Packaging system and packaging method

Abstract

To provide a technology that suitably combines a configuration for packaging a set product including a first article and a second article smaller than the first article, a configuration for removing air using a rotary brush, and a configuration for detecting the presence or absence of the second article in a package after packaging.SOLUTION: A packaging system for packaging a set product includes a former, a vertical sealer, a horizontal sealer, a first conveyance device, a second conveyance device for conveying a package packaging the set product, and a detection device. The first conveyance device has an active rotary brush that presses a top part of a semi-package packaging the set product, and a first conveyance belt that can support the entire width of a bottom part of the semi-package. The second conveyance device includes a second conveyance belt and a third conveyance belt disposed parallel to the second conveyance belt. The detection device detects the presence or absence of a second article in the package using light passing through a gap between the second conveyance belt and the third conveyance belt.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging system and a packaging method.

Background Art

[0002] A technique of arranging a rotary brush on the downstream side of a horizontal sealer is known.

[0003] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a bag separating device for a horizontal pillow packaging machine. The bag separating device described in Patent Document 1 includes a package detecting sensor that detects the presence or absence of a package to be supplied to the horizontal pillow packaging machine, an end sealer, a discharge conveyor provided immediately downstream of the end sealer, a rotary brush provided on the discharge conveyor, and a lifting device that raises and lowers the rotary brush. In Patent Document 1, the rotary brush is raised and lowered based on the presence or absence of a package detected by the package detecting sensor. Note that in Patent Document 1, since the package is detected on the upstream side of the horizontal pillow packaging machine, it is not necessary to detect the presence or absence of the package on the downstream side of the rotary brush.

[0004] Although it is a document not related to the rotary brush, Patent Document 2 discloses detecting the presence or absence of each of a main article and a sub-article that should be included in a set product. In Patent Document 2, a set product lacking either the main article or the sub-article is excluded from the article conveyance path before or after packaging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] A technique that preferably combines the packaging of a set of products including a first product and a second product smaller than the first product, air venting by a rotary brush, and detection of the presence or absence of the second product in the package is not known. For example, although Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above are documents with low relevance to each other, even if the technique described in Patent Document 2 is combined with the technique described in Patent Document 1, various problems may occur. For example, in Patent Document 1, since the discharge conveyor directly below the rotary brush does not have two belts, the near-infrared transmission type detection means shown in Patent Document 2 cannot be combined with the discharge conveyor. On the other hand, various problems may also occur when the discharge conveyor directly below the rotary brush in Patent Document 1 is replaced with a conveyor having two belts.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that preferably combines a configuration for packaging a set of products including a first product and a second product smaller than the first product, a configuration for performing air venting by a rotary brush, and a configuration for detecting the presence or absence of the second product in the package after packaging.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Hereinafter, the means for solving the problems will be described using the numbers and symbols used in the embodiments for carrying out the invention. These numbers and symbols are added in parentheses for reference to show an example of the correspondence relationship between the description of the claims and the embodiments for carrying out the invention. Therefore, the claims should not be construed in a limiting manner based on the description in parentheses.

[0009] The packaging system in some embodiments is a packaging system for packaging a set of products (P) in which a first article (P1) and a second article (P2) smaller than the first article (P1) are stacked. The packaging system includes a former (21) that forms a tubular film (F2) from a sheet-like film (F1), a longitudinal sealer (23) that forms a longitudinal seal portion (Q1) in the tubular film (F2), and forms a semi-packaged body (J) that wraps the set of products (P) by forming a front transverse seal portion (Q2) in the tubular film (F2), and a transverse sealer (4) that forms a packaged body (Q) that wraps the set of products (P) by forming a rear transverse seal portion (Q3) in the tubular film (F2), a first conveying device (5) that sandwiches and conveys the semi-packaged body (J) immediately before the rear transverse seal portion (Q3) is formed, and conveys the packaged body (Q) in a first direction (DR1) immediately after the rear transverse seal portion (Q3) is formed, a second conveying device (6) disposed on the first direction (DR1) side of the first conveying device (5), and a detection device (70) that detects the presence or absence of the second article (P2) in the packaged body (Q) when the packaged body (Q) is conveyed by the second conveying device (6). The first conveying device (5) includes an active rotary brush (51) that presses the top (J1) of the semi-packaged body (J), and a first conveying belt (56) that can entirely support the entire width of the bottom (J2) of the semi-packaged body (J). The second conveying device (6) includes a second conveying belt (61) and a third conveying belt (63) disposed in parallel with the second conveying belt (61). The detection device (70) detects the presence or absence of the second article (P2) in the packaged body (Q) using light passing through a gap (G) between the second conveying belt (61) and the third conveying belt (63).

[0010] In the above packaging system, the rotary brush (51) may be supported by an arm (52) having at least one joint portion (53). Further, at least one relay member (54) for relaying power transmission to the rotary brush (51) may be disposed on the at least one joint portion (53).

[0011] In the above packaging system, the drive source of the rotary brush (51) and the drive source of the first conveyor belt (56) may be shared.

[0012] The above packaging system may include an inter-device power transmission system (M3) that transmits power from the packaging machine power transmission system (M2) of the packaging machine (2) having the former (21), the longitudinal sealer (23), and the transverse sealer (4) to the first conveyor device power transmission system (M1) which is the power transmission system of the first conveyor device (5).

[0013] In the above packaging system, the width of the first conveyor belt (56) may be three times or more the width of the second conveyor belt (61).

[0014] The above packaging system may further include a package detection device (76) that detects the package (P). Also, during the period when the package (Q) is detected by the package detection device (76), the detection device (70) may be configured to detect the presence or absence of the second article (P2) in the package (Q).

[0015] The above packaging system may further include a set product supply device (8) that supplies the set product (P) to the former (21). The set product supply device (8) may have an article detection device (88) that detects the absence of the second article (P2). Also, the absence of the second article (P2) may be double-checked by the detection device (70) and the article detection device (88).

[0016] In the above packaging system, in the set product (P), the first article (P1) and the second article (P2) may be stacked, and the first article (P1) and a third article smaller than the first article (P1) may be stacked.

[0017] The packaging method in some embodiments is a packaging method for packaging a set product (P) in which a first article (P1) and a second article (P2) smaller than the first article (P1) are stacked. The packaging method includes a step of forming a tubular film (F2), a step of forming a longitudinal seal portion (Q1) in the tubular film (F2), a step of forming a front horizontal seal portion (Q2) in the tubular film (F2) to form a semi-packaged body (J) that wraps the set product (P), a step of using a first conveying device (5) having an active rotary brush (51) that presses the top (J1) of the semi-packaged body (J) and a first conveying belt (56) that entirely supports the entire width of the bottom (J2) of the semi-packaged body (J) to sandwich and feed the semi-packaged body (J) in a first direction (DR1), a step of forming a rear horizontal seal portion (Q3) in the tubular film (F2) to form a packaged body (Q) that wraps the set product (P), a step of using a second conveying device (6) having a second conveying belt (61) and a third conveying belt (63) arranged in parallel with the second conveying belt (61) to convey the packaged body (Q) in the first direction (DR1), and a step of detecting the presence or absence of the second article (P2) in the packaged body (Q) using light that passes through a gap (G) between the second conveying belt (61) and the third conveying belt (63) when the packaged body (Q) is conveyed by the second conveying device (6).

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that preferably combines a configuration for packaging a set product including a first article and a second article smaller than the first article, a configuration for performing air bleeding by a rotary brush, and a configuration for detecting the presence or absence of the second article in the packaged body after packaging.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the packaging system 1 and the packaging method in the embodiments will be described. In the following description, members and parts having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of the members and parts denoted by the same reference numerals are omitted.

[0021] (Definition of Directions) In this specification, “upstream” and “downstream” are defined based on the direction in which the first article P1 is transferred. More specifically, the upstream side in the transfer direction of the first article P1 is defined as “upstream”, and the downstream side in the transfer direction of the first article P1 is defined as “downstream”.

[0022] Also, in this specification, the transfer direction of the first article P1 is defined as “first direction DR1”. Also, in a plan view, the direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 is defined as “second direction DR2”. More specifically, the direction from the second conveyor belt 61 to the third conveyor belt 63 is defined as “second direction DR2”, and the direction opposite to the second direction DR2 is defined as “third direction DR3”.

[0023] (First Embodiment) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 18, the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a longitudinal seal portion Q1 and transverse seal portions (Q2, Q3) are formed. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the semi-packaged body J is pinched and fed by the rotary brush 51 and the first conveyor belt 56. FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic plan views schematically showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view schematically showing an example of the semi-packaged body J. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the semi-packaged body J' is pressed by a rotary brush in a comparative example. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the package Q' moves across the light LT emitted from the detection device in a comparative example. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the semi-packaged body J is pressed by the rotary brush 51 in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 5. FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line D-D in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the arm 52 can be tilted. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the power transmission system of the packaging system 1A. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the detection device 70 and the package detection device 76 in a modified example. FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the ejector 79 removes the defective package QD. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the inter-device power transmission system M3 connecting the first conveyor device power transmission system M1 and the packaging machine power transmission system M2.

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment is a packaging system that packages a set product P in which a first article P1 and a second article P2 smaller than the first article P1 are stacked. In this specification, the “set product P in which the first article P1 and the second article P2 smaller than the first article P1 are stacked” may be a two-article set product consisting of the first article P1 and the second article P2, or may be a multi-article set product including a third article in addition to the first article P1 and the second article P2. In other words, the number of articles included in the set product P may be two, three, or four or more. Hereinafter, in order to avoid complication of the description, an example in which the set product P packaged by the packaging system 1A includes only the first article P1 and the second article P2 will be described, but it goes without saying that the set product P packaged by the packaging system 1A may include a third article in addition to the first article P1 and the second article P2. In other words, at least the first article P1 and the second article P2 are wrapped in one package Q formed by the packaging system 1A. The package Q may wrap a third article, a fourth article, ··· in addition to the first article P1 and the second article P2.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment includes a packaging machine 2, a first transfer device 5, a second transfer device 6, and a detection device 70. The packaging machine 2 has a former 21, a longitudinal sealer 23, and a transverse sealer 4. The packaging machine 2 is, for example, a horizontal pillow packaging machine.

[0026] The former 21 forms a tubular film F2 from a sheet-like film F1. The longitudinal sealer 23 forms a longitudinal seal portion Q1 (see FIG. 2(a)) on the tubular film F2.

[0027] The transverse sealer 4 forms a half package J that wraps the set product P by forming a front transverse seal portion Q2 (see FIG. 2(b)) on the tubular film F2. The transverse sealer 4 also forms a package Q that wraps the set product P by forming a rear transverse seal portion Q3 (see FIG. 2(c)) on the tubular film F2.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 3(a), the first conveying device 5 sandwiches and conveys the semi-packaging body J in the first direction DR1 immediately before the rear horizontal seal portion Q3 is formed on the cylindrical film F2 (more specifically, the semi-packaging body J). Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3(b), the first conveying device 5 conveys the package Q in the first direction DR1 immediately after the formation of the rear horizontal seal portion Q3. More specifically, in the example described in FIG. 3(b), the first conveying device 5 sandwiches and conveys the package Q in the first direction DR1 immediately after the formation of the rear horizontal seal portion Q3.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 3(a), the first conveying device 5 includes a rotary brush 51 and a first conveying belt 56. The rotary brush 51 is an actively rotating brush that presses against the top J1 of the semi-packaging body J.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first conveying belt 56 can entirely support the full width of the bottom J2 of the semi-packaging body J (refer to FIG. 3(a) if necessary). In the example described in FIG. 4, the width W1 of the first conveying belt 56 is larger than the width W2 of the bottom of the semi-packaging body J. In this specification, the width means the length in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2 in a plan view.

[0031] The width W1 of the first conveying belt 56 (refer to FIG. 4) is, for example, 2 times or more, 3 times or more, or 4 times or more the width W5 of the second conveying belt 61 (refer to FIG. 5).

[0032] In the example described in FIG. 4, the width W4 of the brush portion of the rotary brush 51 is larger than the width W3 of the top of the semi-packaging body J. The width W4 of the brush portion of the rotary brush 51 may be larger than the width W1 of the first conveying belt 56 or may be smaller than the width W1 of the first conveying belt 56.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second conveying device 6 is disposed on the first direction DR1 side of the first conveying device 5. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second conveying device 6 includes a second conveying belt 61 and a third conveying belt 63 disposed in parallel with the second conveying belt 61. In the example described in FIG. 5, the second conveying belt 61 supports the first side portion Qa of the package Q (that is, the side portion on the third direction DR3 side), and the third conveying belt 63 supports the second side portion Qb of the package Q (that is, the side portion on the second direction DR2 side).

[0034] In the example described in FIG. 5, when the package Q is conveyed in the first direction DR1 by the second conveying device 6, the detection device 70 detects the presence or absence of the second article P2 in the package Q. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the detection device 70 uses light passing through the gap G between the second conveying belt 61 and the third conveying belt 63 to detect the presence or absence of the second article P2 in the package Q.

[0035] The packaging system 1A in the first embodiment includes a first conveying device 5 that sandwiches and conveys the semi-package J immediately before the rear horizontal seal portion Q3 is formed (see FIG. 3(a)). Therefore, when the rear horizontal seal portion Q3 is formed, a pulling force in the first direction DR1 preferably acts on the semi-package J. Therefore, the rear horizontal seal portion Q3 is preferably formed. Further, after the package Q is created by forming the rear horizontal seal portion Q3, the package Q is preferably separated from the subsequent semi-packages.

[0036] The packaging system 1A in the first embodiment includes a first conveying device 5 that sandwiches and conveys the semi-package J immediately before the rear horizontal seal portion Q3 is formed (see FIG. 3(a)). Therefore, immediately before the rear horizontal seal portion Q3 is formed, surplus air is discharged from the semi-package J. Thus, the air in the package Q can be reduced, and the package Q does not bulge.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the first conveying device 5 sandwiches and conveys a half-packaging body J that wraps a stacked article in which a first article P1 and a second article P2 are stacked. As illustrated in FIG. 7, with respect to the height of the half-packaging body J, it is assumed that the height H1 of the portion where only the first article P1 exists is different from the height H2 of the portion where both the first article P1 and the second article P2 exist. In the first embodiment, since each brush of the rotary brush 51 bends, the sandwiching and conveying force can be suitably applied to both the portion with a high height and the portion with a low height in the half-packaging body J.

[0038] In the packaging system in the comparative example (see FIG. 8), the first conveying belt 56' does not entirely support the entire width of the bottom of the half-packaging body J'. In this case, when a rear horizontal seal portion is formed in the half-packaging body, the bottom of the half-packaging body J' bulges downward significantly, and as a result, the bottom of the created package also bulges downward significantly. As illustrated in FIG. 9, when a part of the bulge at the bottom moves to other parts of the package Q', the posture of the package Q' may become unstable. Further, due to the bulge of the package Q', the vertical seal portion Q1' may stand up. Furthermore, for the package Q' with an unstable posture, the standing vertical seal portion Q1' may interfere with the light LT emitted from the detection device. Due to this interference, the presence of the vertical seal portion Q1' may be erroneously detected as the presence of the second article P2.

[0039] On the contrary, in the first embodiment, the first conveying belt 56 of the first conveying device 5 can entirely support the entire width of the bottom J2 of the half-packaging body J (see FIG. 10). Therefore, when a rear horizontal seal portion is formed in the half-packaging body J, the bottom J2 of the half-packaging body J is prevented from bulging downward. Also, the bulge of the resulting package Q is reduced. By the amount that the bulge of the package Q is reduced, the projector or the light receiver 73 of the detection device 70 located above the package Q can be brought closer to the package Q (in FIG. 10, the projector 71 and the light receiver 73 are virtually illustrated by a dashed-dotted line). Therefore, the presence or absence of the second article P2 can be detected with light having a smaller amount of light.

[0040] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when a rear horizontal seal portion is formed in the semi-packaging body J, the vertical seal portion Q1 of the semi-packaging body J is pressed upward by the first conveyor belt 56, so that the standing up of the vertical seal portion Q1 is prevented by the first conveyor belt 56. Therefore, false detection caused by the standing up of the vertical seal portion Q1 does not occur.

[0041] In addition, when a rear horizontal seal portion is formed in the semi-packaging body J, the contact area between the bottom J2 of the semi-packaging body J and the conveying surface 56c of the first conveyor belt 56 increases. Therefore, the semi-packaging body J is preferably pulled in the first direction DR1 by the frictional force between the conveying surface 56c and the bottom J2 of the semi-packaging body J.

[0042] Also, in the first embodiment, the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63 are arranged on the downstream side of the first conveying device 5, and the presence or absence of the second article P2 in the package Q is detected by using the light passing through the gap G between the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63. Therefore, when detecting the presence or absence of the second article P2, the presence of the conveyor belt does not become an obstacle. Further, due to the presence of the first conveyor belt 56 and the rotating brush 51 on the upstream side, the bottom of the package Q is sufficiently flattened, and the standing up of the vertical seal portion Q1 is also suppressed. Therefore, due to the synergistic effect of the presence of the first conveyor belt 56 and the rotating brush 51 on the upstream side and the presence of the second conveyor belt 61, the third conveyor belt 63, and the detection device 70 on the downstream side, the presence or absence of the second article P2 in the package Q can be preferably detected.

[0043] (Optional additional configuration) Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18, an optional additional configuration that can be adopted in the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment will be described.

[0044] (Packaging material F, first article P1, second article P2) As illustrated in FIG. 2, for a packaging material F that wraps a set product P in which a first article P1 and a second article P2 smaller than the first article P1 are stacked, a longitudinal seal portion Q1 and lateral seal portions (Q2, Q3) are formed. Therefore, the packaging material F is preferably made of a material having self-welding properties. The packaging material F is, for example, made of resin. At least a part of the light emitted from the light projector of the detection device 70 passes through the packaging material F, and the light that has passed through the packaging material F is received by the light receiver of the detection device 70. Therefore, the packaging material F preferably has light transmission properties.

[0045] The first article P1 is, for example, food (more specifically, noodle products such as dried noodles). At least a part of the light emitted from the light projector of the detection device 70 passes through the first article P1, and the light that has passed through the first article P1 is received by the light receiver of the detection device 70. Therefore, the first article P1 preferably has light transmissibility.

[0046] The second article P2 is, for example, an additive container. For a part of the packaging material of the additive container, for example, a metal such as an aluminum foil or an aluminum vapor deposition layer is used.

[0047] More specifically, the second article P2 is, for example, a flexible pouch that stores a liquid seasoning, a powder seasoning, or dried ingredients. The second article P2 is, for example, a pouch made of aluminum or a pouch having an aluminum vapor deposition layer. The second article P2 (for example, a pouch that stores seasonings or ingredients and contains aluminum in at least a part of its material) has lower permeability to the light emitted from the light projector of the detection device 70 than the packaging material F of the package Q and the first article P1. The second article P2 may be impermeable to the light emitted from the light projector of the detection device 70.

[0048] Since the packaging material F has permeability to the light emitted from the light projector of the detection device 70 and the permeability to the light emitted from the light projector of the detection device 70 is different between the first article P1 and the second article P2, the detection device 70 can detect the presence or absence of the second article P2 in the package Q.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 6, in the package Q, the second article P2 is stacked on the first article P1. Alternatively, in the package Q, the first article P1 may be stacked on the second article P2. Further alternatively, in the package Q, the second article P2 may be stacked on the first article P1 and the third article may be stacked under the first article P1.

[0050] In the above-described set product P, the first article P1 and the second article P2 may be stacked, and the first article P1 and the third article smaller than the first article P1 may be stacked. The first article P1 is, for example, food (more specifically, noodle products such as dried noodles). The second article P2 is, for example, an aluminum pouch or a pouch having an aluminum vapor deposition layer. The third article is, for example, a second pouch. The third article may be a second aluminum pouch or a second pouch having an aluminum vapor deposition layer. Alternatively, the third article may be a second pouch made of a resin that does not contain a metal material. The first article P1 is a noodle product, the second article P2 is a pouch that contains a metal material (for example, aluminum) in at least a part of the packaging material and packs powdered soup, and the third article P3 is a second pouch that does not contain a metal material in the packaging material and packs ingredients (so-called kayaku).

[0051] (Package Q) In the example shown in FIG. 1, the package Q manufactured by the packaging system 1A is a non-shrink package. The packaging system 1A does not have a shrink tunnel.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 2(c), the package Q is a pillow package including a longitudinal seal portion Q1 and two transverse seal portions (Q2, Q3). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the packaging machine 2 forms a tubular film F2 from a single sheet-like film F1. Further, the packaging machine 2 manufactures the package Q by forming a longitudinal seal portion and two transverse seal portions on the tubular film F2 in which the set product P is disposed inside.

[0053] (Arm 52 and relay member 54) In the example described in FIG. 12, the rotating brush 51 is supported by an arm 52 having at least one joint portion 53. Further, in the example described in FIG. 13, at least one relay member 54 for relaying the power transmission to the rotating brush 51 is disposed on at least one joint portion 53. In this case, when adjusting the position of the rotating brush 51 using the joint portion 53, it is not necessary to adjust the position of the power source (for example, a motor) of the rotating brush 51. The at least one relay member 54 receives a driving force from a driving source via, for example, at least one endless member (553,...), and applies a rotational force about the rotation axis AX1 to the rotating brush 51 via at least one other endless member (554,...).

[0054] In the example described in FIG. 13, the first conveying device 5 has the above-described arm 52 and the above-described relay member 54. The above-described arm 52 may include a first arm 52a, a second arm 52b, and at least one joint portion (53a, 53b).

[0055] In the example described in FIG. 14(a), the first arm 52a is tiltable about a tilt axis AT1 parallel to the horizontal plane. In the example described in FIG. 13, the first arm 52a is tiltably attached to the first frame FL1 of the first conveying device 5. The first arm 52a has a first joint portion 53a, and the first joint portion 53a defines the tilt axis AT1 of the first arm 52a with respect to the first frame FL1. The first conveying device 5 preferably has a first fixing member 551a (for example, a fixing lever) for fixing the tilt angle of the first arm 52a with respect to the first frame FL1.

[0056] In the example shown in FIG. 14(b), the second arm 52b is tiltable about a second tilting axis AT2 with respect to the first arm 52a. More specifically, the first arm 52a and the second arm 52b are connected via a second joint portion 53b. The second joint portion 53b defines a tilting axis of the second arm 52b with respect to the first arm 52a (hereinafter referred to as "second tilting axis AT2"). As illustrated in FIG. 13, the first transfer device 5 preferably has a second fixing member 551b (for example, a fixing lever) that fixes the tilting angle of the second arm 52b with respect to the first arm 52a.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 13, a first relay member 54a (for example, a pulley, sprocket, gear, etc.) for relaying the power transmission to the rotary brush 51 is disposed at the first joint portion 53a, and a second relay member 54b (for example, a pulley, sprocket, gear, etc.) for relaying the power transmission to the rotary brush 51 is disposed at the second joint portion 53b.

[0058] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the first transfer device 5 has a first endless member 552 (for example, an endless chain 552c) that transmits power to the first relay member 54a. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the first transfer device 5 has a second endless member 553 (for example, a transmission belt) that transmits power from the first relay member 54a to the second relay member 54b. Further, the first transfer device 5 has a third endless member 554 (for example, a transmission belt) that transmits power from the second relay member 54b to the rotary brush 51.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the first relay member 54a receives a driving force from a driving source via at least one endless member including the first endless member 552 (see FIG. 12), and imparts a rotational force about the rotation axis AX1 to the rotary brush 51 via a plurality of endless members including the second endless member 553 and the third endless member 554.

[0060] In the example described in FIG. 13, the second relay member 54b receives a driving force from a driving source via a plurality of endless members including a first endless member 552 (see FIG. 12) and a second endless member 553, and applies a rotational force about the rotation axis AX1 to the rotary brush 51 via at least one endless member including a third endless member 554.

[0061] (First transport device power transmission system M1) In the example described in FIG. 15, the first transport device 5 has a first transport device power transmission system M1. The first transport device power transmission system M1 receives a driving force directly or indirectly from a driving source 10 such as a motor MT, and transmits the received driving force to components of the first transport device 5 (for example, the rotary brush 51, the first transport belt 56, etc.). The driving source 10 drives at least a part of the first transport device 5 (for example, the rotary brush 51, the first transport belt 56, etc.) via at least the first transport device power transmission system M1.

[0062] In the example described in FIG. 12, the first transport device power transmission system M1 includes the above-described first endless member 552 (for example, endless chain 552c).

[0063] (Driving of the first transport belt 56) In the example described in FIG. 12, the first transport belt 56 receives a driving force from a driving source 10 (see FIG. 15) via the first transport device power transmission system M1 including the first endless member 552 (for example, endless chain 552c). The first endless member 552 constitutes a part of a first power transmission system that transmits power from the driving source 10 (see FIG. 15) to the rotary brush 51, and also constitutes a part of a second power transmission system that transmits power from the driving source 10 (see FIG. 15) to the first transport belt 56.

[0064] The drive source 10 of the rotary brush 51 and the drive source 10 of the first conveyor belt 56 are made common, and a part of the above-described first power transmission system and a part of the above-described second power transmission system are made common, whereby the rotation of the rotary brush 51 and the movement of the first conveyor belt 56 are mechanically synchronized. Therefore, it is not necessary to independently adjust the rotation speed of the rotary brush 51 and the movement speed of the first conveyor belt 56. Further, by making the drive source of the rotary brush 51 and the drive source of the first conveyor belt 56 common, and / or by making a part of the above-described first power transmission system and a part of the above-described second power transmission system common, the control of the packaging system 1A is simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the packaging system 1A is reduced.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the first conveying device 5 has a first sprocket 555 that engages with the first endless member 552 and a first pulley 57 that is arranged coaxially with the first sprocket 555. The first pulley 57 rotates integrally with the first sprocket 555. The first pulley 57 guides the movement of the first conveyor belt 56 and applies a driving force to the first conveyor belt 56.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the first conveying device 5 has a second sprocket 556 that engages with the first endless member 552. The second sprocket 556 is arranged coaxially with the above-described first relay member 54a (see FIG. 13). The first relay member 54a rotates integrally with the second sprocket 556. In FIG. 13, the description of the first endless member 552 that engages with the second sprocket 556 is omitted.

[0067] (Size of the first conveyor belt 56) The width W1 of the first conveyor belt 56 (see FIG. 4) is, for example, 10 cm or more and 50 cm or less, 12 cm or more and 30 cm or less, or 14 cm or more and 20 cm or less. The length L1 in the direction along the first direction DR1 of the first conveyor belt 56 (see FIG. 5) is, for example, 20 cm or more and 100 cm or less, 20 cm or more and 60 cm or less, 20 cm or more and 40 cm or less, or 20 cm or more and 30 cm or less. Since the length L1 is short, the installation area of the entire packaging system 1A can be reduced.

[0068] (Moving speed of the first conveyor belt 56) In FIG. 5, the moving speed V1 of the conveying surface 56c of the first conveyor belt 56 in the first direction DR1 is faster than the moving speed V2 of the conveying surface 31c of the lower conveyor 31 of the packaging machine 2 in the first direction DR1. The above-mentioned moving speed V1 is 1.1 times or more and 1.5 times or less, or 1.2 times or more and 1.4 times or less of the above-mentioned moving speed V2.

[0069] The moving speed V1 of the conveying surface 56c of the first conveyor belt 56 in the first direction DR1 is substantially the same as the moving speed V3 of the conveying surface 61c of the second conveyor belt 61 in the first direction DR1. Also, the moving speed V3 of the conveying surface 61c of the second conveyor belt 61 in the first direction DR1 is substantially the same as the moving speed V4 of the conveying surface 63c of the third conveyor belt 63 in the first direction DR1.

[0070] (The first support plate 58) In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first conveying device 5 has a first support plate 58 that slidably supports the back surface 56b of the first conveyor belt 56 (in other words, the surface opposite to the conveying surface 56c). At least, it is preferable that the first support plate 58 exists vertically below the rotation axis AX1 of the rotary brush 51. By the presence of the first support plate 58 vertically below the rotation axis AX1 of the rotary brush 51, the first conveyor belt 56 that receives a downward force from the rotary brush 51 via the semi-packaged body J is prevented from deflecting downward. In this way, it is prevented that the air bleeding characteristics from the semi-packaged body J are impaired. Also, the rotary brush 51 and the first conveyor belt 56 can strongly apply a pinching and feeding force in the first direction DR1 to the semi-packaged body J.

[0071] (Drive of the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63) In the example described in FIG. 12, the second conveyor belt 61 receives a driving force from a driving source via at least one endless member. More specifically, the second conveyor belt 61 receives a driving force from the driving source 10 (see FIG. 15) via a power transmission system including a first endless member 552 (for example, an endless chain 552c). The first endless member 552 constitutes part of a second power transmission system that transmits power from the driving source 10 (see FIG. 15) to the first conveyor belt 56, and also constitutes part of a third power transmission system that transmits power from the driving source 10 to the second conveyor belt 61.

[0072] Since the driving source 10 of the second conveyor belt 61 and the driving source 10 of the first conveyor belt 56 are shared, and part of the above-described second power transmission system and part of the above-described third power transmission system are shared, the movement of the first conveyor belt 56 and the movement of the second conveyor belt 61 are mechanically synchronized. Therefore, it is not necessary to independently adjust the moving speed of the first conveyor belt 56 and the moving speed of the second conveyor belt 61. In addition, by sharing the driving source of the first conveyor belt 56 and the driving source of the second conveyor belt 61, and / or by sharing part of the above-described second power transmission system and part of the above-described third power transmission system, the control of the packaging system 1A is simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the packaging system 1A is reduced.

[0073] In the example described in FIG. 12, the first conveying device 5 has a third sprocket 557 that engages with the first endless member 552. The second conveying device 6 also has a second pulley 62 that is arranged coaxially with the third sprocket 557. The second pulley 62 rotates integrally with the third sprocket 557. The second pulley 62 guides the movement of the second conveyor belt 61 and applies a driving force to the second conveyor belt 61.

[0074] In the example described in FIG. 6, the second conveying device 6 has, in addition to the second pulley 62 that guides the movement of the second conveyor belt 61, a third pulley 64 that guides the movement of the third conveyor belt 63. The third pulley 64 is arranged coaxially with the second pulley 62. The third pulley 64 rotates integrally with the second pulley 62. The third pulley 64 applies a driving force to the third conveyor belt 63.

[0075] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second conveying device 6 has a shaft 65 that supports a third sprocket 557, a second pulley 62, and a third pulley 64. The shaft 65 is supported by a second frame FL2 of the second conveying device 6. More specifically, the shaft 65 is supported in a two-point manner by the second frame FL2. Note that the second frame FL2 of the second conveying device 6 may be integrated with the first frame FL1 of the first conveying device 5.

[0076] (Second support plate 66a) In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second conveying device 6 has a second support plate 66a that slidably supports the back surface of the second conveyor belt 61 (in other words, the surface on the side opposite to the conveying surface 61c of the second conveyor belt 61). The second support plate 66a is attached to the second frame FL2 via a bracket BL1.

[0077] (Third support plate 66b) In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second conveying device 6 has a third support plate 66b that slidably supports the back surface of the third conveyor belt 63 (in other words, the surface on the side opposite to the conveying surface 63c of the third conveyor belt 63). The third support plate 66b is attached to the second frame FL2 via a bracket BL2.

[0078] (Arrangement and size of the second conveyor belt 61) In the example shown in FIG. 5, the upstream end of the second conveyor belt 61 is disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the first conveyor belt 56. The distance L2 between the upstream end of the second conveyor belt 61 and the downstream end of the first conveyor belt 56 is, for example, 10 cm or less, 5 cm or less, or 2 cm or less.

[0079] The width W5 of the second conveyor belt 61 (see FIG. 5) is, for example, 2 cm or more and 10 cm or less, 2 cm or more and 7 cm or less, or 2 cm or more and 4 cm or less. The length L3 of the second conveyor belt 61 in the direction along the first direction DR1 is, for example, 1.4 times or more, 1.7 times or more, or 2 times or more the length L1 of the first conveyor belt 56 in the direction along the first direction DR1. The length L3 of the second conveyor belt 61 in the direction along the first direction DR1 is, for example, 40 cm or more and 200 cm or less, 45 cm or more and 100 cm or less, or 50 cm or more and 70 cm or less.

[0080] (Size of the third conveyor belt 63) The width W6 of the third conveyor belt 63 (see FIG. 5) is, for example, 2 cm or more and 10 cm or less, 2 cm or more and 7 cm or less, or 2 cm or more and 4 cm or less. The length L4 of the third conveyor belt 63 in the direction along the first direction DR1 is equal to the length L3 of the second conveyor belt 61 in the direction along the first direction DR1.

[0081] (Spacing W7 between the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63) The spacing W7 between the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63 is, for example, 2 cm or more and 6 cm or less.

[0082] (Detection device 70) In the example shown in FIG. 6, the detection device 70 includes a light projector 71 that emits light and a light receiver 73. The packaging system 1A also includes an analyzer 75 (e.g., computer 75c) that analyzes data received from the detection device 70. The analyzer 75 may be included in the control device of the packaging machine 2 or may be separate from the control device of the packaging machine 2.

[0083] The light projector 71 emits light toward the gap G between the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63. The light projector 71 is fixed to the second conveyor device 6 (more specifically, the second frame FL2) via a support 72. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the optical path LP of the light from the light projector 71 to the light receiver 73 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Alternatively, the optical path may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0084] The light receiver 73 receives the light emitted from the light projector 71 and passing through the gap G between the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63. The light receiver 73 is fixed to the second conveying device 6 (more specifically, the second frame FL2) via the support 74.

[0085] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the light projector 71 is disposed below the conveying surface 61c of the second conveyor belt 61, and the light receiver 73 is disposed above the conveying surface 61c. Alternatively, the light projector 71 may be disposed above the conveying surface 61c, and the light receiver 73 may be disposed below the conveying surface 61c.

[0086] The analyzer 75 analyzes the light received by the light receiver 73 to determine whether or not the second article P2 is missing in the package Q. For example, the analyzer 75 may determine that the second article P2 is present in the package Q in response to the intensity of the light received by the light receiver 73 decreasing below a threshold value at the timing when the package Q is detected by the package detection device 76 described later. Further, the analyzer 75 may determine that the second article P2 is missing in the package Q when the intensity of the light received by the light receiver 73 consistently exceeds the threshold value during the period when the package Q is detected by the package detection device 76 described later.

[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the light projector 71 may include a first light projector 71a disposed closer to the second conveyor belt 61 in plan view and a second light projector 71b disposed closer to the third conveyor belt 63 in plan view. Further, the light receiver 73 may include a first light receiver 73a disposed closer to the second conveyor belt 61 in plan view and a second light receiver 73b disposed closer to the third conveyor belt 63 in plan view. The two light projectors (71a, 71b) are preferably disposed on a single virtual plane perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Also, the two light receivers (73a, 73b) are preferably disposed on a single virtual plane perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0088] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the detection device 70 includes a first light projector 71a and a first light receiver 73a disposed closer to the second conveyor belt 61, and a second light projector 71b and a second light receiver 73b disposed closer to the third conveyor belt 63. Therefore, even when the position of the second article P2 in the package Q varies in the width direction, the detection device 70 can accurately detect the presence or absence of the second article P2.

[0089] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the optical path of the light traveling from the first light projector 71a to the first light receiver 73a (hereinafter referred to as "first optical path LP1") is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Also, the optical path of the light traveling from the second light projector 71b to the second light receiver 73b (hereinafter referred to as "second optical path LP2") is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The first optical path LP1 and the second optical path LP2 are preferably substantially parallel.

[0090] (Package detection device 76) In the example shown in FIG. 12, the second conveyor device 6 has a package detection device 76 for detecting the package Q. The package detection device 76 is used in combination with the detection device 70. For example, during the period when the package Q is detected by the package detection device 76, the detection device 70 may be configured to detect the presence or absence of the second article P2 in the package Q.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 16, in the direction along the first direction DR1, if the position of the package detection device 76 and the position of the detection device 70 are the same, the detection device 70 may erroneously detect the lateral seal portions (Q2, Q3) of the package Q as the second article P2. Therefore, it is preferable that the position of the package detection device 76 in the direction along the first direction DR1 is different from the position of the detection device 70 in the direction along the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the package detection device 76 is disposed upstream of the detection device 70. Alternatively, the package detection device 76 may be disposed downstream of the detection device 70.

[0092] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the package detection device 76 includes a light projector (hereinafter referred to as "third light projector 77") and a light receiver (hereinafter referred to as "third light receiver 78").

[0093] The third light emitter 77 emits light toward the gap G between the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63. The third light emitter 77 is fixed to the second conveying device 6 (more specifically, the second frame FL2) via the support 72. The support 72 may support both the third light emitter 77 and the light emitter 71 of the detection device 70.

[0094] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the optical path of the light from the third light emitter 77 to the third light receiver 78 (hereinafter referred to as "third optical path LP3") is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Alternatively, the third optical path LP3 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the distance G2 between the third optical path LP3 and the above-described first optical path LP1 in the direction along the first direction DR1 is, for example, 1 cm or more and 5 cm or less.

[0095] The third light receiver 78 receives the light emitted from the third light emitter 77 and passing through the gap G between the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63. The third light receiver 78 is fixed to the second conveying device 6 (more specifically, the second frame FL2) via the support 74. The support 74 may support both the third light receiver 78 and the light receiver 73 of the detection device 70.

[0096] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the third light emitter 77 is disposed below the conveying surface 61c of the second conveyor belt 61, and the third light receiver 78 is disposed above the conveying surface 61c. Alternatively, the third light emitter 77 may be disposed above the conveying surface 61c, and the third light receiver 78 may be disposed below the conveying surface 61c.

[0097] The analyzer 75 analyzes the light received by the third light receiver 78 to determine whether or not the package Q exists on the third optical path LP3. For example, the analyzer 75 may determine that the package Q exists on the third optical path LP3 in response to the intensity of the light received by the third light receiver 78 decreasing to a first threshold value or less. Further, the analyzer 75 may determine that the package Q does not exist on the third optical path LP3 in response to the intensity of the light received by the third light receiver 78 increasing to a second threshold value or more. Note that the second threshold value may be the same as the first threshold value or different from the first threshold value.

[0098] Also, the analysis target wavelength when the analyzer 75 analyzes "the intensity of the light received by the third light receiver 78" and the analysis target wavelength when the analyzer 75 analyzes "the intensity of the light received by the light receiver 73" may be different from each other. Alternatively, or additionally, the wavelength of the light emitted by the third light emitter 77 may be different from the wavelength of the light emitted by the light emitter 71 of the detection device 70.

[0099] (Ejector 79) As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second transport device 6 may have an ejector 79 that ejects a defective package being transported by the second transport device 6 outside the transport path of the second transport device 6.

[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 17, in response to the detection of the absence of the second article P2 in the package Q, the ejector 79 ejects the package Q in which the second article P2 is missing (in other words, the defective package QD) outside the transport path of the second transport device 6. More specifically, in response to the analyzer 75 determining that the second article P2 is missing in the package Q, the ejector control device transmits an ejection command to the ejector 79. The ejector 79 that receives the ejection command ejects the package Q in which the second article P2 is missing (in other words, the defective package QD) outside the transport path of the second transport device 6. Note that the ejector control device may be included in the analyzer or may be included in the control device of the packaging machine 2.

[0101] The ejector 79 has, for example, an air injector 790. In the example described in FIG. 17, the air injector 790 ejects air in the second direction DR2 to exclude the package Q in which the second article P2 is missing (in other words, the defective package QD) from the conveyance path of the second conveyance device 6.

[0102] In the example described in FIG. 12, the distance L5 between the first optical path LP1 and the air injector 790 in the direction along the first direction DR1 is, for example, 50 cm or less, 30 cm or less, or 10 cm or less.

[0103] (Packaging machine 2) In the example described in FIG. 1, the packaging machine 2 has a former 21, a longitudinal sealer 23, and a transverse sealer 4. Additionally, the packaging machine 2 may have pinch rollers (22, 24). Further, the packaging machine 2 may have a tubular film feeder 30.

[0104] The longitudinal sealer 23 forms a longitudinal seal portion Q1 by welding two side edge portions of the tubular film F2 deformed into a tubular shape by the former 21 to each other. The longitudinal sealer 23 includes, for example, a pair of rollers 23r that sandwich two side edge portions of the tubular film F2. At least one of the pair of rollers 23r is a heating roller. In this case, the two side edge portions are welded to each other by the heating roller.

[0105] In the example described in FIG. 1, the packaging machine 2 includes a pair of upstream pinch rollers 22 that sandwich and transfer two side edge portions of the tubular film F2 upstream of the longitudinal sealer 23. At least one of the pair of upstream pinch rollers 22 is preferably a drive roller.

[0106] By arranging the upstream pinch rollers 22 upstream of the longitudinal sealer 23, two side edge portions can be stably supplied to the longitudinal sealer 23. Further, the pair of upstream pinch rollers 22 prevents the two side edge portions from meandering.

[0107] In the example described in FIG. 1, the packaging machine 2 includes a pair of downstream pinch rollers 24 that sandwich and transfer the longitudinal seal portion Q1 on the downstream side of the longitudinal sealer 23. At least one of the pair of downstream pinch rollers 24 is preferably a drive roller.

[0108] Preferably, the moving speed of the outer surface of the downstream pinch roller 24 is greater than the moving speed of the outer surface of the upstream pinch roller 22. When the moving speed of the outer surface of the downstream pinch roller 24 is greater than the moving speed of the outer surface of the upstream pinch roller 22, tension acts on the cylindrical film F2 located between the upstream pinch roller 22 and the downstream pinch roller 24.

[0109] Preferably, the outer surface of the downstream pinch roller 24 has an uneven pattern. When the longitudinal seal portion Q1 in the heated state by being heated by the longitudinal sealer 23 is sandwiched by the pair of downstream pinch rollers 24 having the uneven pattern, an uneven pattern is formed on the longitudinal seal portion Q1.

[0110] In the examples described in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the horizontal sealer 4 has a first rotating body 41 and a second rotating body 43. A first convex portion 41p extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the first rotating body 41 is disposed on the first rotating body 41, and a second convex portion 43p extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the second rotating body 43 is disposed on the second rotating body 43. By the first convex portion 41p and the second convex portion 43p, the upper portion and the lower portion of the cylindrical film F2 are pressed and heated. In this way, the upper portion and the lower portion of the cylindrical film F2 are welded to form a horizontal seal portion (for example, a front horizontal seal portion Q2, a rear horizontal seal portion Q3).

[0111] In the examples shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), a cutting blade 42 is provided on the horizontal sealer 4 (more specifically, the first rotating body 41). In the example shown in FIG. 3(b), the horizontal sealer 4 forms a rear horizontal seal portion Q3 on the semi-packaged body J to form the package Q. At the same time as the package Q is formed, the horizontal sealer 4 forms a front horizontal seal portion Q2 on the subsequent tubular film F2 to form the subsequent semi-packaged body J-2. Further, at the same time as the package Q is formed, the cutting blade 42 separates the package Q from the subsequent semi-packaged body J-2.

[0112] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the tubular film feeding device 30 is disposed between the vertical sealer 23 and the horizontal sealer 4. The tubular film feeding device 30 includes a lower conveyor 31 and / or an upper conveyor 33.

[0113] The lower conveyor 31 supports the set product P via the tubular film F2. When the transfer surface 31c of the lower conveyor 31 contacts the tubular film F2, the tubular film F2 and the set product P are transferred downstream.

[0114] The upper conveyor 33 contacts the tubular film F2 from above. When the transfer surface of the upper conveyor 33 contacts the tubular film F2, the tubular film F2 is transferred downstream. A plurality of cushion bodies 35 capable of pressing the tubular film F2 downward may be disposed on the endless member 34 of the upper conveyor 33.

[0115] When the tubular film feeding device 30 includes the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 33, a transfer force acts on the lower side and the upper side of the tubular film F2 in a well-balanced manner. Therefore, the tubular film can be supplied to the horizontal sealer 4 while maintaining the shape of the tubular film F2 in an appropriate shape.

[0116] (Packaging machine power transmission system M2) In the example described in FIG. 15, the packaging machine 2 has a packaging machine power transmission system M2. The packaging machine power transmission system M2 receives driving force directly or indirectly from a driving source 10 such as a motor MT, and transmits the received driving force to components of the packaging machine 2 (for example, the horizontal sealer 4, the vertical sealer 23, the lower conveyor 31, the upper conveyor 33, etc.). The driving source 10 drives at least a part of the packaging machine 2 (for example, the horizontal sealer 4, the vertical sealer 23, the lower conveyor 31, the upper conveyor 33, etc.) at least via the packaging machine power transmission system M2.

[0117] In the examples described in FIGS. 15 and 18, the packaging machine power transmission system M2 includes a sprocket 49 that is directly or indirectly driven by the driving source 10.

[0118] (Inter-device power transmission system M3) In the examples described in FIGS. 15 and 18, the packaging system 1A includes an inter-device power transmission system M3 that transmits power from the packaging machine power transmission system M2 to the first conveyor device power transmission system M1. The inter-device power transmission system M3 includes power transmission members such as a sprocket SP, a chain CH, and a shaft SH.

[0119] In the examples described in FIGS. 15 and 18, the inter-device power transmission system M3 has a chain CH that engages with the sprocket 49 of the packaging machine 2, and a shaft SH that rotates a sprocket (hereinafter referred to as "fourth sprocket 558") of the first conveyor device 5. The fourth sprocket 558 of the first conveyor device 5 engages with the first endless member 552 (more specifically, the endless chain 552c) of the first conveyor device 5.

[0120] In the examples described in FIGS. 15 and 18, the driving source 10 of at least one component (for example, the horizontal sealer 4) of the packaging machine 2 and the driving source of the first conveyor belt 56 are shared. By this sharing, the control of the packaging system 1A is simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the packaging system 1A is reduced.

[0121] (Second Embodiment) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 20, the packaging system 1B in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing the packaging system 1B in the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing a part of the packaging system 1B in the second embodiment.

[0122] The packaging system 1B in the second embodiment is different from the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment in that it includes a set product supply device 8. In other respects, the packaging system 1B in the second embodiment is the same as the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment.

[0123] In the second embodiment, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already explained in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, in the second embodiment, even if not explicitly explained, it goes without saying that the matters already explained in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment. Conversely, all matters explained in the second embodiment are applicable to the first embodiment.

[0124] As illustrated in FIG. 19, the packaging system 1B in the second embodiment includes a packaging machine 2, a first conveyor 5, a second conveyor 6, and a detection device 70. Additionally, the packaging system 1B may include a package detection device 76. Since the packaging machine 2, the first conveyor 5, the second conveyor 6, the detection device 70, and the package detection device 76 have already been described in the first embodiment, repeated descriptions of these configurations will be omitted.

[0125] (Set Product Supply Device 8) In the example shown in FIG. 19, the packaging system 1B includes a set product supply device 8 that supplies the set product P to the packaging machine 2 (more specifically, the former 21).

[0126] In the example described in FIG. 20, the set product supply device 8 includes a first conveyor 81 that transfers the first article P1 in the first direction DR1, and a second article supply device 84 that supplies the second article P2 toward the first article P1 on the first conveyor 81.

[0127] The first conveyor 81 may include a first support plate 82 that slidably supports the first article P1, and a pusher 83 that pushes the first article P1 in the first direction DR1.

[0128] In the example described in FIG. 20, the second article supply device 84 drops the second article P2 onto the first article P1 on the first conveyor 81. Thus, on the first conveyor 81, a set product P in which the first article P1 and the second article P2 are stacked is formed.

[0129] The second article supply device 84 may include a support 85 that supports the second article P2, and a feeder 86 that supplies the second article P2 to the support 85. Further, the above-described pusher 83 may function as a member that pushes the second article P2. In other words, the pusher 83 may function as a component of the first conveyor 81 and also as a component of the second article supply device 84.

[0130] The first conveyor 81 conveys the first article P1 in the first direction DR1 in the upstream region of the first conveyor 81, and conveys the set product P in the first direction DR1 in the downstream region of the first conveyor 81. The downstream end of the first conveyor 81 is disposed adjacent to the former 21, and the first conveyor 81 supplies the set product P inside the former 21.

[0131] The set product supply device 8 may have an article detection device 88 that detects the second article P2. The article detection device 88 detects the absence of the second article P2 transferred by the set product supply device 8. The detection of the absence of the second article P2 is performed upstream of the packaging machine 2 by the article detection device 88, and the detection of the absence of the second article P2 is performed downstream of the packaging machine 2 by the detection device 70, so that the absence of the second article P2 is double-checked. Therefore, the reliability of the packaging system 1B is improved. When a metal such as an aluminum foil or an aluminum vapor deposition layer is used for a part of the second article P2, the article detection device 88 may be a metal detector.

[0132] When the absence of the second article P2 is detected by the article detection device 88, the control device of the ejector may operate the ejector 79 at the timing when the package of the set product PD (see FIG. 17) with the absence of the second article P2 crosses the ejector 79. In this way, the package of the set product PD (that is, the defective package QD) is removed by the ejector 79.

[0133] (Third Embodiment) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 21, the packaging method in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the packaging method in the third embodiment.

[0134] The packaging method in the third embodiment is a method of packaging a set product P in which a first article P1 and a second article P2 smaller than the first article P1 are stacked. Since the first article P1, the second article P2, and the set product P have been described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0135] In the first step ST1, a tubular film F2 is formed. The first step ST1 is a tubular film forming step. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the tubular film forming step (the first step ST1) includes forming the tubular film F2 from the sheet-like film F1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the formation of the tubular film F2 is performed using the former 21.

[0136] In the second step ST2, the set product P is supplied inside the tubular film F2. The second step ST2 is the set product supply process.

[0137] In the example described in FIG. 1, the set product supply process (second step ST2) includes supplying the set product P inside the former 21. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the set product supply process (second step ST2) may be performed using the set product supply device 8. Since the set product supply device 8 has been described in the second embodiment, repetitive description of the set product supply device 8 will be omitted.

[0138] In the third step ST3, a longitudinal seal portion Q1 is formed on the tubular film F2. The third step ST3 is the longitudinal seal portion forming process. In the example described in FIG. 1, the longitudinal seal portion forming process (third step ST3) is performed using the longitudinal sealer 23. Since the longitudinal sealer 23 has been described in the first embodiment, repetitive description of the longitudinal sealer 23 will be omitted.

[0139] In the fourth step ST4, a semi-packaged body J that wraps the set product P is formed. The fourth step ST4 is the semi-packaged body forming process. As illustrated in FIG. 2(b), in the semi-packaged body forming process (fourth step ST4), a semi-packaged body J that wraps the set product P is formed by forming a front transverse seal portion Q2 on the tubular film F2. The semi-packaged body forming process (fourth step ST4) is performed using the transverse sealer 4. Since the transverse sealer 4 has been described in the first embodiment, repetitive description of the transverse sealer 4 will be omitted.

[0140] In the fifth step ST5, the semi-packaged body J is pinched and fed in the first direction DR1. The fifth step ST5 is a pinching and feeding process. As illustrated in FIGS. 3(a) and 4, in the pinching and feeding process (the fifth step ST5), the semi-packaged body J is pinched and fed in the first direction DR1 by using a first conveying device 5 having an active rotary brush 51 that presses the top J1 of the semi-packaged body J and a first conveying belt 56 that entirely supports the entire width of the bottom J2 of the semi-packaged body J. Since the first conveying device 5, the rotary brush 51, and the first conveying belt 56 have been described in the first embodiment, repeated descriptions of these configurations are omitted.

[0141] In the sixth step ST6, a packaging body Q that wraps the set product P is formed. The sixth step ST6 is a packaging body forming process. As illustrated in FIGS. 2(c) and 3(b), in the packaging body forming process (the sixth step ST6), the packaging body Q that wraps the set product P is formed by forming a rear horizontal seal portion Q3 in the tubular film F2. The packaging body forming process (the sixth step ST6) is performed using a horizontal sealer 4.

[0142] In the seventh step ST7, the packaging body Q is conveyed in the first direction DR1. The seventh step ST7 is a packaging body conveying process. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the packaging body conveying process (the seventh step ST7), the packaging body Q is conveyed in the first direction DR1 by using a second conveying device 6 having a second conveying belt 61 and a third conveying belt 63 arranged in parallel with the second conveying belt 61. Since the second conveying device 6, the second conveying belt 61, and the third conveying belt 63 have been described in the first embodiment, repeated descriptions of these configurations are omitted.

[0143] In the eighth step ST8, the presence or absence of the second article P2 in the package Q is detected. The eighth step ST8 is a detection step. In the detection step (the eighth step ST8), when the package Q is conveyed by the second conveyor 6, the presence or absence of the second article P2 in the package Q is detected using the light passing through the gap G between the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63. The detection step (the eighth step ST8) is performed using the detection device 70. Since the detection device 70 has been described in the first embodiment, repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0144] In the ninth step ST9, the presence or absence of a shortage of the second article P2 in the package Q is determined. The ninth step ST9 is a determination step.

[0145] The determination step (the ninth step ST9) includes the analyzer 75 determining the presence or absence of a shortage of the second article P2 in the package Q based on the data detected by the detection device 70 (for example, light data, image data).

[0146] For example, the analyzer 75 determines the presence or absence of a shortage of the second article P2 in the package Q by analyzing the light received by the light receiver 73 of the detection device 70. For example, the analyzer 75 may determine that the second article P2 is present in the package Q in response to the intensity of the light received by the light receiver 73 dropping below a threshold value at the timing when the package Q is detected by the package detection device 76. Further, the analyzer 75 may determine that the second article P2 is missing in the package Q when the intensity of the light received by the light receiver 73 consistently exceeds the threshold value during the period when the package Q is detected by the package detection device 76.

[0147] In the ninth step ST9 (determination step), if it is determined that the second article P2 is missing in the package Q (step ST9: Yes), in the tenth step ST10, the ejector 79 ejects the package Q in which the second article P2 is missing (in other words, the defective package QD) outside the conveyance path of the second conveyance device 6. The tenth step ST10 is an ejection step.

[0148] When the ejector 79 includes an air injector 790, the ejection step (tenth step ST10) includes ejecting air from the air injector 790 onto the defective package QD in which the second article P2 is missing, thereby ejecting the defective package QD outside the conveyance path of the second conveyance device 6.

[0149] In the ninth step ST9 (determination step), if it is determined that the second article P2 is not missing in the package Q (step ST9: No), in the eleventh step ST11, the second conveyance device 6 continues to convey the package Q in the first direction DR1.

[0150] The packaging method in the third embodiment is repeatedly executed for each of a plurality of sets of set products P. More specifically, the packaging method in the third embodiment includes repeatedly performing pillow packaging of the set product P. In the packaging method in the third embodiment, forming a package Q that wraps the set product P (step ST6 for the set product) and forming a semi-package J that wraps a subsequent set product (step ST4 for the subsequent set product) are executed simultaneously.

[0151] In the packaging method in the third embodiment, the semi-package J is pinched and conveyed by the first conveyance device 5 before the rear horizontal seal portion Q3 is formed. Therefore, surplus air is discharged from the semi-package J before the rear horizontal seal portion Q3 is formed. Thus, the air inside the package Q can be reduced, and the package Q does not bulge.

[0152] In the packaging method according to the third embodiment, the semi-packaged body J is pinched and fed in the first direction DR1 by using the active rotary brush 51 that presses the top of the semi-packaged body J and the first conveyor belt 56 that entirely supports the full width of the bottom of the semi-packaged body J. Therefore, it is possible to suitably apply a pinching and feeding force to the semi-packaged body J in which the set product P with a varying height in the feeding direction is wrapped. Further, when a rear horizontal seal portion is formed on the semi-packaged body J, the bottom J2 of the semi-packaged body J is prevented from bulging downward. Furthermore, when a rear horizontal seal portion is formed on the semi-packaged body J, the vertical seal portion Q1 of the semi-packaged body J does not stand up.

[0153] In the packaging method according to the third embodiment, the presence or absence of the second article P2 in the package Q is detected by using the light passing through the gap G between the second conveyor belt 61 and the third conveyor belt 63. Therefore, when detecting the presence or absence of the second article P2, the presence of the conveyor belt does not become an obstacle. Further, due to the presence of the upstream first conveyor belt 56 and the rotary brush 51, the bottom of the package Q is sufficiently flattened and the standing up of the vertical seal portion Q1 is suppressed. Therefore, when detecting the presence or absence of the second article P2 in the package Q, unintended false detection is less likely to occur.

[0154] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or each modification example, and it is obvious that each embodiment or each modification example can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Further, various techniques used in each embodiment or each modification example are applicable to other embodiments or other modification examples as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, any additional configuration in each embodiment or each modification example can be appropriately omitted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0155] 1, 1A, 1B: Packaging system 2: Packaging machine 4: Horizontal sealer 5: First conveying device 6: Second conveying device 8: Set product supply device 10: Drive source 21: Former 22: Upstream pinch roller 23: Vertical sealer 23r: Roller 24: Downstream pinch roller 30: Cylindrical film feeding device 31: Lower conveyor 31c: Transfer surface 33: Upper conveyor 34: Endless member 35: Cushion body 41: First rotating body 41p: First convex portion 42: Cutting blade 43: Second rotating body 43p: Second convex portion 49: Sprocket 51: Rotating brush 52: Arm 52a: First arm 52b: Second arm 53: Joint portion 53a: First joint portion 53b: Second joint portion 54: Relay member 54a: First relay member 54b: Second relay member 56: First conveyor belt 56': First conveyor belt 56b: Back surface 56c: Conveyor surface 57: First pulley 58: First support plate 61: Second conveyor belt 61c: Conveyor surface 62: Second pulley 63: Third conveyor belt 63c: Conveyor surface 64: Third pulley 65: Shaft 66a: Second support plate 66b: Third support plate 70: Detection device 71: Light projector 71a: First light projector 71b: Second light emitter 72: Support 73: Light receiver 73a: First light receiver 73b: Second light receiver 74: Support 75: Analyzer 75c: Computer 76: Packaging body detection device 77: Third light emitter 78: Third light receiver 79: Ejector 81: First conveyor 82: First support plate 83: Pusher 84: Second article supply device 85: Support 86: Feeder 88: Article detection device 551a: First fixing member 551b: Second fixing member 552: First endless member 552c: Endless chain 553: Second endless member 554: Third endless member 555: First sprocket 556: Second sprocket 557: Third sprocket 558: Fourth sprocket 790: Air injector AT1: Tilting axis AT2: Second tilting axis AX1: Rotation axis BL1: Bracket BL2: Bracket CH: Chain F: Packaging material F1: Sheet-like film F2: Tubular film FL1: First frame FL2: Second frame J, J-2: Semi-packaging body J': Semi-packaging body J1: Top of semi-packaging body J2: Bottom of the semi-packaged body LP: Optical path LP1: First optical path LP2: Second optical path LP3: Third optical path LT: Light M1: First transfer device power transmission system M2: Packaging machine power transmission system M3: Inter-device power transmission system MT: Motor P: Set product P1: First article P2: Second article PD: Set product with missing second article Q: Package Q': Package Q1: Longitudinal seal part Q1': Longitudinal seal part Q2: Front transverse seal part Q3: Rear transverse seal part QD: Defective package Qa: First side part of the package Qb: Second side part of the package SH: Shaft SP: Sprocket

Claims

1. A packaging system for packaging a set of products in which a first product and a second product smaller than the first product are stacked, comprising: a former for forming a tubular film from a sheet-like film; a longitudinal sealer for forming a longitudinal seal portion on the tubular film; a transverse sealer for forming a semi-packaged body that wraps the set of products by forming a front transverse seal portion on the tubular film, and forming a packaged body that wraps the set of products by forming a rear transverse seal portion on the tubular film; a first conveying device for sandwiching and conveying the semi-packaged body immediately before the rear transverse seal portion is formed, and conveying the packaged body in a first direction immediately after the rear transverse seal portion is formed; a second conveying device disposed on the first direction side of the first conveying device; a detection device for detecting the presence or absence of the second product in the packaged body when the packaged body is conveyed by the second conveying device and comprising: The first conveying device has an active rotary rotary brush for pressing the top of the semi-packaged body, and a first conveying belt capable of entirely supporting the entire width of the bottom of the semi-packaged body and having: The second conveying device comprises a second conveying belt, and a third conveying belt disposed in parallel with the second conveying belt and including: The detection device uses light passing through a gap between the second conveying belt and the third conveying belt to detect the presence or absence of the second product in the packaged body packaging system.

2. The rotary brush is supported by an arm having at least one joint portion, and at least one relay member for relaying power transmission to the rotary brush is disposed on the at least one joint portion The packaging system according to claim 1.

3. The drive source of the rotary brush and the drive source of the first conveying belt are shared The packaging system according to claim 1.

4. An inter-device power transmission system for transmitting power from a packaging machine power transmission system of a packaging machine having the former, the longitudinal sealer, and the transverse sealer to a first conveying device power transmission system that is a power transmission system of the first conveying device is provided The packaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The width of the first conveying belt is three times or more the width of the second conveying belt The packaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The packaging system further comprises a packaged body detection device for detecting the packaged body During the period when the package is detected by the package detection device, the detection device is configured to detect the presence or absence of the second article in the package. The packaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The former further comprises a set item supply device for supplying the set items to the former, The set item supply device has an article detection device for detecting the omission of the second article, The omission of the second article is double-checked by the detection device and the article detection device. The packaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. In the set items, the first article and the second article are stacked, the first article and a third article smaller than the first article are stacked. The packaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. A packaging method for packaging a set item in which a first article and a second article smaller than the first article are stacked, a step of forming a tubular film, a step of forming a longitudinal seal portion on the tubular film, a step of forming a semi-packaged body that wraps the set item by forming a front transverse seal portion on the tubular film, a step of sandwiching and feeding the semi-packaged body in a first direction using a first transport device having an active rotary brush that presses the top of the semi-packaged body and a first transport belt that entirely supports the full width of the bottom of the semi-packaged body, a step of forming a packaged body that wraps the set item by forming a rear transverse seal portion on the tubular film, a step of transporting the packaged body in the first direction using a second transport device having a second transport belt and a third transport belt arranged in parallel with the second transport belt, a step of detecting the presence or absence of the second article in the packaged body using light that passes through a gap between the second transport belt and the third transport belt when the packaged body is transported by the second transport device comprising a packaging method.

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