Bag processing system and bag processing method

Abstract

To provide a technique advantageous for appropriately arranging a target bag in a take-out area.SOLUTION: The bag supply device includes a supply conveyance device that conveys the bag and positions the bag in a take-out area, and a supply take-out device that takes out the bag from the take-out area and supplies the bag to the bag processing device. The supply conveyance device has a supply transfer device that sends the bag downstream along the bag conveyance path, and a supply positioning device that positions the target bag in the bag conveyance path in the takeoff area. The control device controls the bag feeding device by a switchable operation mode including at least a bag initial arrangement mode M2 and a bag processing mode M3. In the bag initial arrangement mode M2, a target bag is positioned in the take-out area by the supplying and positioning device in a state in which the take-out of bags from the take-out area by the supplying and take-out device is stopped. In the bag processing mode M3, a target bag is positioned in the take-out area by the supplying and positioning device in a state where a bag is being taken out from the take-out area by the supplying and take-out device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bag processing system and a bag processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A bag processing system is known that continuously supplies bags from a bag supplying device, such as a conveyor magazine, capable of stocking a large number of bags, to a bag processing device, such as a packaging device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-80729 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When bags are removed one by one by a bag removal device such as a suction cup from a bag supplying device (particularly the removal area) where multiple bags are stocked stacked on top of each other and supplied to a bag processing device, it is necessary to accurately position the bag to be removed in the removal area. In particular, when bags overlap each other just before the removal area, by placing the leading bag, which is the first bag to be removed, in the removal area without riding on the suction cup or the like, subsequent bags also tend to be properly positioned in the removal area without riding on the suction cup or the like.

[0005] While it is possible to mechanically place the first bag to be removed (the leading bag) in the removal area by performing normal bag processing operations, this can easily result in the bag being placed on a suction cup or paddle, resulting in the bag not being properly placed in the removal area. Such bag-mounting problems must be manually resolved by an operator, and opening the safety cover to perform such a reversal cancels the ready state (preparatory state) of the entire device. Once the ready state of the entire device is cancelled, a preparatory startup process must be performed to return the entire device to the ready state, which results in a considerable amount of time being required before the device can actually begin bag processing.

[0006] On the other hand, while it is possible for an operator (user) to manually place the first bag to be removed (the leading bag) in the removal area, performing such a task each time the bag processing device is started is a burden for the operator. In particular, the operator must open the safety cover to place the first bag to be removed in the removal area, but opening the safety cover cancels the ready state of the entire device. It is also conceivable that the operator might reach out and place the first bag to be removed in the removal area while the safety cover is closed, but such an action is unsafe from the outset and could disrupt the alignment of the bags, resulting in poor bag processing in subsequent bag processing devices.

[0007] The present disclosure provides advantageous techniques for properly positioning a target bag in a dispensing area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag processing system comprising: a bag processing device that performs bag processing using bags; a bag supplying device that performs a bag feeding process that supplies bags to the bag processing device; and a control device that controls at least the bag supplying device, wherein the bag supplying device has a supply conveying device that transports bags and positions them in a take-out area, and a supply unloading device that removes the bags from the take-out area and supplies them to the bag processing device, and the supply conveying device has a supply transfer device that sends bags on the bag conveying path downstream along the bag conveying path, and a supply positioning device that positions a target bag among the bags on the bag conveying path in the take-out area, and the control device controls the bag supplying device through switchable operating modes that include at least a bag initial placement mode and a bag processing mode, and in the bag initial placement mode, the control device controls the bag supplying device so that the supply positioning device positions the target bag in the take-out area while the supply unloading device is stopping the removal of bags from the take-out area, and in the bag processing mode, the control device controls the bag supplying device so that the supply positioning device positions the target bag in the take-out area while the supply unloading device is removing bags from the take-out area.

[0009] In the bag initial placement mode, the control device may control the bag supply device such that the supply and transfer device feeds bags in the bag conveying path downstream along the bag conveying path.

[0010] The control device may end the bag processing mode with the supplying and unloading device positioned at a retracted position where it does not interfere with the transport of bags by the supplying and transporting device.

[0011] The control device controls the bag processing device, and the operating modes include a preparatory start-up mode, in which the control device controls the bag supply device and the bag processing device so that they are in a ready state in which they can perform bag supply processing and bag processing, and the control device may perform control in the bag initial placement mode and control in the bag processing mode after control in the preparatory start-up mode.

[0012] The bag processing system includes a safety cover that can be placed in either an open state or a closed state, where the safety cover in the closed state restricts access to at least a portion of the bag supply device more strictly than the safety cover in the open state, and a cover state detection device that detects whether the safety cover is placed in the closed state.The control device executes control in the preparatory start-up mode only when the safety cover is placed in the closed state based on the detection result of the cover state detection device, and may control the bag supply device and bag processing device to cancel the ready state if the cover state detection device detects that the safety cover is not placed in the closed state while the bag supply device and bag processing device are placed in the ready state.

[0013] The bag processing system may include a bag initial placement mode button associated with the bag initial placement mode, and the control device may perform control in the bag initial placement mode when the bag supply device and bag processing device are placed in a ready state and the bag initial placement mode button is selected by the user.

[0014] The bag processing system may further include a preparatory start-up mode button connected to the control device, which when selected by a user instructs the control device to execute the preparatory start-up mode, and the control device may control the bag supply device and bag processing device so that in the preparatory start-up mode, the bag supply device and bag processing device are placed in a ready state, regardless of the state of the bag supply device and bag processing device immediately before the preparatory start-up mode button is selected.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag processing method including a bag supply process for supplying bags to a bag processing device, and a bag processing process for performing bag processing using the bags by the bag processing device, wherein the bag supply process includes a supply conveying process for conveying the bags and positioning them in a take-out area, and a supply unloading process for removing the bags from the take-out area and supplying them to the bag processing device, and the supply conveying process includes a supply transfer process for sending the bags on the bag conveying path downstream along the bag conveying path, and a supply positioning process for positioning a target bag among the bags on the bag conveying path in the take-out area, and the bag supply process is performed by switchable operating modes including at least a bag initial placement mode and a bag processing mode, and in the bag initial placement mode, the target bag is positioned in the take-out area while removal of bags from the take-out area is stopped, and in the bag processing mode, the target bag is positioned in the take-out area while removal of bags from the take-out area is being performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The present disclosure provides advantages in properly positioning the target bag in the dispensing area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a bag processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the bag processing system as seen from the direction of arrow "II" shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the bag processing system as seen from the direction of arrow "III" shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply and transfer device, the delivery device, and the paddle device 30, and showing an example of the state of the bags on the bag conveying path. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the bag processing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation mode of the bag processing method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, although the following description exemplifies the application of the disclosed technology to a packaging process, the disclosed technology can also be applied to any other bag processing, such as attaching a spout or other device to a bag.

[0019] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the direction in which bags are conveyed when normal bag processing is performed.

[0020] [Bag processing system] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a bag processing system 10. Fig. 2 is a side view of the bag processing system 10 as seen from the direction of arrow "II" shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the bag processing system 10 as seen from the direction of arrow "III" shown in Fig. 1.

[0021] 1 to 3 includes a bag processing system (packaging system) 11, a bag supply device 12, a control device 13, and a safety cover 15. Under the control of the control device 13, the bag supply device 12 performs a bag supply process to supply bags to the bag processing device 11, and the bag processing device 11 performs a packaging process (bag processing) using the bags supplied from the bag supply device 12.

[0022] Safety cover 15 restricts access to at least a portion of bag processing device 11 and bag supply device 12. There are no limitations on the areas protected by safety cover 15, but it includes areas where movable elements of bag processing device 11 and bag supply device 12 that can be touched by users such as operators are located, and in this embodiment it includes, for example, an area near take-out area P, which will be described later.

[0023] The safety cover 15 is placed in either an open state or a closed state. The safety cover 15 in the closed state restricts user access to the protected location more strictly than the safety cover 15 in the open state. In FIG. 1 , the safety cover 15 in the closed state is indicated by a solid line, and the safety cover 15 in the open state and the movement trajectory of the safety cover 15 are indicated by a two-dot chain line. Whether the safety cover 15 is placed in the closed state is detected directly or indirectly by the cover state detection device 16, and the detection result of the cover state detection device 16 is reported to the control device 13. The configuration and detection method of the cover state detection device 16 are not limited, and a unique cover state detection device 16 is provided for every openable and closable location of the safety cover 15.

[0024] In the bag processing device 11 of this example shown in Figures 1 to 3, multiple pairs of grippers 91 (in this example, 40 grippers 91 forming 20 pairs) are attached at equal intervals (equal angular intervals) around the outer periphery of a conveying table 90. Under the control of the control device 13, the conveying table 90 rotates intermittently together with the grippers 91 around a central axis extending in the vertical direction (height direction), and intermittently positions (stops) each gripper pair at the first station S1 to the tenth station S10 in sequence.

[0025] The bag processing device 11 in this example is a so-called double (W) type device, and two gripper pairs (and therefore two bags held by the two gripper pairs) are simultaneously positioned at each station while the conveyor table 90 is stopped intermittently. Two bags (empty flat bags in this example) are simultaneously supplied from the bag supply device 12 to the bag processing device 11, and are each held by the two gripper pairs that are stopped intermittently at the first station S1.

[0026] Each bag, together with its corresponding gripper pair, travels sequentially through stations S1 to S10, undergoing various processes. Specifically, each bag undergoes printing processing by a printing device 72 at station S2, and opening processing by an opening device 74 at station S4, where the mouth is opened. Thereafter, liquid contents are injected into the inside of each bag through the open mouth by a first liquid injection device 75 at station S5, and liquid contents are injected into the inside of each bag through the open mouth by a second liquid injection device 76 at station S6. The liquids injected by the first liquid injection device 75 and the second liquid injection device 76 may be the same liquid or different liquids. Instead of the first liquid injection device 75 and / or the second liquid injection device 76, a device for introducing contents other than liquid (e.g., solids) into each bag may be provided.

[0027] Thereafter, each bag undergoes a first heat sealing process by a first heat sealing device 78 at an eighth station S8, a second heat sealing process by a second heat sealing device 79 at a ninth station S9, and a cooling sealing process by a cooling sealing device 80 at a tenth station S10, whereby the mouth of the bag is sealed. Note that the mouth of each bag held by the gripper pair is closed (mouth closing process) by widening the gap between the corresponding grippers 91 after the liquid injection process (content introduction process) at the sixth station S6 and before the first heat sealing process at the eighth station S8.

[0028] Each bag (product bag) that has undergone the above-described series of processes is released from the corresponding gripper pair at the tenth station S10, falls, and is received by the discharge device 81 and sent to the subsequent stage. Note that at the third station S3 and the seventh station S7 shown in FIG. 1, no processing may be performed on each bag held by the gripper pair, or any processing may be performed on the bag.

[0029] Next, an example of the configuration of the bag supply device 12 will be described.

[0030] The bag supply device 12 has a supply and conveyance device 20 that conveys the bags and positions them in the take-out area P, and a supply and take-out device 21 that takes the bags from the take-out area P and supplies them to the bag processing device 11.

[0031] 1 to 3 is a so-called double-type device, which is configured to be able to simultaneously supply two bags to the bag processing device 11, and is provided with two device structures each including a combination of a supply conveying device 20 and a supply take-up device 21. In the following explanation, one device structure (i.e., one combination of a supply conveying device 20 and a supply take-up device 21) will be mainly described, but the other device structure has a similar configuration to that one device structure.

[0032] The supply conveying device 20 has a supply transfer device 25 that sends bags in the bag conveying path T downstream along the bag conveying path T, and a supply positioning device 26 that positions the target bag among the bags in the bag conveying path T (i.e., the bag to be next removed) in the removal area P.

[0033] Supply and transfer device 25 in this example is configured as a so-called conveyor magazine, and includes conveyor 25a (for example, an endless belt conveyor) on which a plurality of bags can be placed, and transfer motor 31 that moves conveyor 25a under the control of control device 13. Conveyor 25a of supply and transfer device 25 forms at least a part of bag conveying path T, and is moved downstream by transfer motor 31 to transfer the plurality of bags placed on conveyor 25a downstream toward removal area P.

[0034] Figure 4 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply and transfer device 25, the delivery device 33, and the paddle device 30, and showing an example of the state of the bags B on the bag conveying path T. Note that Figure 4 shows specific examples of various devices that can realize the bag processing system 10, and does not necessarily strictly match the bag processing system 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Also, Figure 4 shows only some elements, and for example, the chuck device 29 is not shown in Figure 4.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 4, on the upstream side (left side in Figure 4) of the bag conveying path T (conveyor 25a), multiple bags B are arranged in an upright position, overlapping horizontally. On the other hand, as they move downstream of the bag conveying path T, the bags B gradually approach a lying position, and in the take-out area P, which is the most downstream position of the bag conveying path T, the bag B1 that is most recently to be taken out is placed lying down on the conveyor 25a.

[0036] Bag B2, which is adjacent upstream to bag B1 to be removed, is positioned so as to at least partially overlap bag B3, which is adjacent further upstream, with its upper surface exposed, and will be the next bag to be removed and placed in removal area P after bag B1 to be removed is removed. In the state shown in Figure 4, bag B2 to be removed next is positioned directly below paddle 30a (particularly in the lower position (feed-out position)).

[0037] In this way, the multiple bags B on the bag conveying path T (conveyor 25a) are placed in the take-out area P in order starting from the bag B located downstream, and are taken out of the take-out area P by the supply and take-out device 21 and supplied to the bag processing device 11. In particular, in the example shown in Figure 4, the bags B other than the bag B1 located in the take-out area P that is the nearest target for take-out (including bags B2 and B3 shown in Figure 4) are placed in a state where they partially or entirely overlap on top of the adjacent bag B on the upstream side.

[0038] 1 to 3 positions the bag at the most downstream position (first bag), which is the bag to be next removed, among a plurality of bags transported from upstream by supply and transfer device 25 (conveyor 25a), in removal area P. Supply positioning device 26 of this example has a feed device 33 and a paddle device 30 provided downstream of feed device 33, as shown in FIG.

[0039] The delivery device 33 delivers one or more bags, including the bag to be placed next in the take-out area P, downstream toward the take-out area P. The delivery device 33 of this example is provided to be movable in the direction in which the bags are conveyed by the supplying and conveying device 20. The delivery device 33 shown in FIG. 4 includes a positioning motor 32, a rotating shaft 33a whose both ends are rotatably supported on a frame (not shown) of the conveyor 25a of the supplying and conveying device 25 and which is rotated by the positioning motor 32, a pair of front delivery rollers 33b fixed to the rotating shaft 33a, a drive pulley 33c, a freely swinging arm 33d rotatably attached to the rotating shaft 33a, a driven pulley 33e rotatably attached to the tip of the freely swinging arm 33d, and a fast-forward belt 33f stretched between the drive pulley 33c and the driven pulley 33e. Bags B contacting fast-feed belt 33f are separated from other bags B upstream by fast-feed belt 33f and sent forward, and then sent further forward by front feed rollers 33b, which have a higher peripheral speed. Feed device 33 is moved appropriately as needed, and its position may be adjusted, for example, depending on the characteristics of the bags to be conveyed by supply and conveyance device 20, such as the size and thickness, or to ensure working space for maintenance processing, etc.

[0040] 2 is positioned above the bag conveying path T (conveyor 25a of supply / transfer device 25), and the space between the feed belt and bag conveying path T is locally narrowed. This prevents a large number of bags from moving downstream of the feed belt while maintaining an upright position, and allows only a limited number of bags (for example, a few bags) to be sent downstream in a lying position or a position close to lying.

[0041] Paddle device 30 sends the next bag to be removed (i.e., the bag located at the most downstream (first) position on bag conveying path T) downstream and positions it in take-out area P. Paddle device 30 in this example includes paddle 30a, which is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), and a paddle drive unit that drives paddle 30a up and down. Paddle 30a in this example includes a rotating main body that is rotationally driven under the control of control device 13, and multiple flexible and elastic blade members that extend radially outward from the rotating main body. One or more blade members contact the bag to be removed (the bag to be next removed) from above and rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating main body, thereby allowing paddle 30a to selectively send the bag to be removed downstream and position it in take-out area P. In particular, in this example, the bag being sent downstream by paddle 30a is pressed against stopper 34, thereby reliably positioning the bag in the take-out area P (particularly a specific desired position) in a desired orientation.

[0042] Whether or not a bag is positioned in the take-out area P is detected by the forward movement end detector 35, and the detection result is reported from the forward movement end detector 35 to the control device 13. The specific configuration and detection method of the forward movement end detector 35 are not limited, and the forward movement end detector 35 can, for example, physically or optically detect whether or not a bag is positioned in the take-out area P. As one example, a detection piece (dog) that is moved by the application of an external force may be positioned slightly upstream of the stopper 34, and the forward movement end detector 35 may detect whether or not the detection piece is pushed and moved by a bag positioned in the take-out area P.

[0043] When the forward end detection device 35 detects that no bag is positioned in the take-out area P, the control device 13 drives the supply positioning device 26 (feed-out device 33 and paddle device 30) to position a new bag to be taken out in the take-out area P. On the other hand, while the detection result of the forward end detection device 35 indicates that a bag is positioned in the take-out area P, the control device 13 controls the supply positioning device 26 so that a new bag is not placed in the take-out area P. Note that if a new bag to be taken out can be appropriately positioned in the take-out area P by driving only one of the feed-out device 33 and the paddle device 30, the other device does not need to be driven. Furthermore, if the processing speed of the bag processing device 11 is high, driving both the feed-out device 33 and the paddle device 30 may delay the positioning of the new bag to be taken out in the take-out area P, the transfer motor 31 may be additionally driven. In this case, the conveyor 25a of the supply and transfer device 25 (supply and conveyance device 20) can accelerate the sending and positioning of the bags into the take-out area P.

[0044] The paddle drive unit of the paddle device 30 moves the paddle 30a in the vertical direction under the control of the control device 13 so that the paddle 30a can be positioned at a feed position (lower position) and a retracted position (upper position). The paddle 30a positioned at the feed position contacts from above the bag to be fed on the bag conveying path T (i.e., the bag to be next placed in the take-out area P). On the other hand, the paddle 30a positioned at the retracted position is positioned sufficiently above the bags on the bag conveying path T so as not to interfere with the take-out of bags from the take-out area P by the supply and take-out device 21 (e.g., suction cup 28a) and the supply of bags to the bag processing device 11.

[0045] As described above, according to this embodiment, not only is the bag to be removed positioned in the removal area P by the feeding device 33, but the paddle device 30 and stopper 34 also allow the bag to be accurately positioned at a specific desired position (removal position) within the removal area P. The removal area P is provided as an area that occupies an area equal to or larger than the size of the bag (particularly the area of ​​the bag in a recumbent position in plan view). Note that the feeding device 33 and the paddle device 30 may be driven simultaneously or independently under the control of the control device 13, or one may be driven while the other is stopped.

[0046] Supplying and unloading device 21 of this embodiment has suction cup device 28 and chuck device 29. Suction cup device 28 has suction cup 28a capable of adsorbing the side wall surface of the bag (particularly the upper wall surface exposed upward), and a suction cup drive unit that drives suction cup 28a up and down under the control of control device 13. Chuck device 29 has chuck 29a that can grip the upper end (mouth) of the bag, and a chuck drive unit that drives chuck 29a up and down under the control of control device 13.

[0047] Suction cup device 28 suctions a bag to be removed that is positioned on bag conveying path T with suction cups 28a positioned at the suction position (lower position). Then, suction cup device 28 positions suction cups 28a in the retracted position (upper position) while suctioning the bag to be removed, thereby positioning the opening of the bag to be removed at the delivery position. Then, chuck device 29 grips the opening of the bag that is positioned at the delivery position with chuck 29a positioned at the chuck position (lower position). Then, chuck device 29 positions chuck 29a in the supply position (upper position) while gripping the bag, thereby positioning the bag at first station S1 (see FIG. 1 ) of bag processing device 11. The bag positioned at first station S1 in this way has both sides gripped by a corresponding gripper pair positioned at first station S1, and is then released from chuck 29a and supplied to bag processing device 11.

[0048] The vertical position (height position) of the suction cup 28a is detected by a suction cup position detection device (see later-described FIG. 5 (reference numeral 41)), which then notifies the control device 13. The vertical position (height position) of the paddle 30a is detected by a paddle position detection device (see later-described FIG. 5 (reference numeral 42)), which then notifies the control device 13. The specific configurations and detection methods of the suction cup position detection device and paddle position detection device are not limited, and the suction cup position detection device and paddle position detection device may be configured using, for example, VARICAM (registered trademark).

[0049] In this example, when bag supplying device 12 is stopped, paddles 30a and suction cups 28a are positioned in a retracted position (upper position) where they do not interfere with the transport of bags by supplying and conveying device 20. For example, control device 13 controls suction cup device 28 to end the bag processing mode (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, with suction cups 28a (supplying and removing device 21) positioned in a retracted position (upper position) where they do not interfere with the transport of bags by supplying and conveying device 20. This prevents interference (e.g., riding up) between bags being transported by supplying and conveying device 20 and paddles 30a and suction cups 28a when bag supplying device 12 is operated again (e.g., when operating in the bag initial placement mode or bag processing mode (see FIG. 6), which will be described later).

[0050] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the bag processing system 10.

[0051] The control device 13 controls at least the bag processing device 11 (in this example, the bag processing device 11 and the bag supply device 12). The control device 13 is connected to each element shown in Fig. 5 and transmits and receives various signals (for example, transmits and receives detection results and control commands). There are no limitations on the specific objects controlled by the control device 13, and the control device 13 may be connected to elements not shown in Fig. 5 and transmit and receive various signals.

[0052] The control device 13 of this example is configured as a control panel, and is integrally provided with physical buttons / switches (including a preparatory activation mode button 36B (see FIG. 2)) and a touch panel 39 (see FIG. 3).

[0053] At least a bag processing mode button 36A, a preparatory start mode button 36B, an operation stop button 36C, an emergency stop button 36D, and an initial bag placement mode button 36E are connected to the control device 13 of this embodiment. Each of these mode selection buttons 36A to 36E may be configured as either a physical hardware button (hard key) or a software button (soft key) realized by software. In this example, the bag processing mode button 36A, the preparatory start mode button 36B, the operation stop button 36C, and the emergency stop button 36D are configured as physical buttons integral with the control device 13, and the initial bag placement mode button 36E is configured as a software button selectably displayed on the touch panel 39.

[0054] The preparatory startup mode button 36B is a button associated with the preparatory startup mode, and when pressed (turned on / selected) by the user, the control device 13 instructs the control device 13 to execute the preparatory startup mode, and control is performed in the preparatory startup mode. Similarly, the initial bag placement mode button 36E is a button associated with the initial bag placement mode, and when pressed by the user, the control device 13 performs control in the initial bag placement mode. Furthermore, the bag processing mode button 36A is a button associated with the bag processing mode, and when pressed by the user, the control device 13 performs control in the bag processing mode.

[0055] The operation stop button 36C and the emergency stop button 36D are buttons that the user uses to instruct the bag processing system 10 to stop operation. When the user presses the operation stop button 36C, the bag processing device 11 and the bag supply device 12 are placed in a standby state and then operation is stopped in that standby state, and as an example, the suction cups 28a and the paddles 30a are positioned in their retracted positions (upper positions). On the other hand, when the user presses the emergency stop button 36D, operation of the bag processing device 11 and the bag supply device 12 is immediately stopped, and therefore the suction cups 28a and the paddles 30a are not necessarily positioned in their retracted positions. Therefore, the user normally stops operation of the bag processing system 10 by pressing the operation stop button 36C, and presses the emergency stop button 36D to stop operation of the bag processing system 10 only in an emergency.

[0056] The control contents in each operation mode (that is, the preparatory start-up mode, the bag initial placement mode, and the bag processing mode) will be described later (see FIG. 6).

[0057] The control device 13 may be configured to recognize that an associated mode selection button has been turned on only when the conditions for executing each driving mode associated with the mode selection buttons 36A to 36E are met. In other words, when the conditions for executing each driving mode are not met, the control device 13 may not recognize that the associated mode selection button has been turned on even if the associated mode selection button is turned on by the user. Alternatively, the control device 13 may control the associated mode selection button so that the associated mode selection button cannot be turned on in the first place when the conditions for executing each driving mode are not met. For example, the control device 13 may control a display device (touch panel 39 in this example) so that a mode selection button formed by a software button is displayed on the display device so that it can be selected to be turned on only when the conditions for executing the associated driving mode are met.

[0058] As an example, the control device 13 may be capable of recognizing that the initial bag placement mode button 36E and the bag processing mode button 36A, which are associated with the initial bag placement mode and the bag processing mode, have been turned on only after the preparatory startup mode, which will be described later, has been performed. Furthermore, the control device 13 may be capable of recognizing that the mode selection buttons (in this example, the initial bag placement mode button 36E and the bag processing mode button 36A) associated with an operation mode involving the positioning of a new bag in the take-out area P have been turned on only if the forward end detection device 35 detects that no bags have been placed in the take-out area P. Furthermore, the control device 13 may be capable of recognizing that the initial bag placement mode button 36E has been turned on only if the suction cup position detection device 41 and the paddle position detection device 42 detect that the suction cups 28a and the paddle 30a are positioned in the retracted position (upper position).

[0059] The control device 13 controls the bag processing device 11 and the bag supply device 12 according to the switchable operation modes selected by the user as described above. The operation modes in this embodiment include at least an initial bag placement mode and a bag processing mode, and in this example include a preparation start-up mode, an initial bag placement mode, and a bag processing mode.

[0060] In the preparation start mode, the control device 13 controls the bag supply device 12 and the bag processing device 11 so that they are in a ready state where they can carry out bag supply processing and bag processing. The "ready state" here means a state in which the preparations necessary to carry out bag supply processing and bag processing are complete, and the bag supply device 12 and bag processing device 11 that are in a ready state can immediately carry out bag supply processing and bag processing when instructed.

[0061] In this embodiment, the control device 13 executes control in the preparatory start-up mode only when the safety cover 15 is in the closed state, based on the detection result of the cover state detection device 16. Furthermore, if the cover state detection device 16 detects that the safety cover 15 is not in the closed state while the bag supply device 12 and the bag processing device 11 are in the ready state, the control device 13 controls the bag supply device 12 and the bag processing device 11 to cancel the ready state.

[0062] In the initial bag placement mode, while the supply and removal device 21 is stopped from removing bags from the removal area P, the control device 13 controls the bag supply device 12 so that the supply positioning device 26 positions the bag to be removed in the removal area P. The control device 13 performs control in the initial bag placement mode when the bag supply device 12 and the bag processing device 11 are placed in a ready state and the user turns on the initial bag placement mode button 36E.

[0063] In the initial bag placement mode of this example, the paddle 30a and suction cup 28a are waiting in the retracted position (upper position), and the bag to be removed is positioned in the removal area P by the delivery device 33. This allows the bag to be removed to be sent smoothly downstream without riding up onto the paddle 30a and suction cup 28a, and to be placed in the removal area P in an appropriate posture. Note that in the initial bag placement mode, the paddle 30a positioned in the delivery position (lower position) may be used, or the bag to be removed may be positioned in the removal area P by the delivery device 33 and the paddle device 30.

[0064] For example, if the vertical movement of paddle 30a is performed in conjunction with the vertical movement of suction cup 28a, and paddle 30a and suction cup 28a move vertically together, then in the initial bag placement mode, the bag to be taken out is positioned in the take-out area P by feeder device 33 without using paddle 30a. On the other hand, if the vertical movement of paddle 30a and the vertical movement of suction cup 28a can be performed independently of each other, then in the initial bag placement mode, the bag to be taken out may be positioned in the take-out area P by feeder device 33 without using paddle 30a. Alternatively, the bag to be taken out may be positioned in the take-out area P by both paddle 30a and feeder device 33 from the beginning or during the process.

[0065] Furthermore, in this example, by executing the initial bag placement mode, the second bag adjacent to the first bag to be removed that is positioned in the removal area P is positioned so that it at least partially overlaps the third adjacent bag upstream and is positioned below paddle 30a and suction cup 28a. This is advantageous for appropriately sequentially placing the second and subsequent bags in the removal area P in the bag processing mode that is performed after the initial bag placement mode is executed.

[0066] In the initial bag placement mode of this example, the operation of the bag processing device (packaging device) 11 is also stopped. Furthermore, in the initial bag placement mode, the control device 13 may control the supplying and transferring device 25 so that the bags in the bag conveying path T are sent downstream along the bag conveying path T by the supplying and transferring device 25. Alternatively, in the initial bag placement mode, the control device 13 may control the supplying and transferring device 25 so that the bags in the bag conveying path T are not sent downstream along the bag conveying path T by the supplying and transferring device 25.

[0067] In the bag processing mode, while the supply and removal device 21 is removing bags from the removal area P, the control device 13 controls the bag supply device 12 so that the bag to be removed is positioned in the removal area P by the supply positioning device 26.

[0068] That is, in the bag processing mode, the control device 13 controls the entire bag processing system 10 (bag processing device 11 and bag supply device 12) to operate normally. Therefore, a series of processes including the supply of bags (empty bags) from the bag processing device 11 to the bag supply device 12 (bag supply process), the packaging process in the bag supply device 12, and the discharge of the bags (product bags) after packaging process to a subsequent stage are repeatedly performed.

[0069] Control in each operation mode can be terminated in any manner. For example, control device 13 terminates control in each operation mode when execution of control in that operation mode is completed. Control device 13 may also terminate or temporarily suspend control in each operation mode when it receives a detection signal from one of the various detection devices notifying an abnormal state of bag processing system 10. Control device 13 may also terminate or temporarily suspend control in each operation mode when the user presses stop buttons 36C, 36D provided on bag processing system 10.

[0070] As described above, when the operation of the bag processing system 10 is stopped by pressing the emergency stop button 36D, the paddles 30a and suction cups 28a are not necessarily stopped in the retracted position (upper position), and the other devices are not necessarily placed in a predetermined standby state. Even in such a case, by pressing the preparatory start-up mode button 36B, the user can move the paddles 30a and suction cups 28a to the retracted position (upper position) and stop them, under the control of the control device 13, and place the other devices in a ready state (standby state). In other words, in the preparatory start-up mode, the control device 13 controls the bag supply device 12 and the bag processing device 11 so that they are placed in a ready state, regardless of the state of the bag supply device 12 and the bag processing device 11 immediately before the preparatory start-up mode button 36B was pressed (selected).

[0071] [Bag disposal method] Next, an example of a bag processing method (packaging processing method) performed by the above-described bag processing system 10 will be described.

[0072] The bag processing method of this embodiment includes a bag supply process in which bags are supplied to the bag processing device 11 by the bag supply device 12, and a bag processing process in which bag processing (packaging processing) is performed using the bags by the bag processing device 11.

[0073] The bag supply process includes a supply and conveyance process in which the bags are conveyed by the supply and conveyance device 20 and positioned in the take-out area P, and a supply and take-out process in which the bags are taken out of the take-out area P by the supply and take-out device 21 and supplied to the bag processing device 11.

[0074] The supply conveying process includes a supply transfer process in which a supply transfer device 25 sends bags in the bag conveying path T downstream along the bag conveying path T, and a supply positioning process in which a supply positioning device 26 positions a target bag among the bags in the bag conveying path T in a removal area P.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation mode of the bag processing method. The bag processing method shown in Fig. 6 is carried out by appropriately operating various devices of the bag processing system 10 under the control of the control device 13.

[0076] In the bag processing method of this embodiment, the bag supply process is carried out using switchable operating modes including at least bag initial placement mode M2 ​​and bag processing mode M3 (in this example, preparation start-up mode M1, bag initial placement mode M2, and bag processing mode M3).

[0077] 6, the bag processing system 10 is first operated in preparatory start-up mode M1, then in initial bag placement mode M2, and then in bag processing mode (packaging processing mode) M3. In this way, preparatory start-up mode M1 and initial bag placement mode M2 ​​are performed prior to bag processing mode M3, and initial bag placement mode M2 ​​is performed after preparatory start-up mode M1 and before bag processing mode M3.

[0078] More specifically, the user first turns on the preparatory start-up mode button 36B, which activates the bag processing system 10 in preparatory start-up mode M1, and places the bag processing system 10 (bag processing device 11 and bag supply device 12) in a ready state.

[0079] Thereafter, when the user turns on the bag initial placement mode button 36E, the bag processing system 10 is operated in the bag initial placement mode M2, and the first bag (empty flat bag) is appropriately positioned in the take-out area P.

[0080] Thereafter, when the user turns on the bag processing mode button 36A, the bag processing system 10 is operated in the bag processing mode M3, and the bag supply device 12 performs the bag feeding process and the bag processing device 11 performs the packaging process continuously.

[0081] Note that execution of bag initial placement mode M2 ​​is optional, and the user may skip execution of bag initial placement mode M2, or bag processing mode M3 may be executed immediately after execution of preparation start-up mode M1. For example, if bags to be taken out have already been appropriately placed in the take-out area P when execution of preparation start-up mode M1 is complete, execution of bag initial placement mode M2 ​​may be skipped.

[0082] As described above, according to this embodiment, by executing control in the initial bag placement mode, bags to be removed can be mechanically and appropriately placed in the removal area P. This reduces the burden on the user. Furthermore, since the first bag to be removed can be appropriately placed in the removal area P without opening the safety cover 15 (and thus without the ready state of the bag processing system 10 being released), the operating rate of the bag processing system 10 can be improved as a result.

[0083] Furthermore, the bags to be removed can be supplied in an appropriate state from bag supply device 12 to bag processing device 11, and the packaging process can be carried out appropriately in bag processing device 11. Therefore, in bag processing device 11, it is possible to effectively prevent the production of defectively packaged bags (product bags), and it is possible to continuously produce product bags that have undergone the desired packaging process and have the desired appearance (aesthetics).

[0084] [Variations] In the above-described embodiment, the process of positioning the paddle 30a and suction cups 28a in the retracted position (upper position) is performed immediately before the operation of the bag supplying device 12 is terminated, but this process may also be performed immediately before the control process in the initial bag placement mode M2 ​​is executed. For example, when the user turns on the initial bag placement mode M2, the control device 13 may perform control in an operating mode (take-out device retracted mode) in which the paddle 30a and suction cups 28a are placed in the retracted position prior to executing the control in the initial bag placement mode M2. In this case, too, the initial bag placement mode M2 ​​is executed with the paddle 30a and suction cups 28a positioned in the retracted position (upper position), thereby preventing interference (e.g., riding up) between the bags being conveyed by the supplying and conveying device 20 and the paddle 30a and suction cups 28a.

[0085] Furthermore, in the bag supplying device 12 shown in FIG. 2, the paddle 30a is located downstream of the suction cup 28a, but the paddle 30a may be located upstream of the suction cup 28a (not shown).

[0086] When the paddle 30a is located downstream of the suction cup 28a as shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable to provide a drive system (in this example, a paddle drive unit and a suction cup drive unit) so that the vertical movement drive of the paddle 30a and the vertical movement drive of the suction cup 28a can be performed independently of each other.

[0087] On the other hand, when the paddle 30a is located upstream of the suction cup 28a, the vertical movement drive of the paddle 30a and the vertical movement drive of the suction cup 28a may be performed simultaneously, and for example, the vertical movement drive of the paddle 30a and the suction cup 28a may be performed by a common single drive system.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the supply positioning device 26 is provided with a plurality of devices (i.e., the delivery device 33 and the paddle device 30) that are different in configuration and function, but the supply positioning device 26 may be configured with a single device. For example, the supply positioning device 26 may be configured with only the delivery device 33, without the paddle device 30.

[0089] It should be noted that the embodiments and modifications disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. The above-described embodiments and modifications may be omitted, substituted, and modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined in whole or in part, and embodiments other than those described above may be combined with the above-described embodiments or modifications. Furthermore, the effects of the present disclosure described in this specification are merely illustrative, and other effects may be obtained.

[0090] The technical category that embodies the above technical idea is not limited. For example, the above technical idea may be embodied by a computer program that causes a computer to execute one or more procedures (steps) included in a method of manufacturing or using the above device. The above technical idea may also be embodied by a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a computer program is recorded.

[0091] [Note] The following configurations also fall within the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0092] [Aspect 1] a bag processing device that performs bag processing using bags; a bag supplying device that performs a bag supply process to supply the bags to the bag processing device; a control device that controls at least the bag supply device, The bag supply device is a supply conveying device that conveys the bags and positions them in a take-out area; a supply and removal device that removes the bags from the removal area and supplies them to the bag processing device, The supply and conveyance device is a supply and transfer device that transfers the bags in the bag conveying path downstream along the bag conveying path; a supply positioning device that positions a target bag among the bags on the bag conveying path in the take-out area, the control device controls the bag supply device through switchable operation modes including at least a bag initial placement mode and a bag processing mode; In the bag initial placement mode, the control device controls the bag supply device so that the target bag is positioned in the take-out area by the supply positioning device while the take-out device stops taking out the bags from the take-out area; In the bag processing mode, the control device controls the bag supply device so that the target bag is positioned in the take-out area by the supply positioning device while the supply and take-out device is taking out the bag from the take-out area. Bag handling system.

[0093] [Aspect 2] In the bag initial placement mode, the control device controls the bag supply device so that the bags in the bag conveying path are sent downstream along the bag conveying path by the supply and transfer device. 2. The bag processing system of claim 1.

[0094] [Aspect 3] the control device ends the bag processing mode with the supply and take-out device positioned at a retracted position where it does not interfere with the conveyance of the bags by the supply and conveyance device. 3. The bag processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

[0095] [Aspect 4] The control device controls the bag processing device, The operating mode includes a preparatory start-up mode; In the preparation start-up mode, the control device controls the bag supply device and the bag processing device so that the bag supply device and the bag processing device are placed in a ready state in which the bag supply process and the bag processing can be performed; the control device performs the control in the bag initial placement mode and the control in the bag processing mode after the control in the preparation start-up mode. A bag processing system according to any one of aspects 1 to 3.

[0096] [Aspect 5] a safety cover that can be placed in either an open state or a closed state, the closed state of the safety cover restricting access to at least a portion of the bag supplying device more severely than the open state of the safety cover; a cover state detection device that detects whether the safety cover is in the closed state, The control device Based on the detection result of the cover state detection device, control in the preparatory start mode is executed only when the safety cover is in the closed state; When the cover state detection device detects that the safety cover is not in the closed state while the bag supply device and the bag processing device are in the ready state, the bag supply device and the bag processing device are controlled to cancel the ready state. 5. The bag processing system according to claim 4.

[0097] [Aspect 6] a bag initial placement mode button associated with the bag initial placement mode; the control device performs control in the bag initial placement mode when the bag supply device and the bag processing device are placed in the ready state and the bag initial placement mode button is selected by a user; A bag processing system according to aspect 4 or 5.

[0098] [Aspect 7] a preparatory startup mode button connected to the control device, the preparatory startup mode button being selected by a user to instruct the control device to execute the preparatory startup mode; the control device controls the bag supply device and the bag processing device in the preparatory start-up mode so that the bag supply device and the bag processing device are placed in the ready state, regardless of the state of the bag supply device and the bag processing device immediately before the preparatory start-up mode button is selected. A bag processing system according to any one of aspects 4 to 6.

[0099] [Aspect 8] a bag supplying process for supplying bags to a bag processing device; a bag processing step of performing bag processing using the bags by the bag processing device, The bag supplying step includes: a supply and conveyance step of conveying the bag and positioning it in a take-out area; a supply and removal step of removing the bags from the removal area and supplying them to the bag processing device, The supply and conveyance step includes: a supply and transfer step of feeding the bags in the bag conveying path downstream along the bag conveying path; a supply positioning step of positioning a target bag among the bags on the bag conveying path in the take-out area, the bag supply step is performed in a switchable operation mode including at least a bag initial placement mode and a bag processing mode, In the bag initial placement mode, the target bag is positioned in the take-out area while the take-out of the bag from the take-out area is stopped, In the bag processing mode, the target bag is positioned in the removal area while the bag is being removed from the removal area. Bag disposal method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 bag processing system, 11 bag processing device, 12 bag supply device, 13 control device, 15 safety cover, 16 cover state detection device, 20 supply conveying device, 21 supply removal device, 25 supply transfer device, 25a conveyor, 26 supply positioning device, 28 suction cup device, 28a suction cup, 29 chuck device, 29a chuck, 30 paddle device, 30a paddle, 31 transfer motor, 32 positioning motor, 33 feed device, 34 stopper, 35 forward end detection device, 36A bag processing mode button, 36B preparation start mode button, 36C operation stop button, 36D emergency stop button, 36E bag initial placement mode button, 39 touch panel, 41 suction cup position detection device, 42 paddle position detection device, 72 printing device, 74 opening device, 75 first liquid injection device, 76 Second liquid injection device, 78 First heat sealing device, 79 Second heat sealing device, 80 Cooling sealing device, 81 Discharge device, 90 Conveyor table, 91 Gripper, B Bag, B1 Bag to be removed, B2 Next bag to be removed, M1 Preparation start mode, M2 Bag initial placement mode, M3 Bag processing mode, P Removal area, S1 First station, S2 Second station, S3 Third station, S4 Fourth station, S5 Fifth station, S6 Sixth station, S7 Seventh station, S8 Eighth station, S9 Ninth station, S10 Tenth station, T Bag conveying path

Claims

1. a bag processing device that performs bag processing using bags; a bag supplying device that performs a bag supply process to supply the bags to the bag processing device; a control device that controls at least the bag supply device, The bag supply device is a supply conveying device that conveys the bags and positions them in a take-out area; a supply and removal device that removes the bags from the removal area and supplies them to the bag processing device, The supply and conveyance device is a supply and transfer device that transfers the bags in the bag conveying path downstream along the bag conveying path; a supply positioning device that positions a target bag among the bags on the bag conveying path in the take-out area, the control device controls the bag supply device through switchable operation modes including at least a bag initial placement mode and a bag processing mode; In the bag initial placement mode, the control device controls the bag supply device so that the target bag is positioned in the take-out area by the supply positioning device while the take-out device stops taking out the bags from the take-out area; In the bag processing mode, the control device controls the bag supply device so that the target bag is positioned in the take-out area by the supply positioning device while the supply and take-out device is taking out the bag from the take-out area. Bag handling system.

2. In the bag initial placement mode, the control device controls the bag supply device so that the bags in the bag conveying path are sent downstream along the bag conveying path by the supply and transfer device. The bag processing system of claim 1 .

3. the control device ends the bag processing mode with the supply and take-out device positioned at a retracted position where it does not interfere with the conveyance of the bags by the supply and conveyance device. The bag processing system of claim 1 .

4. The control device controls the bag processing device, The operating mode includes a preparatory start-up mode; In the preparation start-up mode, the control device controls the bag supply device and the bag processing device so that the bag supply device and the bag processing device are placed in a ready state in which the bag supply process and the bag processing can be performed; the control device performs the control in the bag initial placement mode and the control in the bag processing mode after the control in the preparation start-up mode. The bag processing system of claim 1 .

5. a safety cover that can be placed in either an open state or a closed state, the closed state of the safety cover restricting access to at least a portion of the bag supplying device more severely than the open state of the safety cover; a cover state detection device that detects whether the safety cover is in the closed state, The control device Based on the detection result of the cover state detection device, control in the preparatory start mode is executed only when the safety cover is in the closed state; When the cover state detection device detects that the safety cover is not in the closed state while the bag supply device and the bag processing device are in the ready state, the bag supply device and the bag processing device are controlled to cancel the ready state.

5. The bag processing system of claim 4.

6. a bag initial placement mode button associated with the bag initial placement mode; the control device performs control in the bag initial placement mode when the bag supply device and the bag processing device are placed in the ready state and the bag initial placement mode button is selected by a user; 6. The bag processing system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. a preparatory startup mode button connected to the control device, the preparatory startup mode button being selected by a user to instruct the control device to execute the preparatory startup mode; the control device controls the bag supply device and the bag processing device in the preparatory start-up mode so that the bag supply device and the bag processing device are placed in the ready state, regardless of the state of the bag supply device and the bag processing device immediately before the preparatory start-up mode button is selected.

7. The bag processing system of claim 6.

8. a bag supplying process for supplying bags to a bag processing device; a bag processing step of performing bag processing using the bags by the bag processing device, The bag supplying step includes: a supply and conveyance step of conveying the bag and positioning it in a take-out area; a supply and removal step of removing the bags from the removal area and supplying them to the bag processing device, The supply and conveyance step includes: a supply and transfer step of feeding the bags in the bag conveying path downstream along the bag conveying path; a supply positioning step of positioning a target bag among the bags on the bag conveying path in the take-out area, the bag supply step is performed in a switchable operation mode including at least a bag initial placement mode and a bag processing mode, In the bag initial placement mode, the target bag is positioned in the take-out area while the take-out of the bag from the take-out area is stopped, In the bag processing mode, the target bag is positioned in the removal area while the bag is being removed from the removal area. Bag disposal method.

Images