Bag-in-box filling system

Abstract

To improve maintainability of a bag-in-box filling machine.SOLUTION: A bag-in-box filling system 1 includes a bag-in-box filling machine 11 for filling a content into a bag-in-box having an inner bag of an outer box, a spout, and a cap, and a monitoring unit 12. The bag-in-box filling machine 11 includes a pump 11B for filling the content into the bag-in-box, and the monitoring unit 12 includes a detection unit 12A, a calculation unit 12B, a storage unit 12C, and a determination unit 12D. The detection unit 12A detects a start timing and an end timing of a filling operation of the pump 11B, the calculation unit 12B calculates the time required for the pump 11B to fill the content for the pump 11B, the storage unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the time required for a filling operation of the content, and the determination unit 12D determines whether or not the pump 11B is normal based on data indicating the time required for the filling operation of the content by the pump.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bag-in-box filling system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a filling and sealing machine for manufacturing a product by filling a carton with a product to be filled and sealing the carton is known (see Patent Document 1). In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the filling and sealing system includes a filling and sealing machine, a communication device that transmits data on operations related to at least one of filling and sealing of the filling and sealing machine to a storage device, and an information processing device. The information processing device acquires data on operations for a given period from the storage device and displays the data on operations on a display device. By the way, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, for example, changes over time in the required time for the stroke operation of an actuator, changes over time in the required time for the filling operation of the contents by a pump, changes over time in a plurality of parameter values detected by a flow meter, etc. are not considered. Therefore, it can be said that there is room for improvement in the technology described in Patent Document 1 in order to improve the maintainability of the filling and sealing machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a bag-in-box filling system capable of improving the maintainability of a bag-in-box filling machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a bag-in-box filling system including a bag-in-box filling machine having an outer box, an inner bag housed in the outer box, a spout attached to the inner bag, and a cap attached to the spout for filling the bag-in-box with contents, and a monitoring unit for monitoring the bag-in-box filling machine. The bag-in-box filling machine includes a pump for filling the bag-in-box with contents. The monitoring unit includes a detection unit, a calculation unit, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The detection unit detects at least the start timing and the end timing of the filling operation of the contents by the pump. The calculation unit calculates the required time for the filling operation of the contents by the pump based on the start timing and the end timing of the filling operation of the contents by the pump detected by the detection unit. The storage unit accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the filling operation of the contents by the pump calculated by the calculation unit. The determination unit determines at least whether the pump is normal based on the data indicating the required time for the filling operation of the contents by the pump accumulated and stored by the storage unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bag-in-box filling system capable of improving the maintainability of a bag-in-box filling machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the bag-in-box filling system of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a bag-in-box filling system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a bag-in-box filling machine 11 shown in FIG. 1. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bag-in-box filling system 1 includes a bag-in-box filling machine 11 and a monitoring unit 12. The bag-in-box filling machine 11 fills the bag-in-box B with contents. The bag-in-box B has an outer box B1, an inner bag B2 housed in the outer box B1, a spout B21 attached to the inner bag B2, and a cap B3 attached to the spout B21. The bag-in-box filling machine 11 includes, for example, an inner bag supply unit 111, a filling unit 112, a capping mechanism 113, a cutting unit 114, a feeding unit 115, and an actuator 11A.

[0010] The inner bag supply unit 111 supplies (transports) the inner bag B2 to the filling unit 112 in a state where a plurality of inner bags B2 are connected to each other. The filling unit 112 fills the inner bag B2 with contents. The filling unit 112 includes a tank 112E, a pump 11B, a flow meter 11C, a filling nozzle 112A, a spout holder 112B, a support 112F, a filling table 112C, and a lifting unit 112D. The tank 112E stores the contents to be filled into the inner bag B2. The pump 11B supplies the contents stored in the tank 112E to the filling nozzle 112A. The flow meter 11C measures the flow rate of the contents supplied by the pump 11B. The filling nozzle 112A is configured to be insertable into the spout B21 and fills the inner bag B2 with the contents supplied by the pump 11B. When the spout holder 112B and the support 112F are engaged with the spout B21 when the contents are filled by the filling nozzle 112A, the spout B21 is held (positioned).

[0011] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship among the spout B21, the spout holder 112B, and the support 112F. Specifically, Fig. 3(A) is a plan view of the spout B21, the spout holder 112B, the support 112F, etc. as viewed from the central axis direction of the spout B21 (upper side in Fig. 2), and Fig. 3(B) is a side view of the spout B21, the spout holder 112B, the support 112F, etc. as viewed from the left side of Fig. 3(A). In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the contents are filled by the filling nozzle 112A, the spout B21 is stably held by the spout holder 112B being engaged with the outer peripheral groove of the spout B21. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 3, when the contents are filled by the filling nozzle 112A, the support 112F is engaged with the outer peripheral groove of the spout B21. Therefore, the spout B21 is held more stably. In Fig. 3, the cross-hatched portion indicates the portion where the spout holder 112B and the support 112F are engaged with the outer peripheral groove of the spout B21.

[0012] In the examples shown in Figs. 1 and 2, when the contents are filled by the filling nozzle 112A, the filling table 112C supports the inner bag B2. The elevating part 112D raises and lowers the filling table 112C. As the amount of the contents filled in the inner bag B2 increases, the filling table 112C is lowered by the elevating part 112D. The capping mechanism 113 performs the opening and closing of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21. Specifically, the capping mechanism 113 performs the opening of the cap B3 before the start of the filling of the contents by the filling part 112, and performs the closing of the cap B3 after the end of the filling of the contents by the filling part 112.

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the capping mechanism 113. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the capping mechanism 113 includes a gripper part 113A that can be opened and closed, a rotating part 113B that rotates the gripper part 113A, and a lifting part 113C that raises and lowers the gripper part 113A. When the capping mechanism 113 performs the uncapping of the cap B3, the lifting part 113C lowers the gripper part 113A with the gripper part 113A open, and then, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the gripper part 113A clamps the cap B3. Next, with the gripper part 113A clamping the cap B3, the rotating part 113B rotates the gripper part 113A and the lifting part 113C raises the gripper part 113A. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the uncapping of the cap B3 by the capping mechanism 113 is completed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the spout B21 and the cap B3 are of the screw type, but in other examples, the spout B21 and the cap B3 may be of a type other than the screw type, such as, for example, the snap-on type, the cock type, the pull-top type, the bending type, etc.

[0014] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cutting part 114 cuts a plurality of inner bags B2 connected to each other and separates them into individual inner bags B2. Specifically, the cutting part 114 cuts a plurality of inner bags B2 connected to each other through a connecting part having a perforation at the position of the perforation and separates them into individual inner bags B2. The cutting part 114 includes a cutter 114A and a lifting part 114B that raises and lowers the cutter 114A. The input part 115 inputs the inner bag B2 filled with the content by the filling part 112 and cut by the cutting part 114 into the outer box B1. The actuator 11A performs a stroke operation. The actuator 11A includes, for example, an inner bag supply air cylinder that functions as an inner bag supply unit 111 for supplying (conveying) the inner bag B2 to the filling unit 112, a filling nozzle moving air cylinder that moves the filling nozzle 112A between the filling position and the retracted position, a filling table lifting air cylinder that functions as a lifting unit 112D for lifting and lowering the filling table 112C, a capping mechanism lifting air cylinder that functions as a lifting unit 113C of the capping mechanism 113, a cutting unit driving air cylinder that drives the cutting unit 114, and the like. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the actuator 11A is servo-controlled. Therefore, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operating position and time of the actuator 11A can be monitored, facilitating the management and preventive maintenance work of the actuator 11A by the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11. In other examples, the actuator 11A may not be servo-controlled.

[0015] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the monitoring unit 12 includes a detection unit 12A, a calculation unit 12B, a storage unit 12C, a determination unit 12D, an output unit 12E, and imaging units 12F, 12G, and 12H. The detection unit 12A includes, for example, a proximity sensor. The detection unit 12A detects the start timing and end timing of the stroke operation of the actuator 11A. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 12A is an IoT (Internet of Things) device. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 1, remote maintenance of the actuator 11A to be detected by the detection unit 12A can be performed. In other examples, the detection unit 12A may not be an IoT device.

[0016] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the calculation unit 12B calculates the required time of the stroke operation of the actuator 11A based on the start timing and end timing of the stroke operation of the actuator 11A detected by the detection unit 12A. The storage unit 12C stores and remembers data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the actuator 11A calculated by the arithmetic unit 12B. Based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the actuator 11A stored and remembered by the storage unit 12C, the determination unit 12D makes a determination, for example, as to whether the actuator 11A is normal or not. For example, when the required time for the stroke operation of the actuator 11A to be determined is longer than the required time for the stroke operation of a normal actuator 11A, the determination unit 12D determines that the actuator 11A to be determined may be deteriorated and that it is the replacement timing of the actuator 11A to be determined. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the arithmetic unit 12B, the determination result by the determination unit 12D, and the like.

[0017] That is, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the arithmetic unit 12B converts the detection result of the detection unit 12A into information that is easy to understand the situation of the actuator 11A. Further, the determination unit 12D makes a determination as to whether the actuator 11A is normal or not. Furthermore, the output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the arithmetic unit 12B and the determination result by the determination unit 12D. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration situation of the actuator 11A and can easily grasp the replacement timing of the actuator 11A. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the maintainability of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be improved, and the preventive maintenance work of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 by the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be facilitated. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1, for example, by monitoring the amount of data stored in the storage unit 12C, the maintenance frequency of the bag-in-box filling system 1 can be clarified. In another example, the detection unit 12A may detect the number of stroke operations of the actuator 11A, and the storage unit 12C may store the number of stroke operations (integrated value) of the actuator 11A. In this example, the determination unit 12D makes a determination, for example, as to whether the actuator 11A is normal, based on the data indicating the number of stroke operations (integrated value) of the actuator 11A stored by the storage unit 12C. For example, when the number of stroke operations (integrated value) of the actuator 11A to be determined reaches a predetermined threshold or more, the determination unit 12D determines that the actuator 11A to be determined may be deteriorated and that it is the replacement timing of the actuator 11A to be determined.

[0018] Specifically, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detection unit 12A detects the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the inner bag supply air cylinder that functions as the inner bag supply unit 111 that supplies the inner bag B2 to the filling unit 112. The calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the stroke operation of the inner bag supply air cylinder based on the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the inner bag supply air cylinder detected by the detection unit 12A. The storage unit 12C accumulates and stores the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the inner bag supply air cylinder calculated by the calculation unit 12B. The determination unit 12D makes a determination, for example, as to whether the inner bag supply air cylinder is normal, based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the inner bag supply air cylinder accumulated and stored by the storage unit 12C. For example, when the required time for the stroke operation of the inner bag supply air cylinder to be determined is longer than the required time for the stroke operation of a normal inner bag supply air cylinder, the determination unit 12D determines that the inner bag supply air cylinder to be determined may be deteriorated and that it is the replacement timing of the inner bag supply air cylinder to be determined. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the calculation unit 12B, the determination result by the determination unit 12D, and the like. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the inner bag supply air cylinder and can easily grasp the replacement timing of the inner bag supply air cylinder.

[0019] Also, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detection unit 12A detects the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle 112A between the filling position and the retracted position. The calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle based on the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle detected by the detection unit 12A. The storage unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle calculated by the calculation unit 12B. The determination unit 12D makes a determination, for example, as to whether the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle is normal or not, based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle accumulated and stored by the storage unit 12C. For example, when the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle to be determined is longer than the required time for the stroke operation of a normal air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle, the determination unit 12D determines that there is a possibility that the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle to be determined has deteriorated, and that it is the replacement timing of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle to be determined. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the calculation unit 12B, the determination result by the determination unit 12D, and the like. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle, and can easily grasp the replacement timing of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle.

[0020] Also, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detection unit 12A detects the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table 112C that functions as the raising and lowering unit 112D for raising and lowering the filling table. The calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table based on the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table detected by the detection unit 12A. The storage unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table calculated by the calculation unit 12B. The determination unit 12D makes a determination, for example, as to whether the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table is normal, based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table accumulated and stored by the storage unit 12C. For example, when the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table to be determined is longer than the required time for the stroke operation of a normal air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table, the determination unit 12D determines that there is a possibility that the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table to be determined has deteriorated, and that it is the replacement timing of the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table to be determined. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the calculation unit 12B, the determination result by the determination unit 12D, and the like. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table, and can easily grasp the replacement timing of the air cylinder for raising and lowering the filling table.

[0021] Also, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detection unit 12A detects the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism, which functions as the lifting and lowering unit 113C of the capping mechanism 113. The calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism based on the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism detected by the detection unit 12A. The storage unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism calculated by the calculation unit 12B. The determination unit 12D makes a determination, for example, as to whether the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism is normal or not, based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism accumulated and stored by the storage unit 12C. For example, when the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism to be determined is longer than the required time for the stroke operation of a normal air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism, the determination unit 12D determines that there is a possibility that the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism to be determined is deteriorated, and that it is the replacement timing of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism to be determined. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the calculation unit 12B, the determination result by the determination unit 12D, and the like. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism, and can easily grasp the replacement timing of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism.

[0022] Also, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detection unit 12A detects the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit 114. The calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit based on the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit detected by the detection unit 12A. The storage unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit calculated by the calculation unit 12B. Based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting part accumulated and stored by the storage part 12C, the determination part 12D makes a determination, for example, as to whether the air cylinder for driving the cutting part is normal or not. For example, when the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting part to be determined is longer than the required time for the stroke operation of a normal air cylinder for driving the cutting part, the determination part 12D determines that there is a possibility that the air cylinder for driving the cutting part to be determined has deteriorated, and determines that it is the replacement timing of the air cylinder for driving the cutting part to be determined. Alternatively, based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting part accumulated and stored by the storage part 12C, the determination part 12D may make a determination (estimation) as to whether the cutting of the inner bag B2 by the cutting part 114 at the position of the perforation is being executed normally or not. For example, when the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting part to be determined is longer than the required time for the stroke operation of a normal air cylinder for driving the cutting part, the determination part 12D determines (estimates) that the cutting of the inner bag B2 by the cutting part 114 at the position of the perforation is not being executed normally, and that the stress applied to the cutting part 114 and the inner bag B2 during cutting is greater than normal. The output part 12E outputs the calculation result by the calculation part 12B, the determination result by the determination part 12D, and the like. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the air cylinder for driving the cutting part, and can easily grasp the replacement timing of the air cylinder for driving the cutting part.

[0023] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the imaging part 12F images the spout holder 112B and the capping mechanism 113. The storage part 12C accumulates and stores the image data of the spout holder 112B and the capping mechanism 113 imaged by the imaging part 12F. Based on the image data of the spout holder 112B and the capping mechanism 113 accumulated and stored by the storage part 12C, the determination part 12D makes a determination as to whether the spout holder 112B and the capping mechanism 113 are functioning normally or not. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily determine whether adjustment of the spout holder 112B or the capping mechanism 113 is necessary. That is, the maintainability of the spout holder 112B and the capping mechanism 113 can be improved, and it becomes easier for the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 to perform preventive maintenance work on the spout holder 112B and the capping mechanism 113 (such as monitoring the dimensions of parts that affect the quality of the bag-in-box filling machine 11).

[0024] In addition, the imaging unit 12F captures an image showing the height of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21 before the cap B3 is unsealed by the capping mechanism 113. Further, the imaging unit 12F captures an image showing the height of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21 after the cap B3 is sealed by the capping mechanism 113. The storage unit 12C stores and accumulates the data of the image showing the height of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21 before the cap B3 is unsealed, captured by the imaging unit 12F, and the data of the image showing the height of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21 after the cap B3 is sealed. The determination unit 12D determines whether the state of the cap B3 is normal before the unsealing is performed and after the sealing is performed, based on the data of the image showing the height of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21 before the cap B3 is unsealed, stored and accumulated by the storage unit 12C, and the data of the image showing the height of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21 after the cap B3 is sealed. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily perform quality control of the bag-in-box B before and after filling the contents by the bag-in-box filling machine 11 (such as controlling the height of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21, detecting the floating of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21, etc.).

[0025] Furthermore, before the capping mechanism 113 opens the cap B3, the imaging unit 12F captures an image including the printing on the surface of the inner bag B2. The storage unit 12C accumulates and stores the data of the image including the printing on the surface of the inner bag B2 captured by the imaging unit 12F. Therefore, even if a defect occurs in the inner bag B2, it is possible to easily specify the target range by lot traceability, and the speed of cause investigation can be increased. In addition, it is possible to analyze the inner bag B2 supplied to the bag-in-box filling machine 11.

[0026] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 12G captures an image of the inner bag B2 cut by the cutting unit 114 at the perforation position. The storage unit 12C accumulates and stores the data of the images of the cutting unit 114 and the inner bag B2 captured by the imaging unit 12G. The determination unit 12D determines whether the cutting of the inner bag B2 by the cutting unit 114 at the perforation position is executed normally based on the data of the images of the cutting unit 114 and the inner bag B2 accumulated and stored by the storage unit 12C. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the cutting state of the perforation of the inner bag B2 is monitored. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the setting conditions of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be clarified, and the presence or absence of defects in the manufacturing process of the inner bag B2 can be clarified.

[0027] Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 12H captures an image of the inner bag B2 being inserted into the outer box B1 by the insertion unit 115. The storage unit 12C accumulates and stores the data of the image of the inner bag B2 captured by the imaging unit 12H. The determination unit 12D determines whether the inner bag B2 is normally inserted into the outer box B1 by the insertion unit 115 based on the data of the image of the inner bag B2 accumulated and stored by the storage unit 12C. For example, the determination unit 12D estimates the dropping speed of the inner bag B2 being inserted into the outer box B1 by the insertion unit 115, estimates the posture of the inner bag B2 being inserted into the outer box B1 by the insertion unit 115, and the like. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the replacement timing of the components of the input unit 115. In addition, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can monitor the state of the inner bag B2 placed in the outer box B1 by the input unit 115, and can suppress the risk of leakage of the contents filled in the inner bag B2.

[0028] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the bag-in-box filling system of the present invention will be described. The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment is configured in the same manner as the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the points described later. Therefore, according to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, except for the points described later.

[0029] The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The bag-in-box filling machine 11 of the second embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the bag-in-box filling machine 11 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and includes, for example, an inner bag supply unit 111, a filling unit 112, a capping mechanism 113, a cutting unit 114, an input unit 115, and an actuator 11A. The filling unit 112 includes a tank 112E, a pump 11B, a flow meter 11C, a filling nozzle 112A, a spout holder 112B, a support 112F, a filling table 112C, and a lifting unit 112D. The pump 11B supplies the contents stored in the tank 112E to the filling nozzle 112A. That is, the pump 11B fills the bag-in-box B with the contents.

[0030] The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment includes a monitoring unit 12 that monitors the bag-in-box filling machine 11, similar to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment. The monitoring unit 12 of the second embodiment includes a detection unit 12A, a calculation unit 12B, a storage unit 12C, a determination unit 12D, an output unit 12E, and imaging units 12F, 12G, and 12H, similar to the monitoring unit 12 of the first embodiment. The detection unit 12A of the second embodiment includes, for example, an ammeter, a thermometer, a microcomputer, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), etc. The detection unit 12A detects the start timing and end timing of the filling operation of the contents by the pump 11B. In an example of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the detection unit 12A is an IoT device. In another example of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the detection unit 12A does not have to be an IoT device.

[0031] In the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the filling operation of the contents by the pump 11B based on the start timing and end timing of the filling operation of the contents by the pump 11B detected by the detection unit 12A. The storage unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the filling operation of the contents by the pump 11B calculated by the calculation unit 12B. The determination unit 12D makes a determination, for example, whether the pump 11B is normal or not, based on the data indicating the required time for the filling operation of the contents by the pump 11B accumulated and stored by the storage unit 12C. For example, when the required time for the filling operation of the contents by the pump 11B to be determined is longer than the required time for the filling operation of the contents by a normal pump 11B, the determination unit 12D determines that the pump 11B to be determined may be deteriorated and that it is the replacement timing of the pump 11B to be determined. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the calculation unit 12B, the determination result by the determination unit 12D, etc.

[0032] That is, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the arithmetic unit 12B converts the detection result of the detection unit 12A into information that makes it easy to grasp the situation of the pump 11B. Further, the determination unit 12D determines whether the pump 11B is normal or not. Furthermore, the output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the arithmetic unit 12B and the determination result by the determination unit 12D. Therefore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the pump 11B and can easily grasp the replacement timing of the pump 11B. That is, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the maintainability of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be improved, and the preventive maintenance work of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 by the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be facilitated. Also, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, for example, by monitoring the amount of data stored in the storage unit 12C, the maintenance frequency of the bag-in-box filling system 1 can be clarified. In another example of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the detection unit 12A may detect the number of times of the filling operation of the content by the pump 11B, and the storage unit 12C may store the number of times of the filling operation of the content by the pump 11B (integrated value). In this example, the determination unit 12D makes a determination, for example, whether the pump 11B is normal or not, based on the data indicating the number of times of the filling operation of the content by the pump 11B (integrated value) stored by the storage unit 12C. For example, when the number of times of the filling operation of the content by the pump 11B to be determined (integrated value) reaches a predetermined threshold or more, the determination unit 12D determines that there is a possibility that the pump 11B to be determined is deteriorated and that it is the replacement timing of the pump 11B to be determined.

[0033] <Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the bag-in-box filling system of the present invention will be described. The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment is configured in the same manner as the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the points described below. Therefore, according to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment described above can be achieved, except for the points described below.

[0034] The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The bag-in-box filling machine 11 of the third embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the bag-in-box filling machine 11 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and includes, for example, an inner bag supply unit 111, a filling unit 112, a capping mechanism 113, a cutting unit 114, a feeding unit 115, and an actuator 11A. The filling unit 112 includes a tank 112E, a pump 11B, a flow meter 11C, a filling nozzle 112A, a spout holder 112B, a support 112F, a filling table 112C, and a lifting unit 112D. The pump 11B supplies the contents stored in the tank 112E to the filling nozzle 112A. That is, the pump 11B fills the bag-in-box B with the contents. In the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the flow meter 11C is a mass flow meter, and detects various parameter values such as, for example, the flow rate and temperature of the contents filled into the bag-in-box B by the pump 11B. In an example of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the flow meter 11C is an IoT device. In another example of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the flow meter 11C may not be an IoT device.

[0035] Similar to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment, the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment includes a monitoring unit 12 that monitors the bag-in-box filling machine 11. In the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the monitoring unit 12 includes a detection unit 12A, a storage unit 12C, a determination unit 12D, an output unit 12E, and imaging units 12F, 12G, and 12H. The storage unit 12C of the third embodiment accumulates and stores data indicating various parameter values detected by the flow meter 11C. Based on the data indicating various parameter values accumulated and stored by the storage unit 12C, the determination unit 12D determines, for example, whether the bag-in-box B is normally filled with the contents. For example, when the various parameter values detected by the flow meter 11C to be determined are outside the range of preset reference values, the determination unit 12D determines that there is a possibility that the components of the mechanism for filling the bag-in-box B with the contents are deteriorated, and it is the replacement timing of the components of the mechanism for filling the bag-in-box B with the contents. The output unit 12E outputs the determination result by the determination unit 12D and the like.

[0036] That is, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the determination unit 12D determines whether the various parameter values detected by the flow meter 11C are normal values, whether the components of the mechanism for filling the bag-in-box B with the contents are normal, and the like. Further, the output unit 12E outputs the determination result by the determination unit 12D. Therefore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the components of the mechanism for filling the bag-in-box B with the contents, and can easily grasp the replacement timing of the components of the mechanism for filling the bag-in-box B with the contents. That is, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the maintainability of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be improved, and the preventive maintenance work of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 by the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be facilitated.

[0037] As described above, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, by using the imaging unit 12F, dimensional monitoring is performed on parts that affect the quality of the bag-in-box filling machine 11, such as the spout holder 112B and the capping mechanism 113. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the preventive maintenance work of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 by the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11, and the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp whether adjustments to the spout holder 112B, the capping mechanism 113, etc. are necessary.

[0038] Also, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, by using the detection unit 12A, the flow meter 11C, etc., the number of operations and the operation time of various air cylinders, the pump 11B, etc. are monitored. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the preventive maintenance work of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 by the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11, and the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp whether replacements of various air cylinders, the pump 11B, etc. are necessary.

[0039] Also, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, the flow rate, temperature, and various counter values of the contents filled in the bag-in-box B detected by the mass flow meter are monitored. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the preventive maintenance work of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 by the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11, and the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can monitor the tendency of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 and improve the yield.

[0040] Also, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, by using the imaging unit 12F, the height of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21 before the opening of the cap B3 is executed, and the height of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21 after the capping of the cap B3 is executed are monitored. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily manage the quality of the bag-in-box B (the height of the cap B3 with respect to the spout B21, the floating of the cap B3). Furthermore, by linking the monitoring result using the imaging unit 12F with the inspection result in the manufacturing process of the inner bag B2 before it is supplied to the filling unit 112 by the inner bag supply unit 111, it is possible to easily identify the cause when a defect occurs.

[0041] Also, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, by using the imaging unit 12G, the state of cutting of the inner bag B2 by the cutting unit 114 at the perforation position is monitored. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily manage the quality of the inner bag B2 cut by the cutting unit 114 at the perforation position. Furthermore, by measuring the stress when the inner bag B2 is cut by the cutting unit 114, it is possible to clarify whether a defect in the setting conditions of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 is the cause of the defect when a defect occurs, or whether a defect in the manufacturing process of the inner bag B2 before it is supplied to the filling unit 112 by the inner bag supply unit 111 is the cause of the defect.

[0042] Also, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, by using the imaging unit 12H, the state in which the inner bag B2 is put into the outer box B1 (the insertion posture of the inner bag B2) is monitored. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily manage the quality of the inner bag B2 put into the outer box B1, and can easily grasp the replacement timing of the components of the insertion unit 115. Furthermore, by detecting the falling speed of the inner bag B2, it is possible to suppress the defect that the contents filled in the inner bag B2 leak out.

[0043] Also, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, by servo-ifying the air cylinder, the operating position and time of the air cylinder are monitored. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can perform quality control and preventive maintenance work more easily than in the case where the air cylinder is not servo-ified.

[0044] Also, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, by using the imaging unit 12F, the printing on the surface of the inner bag B2 is monitored. Therefore, even when a defect occurs in the inner bag B2, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily identify the target range by lot traceability and can speed up the cause investigation.

[0045] Also, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, the IoT device is used for monitoring the bag-in-box filling machine 11 as the detection unit 12A and the flow meter 11C. Therefore, the administrator of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can perform remote maintenance of the bag-in-box filling machine 11.

[0046] Also, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, analysis using inspection results in the manufacturing process of the inner bag B2 before being supplied to the filling unit 112 can be performed. Furthermore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, the maintenance frequency of the bag-in-box filling system 1 can be clarified.

[0047] As described above, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described using the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. The configurations described in the above-described embodiments and each example may be combined as appropriate.

[0048] Note that the functions of all or part of each component included in the bag-in-box filling system 1 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by recording a program for realizing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, reading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, the "computer system" is assumed to include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, etc., and a storage unit such as a hard disk built in a computer system. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes something that dynamically holds a program for a short time, like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and something that holds a program for a certain period of time, like a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or a client in that case. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the aforementioned functions, and may further be realizable in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system for realizing the aforementioned functions.

[0049] <Supplementary Note> (1) One aspect of the present invention is a bag-in-box filling system comprising a bag-in-box filling machine for filling a bag-in-box having an outer box, an inner bag housed in the outer box, a spout attached to the inner bag, and a cap attached to the spout with contents, and a monitoring unit for monitoring the bag-in-box filling machine. The bag-in-box filling machine includes at least one actuator that performs a stroke operation. The monitoring unit includes a detection unit, a calculation unit, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The detection unit detects at least the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the actuator. The calculation unit calculates the required time for the stroke operation of the actuator based on the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the actuator detected by the detection unit. The storage unit accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the actuator calculated by the calculation unit. The determination unit determines whether at least the actuator is normal based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the actuator accumulated and stored by the storage unit.

[0050] (2) One aspect of the present invention is a bag-in-box filling system including a bag-in-box filling machine having an outer box, an inner bag housed in the outer box, a spout attached to the inner bag, and a cap attached to the spout, for filling the bag-in-box with contents, and a monitoring unit for monitoring the bag-in-box filling machine. The bag-in-box filling machine includes a pump for filling the bag-in-box with contents, and a flow meter for detecting various parameter values including at least the flow rate and temperature of the contents filled into the bag-in-box by the pump. The monitoring unit includes a storage unit and a determination unit. The storage unit accumulates and stores data indicating the various parameter values detected by the flow meter. The determination unit determines at least whether the bag-in-box is normally filled with contents based on the data indicating the various parameter values accumulated and stored by the storage unit.

Explanation of Signs

[0051] 1... Bag-in-box filling system, 11... Bag-in-box filling machine, 111... Inner bag supply unit, 112... Filling unit, 112A... Filling nozzle, 112B... Spout holder, 112C... Filling table, 112D... Lifting part, 112E... Tank, 112F... Support, 113... Capping mechanism, 113A... Gripping part, 113B... Rotating part, 113C... Lifting part, 114... Cutting part, 114A... Cutter, 114B... Lifting part, 115... Feeding part, 11A... Actuator, 11B... Pump, 11C... Flow meter, 12... Monitoring unit, 12A... Detection unit, 12B... Calculation unit, 12C... Storage unit, 12D... Determination unit, 12E... Output unit, 12F... Imaging unit, 12G... Imaging unit, 12H... Imaging unit, B... Bag-in-box, B1... Outer box, B2... Inner bag, B21... Spout, B3... Cap

Claims

1. A bag-in-box filling system comprising: a bag-in-box filling machine that fills a content into a bag-in-box having an outer box, an inner bag contained in the outer box, a spout attached to the inner bag, and a cap attached to the spout; and a monitoring unit that monitors the bag-in-box filling machine, The bag-in-box filling machine includes a pump that fills the bag-in-box with a content, The monitoring unit includes a detection unit, a calculation unit, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The detection unit detects at least a start timing and an end timing of a filling operation of the content by the pump, The calculation unit calculates a required time for the filling operation of the pump based on a start timing and an end timing of the filling operation of the pump detected by the detection unit, The memory unit accumulates and stores data indicating a required time for the filling operation of the content by the pump calculated by the calculation unit, The determination unit determines whether or not at least the pump is normal based on data indicating a required time for the filling operation of the content by the pump, the data being accumulated and stored by the storage unit. Bag-in-box filling system.

2. The bag-in-box filling machine comprises: A spout holder that holds the spout; a capping mechanism for opening and closing the cap on the spout, The monitoring unit includes a first imaging unit that captures images of the spout holder and the capping mechanism, The storage unit accumulates and stores image data of the spout holder and the capping mechanism captured by the first imaging unit, The determination unit determines whether or not at least the spout holder and the capping mechanism are functioning normally based on image data of the spout holder and the capping mechanism accumulated and stored by the storage unit.

2. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 1.

3. the first imaging unit captures an image showing a height of the cap relative to the spout before the cap is opened by the capping mechanism, and an image showing a height of the cap relative to the spout after the cap is capped by the capping mechanism; The storage unit accumulates and stores image data captured by the first imaging unit, the image data indicating a height of the cap relative to the spout before the cap is opened, and the image data indicating a height of the cap relative to the spout after the cap is capped, The determination unit determines whether or not a state of the cap before and after the capping is performed is normal based on image data indicating a height of the cap relative to the spout before the cap is unsealed, and image data indicating a height of the cap relative to the spout after the cap is sealed.

3. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 2.

4. The bag-in-box filling machine comprises: An insertion unit that inserts the inner bag filled with the content into the outer box, the monitoring unit includes a third imaging unit that captures an image of the inner bag being inserted into the outer box by the insertion unit, The storage unit accumulates and stores image data of the inner bag captured by the third imaging unit, The determination unit determines whether or not the inner bag has been properly inserted into the outer box by the insertion unit based on the image data of the inner bag accumulated and stored by the storage unit.

2. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 1.

5. The detection unit is an IoT device.

2. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 1.

6. Before the cap is opened by the capping mechanism, the first imaging unit captures an image including printing on a surface of the inner bag, The storage unit accumulates and stores image data including printing on the surface of the inner bag captured by the first imaging unit.

4. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 3.

Images