Packaging equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a packaging device that can improve packaging quality by preventing packaging materials from being welded while they are warped. [Solution] When the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2 and the entire packaged item 2 is positioned between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1, the specific upper guide roll 9a (upper guide roll support part 11) is configured to move (lower) a predetermined amount vertically downward from its initial position when welding the edges of each packaging material 4a1 and 4b1. As a result, the edges of the packaging material are welded with tension firmly applied to the upper packaging material 4a1, so even if over-rotation of the packaging roll occurs due to the inertial force when the pulling out of the packaging material stops, the edges of the packaging material will not be welded while the pulled-out upper packaging material is flexed. This improves the quality of packaging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging device for automatically packaging an object to be packaged.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of EC sites (mail-order sites for stores on the Internet), the individual shipping of small items such as books and stationery has increased. In this case, it is necessary to individually package the items to be shipped, and as a packaging device for automating such packaging, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. This packaging device sandwiches an object to be packaged between two packaging materials (for example, kraft paper with an air cap) whose tips are pre-welded, and while horizontally pushing out the object to be packaged from behind with a pusher, at the same time, the tip of the packaging material is grasped from the front with a clamp device and pulled in. When the two pulled-out packaging materials pass a predetermined width from the position where they cover the entire object to be packaged, the pushing out and pulling in (pulling out of the packaging material) are stopped, and both sides and the end portion of the two packaging materials are welded, and at the same time, the center of the end portion is cut, and the packaged object to be packaged is discharged, and the remaining welded portion (the rest of the end portion) is used as the tip of the next packaging. In this type of packaging device, it is common to use a roll-shaped one (hereinafter also referred to as a "packaging roll") as the packaging material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In packaging devices like the one described in Patent Document 1, the packaging roll rotates as the leading edge of the packaging material is grasped and pulled in by the clamping device (the packaging material is pulled out). As the amount of packaging material used (consumption) increases, the amount of packaging material wound on the packaging roll (remaining amount) decreases, and the weight of the packaging roll becomes lighter. When the weight of the packaging roll becomes lighter, the inertial force when the pulling by the clamping device (pulling out the packaging material) stops can cause the packaging roll to over-rotate. When the packaging roll over-rotates, the pulled-out upper packaging material, in particular, has insufficient vertical support and is prone to bending. If the packaging material is welded while it is bending in this way, problems arise such as lifting at the welded area, resulting in insufficient welding or a poor appearance, leading to a decrease in packaging quality.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its objective is to provide a packaging device that can improve packaging quality by preventing packaging materials from being welded while they are bent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention employs the following means.

[0007] The packaging device of means 1 is A pair of packaging rolls are provided, spaced apart vertically, each wrapped with packaging material, A conveying means for conveying the packaged material toward the welded front edge side of the upper and lower packaging materials supplied from the pair of packaging rolls, When the packaged object being transported by the transport means reaches a position where it enters between the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material, a pull-out means is provided to pull out the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material from the front edge side to a packaging position where the entire packaged object can be wrapped by the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material. A pair of guide rolls that guide the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material supplied from the pair of packaging rolls toward the withdrawal means, With the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material pulled out to the packaging position and the entire contents of the packaged item positioned between the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material, a welding means for welding the edges of the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material, excluding the front edge, The system includes a moving means for moving the upper guide roll of the pair of guide rolls in a direction that applies tension to the upper packaging material when welding the edges of the upper and lower packaging materials. This is the gist of it.

[0008] According to this, when the entire packaged item is positioned (contained) between the upper and lower packaging materials, whose leading edges are welded to each other, supplied by a pair of packaging rolls, and the remaining edges of the upper and lower packaging materials other than the leading edges are welded, the upper guide roll of the pair of guide rolls that guide the upper and lower packaging materials toward the withdrawal means moves in a direction that applies tension to the upper packaging material (also called the "tension application direction"), so that the remaining edges are welded while tension is firmly applied to the upper packaging material. For this reason, for example, even if the packaging material is withdrawn when the remaining amount on the packaging roll is low, and the inertia force when the withdrawal stops causes the packaging roll to over-rotate, it is possible to prevent the withdrawn upper packaging material from being welded while it is sagging. This can be achieved to improve packaging quality.

[0009] The packaging device of means 2 is, in the packaging device of means 1, A tension measuring means for measuring the tension on the upper packaging material when the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material are pulled out to the packaging position, The system includes a determination means that determines the amount of movement of the upper guide roll in the direction that applies tension to the upper packaging material, based on the measurement results from the tension measuring means. The moving means is configured to move the upper guide roll according to the amount of movement determined by the determination means. This is the gist of it.

[0010] According to this system, the tension on the upper packaging material is measured when the upper and lower packaging materials are pulled out to the packaging position. Based on this measurement (tension value), the amount of movement of the upper guide roll in the tension application direction is determined, and the upper guide roll can move in the tension application direction according to this determined amount of movement. Therefore, the amount of movement of the upper guide roll in the tension application direction can be adjusted (controlled) according to various conditions when packaging (welding the packaging material) the item to be packaged, such as the remaining amount of packaging roll and the size of the item to be packaged. This allows for efficient movement of the upper guide roll in the tension application direction.

[0011] The packaging device of means 3 is a packaging device of means 1 or 2, The pulling means is configured to begin pulling out the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material when a portion of the packaged material being transported by the transport means is in contact with the lower packaging material from the rear edge side of the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material that are not welded to each other. As the upper and lower packaging materials are pulled out, the packaged item is moved between the upper and lower packaging materials. This is the gist of it.

[0012] According to this method, when the packaged object being transported by the transport means reaches the position where it enters between the upper and lower packaging materials, and the upper and lower packaging materials are pulled out from the front edge side, this pulling out begins with a portion of the transported packaged object in contact with the lower packaging material from the rear edge side, which is not welded to the upper and lower packaging materials. As the upper and lower packaging materials are pulled out, the packaged object is moved between the upper and lower packaging materials. Therefore, the packaged object can be placed between the upper and lower packaging materials without having to push it in from behind. This makes it less likely for problems such as the packaged object tilting or collapsing to occur, and improves packaging quality. In addition, since there is no need to provide a mechanism for pushing the packaged object in from behind, the packaging device can be simplified and costs can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the above invention, it is possible to provide a packaging device that can improve packaging quality by preventing the packaging material from being welded while being bent.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of an automatic packaging line according to an embodiment in a side view. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram of a packaging line control unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] (a) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the first step of the packaging process in a plan view, and (b) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the first step of the packaging process in a side view. [Figure 4] (a) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the second step of the packaging process in a plan view, and (b) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the second step of the packaging process in a side view. [Figure 5] (a) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the second step following FIG. 4 in a plan view, and (b) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the second step following FIG. 4 in a side view. [Figure 6] (a) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the third step of the packaging process in a plan view, and (b) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the third step of the packaging process in a side view. [Figure 7] (a) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the fourth step of the packaging process in a plan view, and (b) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the fourth step of the packaging process in a side view. [Figure 8] (a) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the state of the main part before the upper guide roll support part (specific upper guide roll) descends in a side view from the rear, and (b) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the state of the main part after the upper guide roll support part (specific upper guide roll) has descended in a side view from the rear. [Figure 9] (a) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the fifth step of the packaging process in a plan view, and (b) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the fifth step of the packaging process in a side view. [Figure 10](a) is a schematic diagram showing schematically in plan view the sixth step of the packaging process, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing schematically in side view the sixth step of the packaging process. [Figure 11] It is a figure showing a guide roll lowering amount determination table of a modification.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples.

Example

[0016] This example applies the packaging device according to the present invention to an automatic packaging line that automates the packaging of the object to be packaged. In the following description, the upstream side in the conveyance direction in which the object to be packaged is conveyed is also referred to as "rearward" or "rear side", and the downstream side in the conveyance direction is also referred to as "forward" or "front side" (see FIGS. 1, 4, etc.). Also, "upper" (upper side) and "lower" (lower side) refer to the respective directions of "up" and "down" when the automatic packaging line or the packaging device is viewed horizontally from the side. For example, it refers to the upper side and the lower side in FIGS. 1 and 3(b). Further, "leftward" (left side) and "rightward" (right side) refer to "left" and "right" when the automatic packaging line or the packaging device is viewed horizontally from the rear (side view). For example, it refers to the front side (left), the back side (right) in FIGS. 1 and 3(b), the upper side (left), the lower side (right) in FIG. 3(a), and the left side and the right side in FIG. 8.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing schematically in side view the configuration of an automatic packaging line 1 according to this example. As shown in the figure, the automatic packaging line 1 is configured to include a packaging device 3 that automatically packages an object to be packaged 2, and is controlled by a dedicated computer (control device). This computer functions as a packaging line control unit 100 (also referred to as "line control means") shown in FIG. 2, and controls (for example, PLC control) each process related to the packaging of the object to be packaged 2 performed centering on the packaging device 3. The packaging line control unit 100 performs drive control of devices, mechanisms, etc. that constitute the automatic packaging line 1 by functioning as each unit 101 to 113 shown in FIG. 2.

[0018] The packaged item 2 includes, for example, small items 2a such as stampers such as name stamps and address stamps, ink pads, and marking pens, and a delivery slip 2b on which the item(s) to be delivered, price, shipping address (delivery destination), order number, and order management barcode are printed.

[0019] The packaging device 3 is a device that automatically packages together the articles 2a and delivery slips 2b, which are the items to be packaged 2 and are transported on the upstream conveyor belt 20 located upstream of the automatic packaging line 1. The configuration of the packaging device 3 and the packaging process of the items to be packaged 2 by the packaging device 3 will be explained below with reference to Figures 1, 3 to 10, etc.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the packaging device 3 includes a pair of packaging rolls 4 (4a, 4b) spaced apart vertically and each wrapped with packaging material, a first conveyor 5 (also called a "conveying means") that transports the object to be packaged 2 in the direction of the welded front edges 4d (also called the "front edge side") of the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 supplied from the pair of packaging rolls 4, and a packaging material withdrawal unit 8 (also called a "withdrawing means") that, when the object to be packaged 2 transported by the first conveyor 5 reaches an entry position P1 (see Figure 5(b)) between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1, withdraws the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 from the front edges 4d to a packaging position P2 (see Figure 6(b)) where the entire object to be packaged 2 can be wrapped by the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1. The packaging system includes a pair of guide rolls 9 (9a, 9b) that guide the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 supplied from a pair of packaging rolls 4 toward a packaging material dispensing unit 8, a heat seal unit 10 (also called a "welding means") that welds the respective edges (left edge 4e, right edge 4f, rear edge 4g) of the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1, excluding the front edge 4d, when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 have been pulled out to the packaging position P2 and the entire packaged object 2 is positioned between the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1, and an upper guide roll lifting unit 11 (also called a "moving means") that moves the upper guide roll 9a of the pair of guide rolls 9 in a direction that applies tension to the upper packaging material 4a1 when welding the respective edges of the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1.

[0021] The pair of packaging rolls 4 are arranged such that each packaging roll 4a and 4b maintains a predetermined vertical distance from each other. Specifically, the upper packaging roll 4a is rotatably supported on a shaft 4c1 located above the first conveyor belt 5, with its central axis extending in a horizontal direction (left-right horizontal direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction. On the other hand, the lower packaging roll 4b is rotatably supported on a shaft 4c2 located below the first conveyor belt 5, with its central axis extending in a horizontal direction (left-right horizontal direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0022] The upper packaging roll 4a and the lower packaging roll 4b are both rolls of packaging material wound onto them, and are detachably attached to shafts 4c1 and 4c2, respectively, and can be replaced depending on the usage situation. The upper packaging roll 4a and the lower packaging roll 4b are sometimes collectively referred to simply as "packaging rolls," and the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 are sometimes collectively referred to simply as "packaging material."

[0023] In this embodiment, cushioned kraft paper, which has bubble wrap (so-called "air cap") laminated to one side of kraft paper, is used as the packaging material, and this cushioned kraft paper is wound into a roll to form a packaging roll.

[0024] An adhesive layer (resin layer) is provided on the periphery of the side of the cushioning material-lined kraft paper that has the cushioning material, enabling the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 to be welded (heat-sealed) to each other. In the following description, the side of the cushioning material-lined kraft paper (packaging material) that has the cushioning material will be referred to as the "inner surface," and the side that does not have the cushioning material will be referred to as the "outer surface." In addition to cushioning material-lined kraft paper, other packaging materials such as polyethylene can also be used as packaging materials.

[0025] The first conveyor belt 5 is located upstream of the conveying direction in the packaging device 3 and is composed of a belt conveyor. The operation of the first conveyor belt 5 is controlled by the conveyor drive unit 101 (see Figure 2) of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0026] In addition, other conveyor belts installed in the automatic packaging line 1 are also constructed as belt conveyors and are controlled by the conveyor drive unit 101.

[0027] The packaging material dispensing unit 8 is located downstream of the entry position P1 in the transport direction (see Figure 5(b)) and includes a clamping mechanism 8b with a clamping piece 8a capable of gripping the front edge 4d of the packaging material, a clamping mechanism 8c, and a slide rail 8d. The clamping piece 8a, clamping mechanism 8b, and slide rail 8d are provided in pairs on the left and right sides (see Figures 3(a), 4(a), etc.).

[0028] The clamping mechanism 8b operates the clamping piece 8a to clamp the front edge 4d of the packaging material before the packaging of the item to be packaged 2 begins, and releases the clamping after the packaging of the item to be packaged 2 is completed. It includes an electrical drive source such as a motor to operate the clamping piece 8a.

[0029] The clamp movement mechanism 8c moves (slides) the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a) along the slide rail 8d in the transport direction (forward) or the opposite direction to the transport direction (rearward), and includes an electrical drive source such as a motor to move the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a). When the clamp mechanism 8b moves in the transport direction with the clamp piece 8a gripping the front edge 4d of the packaging material, the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out from the front edge 4d. The operation of the packaging material pulling unit 8, that is, the operation of the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a) and the clamp movement mechanism 8c, is controlled by the clamp drive unit 102 (see Figure 2) of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0030] The pair of guide rolls 9 includes an upper guide roll 9a that guides the upper packaging material 4a1 supplied from the upper packaging roll 4a toward the packaging material extraction unit 8 (clamp piece 8a), and a lower guide roll 9b that guides the lower packaging material 4b1 supplied from the lower packaging roll 4b toward the packaging material extraction unit 8 (clamp piece 8a).

[0031] The upper guide roll 9a and lower guide roll 9b are each made of a cylindrical metal member and are positioned so that their central axis extends in a horizontal direction (left-right horizontal direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 3(b), two upper guide rolls 9a and three lower guide rolls 9b are provided. Each guide roll 9a and 9b rotates in contact with the outer surface of the packaging material as the packaging material is pulled out by the packaging material pulling unit 8.

[0032] Of the two upper guide rolls 9a, the upper guide roll 9a located closer to (below) the packaging material dispensing unit 8 (clamp piece 8a) is rotatably supported by the upper guide roll support section 11a of the upper guide roll lifting unit 11, which will be described later (see Figures 3(b), 4(b), etc.).

[0033] In this embodiment, there are two upper guide rolls 9a and three lower guide rolls 9b, but the number of each guide roll is not limited to these and can be arbitrary. Furthermore, the number of upper guide rolls 9a and lower guide rolls 9b may be the same or different, and the number of guide rolls can be arbitrarily set according to the scale of the packaging device 3 (automatic packaging line 1) and the distance from the packaging roll to the packaging material extraction unit 8 (clamp piece 8a).

[0034] The heat seal unit 10 is installed downstream of the first conveyor belt 5 (downstream of the entry position P1) and includes a pair of seal bars 10a that are positioned opposite each other vertically on either side of the conveyor line (second conveyor belt 6) through which the packaged items 2 are transported, and a seal bar lifting mechanism 10b that raises and lowers (moves up and down) each of the upper and lower seal bars 10a.

[0035] At least one of the pair of sealing bars 10a has a heater (not shown) built into it, and the sealing bar 10a clamps the edges (periphery) of the packaging material (upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1) from above and below and welds (heat seals) them together. The upper sealing bar 10a of the pair of upper and lower sealing bars 10a is also called the "upper sealing bar," and the lower sealing bar 10a is also called the "lower sealing bar."

[0036] As shown in Figures 3, 9, etc., the seal bar 10a (upper seal bar, lower seal bar) includes a left seal bar 10a1 that welds the left edge (also called the "left edge 4e") of the remaining edges of the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 (packaging material) whose front edge 4d is welded, a right seal bar 10a2 that sandwiches and welds the right edge (also called the "right edge 4f") of the packaging material, and a rear seal bar 10a3 that sandwiches and welds the rear edge (also called the "rear edge 4g"). The seal bar 10a (upper seal bar, lower seal bar) also includes a front edge forming seal bar 10a4 that sandwiches and welds a portion located a predetermined distance rearward from the rear seal bar 10a3 (rear edge 4g) in order to make that portion the front edge 4d of the next packaging material.

[0037] The left seal bar 10a1 and the right seal bar 10a2 are each provided in a horizontal direction parallel to the conveying direction (front-to-back horizontal direction), while the rear seal bar 10a3 and the front edge forming seal bar 10a4 are each provided in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (left-to-right horizontal direction).

[0038] The seal bar lifting mechanism 10b moves the upper seal bar vertically downward by a predetermined amount and the lower seal bar vertically upward by a predetermined amount when welding the edges of the packaging materials with the entire packaged object 2 positioned between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 (see Figure 6), and after welding, moves the upper seal bar vertically upward by a predetermined amount and the lower seal bar vertically downward by a predetermined amount (see Figures 9, 10, etc.), and includes an electrical drive source such as a motor to move the upper seal bar and the lower seal bar up and down (up and down). The operation of the heat seal unit 10, that is, the operation of the seal bar 10a (built-in heater) and the seal bar lifting mechanism 10b, is controlled by the heat seal drive unit 103 of the packaging line control unit 100 (see Figure 2).

[0039] As shown in Figures 3(b), 4(b), etc., the upper guide roll lifting unit 11 is located below the upper packaging roll 4a and near the upper guide roll 9a, and includes an upper guide roll support section 11a that rotatably supports the upper guide roll 9a (also called the "specific upper guide roll 9a") located on the side (lower) of the two upper guide rolls 9a that is closer to the packaging material extraction unit 8 (clamp piece 8a), and an upper guide roll lifting mechanism 11b that moves the upper guide roll support section 11a up and down (up and down).

[0040] The upper guide roll lifting mechanism 11b, when the entire packaged object 2 is positioned between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 (see Figure 6), moves the upper guide roll support 11a vertically downward by a predetermined amount (down) when the upper and lower sealing bars of the heat sealing unit 10 sandwich the packaging material from above and below (i.e., welds the edges of the packaging material), and moves the upper guide roll support 11a vertically upward by a predetermined amount (up) after welding (see Figures 7, 10, etc.), and includes an electrical drive source such as a motor to move the upper guide roll support 11a up and down (up and down movement). As the upper guide roll support 11a moves up and down, the upper guide roll 9a (specific upper guide roll 9a) supported by the upper guide roll support 11a moves up and down. The operation of the upper guide roll lifting unit 11, that is, the operation of the upper guide roll lifting mechanism 11b, is controlled by the guide roll drive unit 104 (see Figure 2) of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the packaging device 3 includes a second conveyor 6 that extends from the vicinity of the rear seal bar 10a3 of the heat seal unit 10 to the front (downstream) of the packaging device 3, a length measuring sensor 7 that is located above the downstream side of the first conveyor 5, a pressing unit 12 that is located on the side of the upper seal bar of the heat seal unit 10, and a cutting unit 13 that is located on the side of the lower seal bar of the heat seal unit 10.

[0042] The second conveyor 6 transports the packaged product 15, after the entire packaged product 2 is positioned between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 and the edges of the packaging material are welded together, toward the downstream conveyor 30, which is located downstream of the packaging device 3 and will be described later.

[0043] The length measuring sensor 7 measures the length (front-to-back dimension) of the packaged object 2 being transported by the first conveyor belt 5. The measurement data (measured value) from the length measuring sensor 7 is acquired by the pre-packaging size measuring unit 111 (see Figure 2) of the packaging line control unit 100. The measurement data acquired by the pre-packaging size measuring unit 111 is used to control the amount of movement when moving (sliding) the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a) in the transport direction during the third step of the packaging process of the packaged object 2, which will be described later.

[0044] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pressing unit 12 (also called the "pressing means") includes a pressing plate 12a located between the left sealing bar 10a1 and the right sealing bar 10a2 of the upper sealing bar, and a pressing plate lifting mechanism 12b that moves the pressing plate 12a up and down.

[0045] The retaining plate 12a (also called the "retaining part") is made of a thin metal plate and is positioned so that its surface is approximately parallel to the outer surface (top surface) of the upper packaging material 4a1.

[0046] The pressing plate lifting mechanism 12b, when the entire packaged object 2 is positioned between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 (see Figure 6), moves the pressing plate 12a vertically downward by a predetermined amount (down) when the upper and lower sealing bars of the heat sealing unit 10 clamp the packaging material from above and below (i.e., weld the edges of the packaging material), and moves the pressing plate 12a vertically upward by a predetermined amount (up) after welding (see Figures 7, 10, etc.), includes an electrical drive source such as a motor to move the pressing plate 12a up and down. The operation of the pressing unit 12, that is, the operation of the pressing plate lifting mechanism 12b, is controlled by the pressing plate drive unit 105 of the packaging line control unit 100 (see Figure 2).

[0047] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the cutting unit 13 includes a cutter blade 13a positioned between the rear seal bar 10a3 and the front edge forming seal bar 10a4 of the lower seal bar, with the cutting edge facing upwards and parallel to the rear seal bar 10a3 and the front edge forming seal bar 10a4, and a cutter blade lifting mechanism 13b for raising and lowering (moving up and down) the cutter blade 13a.

[0048] The cutter blade 13a cuts between the rear edge 4g, which has been welded by the rear seal bar 10a3, and the front edge 4d for the next packaging, which has been welded by the front edge forming seal bar 10a4, after the edges of the packaging materials have been welded together with the entire packaged item 2 positioned between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 (see Figure 9(b)).

[0049] The cutter blade lifting mechanism 13b moves the cutter blade 13a vertically upward by a predetermined amount after the edge of the packaging material is welded, and then moves the cutter blade 13a vertically downward by a predetermined amount. It includes an electrical drive source such as a motor that moves the cutter blade 13a up and down. The operation of the cutting unit 13, that is, the operation of the cutter blade lifting mechanism 13b, is controlled by the cutter plate drive unit 106 (see Figure 2) of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0050] The packaging process for the packaged object 2 using the packaging device 3 configured as described above can be broadly divided into six steps (steps 1 to 6), which are performed in order from step 1 to step 6. Below, each step from step 1 to step 6 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 10.

[0051] [1st step] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), in the first step, a clamping mechanism 8b (clamping piece 8a) located near the leading edge 4d of the next packaging material formed in the previous packaging step is activated to clamp the leading edge 4d with the clamping piece 8a. At this time, both the first conveyor belt 5 and the upstream conveyor belt 20 (see Figure 1), which is located upstream of the first conveyor belt 5 (packaging device 3), are stopped, and the packaged object 2 is placed on the upstream conveyor belt 20 at a stage (step) before being transported to the first conveyor belt 5. In other words, the packaged object 2 is waiting on the upstream conveyor belt 20 (waiting state). Clamping of the leading edge 4d by the clamping piece 8a continues until the start of the sixth step, which will be described later.

[0052] The state (position) of the clamping mechanism 8b (clamping piece 8a), the specific upper guide roll 9a (upper guide roll support part 11a), the seal bar 10a (upper seal bar, lower seal bar), the press plate 12a, and the cutter blade 13a in the first step are defined as their respective initial states (initial positions).

[0053] [Second process] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), in the second step, first, while maintaining the clamping of the front edge 4d by the clamp piece 8a, the clamp mechanism 8b is moved a predetermined amount in the conveying direction from its initial position and stopped at its destination (also called the "first movement position"). As the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a) moves, the upper packaging material 4a1 supplied from the upper packaging roll 4a and the lower packaging material 4b1 supplied from the lower packaging roll 4b are pulled out from the front edge 4d in the conveying direction by an amount corresponding to the amount of movement. In other words, the amount of packaging material pulled out in the second step (also called the "first pull-out amount") corresponds to the amount of movement of the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a) in the second step (also called the "first movement amount"). Thus, the operation of pulling out the packaging material until the amount of packaging material pulled out reaches the first pull-out amount is also called the "first pull-out operation".

[0054] The amount of movement of the clamping mechanism 8b (clamping piece 8a) in the second step (first movement), that is, the amount of packaging material pulled out by the first pulling operation (first pulling amount), should be such that when the packaged object 2 being transported by the first conveyor belt 5 reaches the entry position P1 as shown in Figure 5(b), the leading lower surface of the packaged object 2 (part of the packaged object 2) comes into contact with the lower packaging material 4b1, and the leading (part) of the packaged object 2 rests on the lower packaging material 4b1. For example, this amount can be approximately 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the front-to-back dimensions of the packaged object 2.

[0055] In the second step, after moving the clamping mechanism 8b (clamping piece 8a) by a first movement amount, the operation of the first conveyor belt 5 is started while it is stopped at the destination (first movement position). After a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed from the start, the operation of the upstream conveyor belt 20 is started while the first conveyor belt 5 is still running. As a result, the packaged object 2 is transported from the upstream conveyor belt 20 towards the first conveyor belt 5. When the packaged object 2 has moved from the upstream conveyor belt 20 to the first conveyor belt 5 and has been transported by the first conveyor belt 5 to the middle position of the first conveyor belt 5, the operation of the upstream conveyor belt 20 is stopped. The operation of the first conveyor belt 5 continues until the start of the fourth step, which will be described later.

[0056] Furthermore, in the second step, as the packaged object 2 being transported by the first conveyor belt 5 passes below the length measuring sensor 7, the front-to-back dimensions of the packaged object 2 are measured by the length measuring sensor 7. This measurement data (measured value), that is, data indicating the front-to-back dimensions of the packaged object 2, is acquired by the pre-packaging size measurement unit 111 (see Figure 2) of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0057] Subsequently, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the second step of the packaging process is when the packaged object 2, transported by the first conveyor belt 5, reaches the entry position P1 and the leading lower surface of the packaged object 2 (part of the packaged object 2) comes into contact with the lower packaging material 4b1.

[0058] Furthermore, whether or not the packaged object 2 has reached the entry position P1 (whether or not the leading edge (part) of the packaged object 2 is on the lower packaging material 4b1) can be determined, for example, by installing a position detection sensor, such as an infrared sensor, near the entry position P1 and acquiring the detection signal from the position detection sensor in the packaging line control unit 100. Alternatively, under the control of the packaging line control unit 100, the elapsed time from the start of operation of the first conveyor belt 5, the elapsed time from when the packaged object 2 passed below the length measuring sensor 7, the elapsed time from when the length measuring sensor 7 finished measuring the front-to-back dimensions of the packaged object 2, etc., can be measured and the determination can be made based on these measured times. Specifically, for example, in the design stage of the packaging device 3 (automatic packaging line 1), the time it takes for the packaged object transported by the first conveyor belt 5 to reach the entry position P1 can be measured, and the device can be configured to determine whether or not the packaged object has reached the entry position P1 based on that time.

[0059] [3rd step] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), in the third step, the clamping mechanism 8b, which is stopped at the first moving position in the second step while maintaining the clamping of the front edge 4d by the clamping piece 8a (also called the "clamping state"), is moved a predetermined amount further in the transport direction from the first moving position while maintaining the clamping state, and stopped at the destination (also called the "second moving position"). As the clamping mechanism 8b (clamping piece 8a) moves, the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out from the front edge 4d in the transport direction by an amount corresponding to the amount of movement.

[0060] The amount of movement of the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a) in the third step (also called the "second movement") is determined (set) based on measurement data acquired by the pre-packaging size measurement unit 111, that is, the measurement result of the front-to-back dimensions of the packaged object 2 by the length measuring sensor 7. The determined second movement may vary depending on the front-to-back dimensions of the packaged object 2 measured by the length measuring sensor 7, and becomes larger as the front-to-back dimensions of the packaged object 2 increase. This determination of the second movement is performed by the clamp drive unit 102 of the packaging line control unit 100 (see Figure 2).

[0061] Here, the leading lower surface (part of the packaged object 2) of the packaged object 2 that reached the entry position P1 in the second step described above is in contact with the lower packaging material 4b1 (see Figure 5(b)). Therefore, in the third step, as the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a) moves from the first movement position toward the transport direction, the packaging material is pulled out toward the transport direction with the leading lower surface (part of the packaged object 2) of the packaged object 2 in contact with the lower packaging material 4b1. At this time, static friction acts on the packaged object 2, causing it to move together with the lower packaging material 4b1 toward the transport direction. As the packaging material is pulled out toward the transport direction, the packaged object 2 is moved between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1. The packaging material pulling unit 8 that realizes this "movement of the packaged object 2 accompanying the pulling out of the packaging material" can be said to function as a "pulling and moving means".

[0062] In this embodiment, a program for determining the second movement amount of the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a), based on the premise that the packaged object 2 and the lower packaging material 4b1 move together, is stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the packaging line control unit 100. In the third step, the program is executed when the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a) moves, and the clamp drive unit 102 determines the second movement amount based on the measurement result of the front-to-back dimension of the packaged object 2 by the length measuring sensor 7, and moves the clamp mechanism 8b (clamp piece 8a) according to the determined second movement amount.

[0063] The second movement amount determined in the third step is the amount by which the entire packaged object 2 can be wrapped with the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1. As the clamping mechanism 8b (clamping piece 8a) moves in the conveying direction according to this determined second movement amount, the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out in the conveying direction as a result of this movement. This pull-out amount (also called the "second pull-out amount") is the pull-out amount corresponding to the second movement amount. As a result, in the third step, the packaging material is pulled out to the packaging position P2, where the entire packaged object 2 that reached the entry position P1 in the second step can be wrapped with the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1. The operation of pulling out the packaging material to the packaging position P2, that is, the operation of pulling out the packaging material until the pull-out amount of the packaging material becomes the second pull-out amount, is also called the "second pull-out operation".

[0064] When the packaging material is pulled out to the packaging position P2, the outer surface (bottom surface) of the lower packaging material 4b1 is in contact with the second conveyor belt 6, and the object to be packaged 2 is placed on the inner surface of the lower packaging material 4b1. As a result, the lower packaging material 4b1 is supported by being sandwiched between the object to be packaged 2 and the second conveyor belt 6 (see Figure 6(b)). On the other hand, the upper packaging material 4a1 is located above the lower packaging material 4b1, and although the object to be packaged 2 is present, there is a lot of space on the inner surface (below) of the upper packaging material 4a1. Therefore, the upper packaging material 4a1 has insufficient vertical support. Consequently, when the packaging material is pulled out, the upper packaging material 4a1 is more prone to bending than the lower packaging material 4b1.

[0065] [4th step] As shown in Figures 7(a),(b) and 8(a),(b), in the fourth step, with the packaging material pulled out to the packaging position P2 in the third step described above and the entire packaged object 2 positioned between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1, the specific upper guide roll 9a (upper guide roll support part 11a) is moved (lowered) by a predetermined amount vertically downward from its initial position and stopped at the destination (movement position).

[0066] The specific upper guide roll 9a descends when the pulling out of the packaging material is complete, that is, when the movement of the clamping mechanism 8b in the transport direction stops. The timing of the lowering of the specific upper guide roll 9a is from when the movement of the clamping mechanism 8b in the transport direction stops until the welding of each edge of the packaging material in the fifth step described later begins.

[0067] As the specific upper guide roll 9a descends, the trailing edge (non-welded portion) of the upper packaging material 4a1 that is in contact with the specific upper guide roll 9a is pushed vertically downward while the leading edge 4d of the packaging material is held between the clamp pieces 8a (see Figures 7(b) and 8(a)→(b)).

[0068] When the rear edge of the upper packaging material 4a1 is pushed down while the front edge 4d is clamped by the clamp piece 8a, the upper packaging material 4a1 is pulled in the opposite direction to the transport direction (rearward), and tension is applied to the upper packaging material 4a1.

[0069] In this embodiment, the amount of descent (amount of vertical downward movement) of the specific upper guide roll 9a is constant (fixed) and descends by a predetermined amount when the edges of the packaging material are welded. This amount of descent should be an amount that applies appropriate tension to the upper packaging material 4a1, and can be arbitrarily set according to the height of the articles contained in the packaged object 2 that is to be packaged.

[0070] In this embodiment, the specific upper guide roll 9a is moved vertically downward, but the direction in which the specific upper guide roll 9a is moved does not have to be vertically downward; it can be any direction in which tension can be applied to the upper packaging material 4a1 (tension application direction). For example, the specific upper guide roll 9a may be moved downward (inclined downward) at a predetermined angle (e.g., 1 to 5 degrees) forward or backward from a line perpendicular to the axial direction of the specific upper guide roll 9a.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), in the fourth step, as the specific upper guide roll 9a descends, the press plate 12a is moved (descended) by a predetermined amount vertically downward from its initial position and stopped at its destination (movement position).

[0072] As the pressing plate 12a descends, the lower surface of the pressing plate 12a comes into contact with the outer surface (upper surface) of the upper packaging material 4a1, pushing the outer surface (upper surface) downward and pressing down on the packaged item 2 (see Figure 7(b)). As a result, the packaged item 2, which is located between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1, comes into close contact with the inner surfaces of the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 (i.e., the inner surfaces of the packaging materials), and the position of the packaged item 2 is maintained.

[0073] The amount by which the pressing plate 12a descends should be such that the lower surface of the pressing plate 12a contacts the outer surface (top surface) of the upper packaging material 4a1 and presses down on the outer surface (top surface) of the upper packaging material 4a1. This can be arbitrarily set according to the height of the articles contained in the packaged object 2 that is to be packaged.

[0074] Furthermore, since the pressing plate 12a is made of a thin metal plate, the force applied to the packaged item 2 when the outer surface (top surface) of the upper packaging material 4a1 is pressed by the pressing plate 12a is negligible, so no damage or collapse of the packaged item 2 will occur.

[0075] [5th ​​step] As shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), in the fifth step, with the specific upper guide roll 9a and the pressing plate 12a lowered in the fourth step described above, the upper sealing bar of the heat sealing unit 10 is lowered from its initial position and the lower sealing bar is raised from its initial position, thereby clamping and welding the left edge 4e, right edge 4f, rear edge 4g, and the front edge 4d for the next packaging of the packaging material (upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1) from above and below.

[0076] During the welding of each edge of the packaging material in the fifth step, the specific upper guide roll 9a and the pressing plate 12a are kept in a lowered position. As a result, tension is applied to the upper packaging material 4a1, and the packaged item 2 (the outer surface of the upper packaging material 4a1) is held down while each edge of the packaging material is welded. This prevents the packaging material from bending or the packaged item 2 from shifting during welding, resulting in a visually appealing and stable packaging.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), in the fifth step, when welding by the heat seal unit 10 is completed, the cutter blade 13a is raised and lowered (moved up and down) to cut between the rear edge portion 4g that has been welded by the rear seal bar 10a3 and the front edge portion 4d for the next packaging that has been welded by the front edge forming seal bar 10a4.

[0078] [6th step] As shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), in the sixth step, once the fifth step (welding and cutting) described above is completed, the specific upper guide roll 9a (upper guide roll support part 11a), upper and lower seal bars (seal bars 10a), and press plate 12a are returned to their initial positions. Also, the clamping of the front edge 4d by the clamp piece 8a is released. Then, the second conveyor belt 6 is activated to transport the packaged product 2 (packaged item 15) toward the downstream conveyor belt 30 (see Figure 1), which is located downstream of the packaging device 3 and will be described later.

[0079] Once the sixth step described above is completed, return to the first step mentioned above, and then repeat steps 1 through 6 thereafter.

[0080] The above describes the packaging process of the packaged item 2 by the packaging device 3. However, the automatic packaging line 1 in this embodiment also has processes before and after the packaging process. Specifically, as a pre-process performed before the packaging process, a reading process is carried out to read the order management barcode (hereinafter also simply referred to as "barcode") printed on the delivery slip 2b included in the packaged item 2. On the other hand, as post-processes performed after the packaging process, the invoice label application and verification process and the weight and size measurement process are carried out in this order. The following will explain each process performed before and after the packaging process with reference to Figure 1. Note that the processes and devices that operate in each process described below are not related to the gist of the present invention, so their explanations may be simplified.

[0081] [Reading process] As shown in Figure 1, upstream of the packaging device 3, there is an upstream conveyor belt 20 and a first code reader 21 located below the space between the upstream conveyor belt 20 and the first conveyor belt 5.

[0082] The upstream conveyor belt 20 transports the items to be packaged 2 toward the packaging process (first conveyor belt 5) by the packaging device 3.

[0083] The first code reader 21 is a device that reads the barcode printed on the delivery slip 2b included in the packaged item 2.

[0084] In this embodiment, the automatic packaging line 1 is configured to automatically package the item to be packaged 2. When the item to be packaged 2 is placed on the upstream conveyor belt 20, the printed side (front) of the delivery slip 2b is facing downwards, and the item 2a is placed on top of the delivery slip 2b (back side). When the item to be packaged 2, which is being transported by the upstream conveyor belt 20, moves to the first conveyor belt 5 of the packaging device 3, the item to be packaged 2 passes over the first code reader 21. In the reading process, as the item to be packaged 2 passes over the first code reader 21, the barcode printed on the delivery slip 2b is read by the first code reader 21.

[0085] The barcode information (order number, item, shipping address, etc.) read during the scanning process is acquired by the computer (packaging line control unit 100) that controls the automatic packaging line 1, and is used in the shipping label application and verification process described later.

[0086] [Shipping label application and verification process] As shown in Figure 1, downstream of the packaging device 3, a downstream conveyor 30 is provided, consisting of a first conveyor 30a, a second conveyor 30b, a third conveyor 30c, and a fourth conveyor 30d, in order from the one closest to the packaging device 3. Of these, the packaged products 15 conveyed by the first conveyor 30a and the second conveyor 30b are subjected to the label application and verification process.

[0087] As shown in Figure 1, a label printing device 40 is provided above the first conveyor 30a, and a first stopper device 41 is provided between the first conveyor 30a and the second conveyor 30b. In addition, a second code reader 50 and a label pressing device 51 are provided above the second conveyor 30b, and a second stopper device 52 is provided between the second conveyor 30b and the third conveyor 30c.

[0088] The label printing device 40 includes a label roll 40a in which a shipping label (label sticker) with one side being adhesive is wound into a roll; a label printer unit 40b that prints information corresponding to the barcode (barcode, order number, shipping address, etc.) on the shipping label based on the barcode information read in the aforementioned reading process; a label application unit 40d that applies the shipping label 40c printed by the label printer unit 40b to the upper surface of the packaged product 15 (the outer surface of the upper packaging material 4a1); and a label application unit lifting mechanism 40e that raises and lowers (moves up and down) the label application unit 40d. The operation of the label printing device 40, that is, the operation of the label printer unit 40b and the label application unit lifting mechanism 40e, etc., is controlled by the label printing and application drive unit 107 (see Figure 2) of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0089] The first stopper device 41 holds the packaged product 15 in place on the first conveyor 30a while the invoice label 40c is being affixed to the packaged product 15, and includes a first stopper piece 41a and a first stopper piece lifting mechanism 41b that raises and lowers (moves up and down) the first stopper piece 41a. The operation of the first stopper device 41, that is, the operation of the first stopper piece lifting mechanism 41b, is controlled by the stopper drive unit 108 (see Figure 2) of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0090] The second code reader 50 is a device that reads the barcode printed on the shipping label 40c affixed to the top surface of the packaged product 15.

[0091] The label pressing device 51 includes a sponge head 51a with a sponge attached to one end for pressing down the shipping label 40c affixed to the upper surface of the packaged product 15, and a sponge head lifting mechanism 51b for raising and lowering (moving up and down) the sponge head 51a. The operation of the label pressing device 51, that is, the operation of the sponge head lifting mechanism 51b, is controlled by the sponge head drive unit 109 (see Figure 2) of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0092] The second stopper device 52 holds the packaged product 15 in place on the second conveyor 30b while the invoice label 40c attached to the top surface of the packaged product 15 is pressed against it, and includes a second stopper piece 52a and a second stopper piece lifting mechanism 52b that raises and lowers (moves up and down) the second stopper piece 52a. The operation of the second stopper device 52, that is, the operation of the second stopper piece lifting mechanism 52b, is controlled by the stopper drive unit 108 (see Figure 2) of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0093] As shown in Figure 1, in the shipping label application and verification process, first, after the packaging process by the packaging device 3, the packaged product 15 is transported to the first conveyor 30a. Then, with the first stopper piece 41a raised, the label application section 40d is lowered, and the shipping label 40c is applied to the upper surface of the packaged product 15.

[0094] After the invoice label 40c has been affixed, the label affixing section 40d is raised and the first stopper piece 41a is lowered to transport the packaged product 15 from the first conveyor 30a to the second conveyor 30b. The second stopper piece 52a is kept raised until the invoice label 40c affixed to the upper surface of the packaged product 15 has been pressed down (operation of the label pressing device 51) is complete.

[0095] When the packaged product 15 is transported by the second conveyor 30b, the barcode printed on the shipping label 40c affixed to the top surface of the packaged product 15 is first read by the second code reader 50. The information from the barcode read here (order number, item, shipping destination, etc.) is acquired by the computer (packaging line control unit 100) that controls the automatic packaging line 1.

[0096] The computer (packaging line control unit 100) compares the barcode information read by the second code reader 50 with the barcode information read before packaging in the aforementioned reading process (comparison process). If the two sets of information do not match, the system of the automated packaging line 1 issues a warning or similar to inform the manager or other relevant person.

[0097] After being read by the second code reader 50, when the packaged product 15, which is being transported by the second conveyor 30b, is positioned below the label pressing device 51, the sponge head 51a is lowered to press the shipping label 40c attached to the top surface of the packaged product 15. This pressing by the sponge head 51a (sponge) is to prevent the shipping label 40c from peeling off.

[0098] After the invoice label 40c has been pressed down, the sponge head 51a is raised and the second stopper piece 52a is lowered to transport the packaged product 15 from the second conveyor 30b to the third conveyor 30c.

[0099] [Weight and size measurement process] The weight and size measurement process is performed on packaged items 15 that are transported by the third conveyor 30c and the fourth conveyor 30d.

[0100] As shown in Figure 1, in the weight and size measurement process, first, the weight of the packaged product 15 placed on the third conveyor 30c is measured. The third conveyor 30c is composed of a weight measuring conveyor equipped with a function to measure the weight of the conveyed object (packaged product 15 in this embodiment). The measurement data (measured value) from the third conveyor 30c, that is, the weight data indicating the weight of the packaged product 15, is acquired by the post-packaging weight measurement unit 112 of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a size measuring sensor 60 is provided above the fourth conveyor 30d to measure the size of the packaged goods 15 that have been transported from the third conveyor 30c. The size measuring sensor 60 consists of, for example, a three-dimensional measuring sensor (3D sensor) and measures the length, width, and thickness (height) dimensions of the packaged goods 15 transported by the fourth conveyor 30d. The measurement data (measured values) from the size measuring sensor 60, that is, the size data showing the size (length, width, and thickness) of the packaged goods 15, is acquired by the post-packaging size measuring unit 113 of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0102] In the weight and size measurement process, the packaging line control unit 100 (line control means) determines whether the weight and size of the packaged product 15 fall within the predetermined delivery specifications (weight and size) based on the weight data of the packaged product 15 acquired by the post-packaging weight measurement unit 112 and the size data acquired by the post-packaging size measurement unit 113, i.e., the weight and size measurement results of the packaged product 15 (determination means).

[0103] If the weight and size of the packaged product 15 are within the specified limits as a result of the above determination, the packaged product 15 is transported by the fourth conveyor 30d to the end of the automatic packaging line 1.

[0104] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1, a discharge device 61 is provided downstream of the weight and size measurement position of the packaged product 15 in the automatic packaging line 1. If the weight and size of the packaged product 15 are found to be outside the specifications as a result of the determination, the discharge device 61 is activated before the packaged product 15 reaches the end of the automatic packaging line 1, and the outside-specification packaged product 15 is sent to the discharge chute 62. The outside-specification packaged product 15 sent to the discharge chute 62 is discharged outside the automatic packaging line 1.

[0105] [Effects of the Examples] According to the packaging apparatus 3 of the embodiment described above, in the fourth step of the packaging process, a specific upper guide roll 9a moves vertically downward (in the tension application direction), and tension is applied to the upper packaging material 4a1 (see Figures 7 and 8). Therefore, in the subsequent fifth step, each edge of the packaging material is welded together while tension is firmly applied to the upper packaging material 4a1. Thus, for example, even if the packaging material is pulled out when the remaining amount on the packaging roll is low, and the packaging roll over-rotates due to the inertial force when the pull-out stops, the edges of the packaging material will not be welded together while the pulled-out upper packaging material is flexed. This suppresses a decrease in packaging strength and deterioration of appearance due to lifting of the welded area, thereby improving packaging quality.

[0106] In the fourth step, the pressing plate 12a moves vertically downward, and the lower surface of the pressing plate 12a comes into contact with the outer surface (top surface) of the upper packaging material 4a1, so that the packaged item 2 is pressed down by the pressing plate 12a (see Figure 7(b)). As a result, in the subsequent fifth step, the edges of the packaging material are welded together while the packaged item 2 (outer surface of the upper packaging material 4a1) is being pressed down. This prevents the packaged item 2 inside the packaging material from shifting during welding, resulting in a visually appealing and stable package.

[0107] Furthermore, in the second step of the packaging process, when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out from the front edge side when the packaged item 2 has reached the entry position P1, this pulling out begins with the front lower surface of the packaged item 2 (part of the packaged item 2) in contact with the lower packaging material 4b1 (see Figure 5(b)). As the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out, the packaged item 2 is moved between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1. Therefore, the packaged item 2 can be placed between the upper packaging material 4a1 and the lower packaging material 4b1 without having to push the packaged item 2 from rear to front. This makes it less likely for problems such as the packaged item 2 tilting or collapsing to occur, and improves packaging quality. In addition, since there is no need to provide a mechanism for pushing the packaged item 2 from rear, the packaging device 3 can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the amount by which the specific upper guide roll 9a is lowered in the fourth step of the packaging process was fixed, but it may be made variable. Below, an example of a case in which the amount by which the specific upper guide roll 9a is lowered is described as a modification. In the following, explanations of points common to the above embodiment will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used for components identical to those in the above embodiment.

[0109] (modified version) The modified packaging device 3 includes a tension measuring device (also called a "tension measuring means") (not shown) capable of measuring the tension applied to the upper packaging material 4a1 supplied from at least the upper packaging roll 4a of a pair of packaging rolls 4 and guided by the upper guide roll 9a. The tension measuring device consists of, for example, a load cell attached to the upper guide roll 9a (specific upper guide roll 9a) or a tension sensor provided on the guide path of the upper packaging material 4a1 by the upper guide roll 9a.

[0110] In this modified example, in the third step described above, the tension on the upper packaging material 4a1 when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2 is measured by a tension measuring device. This measured tension (tension value) data (also called "tension data") is acquired by the guide roll drive unit 104 of the packaging line control unit 100. Based on the acquired tension data (i.e., the measurement result by the tension measuring device), the amount of descent of the specific upper guide roll 9a (amount of movement in the tension application direction) is determined (set). This determination is performed by the packaging line control unit 100, which functions as a determination means for determining the amount of movement of the specific upper guide roll 9a in the tension application direction. The determination of the amount of descent of the specific upper guide roll 9a will be explained in detail below.

[0111] The amount of downward movement of the specific upper guide roll 9a can be determined, for example, by referring to the guide roll downward movement determination table 200 shown in Figure 11. This table 200 is stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the packaging line control unit 100.

[0112] The guide roll descent amount determination table 200 defines the descent amount L of the specific upper guide roll 9a according to the relationship between the tension value T, which is determined based on the tension data acquired by the guide roll drive unit 104, and the reference tension value (also called the "reference tension value") used to determine the descent amount of the specific upper guide roll 9a. The tension value T corresponds to the tension applied to the upper packaging material 4a1 when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2 (i.e., the tension value measured by the tension measuring instrument).

[0113] The reference tension values ​​can be arbitrarily set in the design of the packaging device 3. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the reference tension values ​​can be set as "T0", "T1" which is greater than "T0", and "T2" which is greater than "T1".

[0114] The standard tension value "T0" is the value assumed to be when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2, and there is no tension on the upper packaging material 4a1 (tension is zero), resulting in slack in the upper packaging material 4a1 (i.e., "0").

[0115] The standard tension value "T1" is a value that assumes that when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2, tension is applied to the upper packaging material 4a1, but this tension is insufficient for packaging the item to be packaged 2 (welding the packaging material).

[0116] The standard tension value "T2" is a value that assumes tension is applied to the upper packaging material 4a1 when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2, and that this tension is sufficient for packaging the item to be packaged 2 (welding the packaging material).

[0117] Furthermore, the descent amount L of the specific upper guide roll 9a, as defined in the guide roll descent amount determination table 200, can be arbitrarily set in the design of the packaging device 3. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the descent amounts L can be set to "L3", "L2" which is smaller than "L3", "L1" which is smaller than "L2", and "L0" which is smaller than "L1".

[0118] The lowering amount "L3" is the amount used to lower the specific upper guide roll 9a to its maximum extent, and is intended to apply sufficient tension to the upper packaging material 4a1 when there is no tension on the upper packaging material 4a1 (zero tension) when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2.

[0119] The lowering amount "L2" is a smaller amount than the lowering amount "L3" for lowering the specific upper guide roll 9a, and is intended to provide the necessary tension to the upper packaging material 4a1 when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2, but the tension is small.

[0120] The lowering amount "L1" is a smaller amount than the lowering amount "L2" for lowering the specific upper guide roll 9a, and is intended to provide the necessary tension to the upper packaging material 4a1 when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2, but the tension is slightly insufficient.

[0121] The lowering amount "L0" means that the specific upper guide roll 9a is not lowered (lowering amount zero), and it is the amount (i.e., "0") that assumes that no further tension is applied to the upper packaging material 4a1 when sufficient tension is applied to the upper packaging material 4a1 when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2.

[0122] In this modified example, in the third step, the packaging line control unit 100 (line control means) compares the tension value T identified based on the tension data acquired by the guide roll drive unit 104 with the reference tension values ​​(T0 to T2), and matches this comparison result with the guide roll descent amount determination table 200 to determine the descent amount L of the specific upper guide roll 9a to one of "L0" to "L3". Then, in the subsequent fourth step, the upper guide roll lifting unit 11 (moving means), which operates under the control of the guide roll drive unit 104, moves (descends) the specific upper guide roll 9a (upper guide roll support part 11a) vertically downward by a predetermined amount from its initial position according to the descent amount of the specific upper guide roll 9a determined in the third step, and stops it at the destination (movement position).

[0123] Furthermore, if the amount L of the specific upper guide roll 9a to descend, determined in the third step, is "L0", the upper guide roll lifting unit 11 will not operate in the fourth step, and the specific upper guide roll 9a will not descend.

[0124] According to the modified packaging device 3 described above, the tension on the upper packaging material 4a1 is measured when the upper packaging material 4a1 and lower packaging material 4b1 are pulled out to the packaging position P2. Based on the measurement result (tension value), the amount of movement of the specific upper guide roll 9a in the tension application direction is determined, and the specific upper guide roll 9a can move in the tension application direction according to this determined amount of movement. Therefore, the amount of movement of the specific upper guide roll 9a in the tension application direction can be adjusted (controlled) according to various conditions when packaging the packaged item 2 (welding the packaging material), such as the remaining amount of packaging rolls and the size of the packaged item 2. This makes it possible to efficiently move the specific upper guide roll 9a in the tension application direction.

[0125] It should be noted that configurations that make the amount of descent of the specific upper guide roll 9a variable are also conceivable in addition to the above-described modifications. For example, in the fourth step described above, when the specific upper guide roll 9a is lowered, the tension applied to the upper packaging material 4a1 may be measured in real time as it descends, and the descent of the specific upper guide roll 9a may be stopped when the tension reaches a predetermined tension value. This also makes it possible to adjust (control) the amount of movement of the specific upper guide roll 9a in the tension application direction according to various conditions when packaging the packaged item 2 (welding the packaging material), such as the remaining amount of packaging rolls and the size of the packaged item 2.

[0126] [others] The following inventions related to the embodiments (examples) disclosed herein are disclosed as reference inventions.

[0127] (Reference invention) In recent years, with the spread of e-commerce sites (online shopping sites), there has been an increase in the individual shipping of small items such as books and stationery. In this case, it is necessary to individually package the items to be shipped, and a packaging device that automates this packaging is known, for example, the one described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-26160 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1"). This packaging device places the item to be packaged between two pieces of packaging material (for example, kraft paper with bubble wrap) whose ends have been welded together in advance, pushes the item to be packaged horizontally from the rear with a pusher, and at the same time grasps the ends of the packaging material with a clamping device and pulls it in from the front, stopping the pushing and pulling (pulling out the packaging material) when the two pieces of packaging material have passed a predetermined width from the position where they cover the entire item to be packaged, welds both sides and the end of the two pieces of packaging material together, and simultaneously cuts the center of the end to discharge the packaged item, and uses the remaining welded part (the remaining end) as the end of the next package. In this type of packaging equipment, it is common to use packaging material wound in a roll (hereinafter also referred to as "packaging roll").

[0128] When packaging an item by pushing it from behind with a pusher, as in the packaging device described in Patent Document 1, the item may tilt or collapse due to the pushing, which may result in a decrease in packaging quality.

[0129] This reference invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a packaging device that can improve packaging quality by suppressing problems such as the packaged goods tilting or collapsing.

[0130] To solve the aforementioned problems, this reference invention employs the following means.

[0131] The packaging device of the reference invention is A pair of packaging rolls are provided, spaced apart vertically, each wrapped with packaging material, A conveying means for conveying the packaged material toward the welded front edge side of the upper and lower packaging materials supplied from the pair of packaging rolls, A pulling-out moving means moves the packaged object between the upper and lower packaging materials by pulling out the upper and lower packaging materials from the front edge side in the direction of transport of the packaged object to a position where the entire packaged object can be wrapped by the upper and lower packaging materials, with a portion of the packaged object being transported by the transporting means in contact with the lower packaging material from the rear edge side of the upper and lower packaging materials that are not welded to each other, The system includes a welding means for welding the edges of the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material, excluding the front edge, while the entire packaged item is positioned between the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material. This is the gist of it.

[0132] According to this method, when the upper and lower packaging materials are pulled out from the front edge, this pulling is performed with a portion of the packaged item being transported in contact with the lower packaging material from the rear edge side, which is not welded to the upper and lower packaging materials. As the upper and lower packaging materials are pulled out, the packaged item is moved between the upper and lower packaging materials. Therefore, the packaged item can be placed (positioned) between the upper and lower packaging materials without having to push it in from behind. This makes it less likely for problems such as the packaged item tilting or collapsing to occur, and improves packaging quality. In addition, since there is no need to provide a mechanism for pushing the packaged item in from behind, the packaging equipment can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0133] In the packaging apparatus of the above reference invention, A pair of guide rolls that guide the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material supplied from the pair of packaging rolls toward the draw-out moving means, The system includes a moving means for moving the upper guide roll of the pair of guide rolls in a direction that applies tension to the upper packaging material when welding the edges of the upper and lower packaging materials. It would be acceptable to do so.

[0134] According to this, when the entire packaged item is positioned (contained) between the upper and lower packaging materials, whose leading edges are welded to each other, supplied by a pair of packaging rolls, the remaining edges of the upper and lower packaging materials, other than the leading edges, are welded. In this process, the upper guide roll of the pair of guide rolls that guide the upper and lower packaging materials toward the pulling-out mechanism moves in the direction that applies tension to the upper packaging material (tension application direction), so that the remaining edges are welded while the upper packaging material is firmly under tension. For this reason, even if, for example, the packaging material is pulled out when the remaining amount on the packaging roll is low, and the inertia force when the pull-out stops causes the packaging roll to over-rotate, it is possible to prevent the edges of the packaging material from being welded while the pulled-out upper packaging material is flexed. This suppresses a decrease in packaging strength and deterioration of appearance due to lifting of the welded area, thereby improving packaging quality. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 1 Automatic packaging line, 2 Packaged item, 3 Packaging device, 4 Packaging rolls, 4a Upper packaging roll, 4a1 Upper packaging material, 4b Lower packaging roll, 4b1 Lower packaging material, 4d Front edge, 4e Left edge, 4f Right edge, 4g Rear edge, 5 First conveyor, 6 Second conveyor, 7 Length measuring sensor, 8 Packaging material extraction unit, 8a Clamp piece, 8b Clamp mechanism, 8c Clamp movement mechanism, 8d Slide rail, 9 Guide roll, 9a Upper guide roll, 9b Lower guide roll, 10 Heat seal unit, 10a Seal bar, 10a1 Left seal bar, 10a2 Right seal bar, 10a3 Rear seal bar, 10a4 Front edge forming seal bar, 10b Seal bar lifting mechanism, 11 Upper guide roll lifting unit, 11a Upper guide roll support, 11b Upper guide roll lifting mechanism, 12 Pressing unit, 12a Pressing plate, 12b Pressing plate lifting mechanism, 13 Cutting unit, 13a Cutter blade, 13b Cutter blade lifting mechanism, 15 Packaged product, 100 Packaging line control unit, 101 Conveyor drive unit, 102 Clamp drive unit, 103 Heat seal drive unit, 104 Guide roll drive unit, 105 Pressing plate drive unit, P1 Entry position, P2 Packaging position.

Claims

1. A pair of packaging rolls are provided, spaced apart vertically, each wrapped with packaging material, A conveying means for conveying the packaged material toward the welded front edge side of the upper and lower packaging materials supplied from the pair of packaging rolls, When the packaged object being transported by the transport means reaches a position where it enters between the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material, a pull-out means is provided to pull out the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material from the front edge side to a packaging position where the entire packaged object can be wrapped by the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material. A pair of guide rolls that guide the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material supplied from the pair of packaging rolls toward the withdrawal means, With the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material pulled out to the packaging position and the entire contents of the packaged item positioned between the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material, a welding means for welding the edges of the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material, excluding the front edge, The system includes a moving means for moving the upper guide roll of the pair of guide rolls in a direction that applies tension to the upper packaging material when welding the edges of the upper and lower packaging materials. A packaging device characterized by the following features.

2. A tension measuring means for measuring the tension on the upper packaging material when the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material are pulled out to the packaging position, The system includes a determination means that determines the amount of movement of the upper guide roll in the direction that applies tension to the upper packaging material, based on the measurement results from the tension measuring means. The moving means is configured to move the upper guide roll according to the amount of movement determined by the determination means. The packaging apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The pulling means is configured to begin pulling out the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material when a portion of the packaged material being transported by the transport means is in contact with the lower packaging material from the rear edge side of the upper packaging material and the lower packaging material that are not welded to each other. As the upper and lower packaging materials are pulled out, the packaged item is moved between the upper and lower packaging materials. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

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