Production management device

Abstract

To provide a production management device capable of reducing a load on a work and also preventing an inspection commodity from mixing with normal products when an intermediate inspection is performed.SOLUTION: A production management device 4 manages a production line 100 including a metering device 1, a storage device 2, and inspection devices 5, 6, 7. The production management device 4 includes: a communication section 4D for communicating with an information imparting section 31A to impart identification information to a packaging material F; and a control section 4C for generating the identification information to be transmitted to the information imparting section 31A so as to transmit the generated identification information via the communication section 4D. When intermediate inspection control to inspect whether inspection functions of the inspection devices 5, 6, 7 are normally operated is performed during the production of commodities M in the production line 100, the control section 4C transmits specific identification information being the identification information to identify that the commodity is the inspection commodity to the information imparting section 31A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a production management device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a production line for products such as confectionery, which includes a combination weighing device that weighs out items whose weights vary to a target weight, and a packaging device that produces bags from film and places the items weighed out by the combination weighing device into the produced bags.In such a production line, for example, from the start of operation of the production line to the end of operation, various inspection devices that inspect whether the products are produced according to predetermined specifications and whether there are any problems with the products are functioning properly are periodically checked (hereinafter, such checks will be referred to as "intermediate inspections"). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-135144 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, such intermediate inspections are labor-intensive because they are performed manually. Furthermore, because intermediate inspections involve putting products that would otherwise be detected as abnormal by an inspection device into the production line and checking whether they are properly inspected by the inspection device, production must be interrupted during the inspection to prevent the products being mixed in as normal products.

[0005] Therefore, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a production management device that can reduce the amount of work required to perform intermediate inspections and prevent products under inspection from being mixed in with normal products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A production management device according to one aspect of the present invention is a production management device that manages a production line including a weighing device that weighs items, a storage device that stores the items weighed by the weighing device in packaging to form products, and an inspection device that inspects the products, and is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with an information assignment unit that assigns identification information to the packaging, and a control unit that generates identification information to be sent to the information assignment unit and sends the generated identification information via the communication unit, and when the control unit performs intermediate inspection control to inspect whether the inspection function of the inspection device is operating normally while the production line is producing products, it sends specific identification information to the information assignment unit, which is identification information that identifies the product as being for inspection.

[0007] When an intermediate inspection is performed, the production management device of this configuration generates specific identification information that identifies the product as an inspection product, and automatically assigns the specific identification information to the inspection product. This eliminates the need for manual processing to easily distinguish the product as an inspection product, even when the inspection product is sent down the production line. Furthermore, because the inspection product is assigned specific identification information that easily identifies it as an inspection product, it can be easily removed after the intermediate inspection. As a result, the labor required for the intermediate inspection is reduced and the risk of inspection products being mixed in with normal products can be prevented.

[0008] (2) In the production management device described in (1) above, when the control unit executes intermediate inspection control, the control unit may send an instruction signal to the weighing device and cause the weighing device that receives the instruction signal to supply items with weights outside a predetermined weight range to the storage device. This configuration makes it possible to produce products for inspection that are underweight or overweight without human intervention. This makes it possible to easily check whether the inspection function of the weight inspection device is operating normally without human intervention.

[0009] (3) The production management device described in (1) or (2) above may further include a foreign object supply unit that supplies simulated foreign objects to the items stored in the storage device. When performing intermediate inspection control, the control unit may send an instruction signal to the foreign object supply unit and cause the foreign object supply unit, upon receiving the instruction signal, to supply the simulated foreign object to the storage device. This configuration makes it possible to produce products for inspection containing foreign objects without human intervention. This makes it possible to easily inspect whether the inspection function of the X-ray inspection device or metal detection device is operating normally without human intervention.

[0010] (4) The production management device according to any one of (1) to (3) above may further include a notification unit that notifies the user that intermediate inspection control is being performed. This configuration can more reliably prevent products under inspection from being mixed in with normal products.

[0011] (5) The production management device described in any one of (1) to (4) above may further include a pinhole forming unit that forms a pinhole in the packaging material to which specific identification information has been assigned. When performing intermediate inspection control, the control unit may send an instruction signal to the pinhole forming unit and cause the pinhole forming unit to form a pinhole in the packaging material upon receiving the instruction signal. This configuration makes it possible to produce inspection products with abnormalities in the packaging material without human intervention. This makes it possible to easily inspect whether the inspection function of the seal defect inspection device is operating normally without human intervention.

[0012] (6) The production management device according to any one of (1) to (5) above may further include a storage unit that stores the inspection results of the inspection device in association with the specific identification information. In this configuration, the inspection results of the various inspection devices for the products to be inspected can be kept as a record. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, when carrying out intermediate inspection, the time and effort required for the work can be reduced and products to be inspected can be prevented from being mixed in with normal products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a production line managed by a production management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the combination weighing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the production management device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a production management device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, a production management device 4 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the production management device 4 is a device that manages a production line 100 that includes a combination weighing device (weighing device) 1 that weighs item A (see Figures 2 and 3), a storage device 2 that stores item A weighed by the combination weighing device 1 in a bag B (see Figure 3) formed from packaging film (packaging material) F to form product M, a seal inspection device 5, a weight inspection device 6, and a foreign matter inspection device 7 that serve as inspection devices that inspect product M, a sorting device 8 that discharges product M determined to be defective by the inspection devices out of the system, and a boxing device 9 that boxes product M.

[0017] First, a description will be given of the production line 100 managed by the production management device 4. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the production line 100 includes a combination weighing device 1, a storage device 2, a seal inspection device 5, a weight inspection device 6, a foreign body inspection device 7, a sorting device 8, and a boxing device 9. The group of devices including the combination weighing device 1, the bag-making and packaging device 3, the seal inspection device 5, the weight inspection device 6, the sorting device 8, and the boxing device 9 constitutes the production line 100, which performs processes from weighing and packaging of item A to inspecting product M, removing defective items from the system, and boxing. Item A is an item whose individual mass varies, such as snacks, agricultural products, seafood products, processed foods, etc.

[0018] The combination weighing device 1 is a device that combines and weighs items A. As shown in Fig. 2, the combination weighing device 1 includes a feed chute 12, a dispersion feeder 13, multiple radial feeders 14, multiple pool hoppers 15, multiple weighing hoppers 16, a collection chute 17, a timing hopper 18, a weighing unit 11, a display operation unit 24, and a weighing control unit 22. The combination weighing device 1 supplies and weighs items A to the multiple weighing hoppers 16, determines a combination of the multiple weighing hoppers 16 based on the obtained weighed values ​​of each item in the multiple weighing hoppers 16, selects a combination of items A that is closest to a target weight value from the obtained combinations, and discharges the items from the multiple weighing hoppers 16 associated with the selected combination, repeating this cycle.

[0019] The weighing unit 11 is disposed in a case 21 supported by a frame 20. The weighing unit 11 has a plurality of load cells 11A. Each load cell 11A supports a corresponding weighing hopper 16. When items A are temporarily stored in each weighing hopper 16, the weighing unit 11 measures (acquires) the weight value of each weighing hopper (a weighing value corresponding to the mass of items A).

[0020] The weighing control unit 22 is disposed within the case 21. The weighing control unit 22 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The weighing control unit 22 controls each unit constituting the combination weighing device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the weighing control unit 22 is communicatively connected to the production management device 4 via a communication unit 4D.

[0021] The weighing control unit 22 stores the weight values ​​measured by the weighing unit 11 in association with the weighing hoppers 16 storing the items A corresponding to the weight values. The weighing control unit 22 selects a combination of items A from the multiple weight values ​​of each item A measured by the weighing unit 11 and associated with each weighing hopper 16 so that the total value is the target weight value. More specifically, the weighing control unit 22 combines the weight values ​​of each item A output by each weighing unit 11 and selects a combination of items A so that the combined total value is close to the target weight value and falls within a predetermined range (calculates the combination). Then, the weighing control unit 22 discharges items A from the weighing hoppers 16 of items A corresponding to the calculated combination.

[0022] The storage device 2 shown in Figures 1 and 3 includes a bag-making and packaging device 3 and a production management device 4. The bag-making and packaging device 3 is an apparatus that produces products M by making bags B containing items A from packaging film F and packaging the items A, the combination of which has been calculated by the combination weighing device 1, into bags B. The bag-making and packaging device 3 packs the weighed items A, which are supplied from the combination weighing device 1, into bags. As shown in Figure 3, the bag-making and packaging device 3 includes a film supply unit 31, a bag-making and packaging unit 33, and a packaging control unit 35.

[0023] The film supply unit 31 is a unit that supplies a sheet-like packaging film F to the bag-making and packaging unit 33. The film supply unit 31 has a printing unit (information providing unit) 31A that prints (provides) a two-dimensional code that encodes at least a bag serial number (identification information) on the packaging film F. An example of a two-dimensional code is a QR code (registered trademark). The bag serial number is, for example, a number that can uniquely identify bags B (products M) manufactured within a certain period of time. The printing unit 31A is connected to be able to communicate with a management control unit (control unit) 4C, which will be described in detail later.

[0024] The bag-making and packaging unit 33 is a unit that forms a packaging film F to form a tubular film that is a bag-shaped formed body in which an item A is contained, and then cuts the packaging film F to form bags B that contain the item A. The bag-making and packaging unit 33 includes a forming mechanism 33A that forms the sheet-like packaging film F into a tubular film, a pull-down belt mechanism 33B that conveys the tubular-shaped packaging film (tubular film) downward, a vertical sealing mechanism 33C that vertically seals the overlapping portions at both ends of the tubular film, and a horizontal sealing mechanism 33D that horizontally seals the bag B formed from the tubular film, simultaneously heat-sealing the top end of bag B and the bottom end of the subsequent bag (tubular film).

[0025] The packaging control unit 35 is disposed on a frame (not shown). The packaging control unit 35 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The packaging control unit 35 controls each unit that constitutes the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3 is connected to the production management device 4 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0026] The seal inspection device 5 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 is a device that inspects the bag thickness and presence or absence of air leaks of the products M manufactured in the storage device 2. The seal inspection device 5 has a code reader 51. The code reader 51 reads the two-dimensional code printed on the bag B of the products M that is transported to the seal inspection device 5. The seal inspection device 5 is connected to the production management device 4 and the sorting device 8 via a communication unit 4D so that it can communicate with them. The seal inspection device 5 transmits seal inspection information to the production management device 4, which associates the bag serial information contained in the two-dimensional code read by the code reader 51 with the inspection results (bag thickness, presence or absence of leaks, etc.).

[0027] The weight inspection device 6 is a device that inspects the weight of the products M manufactured in the storage device 2. The weight inspection device 6 has a code reader 61. The code reader 61 reads the two-dimensional code printed on the bag B of the products M that is transported to the weight inspection device 6. The weight inspection device 6 is connected to the production management device 4 and the sorting device 8 via the communication unit 4D so that it can communicate with them. The weight inspection device 6 transmits weight inspection information to the production management device 4, which associates the bag serial information contained in the two-dimensional code read via the code reader 61 with the inspection result (appropriate amount, excess, shortage, etc.).

[0028] The foreign matter inspection device 7 is a device that inspects whether or not foreign matter is present in the products M manufactured in the storage device 2. Examples of the foreign matter inspection device 7 include, for example, a metal detection device and an X-ray inspection device. The foreign matter inspection device 7 has a code reader 71. The code reader 71 reads a two-dimensional code printed on the bag B of the products M transported to the foreign matter inspection device 7. The foreign matter inspection device 7 is connected to the production management device 4 and the sorting device 8 via the communication unit 4D so as to be able to communicate with them. The foreign matter inspection device 7 transmits foreign matter inspection information to the production management device 4, which associates bag serial information contained in the two-dimensional code read by the code reader 71 with the inspection result (presence or absence of foreign matter, etc.).

[0029] The sorting device 8 discharges out of the system products M determined to be defective by the seal inspection device 5, weight inspection device 6, or foreign body inspection device 7, and products M having bags B printed with two-dimensional codes encoding specific identification information identifying the products for inspection, and transports products M determined to be non-defective to a downstream process (boxing device 9). Examples of the sorting device 8 include an arm-type sorting device using an arm, a drop-up belt-type sorting device, a pusher-type sorting device using a pusher device, a drop-flap-type sorting device, an air-jet-type sorting device, and a fin-type sorting device. The sorting device 8 has a code reader 81. The code reader 81 reads the two-dimensional code printed on the bags B of the products M transported to the sorting device 8. The sorting device 8 is connected to the production management device 4, the seal inspection device 5, the weight inspection device 6, or the foreign body inspection device 7 via a communication unit 4D so as to be able to communicate with them. The sorting device 8 transmits sorting information to the production management device 4, which associates bag serial information contained in the two-dimensional code read by the code reader 81 with the sorting result (whether or not the bag was discharged outside the system).

[0030] The packing device 9 is a device that packs the products M into cardboard boxes. The packing device 9 packs a plurality of products M into the cardboard boxes and transports them to a downstream process.

[0031] The production management device 4 includes a foreign matter supply device (foreign matter supply unit) 4A, a pinhole forming unit 4B, a management control unit 4C, a communication unit 4D, a memory unit 4E, and an alarm unit 4F. The pinhole forming unit 4B, the management control unit 4C, the communication unit 4D, the memory unit 4E, and the alarm unit 4F are provided in the storage device 2.

[0032] The foreign object supplying device 4A supplies a pseudo foreign object F1 (F2) to the object A contained in the packaging film F in the storage device 2. The pseudo foreign object F1 (F2) is a pseudo foreign object F1 (F2), such as metal, that is to be detected by the foreign object inspection device 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the foreign object supplying device 4A is disposed between the combination weighing device 1 and the storage device 2. The foreign object supplying device 4A is configured by a belt conveyor. The belt 40 used in the foreign object supplying device 4A is provided with partitions 42 that divide the belt 40 at predetermined intervals in the conveyance direction, and one pseudo foreign object F1 (F2) is disposed in each of the partitioned locations by the partitions 42. In this embodiment, two types of pseudo foreign objects F1 (F2) with different physical properties are disposed in their respective locations. By supplying the pseudo foreign matter F1 (F2) from the foreign matter supplying device 4A, a product M for inspection containing the pseudo foreign matter F1 and a product M for inspection containing the pseudo foreign matter F2 are manufactured. The operation of the foreign matter supplying device 4A (driving of the belt conveyor) is controlled by the management control unit 4C.

[0033] The pinhole forming unit 4B forms a pinhole in a bag B (product M) containing an item A, which is produced by the bag making and packaging device 3 of the storage device 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the pinhole forming unit 4B is disposed, for example, adjacent to the downstream side of the horizontal sealing mechanism 33D. The pinhole forming unit 4B includes a needle and a drive unit that moves the needle toward and away from the bag B. The pinhole forming unit 4B approaches the bag B and pierces the bag B with the needle, thereby forming a pinhole in the bag B. The operation of the pinhole forming unit 4B (driving of the drive unit) is controlled by the management and control unit 4C.

[0034] 1 and 4 controls each part of the production management device 4 and executes various functions in the production management device 4. The management control device 4C has a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The management control device 4C can be configured as software in which a program stored in ROM is loaded onto RAM and executed by the CPU, for example. The management control device 4C may also be configured as hardware such as electronic circuits.

[0035] The management control unit 4C controls the printing unit 31A to print a two-dimensional code in which a bag serial number (identification information) is coded onto the packaging film F of the item A (the packaging film F that forms the bag B in which the item A is placed). More specifically, the management control unit 4C issues (generates) a dedicated bag serial number for each bag B to be formed, and controls the printing unit 31A to print the two-dimensional code in which the issued bag serial number is coded onto the packaging film F. The printing unit 31A receives the bag serial number and prints it onto the packaging film F that forms the bag B in which the item A discharged from the combination weighing device 1 will be packaged.

[0036] The management control unit 4C executes intermediate inspection control to inspect whether the inspection function of the inspection device is operating normally while the production line 100 is producing the products M. Execution of the intermediate inspection control may be started automatically based on a setting predetermined in the memory unit 4E or the like, or may be started when a start button displayed on the display operation unit 38 is pressed by an operator of the production line 100 or the like. Examples of predetermined settings include a setting to start when a predetermined number of products M (e.g., 1,000 products) have been manufactured, a setting to start when a predetermined time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed, a setting to start on a predetermined schedule (a set time), etc.

[0037] When the management control unit 4C of this embodiment executes intermediate inspection control, it generates specific identification information that identifies the product as being for inspection and transmits it to the printing unit 31A via the communication unit 4D. The printing unit 31A prints the specific identification information on the bag B in which the item A discharged from the combination weighing device 1 is packaged.

[0038] When performing intermediate inspection control, the management control unit 4C can send an instruction signal to the combination weighing device 1, causing the combination weighing device 1, upon receiving the instruction signal, to supply an item A having a weight outside a predetermined weight range to the storage device 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "weight inspection control"), send an instruction signal to the foreign matter supply device 4A, causing the foreign matter supply device 4A, upon receiving the instruction signal, to supply a pseudo foreign matter F1 (F2) to the storage device 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "foreign matter inspection control"), or send an instruction signal to the pinhole forming unit 4B, causing the pinhole forming unit 4B, upon receiving the instruction signal, to form a pinhole in the bag B (hereinafter also referred to as "pinhole inspection control").

[0039] Here, we will explain the operation of the bag making and packaging apparatus 3 for producing products M for inspection when the management control unit 4C executes foreign substance inspection control. When executing foreign substance inspection control, the production management device 4 acquires, via the communication unit 4D, a verification signal for producing products M for inspection, which is used to inspect the inspection function of an inspection device disposed downstream of the storage device 2 during the production of the products M. The verification signal is, for example, a press signal received when an operator presses a start button displayed on the display operation unit 38 of the bag making and packaging apparatus 3, or a start signal transmitted based on a preset schedule for starting intermediate inspection.

[0040] When the management control unit 4C receives the verification signal, it sends a throw-in signal to throw the suspected foreign matter F1 (F2) into bag B. Furthermore, when the management control unit 4C acquires the verification signal, it causes printing unit 31A to print a two-dimensional code, into which specific identification information is encoded, on the packaging film F, and continues manufacturing the products M until the packaging film F with the printed two-dimensional code reaches the bag-making and packaging unit 33, and sends a throw-in signal when the packaging film F with the encoded specific identification information reaches the bag-making and packaging unit 33. The management control unit 4C may temporarily suspend the transport of the packaging film F when it acquires the verification signal, that is, when it switches from the content printed when manufacturing regular products M to the content to be printed on inspection products M.

[0041] When packaging film F encoded with specific identification information is conveyed to bag-making and packaging unit 33, management control unit 4C temporarily suspends the conveyance of packaging film F before pseudo foreign matter F1 (F2) is dispensed into bag B formed from packaging film F. At this timing, management control unit 4C may check whether the two-dimensional code that has arrived at bag-making and packaging unit 33 is a two-dimensional code encoded with specific identification information. Furthermore, even when packaging film F encoded with specific identification information is conveyed to bag-making and packaging unit 33, management control unit 4C may convey packaging film F without temporarily suspending its conveyance. When the dispense of pseudo foreign matter F1 (F2) into bag B formed from packaging film F is complete, management control unit 4C resumes dispensing of items A into bags B formed from packaging film F in bag-making and packaging unit 33.

[0042] Next, the operation of the bag making and packaging device 3 for producing products M for inspection when the management control unit 4C executes weight inspection control will be described. When executing weight inspection control, the management control unit 4C acquires a verification signal via the communication unit 36, just as when executing foreign matter inspection control. Upon receiving the verification signal, the management control unit 4C transmits a loading signal to the combination weighing device 1 to cause an item A having an inspection weight value that differs from the set range to be loaded into a bag B. Upon receiving the verification signal, the management control unit 4C causes the printing unit 31A to print a two-dimensional code encoded with specific identification information on the packaging film F, continues manufacturing the products M until the packaging film F printed with the two-dimensional code reaches the bag making and packaging unit 33, and transmits a loading signal when the packaging film F printed with the two-dimensional code encoded with specific identification information reaches the bag making and packaging unit 33. The management control unit 4C also controls the transport of the packaging film F in the same manner as when executing foreign matter inspection control.

[0043] Next, the operation of the bag making and packaging apparatus 3 for producing products M for inspection when the management control unit 4C executes pinhole inspection control will be described. When executing pinhole inspection control, the management control unit 4C also acquires a verification signal via the communication unit 36. Upon receiving the verification signal, the management control unit 4C sends a feed signal to the pinhole forming unit 4B to form a pinhole in the bag B. Upon acquiring the verification signal, the management control unit 4C causes the printing unit 31A to print a two-dimensional code encoded with specific identification information on the packaging film F, continues manufacturing the products M until the packaging film F printed with the two-dimensional code reaches the pinhole forming unit 4B of the bag making and packaging unit 33, and sends a feed signal when the packaging film F printed with the two-dimensional code encoded with specific identification information reaches the pinhole forming unit 4B of the bag making and packaging unit 33. The management control unit 4C also controls the transport of the packaging film F in the same manner as in the foreign substance inspection control.

[0044] In various inspection controls (foreign matter inspection control, weight inspection control, or pinhole inspection control), the management control unit 4C automatically stops the operation of the production line 100 when the production of a predetermined number of products M for inspection is completed and the completion of the production of the products M for inspection is not detected within a predetermined time, and automatically switches to the production of regular products M when the completion of the production of the products M for inspection is detected within the predetermined time (first control). Note that the management control unit 4C may automatically switch to the production of regular products M (return to production) when the production of a predetermined number of products M for inspection is completed, automatically stop the production of regular products M when the completion of the production of the products M for inspection is not detected within the predetermined time, and continue the production of regular products M when the completion of the production of the products M for inspection is detected within the predetermined time (second control). It is possible to arbitrarily set whether the management control unit 4C performs the first control or the second control. Completion of production of the inspection products M can be detected, for example, by the code reader 81 of the sorting device 8 reading a two-dimensional code in which a predetermined number of special identification information is encoded, or by the foreign matter inspection device 7 inspecting a predetermined number of inspection products M, etc.

[0045] The management control unit 4C can set in advance which inspection device will be the inspection target when executing intermediate inspection control. For example, the management control unit 4C can be set to execute three controls per execution of intermediate inspection control: weight inspection control for executing inspection by the weight inspection device 6, foreign matter inspection control for executing inspection by the foreign matter inspection device 7, and pinhole inspection control for executing inspection by the seal inspection device 5, or can be set to execute only weight inspection control for executing inspection by the weight inspection device 6. Furthermore, the management control unit 4C can change the inspection device to be the inspection target each time intermediate inspection control is executed.

[0046] The management control unit 4C stores in the memory unit 4E seal inspection information that associates bag serial information contained in the two-dimensional code read via the code reader 51 and transmitted from the seal inspection device 5 with the inspection results (bag thickness, presence or absence of leaks, etc.). The management control unit 4C stores in the memory unit 4E weight inspection information that associates bag serial information contained in the two-dimensional code read via the code reader 61 and transmitted from the weight inspection device 6 with the inspection results (appropriate amount, excess, shortage, etc.). The management control unit 4C stores in the memory unit 4E foreign matter inspection information that associates bag serial information contained in the two-dimensional code read via the code reader 71 and transmitted from the foreign matter inspection device 7 with the inspection results (presence or absence of foreign matter, etc.). The management control unit 4C stores in the memory unit 4E sorting information that associates the bag serial information contained in the two-dimensional code read by the code reader 81 sent from the sorting device 8 with the sorting result (whether or not the bag is discharged outside the system).

[0047] The communication unit 4D is an interface that enables communication with other devices. The communication unit 4D is provided to be able to communicate with the combination weighing device 1, the foreign matter supplying device 4A, the seal inspection device 5, the weight inspection device 6, the foreign matter inspection device 7, the sorting device 8, and the case packing device 9. Communication between the devices may be wired or wireless.

[0048] The memory unit 4E is a device that stores various information managed by the production management device 4. The memory unit 4E is a device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The memory unit 4E stores information (setting information) that is the condition for starting intermediate inspection control. The memory unit 4E also stores the above-mentioned inspection records, i.e., seal inspection information, weight inspection information, foreign matter inspection information, and sorting information.

[0049] The notification unit 4F notifies an operator or the like that intermediate inspection control is being executed. Examples of the notification unit 4F include a signal tower 37 and a display operation unit 38 provided on the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3. The notification unit 4F may also be a signal tower or a display operation unit (for example, the display operation unit 24 of a combination weighing device) mounted on various devices other than the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3. The notification unit 4F may also be a smartphone, tablet, or the like that can be connected to the production management apparatus 4.

[0050] The effects of the production management device 4 of the above embodiment will be described. When an intermediate inspection is performed, the production management device 4 of the above embodiment generates specific identification information that identifies the product M for inspection, and automatically prints a two-dimensional code having the specific identification information on the bag B of the product M for inspection. This eliminates the need for manual processing to easily distinguish the product M as a product M for inspection, even when the product M for inspection is sent to the production line 100. Furthermore, because a two-dimensional code having specific identification information that can easily distinguish the product M as a product M for inspection is printed on the product M for inspection, the product M for inspection can be easily removed after the intermediate inspection. As a result, the effort required for performing the intermediate inspection can be reduced and the product M for inspection can be prevented from being mixed in with normal products.

[0051] In the production management device 4 of the above embodiment, when executing intermediate inspection control, the management control unit 4C sends an instruction signal to the combination weighing device 1 via the communication unit 4D, and causes the combination weighing device 1 that receives the instruction signal to supply the item A whose weight is outside the predetermined weight range to the storage device 2. This makes it possible to produce products M for inspection that are underweight or overweight without human intervention. This makes it possible to easily check whether the inspection function of the weight inspection device 6 as an inspection device is operating normally without human intervention.

[0052] In the production management device 4 of the above embodiment, when the management control unit 4C executes intermediate inspection control, it sends an instruction signal to the foreign matter supply device 4A and causes the foreign matter supply device 4A, upon receiving the instruction signal, to supply the suspected foreign matter F1 (F2) to the storage device 2. This makes it possible to produce products M for inspection containing the suspected foreign matter F1 (F2) without human intervention. This makes it possible to easily inspect whether the inspection function of the foreign matter inspection device 7 as an inspection device is operating normally without human intervention.

[0053] The production management device 4 of the above embodiment includes a notification unit 4F that notifies that intermediate inspection control is being executed, so that workers and the like can be made aware that intermediate inspection is being executed. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the products M for inspection from being mixed in with normal products.

[0054] In the production management device 4 of the above embodiment, when the management control unit 4C executes intermediate inspection control, it sends an instruction signal to the pinhole forming unit 4B, and upon receiving the instruction signal, the pinhole forming unit 4B can form a pinhole in the bag B formed with the packaging film F. With this configuration, it is possible to produce inspection products M with abnormalities in the packaging film F without human intervention. This makes it possible to easily inspect whether the inspection function of the seal inspection device 5 as an inspection device is operating normally without human intervention.

[0055] The production management device 4 of the above embodiment is equipped with a memory unit 4E that stores the inspection results from the inspection devices (seal inspection device 5, weight inspection device 6, and foreign matter inspection device 7) in association with specific identification information, so that the inspection results from various inspection devices for the product M under inspection can be kept as a record.

[0056] Although one embodiment has been described above, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the printing unit 31A was described as an example of an information providing unit that provides a two-dimensional code to the packaging film F, but for example, a configuration in which the two-dimensional code is printed on a sticker and the sticker with the printed two-dimensional code is attached may also be used. Also, in the above embodiment, an example in which a two-dimensional code is provided was described, but an identification number or a specific identification number may also be printed as is. The identification number or specific identification number may be composed of, for example, a combination of numbers and letters, but may be any number that can be used to distinguish the product from other products M, such as numbers only, letters only, or a combination of these with symbols.

[0058] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which an identification number or a specific identification number is printed on the packaging film F, but this is not limiting. For example, an IC tag storing the identification number or the specific identification number may be attached, or another code (one-dimensional code, design, color, pattern, color) that can be uniquely converted into the identification number or the specific identification number may be used.

[0059] In the above embodiment and modified example, an example has been given in which a two-dimensional code is printed on the packaging film F that forms the bag B in which item A is contained, but an identification number or a specific identification number may also be printed (assigned) on the bag B in which item A is contained (i.e., after bag B has been formed).

[0060] In the above embodiment and modified example, the storage device 2 has been described as an example of a bag-making and packaging device 3 that forms a bag B that contains an item A using a packaging film F and then stores the item A in the formed bag B, but is not limited to this. For example, the storage device 2 may be configured to store the item A in a pre-formed bag B, or may be configured to store the item A in a ready-made box, container, or the like.

[0061] In the above embodiment and modified example, the combination weighing device 1 has been described as an example of a weighing device, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be a weighing device that discharges a fixed amount of item A.

[0062] In the above embodiments and variants, a production line 100 consisting of a group of devices including a combination weighing device 1, a storage device 2, a seal inspection device 5, a weight inspection device 6, a foreign body inspection device 7, a sorting device 8, and a boxing device 9 has been used as an example for explanation. However, as long as the combination weighing device 1 and the storage device 2 are included, the seal inspection device 5, weight inspection device 6, foreign body inspection device 7, sorting device 8, and boxing device 9 do not all have to be included, or only some of the devices may be included, or other devices may also be included.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the production management device 4 has been described as having one foreign matter supply device 4A that supplies two types of pseudo foreign matter F1 (F2), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the production management device 4 may have two foreign matter supply devices 4A, 4A that supply pseudo foreign matter F1 and pseudo foreign matter F2, respectively.

[0064] Although the production management device 4 in the above embodiment and modified example has been described as including a foreign matter supply device 4A and a pinhole forming unit 4B, these two devices may not be included, or only one of them may be included. Furthermore, the pinhole forming unit 4B may not be configured as part of the bag-making and packaging device 3, but may be incorporated into the production line 100 in an independently configured state.

[0065] In the above-described embodiments and modified examples, the production management device 4 controls the combination weighing device 1 to form inspection products M in which the number of items A contained in the bags B is either excessive or insufficient, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the production management device 4 may control the bag-making and packaging device 3 to adjust the conveying speed of the tubular film or the timing of the horizontal sealing, thereby producing inspection products M in which the items A are caught in the sealed portion. By producing such inspection products M, it becomes possible to automatically check whether the jamming inspection of the X-ray inspection device as an inspection device is functioning correctly.

[0066] The production management device 4 in the above embodiment and modified example has been described as being formed integrally with the bag-making and packaging device 3 as the storage device 2, as shown in Fig. 4, but it may also be configured separately from the bag-making and packaging device 3. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the production management device 4 may be configured to be able to communicate with the combination weighing device 1, the bag-making and packaging device 3 (storage device 2), the seal inspection device 5, the weight inspection device 6, the foreign matter inspection device 7, the sorting device 8, and the case packing device 9 via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1...combination weighing device (weighing device), 2...storage device, 3...bag-making and packaging device, 4...production management device, 4A...foreign body supply device (foreign body supply section), 4B...pinhole formation section, 4C...management control section (control section), 4D...communication section, 4E...memory section, 4F...alarm section, 5...seal inspection device (inspection device), 6...weight inspection device (inspection device), 7...foreign body inspection device (inspection device), 8...sorting device, 9...boxing device, 31...film supply unit, 31A...printing section (information provision section), 33...bag-making and packaging unit, 37...signal tower (alarm section), 38...display and operation section (alarm section), 100...production line, A...item, B...bag, F...packaging film (packaging material), F1, F2...pseudo foreign body, M...product.

Claims

1. A production management device for managing a production line including a weighing device that weighs items, a storage device that stores the items weighed by the weighing device in packaging material to form products, and an inspection device that inspects the products, a communication unit that communicates with an information providing unit that provides identification information to the packaging material; a control unit that generates the identification information to be transmitted to the information providing unit and transmits the generated identification information via the communication unit, When the control unit executes intermediate inspection control to inspect whether the inspection function of the inspection device is operating normally while the production line is producing the product, the control unit transmits specific identification information, which is the identification information that identifies the product as being for inspection, to the information assignment unit.

2. 2. The production management device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit executes the intermediate inspection control, the control unit transmits an instruction signal to the weighing device, and causes the weighing device that receives the instruction signal to supply the item whose weight is outside a predetermined weight range to the storage device.

3. a foreign matter supply unit that supplies pseudo foreign matter to the article contained in the container device; 2. The production management device according to claim 1, wherein, when the intermediate inspection control is executed, the control unit transmits an instruction signal to the foreign matter supply unit, and causes the foreign matter supply unit that has received the instruction signal to supply the suspected foreign matter to the storage device.

4. 3. The production management device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the intermediate inspection control is being executed.

5. The packaging material further includes a pinhole forming unit that forms a pinhole in the packaging material to which the specific identification information is attached, 3. The production management device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit executes the intermediate inspection control, the control unit transmits an instruction signal to the pinhole forming unit, and causes the pinhole forming unit, upon receiving the instruction signal, to form a pinhole in the packaging material.

6. 3. The production management device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the inspection results from the inspection device and the specific identification information in association with each other.

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