Packaging device

Abstract

To provide a packaging device capable of reducing defective welding of a film.SOLUTION: The packaging device packages an object to be packaged with films. The packaging device includes a pressing member 16 for pressing two films interposing the object to be packaged against a reception part 4 at an upstream side of the object to be packaged conveyed to a predetermined position, a deposit cutting-off heater 10 coming in contact with the films at an upstream side of the pressing member 16 to thermally weld the films, and a support member for supporting the pressing member 16 and the deposit cutting-off heater 10 to be movable between a standby position where the pressing member 16 and the deposit cutting-off heater 10 are separated from the films and a welding position where they are brought into contact with the films. The pressing member 16 is supported by the support member 20 so as to be relatively movable to the deposit cutting-off heater 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Packaging devices that wrap newspapers in polyethylene or other films to protect them from rain are used in newspaper stores. For example, the packaging device in Patent Document 1 stacks film pulled from two film rolls, sandwiches a newspaper folded in four between the film rolls, and seals the films together around the newspaper to wrap it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-074975 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a conventional packaging device such as that described in Patent Document 1, the films pulled out from the two film rolls are pressed against a receiving section by a shutter for closing the newspaper insertion opening, so that the films are in close contact with each other upstream of the welding and cutting heater. However, the films from the two film rolls are not in close contact with each other at the welding and cutting heater, and therefore, although they are cut by the welding and cutting heater, they may not be welded together or may only be partially welded together. In other words, poor welding of the films may occur.

[0005] Such problems may arise not only when the packaging device is packaging newspapers, but also when packaging other types of items.

[0006] The present invention has been made in light of the above circumstances, and one exemplary purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a packaging device that can reduce welding defects of a film. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a packaging device that packages an item to be packaged in a film, and includes a presser member that presses two sheets of film sandwiching the item against a receiving portion upstream of the item to be packaged transported to a predetermined position, a heater that contacts the films and thermally seals the films together upstream of the presser member, and a support member that supports the presser member and the heater and is movable between a standby position where the presser member and the heater are separated from the film and a sealing position where the presser member and the heater are in contact with the film. The presser member is supported by the support member so as to be movable relative to the heater.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is also a packaging device. The packaging device includes a presser member that presses two films sandwiching the packaged article against a receiving section upstream of the packaged article transported to a predetermined position, a heater that contacts the films and heat-welds the films together upstream of the presser member, and a support member that supports the presser member and the heater and is movable between a standby position where the presser member and the heater are separated from the films and a welding position where the presser member and the heater are in contact with the films. When the support member is in the standby position, the distance between the presser member and the receiving section is equal to or less than the distance between the heater and the receiving section.

[0009] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is also a packaging device. This device is a packaging device that packages an object to be packaged with a film, and includes a pressing member for bringing two sheets of film sandwiching the object to be packaged closer to each other upstream of the object to be packaged transported to a predetermined position, a heater for contacting the films and heat-sealing the films upstream of the pressing member, and a support member for supporting the pressing member and the heater and movable between a standby position where the heater is separated from the film and a welding position where the heater is in contact with the film. When the support member is in the welding position, there is a gap between the pressing member and the receiving part. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, a packaging device capable of reducing poor welding of a film can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a packaging device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the packaging device of FIG. 1 at the center in the width direction. [Diagram 3] 3 is a perspective view of the welding and cutting unit of FIG. 2 as viewed from the downstream side. [Figure 4] 3 is a view of the welding and cutting unit in FIG. 2 as seen from the width direction. [Diagram 5] 5(a) to (f) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the welding and cutting unit in chronological order. [Figure 6] 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to characteristic control by the control unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 8(a) to 8(f) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the welding and cutting unit in chronological order. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are views showing a welding and cutting unit and a receiving portion according to a modified example. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a welding and cutting unit and a receiving portion according to another modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a problem of yet another modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a welding and cutting unit according to still another modified example, as viewed from the downstream side. [Figure 13] 13 is a view of the welding and cutting unit in FIG. 12 as viewed in the width direction. [Figure 14] 14(a) to (f) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the welding and cutting unit according to this modified example in chronological order. [Figure 15] 15(a) and (b) are diagrams showing a welding and cutting unit according to a further modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention, and all features and combinations described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent components, parts, and processes shown in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0013] 1 is a perspective view of a packaging device 1 according to an embodiment. The packaging device 1 is a device for packaging flat-shaped objects in a packaging film. In this embodiment, a case where the packaging device 1 packages a newspaper S as an object to be packaged will be described.

[0014] The newspaper S folded in four is inserted into the packaging device 1 through the insertion port 2 with the short side facing the width direction. The newspaper S is inserted into the insertion slot 2. A guide plate 2a is provided at the insertion slot 2 to guide the bottom surface and both sides in the width direction (left and right) of the newspaper S to be inserted, making it easy for the user to insert the newspaper S by hand. In this embodiment, the user inserts the newspaper S by hand, but instead of the guide plate 2a, a device that automatically supplies the newspapers S one copy at a time may be provided for automatic supply.

[0015] The inserted newspaper S is transported in the direction of the arrow within the packaging device 1 while being sandwiched between films pulled out from the upper film roll R1 and the lower film roll R2, and the films are heat-sealed around the newspaper S to wrap it. The newspaper S is then discharged from the discharge outlet 43 and stacked sequentially on the receiving plate 44.

[0016] In this specification, the side of the insertion opening 2 in the transport path of the newspaper S from the insertion opening 2 to the discharge opening 43 is referred to as the upstream side, and the side of the discharge opening 43 is referred to as the downstream side.

[0017] An operation panel 45 is provided on one side in the width direction of the top surface of the packaging device 1. The operation panel 45 functions as an input unit that accepts various inputs related to the packaging process and also functions as a display unit that displays various information. A power switch 46 for turning on the power to the packaging device 1 is provided on one side in the width direction on the side surface of the insertion opening 2 side of the packaging device 1.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view at the center in the width direction of the packaging device 1. In Fig. 2, an insertion opening 2 is formed on the right side of the packaging device 1, and a discharge opening 43 is formed on the left side. The insertion opening 2 is closed by a shutter 3. The shutter 3 is a plate-shaped member extending in the width direction. The shutter 3 is rotatable about a fulcrum 3a.

[0019] The shutter 3 is biased toward the upstream side (counterclockwise in FIG. 2) by a biasing means not shown in FIG. 2. This causes the lower end of the shutter 3 to be pressed against the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 below the shutter 3. Note that it is also possible to have the shutter 3 press against the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 by its own weight without providing a biasing means. When the newspaper S is inserted through the insertion opening 2, the leading edge of the newspaper S pushes the shutter 3, causing it to rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2, and a gap is created between the shutter 3 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4. The newspaper S passes through this gap and is inserted further downstream.

[0020] A welding and cutting unit 5 is disposed above the receiving part 4 on the downstream side of the shutter 3 (left side in FIG. 2). In FIG. 2, only the welding and cutting heater 10 is shown among the components of the welding and cutting unit 5. The welding and cutting unit 5 is configured to be movable between a standby position (position in FIG. 2) where the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10 is separated from the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4, and a welding position where the lower end reaches the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4. The welding and cutting heater 10 is formed, for example, from aluminum or an aluminum alloy that has good thermal conductivity and is lightweight. The lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10 is formed at an acute angle. A rubber heater (not shown) is baked and fixed to the welding and cutting heater 10, and the rubber heater can be heated by passing electricity through it.

[0021] A film roll R1 is supported above the welding and cutting unit 5, and a film roll R2 is supported below it. The film rolls R1 and R2 are formed by winding a long thermoplastic resin film such as polyethylene around a core (for example, a paper tube). A film F1 is pulled out from the film roll R1 and hung on guides 31 and 32, with its leading end positioned below the welding and cutting unit 5. A film F2 is pulled out from the film roll R2 and hung on a guide 33, with its leading end positioned below the welding and cutting unit 5. The films F1 and F2 are formed to be slightly wider than the length of the long side of the newspaper S folded in four. The leading ends of the films F1 and F2 were welded together in the previous packaging operation, forming a welding line Fx.

[0022] Conveyor belts 34 and 35 are provided downstream of the welding and cutting unit 5 and the receiving section 4. Each of the conveyor belts 34, 35 is arranged in pairs in the width direction with an interval shorter than the long side of the newspaper S. The conveyor belt 34 is arranged above the conveyor belt 35. When the motor M1 rotates, a driving force is applied to the conveyor belt 35 via a drive transmission mechanism 37. When the motor M1 rotates, a driving force is applied to the conveyor belt 34 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown). The conveyor belts 34, 35 are driven in an orbit with the newspaper S sandwiched between the films F1, F2, and the newspaper S is transported downstream together with the films F1, F2.

[0023] A side welding heater 41 and a receiving portion 42 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the conveyor belts 34, 35. The side welding heater 41 and the receiving portion 42 are formed long along the conveyor belts 34, 35, respectively.

[0024] Side welding heater 41 is configured to be movable between a standby position (position in FIG. 2) where its lower end is separated from receiving portion 42 and a welding position where its lower end has reached receiving portion 42. Side welding heater 41 is formed, for example, like welding cut heater 10, from lightweight aluminum or aluminum alloy to which a rubber heater is fixed by baking, and its lower end is formed at an acute angle.

[0025] A first sensor 50 is disposed upstream of the welding and cutting unit 5, a second sensor 52 is disposed downstream of the welding and cutting unit 5 and upstream of the receiving section 4, and a third sensor 54 is disposed near the discharge outlet 43. The sensors 50, 52, 54 can detect the leading or trailing end of the newspaper S at their respective positions.

[0026] The control unit 60 comprehensively controls the packaging device 1. Specifically, the control unit 60 controls actuators such as the motor M1 that drive each mechanism, heaters for welding the film, and the display of information on the operation panel 45. For example, the control unit 60 starts and stops the circular driving of the conveyor belts 34, 35 based on the detection results of the newspaper S by the sensors 50, 52, and 54.

[0027] The operation of the packaging device 1 configured as above will be described. When the newspaper S is inserted from the insertion opening 2, the conveyor belts 34, 35 start rotating. When the newspaper S pushes aside the shutter 3 and reaches the conveyor belts 34, 35, the newspaper S is conveyed by the conveyor belts 34, 35, and stops at a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as the packaging processing position) where the rear end of the newspaper S passes the welding and cutting unit 5. The welding and cutting unit 5 (welding and cutting heater 10) and the side welding heater 41 are lowered from the standby position to the welding position, and the films F1, F2 are sandwiched between the heaters 10, 41 and the receiving parts 4, 42, and the films F1, F2 are thermally welded. The side welding heater 41 is raised to the standby position. The circular driving of the conveyor belts 34, 35 is resumed to resume transportation. Since the welding and cutting unit 5 (welding and cutting heater 10) is at the welding position, the films F1, F2 are cut at the welding position.

[0028] Both sides of the films F1 and F2 in the width direction are welded by the side welding heaters 41, the upstream side (i.e., the rear end side of the newspaper S) is welded and cut by the welding and cutting unit 5, and the downstream side (the leading end side of the newspaper S) was welded in the previous packaging process. Therefore, by these operations, the films F1 and F2 are welded around the newspaper S, and a package of the newspaper S is obtained.

[0029] The wrapped newspaper S is transported by the transport belts 34, 35 and discharged from the discharge port 43. After the newspaper S is discharged, the rotational drive of the transport belts 34, 35 is stopped. The welding and cutting unit 5 rises to the standby position.

[0030] The above is the basic configuration and operation of the packaging device 1. Next, the configuration of the welding and cutting unit 5 will be described in more detail.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the welding and cutting unit 5 in Fig. 2 as viewed from the downstream side. Fig. 4 is a view of the welding and cutting unit 5 as viewed from the width direction. The welding and cutting unit 5 includes a welding and cutting heater 10, a plurality of pressing members 16, and a support member 20. The support member 20 includes a first support member 22 and two second support members 24.

[0032] The first support member 22 is a member that is long in the width direction and supports the welding and cutting heater 10. The welding and cutting heater 10 is a plate-shaped member that is long in the width direction. The length of the welding and cutting heater 10 in the width direction is longer than the width of the films F1, F2. Although not particularly limited, the welding and cutting heater 10 has an inverted L-shaped cross section perpendicular to the width direction in this embodiment.

[0033] The two second support members 24 are members that are long in the width direction. The two second support members 24 are supported by the first support member 22 with a gap between them in the width direction. By leaving a gap between them in the width direction, for example, an optical axis of a sensor for detecting the newspaper S can be passed between them. The two second support members 24 each support a plurality of pressing members 16 that are aligned in a line in the width direction. The pressing members 16 in this embodiment are rotating bodies that are supported to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction. In the illustrated example, the pressing members 16 are cylindrical rollers. Preferably, the pressing members 16 are arranged so that the width-direction range R in which they are provided is longer than the length of the long side of the newspaper S folded in four.

[0034] At both ends in the width direction of the second support member 24, vertically long holes 24a extending in the up-down direction are formed. The support posts 26 protrude from the first support member 22. The support posts 26 are inserted into the long holes 24a in a state in which they are prevented from coming off. This allows the second support member 24 to move vertically relative to the first support member 22 while being guided by the support posts 26. The second support member 24 is biased downward, i.e., toward the films F1, F2, by a spring 28, one end of which is fixed to the second support member 24 and the other end of which is fixed to the first support member 22. Therefore, the multiple pressing members 16 supported by the second support member 24 can move vertically relative to the first support member 22 and thus the welding and cutting heater 10, and are biased toward the films F1, F2.

[0035] The multiple pressing members 16 are supported by support members 20 so as to press the film against the receiving section 4 upstream of the articles to be packaged at the packaging processing position. The welding and cutting heater 10 is supported by support members 20 so as to contact the film upstream of the pressing members 16. The upper surface 4a of the receiving section 4 is a flat horizontal surface, and the height position of the portion of the upper surface 4a that receives the pressing members 16 is the same as the height position of the portion of the upper surface 4a that receives the welding and cutting heater 10.

[0036] Brackets 30 are fixed to both ends of the first support member 22 in the width direction. A support shaft 18 extending vertically is inserted into the bracket 30. A shutter retainer 12 is formed integrally with the lower end of the support shaft 18. A spring 14 is interposed between the bracket 30 and the shutter retainer 12, and the shutter retainer 12 is urged downward by the elastic force of the spring 14. The shutter retainer 12 abuts against the shutter 3 (not shown in Figures 3 and 4) from above, and urges the shutter 3 upstream (counterclockwise in Figure 2).

[0037] The above is the detailed configuration of the welding and cutting unit 5. Next, the operation of the welding and cutting unit 5 will be described. 5(a) to (f) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the welding and cutting unit 5 in chronological order. In FIG. 5(a), the welding and cutting unit 5 is in the standby position. In this state, the newspaper S is inserted into the packaging device 1. The standby position is at a height where the presser member 16 and the welding and cutting heater 10 do not come into contact with the inserted newspaper S. In the standby position, the presser member 16 is located closer to the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 than the welding and cutting heater 10. Specifically, in the standby position, the distance L1 between the presser member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 is shorter than the distance L2 between the welding and cutting heater 10 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4. In this embodiment, the lower end of the presser member 16 is closer to the welding and cutting heater 10 than the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4. or lower than the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10. The inserted newspaper S is transported downstream by transport belts 35 and 36 (not shown in FIG. 5(a)) and stops at the wrapping process position.

[0038] 5(b), the support member 20 descends (i.e., moves toward the receiving part 4), and accordingly the presser member 16 and the welding and cutting heater 10 descend. At this time, the presser member 16 and the welding and cutting heater 10 descend without moving relative to each other.

[0039] In FIG. 5(c), the support member 20 is further lowered. The pressing member 16 has reached the receiving portion 4, and therefore the pressing member 16 does not lower any further. The material of the receiving portion 4 is not particularly limited, but at least the material is one that is not substantially deformed, i.e., does not become concave, even when pressed downward by the pressing member 16. On the other hand, the welding and cutting heater 10 is lowered as the bracket is lowered. That is, the pressing member 16 moves relative to the welding and cutting heater 10. The upstream side of the welding and cutting heater 10, the films F1 and F2, are pressed against the receiving portion 4 by the shutter 3, and the downstream side of the welding and cutting heater 10, are pressed against the receiving portion 4 by the pressing member 16. Therefore, the films F1 and F2 are in close contact with each other at the position to be welded by the welding and cutting heater 10, i.e., below the welding and cutting heater 10.

[0040] 5(d), the welding / cutting heater 10 has reached the receiving portion 4. That is, the welding / cutting heater 10 has reached the welding position. The welding / cutting heater 10 comes into contact with the films F1 and F2, which are in close contact with each other, and thermally welds them together.

[0041] 5(e), when the newspaper S is transported downstream, the films F1 and F2 are cut at the welding position of the welding and cutting heater 10. At this time, the films F1 and F2 are pressed against the receiving part 4, but since the pressing member 16 is rotatable, the films F1 and F2 can slip through between the pressing member 16 and the receiving part 4.

[0042] 5(f), the welding and cutting unit 5 rises toward the standby position. Specifically, the welding and cutting heater 10 first moves away from the receiving portion 4, and then the pressing member 16 moves away from the receiving portion 4.

[0043] The above is the operation of the welding and cutting unit 5. Next, the control section 60 will be described in more detail, focusing on its characteristic control.

[0044] 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 60. Each block shown here can be realized in terms of hardware by elements and mechanical devices such as a computer's CPU and memory, and in terms of software by a computer program, etc., but here, functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these are depicted. Those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0045] The control unit 60 includes a transport control unit 62 that controls the transport of the newspaper S, a welding control unit 64 that controls the welding and cutting unit 5, and a storage unit 66 that stores various data.

[0046] When the first sensor 50 detects the leading end of the newspaper S, the transport control unit 62 starts the rotation of the transport belts 34, 35. The transport control unit 62 stops the rotation of the transport belts 34, 35 at a predetermined timing after the first sensor 50 detects the trailing end of the newspaper S. The predetermined timing is the timing when a pulse output unit (not shown), which outputs pulses according to the amount of movement of the transport belts 34, 35, outputs a predetermined number N of pulses. The predetermined number N is stored in the memory unit 66.

[0047] It is possible to stop the rotation of the conveyor belts 34, 35 based on the detection result of the second sensor 52 provided downstream of the welding and cutting unit 5, but in that case the newspaper S would stop at a position relatively far away from the welding and cutting unit 5, making the distance from the rear end of the newspaper S to the welding position longer and wasting the films F1, F2. For this reason, the conveyor control unit 62 stops the rotation of the conveyor belts 34, 35 based on the detection result of the first sensor 50 provided upstream of the welding and cutting unit 5.

[0048] Incidentally, the newspaper S sandwiched between the films F1, F2 is relatively slippery, and when the rotation of the conveyor belts 34, 35 is stopped, the newspaper S slides along the conveyor belts 34, 35 due to inertia before stopping. Therefore, in order to stop the newspaper S at a desired position, it is necessary to take into consideration the distance that the newspaper slides due to inertia. Note that the thicker the newspaper S, i.e., the heavier it is, the greater the inertia force will naturally be, and therefore the longer the sliding distance when stopped.

[0049] If the rotation of the conveyor belts 34, 35 is stopped at a timing appropriate for a thin, i.e., light newspaper S, then when a thick newspaper S is inserted, the newspaper will stop at a position relatively far away from the welding and cutting unit 5, and the distance from the rear end of the newspaper S to the welding position will be long. In this case, the films F1, F2 are wasted, which is uneconomical, and the film will be too long compared to the length of the newspaper S, which will also reduce the appearance and ease of handling. Therefore, the conveyor control unit 62 stops the rotation of the conveyor belts 34, 35 at a timing appropriate for a thick newspaper S. This reduces the waste of the films F1, F2. In addition, the film will not be too long compared to the length of the newspaper S, ensuring good appearance and ease of handling.

[0050] However, if a thin newspaper S is inserted when matching with a thick newspaper S, there is a possibility that the thin newspaper S will stop before passing through the welding and cutting unit 5. In this case, the transport control unit 62 "re-transports" the newspaper S, that is, causes the transport belts 34, 35 to rotate again to transport the newspaper S downstream of the welding and cutting unit 5.

[0051] Specifically, if the second sensor 52 detects the newspaper S even after the rotation of the conveyor belts 34, 35 has been stopped, the conveying control unit 62 determines that the newspaper S has stopped before passing through the welding and cutting unit 5, and performs re-conveyance.

[0052] When the transport control unit 62 executes re-transport, when packaging the next newspaper S, it delays the timing at which the rotation of the transport belts 34, 35 is stopped after the first sensor 50 detects the rear end of the newspaper S. Specifically, the transport control unit 62 increments the predetermined number N that determines the timing at which the rotation of the transport belts 34, 35 is stopped by one pulse. In other words, the predetermined number N=N+1. This optimizes the timing at which the rotation of the transport belts 34, 35 is stopped in accordance with the thickness of the newspaper S. The transport control unit 62 resets the predetermined number N to its initial value when the packaging device 1 is restarted or a reset button (not shown) is pressed.

[0053] Next, the operation related to the above-mentioned characteristic control will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart explaining the operation. The process of Fig. 7 is executed every time the user inserts the newspaper S into the packaging device 1.

[0054] The conveyance control unit 62 sets the re-conveyance flag Flag to 0 (S10). As will be described later, the re-conveyance flag Flag is set to 1 when re-conveyance is executed.

[0055] When the first sensor 50 detects the newspaper S (S12), the transport control unit 62 starts the rotation of the transport belts 34, 35 (S14). When the first sensor 50 no longer detects the newspaper S (S16), the transport control unit 62 waits until a predetermined number N of pulses (for example, pulses equivalent to 30 msec) are output. When the predetermined number N of pulses has been output (Y of S18), the transport control unit 62 stops the rotation of the transport belts 34, 35 (S20).

[0056] The process waits until a predetermined time (for example, 120 msec) has elapsed since the first sensor 50 no longer detects the newspaper S, i.e., since the process of S16 has been executed (N in S22), and proceeds to the next step after the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S22).

[0057] If the second sensor 52 has not detected the newspaper S, that is, if the newspaper S has already passed through the welding and cutting unit 5 (N in S24), S26 to S32 are skipped and the process proceeds to S34.

[0058] If the second sensor 52 detects the newspaper S, i.e., if the newspaper S stops before passing through the welding and cutting unit 5 (Y in S24), the conveying control unit 62 sets the re-conveying flag Flag to 1 (S26) and starts the rotation (i.e., re-conveying) of the conveying belts 34, 35 (S28).

[0059] If the second sensor 52 does not detect the newspaper S before a predetermined pulse (for example, a pulse equivalent to 5 mm) is output (Y in S30), the transport control unit 62 stops the rotation of the transport belts 34, 35 (i.e., ends the re-transport) (S32).

[0060] If the second sensor 52 continues to detect the newspaper S even after a predetermined pulse (for example, a pulse equivalent to 5 mm) is output (N in S30), the conveying control unit 62 stops the rotation of the conveying belts 34, 35 (i.e., ends re-conveyance) (S48), displays a jam error on the operation panel 45 (S50), and the process ends.

[0061] The welding control unit 64 lowers the welding and cutting unit 5 to thermally weld the films F1, F2 (S34). The transport control unit 62 starts the rotation of the transport belts 34, 35 (S36). When the third sensor 54 detects the newspaper S (S38) and then the third sensor 54 no longer detects the newspaper S (i.e., the newspaper S is discharged) (S40), the transport control unit 62 stops the rotation of the transport belts 34, 35 (S42).

[0062] When re-conveyance is performed (re-conveyance flag Flag=1) (Y in S44), the predetermined number N is incremented by one pulse, i.e., N=N+1 (S46), and the process ends. If the time from S12 to S16 is abnormally longer than normal, it is possible that the films F1 and F2 are slipping significantly relative to the conveyor belts 34 and 35 due to some cause (for example, the newspaper S is inserted at an angle, the newspaper S is bent, etc.). In this case, the films F1 and F2 may continue to slip significantly after passing the first sensor 50, and as a result, may be detected by the second sensor 52 in S24. If the predetermined number N is incremented even in such an exceptional case, the amount of film used in packaging the newspaper S thereafter will increase, which is uneconomical, so in this case, it is not necessary to increment it.

[0063] If re-transport has not been executed (re-transport flag Flag=0) (N in S44), S46 is skipped and the process ends.

[0064] Next, the effects achieved by this embodiment will be described.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the two films sandwiching the packaged product are pressed against the receiving section by the pressing member 16 upstream of the packaged product conveyed to the packaging processing position, and further upstream, the films F1 and F2 are thermally welded by the welding and cutting heater 10. That is, the films F1 and F2 are pressed against the receiving section 4 downstream of the welding and cutting heater 10. As a result, at the position where the films are welded by the welding and cutting heater 10, the films F1 and F2 are pressed against the receiving section 4. The films F1 and F2 are in close contact with each other, thereby preventing poor welding.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the presser member 16 comes into contact with the films F1, F2 before the welding and cutting heater 10. That is, the welding and cutting heater 10 comes into contact with the films F1, F2 in a state in which the films F1, F2 are pressed against the receiving part 4 by the presser member 16. This makes it possible to further prevent the occurrence of welding defects compared to the case where this is not the case.

[0067] In this embodiment, as described above, the welding and cutting heater 10 is brought into contact with the films F1, F2 while the presser member 16 is pressing down on the films F1, F2, but in this configuration, if the welding and cutting heater 10 is to be separated from the films F1, F2 after the presser member 16 is separated from the films F1, F2, the configuration of the welding and cutting unit becomes complicated. In contrast, in this embodiment, the welding and cutting heater 10 is separated from the films F1, F2 after the presser member 16 is separated from the films F1, F2, so the problem of the configuration becoming complicated as described above does not occur.

[0068] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the presser members 16 are rotatable bodies, so that the newspapers S can be transported while the presser members 16 are pressing down the films F1, F2.

[0069] The present invention has been described above based on an embodiment. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each processing step, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Such modifications will be described below.

[0070] (Variation 1) In the embodiment, the case where the films F1, F2 are pressed against the receiving portion 4 on both the upstream side and the downstream side of the welding and cutting heater 10 has been described, but as long as at least the downstream side of the welding and cutting heater 10 is pressed, it is not necessary to press the films F1, F2 against the receiving portion 4. In other words, it is not necessary for the shutter 3 to press the films F1, F2 against the receiving portion 4.

[0071] (Variation 2) In the embodiment and the above-mentioned modified example, the second support member 24 is biased downward by a spring, thereby causing the pressing member 16 to press down the films F1, F2. However, this is not limited to this, and the pressing member 16 may press down the films F1, F2 due to the weight of the second support member 24 and the pressing member 16 themselves.

[0072] (Variation 3) In the embodiment and the above-mentioned modified example, the presser member 16 is a rotating body supported so as to be freely rotatable, but the presser member 16 may be a non-rotating member as long as the pressing surface of the presser member 16 is formed of a low-friction material. In this case, the presser member 16 may be formed of, for example, polyacetal resin or nylon resin, which are low-friction materials, or may be coated with Teflon (registered trademark), which is also a low-friction material. According to this modified example, the newspaper S can be transported with the films F1, F2 pressed against the receiving portion 4 by the presser member 16, as in the embodiment.

[0073] (Variation 4) In the embodiment and the above-mentioned modified example, the case where the pressing member 16 is supported by the first support member 22 so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the welding and cutting heater 10 has been described. However, this is not limited to this. The pressing member 16 may be supported by the first support member 22 so as not to be movable relative to the welding and cutting heater 10, that is, the pressing member 16 may be supported by the first support member 22 in a state where the pressing member 16 is fixed in position relative to the welding and cutting heater 10. In this case, the receiving portion 4 is configured so that the portion is deformed, that is, is recessed downward, when pressed downward by the pressing member 16. The receiving portion 4 is configured, for example, from a soft sponge material.

[0074] Figures 8(a) to (f) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the welding and cutting unit 5 according to the modified example in chronological order. Figures 8(a) to (f) correspond to Figures 5(a) to (f), respectively. In Figure 8(c), unlike Figure 5(c), the pressing member 16 continues to descend while depressing the receiving part 4 downward even after reaching it. In particular, the pressing member 16 does not move relative to the welding and cutting heater 10, and descends with its relative position to the welding and cutting heater 10 kept fixed.

[0075] According to this modification, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the embodiment. (Variation 5) In the embodiment and the above-mentioned modified example, the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 is a flat horizontal surface, and the height position of the portion of the upper surface 4a that receives the pressing member 16 is the same as the height position of the portion of the upper surface 4a that receives the welding cutting heater 10, but this is not limited to the above.

[0076] 9 is a diagram showing the welding and cutting unit 5 and the receiving part 4 according to a modified example. FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 5(a). In this modified example, the height position of the portion 4aa of the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 that receives the pressing member 16 is higher than the height position of the portion 4ab of the upper surface 4a that receives the welding and cutting heater 10. In this modified example, the height position of the lower end of the pressing member 16 and the height position of the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10 when the welding and cutting unit 5 is in the standby position are the same. Since the height position of the portion 4aa of the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 is higher than the height position of the portion 4ab, the distance L1 between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 becomes shorter than the distance L2 between the welding and cutting heater 10 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4. In addition, when the welding and cutting unit 5 is in the standby position, if the distance L1 between the pressing member 16 and the portion 4aa of the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 is shorter than the distance L2 between the welding and cutting heater 10 and the portion 4ab of the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4, the lower end of the pressing member 16 may be located higher than the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10.

[0077] According to this modification, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the embodiment.

[0078] (Variation 6) In the embodiment and the above-mentioned modified example, the case has been described in which the distance L1 between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 when the welding and cutting unit 5 is in the standby position is shorter than the distance L2 between the welding and cutting heater 10 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4, but the distance L1 and the distance L2 may be the same.

[0079] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the welding and cutting unit 5 and the receiving part 4 according to another modified example. Fig. 10 corresponds to Fig. 5(a). In this modified example, the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 is a flat horizontal surface, and when the welding and cutting unit 5 is in the standby position, the height position of the lower end of the presser member 16 is the same as the height position of the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10, and therefore the distance L1 is the same as the distance L2. In this case, the presser member 16 and the welding and cutting heater 10 reach the upper surface 4a of the receiving part at the same time.

[0080] According to this modified example, the films F1 and F2 are pressed against the receiving portion 4 downstream of the welding and cutting heater 10, so that at the position where they are welded by the welding and cutting heater 10, the films F1 and F2 to be welded are in close contact with each other, thereby preventing the occurrence of poor welding.

[0081] (Variation 7) In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the case where the receiving portion 4 is not deformed even when the pressing member 16 is pressed is described. In other words, the receiving portion 4 is pressed by the spring 28. In the above description, the receiving portion 4 is made of an elastic material so that the receiving portion 4 is not deformed by the pressing member 16. In contrast, in this modification, the receiving portion 4 is made of an elastic material so that the welding and cutting heater 10 is securely pressed against the receiving portion 4.

[0082] 11(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the problem of this modified example. In the case where the receiving portion 4 is made of an elastic material, when the pressing member 16 is pressed against the receiving portion 4, the receiving portion 4 sinks together with the pressing member 16 and the films F1 and F2 as shown in FIG. 11(a), and the films F1 and F2 are pulled by that amount. When the welding and cutting heater 10 descends and contacts the films F1 and F2 in a state where the films F1 and F2 are pulled as shown in FIG. 11(b), the films F1 and F2 may be cut at least partially in the width direction before being thermally welded. In other words, a welding defect may occur in which the films F1 and F2 are not welded at least partially in the width direction (i.e., including a non-welded portion).

[0083] This modified example solves the above-mentioned problems that arise when the receiving portion 4 is made of an elastic material. The following will specifically explain the differences from the embodiment.

[0084] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the welding and cutting unit 5 according to this modified example, seen from the downstream side. Fig. 12 corresponds to Fig. 3. Fig. 13 is a view of the welding and cutting unit 5 in Fig. 12, seen from the width direction. Fig. 13 corresponds to Fig. 4.

[0085] The welding and cutting unit 5 of this modified example includes only one pressing member 16. The pressing member 16 of this modified example is longer in the width direction than that of the embodiment, and is preferably formed so that the width direction range R is longer than the length of the long side of the newspaper S folded in four. The pressing member 16 may be a roller supported so as to be freely rotatable, or may be a non-rotating member if it is made of a low friction material.

[0086] The support member 20 of this modified example has only one second support member 24. The second support member 24 of this modified example is formed to be longer in the width direction than that of the embodiment, and in particular longer in the width direction than the pressing member 16. The second support member 24 has a protruding portion 24b that protrudes downward further than the pressing member 16 on the outer side in the width direction of the pressing member 16 (farther from the center in the width direction of the pressing member 16). Here, the protruding portion 24b is provided on both sides in the width direction of the pressing member 16. In other words, the second support member 24 has two protruding portions 24b. The second support member 24 may have a notch or an opening in the center in the width direction to pass the optical axis of a sensor for detecting the newspaper S, for example.

[0087] In this modified example, the packaging device 1 further includes regulating members 48 in the same number as the protruding portions 24b. The regulating members 48 are members that receive the protruding portions 24b of the welding and cutting unit 5 that descend during welding, and are provided below the protruding portions 24b and outboard of the pressing member 16 in the width direction in a plan view. The regulating members 48 are preferably formed of a material having cushioning properties, such as an elastomer (e.g., silicone rubber or urethane). The regulating members 48 are fixed not onto the receiving portion 4 but, for example, to a housing frame (not shown) of the packaging device 1.

[0088] Figures 14(a) to (f) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the welding and cutting unit 5 according to this modified example in chronological order. Figures 14(a) to (f) correspond to Figures 5(a) to (f), respectively.

[0089] In FIG. 14(c), the protruding portion 24b abuts (seats) on the upper surface 48a of the regulating member 48, and therefore the second support member 24 and therefore the pressing member 16 are depicted descending. In other words, the second support member 24 and therefore the pressing member 16 stop there. In this example, the protruding portion 24b protrudes downward further than the pressing member 16, and the regulating member 48 protrudes upward further than the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4. For this reason, the pressing member 16 does not abut against the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4, and stops with a small gap G between it and the upper surface 4a. The gap G is depicted in an exaggerated manner here. However, in reality, the gap is, for example, about 1 mm to 2 mm. Pressing member 16 is in contact with at least film F1 and presses film F1 downward toward film F2, that is, so that film F1 approaches film F2.

[0090] In Fig. 14(d), the welding and cutting heater 10 has reached the receiving part 4. That is, the welding and cutting heater 10 has reached the welding position. The welding and cutting heater 10 comes into contact with the films F1 and F2 and thermally welds them. The receiving part 4 is elastically deformed and sinks together with the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10.

[0091] According to this modification, the pressing members 16 are not pressed against the receiving portion 4, so the pressing members 16 do not sink into the receiving portion 4, and the pressing members 16 do not pull on the films F1, F2.

[0092] In addition, in this modification, the welding and cutting heater 10 sinks into the receiving part 4. When the films F1 and F2 are pressed against the receiving part 4 by the pressing member 16, if the welding and cutting heater 10 sinks into the receiving part 4, the films F1 and F2 are pulled between the pressing member 16 and the welding and cutting heater 10, which may also cause welding defects. In contrast, in this modification, there is a gap G between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 through which the films F1 and F2 may move, and there is usually a certain amount of slack on the downstream side of the pressing member 16, so that the effect of the welding and cutting heater 10 sinking is absorbed by the slack being pulled back to the upstream side through the gap G between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4. This prevents welding defects caused by the welding and cutting heater 10 sinking into the receiving part 4.

[0093] Next, further modified examples will be described. Figures 15(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining further modified examples. Figures 15(a) and (b) correspond to Figure 14(c). In Figure 15(a), the upper surface 48a of the regulating member 48 is located lower than the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4, and the protruding amount of the protruding portion 24b protruding downward from the pressing member 16 is larger. In Figure 15(b), the second support member 24 does not have the protruding portion 24b, but the protruding amount of the regulating member 48 from the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 is larger. In any case, even in these modified examples, the pressing member 16 stops with a small gap G between it and the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4.

[0094] As another modified example, the presser member 16 may be supported by the first support member 22 so as to be immovable relative to the welding and cutting heater 10, i.e., so as to be fixed in its position relative to the welding and cutting heater 10. In this case, the presser member 16 may be supported by the first support member 22 so that the vertical distance between the lower end of the presser member 16 and the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10 is distance G. Even in this modified example, the presser member 16 stops with a small gap G between it and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4.

[0095] Next, the size of the gap G will be mentioned. Even if the films F1 and F2 are not necessarily in close contact at the welding position during welding, by preventing the films F1 and F2 from being too far apart, the effect of preventing the occurrence of poor welding of the films can be obtained, that is, the effect of pressing the pressing member 16 against the receiving part 4 in the embodiment. In this case, even if the gap G is wide, it is necessary that the width of the pressing member 16 is such that the pressing member 16 contacts the film F1. As a result, the pressing member 16 brings the film F1 closer to the film F2 as much as possible, thereby preventing the occurrence of poor welding. In addition, the gap G is naturally narrower than the gap between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 when the welding and cutting unit 5 is in the standby position. In addition, the gap G may be a gap through which the newspaper S cannot pass, that is, a gap narrower than the thickness of the newspaper S (for example, a maximum of 35 mm).

[0096] Furthermore, as described above, in order to prevent poor welding, the films F1 and F2 need to be able to move between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4. Therefore, the gap G needs to be at least the sum of the thicknesses of the films F1 and F2, even if it is narrow.

[0097] The size of gap G that satisfies these conditions may be, for example, equal to or greater than the sum of the thicknesses of films F1 and F2 and equal to or less than 2 mm, and specifically may be 1 mm.

[0098] Any combination of the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. A new embodiment resulting from the combination has the effects of the combined embodiments and modifications. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component recited in the claims can be realized by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications alone or in combination with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 packaging device, 10 welding and cutting heater, 16 pressing member, 20 support member, 22 first support member, 24 second support member, F1, F2 film, S newspaper.

Claims

1. A packaging device for packaging an item to be packaged in a film, comprising: A pressing member that presses the two films sandwiching the packaged article against a receiving portion on the upstream side of the packaged article transported to a predetermined position; a heater that is in contact with the film and heat-welds the films together, the heater being located upstream of the pressing member; a support member that supports the pressing member and the heater and is movable between a standby position where the pressing member and the heater are separated from the film and a welding position where the pressing member and the heater are in contact with the film; Equipped with The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is supported by the supporting member so as to be movable relative to the heater.

2. A packaging device for packaging an item to be packaged in a film, comprising: A pressing member that presses the two films sandwiching the packaged article against a receiving portion on the upstream side of the packaged article transported to a predetermined position; a heater that is in contact with the film and heat-welds the films together, the heater being located upstream of the pressing member; a support member that supports the pressing member and the heater and is movable between a standby position where the pressing member and the heater are separated from the film and a welding position where the pressing member and the heater are in contact with the film; Equipped with A packaging device, characterized in that when the support member is in the standby position, the distance between the pressing member and the receiving portion is equal to or less than the distance between the heater and the receiving portion.

3. 3. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the heater comes into contact with the film while the pressing member is pressing the film.

4. a distance between the pressing member and the receiving portion when the supporting member is in the standby position is shorter than a distance between the heater and the receiving portion, 4. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is separated from the film after the heater is separated from the film.

5. A packaging device for packaging an item to be packaged in a film, comprising: A pressing member for bringing two sheets of film sandwiching the package closer to each other on the upstream side of the package transported to a predetermined position; a heater that is in contact with the film and heat-welds the films together, the heater being located upstream of the pressing member; a support member that supports the pressing member and the heater and is movable between a standby position where the heater is separated from the film and a welding position where the heater is in contact with the film; Equipped with A packaging device according to claim 1, wherein when the support member is in the welding position, a gap is formed between the pressing member and the receiving portion.

6. 6. The packaging device according to claim 5, wherein when the support member is in the welding position, the pressing member contacts an upper film of two films sandwiching the product to be packaged.

7. 7. The packaging device according to claim 5, wherein the pressing member is supported by the supporting member so as to be movable relative to the heater.

8. The support member includes a first support member that supports the heater, and a second support member that supports the heater. a second support member that is movable relative to the pressing member and supports the pressing member; The packaging device according to claim 7, further comprising a regulating member that abuts against the second support member when the support member moves to the welding position, thereby stopping the pressing member in a state in which there is a gap between the pressing member and the receiving portion.

9. 9. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is a rotatable roller.

10. 9. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing surface of the pressing member is made of a low friction material.

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