Storage device

Abstract

To provide a storage device which alleviates trouble required for work and which can prevent a product for inspection from creeping into normal products in executing an intermediate inspection.SOLUTION: A bag making and packaging device 3 includes: a storage part 33 for sealing a packaging material F into which an article A is input, and for manufacturing a product M; a transportation part 31 for transporting the packaging material F to the storage part 33; an information imparting part 31A for imparting identification information to the packaging material F; an acquisition part 36 for acquiring a verification signal during manufacture of the product M; and a control part 35 for transmitting an input signal to an input part 4A for inputting an article A for inspection into the packaging material F of the storage part 33. When the verification signal is acquired, the control part 35 causes the information imparting part 31A to impart specific identification information to the packaging material F, continues manufacture of the product M until the packaging material F to which the specific identification information has been imparted reaches the storage part 33, and transmits the input signal at a timing when the packaging material F to which the specific identification information has been imparted reaches the storage part 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a storage 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 storage device that can reduce the effort required for performing intermediate inspections and prevent products under inspection from being mixed in with normal products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A storage device according to one aspect of the present invention is a storage device that stores items in packaging and manufactures products, and includes: a storage section in which the items are placed into the packaging and the packaging is sealed to manufacture the products; a conveying section that transports the packaging to the storage section; an information assignment section that assigns identification information to the packaging; an acquisition section that acquires a verification signal to manufacture products for inspection to inspect the inspection function of an inspection device located downstream of the storage device during product manufacturing; and a control unit that sends an input signal to an input section that inserts items for inspection, which have different conditions from the items, into the packaging in the storage section, to cause the items for inspection to be inserted into the packaging. Upon acquiring the verification signal, the control unit causes the information assignment section to assign specific identification information, which is identification information that identifies the packaging as a product for inspection, and continues manufacturing the products until the packaging to which the specific identification information has been assigned reaches the storage section, and sends an input signal when the packaging to which the specific identification information has been assigned reaches the storage section.

[0007] In a storage device with this configuration, when intermediate inspection is performed, specific identification information identifying the product for inspection is automatically assigned to the packaging material containing the product for inspection, and an input signal is sent when the packaging material with the specific identification information arrives at the storage unit, allowing the product for inspection to be automatically produced. Furthermore, because the product for inspection is assigned specific identification information that makes it easy to distinguish it as a product for inspection, the product for inspection can be easily removed after intermediate inspection. As a result, when intermediate inspection is performed, the product for inspection can be automatically produced and the product for inspection can be prevented from being mixed in with normal products.

[0008] (2) In the storage device described in (1) above, the control unit may temporarily suspend the transport of the packaging material when the packaging material with the specific identification information is transported to the storage unit and before the item is placed in the packaging material. In this configuration, the transport of the packaging material is temporarily suspended when the item for inspection is placed in the packaging material. This allows the operator to easily confirm that the item for inspection, not the commercial item, is placed in the packaging material in the storage device.

[0009] (3) In the storage device described in (1) or (2) above, the control unit may resume the introduction of articles into the packaging material in the storage unit when the introduction of the inspection articles into the packaging material is completed. In this configuration, the introduction of regular products is resumed immediately after the introduction of the inspection articles is completed, thereby reducing a decrease in product production capacity.

[0010] (4) In the storage device described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the control unit may automatically switch to product production when the production of a predetermined number of products for inspection has been completed and the completion of the production of the products for inspection is not detected within a predetermined time. With this configuration, even if the completion of the production of the products for inspection is not detected within the predetermined time for some reason, the control unit automatically switches to the production of regular products, thereby minimizing the decline in product production capacity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] 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]

[0012] [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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, a bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus (storing apparatus) 3 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 explanations will be omitted.

[0014] First, the production line 100 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the production line 100 includes a combination weighing device 1, a bag-making and packaging device 3, 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 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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).

[0017] The weighing control unit 22 is disposed in 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 that constitutes the combination weighing device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the weighing control unit 22 is connected to the bag-making and packaging device 3 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The bag making and packaging apparatus 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is an apparatus that produces products M by making bags B containing items A from packaging film F and placing the items A, the combination of which has been calculated by the combination weighing apparatus 1, into bags B. The bag making and packaging apparatus 3 bags the weighed items A supplied from the combination weighing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the bag making and packaging apparatus 3 includes a film supply unit (conveying section) 31, a bag making and packaging unit (storing section) 33, a packaging control section (control section) 35, a communication section (acquisition section) 36, a notification section 37, and a memory section 39.

[0020] 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 the packaging control unit 35, which will be described in detail later.

[0021] 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).

[0022] The packaging control unit 35 is disposed on a frame (not shown). The packaging control unit 35 controls each unit that constitutes the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3. The packaging control unit 35 will be described in detail later.

[0023] The seal inspection device 5 shown in Figures 1 and 4 is a device that inspects the bag thickness and presence or absence of air leaks of products M manufactured in the bag manufacturing and packaging device 3. 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 conveyed to the seal inspection device 5. The seal inspection device 5 is connected to the bag manufacturing and packaging device 3 and the sorting device 8 so that it can communicate with them. The seal inspection device 5 transmits seal inspection information to the bag manufacturing and packaging device 3, 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.).

[0024] The weight inspection device 6 is a device that inspects the weight of the products M manufactured in the bag manufacturing and packaging device 3. The weight inspection device 6 has a code reader 61. The code reader 61 reads the two-dimensional code printed on the bags B of the products M that are transported to the weight inspection device 6. The weight inspection device 6 is connected to the bag manufacturing and packaging device 3 and the sorting device 8 so that it can communicate with them. The weight inspection device 6 transmits weight inspection information to the bag manufacturing and packaging device 3, which associates the bag serial information contained in the two-dimensional code read by the code reader 61 with the inspection result (appropriate amount, excess, shortage, etc.).

[0025] The foreign matter inspection device 7 is a device that inspects whether or not foreign matter has been mixed in the products M manufactured by the bag making and packaging apparatus 3. 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 product M that is conveyed to the foreign matter inspection device 7. The foreign matter inspection device 7 is connected to the bag making and packaging apparatus 3 and the sorting device 8 so that it can communicate with them. The foreign matter inspection device 7 transmits foreign matter inspection information to the bag making and packaging apparatus 3, 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 a foreign matter, etc.).

[0026] 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 sorting devices 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 bag-making and packaging device 3, the seal inspection device 5, the weight inspection device 6, or the foreign body inspection device 7 so that it can communicate with them. The sorting device 8 transmits sorting information to the bag-making and packaging device 3, 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] The foreign object supplying device (feeding section) 4A supplies a pseudo foreign object F1 (F2) to an object A contained in a packaging film F in the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3. 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 bag-making and packaging apparatus 3. The foreign object supplying device 4A is configured as 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 produced. The operation of the foreign matter supplying device 4A (driving of the belt conveyor) is controlled by the packaging control unit 35.

[0029] 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 apparatus 3. 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 packaging control unit 35.

[0030] The packaging control unit 35 can be configured as software in which a program stored in ROM is loaded onto RAM and executed by a CPU, for example. The packaging control unit 35 may also be configured as hardware such as electronic circuits.

[0031] The packaging control unit 35 controls the printing unit 31A to print a two-dimensional code, into which a bag serial number (identification information) is coded, on 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 packaging control unit 35 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, into which the issued bag serial number is coded, on the packaging film F. Upon receiving the bag serial number, the printing unit 31A prints it on the packaging film F that forms the bag B in which the item A discharged from the combination weighing device 1 will be packaged.

[0032] The packaging control unit 35 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 previously set in the memory unit 39 or the like, or may be started when a start button displayed on the display operation unit 37B is pressed by an operator of the production line 100 or the like. Examples of the predetermined setting include a setting to start when a predetermined number of products M (e.g., 1,000 products) have been produced, 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.

[0033] When the packaging control unit 35 of this embodiment executes intermediate inspection control, it generates specific identification information that identifies the product as being for inspection and sends it to the printing unit 31 A. The printing unit 31 A prints the specific identification information on the bag B in which the item A discharged from the combination weighing device 1 is packaged.

[0034] When performing intermediate inspection control, the packaging control unit 35 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 whose weight is outside a specified weight range to the bag-making and packaging device 3 (hereinafter also referred to as ``weight inspection control''), send an instruction signal to the foreign object supplying device 4A, causing the foreign object supplying device 4A, upon receiving the instruction signal, to supply a pseudo foreign object F1 (F2) to the bag-making and packaging device 3 (hereinafter also referred to as ``foreign object 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'').

[0035] Here, we will explain the operation of the bag making and packaging apparatus 3 for producing products M for inspection when the packaging control unit 35 executes foreign substance inspection control. When executing foreign substance inspection control, the packaging control unit 35 acquires, via the communication unit 36, a verification signal for producing products M for inspection, which is used to inspect the inspection function of an inspection device located downstream of the bag making and packaging apparatus 3 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 37B of the bag making and packaging apparatus 3, or a start signal transmitted based on a preset schedule for starting intermediate inspection.

[0036] When the packaging control unit 35 receives the verification signal, it sends a loading signal to the foreign object supplying device 4A to load the suspected foreign object F1 (F2) into the bag B. Furthermore, when the packaging control unit 35 acquires the verification signal, it causes the printing unit 31A to print a two-dimensional code encoded with specific identification information 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. When the packaging control unit 35 acquires the verification signal, that is, when switching from the content printed when manufacturing regular products M to the content printed on the inspection products M, it may temporarily suspend the conveyance of the packaging film F.

[0037] When packaging film F encoded with specific identification information is conveyed to bag-making and packaging unit 33, packaging control unit 35 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, packaging control unit 35 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, packaging control unit 35 may convey packaging film F without temporarily suspending its conveyance. When the dispensing of pseudo foreign matter F1 (F2) into bag B formed from packaging film F is complete, packaging control unit 35 resumes dispensing of items A into bags B formed from packaging film F in bag-making and packaging unit 33.

[0038] Next, the operation of the bag making and packaging device 3 for producing products M for inspection when the packaging control unit 35 executes weight inspection control will be described. When executing weight inspection control, the packaging control unit 35 also receives a verification signal via the communication unit 36. Upon receiving the verification signal, the packaging control unit 35 transmits a loading signal to the combination weighing device 1 to load items A having inspection weight values ​​that are different from the set range into bags B. Upon receiving the verification signal, the packaging control unit 35 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 packaging control unit 35 also controls the transport of the packaging film F in the same manner as the foreign matter inspection control.

[0039] Next, the operation of the bag making and packaging apparatus 3 for producing products M for inspection when the packaging control unit 35 executes pinhole inspection control will be described. When executing pinhole inspection control, the packaging control unit 35 also receives a verification signal via the communication unit 36, just as when executing foreign substance inspection control. Upon receiving the verification signal, the packaging control unit 35 sends a feed signal to the pinhole forming unit 4B to form a pinhole in the bag B. Upon receiving the verification signal, the packaging control unit 35 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 with the printed 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 with the printed two-dimensional code encoded with specific identification information reaches the pinhole forming unit 4B of the bag making and packaging unit 33. The packaging control unit 35 also controls the transport of the packaging film F in the same manner as when executing foreign substance inspection control.

[0040] In various inspection controls (foreign matter inspection control, weight inspection control, or pinhole inspection control), the packaging control unit 35 automatically stops the operation of the production line 100 when the production of a predetermined number of inspection products M is completed and the completion of the production of the inspection products M 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 inspection products M is detected within the predetermined time (first control). Note that the packaging control unit 35 may automatically switch to the production of regular products M (return to production) when the production of a predetermined number of inspection products M is completed, automatically stop the production of regular products M when the completion of the production of the inspection products M is not detected within the predetermined time, and continue the production of regular products M when the completion of the production of the inspection products M is detected within the predetermined time (second control). It is possible to arbitrarily set whether the packaging control unit 35 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.

[0041] The packaging control unit 35 can set in advance which inspection device will be the inspection target when executing intermediate inspection control. For example, the packaging control unit 35 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 packaging control unit 35 can change the inspection device to be the inspection target each time intermediate inspection control is executed.

[0042] The packaging control unit 35 stores in the memory unit 39 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 packaging control unit 35 stores in the memory unit 39 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 packaging control unit 35 stores in the memory unit 39 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 packaging control unit 35 stores in the memory unit 39 sorting information that associates the bag serial information contained in the two-dimensional code read by the code reader 81, which is sent from the sorting device 8, with the sorting result (whether or not the bag is discharged outside the system).

[0043] The communication unit 36 ​​is an interface that enables communication with the packaging control unit 35. The communication unit 36 ​​acquires a verification signal for producing the product M for inspection, which is used to inspect the inspection function of an inspection device disposed downstream of the bag-making and packaging device 3, during the production of the product M.

[0044] The memory unit 39 is a device that stores various information managed by the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3. The memory unit 39 is a device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The memory unit 39 stores information (setting information) that is the condition for starting intermediate inspection control. The memory unit 39 also stores the above-mentioned inspection records, i.e., seal inspection information, weight inspection information, foreign matter inspection information, and sorting information.

[0045] The notification unit 37 notifies an operator or the like that intermediate inspection control is being executed. Examples of the notification unit 37 include a signal tower 37A, a display operation unit 37B, and the like provided on the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3. The notification unit 37 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 37 may also be a smartphone, tablet, or the like connectable to the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3.

[0046] The effects of the bag making and packaging apparatus 3 of the above embodiment will be described. When performing an intermediate inspection with the bag making and packaging apparatus 3 of the above embodiment, specific identification information identifying the product M for inspection is automatically imparted to the packaging film F that forms the bag B in which the item A for inspection is placed, and an input signal is sent when the packaging film F with the specific identification information imparted thereto reaches the bag making and packaging unit 33, so that the product M for inspection can be automatically produced. Furthermore, because the product M for inspection is imparted with specific identification information that allows it to be easily distinguished as a product for inspection, the product M for inspection can be easily removed after the intermediate inspection. As a result, when performing an intermediate inspection, the product M for inspection can be automatically produced and the product M for inspection can be prevented from being mixed in with normal products.

[0047] In the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3 of the above embodiment, when packaging material with specific identification information attached thereto is conveyed to the bag-making and packaging unit 33, the packaging control unit 35 may temporarily suspend the conveyance of the packaging material before the item A is placed in the bag B formed by the packaging film F. In this configuration, when an item for inspection is placed in the packaging material, the conveyance of the packaging film F is temporarily suspended. This allows the worker to easily confirm that the bag B contains an item for inspection, rather than a commercial item, in the bag-making and packaging apparatus 3.

[0048] In the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 3 of the above embodiment, when the placement of the inspection items into bag B is completed, the packaging control unit 35 resumes placing item A into bag B in the bag manufacturing and packaging unit 33. In this configuration, the placement of regular items is resumed immediately after the placement of the inspection items is completed, thereby reducing a decrease in the production capacity of product M.

[0049] In the bag making and packaging apparatus 3 of the above embodiment, if the packaging control unit 35 completes the production of a predetermined number of inspection products M and does not detect the completion of the production of the inspection products M within a predetermined time, the packaging control unit 35 may automatically switch to the production of the products M. In this configuration, even if the completion of the production of the inspection products M is not detected within the predetermined time for some reason, the system automatically switches to the production of the regular products M, thereby minimizing the decline in the production capacity of the products M.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] In the above embodiment and modified example, the storage device has been described as an example of a bag-making and packaging device 3 that forms bags B for storing items A using packaging film F and stores the items A in the formed bags B, but is not limited to this. For example, the storage device may be configured to store items A in pre-formed bags B, or may be configured to store items A in ready-made boxes, containers, etc.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In the above embodiments and variants, a production line 100 consisting of a group of devices including a combination weighing device 1, a bag-making and packaging device 3, 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. However, as long as the bag-making and packaging device 3 is 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.

[0057] In the above embodiment and modified examples, a configuration in which one foreign matter supply device 4A that supplies two types of simulated foreign matter F1 (F2) is provided has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which two foreign matter supply devices 4A, 4A that supply simulated foreign matter F1 and simulated foreign matter F2, respectively, are provided may also be used.

[0058] In the above embodiment and modified examples, an example was described in which the foreign matter supply device 4A and the pinhole forming unit 4B were included, but these two devices do not have to 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 apparatus 3, but may be incorporated into the production line 100 in an independently configured state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...combination weighing device, 3...bag-making and packaging device (storage device), 4A...foreign body supply device (feeding section), 4B...pinhole formation 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 (conveying section), 31A...printing section (information providing section), 33...bag-making and packaging unit (storage section), 100...production line, A...item, B...bag, F...packaging film (packaging material), 35...packaging control section (control section), 36...communication section (acquisition section), F1, F2...pseudo foreign body (item for inspection), M...product.

Claims

1. A storage device that stores articles in packaging materials and manufactures products, a container into which the article is placed and which seals the packaging material into which the article is placed, thereby producing the product; a conveying unit that conveys the packaging material to the storage unit; an information providing unit that provides identification information to the packaging material; an acquisition unit that acquires a verification signal for manufacturing products for inspection during the manufacturing of the products, for inspecting an inspection function of an inspection device disposed downstream of the storage device; a control unit that transmits a loading signal to a loading unit that loads an inspection item, which has different conditions from the inspection item, into the packaging material of the storage unit, to cause the inspection item to be loaded into the packaging material, When the control unit acquires the verification signal, it causes the information assignment unit to assign specific identification information to the packaging material, which is the identification information that identifies the packaging material as the product for inspection, and continues manufacturing the product until the packaging material to which the specific identification information has been assigned reaches the storage unit, and transmits the input signal at the time when the packaging material to which the specific identification information has been assigned reaches the storage unit.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit temporarily suspends the transport of the packaging material when the packaging material to which the specific identification information has been assigned is transported to the storage unit before the item is placed into the packaging material.

3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit restarts the loading of the inspection articles into the packaging material in the storage unit when the loading of the inspection articles into the packaging material is completed.

4. 3. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit automatically switches to manufacturing the products when the manufacturing of a predetermined number of the products for inspection is completed and the completion of the manufacturing of the products for inspection is not detected within a predetermined time.

Images