while a positioning blade is in contact with the exposed surface (upward wall surface) of the bag B. The positioning unit 55 may operate in coordination with the feeding operation of a bag B (the most downstream bag Bd) by the feed device 12 and / or the take-out operation of a bag B by the bag take-out device 17, or may operate continuously without intermittent operational stops, independent of the feeding operation and the take-out operation.

[0039] The positioning unit 55 shown in Fig. 1 is mounted on the bag take-out device 17 and moves integrally with the take-out suction cup device 17a. Specifically, the positioning unit 55 performs pivotal reciprocating motion together with the take-out suction cup device 17a. While the take-out suction cup device 17a is positioned at the transfer position (upper position), the positioning unit 55 is positioned at a location spaced upward from the exposed surface (upward side wall surface) of the most downstream bag Bd on the conveyance surface S (in particular, between the forward end stopper 50 and the contact conveyance section C).

[0040] On the other hand, while the take-out suction cup device 17a is positioned at the take-out position (lower position), the positioning unit 55 is positioned at a location such that the positioning unit 55 is in contact with the exposed surface (upward side wall surface) of the most downstream bag Bd on the conveyance surface S (in particular, between the forward end stopper 50 and the contact conveyance section C) (see Figs. 3A and 3B).

[0041] In a state in which the most downstream bag Bd is positioned in the take-out area Rt, the most downstream bag Bd may at least partially overlap other bags B (e.g., a bag B that is to become the next most downstream bag Bd). In particular, from the perspective of increasing the supply speed of bags B to the take-out area Rt, it is preferable that in a state in which a "current most downstream bag Bd" is positioned in the take-out area Rt, a "bag B that is to become a next most downstream bag Bd" is waiting at a position as close as possible to the take-out area Rt (e.g., the forward end stopper 50).

[0042] The overlapping condition of bags B other than the most downstream bag Bd in the vicinity of the take-out area Rt (in particular, in the range between the forward end stopper 50 and the contact conveyance section C (feed belt 43)) may vary depending on the specified feed spacing D between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S. Specifically, as the specified feed spacing D increases, the tendency for a greater number of bags B to be arranged in an overlapping manner in the vicinity of the take-out area Rt becomes stronger (see Fig. 3A). On the other hand, as the specified feed spacing D becomes smaller, the tendency for fewer bags B to be arranged in an overlapping manner in the vicinity of the take-out area Rt becomes stronger (see Fig. 3B).

[0043] As shown in Fig. 3A, by arranging a greater number of bags B to overlap each other in the vicinity of the take-out area Rt, it is advantageous for improving the supply speed of bags B to the take-out area Rt; however, malfunctions such as multiple-sheet take-out (two-sheet take-out) are more likely to occur. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3B, by arranging fewer number of bags B to overlap each other in the vicinity of the take-out area Rt, it is advantageous for avoiding the occurrence of multiple-sheet take-out issues, but it is disadvantageous for improving the supply speed of bags B to the take-out area Rt, and it also increases the likelihood of improper feeding of bags B by the bag take-out device 17. An operator can determine an appropriate "allowable range for the specified feed spacing D" by considering these advantages and disadvantages.

[0044] The control device 15 receives detection results from various sensors and controls various devices (e.g., the conveyance device 11, the feed device 12, and the bag take-out device 17). The control device 15 of the present example is connected to the spacing measurement sensor 13, the forward end detection sensor 51, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 25, as shown in Fig. 4, and is also connected to the conveyance driving unit 20, the feed driving unit 40, the positioning driving unit 56 and the take-out driving unit 60.

[0045] Specifically, the control device 15 drives the conveyance driving unit 20 to control the conveyance of a plurality of bags B by the conveyance device 11. Furthermore, the control device 15 drives the feed driving unit 40 to control the feed of bags B (in particular, the most downstream bag Bd) by the feed device 12. Furthermore, the control device 15 drives the positioning driving unit 56 to control the positioning of a bag B (the most downstream bag Bd) into the take-out area Rt by the positioning unit 55. Moreover, the control device 15 drives the take-out driving unit 60 so as to control the take-out and delivery of a bag B by the bag take-out device 17.

[0046] The control device 15 may, for example, drive the conveyance driving unit 20, the feed driving unit 40, the positioning driving unit 56 and the take-out driving unit 60 based on the detection results of the forward end detection sensor 51 as will be described below, to control the conveyance of a plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S, the feed of the most downstream bag Bd, the positioning of the most downstream bag Bd in the take-out area Rt, and the take-out of the most downstream bag Bd from the take-out area Rt.

[0047] Furthermore, the control device 15 drives the conveyance driving unit 20 based on the detection results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 as will be described below, to control the conveyance of a plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S. Specifically, when the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D (see Fig. 2) has deviated from an allowable range, the control device 15 performs controls to stop conveyance of the plurality of bags B in the conveyance direction Dc by the conveyance device 11.

[0048] The "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" referred to here can be appropriately set by an operator (user) via the HMI 25. As described above, the optimal value (optimal range) of the spacing (specified feed spacing D; see Fig. 2) between the feed device 12 (in particular, the contact conveyance section C) and the conveyance device 11 (in particular, the conveyance surface S) may vary depending on the characteristics of the bags B, the processing capacity of downstream devices (e.g., the packaging device) and the device environment. Therefore, it is preferable that the specified feed spacing D be appropriately determined by the operator, and in particular, it is preferable that the specified feed spacing D can be adaptively changed in accordance with the operating state of the bag transfer apparatus 10 (e.g., a transfer error condition of bags B).

[0049] As mentioned above, the "specified feed spacing D between the conveyance surface S of the conveyance device 11 and the contact conveyance section C of the feed device 12" and the "measurement distance M between the measured portion of the feed device 12 and the spacing measurement sensor 13" measured by the spacing measurement sensor 13 are mutually correlated. Therefore, the "allowable range of the measurement distance M" and the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" are also correlated, and determining the "allowable range of the measurement distance M" is essentially equivalent to determining the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D". Therefore, an operator may input either the "allowable range of the measurement distance M" or the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" to the HMI 25. In the following description, even in a case where the operator determines the "allowable range of the measurement distance M" and inputs it into the HMI 25, it is regarded as a case where the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" is determined and input to the HMI 25 by the operator.

[0050] The operator may determine the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" at the start of operation of the bag transfer apparatus 10, for example, based on the operator's own experience and / or past operational results, taking into account various conditions such as the characteristics of the bags B, the processing capacity of downstream devices (e.g., the packaging device) and the device environment, and input it to the HMI 25. Additionally, the operator may determine modification of the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" during the ongoing operation of the bag transfer apparatus 10, taking into account the actual operation state of the bag transfer apparatus 10, and input the changed "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" to the HMI 25. In this case, information indicating the actual operation state of the bag transfer apparatus 10 (e.g., a transfer error condition of bags B) may be presented to the operator via the HMI 25. In this case, the operator may determine whether to change the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" and the amount of change based on the presented information.

[0051] Here, the "transfer error condition of bags B" referred to herein corresponds, for example, to a case where the state of a transferred bag B (e.g., its posture or arrangement) is not in a desired state and a case where a bag B is not positioned in the take-out area Rt at the appropriate timing. The method for detecting such a "transfer error condition of bags B" is not limited. For example, the control device 15 may obtain information indicating the "transfer error condition of bags B" based on the detection results of a sensor(s) (not shown) that detects the suction state of the take-out suction cup device 17a (e.g., the detection results of a vacuum sensor that detects the suction pressure of the take-out suction cup device 17a) and / or the state of a bag B (e.g., its posture or arrangement).

[0052] The information (data) indicating the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" input to the HMI 25 in this manner is transmitted from the HMI 25 to the control device 15. The control device 15 controls the bag transfer apparatus 10 (such as the transfer of a plurality of bags B by the conveyance device 11) based on the information regarding the "allowable range of the specified feed spacing D" sent from the HMI 25.[Bag Transfer Method]

[0053] Next, an example of the transfer method of bags B by the bag transfer apparatus 10 is described. The bag transfer method shown below as an example is executed as appropriate by the control device 15 controlling each part of the bag transfer apparatus 10 appropriately.

[0054] The bag transfer method according to the present example includes: a step of transferring a plurality of bags B placed on the conveyance surface S in the conveyance direction Dc by the conveyance device 11 (a conveyance step); and a step of feeding the most downstream bag Bd in the conveyance direction Dc by the contact conveyance section C while the contact conveyance section C is in contact with the most downstream bag Bd among the plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S from above (a feed step). Specifically, the conveyance driving unit 20 drives to cause the conveyance belt 21 to travel, thereby conveying the plurality of bags B placed on the conveyance surface S in the conveyance direction Dc. Additionally, the feed driving unit 40 drives to cause the feed belt 43 to travel, thereby feeding the most downstream bag Bd in the conveyance direction Dc by the contact conveyance section C (the feed belt 43) and positioning the most downstream bag Bd in the take-out area Rt.

[0055] Then, a step (a bag take-out step) where a bag B (the most downstream bag Bd) is removed from the take-out area Rt by the bag take-out device 17 and is transferred to a downstream device (e.g., a packaging device) is performed. The control device 15 controls the bag take-out device 17 (the take-out driving unit 60) in such a manner that when a detection result of the forward end detection sensor 51 indicates that a bag B is positioned in the take-out area Rt, the bag B positioned in the take-out area Rt is held under suction by the take-out suction cup device 17a. On the other hand, the control device 15 may control the bag take-out device 17 (the take-out driving unit 60) in such a manner that, when a detection result of the forward end detection sensor 51 does not indicate that a bag B is positioned in the take-out area Rt, the suction holding process of a bag B by the take-out suction cup device 17a is not performed.

[0056] The above-described conveyance step, the feed step and the bag take-out step are performed repeatedly in conjunction with each other, and the bags B on the conveyance surface S are successively positioned in the take-out area Rt and are successively supplied from the take-out area Rt to a downstream device. As a result, each bag B (in particular, the most downstream bag Bd) can be appropriately separated one by one from a plurality of bags B being in a state of overlapping with each other, and each bag B can be supplied one by one to the downstream device in an appropriate transfer state (posture and arrangement).

[0057] The "state in which bags B on the conveyance surface S are appropriately separated from each other" is not limited to a state in which bags B are completely separated from each other overall, but also includes a state in which bags B are partially overlapped and in contact with each other. The "state in which bags B on the conveyance surface S are appropriately separated from each other" means that two or more bags B are placed in a state such that when a bag B is taken out by the bag take-out device 17, only a desired bag B (i.e., the most downstream bag Bd) is taken out by the bag take-out device 17, and the other bags B are not taken out together with the desired bag B.

[0058] While the conveyance step by the conveyance device 11, the feed step by the feed device 12 and the bag take-out step by the bag take-out device 17 are performed as described above, a step (a spacing measurement step) is performed to directly or indirectly measure the specified feed spacing D, which is the spacing between the conveyance surface S and the contact conveyance section C, using the spacing measurement sensor 13. Then, a step (a conveyance control step) is performed in which the control device 15 controls the conveyance of a plurality of bags B by the conveyance device 11 in the conveyance direction Dc based on the measurement results of the specified feed spacing D.

[0059] Specifically, the control device 15 determines whether the specified feed spacing D is within an allowable range or outside the allowable range based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13, and controls the conveyance of a plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S by the conveyance device 11 in the conveyance direction Dc in accordance with the determination result.

[0060] As a plurality of bags B are conveyed in the conveyance direction Dc by the conveyance device 11, the number of bags B entering between the feed device 12 (the contact conveyance section C) and the conveyance device 11 (the conveyance surface S (the conveyance belt 21)) in an overlapping state with each other. As a result, the overall height of the plurality of bags B located between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S increases, and the contact conveyance section C receives an upward force from the plurality of bags B and moves upward, thereby increasing the specified feed spacing D. Meanwhile, bags B are successively fed downstream from between the feed device 12 (contact conveyance section C) and the conveyance device 11 (conveyance surface S (conveyance belt 21)) by the feed device 12, whereby the number of bags B between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S gradually decreases, the contact conveyance section C gradually moves downward, and the specified feed spacing D becomes smaller.

[0061] The control device 15 monitors the up and down movement of the contact conveyance section C (and thus the size of the specified feed spacing D between the contact conveyance section C and the conveyance surface S) based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13, and controls the conveyance device 11 (conveyance driving unit 20) as necessary to maintain the specified feed spacing D within an allowable range.

[0062] In the present example, for instance, when the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is a value equal to or greater than the upper limit value of the allowable range, the control device 15 controls the conveyance device 11 to stop the conveyance of a plurality of bags B in the conveyance direction Dc by the conveyance device 11. On the other hand, when the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is a value less than the upper limit value of the allowable range, the control device 15 controls the conveyance device 11 in such a manner that the conveyance device 11 conveys a plurality of bags B in the conveyance direction Dc.

[0063] When the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is a value less than the upper limit value of the allowable range and equal to or greater than the lower limit value, the control device 15 may control the conveyance device 11 to stop the conveyance of a plurality of bags B in the conveyance direction Dc by the conveyance device 11. On the other hand, when the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is a value less than the lower limit value of the allowable range, the control device 15 may control the conveyance device 11 in such a manner that the conveyance device 11 continues the conveyance of a plurality of bags B in the conveyance direction Dc.

[0064] The above-described bag transfer method may be implemented in such a manner that the bag transfer apparatus 10 executes the following basic operations as an example.

[0065] Specifically, when "it is not detected by the forward end detection sensor 51 that a bag B has been positioned in the take-out area Rt" and "the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is not equal to or not greater than the upper limit value of the allowable range (hereinafter also referred to as an 'allowable threshold')", the conveyance step of bags B by the conveyance device 11 and the feed step of bags B by the feed device 12 are performed.

[0066] On the other hand, when "it is not detected by the forward end detection sensor 51 that a bag B has been positioned in the take-out area Rt" but "the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13 indicate that the specified feed spacing D is equal to or greater than the allowable threshold", the feed step of bags B by the feed device 12 is performed, but the conveyance step of bags B by the conveyance device 11 is stopped.

[0067] Furthermore, when "it is detected by the forward end detection sensor 51 that a bag B has been positioned in the take-out area Rt", neither the conveyance step of bags B by the conveyance device 11 nor the feed step of bags B by the feed device 12 is performed.

[0068] By repeatedly performing these basic operations, the bag transfer apparatus 10 successively positions bags B (the most downstream bag Bd) each of which is appropriately separated from the other bags B, at the take-out area Rt at appropriate timing. As a result, the bag take-out device 17 can sequentially remove bags B from the take-out area Rt at appropriate timing and supply the removed bags B to a downstream device.

[0069] In the above-described basic operations, each of the downstream conveyance of bags B by the conveyance device 11, the downstream feeding of bags B by the feed device 12, and the take-out of bags B by the bag take-out device 17 may be performed at predetermined timings. Such predetermined timing may be determined under the control of the control device 15 or may be determined independently of the control device 15 (e.g., may be determined by a cam switch controller).

[0070] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the "specified feed spacing D between the conveyance surface S and the contact conveyance section C", which varies depending on the condition of bags B (e.g., the number of bags B or the overlapping condition of bags B) between the conveyance surface S of the conveyance device 11 and the contact conveyance section C of the feed device 12, can be monitored based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13. Then, based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13, for example, by controlling the conveyance of a plurality of bags B on the conveyance surface S by the conveyance device 11, it is possible to adjust the number of bags B (an overlapped condition of bags B) between the conveyance surface S and the contact conveyance section C. This enables the supply and positioning of bags B to the take-out area Rt to be performed with high precision and stability. Further, since it is possible to monitor over time the transfer condition of bags B based on the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13, it is possible to visualize the risk of defects caused by bag feeding and the tendency of bag feeding defects.

[0071] In particular, according to the bag transfer apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, changing the allowable range of the measurement results obtained by the spacing measurement sensor 13 makes it possible to appropriately deal with a change in the optimum value (optimum range) of "the specified feed spacing D between the conveyance surface S and the contact conveyance section C", such as when the type of the bags B to be transferred is changed. In this manner, changing the "setting value of the allowable range of the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13" makes it possible to address changes in the optimal value of the specified feed spacing D, it is possible to manage the numerical values of the "allowable range of the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13". Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to respond quickly and appropriately to changes in transfer conditions, such as changes in the type of bags B to be transferred. Additionally, by managing the numerical values of the "allowable range of the measurement results of the spacing measurement sensor 13", it becomes easier to maintain past records of the allowable range and makes it possible to easily share information among operators. This makes it possible to easily realize control support of multiple product types by the bag transfer apparatus 10.

[0072] Furthermore, the "adjustment of the mounting position of a proximity sensor in response to changes in the optimal value of the specified feed spacing D", which was previously required in conventional technologies, is unnecessary in the bag transfer apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user's workload and work time (workload and work time required for adjusting the position of a sensor) can be significantly reduced, tools required for adjusting the position of a sensor are unnecessary, and it is also possible to prevent the adjustment work from becoming dependent on individual operators. In particular, in cases where it is difficult for a user to access the peripheral regions of the conveyance device 11 and the feed device 12 of each pair as in a multi-array machine where a plurality of pairs of conveyance devices 11 and feed devices 12 are arranged side by side, the bag transfer apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, in which accessing the peripheral regions for sensor position adjustment itself is unnecessary, is highly advantageous.

[0073] Further, in the present embodiment, the upper end portion of the swing main body 44 that is located on the opposite side from the contact conveyance section C across the swinging fulcrum P, is used as the "measured portion to be detected by the spacing measurement sensor 13". Therefore, space for installing the spacing measurement sensor 13 can be easily secured, and the installation of the spacing measurement sensor 13 is facilitated. Furthermore, by the swing body 41 having a configuration in which the swing body 41 extends not only downward but also upward via the swinging fulcrum P, it is possible to adjust the center of gravity position of the swing body 41 and adjust the swinging characteristics (for example, ease of swinging motion) of the swing body 41 to desired characteristics. Furthermore, by changing the ratio of the "distance between the swing fulcrum P and the measured portion" to the "distance between the swing fulcrum P and the contact conveyance section C", it is possible to adjust the detection accuracy (detection resolution) of the spacing measurement sensor 13. For example, by making the "distance between the swing fulcrum P and the measured portion" larger than the "distance between the swing fulcrum P and the contact conveyance section C" (in particular, the longer the "distance between the swing fulcrum P and the measured portion"), it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy (detection resolution) by the spacing measurement sensor 13.

[0074] It should be noted that the embodiments and variations disclosed in the present specification are merely illustrative in all respects and are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. The above-described embodiments and variations can be omitted, substituted, and changed in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. For instance, the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined in whole or in part, and embodiments other than those described above may also be combined with the above-described embodiments or variations. Further, the effects of the present disclosure described in the present specification are merely illustrative, and other effects may also be achieved.

[0075] The technical categories for embodying the above-described technical concepts are not limited. For example, the above-described technical concepts may be embodied by a computer program for causing a computer to execute one or more procedures (steps) included in a method for manufacturing or using the above-described apparatus. Further, the above-described technical concepts may be embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which such a computer program is recorded.[Additional Notes]

[0076] The following configuration aspects also fall within the scope of the present disclosure technology.[Aspect 1]

[0077] A bag transfer apparatus comprising: a conveyance device that has a conveyance surface on which a plurality of bags are to be placed, and conveys the plurality of bags in a conveyance direction, each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; a feed device having a contact conveyance section that contacts, from above, a most downstream bag which is a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags, the contact conveyance section feeding the most downstream bag in the conveyance direction while contacting the most downstream bag; and a spacing measurement sensor that directly or indirectly measures a specified feed spacing which is a spacing between the conveyance surface and the contact conveyance section. [Aspect 2]

[0078] The bag transfer apparatus as defined in Aspect 1, comprising a control device that controls the conveyance device, wherein the contact conveyance section is provided to be able to move up and down, and wherein when a measurement result of the spacing measurement sensor indicates that the specified feed spacing deviates from an allowable range, the control device stops conveyance of the plurality of bags in the conveyance direction by the conveyance device. [Aspect 3]

[0079] The bag transfer apparatus as defined in Aspect 1 or 2, wherein: the feed device has a swing body that is provided to be able to swing about a swing fulcrum and forms the contact conveyance section, the swing body swings in accordance with up and down movement of the contact conveyance section, and the spacing measurement sensor measures a distance to a portion of the swing body that is located on an opposite side from the contact conveyance section across the swing fulcrum, to detect the specified feed spacing. [Aspect 4]

[0080] The bag transfer apparatus as defined in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, comprising a bag take-out device that takes out a bag from a take-out area, wherein the feed device feeds the most downstream bag toward the take-out area.[Aspect 5]

[0081] A bag transfer method comprising the steps of: transferring a plurality of bags placed on a conveyance surface in a conveyance direction, each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; feeding a most downstream bag in the conveyance direction by a contact conveyance section while the contact conveyance section contacts the most downstream bag from above, the most downstream bag being a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags; measuring a specified feed spacing directly or indirectly, the specified feed spacing being a spacing between the conveyance surface and the contact conveyance section; and controlling conveyance of the plurality of bags in the conveyance direction based on a measurement result of the specified feed spacing.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Referring to the drawings, a typical embodiment of a bag transfer apparatus 10 and a bag transfer method are described.

[0017]In the following description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are based on the conveyance of bags B, unless otherwise specified. Further, unless otherwise specified, the terms "up" and "down" are based on the height direction, and the direction of the action of gravity (the vertical direction) may also be expressed as the downward direction.

[0018]Fig. 1 is a side view showing an example of a bag transfer apparatus 10. Fig. 2 is an enlarged simplified view of a feed device 12 (in particular, a portion in the vicinity of a contact conveyance section C) and a conveyance belt 21 (in particular, a conveyance surface S). In Fig. 2, various elements are schematically illustrated for ease of understanding the device configuration, and illustrations of the swing main body 44 and the like are omitted.

[0019]Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the condi...

Claims

1. A bag transfer apparatus comprising: a conveyance device that has a conveyance surface on which a plurality of bags are to be placed, and conveys the plurality of bags in a conveyance direction, each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; a feed device having a contact conveyance section that contacts, from above, a most downstream bag which is a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags, the contact conveyance section feeding the most downstream bag in the conveyance direction while contacting the most downstream bag; and a spacing measurement sensor that directly or indirectly measures a specified feed spacing which is a spacing between the conveyance surface and the contact conveyance section.

2. The bag transfer apparatus as defined in claim 1, comprising a control device that controls the conveyance device, wherein the contact conveyance section is provided to be able to move up and down, and wherein when a measurement result of the spacing measurement sensor indicates that the specified feed spacing deviates from an allowable range, the control device stops conveyance of the plurality of bags in the conveyance direction by the conveyance device.

3. The bag transfer apparatus as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein: the feed device has a swing body that is provided to be able to swing about a swing fulcrum and forms the contact conveyance section, the swing body swings in accordance with up and down movement of the contact conveyance section, and the spacing measurement sensor measures a distance to a portion of the swing body that is located on an opposite side from the contact conveyance section across the swing fulcrum, to detect the specified feed spacing.

4. The bag transfer apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a bag take-out device that takes out a bag from a take-out area, wherein the feed device feeds the most downstream bag toward the take-out area.

5. A bag transfer method comprising the steps of: transferring a plurality of bags placed on a conveyance surface in a conveyance direction, each of the plurality of bags at least partially overlapping another bag; feeding a most downstream bag in the conveyance direction by a contact conveyance section while the contact conveyance section contacts the most downstream bag from above, the most downstream bag being a bag located at a foremost position in the conveyance direction among the plurality of bags; measuring a specified feed spacing directly or indirectly, the specified feed spacing being a spacing between the conveyance surface and the contact conveyance section; and controlling conveyance of the plurality of bags in the conveyance direction based on a measurement result of the specified feed spacing.

Images