Packaging equipment and packaging equipment maintenance and management system

Abstract

The aim is to reduce the workload on users when they need to contact the maintenance manager of a packaging device with a specific request. [Solution] The packaging device 1 is provided, comprising a packaging means for packaging an object to be packaged, such as a newspaper S, with a packaging material such as a film F; a communication means 101 capable of transmitting information to an external information management means 82 via a communication network 70; and a specific request information transmission operation unit 71 that, when operated, transmits specific request information, which is information for a specific request, to the information management means 82.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging device and a packaging device maintenance management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a packaging device that packages objects to be packaged such as newspapers and bundles of advertisements with a packaging material such as a resin sheet has been known (Patent Document 1, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this type of packaging device, when an error occurs, a user such as a newspaper vendor contacts a serviceman who is a maintenance management person of a maintenance manager such as a sales company of the packaging device, and the serviceman visits the user to repair and replace parts that caused the error in the packaging device, replace consumables, etc. The error is eliminated by performing maintenance work such as this. Also, regardless of error handling, when the user requests the serviceman, the user contacts the serviceman and conveys the request content.

[0005] Newspaper packaging machines used in newspaper distribution centers often perform packaging work late at night or early in the morning before delivery. During this time, even if a user needs to contact a service technician, it can be difficult to reach them. In such cases, the worker who needs assistance might leave a note for another worker who is on duty during a time when it's easier to contact the service technician, or the worker might wait until they can reach the service technician before making the request. Alternatively, a worker who needs assistance during a time when it's difficult to reach the service technician might contact them electronically via email or messaging apps.

[0006] However, for specific requests that are frequent and not particularly complex, such as requests for replenishment of packaging materials like packaging film or requests for contact from service technicians, leaving notes for other workers, having the worker wait for a certain amount of time, or contacting service technicians electronically would be a cumbersome process for fulfilling the request and would be a burden on the user's workers.

[0007] This problem is not limited to newspaper distributors who use packaging equipment from late night to early morning. Even during the working hours of service technicians and other maintenance personnel, it can be difficult to contact them, and similar problems can arise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a packaging device comprising: a packaging means for packaging an object to be packaged with a packaging material; a communication means capable of transmitting information to an external information management means via a communication network; and a specific request information transmission operation unit that, when operated, transmits specific request information, which is specific request information, to the information management means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a user operator can transmit information that a specific request exists to an external information management system by simply operating a specific request information transmission unit when a specific request is made. This allows the information management system to notify the maintenance manager, who can confirm the received information, that a specific request has been made, thereby reducing the workload on the user in contacting the maintenance manager about the specific request. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] External perspective view of the packaging machine of this embodiment. [Figure 2] A side view showing a schematic of the internal structure of the packaging machine of this embodiment. [Figure 3] Enlarged diagram of the transport and packaging section. [Figure 4] Control block diagram of a packaging machine. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of a packaging machine maintenance and management system. [Figure 6] Enlarged diagram illustrating the area around the request button on the packaging machine. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram of a modified example of a maintenance management system for a packaging machine. [Figure 8] A timeline diagram illustrating the sequence of events from when a user clicks the request button until a service technician responds. [Figure 9] A timeline diagram illustrating what happens when a service technician does not respond after a user presses the request button. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] In the following, identical or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the dimensions of members in each drawing will be enlarged or reduced as appropriate for ease of understanding. Additionally, some members that are not important for explaining the embodiment will be omitted from the drawings.

[0012] An embodiment of the packaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described below.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a packaging machine 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the internal configuration of the packaging machine 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow "A" in FIG. 1. The packaging machine 1 has each member for performing a packaging process arranged between a front exterior plate 1a and a rear exterior plate 1b.

[0014] When a four-folded newspaper S is inserted through an insertion port 2 provided on the upper surface of the packaging machine 1 with its final fold edge S1 at the head, it is packaged by resin film sheets (F1, F2) inside the device, and the packaged product is discharged from a lower discharge port 3 and loaded onto a stacker 4. An operation panel 7 operable by a user is provided on the upper surface of the packaging machine 1. The operation panel 7 is composed of push button switches or a touch panel or the like, and the user can set the operation mode of the device and the like. Further, a request button 71, the details of which will be described later, is provided on the upper surface of the packaging machine 1.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging machine 1 includes a transport packaging unit 50 that packages while transporting a packaging object such as a newspaper S. A passage 5 is formed by a first guide plate 5a and a second guide plate 5b so as to guide the newspaper S inserted through the insertion port 2 downward. One film roll 6 (first film roll 6a, second film roll 6b) is supported on each side sandwiching this passage 5. The film roll 6 is formed by winding a long thermoplastic resin film sheet such as polyethylene having a predetermined width around a core body. The two film rolls 6 are housed in the device in a state where the tips of the first film F1 led out from the first film roll 6a and the second film F2 led out from the second film roll 6b are welded at a tip welding line F3. The tip welding line F3 is formed by welding the tips of the first film F1 and the second film F2 to each other in the previous welding operation. When a film roll 6 in which the previous welding operation has not been performed is installed, the tips of the first film F1 and the second film F2 can be fixed with cellophane tape or the like, and the tip welding line F3 can be formed by performing test paper passing.

[0016] Figure 3 is an enlarged explanatory view of the conveying and packaging unit 50 shown in Figure 2. Near the upstream end of the conveying and packaging unit 50, a welding and cutting mechanism 8 for welding and cutting the film F at the position that becomes the rear end of the packaged product is arranged. As the welding and cutting mechanism 8, a known one can be used. For example, the same one as that described in Patent Document 1 can be used, but it is not limited to this. The newspaper S that has descended through the passage 5 further descends in a state of being sandwiched from the front and back by the first film F1 and the second film F2 by pushing down the front end welding line F3 at its front end. As shown in Figure 3, the welding and cutting mechanism 8 includes a welding and cutting heater 9 and a receiving base 10 with the conveying path through which the newspaper S sandwiched between the two films F passes in between. The welding and cutting heater 9 is attached to the moving block 11. The moving block 11 can reciprocate in the direction of arrow "B" by a crank mechanism (not shown). By this movement, the welding and cutting heater 9 reciprocates between a standby position where its tip is separated from the receiving base 10 and a welding position where its tip contacts the receiving base 10.

[0017] The welding and cutting heater 9 is in a shape extending in a length equal to or greater than the width of the film F in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction for moving the newspaper S (the direction orthogonal to the paper surface of Figures 2 and 3, hereinafter referred to as the "width direction"). By sandwiching the first film F1 and the second film F2 between the tip of such a welding and cutting heater 9 and the receiving base 10, welding lines (F3, F4) where the first film F1 and the second film F2 are welded over the entire width are formed.

[0018] A shutter 12 is provided on the upstream side of the welding and cutting heater 9. The shutter 12 is rotatable about the rotation axis 13 and is a plate-like member extending in the width direction. A pressing member 14 is provided on the back side of the shutter 12. The pressing member 14 is integrally formed with a shaft-shaped support member 15. The support member 15 is inserted into a bracket 16 attached to the moving block 11 so as to be movable in the axial direction. A spring 17 is interposed between the bracket 16 and the pressing member 14.

[0019] When the welding heater 9 is in the standby position, a stopper on the support member 15 is engaged with the bracket 16, and the shutter 12 is in a state where its free end is rotated downward by its own weight. When the welding heater 9 moves to the welding position, the bracket 16, support member 15, and retaining member 14 move in the same direction along with the welding heater 9, and the retaining member 14 pushes the back of the shutter 12, causing the shutter 12 to rotate. When the free end of the shutter 12 comes into contact with the support base 10, the spring 17 is compressed. Furthermore, when the welding heater 9 reaches the welding position, a locking member (not shown) presses against the back of the shutter 12. With this configuration, during welding, the shutter 12 closes the transport path of the newspaper S and is locked so that it cannot be opened even if pushed from the passage 5 side, thus preventing the next newspaper S from entering downstream of the shutter 12 during welding.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a conveyor belt 19 (19a, 19b) is provided downstream of the welding and cutting mechanism 8 in the conveyor packaging section 50 to further convey the newspaper S downstream. The conveyor belt 19 comprises a first conveyor belt 19a that contacts one side of the newspaper S with the first film F1 in between, and a second conveyor belt 19b that contacts the other side of the newspaper S with the second film F2 in between.

[0021] The conveying and packaging section 50 is equipped with two side welding heaters 20, one on each side in the width direction (front-to-back direction in Figures 2 and 3) of the first conveying belt 19a. The side welding heaters 20 are shaped to extend along the conveying direction of the newspaper S. Opposite the side welding heaters 20, across the conveying path of the newspaper S, the second conveying belt 19b is equipped with two side welding support bases 21, one on each side in the width direction.

[0022] The side welding heater 20 is movable between a standby position separated from the side welding support 21 and a welding position in contact with the side welding support 21 by a drive mechanism (not shown). By sandwiching the first film F1 and the second film F2 between the side welding heater 20 and the side welding support 21, the first film F1 and the second film F2 are welded together on both sides in the width direction of the newspaper S, forming a welded line along the conveying direction of the newspaper S.

[0023] The packaging machine 1 is equipped with three sensors (P1, P2, P3) capable of detecting the presence or absence of a newspaper S passing through the transport path. The first sensor P1 is located upstream of the welding and cutting mechanism 8, the second sensor P2 is located downstream of the welding and cutting mechanism 8, and the third sensor P3 is located near the downstream end of the side welding heater 20. The three sensors (P1, P2, P3) are optical sensors each composed of a light-emitting sensor and a light-receiving sensor. Since the first film F1 and the second film F2 are transparent, the presence or absence of a newspaper S sandwiched between the first film F1 and the second film F2 can be detected by these optical sensors, thereby enabling detection of the passage of the leading or trailing end of the newspaper S.

[0024] When a user inserts a newspaper S into the packaging machine 1 with the final fold edge S1 leading, the packaging machine 1 detects the passage of the leading edge (final fold edge S1) of the inserted newspaper S with the first sensor P1 and starts driving the conveyor belt 19. At this time, the newspaper S pushes down the first film F1 and the second film F2 with the final fold edge S1 approximately aligned with the welding line F3 of the leading edges of the first film F1 and the second film F2. As a result, the newspaper S, sandwiched between the first film F1 and the second film F2, is placed between the first conveyor belt 19a and the second conveyor belt 19b and conveyed downstream.

[0025] When the second sensor P2 detects the passage of the trailing edge of the newspaper S, the conveyor belt 19 is stopped. Next, the welding and cutting heater 9 and the side welding heater 20 are moved from the standby position to the welding position, and the first film F1 and the second film F2 are welded together between the welding and cutting heater 9 and the support base 10, and between the side welding heater 20 and the side welding support base 21, respectively, for a predetermined time. Afterward, only the side welding heater 20 is returned to the standby position, and the drive of the conveyor belt 19 is restarted. At this time, the first film F1 and the second film F2 remain sandwiched between the welding cutting heater 9 and the support base 10 on the upstream side of the newspaper S. In this state, by driving the conveyor belt 19, the first film F1 and the second film F2 are pulled downstream in the conveying direction, and the first film F1 and the second film F2 can be cut at the portion sandwiched between the welding cutting heater 9 and the support base 10, forming a packaged product in which the newspaper S is wrapped in film F. Furthermore, by driving the conveyor belt 19 to transport the packaged product, the packaged product is discharged from the discharge port 3 and accumulated in the stacker 4.

[0026] Figure 4 is a control block diagram of the packaging system 500 including the packaging machine 1 of this embodiment, and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the packaging system 500. The control unit 100, which is a control means within the packaging machine 1, has a CPU that performs various calculations, a ROM that stores various control programs, and RAM which is used as a work area for data storage and program execution. The control unit 100 receives detection results from various sensors and operation content from the operation panel 7 as input. The control unit 100 also controls the drive of various motors and the display content on the operation panel 7.

[0027] The first film remaining amount detection mechanism 91 and the second film remaining amount detection mechanism 92 shown in Figure 4 are mechanisms for detecting the remaining amounts of the first film F1 and the second film F2 in the first film roll 6a and the second film roll 6b, respectively. Since a known mechanism can be used for detecting the remaining amount of film F in the film roll 6, a detailed explanation is omitted. For example, a mechanism similar to that described in Patent Document 2 can be used, but it is not limited to this.

[0028] The welding and cutting heater drive motor M1 and the side welding heater drive motor M2 shown in Figure 4 drive the drive mechanisms of the welding and cutting heater 9 and the side welding heater 20, respectively, causing each heater to reciprocate between the standby position and the welding position. The conveyor belt drive motor M3 drives the drive mechanism of the conveyor belt 19 (19a, 19b).

[0029] The index sensor P4 shown in Figure 4 is used to detect the amount of conveyance by the conveyor belt 19. More specifically, the drive system of the conveyor belt 19 is provided with an indexing means (not shown) for measuring the amount of conveyance by the conveyor belt 19. This indexing means is provided on the belt drive shaft that supports the pulley on which the conveyor belt 19 is mounted and on which the conveyor belt drive motor M3 outputs driving force. The indexing means comprises an index sensor P4 consisting of a disc supported on the belt drive shaft with multiple openings arranged circumferentially at a predetermined pitch, and an optical sensor capable of detecting these openings. The amount of conveyance by the conveyor belt 19 is detected by counting each time the index sensor P4 detects the passage of one of the openings as one pulse.

[0030] The welding and cutting heater temperature sensor T1 shown in Figure 4 detects the temperature of the welding and cutting heater 9. The front side welding heater temperature sensor T2 detects the temperature of the side welding heater 20 located on the front side in Figures 2 and 3, among the side welding heaters 20 arranged on both sides in the width direction with respect to the first conveyor belt 19a. Similarly, the rear side welding heater temperature sensor T3 detects the temperature of the side welding heater 20 located on the rear side in Figures 2 and 3, among the side welding heaters 20 arranged on both sides in the width direction with respect to the first conveyor belt 19a. In addition, the installation environment temperature sensor T4 is located outside or inside the housing of the packaging machine 1 and detects the temperature of the environment in which the packaging machine 1 is installed, such as the room temperature of the facility where the packaging machine 1 is installed.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the packaging machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a communication unit 101 that can transmit packaging operation information, such as error information, created by the control unit 100 based on information acquisition means such as various sensors, to the outside. As shown in Figure 5, the packaging machine 1 is configured to communicate with an external maintenance management server 82 and a maintenance management terminal 80 via an internet line 70.

[0032] Packaging operation information, such as error information, from the packaging machine 1 is transmitted from the control unit 100 to the communication unit 101, from the communication unit 101 to a wireless communication device such as a Wi-Fi router 60 using a wireless line such as a Wi-Fi line, and then transmitted to the user-side modem 62 via the user-side LAN cable 61. The user-side modem 62 transmits the packaging operation information to the maintenance management server 82 via the internet line 70, and the maintenance management server 82 stores the received packaging operation information linked to identification information that identifies the packaging machine 1 in the data. When the packaging operation information is stored in the maintenance management server 82, information indicating that it has been stored is sent to the maintenance management terminal 80, and the service technician, who is the maintenance manager, can check the contents by connecting to the maintenance management server 82 from the maintenance management terminal 80. In addition to information indicating that the packaging operation information has been stored in the maintenance management server 82, the content of the packaging operation information may also be sent to the maintenance management terminal 80 so that the service technician can check the contents.

[0033] In the packaging machine 1, the communication unit 101 transmits packaging operation information to the maintenance management server 82, an external information management means, via the internet line 70, allowing service technicians to check the information without visiting the user. If the checked packaging operation information includes information that indicates an impending error or actual error information, maintenance work can be performed before an error occurs that would render the machine unusable, or immediately after an error occurs. This makes it possible to prevent the user from being unable to use the packaging machine 1, or to shorten the time the machine is unusable.

[0034] The following describes the packaging operation information transmitted from the communication unit 101 of the packaging machine 1 to the maintenance management server 82. Information regarding the remaining amounts of the first film F1 and the second film F2 in the first film roll 6a and the second film roll 6b, based on the detection results of the first film remaining amount detection mechanism 91 and the second film remaining amount detection mechanism 92, may be transmitted. This allows service personnel to know the remaining amount and usage of film F in the packaging machine 1 without visiting the user.

[0035] By having the maintenance manager (such as the sales company of the packaging machine 1) who is responsible for the maintenance and management of the packaging machine 1 know the remaining amount of film F, the service technician in charge of maintenance can deliver a replacement film roll 6 to the user before the film F runs out, thus preventing the packaging machine 1 from becoming unusable due to the running out of film F. Furthermore, if the maintenance manager tracks the usage of film F and bills users based on that usage, the service technician responsible for maintenance will no longer need to visit users solely to confirm usage, thus reducing maintenance costs. The timing for transmitting information regarding the remaining amount of film F can be at regular intervals, such as once a day or once a week, or at specific times when a predetermined operation is performed, such as each time the power is turned on or off. Alternatively, information regarding the remaining amount of film F may be transmitted along with the request information when the request button 71, which will be described in detail later, is pressed.

[0036] If the remaining amount of film F cannot be detected by at least one of the first film remaining amount detection mechanism 91 or the second film remaining amount detection mechanism 92, this error information may be sent to the maintenance management server 82. This allows the maintenance manager to be aware that the packaging machine 1 is unable to determine the remaining amount or usage of film F, and enables maintenance work such as on-site repairs to be performed even without a maintenance request from the user.

[0037] As packaging operation information, the control unit 100 may count a counter value, which is the number of times the newspaper S has been wrapped with the film F, and transmit it to the maintenance management server 82. In the packaging machine 1 of this embodiment, the counter value is the number of times the film F has been welded and cut by the welding and cutting heater 9. Based on the counter value, the number of uses of the welding and cutting heater 9 and the side welding heater 20 is calculated, and when a predetermined number is reached, a service technician may visit the user and perform heater replacement work. This allows the heater to be replaced before a malfunction occurs due to the heater's lifespan, and prevents downtime for the user caused by heater malfunction.

[0038] The counter value can be sent at regular intervals, such as once a day or once a week, or at specific times, such as each time the power is turned on or off. Alternatively, the counter value can be sent along with the request information when the request button 71, which will be described in detail later, is pressed.

[0039] As packaging operation information, information regarding the number of film rolls 6 used may be transmitted to an external information management means such as a maintenance management server 82. Regarding information on the number of film rolls 6 used, information on whether or not film roll 6 needs to be replaced can be obtained based on the detection value of the film remaining amount detection mechanism (91, 92). Specifically, it is possible to detect when film roll 6 needs to be replaced by detecting when the remaining amount of film F changes from a state where film F is consumed (e.g., when the remaining amount of film F is low) to the state of a new film roll 6. Furthermore, even in packaging devices that do not have a film remaining amount detection mechanism, a sensor capable of detecting whether or not a film roll 6 is installed regardless of the remaining amount of film F may be provided, and the device may detect that a film roll 6 needs to be replaced when it is detected that the film roll 6 has been removed. Such a sensor can be realized, for example, by an optical sensor installed in a position where the core of the film roll 6, when the film F is not wound on it, can obstruct the detection area. Based on the number of times this exchange occurs, the number of film rolls 6 used can be calculated.

[0040] Alternatively, when a service technician visits a user, they can check and input the inventory count, and each time a replacement is needed, the system can reduce the stored inventory count and transmit the calculated inventory count to an external information management means such as a maintenance management server 82. This allows maintenance managers, such as service technicians, to know how many replacement film rolls 6 a user has, and when the number of replacement film rolls 6 is running low or when the replacement film rolls 6 have run out, the service technician can deliver replacement film rolls 6 to the user. This prevents the packaging machine 1 from becoming unusable due to the running out of film F.

[0041] One configuration for acquiring information regarding the number of film rolls 6 used is to provide a roll storage section within the housing of the packaging machine 1 for storing replacement film rolls 6, and to install a sensor in this roll storage section that can detect the number of film rolls 6 or the presence or absence of film rolls 6. Then, by transmitting the detection result of the sensor installed in the roll storage section as information regarding the number of film rolls 6 used, the maintenance manager can acquire information regarding the number of film rolls 6 used.

[0042] Error information regarding paper jams, such as paper jams in the insertion section detected based on the detection results of the first sensor P1, internal paper jams detected based on the detection results of the second sensor P2, and paper jams in the discharge section detected based on the detection results of the third sensor P3, may be sent to the maintenance management server 82. Generally, a single paper jam can be resolved without maintenance work. However, if paper jams occur frequently, it may be a sign of an impending failure that will render the machine unusable. Therefore, by continuously sending paper jam error information to the maintenance management server 82, maintenance managers can detect problems, and service technicians can perform maintenance work before the machine becomes unusable.

[0043] Error information may be sent to the maintenance management server 82 regarding operational errors for each component: the welding / cutting heater drive motor M1, the side welding / cutting heater drive motor M2, the welding / cutting heater 9, and the side welding heater 20. An example of an operational error in the welding and cutting heater drive motor M1 or the side welding heater drive motor M2 is that the system does not enter the home state (the state in which the welding and cutting heater 9 or the side welding heater 20 are in the standby position) when the power is turned on or after the newspaper S has been fed through. An example of an operational error in the welding and cutting heater 9 or the side welding heater 20 is that each heater fails to reach the specified temperature within the specified time from the start of heating.

[0044] This information about operational errors serves as a basis for maintenance managers to determine whether maintenance work is required for each component of the packaging machine 1. For example, if the number of operational errors exceeds a predetermined number, an alert indicating that maintenance work is required is sent to the maintenance management server 82. The predetermined number of times this alert is sent may vary for each component.

[0045] As error information, a communication error that prevents communication between the control unit 100 and each component may be sent to the maintenance management server 82. As error information, a belt drive error, indicating that the rotation of the conveyor belt drive motor M3 cannot be detected, may be sent to the maintenance management server 82. A belt drive error can be detected when the index sensor P4 fails to detect the rotation of the belt drive shaft, even though the control unit 100 is performing control to drive the conveyor belt drive motor M3.

[0046] Next, let's discuss request button 71. As shown in Figure 1, the packaging machine 1 is equipped with a request button 71 and a button press confirmation lamp 72 on the upper surface of the front outer panel 1a. In this embodiment, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used as the button press confirmation lamp 72, but other light sources such as incandescent bulbs or neon lamps may be used. When the request button 71 is pressed, the control unit 100 illuminates the button press confirmation lamp 72 and transmits request information from the communication unit 101 to the maintenance management server 82 via the internet line 70. The maintenance management server 82, upon receiving the request information, stores the received request information linked to identification information that identifies the packaging machine 1 in the data. This allows a service technician to check the stored request information by accessing the maintenance management server 82 from the maintenance management terminal 80.

[0047] The maintenance management server 82, upon receiving the request information, may also be configured to notify the maintenance management terminal 80 of its receipt of the request information via electronic means such as email or a messaging app. This can shorten the time it takes for a service technician to recognize that the request information has been sent, thereby reducing the time from the user sending the specific request information to the service technician's response.

[0048] Request information may include, but is not limited to, requests for telephone contact from a service technician, requests for visits by a service technician, and requests for the shipment of consumable film rolls 6. Request information does not issue control commands to the packaging machine 1 regarding packaging processes, but rather transmits predetermined requests to maintenance managers such as service technicians.

[0049] Furthermore, the content of the request information that the packaging machine 1 sends to the maintenance management server 82 may differ depending on the operation method of the specific request information transmission operation unit, that is, the method of pressing the request button 71. For example, when the request button 71 is pressed and held (for example, for 3 seconds or more) with the main power ON, it may be set to send a film shipping request for the consumable film roll 6, and when the main power is turned ON while the request button 71 is pressed with the main power OFF, it may be set to send a visit request for a service technician. The types of pressing methods are not limited to combinations of long press and pressing and turning the main power ON, but may also be set to send different request information for single press and continuous press, or for three or more different pressing methods.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, even if there is only one request button 71, if the content of the request information differs depending on how it is pressed, multiple types of request information can be transmitted to maintenance personnel such as service technicians. Furthermore, even if there is a configuration with multiple request buttons 71, if the content of the request information differs depending on how it is pressed, it becomes possible to transmit more types of request information than the number of request buttons 71 to maintenance personnel such as service technicians.

[0051] The packaging machine 1 is configured to include a dedicated request button 71 as a specific request information transmission operation unit that sends request information to the maintenance management server 82, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may involve simultaneously pressing multiple buttons that each have other functions, such as a reset button and a temperature setting button, to send request information.

[0052] Once a service technician has reviewed the request information and completed the process (such as making a phone call to the user in response to a phone call request, visiting the user in response to a visit request, or completing the shipment of film roll 6 in response to a film shipment request), they operate the maintenance management terminal 80 to input request completion information indicating that the request has been completed. As a result, the request completion information is stored in the maintenance management server 82, and the maintenance management server 82 transmits the request completion information to the control unit 100 of the packaging machine 1. Upon receiving the request completion information, the control unit 100 turns off the press confirmation lamp 72, which was illuminated when the request button 71 was pressed.

[0053] When a user operator presses the request button 71, the button press confirmation lamp 72 lights up, preventing the user from sending duplicate request information. Furthermore, once the request has been addressed, the button press confirmation lamp 72 turns off, allowing the user to easily confirm whether the maintenance administrator has completed the requested information they sent.

[0054] In the embodiment described above, the button press confirmation lamp 72 is turned on when the request button 71 is pressed, and the button press confirmation lamp 72 is turned off when request completion information is received. Here, other configuration examples of the notification method using the button press confirmation lamp 72 will be described.

[0055] Figure 8 is a timeline diagram illustrating another configuration example where a service technician responds after a user presses the request button. On the other hand, Figure 9 is a timeline diagram illustrating another configuration example where a service technician does not respond after a user presses the request button. In the other configuration examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, the relationship between the request status and the display status of the press acceptance lamp 72 is as follows. • "No request / Completed" ⇒ "Lights off" • "Sending request" ⇒ "Blinking (1 time)" • "Request submitted (not yet processed)" ⇒ "Lighted" • "Communication Error" ⇒ Flashes (repeated 3 times)

[0056] Since the packaging work for newspapers S is often carried out late at night, the user's work is performed late at night in the time series shown in Figures 8 and 9. In the example shown in Figure 8, when the user turns on the power to the packaging machine 1, the button press indicator lamp 72 is off. If it becomes necessary to send some kind of request information, the user presses the request button 71, the button press indicator lamp 72 blinks once, and the packaging machine 1 sends the request information to the maintenance management server 82. The maintenance management server 82 stores the received request information linked to identification information that identifies the packaging machine 1 in the data, and then sends registration completion information to the packaging machine 1. As a result, the button press indicator lamp 72 on the packaging machine 1 lights up. Meanwhile, the maintenance management server 82 notifies the maintenance management terminal 80 of the receipt of the request information via electronic means such as email or a messaging app.

[0057] The following day, when the service technician operates the maintenance management terminal 80 during working hours, they can confirm via email or other means that the maintenance management server 82 has received the request information. The service technician then accesses the maintenance management server 82 from the maintenance management terminal 80 to check the request status. This allows them to confirm the number of requests; in this example, one request can be confirmed. Once the service technician takes appropriate action based on the request information (such as shipping consumables or visiting the user), they access the maintenance management server 82 from the maintenance management terminal 80 and update the request information, which is stored linked to the packaging machine 1's identification information, to "completed."

[0058] When a user turns on the power to packaging machine 1 late at night after a service technician has addressed the issue, the data inside packaging machine 1 remains in the state it was in up to the previous day, so the button press confirmation lamp 72 remains lit. In this state, the control unit 100 of packaging machine 1 communicates with the maintenance management server 82 to check the request status and, upon obtaining "addressed" request completion information, turns off the button press confirmation lamp 72. This allows the user to confirm that the request sent the previous day has been addressed.

[0059] In the example in Figure 9, the processing performed during the night is the same as in the example in Figure 8. In the example in Figure 9, there is no change in the request status stored on the maintenance server 82 because the service technician is unable to respond. When a user turns on the power to the packaging machine late at night the day after sending a request, the data in packaging machine 1 remains in the state it was in up to the previous day, so the button press confirmation lamp 72 remains lit. In this state, the control unit 100 of packaging machine 1 communicates with the maintenance management server 82 and checks the request status. It obtains information that the request status is not "processed" and that the request has not been processed, so the button press confirmation lamp 72 remains lit. This allows the user to confirm that the request sent the previous day has not been processed.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, the packaging machine 1 has one request button 71. The request information sent when the button is pressed may be fixed to only "request for telephone contact," but it may also be possible to set one request information selected by the user from among multiple requests to the maintenance administrator, such as "request for telephone contact," "request for visit," and "request for shipment," and send the selected request information when the button is pressed.

[0061] Multiple request buttons 71 may be placed. In this case, each of the multiple buttons may have fixed request information set, or the request information selected by the user from among multiple request information may be linked to each button, and the set request information may be sent when each button is pressed.

[0062] Alternatively, when the request button 71 is pressed, a request signal is sent to the maintenance management server 82 that only indicates that the request button 71 has been pressed. In this case, the maintenance management server 82 and the maintenance management terminal 80 on the maintenance management side may either display the request information set in association with the request signal from among multiple request information on the maintenance management terminal 80, or they may simply display on the maintenance management terminal 80 that the request signal has been received.

[0063] The packaging machine 1 notifies the user by turning off the button press confirmation lamp 72 when the control unit 100 receives request completion information, but the processing upon receiving request completion information is not limited to this. For example, multiple colored lamps may be arranged, and different colors may be lit depending on the response status after pressing the request button 71. Furthermore, a display unit such as a display panel may be provided, and the system may be configured to notify the user by displaying on the display unit that request completion information has been received.

[0064] Figure 6 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the vicinity of the request button 71 on the upper surface of the front outer panel 1a of the packaging machine 1 shown in Figure 1. The request button 71 is a mechanical button in which the upper surface of the part that is pressed moves downward when pressed by the operator, transmitting a pressed signal to the control unit. The request button 71 could also be placed within a touch panel operation screen. However, by using a mechanical button, it is easier to understand that a button has been pressed through the feel of the button. Also, because it requires a physical press, the operation will not be performed if only the upper surface of the button is touched, thus preventing operational errors. Furthermore, since the position can be felt by touch without looking at the screen, it can be operated without relying on sight and is easy to use even in dark places.

[0065] Furthermore, in the case of a touch panel, constantly displaying the request button 71, which is not used frequently, within the limited display space of the touch panel results in wasted space. On the other hand, if the request button 71 is not displayed on the default screen and is only displayed after a specific operation, the workload on the user to send the request information increases. In contrast, a mechanical button can be freely positioned in a location that does not interfere with other components, and the request information can be sent with a simple operation of pressing a button in a physically fixed position, thereby improving the operability for the operator.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the upper surface of the request button 71 in its unpressed state is recessed below the upper surface 1aF of the front exterior plate 1a, which is the exterior surface of the device housing, and the upper surface of the button is positioned inward from the upper surface 1aF of the front exterior plate. The packaging machine 1 uses sheet metal for its exterior, and since the exterior is on top, operators may align bundles of newspapers after packaging on the top surface of the packaging machine 1, temporarily place bundles of newspapers on it, or rest their hands on the top surface. In this case, if the request button 71 protrudes relative to the upper surface 1aF of the front exterior plate, there is a risk that the request button 71 may be pressed by mistake. When the request button 71 is pressed, a service technician will respond according to the requested information, so it is desirable to avoid incorrect operation. In contrast, in this embodiment, the top surface of the request button 71 of the packaging machine 1 is recessed compared to the top surface 1aF of the front outer panel. This prevents the request button 71 from being pressed unintentionally by the operator, even when aligning bundles of newspapers on the top surface of the packaging machine 1, temporarily placing them, or when the operator has their hands on the top surface, thus avoiding erroneous operation.

[0067] In the packaging machine 1, the upper surface of the request button 71 in the unpressed state is recessed below the upper surface 1aF of the front outer panel 1a. However, to avoid erroneous operation, the signal that the request button 71 has been pressed should not be transmitted to the control unit 100. Therefore, if the upper surface of the request button 71 in the pressed state, where it has lowered to a position where it transmits the pressed signal to the control unit 100, is positioned below (inward) the upper surface 1aF of the front outer panel, erroneous operation can be prevented.

[0068] To prevent accidental operation, a cover member may be placed to cover at least a portion of the top surface of the request button 71, thereby preventing the request from being pressed. Furthermore, to prevent accidental operation caused by placing a hand on the top surface of the device or arranging newspapers, the request button 71 may be placed on the side of the packaging machine 1.

[0069] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 can produce packaged products through a simple operation: manually inserting the items to be packaged, such as newspapers S, into the insertion slot 2. To improve productivity, it is necessary to insert items one after another through the insertion slot 2. In packaging work that requires performing simple operations one after another, operating a touch panel or waiting for an application on a multi-functional mobile terminal such as a smartphone to launch in order to send request information leads to a decrease in work efficiency. In contrast, the packaging machine 1 of this embodiment can improve work efficiency if it is configured so that request information can be sent through a simple and easy operation, such as pressing the request button 71 provided on the top surface of the device.

[0070] <Variation> Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a modified example of the modified packaging system 500. In the modified packaging system 500, the packaging machine 1 does not have a request button 71, and a request device 90 is placed near the user's packaging machine 1. In the data on the maintenance management server 82, identification information that identifies the packaging machine 1 and the identification information of the request device 90 placed nearby are linked and stored. The request device 90 has a communication means inside and can communicate with the user's modem 62, and furthermore, the request device 90 has an external request button 95. When the external request button 95 is pressed, request information is sent to the maintenance management server 82 in the same way as when the request button 71 is pressed in the above embodiment, making it possible to notify the service technician that there is request information.

[0071] In the modified packaging system 500, even if the packaging machine 1 does not have communication means such as the communication unit 101, it is possible to send request information from the user to the maintenance management server 82 and notify the service technician that there is request information. Furthermore, even if the packaging machine 1 has communication means but does not have a request button 71, it is possible to send request information from the user to the maintenance management server 82 and notify the service technician that there is request information.

[0072] In a configuration where request information is transmitted by a request device 90 separate from the packaging machine 1, an application for transmitting request information may be installed on a multi-functional terminal such as a smartphone, and an operation corresponding to pressing the request button 71 may be performed on the application. However, this configuration involves the hassle of removing the multi-functional terminal and waiting time until the application starts. In a configuration using a dedicated request device 90, as in the modified example, request information can be transmitted with a simple operation of pressing the external request button 95 of the request device 90 installed near the packaging machine 1. In this modified example, a mechanical button is used as the external request button 95 of the request device 90, but it is not limited to this.

[0073] The modified request device 90 is separate from the packaging machine 1 and is equipped with a rechargeable power source such as a battery or a battery housing that can accommodate replaceable batteries, and has a power source independent of the packaging machine 1. This allows request information to be transmitted without turning on the main power supply of the packaging machine 1. When the main power supply of the packaging machine 1 is turned on, it starts preheating each heater (9, 20) and starts consuming power for that purpose, so power consumption can be reduced by transmitting request information without turning on the main power supply.

[0074] In contrast to such modifications, the packaging machine 1 in the embodiment equipped with a request button 71 has the advantage that it is possible to notify a service technician that there is request information through a simple and easy operation, such as pressing the request button 71 provided on the device. Furthermore, even if the packaging machine 1 is configured to be equipped with a request button 71 as in the embodiment, it may be possible to send request information by pressing the request button 71 without turning on the main power. In such a configuration, even when the main power is not turned on, the standby power supply remains ON, and power is supplied to the request button 71 and the parts necessary for sending request information, and when the request button 71 is pressed, the request information is sent without turning on the heater. The standby power supply may be one that receives power from an outlet, or it may be a rechargeable power supply that receives power from an outlet and stores energy, or a replaceable battery. This eliminates the need to turn on the main power just to send request information, and reduces power consumption.

[0075] In the embodiment described above, the communication network used when the packaging machine 1 transmits packaging operations to the maintenance management server 82, which is an external information management means, was described as consisting of a Wi-Fi line, a LAN cable (61), and an internet line 70. However, the communication network is not limited to this. The configuration may also allow the user to check the usage status of the packaging machine 1 on a terminal (tablet, PC, etc.) that is easier to check than the operation panel 7. In this case, the communication network would be a wired or wireless communication line such as an in-house LAN or a Wi-Fi line.

[0076] External information management means are not limited to the maintenance management server 82; any information management means located outside the packaging machine 1 enclosure is acceptable, such as a user-owned PC, a maintenance management PC on the maintenance administrator's side, or a cloud service operated by the maintenance administrator. External information management means may also include mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets that can be carried by maintenance personnel such as service technicians.

[0077] The film F can be of multiple types, each with different characteristics such as thickness and material. Information regarding the type of film is input to the control unit 100, and the heater temperature, welding time, etc., are controlled according to the type of film.

[0078] The configuration for inputting information about the type of film to the control unit 100 may involve input settings from the operation panel 7, or input via communication with an external input terminal (tablet, smartphone, PC, etc.). Alternatively, the core of the film roll 6 may be equipped with an identification means capable of identifying the type of film, such as a barcode or contactless IC card, and a reading means for this identification means may be placed in the packaging machine 1. The reading means will then read the identification means, and the information regarding the type of film will be input to the control unit 100. In this configuration, where information about the type of film can be input to the control unit 100, information about the film to be used may be sent to the maintenance management server 82 as packaging operation information. This allows the maintenance manager to understand the type of film being used by the user and to consider maintenance management accordingly.

[0079] When sending error information as packaging operation information, the system may be configured to send error information every time an error is detected. Alternatively, the system may be configured to send error information periodically, such as once a day, or during specific operations such as power-on or power-off. In this case, the error history is saved from the last error information transmission, and the error history from the last transmission is sent when sending error information again. Compared to a configuration that sends information every time an error is detected, this reduces the number of transmissions and thus reduces the communication load.

[0080] In the embodiment described above, the packaging machine 1 is configured to cover the inserted rectangular sheet, which is the newspaper S, with a resin film sheet and seal the edges of all four sides of the newspaper S to package it. The object to be packaged by the packaging device according to the present invention is not limited to a rectangular sheet such as the newspaper S. Furthermore, it is not limited to sealing the edges of all four sides of the sheet; it may also be packaged with one of the four sides open. Moreover, the packaging material is not limited to a resin film sheet; it may be paper, cloth, or any other material that can package the object to be packaged.

[0081] The packaging machine 1 described above has a vertical transport configuration in which the newspaper S, which is the object to be packaged, is transported from top to bottom while being wrapped with a resin film, which is the packaging material. However, the packaging devices to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to this. For example, even in a horizontal transport configuration in which the object to be packaged is transported horizontally while being wrapped, such as the packaging device described in Patent Document 2, a configuration is applicable in which a communication means capable of transmitting information to an external information management means is provided, and a specific request information transmission operation unit is provided that transmits request information to the information management means via the communication means when an operation such as pressing is performed.

[0082] Furthermore, while the packaging machine 1 described above packages an object by overlapping and welding two resin films, the applicable packaging devices of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, even a packaging device that packages by folding a single resin film and welding the overlapping portion, as described in Patent Document 3, can be equipped with the above-described communication means. It is also applicable to packaging devices that use three or more resin films for packaging.

[0083] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various modifications such as design changes can be made to each embodiment based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such modified embodiments may also be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] The above is just one example; each of the following embodiments produces its own unique effects.

[0085] [Aspect 1] A packaging apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is a packaging apparatus such as a packaging machine 1, comprising: packaging means such as a transport packaging unit 50 that packages an object to be packaged, such as a newspaper S, with a packaging material such as a film F; communication means such as a communication unit 101 that can transmit information to an external information management means such as a maintenance management server 82 via a communication network such as an internet line 70; and a specific request information transmission operation unit such as a request button 71 that, when operated, transmits specific request information (such as information requesting contact from a service person) to the information management means.

[0086] According to Embodiment 1, when a user operator receives a specific request, such as a request for contact from a maintenance manager like a service technician, they can simply operate the specific request information transmission unit to send information that a specific request exists to the maintenance manager to which the maintenance manager belongs, using an external information management system. This allows the maintenance manager, who can confirm the information received by the information management system, to be notified that a specific request exists, thereby reducing the workload on the user side in contacting the maintenance manager about the specific request.

[0087] Furthermore, if a worker who has a specific request leaves a memo for another worker or waits for a while before contacting the maintenance manager, there is a risk that they may forget to contact the maintenance manager. In contrast, according to Embodiment 1, the user-side worker can prevent forgetting to contact the maintenance manager due to a delay between the time a specific request arises and the time the contact is made, by operating the specific request information transmission operation unit when a specific request arises.

[0088] In the embodiments described above, the configuration in which the specific request information transmission operation unit is a mechanical button was explained. However, the specific request information transmission operation unit is not limited to a mechanical button; it may also be a lever or switch that changes its physical position, or a button corresponding to the specific request information transmission operation unit may be provided within a touch panel whose physical position does not change. The specific request information transmission operation unit should preferably be a dedicated operation unit that only has the function of transmitting specific request information to the information management means, regardless of whether it is configured as a mechanical button or a button on a touch panel. By having only the function of transmitting specific request information and no other functions, it is possible to notify the maintenance manager that there is a specific request while preventing accidental operation with simple operation. Furthermore, the specific request information in the present invention is not information that prompts actions contributing to the packaging function of the packaging device, but rather information related to specific requests to the maintenance manager (such as requests for contact, requests for visits, and orders for consumables).

[0089] [Aspect 2] The packaging apparatus of Embodiment 2 is a packaging apparatus of Embodiment 1 in which the specific request information transmission operation unit has a button member such as a mechanical button that, when pressed, moves in the pressing direction, thereby performing the operation. According to embodiment 2, it is easy to understand when a button has been pressed, preventing operational errors, and enabling operation without relying on visual cues.

[0090] [Aspect 3] The packaging device of Embodiment 3 is a packaging device in which, in the packaging device of Embodiment 2, the surface of the pressing part, such as the upper surface of the button when not pressed, is located inward from the outer surface of the device housing (upper surface 1aF of the front outer panel). According to embodiment 3, it is possible to prevent the button component from being pressed unintentionally by the operator, thereby avoiding erroneous operation.

[0091] [Aspect 4] The packaging device of Embodiment 4 is a packaging device in which, in the packaging device of Embodiment 2, the surface of the pressing part, such as the upper surface of the button when pressed, is located inward from the outer surface of the device housing (upper surface 1aF of the front outer panel). According to embodiment 4, it is possible to some extent to prevent the button component from being pressed unintentionally by the operator, thereby avoiding erroneous operation.

[0092] [Aspect 5] The packaging device of Embodiment 5 is a packaging device of Embodiment 2 that includes a button-press prevention cover member, such as a lid member, which covers at least a portion of the pressing portion, such as the upper surface of the request button 71, and prevents the button member from being pressed. According to embodiment 5, it is possible to prevent the button component from being pressed unintentionally by the operator, thereby avoiding erroneous operation.

[0093] [Aspect 6] The packaging apparatus of embodiment 6 is a packaging apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the specific request information transmission operation unit is a button such as a request button 71 that functions when its surface is pressed, and transmits the specific request information to the information management means when it is pressed continuously for a predetermined time or longer (also called "long press"). According to embodiment 6, the specific request information is not transmitted simply by pressing the button, but is transmitted only when the button is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) or longer. This prevents the accidental transmission of specific request information if the operator unintentionally presses the button, while reliably notifying the maintenance manager that there is a specific request through the simple operation of a long press. The button that transmits specific request information by long-pressing is not limited to a mechanical button such as the request button 71, but may also be a button display on a touch panel.

[0094] [Aspect 7] The packaging apparatus of embodiment 7 is a packaging apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 6, which is equipped with notification means such as a pressed reception lamp 72 that notifies that a specific request information transmission operation unit has been operated. According to embodiment 7, the user can prevent the transmission of duplicate specific request information.

[0095] The press-receive lamp 72, which is the notification means in the above-described embodiment, turns off when the control unit 100 receives request completion information. The timing of turning off is not limited to this; it may also turn off after lighting up for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, it may remain lit from the time it starts up until the power to the packaging machine 1 is turned off, and then not light up (turn off) the next time the power is turned on.

[0096] [Aspect 8] The packaging apparatus of embodiment 8 is a packaging apparatus relating to any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the specific request information is a request for contact from a maintenance manager, such as by telephone. According to embodiment 8, the workload on the user can be reduced when requesting contact from maintenance personnel.

[0097] [Aspect 9] The packaging apparatus of embodiment 9 is a packaging apparatus relating to any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the specific request information requests a visit by a maintenance and management personnel. According to embodiment 9, the workload on the user can be reduced when requesting a visit from a maintenance and management personnel.

[0098] [Aspect 10] The packaging apparatus of embodiment 10 is a packaging apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the specific request information requests the shipment of consumables such as film rolls 6. According to embodiment 10, the workload on the user can be reduced when requesting the shipment of consumables. In the case of a specific request for the shipment of consumables, where the shipper of the consumables and the maintenance manager of the packaging equipment are different, the external information management means that receives the specific request may be configured to automatically transmit the shipment request information, which requests the shipper of the consumables to ship the consumables, to the consumables carrier via an electronic communication line.

[0099] [Aspect 11] The packaging apparatus of embodiment 11 is a packaging apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 7, which can set specific request information to be transmitted when the specific request information transmission operation unit is operated, by selecting from a plurality of request information, which includes at least one of the following as specific request information: a request for contact from a maintenance manager such as by telephone, a request for a visit by a maintenance manager, and a request for shipment of consumables. According to embodiment 11, the content of the request to be transmitted as specific request information can be set according to the user's preferences, thereby improving user convenience.

[0100] [Aspect 12] The packaging apparatus of embodiment 12 is a packaging apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of specific request information transmission operation units, wherein the request information to be transmitted when each specific request information transmission operation unit is operated can be set. According to embodiment 12, multiple requests can be set to be sent as specific request information, and each setting can be configured according to the user's preference, thereby improving user convenience.

[0101] [Aspect 13] The packaging apparatus of embodiment 13 is a packaging apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 12, and is equipped with a request completion notification means (such as a control unit 100 that turns off the pressed reception lamp 72) that notifies that a request completion signal, such as request completion information, indicating that a response to a specific request information has been received from the information management means. According to embodiment 13, the user can easily confirm whether or not the maintenance administrator has completed the response to the specific request information that they sent.

[0102] [Aspect 14] The packaging apparatus of embodiment 14 is a packaging apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 13, which is equipped with packaging operation information acquisition means such as a control unit 100 that acquires packaging operation information related to the packaging operation of the packaging means, and transmits packaging operation information to the information management means when transmitting specific request information to the information management means. According to embodiment 14, a maintenance manager who has confirmed the specific request information can obtain packaging operation information at the time the specific request information was transmitted. As a result, if the specific request information is a contact request or visit request from the maintenance manager, and if a malfunction of the device is expected from the obtained packaging operation information, the nature of the malfunction can be predicted and countermeasures can be considered before contacting or visiting the user, enabling smooth communication when contacting or visiting the user.

[0103] [Aspect 15] The packaging apparatus of embodiment 15 is a packaging apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 14 in which the content of the specific request information, such as the request information, transmitted to an external information management means such as a maintenance management server 82 differs depending on the method of operation of the specific request information transmission operation unit, such as the method of pressing the request button 71. According to embodiment 15, it is possible to transmit more types of specific request information than the number of specific request information transmission operation units. In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the content of the specific request information differs depending on how a mechanical button is pressed, but even if the specific request information transmission operation unit is a touch panel, a configuration may be used in which multiple request information is transmitted by different methods of pressing the buttons displayed on the touch panel (e.g., a short single press, a long press, two consecutive presses).

[0104] [Aspect 16] The packaging device of embodiment 16 is a packaging device according to any of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the notification method of the notification means is changed when specific request information is transmitted to the information management means (notification method is "flashing", etc.), when a confirmation signal of receipt of specific request information is received from the information management means (notification method is "lighting", etc.), and when a request completion signal indicating that a response to the specific request information has been made is received from the information management means (notification method is "lighting off", etc.). This makes it easy to understand the status of the maintenance team's response after the user has submitted specific request information.

[0105] [Aspect 17] The packaging device according to embodiment 17 is a packaging device comprising: packaging means such as a transport packaging unit 50 that packages an object to be packaged, such as a newspaper S, with a packaging material such as a film F; communication means such as a communication unit 101 that can transmit information to an external information management means such as a maintenance management server 82 via a communication network such as an internet line 70; and a push signal transmitting button such as a request button 71 that transmits a push signal, such as a request signal, to the information management means when pressed to indicate that it has been pressed.

[0106] According to Embodiment 17, when a user operator has a specific request, such as a request for contact from a maintenance manager such as a service technician, they can simply press a push signal button to inform the maintenance manager to which the maintenance manager belongs that the push signal button has been pressed. In this case, by pre-determining the specific request to be made when the push signal button is pressed between the user and the maintenance manager, it becomes possible to inform the maintenance manager, who can check the information such as signals received by the information management means, that there is a specific request, thereby reducing the workload on the user in contacting the maintenance manager about the specific request. Furthermore, by transmitting only a push signal, the burden on the communication line can be reduced compared to a configuration that transmits some kind of specific request information, and the presence of a specific request can be more reliably communicated to the maintenance manager.

[0107] On the other hand, in embodiment 17, if only a press signal is sent to the maintenance manager and the content of the specific request information is predetermined by human intervention, there is a possibility that the specific request information recognized by the maintenance manager may differ from what the user intended due to misunderstandings on the part of the maintenance manager. In contrast, if specific request information is transmitted as in embodiment 1, there is no human intervention in the process of the maintenance manager confirming the request information, and it is possible to prevent the specific request information recognized by the maintenance manager from differing from what the user intended due to misunderstandings. Furthermore, even in the configuration where only a press signal is transmitted from the packaging device side as in embodiment 17, the configuration may also be such that an external information management means such as a maintenance management server 82 displays the predetermined specific request information on the display screen of a maintenance management terminal such as a maintenance management terminal 80, which is checked by a maintenance manager or other maintenance personnel, based on the received press signal.

[0108] While a mechanical button is suitable for the push-signal transmission button, it is not limited to this; a lever or switch that changes its physical position may also be used, or a button corresponding to the push-signal transmission button may be provided within a touch panel where the physical position does not change.

[0109] [Aspect 18] A packaging device management system according to embodiment 18 of the present invention is a packaging device management system such as a packaging machine 1 having packaging means such as a conveying packaging unit 50 for packaging objects such as newspapers S with packaging material such as a film F; information management means such as a maintenance management server 82 that acquires information about the packaging device via a communication network such as an internet line 70; and a specific request information transmission operation unit (request button 71, external request button 95, etc.) that, when operated, transmits specific request information (such as information requesting contact from a service person) which is information about a specific request regarding the packaging device to the information management means via the communication network.

[0110] According to Embodiment 18, when a user operator has a specific request, such as a request for contact from a maintenance manager such as a service technician, they can transmit information that a specific request exists to the maintenance manager to which the maintenance manager belongs with the simple operation of the specific request information transmission operation unit. This makes it possible for the maintenance manager, who can check the information received by the information management unit, to be notified that a specific request exists, thereby reducing the workload on the user side in contacting the maintenance manager about the specific request. The information about the packaging device acquired by the information management unit in Embodiment 18 is not limited to packaging operation information and request information transmitted from the packaging device having a communication means, but also includes request information transmitted from the request device 90 linked to the packaging device.

[0111] [Aspect 19] The packaging device management system of embodiment 19 is a packaging device management system in which, when the information management means receives the specific request information, it notifies a maintenance management terminal, such as a maintenance management terminal 80 used by the person in charge of maintenance management of the packaging device. According to embodiment 19, it is possible to shorten the time from the transmission of user-specific request information to the response by the maintenance administrator.

[0112] [Aspect 20] The packaging device management system of Embodiment 20 is a packaging device management system according to Embodiment 18 or 19 in which, when a maintenance person for the packaging device inputs to the maintenance management terminal that they have taken action in response to specific request information, a request completion signal, such as information that the action has been taken, is transmitted from the information management means to the packaging device, and the packaging device notifies that it has received the request completion signal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1: Packaging machine 1a: Front exterior panel 1b: Rear exterior panel 1aF: Top surface of the front exterior panel 6: Film Roll 6a: First film roll 6b: Second film roll 7: Control Panel 8: Welding and Cutting Mechanism 9: Welding and cutting heater 10: Stand 19: Conveyor belt 20: Side welding heater 21: Side welding support stand 50: Conveying and Packaging Section 71: Request button 72: Press confirmation lamp 80: Maintenance and management terminal 90: Request device 95: External Request Button 100: Control Unit 101: Communications Department F: Film F1: First Film F2: Second film FP:Package M1: Welding and cutting heater drive motor M2: Side welding heater drive motor M3: Conveyor belt drive motor

Claims

1. A packaging means for packaging an object to be packaged with packaging material, A communication means capable of transmitting information to an external information management means via a communication network, A specific request information transmission operation unit, which, when operated, transmits specific request information, which is information about a specific request, to the information management means, A packaging device equipped with the following features.

2. In the packaging apparatus of claim 1, The aforementioned specific request information transmission operation unit is a packaging device having a button member that, when pressed, moves the surface of the pressing part in the pressing direction to perform the operation.

3. In the packaging apparatus of claim 2, The aforementioned button member is a packaging device in which the surface of the pressing portion when not pressed is located inward from the outer surface of the device housing.

4. In the packaging apparatus of claim 2, The aforementioned button member is a packaging device in which the surface of the pressed portion when pressed is located inward from the outer surface of the device housing.

5. In the packaging apparatus of claim 2, A packaging device comprising a button-press prevention cover member that covers at least a portion of the pressing portion and prevents the button member from being pressed.

6. In the packaging apparatus of claim 1, The specified request information transmission operation unit is a button that functions when its surface is pressed, and the packaging device transmits the specified request information to the information management means when it is pressed continuously for a predetermined time or longer.

7. In the packaging apparatus of claim 1, A packaging device equipped with notification means for notifying that the aforementioned specific request information transmission operation unit has been operated.

8. In the packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The aforementioned specific request information is a packaging device requesting contact from a maintenance and management personnel.

9. In the packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The aforementioned specific request information concerns a packaging device that requests a visit from a maintenance and management personnel.

10. In the packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The aforementioned specific request information concerns a packaging device requesting the shipment of consumables.

11. In the packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A packaging device that can set the request information to be transmitted when the specified request information transmission operation unit is operated, by selecting from a plurality of request information, which includes at least one of the following as specified request information: a request for contact from a maintenance manager, a request for a visit by a maintenance manager, and a request for shipment of consumables.

12. In the packaging apparatus of claim 11, A packaging device comprising a plurality of the specified request information transmission operation units, wherein the request information to be transmitted when each of the specified request information transmission operation units is operated can be set.

13. In the packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A packaging apparatus comprising a request completion notification means that notifies that a request completion signal has been received from the information management means indicating that a response has been taken to the specific request information.

14. In the packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The packaging means includes a packaging operation information acquisition means for acquiring packaging operation information related to the packaging operation, A packaging device that transmits packaging operation information to the information management means when transmitting the specific request information to the information management means.

15. In the packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A packaging device in which the content of the specific request information transmitted to the information management means differs depending on the operation method of the specific request information transmission operation unit.

16. In the packaging apparatus of claim 7, When the specified request information is transmitted to the information management means, When the information management means receives a confirmation signal of receipt of the specific request information, A packaging device that changes the notification method of the notification means when it receives a request completion signal from the information management means indicating that a response has been made to the specific request information.

17. A packaging means for packaging an object to be packaged with packaging material, A communication means capable of transmitting information to an external information management means via a communication network, A push signal transmitting button that transmits a push signal to the information management means to indicate that it has been pressed, A packaging device equipped with the following features.

18. A packaging apparatus having a packaging means for packaging an object to be packaged with packaging material, Information management means for acquiring information about the packaging device via a communication network, A packaging device maintenance management system comprising: a specific request information transmission operation unit that, when operated, transmits specific request information, which is information about a specific request concerning the packaging device, to the information management means via a communication network.

19. In the packaging device maintenance management system of claim 18, A packaging device maintenance management system that, upon receiving the specified request information from the information management means, notifies a maintenance management terminal used by the maintenance personnel of the packaging device.

20. In the packaging device maintenance management system of claim 18 or 19, A packaging device maintenance management system wherein, when a maintenance worker for the packaging device inputs to the maintenance management terminal that they have taken action in response to the specified request information, a request completion signal is transmitted from the information management means to the packaging device, and the packaging device notifies that it has received the request completion signal.

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