Filling device and filling method

Abstract

To provide a filling device and a filling method that are advantageous for introducing a plurality of filling materials into a bag. [Solution] A filling device 38 that fills bags B with multiple types of fillers including a first filler Ms and a second filler Ml includes a first guide tube 51 that defines a first guide path C1 extending in an extension direction D, a second guide tube 52 that covers the first guide tube 51 from the outside and defines a second guide path C2 extending in the extension direction D together with the first guide tube 51, a first supply device 55 that supplies the first filler Ms to the first guide path C1, and a second supply device 56 that supplies the second filler Ml to the second guide path C2. The bag B is filled with the first filler Ms via the first guide path C1, and the second filler Ml via the second guide path C2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filling device and a filling method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Packaging devices that are widely used include not only devices that introduce a single type of content into a container such as a bag, but also devices that introduce multiple types of content into a container.

[0003] For example, the bagging device disclosed in Patent Document 1 continuously produces product bags containing solids and liquid by adding solids to each bag using a solid material adding device, injecting liquid using a liquid injection device, and then sealing the mouth of each bag using a sealing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-086387 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Among packaging devices, devices for filling containers with liquids, devices for filling containers with solids, and devices for filling containers with powders have all already been established at a technical level that poses no practical problems. Therefore, when introducing multiple types of contents (for example, solid contents and liquid contents, or solid contents and powder contents) into a bag (container), multiple types of filling devices optimized for each content are used, such as the device in Patent Document 1 mentioned above.

[0006] Since such multiple types of filling devices are installed as separate devices in separate processing stations, it is necessary to perform the filling process at multiple processing stations in order to introduce multiple types of contents into each bag. Therefore, the more types of contents to be introduced into each bag, the more processing stations must be secured, which tends to increase the size of the processing system (especially the filling processing system) and the processing time (especially the filling processing time).

[0007] Furthermore, after the filling of one type of content into a bag is completed, the filling of another type of content into a bag begins. Introducing different types of content into each bag at different times can cause various problems. For example, if liquid content is poured into each container after solid content is poured into it, air pockets can form in the gaps between the solid content. Furthermore, if liquid content is poured into each container before solid content is poured into it, liquid splashing is likely to occur when the solid content is poured. For example, if the liquid content unintentionally adheres to the opening, there is a concern that this could cause problems in the sealing process of the opening, which is performed later.

[0008] When powdered contents are added after solid contents, air pockets can form in the gaps between the solid contents. Also, when solid contents are added after powdered contents, the powdered contents can become airborne and unintentionally adhere to the opening of the bag, which can cause problems with the sealing process of the opening that is carried out later.

[0009] The present disclosure provides an advantageous technique for introducing multiple fillings into a container (bag). [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a filling device that fills bags with multiple types of filling materials, including a first filling material and a second filling material, and includes a first guide tube that defines a first guide path extending in an extension direction, a second guide tube that covers the first guide tube from the outside and defines a second guide path extending in the extension direction together with the first guide tube, a first supply device that supplies the first filling material to the first guide path, and a second supply device that supplies the second filling material to the second guide path, and the bag is filled with the first filling material via the first guide path and the second filling material via the second guide path.

[0011] The filling device may be provided with a filling drive device that moves the first guide tube and the second guide tube relatively in the extension direction so as to place the first guide tube and the second guide tube in an open position and a closed position, and the first guide tube and the second guide tube may open the discharge outlet of the second guide path when placed in the open position, and close the discharge outlet of the second guide path when placed in the closed position.

[0012] The filling device may include a propellant disposed in the second guide path, which, when rotated, propels the second filling material in the second guide path toward the discharge outlet of the second guide path, and a filling drive device that rotates the propellant.

[0013] The filling drive device may rotate the propellant together with the first guide barrel.

[0014] The first filling may include a solid.

[0015] The second filling may include a fluid, and at least one of the first guide tube and the second guide tube may have a closing portion extending in a direction including a horizontal component perpendicular to the extension direction, and the closing portion may close the outlet of the second guide path when the first guide tube and the second guide tube are arranged in the closed position, and may open the outlet of the second guide path when the first guide tube and the second guide tube are arranged in the open position.

[0016] The second charge may include a powder, and the propellant may be an auger-type screw.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a filling method including a step of filling a bag with a plurality of types of filling materials, including a first filling material and a second filling material, using the above-described filling device.

[0018] The process of filling a bag with multiple types of filling materials may include a process of partially or completely inserting the first guide tube and the second guide tube into the bag to position the outlet of the first guide path and the outlet of the second guide path inside the bag, a process of filling the inside of the bag with the first filling material from the outlet of the first guide path located inside the bag, and a process of filling the inside of the bag with the second filling material from the outlet of the second guide path located inside the bag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present disclosure, it is advantageous to introduce multiple fillings into a container (bag). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a packaging system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the filling device according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the inner guide cylinder (first guide cylinder) and the outer guide cylinder (second guide cylinder) are disposed in the closed position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the filling device according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the inner guide cylinder and the outer guide cylinder are disposed in the open position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a filling device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the filling device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a packaging system 10. As shown in FIG.

[0022] The packaging system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a bag conveying device 20 that intermittently conveys bags (containers) B, and various processing devices that cooperate with the bag conveying device 20 to perform processing related to packaging of each bag B.

[0023] The bag conveying device 20 comprises a disk-shaped rotating table 21, a plurality of bag support devices 22 attached to the outer periphery of the rotating table 21, and a conveying drive device (not shown) that moves the plurality of bag support devices 22 along a circular orbit by intermittently rotating the rotating table 21 about its axis.

[0024] In this embodiment, the bag support devices 22 take the form of grippers, and two adjacent bag support devices 22 form one pair. The two bag support devices 22 in each pair grip both side portions Bs of the bag B (particularly the areas near the mouth portion Bt), thereby supporting the bag B in a suspended state. Each pair of bag support devices 22 moves intermittently in accordance with the intermittent rotation of the turntable 21, and stops intermittently in sequence at a plurality of processing stations (eight processing stations S1 to S9 in the example shown in FIG. 1). The same number of pairs of bag support devices 22 as there are processing stations are attached to the turntable 21, and the pairs of bag support devices 22 stop intermittently simultaneously at all processing stations.

[0025] The bag supply device 31 provided in the first processing station S1 has a bag storage and conveyance section 32, a bag delivery section 33, and a bag removal section 34. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the bag storage and conveyance section 32 is configured as a conveyor magazine, and stores and gradually conveys a plurality of bags (a plurality of empty bags (flat bags) in the example shown in FIG. 1) B downstream. The bag delivery section 33 delivers the leading bag B, which is located at the most downstream position in the bag storage and conveyance section 32, downstream and places it at the removal position. The bag removal section 34 is a device that removes the leading bag B on the bag storage and conveyance section 32 from the removal position and hands it over to a pair of bag support devices 22 that stop intermittently in the first processing station S1, and in the example shown in FIG. 1 has a pair of suction cups that releasably suction-hold the surface (exposed surface) of the bag B.

[0026] The pair of bag support devices 22 that received the bag B at the first processing station S1 is placed together with the bag B at the second processing station S2 by the intermittent rotation of the turntable 21. While the bag B is intermittently stopped at the second processing station S2 together with the corresponding pair of bag support devices 22, it is subjected to a printing process by the printer 36, and any information (such as the packaging processing date) is printed on the bag surface.

[0027] Thereafter, while the bag B is intermittently stopped at the third processing station S3 together with the corresponding pair of bag support devices 22, the bag B is subjected to an opening process by the bag opening device 37, and the mouth portion Bt of the bag B is opened. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the bag opening device 37 is equipped with a pair of suction cups that attract and separate the front and back surfaces of the bag B, but the configuration of the bag opening device 37 is not limited thereto. Prior to or during the opening process, the gap between the corresponding bag support devices 22 is narrowed so that the front and back surfaces of the bag B can bend, facilitating the opening of the mouth portion Bt.

[0028] Thereafter, while the bags B are intermittently stopped at the fourth processing station S4 together with the corresponding pair of bag support devices 22, they are subjected to a filling process by the filling device 38, and multiple types of fillers are filled into the bags B. Details of the filling device 38 will be described later (see FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0029] The bags B are then subjected to a closing process by the corresponding bag support devices 22, and the mouth portions Bt are closed. That is, the spacing between the corresponding bag support devices 22 is increased so as to tension the front and back surfaces of the bags B, and the mouth portions Bt are closed. This closing process can be performed at any time after the filling process in the fourth process station S4 and before the sealing process in the sixth process station S6, which will be described later, and in this embodiment is performed in the fifth process station S5.

[0030] Thereafter, the bag B undergoes a first heat-sealing process by the first heat-sealing unit 39 while intermittently stopping at a sixth processing station S6 together with the corresponding pair of bag support devices 22, a second heat-sealing process by the second heat-sealing unit 40 while intermittently stopping at a seventh processing station S7, and a cool-sealing process by the cool-sealing unit 41 while intermittently stopping at an eighth processing station S8. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the first heat-sealing unit 39 and the second heat-sealing unit 40 each heat-seal the mouth Bt of the bag B by sandwiching and compressing the mouth Bt with a pair of hot plates. Meanwhile, the cool-sealing unit 41 cools and seals the mouth Bt by sandwiching and compressing the mouth Bt of the bag B with a pair of cooling plates, thereby stabilizing the sealed state of the mouth Bt.

[0031] Thereafter, the bags B are released from the cooling plates of the cooling sealing unit 41 and the corresponding bag support devices 22 in the eighth processing station S8, and are sent as product bags B1 to a subsequent stage by the bag discharge unit 42. The bag discharge unit 42 in the example shown in Fig. 1 is equipped with a discharge chute that slides and guides the product bags B1, which are released from the cooling plates of the cooling sealing unit 41 and the corresponding bag support devices 22 and fall, toward the subsequent stage.

[0032] Next, a specific embodiment of the filling device 38 provided in the fourth processing station S4 of the packaging system 10 will be described by way of example.

[0033] [First embodiment] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the filling device 38 according to the first embodiment, in which the inner guide tube (first guide tube) 51 and the outer guide tube (second guide tube) 52 are arranged in a closed position. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the filling device 38 according to the first embodiment, in which the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 are arranged in an open position. Note that in Figs. 2 and 3, the outer guide tube 52, the connecting tube 69, and the fluid hose 67 are shown in cross section, and the inside of the outer guide tube 52, the connecting tube 69, and the fluid hose 67 are shown in perspective.

[0034] The filling device 38 of this embodiment is configured as a device for filling a bag B with solid contents Ms (first filling) and liquid contents Ml (fluid contents; second filling), and is equipped with an inner guide tube 51, an outer guide tube 52, a solid supply device 55, and a fluid supply device 56.

[0035] The inner guide tube (first guide tube) 51 defines an inner guide path (first guide path) C1 that extends in an extension direction D that coincides with the height direction. The inner guide tube 51 of the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a funnel portion 51a that forms the upper end, and a straight pipe portion 51b that is connected to the funnel portion 51a and is located below the funnel portion 51a. The funnel portion 51a defines the inner guide path C1 whose diameter gradually decreases as it extends downward. The straight pipe portion 51b defines the inner guide path C1 that has a basically constant diameter except at the lowest end.

[0036] The bottom end of the straight pipe portion 51b defines an inner guide passage C1 whose diameter gradually increases downward, and serves as a reverse-tapered closing portion 65 that extends so as to protrude horizontally perpendicular to the extension direction D. The outer diameter of the top end of the closing portion 65 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer guide cylinder 52, but the outer diameter of the bottom end of the closing portion 65 is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the outer guide cylinder 52 (particularly the bottom end that forms the discharge port of the outer guide passage C2).

[0037] The outer guide cylinder (second guide cylinder) 52 covers the inner guide cylinder 51 from the outside and defines, together with the inner guide cylinder 51, an outer guide path (second guide path) C2 extending in the extension direction D. The outer guide cylinder 52 of the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a connecting pipe portion 69 extending horizontally from a middle portion in the extension direction D. The flow path inside the connecting pipe portion 69 communicates with the outer guide path C2 inside the outer guide cylinder 52. A fluid hose 67 is attached and fixed to the connecting pipe portion 69 via a connecting fixture 68, so that the liquid contents M1 from the fluid supply device 56 are supplied to the outer guide path C2 via the fluid hose 67 and the connecting fixture 68.

[0038] The filling device 38 of this embodiment is equipped with a filling device 62 (filling drive device 60) that moves the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 relatively in the extension direction D so as to position the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 in an open position (see Figure 3) and a closed position (see Figure 2).

[0039] 2 and 3 has a main body 62a and an advancing / retracting shaft 62b, and has a piston-cylinder structure such as an air cylinder. The main body 62a is fixedly installed on a support frame 64. The advancing / retracting shaft 62b is provided so as to be movable forward and backward in an extension direction D so that the amount by which it protrudes upward from the main body 62a is variable. An inner guide cylinder 51 (particularly a funnel portion 51a) is attached to the tip of the advancing / retracting shaft 62b, and the inner guide cylinder 51 moves up and down in the extension direction D depending on the amount by which the advancing / retracting shaft 62b protrudes from the main body 62a.

[0040] The support frame 64 is also fixed to the outer guide cylinder 52 and is supported by a support body (not shown). Therefore, the inner guide cylinder 51 and the outer guide cylinder 52 are attached to each other via the support frame 64 and the filling device 62, and by moving the support frame 64, for example, the inner guide cylinder 51, the outer guide cylinder 52, and the filling device 62 move integrally.

[0041] When the inner guide cylinder 51 and the outer guide cylinder 52 are placed in the open position as shown in Fig. 3, they open the discharge outlet formed by the lowest end of the outer guide path C2. On the other hand, when the inner guide cylinder 51 and the outer guide cylinder 52 are placed in the closed position as shown in Fig. 2, they close the discharge outlet of the outer guide path C2.

[0042] 2, the amount of protrusion of the advancing / retreating shaft portion 62b is adjusted to be relatively large, and the inner guide cylinder 51 is positioned relatively upward, so that the inversely tapered closing portion 65 of the inner guide cylinder 51 comes into contact with the lower end of the outer guide cylinder 52. As a result, the discharge port of the outer guide path C2 formed by the lower end of the outer guide cylinder 52 is closed by the inner guide cylinder 51 (particularly the closing portion 65).

[0043] 3, by adjusting the amount of protrusion of the advancing / retreating shaft portion 62b to be relatively small and positioning the inner guide cylinder 51 relatively downward, the inner guide cylinder 51 protrudes relatively far from the outer guide cylinder 52, and the closing portion 65 of the inner guide cylinder 51 moves away from the outer guide cylinder 52. As a result, the discharge port of the outer guide path C2 formed by the lower end of the outer guide cylinder 52 is opened by the inner guide cylinder 51 (particularly the closing portion 65).

[0044] In this way, the closing portion 65 of the inner guide cylinder 51 closes the discharge outlet of the outer guide path C2 when the inner guide cylinder 51 and the outer guide cylinder 52 are arranged in the closed position (see FIG. 2), and opens the discharge outlet of the outer guide path C2 when the inner guide cylinder 51 and the outer guide cylinder 52 are arranged in the open position (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the inner guide cylinder 51 serves both as a guide for filling the solid contents Ms into the bag B and as a valve that opens and closes the discharge outlet of the outer guide path C2.

[0045] As described above, the filling device 62 of this example realizes relative movement in the extension direction D between the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 having a double-tube structure by actively moving the inner guide tube 51 in the extension direction D. A bearing 63 is attached to the outer guide tube 52 of the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , and the bearing 63 supports the inner guide tube 51 inside the outer guide tube 52 so that the inner guide tube 51 can slide freely in the extension direction D. Although not shown, the filling device 62 may realize relative movement in the extension direction D between the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 by actively moving the outer guide tube 52 in the extension direction D instead of or in addition to the inner guide tube 51.

[0046] The filling device 38 of this embodiment further includes a moving device 61 (filling drive device 60; see FIG. 5 described later) that moves the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 as a whole. The moving device 61 may move the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 as a whole, for example, by moving the support frame 64. The moving device 61 positions the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 in a relatively upper standby position while the bags B are being intermittently moved by the bag conveying device 20 (see FIG. 1). This positions the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 higher than the bag conveying device 20 (e.g., the bag support device 22) and the bags B, preventing interference (collision) between the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 and the moving bag conveying device 20 (e.g., the bag support device 22) and the bags B.

[0047] Meanwhile, while the bags B are intermittently stopped by the bag conveying device 20, the moving device 61 performs a process of moving the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 downward from the standby position to position them at the processing position, and a process of moving the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 upward from the processing position to position them at the standby position. The tip portions (particularly the discharge ports) of the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 positioned at the processing position are positioned inside the bag B via the mouth portion Bt of the bag B, which is intermittently stopped at the fourth processing station S4 (see FIG. 1).

[0048] As described above, the filling drive device 60, which moves the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 during the filling process for the bag B, includes a moving device 61 and a filling device 62. Driving the moving device 61 (i.e., moving the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52) and driving the filling device 62 (i.e., relative movement between the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52; in this example, movement of the inner guide tube 51) are performed independently of each other.

[0049] The solid material supply device 55 (first supply device) supplies solid contents Ms to the inner guide path C1. In FIGS. 2 and 3, a hopper-shaped weighing device is shown as the solid material supply device 55. With the discharge outlet of the weighing device of the solid material supply device 55 closed by an opening / closing device (not shown), a desired amount of solid contents Ms is measured and stored by the weighing device. Meanwhile, with the discharge outlet of the weighing device of the solid material supply device 55 opened by the opening / closing device, the desired amount of solid contents Ms after measurement is supplied from the weighing device to the inner guide path C1 of the inner guide cylinder 51.

[0050] In this way, the solid material supplying device 55 weighs the solid contents Ms and supplies the weighed solid contents Ms to the inner guide path C1. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, a shutter mechanism for opening and closing the inner guide path C1 is not provided, so the solid contents Ms supplied from the solid material supplying device 55 to the inner guide path C1 passes directly through the inner guide path C1 and falls into the bag B. Therefore, the timing at which the solid contents Ms are supplied from the inner guide path C1 to the bag B substantially coincides with the timing at which the solid contents Ms are supplied from the solid material supplying device 55 to the inner guide path C1.

[0051] The supply of the solid contents Ms from the solid material supply device 55 to the inner guide path C1 is preferably performed with the discharge port of the solid material supply device 55 (a measuring device in this example) positioned in the inner guide path C1 (for example, inside the funnel portion 51a). Therefore, when the process of filling the bags B with the solid contents Ms is performed with the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 positioned in the open position (see FIG. 3), it is preferable that the discharge port of the solid material supply device 55 be positioned in the inner guide path C1 with the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 positioned in the open position.

[0052] Further, instead of using the solid material supply device 55, the solid material Ms may be supplied to the inner guide path C1 manually.

[0053] The fluid supply device 56 (second supply device) supplies the liquid contents (fluid contents) Ml to the outer guide path C2. The temperature of the liquid contents Ml supplied to the outer guide path C2 is not limited and may be, for example, 80°C or lower. As described above, the discharge port of the outer guide path C2 is opened and closed by the relative movement of the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 by the filling device 62. Therefore, the timing at which the solid contents Ms are supplied from the outer guide path C2 to the bag B coincides with the timing at which the discharge port of the outer guide path C2 opens, but does not necessarily coincide with the timing at which the liquid contents Ml are supplied from the fluid supply device 56 to the outer guide path C2. Therefore, the fluid supply device 56 may always operate to supply the liquid contents Ml to the outer guide path C2 while the filling device 38 is operating. Alternatively, depending on the state of the outlet of the outer guide path C2 (i.e., depending on the relative position (open position / closed position) of the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52), the fluid supply device 56 may operate to supply the liquid content Ml to the outer guide path C2.

[0054] By the filling device 38 having the above-described configuration, the bag B is filled with the solid contents Ms via the inner guide path C1 and with the liquid contents Ml via the outer guide path C2. A specific example of a method for filling the contents (solid contents Ms and liquid contents Ml) into the bag B will be described later.

[0055] [Second embodiment] In this embodiment, elements that are the same as or correspond to those in the filling device 38 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 2 and 3) are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a filling device 38 according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 4, a cross section of the outer guide cylinder 52 is shown, and the state of the inside of the outer guide cylinder 52 is shown in a perspective manner.

[0057] The filling device 38 of this embodiment is configured as a device for filling a bag B with solid contents Ms (first filling) and powder contents Mp (second filling), and is equipped with an inner guide tube 51, an outer guide tube 52, a solid supply device 55, and a powder supply device 57.

[0058] In this embodiment, the average particle size of the solid contents Ms supplied by the solid supply device 55 is larger than the average particle size of the powder contents Mp supplied by the powder supply device 57. In this embodiment, the "powder" may include not only an object having a particle size recognized as a so-called "powders" (for example, a particle size of less than 0.1 mm), but also an object having a particle size recognized as a so-called "granules" (for example, a particle size of 3 mm or less (for example, 1 mm or less)).

[0059] 4 is provided in the form of a straight pipe, and defines an inner guide passage C1 having a substantially uniform diameter over the entire length. The inner guide cylinder 51 is supported by a bearing 75 so as to be rotatable about its axis.

[0060] 4, the outer guide tube 52 functions as a hopper capable of storing the powder content Mp and has a funnel portion 52a forming an upper end portion and a straight pipe portion 52b connected to the funnel portion 52a and positioned below the funnel portion 52a. The funnel portion 52a defines an outer guide path C2 whose diameter gradually decreases downward. On the other hand, the straight pipe portion 52b defines an outer guide path C2 having a basically constant diameter.

[0061] A chrysanthemum seat 71 is provided at the lowest end of the straight pipe portion 52b to cover the lower openings of the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 (i.e., the outlets of the inner guide passage C1 and the outer guide passage C2). The chrysanthemum seat 71 has an overall plate shape (e.g., a disk shape with a thickness of about 3 to 5 mm) and includes a plurality of through holes and a solid portion extending between the through holes. The multiple through holes of the chrysanthemum seat 71 include one or more through holes facing the lower opening (outlet) of the inner guide passage C1 and one or more through holes facing the lower opening (outlet) of the outer guide passage C2. Note that the specific configuration of the chrysanthemum seat 71 is not limited, and the shape, size, and arrangement of each through hole are not limited, and the shape, size, and arrangement of the solid portion are also not limited. Therefore, at least a portion of the solid portion of the chrysanthemum seat 71 may be arranged in a lattice pattern or a radial pattern.

[0062] The multiple through holes of the chrysanthemum seat 71 allow the solid contents Ms to be discharged (fall) from the inner guide tube 51 (inner guide path C1) and the powder contents Mp to be discharged (fall) from the outer guide tube 52 (outer guide path C2). On the other hand, the portion of the solid part of the chrysanthemum seat 71 facing the outer guide path C2 can act to prevent the powder contents Mp from being discharged (fall) from the discharge opening of the outer guide path C2. That is, the chrysanthemum seat 71 allows the powder contents Mp to be discharged from the outer guide tube 52 (outer guide path C2) while a screw 73 (described later) is rotating, but acts to restrict the discharge of the powder contents Mp from the outer guide tube 52 (outer guide path C2) while the screw 73 is stopped.

[0063] In this embodiment, a spiral screw (propellant) 73 is disposed in the outer guide passage C2. When rotated, the screw 73 propels the powder content Mp in the outer guide passage C2 toward the discharge port (downward opening) of the outer guide passage C2. The screw 73 in the example shown in FIG. 4 is attached to the outer surface of the inner guide cylinder 51 so as to rotate integrally with the inner guide cylinder 51, and is provided as a so-called auger-type screw. Note that the screw 73 does not have to be attached to the inner guide cylinder 51, and may be provided between the inner guide cylinder 51 and the outer guide cylinder 52 in a state separate from the inner guide cylinder 51.

[0064] The screw 73 of this embodiment is rotated together with the inner guide cylinder 51 by a filling device 82 (filling drive apparatus 80). The filling device 82 of the example shown in FIG. 4 includes a drive motor 82a and a drive belt 82b that is wound around the rotation output shaft of the drive motor 82a and the inner guide cylinder 51. The rotational power output from the rotation output shaft of the drive motor 82a is transmitted to the inner guide cylinder 51 via the drive belt 82b, and the inner guide cylinder 51 rotates axially while being supported by a bearing 75, thereby rotating the screw 73. Note that when the screw 73 is provided without being attached to the inner guide cylinder 51, the filling device 82 (filling drive apparatus 80) rotates the screw 73 without passing through the inner guide cylinder 51.

[0065] As described above, by rotating the screw 73, the powder contents Mp stored in the outer guide tube 52 are propelled and discharged from the discharge port (lower opening) of the outer guide path C2. Since the amount of the powder contents Mp discharged from the outer guide path C2 is roughly proportional to the amount of rotation of the screw 73, the amount of the powder contents Mp discharged from the outer guide path C2 can be controlled by controlling the amount of rotation of the screw 73 via the filling device 82.

[0066] The powder supplying device 57 (second supplying device) supplies the powder contents Mp to the outer guide path C2. In FIG. 4, a hopper-shaped measuring device is shown as the powder supplying device 57. With the discharge port of the measuring device of the powder supplying device 57 closed by an opening / closing device (not shown), a desired amount of the powder contents Mp is measured and stored by the measuring device. On the other hand, with the discharge port of the measuring device of the powder supplying device 57 opened by the opening / closing device, the measured desired amount of the powder contents Mp is supplied from the measuring device to the outer guide path C2 of the outer guide cylinder 52.

[0067] The supply of the powder contents Mp from the powder supply device 57 to the outer guide path C2 is preferably performed in a state where the discharge port of the powder supply device 57 (a measuring device in this example) is located in the outer guide path C2 (for example, inside the funnel portion 52a). Therefore, the discharge port of the powder supply device 57 is preferably located in the outer guide path C2.

[0068] In this way, the powder supplying device 57 measures the powder contents Mp and supplies the measured powder contents Mp to the outer guide path C2, but as described above, the discharge of the powder contents Mp from the outer guide path C2 is controlled by the rotation of the screw 73. Therefore, the timing at which the powder contents Mp are supplied from the outer guide path C2 to the bag B coincides with the timing of the rotation of the screw 73, but does not necessarily coincide with the timing at which the powder contents Mp are supplied from the powder supplying device 57 to the outer guide path C2. Therefore, the powder supplying device 57 can operate to supply the powder contents Mp to the outer guide path C2 at any timing while the screw 73 is rotating and / or while the screw 73 is not rotating.

[0069] In this way, the inner guide tube 51 serves both as a guide for filling the bag B with the solid contents Ms and as a driver for the screw 73 that controls the discharge of the powder contents Mp from the outer guide path C2 (and thus fills the bag B with the powder contents Mp).

[0070] 2 and 3, a shutter mechanism for opening and closing the inner guide path C1 is not provided, and so the solid contents Ms supplied from the solid material supply device 55 to the inner guide path C1 passes directly through the inner guide path C1 and falls into the bag B. Therefore, the timing at which the solid contents Ms are supplied from the inner guide path C1 to the bag B substantially coincides with the timing at which the solid contents Ms are supplied from the solid material supply device 55 to the inner guide path C1.

[0071] Like the filling device 38 of the first embodiment described above, the filling device 38 of this embodiment also includes a moving device 81 (filling drive device 80; see FIG. 5 described later) that moves the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 as a whole. That is, while the bag B is being intermittently moved by the bag conveying device 20 (see FIG. 1), the moving device 81 positions the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 at a relatively upper standby position. Meanwhile, while the bag B is being intermittently stopped by the bag conveying device 20, the moving device 81 performs a process of moving the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 downward from the standby position to position them at a processing position, and a process of moving the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 upward from the processing position to position them at the standby position.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the filling drive device 80 that moves the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 during the filling process for the bag B includes a moving device 81 and a filling device 82, and the moving device 81 and the filling device 82 are driven independently of each other.

[0073] [Filling method] Next, we will explain an example of a filling method for filling bags B with multiple types of fillers using the above-mentioned filling device 38. The example filling method described below is applicable to both the filling device 38 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the filling device 38.

[0075] The various devices of the filling device 38 cooperate with one another under the control of the control unit 15, so that the filling device 38 can fill the bags B with a plurality of types of filling materials.

[0076] For example, the control unit 15 can control the first supply device (the above-described solid supply device 55) to adjust the supply (e.g., supply amount and supply timing) of the first filling (solid contents Ms) from the first supply device 55 to the inner guide path C1. Similarly, the control unit 15 can control the second supply device (the above-described fluid supply device 56 and powder supply device 57) to adjust the supply (e.g., supply amount and supply timing) of the second filling (liquid contents Ml and powder contents Mp) from the second supply devices 56 and 57 to the outer guide path C2. The control unit 15 can also adjust the movement of the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 by controlling the moving devices 61 and 81 and the filling devices 62 and 82 that function as filling drive devices 60 and 80.

[0077] In the filling device 38 of each of the above-described embodiments (first embodiment (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and second embodiment (see FIG. 4)), the filling of the first filling material (solid material supplying device 55) and the second filling material (liquid material supplying device 56 and powder material supplying device 57) into the bag B is controlled by the first supplying device (solid material supplying device 55), the second supplying device (fluid material supplying device 56 and powder material supplying device 57), and filling driving devices 60, 80 (moving devices 61, 81 and filling devices 62, 82). Therefore, according to the control configuration example shown in FIG. 5, the filling method in which the filling device 38 fills the first filling material (solid material supplying device Ms) and the second filling material (liquid material supplying device Ml and powder material supplying device Mp) into the bag B can be appropriately carried out.

[0078] Such a filling method includes a step of filling multiple types of fillings, including a first filling (solid content Ms) and a second filling (liquid content Ml and powder content Mp), into bag B by a filling device 38, but such a filling step may include any process.

[0079] As an example, the following series of processing steps may be performed under the control of the control unit 15 while the bag B is intermittently stopped at the fourth processing station S4.

[0080] That is, the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 are moved from the standby position to the processing position and partially or completely inserted into the bag B through the mouth portion Bt, and the discharge outlet of the inner guide path C1 and the discharge outlet of the outer guide path C2 are positioned inside the bag B (insertion process).

[0081] Then, the first filling (solid contents Ms) is filled into the inside of the bag B from the discharge outlet of the inner guide path C1 located inside the bag B, and the second filling (liquid contents Ml or powder contents Mp) is filled into the inside of the bag B from the discharge outlet of the outer guide path C2 located inside the bag B (discharge process).

[0082] In this discharging process, the control unit 15 can adjust the filling timing (discharge timing) of the first filler Ms and the second fillers Ml and Mp to any desired timing. For example, the filling timing of the first filler Ms and the filling timing of the second fillers Ml and Mp may be completely synchronized, or may be shifted so that they do not coincide partially or entirely. Furthermore, the filling of the first filler Ms into the bag B may be performed intermittently, or the filling of the second fillers Ml and Mp into the bag B may be performed intermittently.

[0083] Thereafter, the inner guide tube 51 and the outer guide tube 52 are moved from the processing position to the standby position, and are entirely moved away from the bag B, and the discharge outlet of the inner guide path C1 and the discharge outlet of the outer guide path C2 are positioned outside the bag B (retraction process).

[0084] The filling device 38 performs the above-mentioned series of processes each time a bag B is intermittently placed at the fourth processing station S4, thereby continuously and appropriately filling multiple types of filling materials (first filling material Ms and second filling materials Ml, Mp) into multiple bags B.

[0085] As explained above, according to the filling device 38 and filling method of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, it is possible to fill each bag B with a plurality of types of filling material at one processing station (i.e., during one intermittent stop). This shortens the time required for the filling process. It is also possible to reduce the number of processing stations in the entire system to reduce the space occupied by the system, or to create vacant stations that can be allocated to other processes as needed.

[0086] Furthermore, by realizing guide paths for multiple types of fillers using the multiple pipe structure of inner guide cylinder 51 and outer guide cylinder 52, the guide paths and supply ports (discharge ports) for supplying multiple types of fillers can be laid out in a space-efficient manner. This allows multiple types of fillers to be appropriately introduced into each bag B through the mouth Bt, which has a limited opening area, in one processing station (i.e., during one intermittent stop).

[0087] In addition, under the control of the control unit 15, the method and timing of filling multiple types of fillers can be adaptively adjusted according to the combination of filler types, effectively reducing unintended defects such as air pockets and liquid splashing.

[0088] As described above, the device and method of the present disclosure are advantageous in making effective use of space and are also effective in reducing waste of bags and fillings due to processing defects, which is in line with the requirements of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). For example, when the filling is food, the device and method of the present disclosure are advantageous in preventing deterioration such as oxidation of the food and reducing food waste.

[0089] [Variations] In the above-described embodiment, "solid contents Ms and liquid contents Ml" and "solid contents Ms and powder contents Mp" are proposed as combinations of multiple types of fillers. However, the technology disclosed herein is also effective when other combinations of multiple types of fillers are filled into each bag B. For example, the above-described fluid supply device 56 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) may supply a gaseous content instead of or in addition to the liquid content Ml. The gaseous content referred to here is not limited, and for example, steam, carbon dioxide, or an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen gas) may be filled into bag B as the gaseous content. Even when filling bag B with a gaseous content, the method and timing of filling the gaseous content can be controlled under the control of control unit 15 according to the type of other filler, thereby making it possible to appropriately fill every corner of bag B (and possibly even the inside of other types of filler) with the gaseous content.

[0090] Furthermore, filling device 38 may be configured to be able to fill three or more types of fillers into each bag B. Filling device 38 may use, for example, a guide tube with a triple-tube structure, using the space inside the innermost guide tube as a guide path for supplying a first filler to bag B, the space between the innermost guide tube and an intermediate guide tube as a guide path for supplying a second filler to bag B, and the space between the intermediate guide tube and the outermost guide tube as a guide path for supplying a third filler to bag B.

[0091] In the first embodiment described above, the inner guide tube 51 has the closing portion 65 extending in a direction including a horizontal component perpendicular to the extension direction D. However, such a closing portion 65 may be provided on at least one of the inner guide tube (first guide tube) 51 and the outer guide tube (second guide tube) 52. Therefore, a closing portion extending to protrude horizontally may be provided on the outer guide tube 52. The "closing portion 65 extending in a direction including a horizontal component" referred to here may extend parallel to the horizontal direction or may extend non-parallel to the horizontal direction. In other words, the concept of a "direction including a horizontal component" includes not only the horizontal direction itself but also a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction and the height direction. Therefore, the inversely tapered closing portion 65 of the first embodiment described above (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ) also corresponds to the "closing portion 65 extending in a direction including a horizontal component."

[0092] In addition, although bag B is used as a container in the above-described embodiment, the device and method of the present disclosure can be applied to any container other than bag B, and for example, a cup or a can may be used as a container filled with multiple types of fillings.

[0093] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the filling device 38 is provided as part of the packaging system 10, but the above-described filling device 38 may be provided as part of a system other than the packaging system 10, or may be used alone.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] [Note] The following configurations also fall within the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0097] [Aspect 1] A filling device that fills bags with multiple types of filling materials including a first filling material and a second filling material, a first guide tube defining a first guide path extending in the extension direction; a second guide tube that covers the first guide tube from the outside and defines a second guide path extending in the extension direction together with the first guide tube; a first supply device that supplies the first filler to the first guide path; a second supply device that supplies the second filler to the second guide path, The bag is filled with the first filling material through the first guide path, and the bag is filled with the second filling material through the second guide path.

[0098] [Aspect 2] a filling drive device that moves the first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder relatively in the extension direction so as to place the first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder in an open position and a closed position, The first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder open the discharge port of the second guide path when placed at the open position, and close the discharge port of the second guide path when placed at the closed position. 2. The filling device of embodiment 1.

[0099] [Aspect 3] a propellant disposed in the second guide path, the propellant being rotated to propel the second filler in the second guide path toward the discharge port of the second guide path; A filling drive device that rotates the propellant, 3. The filling device of claim 1 or 2.

[0100] [Aspect 4] The filling drive device rotates the propellant together with the first guide cylinder. 4. The filling device of embodiment 3.

[0101] [Aspect 5] The first filling comprises a solid material. A filling device according to any one of aspects 1 to 4.

[0102] [Aspect 6] the second filler comprises a fluid; At least one of the first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder has a closing portion extending in a direction including a horizontal component perpendicular to the extension direction, the closing portion closes the discharge port of the second guide path when the first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder are disposed at the closed position, and opens the discharge port of the second guide path when the first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder are disposed at the open position. 6. The filling device of claim 2 or 5.

[0103] [Aspect 7] the second filler includes a powder; The propellant is an auger-type screw. A filling device according to any one of aspects 3 to 5.

[0104] [Aspect 8] A filling method comprising the step of filling a bag with a plurality of types of fillers including a first filler and a second filler using the filling device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7.

[0105] [Aspect 9] The step of filling the bags with the plurality of types of filling materials includes: a process of partially or completely inserting the first guide tube and the second guide tube into the bag to position the outlet of the first guide path and the outlet of the second guide path inside the bag; a process of filling the inside of the bag with the first filling material from a discharge port of the first guide path located inside the bag; a process of filling the second filling material into the inside of the bag through a discharge port of the second guide path located inside the bag; 9. The method of claim 8, comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10 Packaging system, 15 Control unit, 20 Bag conveying device, 21 Rotary table, 22 Bag support device, 31 Bag feeding device, 32 Bag storage and conveying unit, 33 Bag delivery unit, 34 Bag removal unit, 36 Printer, 37 Bag opening, 38 Filling device, 39 First heat sealing unit, 40 Second heat sealing unit, 41 Cooling and sealing unit, 42 Bag discharge unit, 51 Inner guide tube, 51a Funnel unit, 51b Straight tube unit, 52 Outer guide tube, 52a Funnel unit, 52b Straight tube unit, 55 Solid material supply device, 56 Fluid supply device, 57 Powder supply device, 60 Filling drive device, 61 Moving device, 62 Filling device, 62a Main body unit, 62b Retractable shaft unit, 63 Bearing, 64 Support frame, 65 Closure unit, 67 Fluid hose, 68 Connection fixture, 69 connection pipe portion, 71 chrysanthemum seat, 73 screw, 75 bearing, 80 filling drive device, 81 moving device, 82 filling device, 82a drive motor, 82b drive belt, B bag, B1 product bag, Bt mouth portion, Bs side portion, Bb bottom portion, C1 inner guideway, C2 outer guideway, D extension direction, Ms solid contents, Ml liquid contents, Mp powder contents, S1 first processing station, S2 second processing station, S3 third processing station, S4 fourth processing station, S5 fifth processing station, S6 sixth processing station, S7 seventh processing station, S8 eighth processing station

Claims

1. A filling device that fills bags with a plurality of types of filling materials including a first filling material and a second filling material, a first guide tube defining a first guide path extending in the extension direction; a second guide tube that covers the first guide tube from the outside and defines a second guide path extending in the extension direction together with the first guide tube; a first supply device that supplies the first filler to the first guide path; a second supply device that supplies the second filler to the second guide path, The bag is filled with the first filling material through the first guide path, and the bag is filled with the second filling material through the second guide path.

2. a filling drive device that moves the first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder relatively in the extension direction so as to place the first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder in an open position and a closed position, The first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder open the discharge port of the second guide path when placed at the open position, and close the discharge port of the second guide path when placed at the closed position. The filling device of claim 1 .

3. a propellant disposed in the second guide path, the propellant being rotated to propel the second filler in the second guide path toward the discharge port of the second guide path; A filling drive device that rotates the propellant, The filling device of claim 1 .

4. The filling drive device rotates the propellant together with the first guide cylinder.

4. The filling device of claim 3.

5. the first filling comprises a solid; The filling device of claim 1 .

6. the second filler comprises a fluid; At least one of the first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder has a closing portion extending in a direction including a horizontal component perpendicular to the extension direction, the closing portion closes the discharge port of the second guide path when the first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder are disposed at the closed position, and opens the discharge port of the second guide path when the first guide cylinder and the second guide cylinder are disposed at the open position.

3. The filling device of claim 2.

7. the second filler includes a powder; The propellant is an auger-type screw.

4. The filling device of claim 3.

8. A filling method comprising the step of filling a bag with a plurality of types of filling materials, including a first filling material and a second filling material, using the filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The step of filling the bags with the plurality of types of filling materials includes: a process of inserting the first guide tube and the second guide tube partially or entirely into the bag to position the outlet of the first guide path and the outlet of the second guide path inside the bag; a process of filling the inside of the bag with the first filling material through a discharge port of the first guide path located inside the bag; a process of filling the second filling material into the inside of the bag through a discharge port of the second guide path located inside the bag; The method of claim 8, comprising:

Images