Return preventive device used in accumulation supporting system

Abstract

To provide a return-preventive device used in an accumulation supporting system, capable of preventing the return during conveyance of a belt-like package, and preventing a worker from erroneously counting the package even when the return occurs.SOLUTION: A return-preventive device comprises: a work plane which is disposed between a receiving box and an accumulation box and on which a belt-like package transferred from the receiving box to the accumulation box is placed; an entrance-side counting sensor which is disposed on the entrance side of the work plane close to the receiving box, and can measure the number of passing contents housed in the belt-like package passing on the work plane leaving the receiving box; and a roller mechanism which is disposed between the receiving box and the work plane, contacts with the belt-like package, and can rotate only in the forward direction in which the belt-like package is transferred toward the work plane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a backflow prevention device used in a collection support system that can support a collection operation in which a worker packs a plurality of packages contained in a receiving box into a collection box. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as exemplified in Patent Document 1, a BIB (Bag In Box) manufacturing apparatus is known. BIB is an abbreviation for boxed bag, and is a bag containing an item such as drinking water housed in a box such as a cardboard box.

[0003] When manufacturing the BIBs described above, bags (packages) for containing items such as drinking water are used. Such packages are composed of a sealed sheet-like bag body made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene resin, and a spout or other spout member attached to one side of the sheet-like bag body. The packages can be transported to a BIB manufacturing device in the form of a strip with separably connected ends, as disclosed as a "continuous bag body" in Patent Document 1, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-190402 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, a BIB manufacturing apparatus requires a large number of packages to continuously manufacture BIBs. Therefore, the multiple packages supplied to the BIB manufacturing apparatus are connected to each other at breakable ends in the form of a strip of packages, and a predetermined number of them are collected in a collection box. However, in the past, the collection work into collection boxes was not necessarily easy to automate due to various reasons, such as the need to accommodate a wide variety of product types and collection patterns, and was therefore performed manually by an operator.

[0006] Therefore, if for some reason the strip-shaped packages are returned in the wrong direction during the above-mentioned collection operation, human error such as an incorrect counting is likely to occur, and a different number of packages than the specified number to be collected may be placed in the collection box. In such a collection operation of packages that is difficult to automate, it is important to find a way to prevent human error and collect the specified number of packages in the collection box.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems as an example, and aims to provide a return prevention device for use in a collection support system that can prevent strip-shaped packaging materials from returning when they are transported, and can prevent workers from mistakenly counting the number of packaging materials even if a return does occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a backflow prevention device used in a collection support system is (1) a backflow prevention device used in a collection support system in which a worker pulls a strip packaging from a receiving box that contains strip packaging whose ends are separably connected and packs the strip packaging into a collection box, the backflow prevention device comprising: a work surface that is arranged between the receiving boxes and the collection box and on which the strip packaging is placed as it is transferred from the receiving box to the collection box; an entrance side counting sensor that is provided on the entrance side of the work surface close to the receiving box and that is capable of measuring the number of contents stored in the strip packaging that pass from the receiving box over the work surface; and a roller mechanism that is arranged between the receiving box and the work surface and that is rotatable only in the forward direction in which the strip packaging comes into contact with the strip packaging and is transferred toward the work surface.

[0009] Furthermore, in the reverse return prevention device described in (1) above, it is preferable that (2) it further comprises a guide means arranged upstream of the roller mechanism for regulating the position of the contents being transported onto the work surface so that the contents reach the detection area of ​​the inlet side counting sensor.

[0010] Furthermore, in the reverse return prevention device described in (2) above, it is preferable that (3) it further comprises a film holding member that supports the inlet side counting sensor on its upper surface and has its bottom surface positioned above the strip packaging material being transported on the work surface, thereby preventing the strip packaging material from floating up.

[0011] Furthermore, in the reverse return prevention device described in any of (1) to (3) above, (4) it is preferable that the roller mechanism is configured to include a roller having an anti-slip means that can come into contact with the strip-shaped packaging film, and a one-way clutch mechanism that supports the roller so that it can rotate in the forward direction.

[0012] Furthermore, in the reverse return prevention device described in (4) above, (5) it is preferable that the vertical position of the contact surface of the roller that comes into contact with the strip packaging material is higher than the vertical position of the work surface.

[0013] Furthermore, in the backflow prevention device described in (4) above, (6) the inlet side counting sensor includes a first counting sensor that can be positioned above the strip packaging material being transported on the work surface and detects the number of contents that have passed, and a second counting sensor that is located downstream of the first counting sensor in the transport direction of the strip packaging material and can detect the contents that have passed the first counting sensor, and it is preferable that the number of contents that have passed is measured when the contents pass both the first counting sensor and the second counting sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the collection support system of the present invention, it is possible for workers to pack a specified number of packages into a collection box while suppressing human error. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a collection support system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of collection information projected onto a work surface in the collection support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams showing the transition of an example of projection on a work surface including the cumulative number of packages counted by the collection assistance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram comparing determination results in the collection support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state of a specified number of packages gathered on a work surface just before being collected in a collection box. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the collection support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the portion α in FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic diagram particularly showing a roller mechanism, a guide means, and a film pressing member of a collection support system according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram comparing the installation heights of a work surface and a roller mechanism in the collection support system according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing detection of return when counting contents of a package in the collection support system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The collection support system according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the following embodiment describes one example of application of the present invention and does not unintentionally limit the present invention. Furthermore, other known configurations, including those described in the above-mentioned patent documents, may be appropriately supplemented and implemented. In the following, for convenience, the direction perpendicular to a work surface (described later) of the collection support system is defined as the Z direction, the conveying direction in which packages are moved on the work surface is defined as the X direction, and the depth direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions is defined as the Y direction.

[0017] =First embodiment= [Collection Support System 100] 1 to 4, the collection support system 100 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in these figures, the collection support system 100 of this embodiment is configured to have a function of supporting a collection operation in which a worker W collects and packs a predetermined number of packages 1 from an accumulation-side receiving box RB that stores a plurality of packages 1 into a collection box CB. At this time, the worker W may check the packages 1 for damage while collecting and packing only the predetermined number of packages 1 into the collection box CB.

[0018] Here, a "packaging body" suitable for this embodiment is, for example, a bag containing goods that can be used for a BIB, as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. That is, as an example, the packaging body 1 of this embodiment is composed of a sealed sheet-like bag body 1A made of a known synthetic resin such as polyethylene resin, and a spout member 1B attached to one side of this sheet-like bag body.

[0019] The sheet-like bag body 1A is preferably a sealed bag that can store contents and has, for example, a rectangular, oblong, or other shape when viewed from above. The sheet-like bag body 1A may be formed, for example, by stacking multiple (e.g., four) known flexible sheets having roughly the same outer shape and then heat-sealing their edges. Contents that can be stored in such a sheet-like bag body 1A include known liquids such as drinking water, seasonings, and medicinal liquids, as well as liquids with a flowable viscosity, such as fruit juice. As will be described later, the packaging body 1 of this embodiment is in a state (also referred to as a "strip-like packaging body") in which both ends of the sheet-like bag body 1A are connected via separable weakened portions (e.g., perforated tear assist lines) until they are separated by a BIB manufacturing device including a liquid filling machine.

[0020] The spout member 1B can be, for example, a known spout made of synthetic resin sealed with a known cap or vinyl wrap. Such spout member 1B is pre-attached to a predetermined position of each sheet-like bag body 1A via known joining means such as thermal welding. As will be described later, the counting sensor 30 of this embodiment identifies or recognizes the spout member 1B (spout) of this package 1.

[0021] 1, the collection support system 100 includes a frame structure 10, a work surface 21, an entrance-side counting sensor 30A as an example of a counting sensor 30, an exit-side counting sensor 30B as another example of the counting sensor 30, an imaging means 40, a control panel 51, a projection means 60, and an alarm means 70. Of these, the counting sensor 30, the imaging means 40, the control panel 51, the projection means 60, and the alarm means 70 may be controlled in an integrated manner by a control device 50, which will be described later.

[0022] The frame structure 10 is configured to be combined with a workbench 20, which will be described later, and to be able to mount the above-mentioned imaging means 40, control panel 51, projection means 60, and notification means 70. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the frame structure 10 of this embodiment is configured to include frame members 11 that can support the imaging means 40, control panel 51, projection means 60, and notification means 70, respectively, and well-known casters 12 that movably support the frame members. Note that the frame members 11 may be made of various well-known materials, such as metal materials such as aluminum, or plastics.

[0023] The work surface 21 is disposed between the receiving box RB and the collection box CB. The packages 1 to be transferred from the receiving box RB to the collection box CB are placed on the work surface 21. As shown in FIG. 1 , the work surface 21 in this embodiment is configured as the upper surface of a workbench 20. The workbench 20 is configured to include the above-mentioned work surface 21, a housing frame 22 made of a known frame such as aluminum that supports the work surface 21, and known casters 23 that can move the housing frame 22.

[0024] The receiving box RB functions as an accumulation section for temporarily receiving the packages 1 that have undergone predetermined processing in the previous process. The receiving box RB can be a known box made of metal, plastic, cardboard, or the like, with a predetermined depth that can accommodate multiple packages 1. As described above, the packages 1 of this embodiment are transferred from the previous process to the receiving box RB in the form of a strip-shaped package whose ends are separably connected to each other.

[0025] The above-described packages 1 are manually received into the collection box CB by a worker W from the work surface 21. As with the receiving box RB, the collection box CB can be a known box made of metal, plastic, cardboard, or the like, with a predetermined depth that can accommodate a plurality of packages 1. To enable them to be distinguished from each other, the collection box CB and the receiving box RB may be color-coded with different colors, or each may be given identification information such as letters or figures that allow their purpose to be recognized. A predetermined number of packages 1 are packed (accumulated) into such a collection box CB.

[0026] An entrance-side counting sensor 30A, which is one of the counting sensors 30, is provided on the entrance side of the work surface 21, close to the receiving box RB. The entrance-side counting sensor 30A is configured to have the function of counting the number of packages 1 passing from the receiving box RB onto the work surface 21. More specifically, the counting sensor 30 of this embodiment counts the number of passing spout members 1B (spouts) of the packages 1 passing over the work surface 21. Specific examples of such entrance-side counting sensor 30A include various counting sensors, such as well-known photoelectric sensors and infrared sensors.

[0027] The exit-side counting sensor 30B, another of the counting sensors 30, is provided on the exit side of the work surface 21, close to the collection box CB. The exit-side counting sensor 30B is configured to count the number of packages 1 passing through the work surface 21 and transferred to the collection box CB by the worker W. In this manner, the exit-side counting sensor 30B is configured to detect the number of packages 1 transferred to the collection box CB in a predetermined number of groups on the work surface 21. More specifically, the exit-side counting sensor 30B of this embodiment may detect the number of packages 1 transferred to the collection box CB in a predetermined number of groups (10 bags in the example described below) when OK determination information 68A, which will be described later, is generated. Specific examples of such exit-side counting sensor 30B include various counting sensors, such as well-known photoelectric sensors and infrared sensors, similar to the entrance-side counting sensor 30A.

[0028] The imaging means 40 is configured to have the function of detecting the number (the number of spouts in this example) and positions of the packages 1 present on the work surface 21. A known imaging sensor capable of imaging the work surface 21 from above can be used as the imaging means 40. An example of the imaging means 40 that can be used is the sensor head IV3-G500MA manufactured by Keyence Corporation. As shown in FIG. 1 , the imaging means 40 of this embodiment is installed on the upper part of the frame member 11 that constitutes the frame structure 10 so that it can image the work surface 21 from above.

[0029] The control panel 51 is configured to have a function of displaying accumulation information of the packages 1 accumulated in the collection box CB. The control panel 51 of this embodiment can display accumulation information of the packages 1 accumulated in the collection box CB, for example, based on the detection results of the imaging means 40. An example of such a control panel 51 is a known touch panel, such as a capacitance type, electrically connected to the control device 50.

[0030] Therefore, the worker W performing the stacking work on the workbench 20 can operate this touch panel to select stacking information according to the specifications to be stacked. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the entire screen of the control panel 51 is projected onto the work surface 21 via the projection means 60, but it is also possible to project only a portion of this screen that is necessary for the stacking work of this embodiment.

[0031] The control device 50 comprehensively controls each element constituting the collection support system 100 to support the collection work of the worker W. The control device 50 of this embodiment is also configured to have a function of updating collection information for the packages 1 to be collected in the collection box CB, for example, based on the detection results of the imaging means 40. Note that, although the control device 50 and the control panel 51 are separate in this embodiment, they may also be integrated and configured as a single unit.

[0032] Such a control device 50 can be exemplified by a known computer including, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and is configured to include one or more processors (CPUs (Central Processing Units)) and one or more storage devices (memories) communicably connected to the one or more processors. As an example, the control device 50 of this embodiment may be configured to be connectable to an external server or the like via a known network.

[0033] The projection means 60 is configured to have the function of projecting the accumulation information displayed on the control panel 51 onto the work surface 21. There are no particular limitations on the projection means 60 as long as it can project the accumulation information onto the work surface 21, and various known projectors such as a liquid crystal projector can be used. As shown in FIG. 1 , the projection means 60 of this embodiment is installed on top of a frame member 11 that constitutes the frame structure 10 so that it can project the accumulation information onto the work surface 21. The projection means 60 may be arranged alongside the imaging means 40 in the frame member 11.

[0034] As will be described in detail later, the projection means 60 of this embodiment may have a function of sequentially projecting the number of packages 1 detected by the imaging means 40 relative to a predetermined specified number onto the work surface 21 (see FIG. 3). The projection means 60 of this embodiment may also have a function of projecting instructions for the worker W onto the work surface 21 when the imaging means 40 detects the predetermined specified number of packages 1 (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, when the imaging means 40 detects that the worker W has placed a package 1 at a specified position on the work surface 21, the projection means 60 of this embodiment may highlight and project at least one of the cumulative number and a placement completion display corresponding to the placed package 1 (see FIG. 3).

[0035] The notification means 70 is configured to have the function of notifying the worker W of the work status by at least one of sound and light. Examples of such notification means 70 include a known diffused warning light or an alarm device equipped with a known speaker and light. More specifically, the notification means 70 of this embodiment may notify the worker W of the work status when a specified number of packages 1 have accumulated on the work surface 21. The notification means 70 of this embodiment may also notify the worker W of erroneous processing when a number of packages 1 different from the specified number have been transferred to the collection box CB via the exit-side count sensor 30B. Examples of the "work status" of this embodiment include "a situation in which a specified number of packages 1 have accumulated on the work surface 21" and "a situation in which a number of packages 1 different from the specified number have been transferred to the collection box CB."

[0036] <Example of projecting accumulated information> Next, an example of the "accumulated information" projected onto the work surface 21 by the projection means 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 as needed. As described above, the projection means 60 projects the accumulation information displayed or updated on the control panel 51 onto the work surface 21. Such accumulation information is the information displayed on the control panel 51 or information processed based on that information. In other words, the projection means 60 of this embodiment can project the accumulation information displayed on the control panel 51 itself onto the work surface 21.

[0037] 2, examples of the accumulated information that can be projected onto the work surface 21 include standard information 61, pass / fail information 62, status information 63, judgment result information 64, cumulative number information 65, remaining number information 66, and placement frame information 67. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, the judgment result information 64 includes OK judgment information 68A, image judgment result information 68B, placement completion information 68C, and NG judgment information 68D.

[0038] The standard information 61 is information relating to the specifications and standards of the packages 1 to be accumulated from the receiving box RB to the collection box CB. As shown in the figure, such standard information 61 can include the standard name, the number of packages to be accumulated in the collection box CB (total number to be accumulated), and the method of packing including the number of bags and the number of layers (such as how many bags to pack and how to stack them in the box). In this way, the information projected onto the work surface 21 by the projection means 60 may include the standard information 61. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the number of bags is 10 and the number of layers is 15, so the number of bags "XX" displayed as the standard information 61 will actually be "150", the packing method "△△" will be "15", and the number of bags "◇◇" will be "10".

[0039] The pass / fail information 62 is information indicating the pass / fail results of the packages 1 inspected by the worker W. Examples of such pass / fail information 62 include the number of pass / fail packages (the number of pass / fail products) that were collected in the collection box CB without any quality issues, and the number of packages (the number of rejected packages) that were removed from the collection box CB due to some kind of defect. That is, if the worker W detects a defect such as a scratch on a package 1 during the collection operation, the worker W may, for example, separate the damaged package 1 from the other packages 1 and reject it as a defective product, and then join the non-defective packages together using a known joining means such as tape, and count the number of rejected packages via a known switch mechanism or control panel 51. As a result, the number of defective products is reflected in the pass / fail information 62. In this way, the information projected onto the work surface 21 by the projection means 60 may include pass / fail information 62 .

[0040] The status information 63 is information that indicates the current status of the work of collecting packages 1 in the collection box CB at that time. Examples of such status information 63 include progressed-stage information that indicates the current number of stages relative to the target number of stages (in FIG. 2, it is shown that the first stage is being processed out of a target of 15 stages), and progressed-bag information that indicates the current number of bags relative to the target number of bags to be collected in the collection box CB (in FIG. 2, it is shown that the sixth bag in the first stage is being collected on the work surface 21 in a specification where the worker W collects 10 bags of packages 1 on the work surface 21 and then collects them all at once in the collection box CB). In this way, the information projected onto the work surface 21 by the projection means 60 may include the status information 63.

[0041] The judgment result information 64 is information indicating the judgment result as to whether or not the worker W has gathered the prescribed number of packages 1 at the designated location on the work surface 21. Examples of such judgment result information 64 include OK judgment information 68A, image judgment result information 68B, placement completion information 68C, and NG judgment information 68D, as shown in Fig. 4. In this way, the information projected onto the work surface 21 by the projection means 60 may include the judgment result information 64.

[0042] The OK determination information 68A is information indicating that the specified number of packages 1 have been collected at the specified location. The image determination result information 68B is information indicating that the imaging means 40 has detected that the packages 1 (specifically, the spout member 1B (spout)) have been positioned at the specified position on the work surface 21. The placement completion information 68C is information indicating that a group of the specified number of collected packages 1 (the group of collected packages 2 shown in FIG. 5) is ready to be collected in the collection box CB. The NG determination information 68D is information indicating that the specified number of packages 1 have not been collected at the specified location.

[0043] The cumulative number information 65 is information indicating the cumulative number of packaging bodies 1 that have been grouped together on the work surface 21 out of a predetermined number of packaging bodies. The cumulative number information 65 may be a mark indicating the cumulative number. In the example of Fig. 2, it indicates that six packaging bodies 1 (specifically, spout members 1B (spouts)) have been grouped together on the work surface 21 at that time. In this way, the information projected onto the work surface 21 by the projection means 60 may include accumulated number information 65. Furthermore, the accumulation information in this embodiment includes the number of packages 1 accumulated on the work surface 21.

[0044] The remaining number information 66 is information indicating the specified number that the worker W must collect on the work surface 21. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2, when the worker W starts the collection work, a total of 10 marks are displayed as the remaining number information 66. As shown in the same figure, the remaining number information 66 may be displayed excluding packages 1 that have already been collected in a specified position. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 2, six packages 1 have been collected on the work surface 21, and the remaining number information 66 indicates that four remain. In this way, the projection means 60 of this embodiment can present to the worker W the work status, including the progress toward the target number (number collected and remaining), by changing the cumulative number information 65 and the remaining number information 66 on the work surface 21.

[0045] The placement frame information 67 is information indicating that the worker W has successfully placed the package 1 (specifically, the spout member 1B (spout)) in the designated position on the work surface 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the projection means 60 of this embodiment may project a display that surrounds the location where the spout member 1B is positioned with a frame when the imaging means 40 detects that the spout member 1B has been positioned in the designated position on the work surface 21. Furthermore, the control device 50 may update the placement frame information 67 by changing the size, position, or pitch of the frame in accordance with specification information 61 of the package 1 (for example, the arrangement pitch of the spouts, etc.).

[0046] <Method for collecting packages using a collection support system> 3 and 4, a method for collecting packages using the collection support system 100 of this embodiment will be described. In the following example, the specification information 61 is an example in which the specified number of bags to be collected on the work surface 21 is 10, the number of layers in the collection box CB is 15, and the number of bags is 10 bags x 15 layers, resulting in a total of 150 bags.

[0047] First, the worker W stands in front of the workbench 20 and performs a predetermined operation on the touch panel (control panel 51), thereby starting the work of collecting the receiving boxes RB into the collection boxes CB. At this time, the projection means 60 projects the above-mentioned collection information onto the work surface 21 facing the worker W. As described above, when the collection work begins, the packages 1 have not yet been collected on the work surface 21, so for example, the status information 63 displays "1 / 15 tier" and "0 / 10 bags", and the remaining number information 66 displays a mark indicating that 10 bags remain.

[0048] As the worker W pulls out the packages 1 from the receiving box RB and continues the stacking work, the stacking information projected by the projection means 60 onto the work surface 21 is updated as appropriate, as shown in Fig. 3(a). That is, in the state shown in Fig. 3(a), the worker W has positioned the third package 1 at a specified position on the work surface 21, and the status information 63 displays "1 / 15th row" and "3 / 10 bags", the cumulative number information 65 displays a mark indicating 3, and the remaining number information 66 displays a mark indicating 7 remaining items, all of which are projected and displayed on the work surface 21.

[0049] When the worker W pulls out the package 1 from the receiving box RB and continues the stacking work, the state transitions from Figure 3(a) to the state shown in Figure 3(b), and the stacking information projected by the projection means 60 onto the work surface 21 is further updated. That is, in the state shown in Figure 3(b), the worker W has positioned the eighth package 1 at the specified position on the work surface 21, and the status information 63 displays "1 / 15th row" and "8 / 10 bags," the cumulative number information 65 displays a mark indicating 8, and the remaining number information 66 displays a mark indicating two remaining. In this way, the cumulative number information 65 and the remaining number information 66 in this embodiment may be projected on the work surface 21 so that they are inversely proportional to each other. This allows the worker W to easily grasp in real time the progress of the work, i.e., the degree to which the target number has been reached.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3(c), when the worker W continues the accumulation work and gathers up a specified number of packages 1 (10 bags in this example) on the work surface 21, an accumulation completion determination is performed via the imaging means 40 as shown in Figure 3(d). That is, the imaging means 40 determines whether the specified number of packages 1 (specifically, spout members 1B (spouts)) have been positioned at specified positions on the work surface 21. When the specified number of packages 1 are positioned at the designated positions on the work surface 21, the projection means 60 projects the above-mentioned determination result information 64 onto the work surface 21 as accumulation information.

[0051] If the judgment result information 64 includes NG judgment information 68D, which packages 1 do not meet the judgment criteria may be displayed via the projection means 60. More specifically, in the example of NG judgment shown in FIG. 4, it is shown that the first, ninth, and tenth packages 1 are placed in positions that are different from the designated positions. As shown in the figure, the image judgment result information 68B may be displayed with a mark (a colored circle in the illustrated example) indicating an appropriately placed package 1 and a mark (a hollow circle in the illustrated example) indicating an improperly placed package 1. This allows the worker W to easily understand which packages 1 were improperly placed.

[0052] This allows the worker W to readjust the first, ninth, and tenth packages 1 in this example so that they are placed in the designated positions. When the judgment result information 64 includes NG judgment information 68D, the control device 50 may notify the worker W of the work status (error details, etc.) via the notification means 70 using at least one of sound and light.

[0053] On the other hand, when the imaging means 40 detects the specified number of packages 1 and the judgment result information 64 includes OK judgment information 68A, instructions for the worker W may be projected onto the work surface 21 as shown in Fig. 4. A specific example of the instructions is to project an arrow display on the work surface 21 indicating that the worker W should proceed to the next process (in this example, accumulation in the collection box CB), as shown in Fig. 4.

[0054] When instructions for worker W are projected onto the work surface 21, worker W stacks the group of aggregated packages 2 made up of 10 bags (in this example, a group of 10 packages) in a collection box CB, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the collection support system 100 may measure the number of packages 1 passing through in the group of aggregated packages 2 being transferred from the work surface 21 to the collection box CB via the exit-side counting sensor 30B. Note that when the OK determination information 68A is generated, the control device 50 determines that a specified number of packages 1 have been stacked in one layer in the collection box CB, and can update the collection information including the status information 63, for example by increasing the number of layers by one and resetting the number of bags. As a result, the packages 1 are stacked in the collection box CB in groups of a specified number.

[0055] In addition, if the specified number of packages 1 are not collected in the collection box CB due to some mistake, the control device 50 may notify the worker W of the work status (error details, etc.) using at least one of sound and light via the notification means 70 based on the detection result of the exit side counting sensor 30B. Through the above process, the work of stacking the packages on the first tier is completed. By continuing the above work, the worker W can gradually complete the work of stacking the packages on the second tier and beyond.

[0056] In the collection assistance system 100 of this embodiment described above, the number of packages 1 (more specifically, spout members 1B (spouts)) that have passed is detected via counting sensor 30, the spouts placed on the work surface 21 are recognized via imaging means 40, and the number of spouts that have passed as measured by counting sensor 30 and the number recognized by imaging means 40 are projected in real time onto the work surface 21 via projection means 60. This allows worker W to easily visually grasp the collection status (particularly which tier they are being collected on, etc.) in real time, making it possible to pack a specified number of packages into a collection box while minimizing human error.

[0057] Furthermore, if the collection assistance system 100 is equipped with an audio notification means 70, in addition to the above effects, it will be possible for the worker W to audibly grasp the collection situation. Also, if the collection assistance system 100 is equipped with the exit-side counting sensor 30B, it will work in cooperation with the entrance-side counting sensor 30A and the imaging means 40 to support the collection work by the worker W with a triple detection network.

[0058] =Second embodiment= [Collective Support System 110] 6 to 10, a collection support system 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Compared to the collection support system 100 according to the first embodiment, the collection support system 110 according to this embodiment is characterized in that it is exclusively applicable to strip-shaped packages in which packages 1 are connected to one another, that the entrance-side count sensor 30A is provided with a return detection function, and that it further includes a roller mechanism 80 and guide means 90. Therefore, in the second embodiment described below, elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0059] In the first embodiment described above, the packaging body 1 can be either a single piece or a strip-shaped packaging body, but in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the packaging body 1 is a strip-shaped packaging body, as shown in Fig. 6 etc. More specifically, the second embodiment includes a backflow prevention device used in a collection support system 110 in which a worker W pulls a strip-shaped packaging body from a receiving box RB that stores strip-shaped packaging bodies whose ends are separably connected to each other, and packs the packaging body into a collection box CB.

[0060] As can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7, the backflow prevention device includes a work surface 21, an inlet-side count sensor 30A, a roller mechanism 80, and a guide means 90. As described above, the work surface 21 is disposed between the receiving box RB and the collection box CB. On this work surface 21, a strip-shaped package to be transferred by the worker W from the receiving box RB to the collection box CB is placed.

[0061] The entrance counting sensor 30A is provided on the entrance side of the work surface 21, close to the receiving box RB. In particular, the entrance counting sensor 30A of this embodiment has the function of counting the number of contents (specifically, spout members 1B (spouts)) stored in the strip-shaped packaging that pass over the work surface 21 from the receiving box RB.

[0062] More specifically, as can be seen from Figure 7 and other figures, the entrance side counting sensor 30A of this embodiment is configured to include a first counting sensor 30A1 that can be positioned above the strip packaging being transported on the work surface 21 and detects the number of contents (spouts in this example) that have passed through, and a second counting sensor 30A2 that is located downstream of the first counting sensor 30A1 in the transport direction of the strip packaging and can detect the contents that have passed through the first counting sensor 30A1.

[0063] As shown in the figure, the frame structure 10 of this embodiment is configured to further include a film holding member 13 capable of holding the entrance-side count sensor 30A. The film holding member 13 supports the entrance-side counting sensor 30A on its upper surface and is installed at a predetermined height (e.g., several mm) so that strip wrappings can be transported on the work surface 21. Therefore, the bottom surface of the film holding member 13 is positioned above the strip wrappings transported on the work surface 21, preventing the strip wrappings from floating up or flapping. Furthermore, when the entrance-side counting sensor 30A is configured as a pair of a light-emitting unit and a reflector as shown in FIG. 7, multiple film holding members 13 of this embodiment may be provided depending on the configuration of the entrance-side counting sensor 30A. The film holding member 13 of this example is composed of a first film holding member that mounts the light-emitting unit of the entrance-side counting sensor 30A and a second film holding member that mounts a reflector.

[0064] The material and shape of the film holding member 13 are not particularly limited as long as they exert the above-mentioned function, and may be, for example, a plate-shaped member with the upstream or downstream side curved upward like a ski, and the material may be a known metal material such as aluminum or a known resin material such as acrylic.

[0065] 6 and 8, the roller mechanism 80 is disposed between the receiving box RB and the work surface 21 (work table 20). The roller mechanism 80 is configured to be rotatable only in the forward direction in which the roller mechanism 80 comes into contact with the strip packaging material and transfers the strip packaging material toward the work surface 21. Therefore, the worker W can transfer the strip packaging material contained in the receiving box RB across the work surface 21 by pulling the strip packaging material placed on the work surface 21 toward the collection box CB via the roller mechanism 80.

[0066] More specifically, the roller mechanism 80 of this embodiment includes a roller 81, a one-way clutch mechanism 82, and an attachment 83, as shown in FIG. The roller 81 has an anti-slip means that can come into contact with the strip-shaped packaging film. The roller 81 of this embodiment may be made of a known material with high friction resistance, such as silicone or urethane, or may be made of various roller members that have been subjected to a known anti-slip treatment, such as a roughened surface, on the roller surface that comes into contact with the packaging film. In other words, the roller 81 does not necessarily have to be made of rubber, and may be made of other materials that have been subjected to a known anti-slip treatment.

[0067] The one-way clutch mechanism 82 is configured to support the roller 81 so that it can rotate in the forward direction (the direction in which the strip packaging material is transferred toward the collection box CB). Various known one-way clutches that can rotate in only one direction can be used as this one-way clutch mechanism 82. While the roller mechanism 80 of this embodiment uses the one-way clutch mechanism 82 to rotate the roller 81 only in the forward direction, a known brake mechanism may be used instead of the one-way clutch mechanism 82 to control the rotation of the roller 81 only in the forward direction.

[0068] The attachment 83 is configured so that the one-way clutch mechanism 82, which axially supports the roller 81, can be attached to the held member. In this embodiment, the one-way clutch mechanism 82, which axially supports the roller 81, is attached to the workbench 20 via the attachment 83. In this manner, in this embodiment, the roller mechanism 80 is attached to the workbench 20, but this is not limiting and the roller mechanism 80 may be attached to the frame structure 10.

[0069] 9, it is preferable that the vertical position (vertical height) of the contact surface of the roller 81 in this embodiment that comes into contact with the strip packaging material is higher than the vertical position of the work surface 21. This allows the strip packaging material to be in close contact with the roller 81 efficiently, and in cooperation with the film holding member 13, prevents the strip packaging material from flapping, and maintains tension in the film (sheet) due to appropriate frictional resistance, allowing the strip packaging material to be transported on the work surface 21 and prevented from moving back.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the backflow prevention device used in the collection support system 110 of this embodiment may be configured to further include guide means 90. The guide means 90 is disposed upstream of the roller mechanism 80. As shown in the figure, the guide means 90 may be installed above the receiving box RB. The guide means is configured to have the function of regulating the position of the contents (the spout in this example) being transferred onto the work surface 21 so that the contents reach the detection area of ​​the inlet-side count sensor 30A.

[0071] 6 and 8, the guide means 90 of this embodiment includes a support frame 91, a guide bar holding member 92 supported by the support frame 91 and holding the guide bar 93, and the guide bar 93 held by the guide bar holding member 92 and regulating the position of the contents (the spout in this example) being transferred onto the work surface 21. The guide bar 93 is preferably installed at a predetermined height (for example, a height of several to several dozen mm from the sheet-like bag body 1A) so as not to come into contact with the sheet-like bag body 1A of the strip-like packaging body during transfer. This prevents unnecessary damage to the strip-like packaging body during transfer, and if the strip-like packaging body flap, the sheet-like bag body 1A will come into contact with the guide bar 93, thereby preventing the flapping.

[0072] The support frame 91 may be configured integrally with the above-described frame structure 10. The guide bar holding member 92 may hold the guide bar 93 via a known mounting member such as an adjustment screw so that the posture, direction, or installation height of the guide bar 93 can be adjusted as needed. There are no particular limitations on the shape or material of the guide bar 93 as long as it performs the above-described functions, and a rod-shaped member made of a known metal or resin material, for example, may be used.

[0073] The backflow prevention device of this embodiment described above can prevent strip-shaped packaging materials being transported on the work surface 21 from being sent back to the receiving box RB. For example, when a worker W detects a defective product during collection work and separates the defective packaging material 1 from the strip-shaped packaging materials, there is a risk that part of the strip-shaped packaging material will return from the work surface 21 to the receiving box RB after separation. In response to this, the collection support system 110 of this embodiment is provided with the backflow prevention device described above, so that the worker W can easily separate the defective packaging material 1 while joining non-defective products together with a known joining means such as tape.

[0074] <Reverse detection method using an inlet counting sensor> Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a backflow detection method using the inlet count sensor 30A that can be applied to the backflow prevention device of this embodiment will be described. As described above, the return prevention device of this embodiment is configured to include the first counting sensor 30A1 and the second counting sensor 30A2. In this embodiment, the number of contents (spouts in this example) that have passed through both the first counting sensor 30A1 and the second counting sensor 30A2 is counted. That is, the collection support system 110 of this embodiment is equipped with the return prevention device described above, and is also capable of detecting whether or not the strip-shaped packaging has returned back even if it has returned back for some reason.

[0075] 10(a), when an operator W pulls a strip packaging placed on the work surface 21 toward the collection box CB, the strip packaging stored in the receiving box RB is transferred onto the work surface 21 via the roller mechanism 80. At this time, the contents of the strip packaging (specifically, the spout member 1B) pass both the first counting sensor 30A1 and the second counting sensor 30A2, and the number of bags in the collection information is newly counted.

[0076] If a spout that has passed through the inlet counting sensor 30A flows backward for some reason, a process is executed to subtract the number of bags from the accumulation information, as can be seen from Figures 10(b) and 10(c). That is, in this embodiment, the increase / decrease count of the contents (spouts) is executed depending on the direction in which the contents (spouts) move between the first counting sensor 30A1 and the second counting sensor 30A2, which are aligned in the conveying direction. In this way, the control device 50 can execute control to update the accumulation information (specifically, the number of bags) based on the detection status of the contents (spouts) by the first counting sensor 30A1 and the second counting sensor 30A2. This prevents the worker W from overlooking the spout moving backward due to its own weight during the accumulation operation and erroneously counting the number of containers that have been inserted.

[0077] The embodiment described above is an example that embodies the gist of the present invention, and appropriate modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, known structures and methods may be appropriately added and modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the accumulation information in the above embodiment is an example, and the accumulation information may be configured with a number of bags other than 10 bags or a number of tiers other than 15 tiers depending on the product specifications, the needs of the shipping destination, etc.

[0078] As another example, the imaging means 40 may use a known discrimination algorithm to detect the height, sex, or standing position of the worker W relative to the work surface 21. In this case, the projection means 60 may change the position, scale, or display orientation of the accumulated information projected onto the work surface 21 based on the discrimination result of the worker W by the imaging means 40.

[0079] Furthermore, the imaging means 40 may detect, for example, the number of workers W and their standing positions relative to the work surface 21. In this case, the projection means 60 may divide the accumulated information projected onto the work surface 21 for each worker W based on the results of the worker W identification by the imaging means 40, and may switch the display orientation to an optimal orientation depending on the work content and timing to be performed by each worker W, if there are multiple workers W. [Industrial Applicability]

[0080] The present invention is suitable for a collection support system in which a worker collects a plurality of strip-shaped wrapping materials used in the BIB or individual wrapping materials in a collection box. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 100, 110 Accumulation Support System 10 Frame Structure 20 Workbench 30 Counting Sensor 40 Imaging means 50 Control Means 60 Projection means 70 Notification Methods 80 Roller mechanism 90 Guide means

Claims

1. A backflow prevention device used in a collection support system in which an operator pulls strip wrapping objects, the ends of which are separably connected, from a receiving box that stores the strip wrapping objects and packs the strip wrapping objects into a collection box, a work surface disposed between the receiving box and the collecting box, on which the strip wrapping material to be transferred from the receiving box to the collecting box is placed; an entrance-side counting sensor provided on the work surface on an entrance side close to the receiving box, capable of measuring the number of contents stored in the strip-shaped packaging passing from the receiving box onto the work surface; a roller mechanism disposed between the receiving box and the work surface, the roller mechanism being rotatable only in a forward direction to contact the wrapping strip and transport the wrapping strip toward the work surface; A back-off suppression device comprising:

2. The backflow prevention device of claim 1 further comprises a guide means arranged upstream of the roller mechanism for regulating the position of the contents being transported onto the work surface so that the contents reach the detection area of ​​the inlet side counting sensor.

3. The backflow prevention device described in claim 2 further comprises a film holding member that supports the inlet side counting sensor on its upper surface and has its bottom surface positioned above the strip packaging material being transported on the work surface, thereby preventing the strip packaging material from floating up.

4. The roller mechanism includes: a roller having an anti-slip means capable of coming into contact with the strip-shaped packaging film; a one-way clutch mechanism that supports the roller so that the roller can rotate in the forward direction; The backflow prevention device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. The backflow prevention device according to claim 4 , wherein a contact surface of the roller that comes into contact with the wrapping material is positioned higher in the vertical direction than a position of the work surface in the vertical direction.

6. The inlet side counting sensor is a first counting sensor that can be disposed above the strip packaging material being transported on the work surface and that detects the number of contents that have passed; a second counting sensor that is provided downstream of the first counting sensor in the transport direction of the strip packaging material and that is capable of detecting the contents that have passed the first counting sensor, The backflow prevention device according to claim 4 , wherein the number of passing contents is counted when the contents pass both the first counting sensor and the second counting sensor.

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