Packaging equipment

Abstract

To provide packaging equipment with improved productivity. [Solution] The packaging device 10 includes a width detection sensor 33 that acquires position information of the item to be packaged P1, a determination unit 191 that determines whether the position of the item to be packaged P1 is a predetermined position, a product pressing unit 40 equipped with a pusher 45 that presses the item to be packaged P1 and a pressing motor 42 that provides driving force to press the pusher 45, a centering adjustment unit 50 that transports the item to be packaged P1 independently of the pusher 45 and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and a control unit 160 that controls the operation of the pressing motor 42 and the centering adjustment unit 50. In the determination by the determination unit 191, depending on whether the item to be packaged P1 is in a predetermined position, the control unit 160 controls the speed of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the transport direction and the speed of the pusher 45 in the transport direction to be different.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in supermarkets, food factories, etc., a packaging device that performs packaging with a film on a package, which is a tray on which food is placed, is widely used. As such a packaging device, for example, a technique as shown in Patent Document 1 is disclosed.

[0003] In this Patent Document 1, on a conveyance path, a photoelectric detector S1 (S2, S3) that detects a product, and a discrimination means that compares a detection signal from the detector S1 (S2, S3) with a predetermined threshold value to discriminate the edge of the product M are provided, and the threshold value is stored in advance as 2 or more, and a technique for performing edge discrimination using the threshold value is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, although it may be possible to detect an edge according to the material such as the transparency of the tray, in a packaging device, further improvement in productivity is required.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a packaging device with improved productivity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] [1] In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a packaging device is provided for packaging an object to be packaged with a packaging member at a predetermined packaging section, comprising: a position detection unit for acquiring position information of an object to be packaged; a determination unit for determining whether the position of the object to be packaged detected by the position detection unit is at a predetermined position; a drive transport mechanism equipped with a pusher for pushing the object to be packaged downstream in the transport direction toward the packaging section, and a pusher drive source for providing a driving force to push the pusher; a centering adjustment unit for transporting the object to be packaged independently of the pusher and movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the pusher drive source and the centering adjustment unit, wherein, in the determination by the determination unit, the control unit controls the speed of the centering adjustment unit in the transport direction and the speed of the pusher in the transport direction to be different, depending on whether the object to be packaged is at a predetermined position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a packaging apparatus with improved productivity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a simplified overall configuration of the packaging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the weighing unit, product pressing unit, and centering adjustment unit of the packaging device shown. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the centering adjustment unit of the packaging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the elevator mechanism in the packaging device. [Figure 6] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the film supply unit of the packaging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows the control configuration of the packaging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 1 illustrates a case in which centering operation in the centering adjustment section is unnecessary in the packaging device shown in Figure 1. (A) shows the state in which the packaged item is placed on the weighing section, (B) shows the state in which the packaged item is pushed into the centering adjustment section, and (C) shows the state in which the packaged item is pushed into the elevator mechanism. [Figure 9] Figure 1 illustrates a case in which the centering adjustment unit does not require centering in the packaging device shown in Figure 1. (A) shows the state in which the pusher has moved upstream and away from the packaged item, and (B) shows the state in which the pusher has moved below the centering adjustment unit and the weighing unit. [Figure 10] Figure 1 illustrates the packaging device in which a centering operation is required in the centering adjustment section. (A) shows the state in which the item to be packaged is placed on the weighing section, (B) shows the intermediate stage in which the item to be packaged is being pushed into the centering adjustment section, and (C) shows the state in which the item to be packaged has been pushed into the centering adjustment section and the pusher has separated from the item to be packaged. [Figure 11] Figure 1 illustrates the case where a centering operation is required in the centering adjustment section of the packaging device shown in Figure 1. (A) shows the intermediate stage in which the packaged item is being pushed into the elevator mechanism, and (B) shows the state in which the pusher has moved upstream and is separated from the packaged item. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A packaging device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [1. Configuration of the packaging device 10] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the packaging device 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a simplified diagram showing the overall configuration of the packaging device 10. Note that some components have been omitted in Figures 1 and 2 as appropriate.

[0012] The packaging device 10 of the present embodiment weighs the packaged object P1 with food or the like placed on a tray, wraps it with a stretch film (film F1; corresponding to the packaging member), prints necessary information with the label printer 130, and then discharges it to the product discharge unit 150. However, the packaging device 10 may adopt a configuration that does not have a function of weighing the packaged object P1 or a label printer 130.

[0013] [1-1. Overall configuration of the packaging device 10] The packaging device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a housing 20, a weighing unit 30, a product pushing unit 40, a centering adjustment unit 50, an elevator mechanism 60, a film supply unit 90, a packaging unit 100, a discharge mechanism 110, a heater unit 120, a label printer 130, a label attaching unit 140, a product discharge unit 150, and a control unit 160.

[0014] In the following description, the packaged object P1 refers to a container such as a tray and the product placed in the container. However, the packaging device 10 can also package a product that is not placed in a container. Therefore, a product that is not placed in a container is also included in the packaged object P1. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the container is synonymous with the packaged object P1. Furthermore, a container and a product that have already been packaged with the film F1 (that is, in a case where only value is added to a container and a product that have already been packaged with the film F1) are also considered to be synonymous with the packaged object P1.

[0015] [1-2. Regarding the housing 20] The housing 20 is a part that supports the entire packaging device 10 and is composed of a frame, a panel board, etc.

[0016] [1-3. Regarding the weighing unit 30] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configurations of the weighing unit 30, the product pushing unit 40, and the centering adjustment unit 50. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the weighing unit 30 is a part that places the packaged object P1 with food placed thereon and weighs the packaged object P1. This weighing unit 30 includes a placement unit 31 on which the packaged object P1 is placed, and further includes a weight sensor 32 such as a load cell that weighs the packaged object P1 placed on the placement unit 31.

[0017] Also, a width detection sensor 33 for measuring the width of the packaged object P1 (the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the packaged object P1) is provided in the weighing unit 30. Therefore, based on the detection of the width of the packaged object P1 by this width detection sensor 33, the center position of the packaged object P1 can be determined, and a centering operation as described later can be realized.

[0018] Also, a height detection sensor 34 for measuring the height of the packaged object P1 is provided in the weighing unit 30. Based on the detection results of the above width detection sensor 33 and this height detection sensor 34, it is possible to determine whether the packaged object P1 can be packaged.

[0019] Also, when the packaged object P1 placed on the placement unit 31 is conveyed toward the elevator mechanism 60 side, for example, when the light from a sensor such as the height detection sensor 34 is blocked by the packaged object P1, the length (depth) of the packaged object P1 in the conveyance direction (front - rear direction) can be detected by the difference between the position of the sensor and the position of the pusher 45.

[0020] [1 - 4. Regarding the product pushing unit 40] The product pushing unit 40 includes a chain drive mechanism 41 and a pusher 45. The chain drive mechanism 41 includes a pushing motor 42, a sprocket 43, a chain 44, etc. The pushing motor 42 is a part that generates a driving force for moving the pusher 45. The driving force of this pushing motor 42 is transmitted to the sprocket 43 via a belt 42a and a pulley 42b. Note that the product pushing unit 40 corresponds to the driving conveyance mechanism, and the pushing motor 42 corresponds to the pushing drive source.

[0021] The sprockets 43 and chains 44 are arranged on both sides of the mounting section 31 in the width direction. That is, on one side of the mounting section 31 in the width direction, there are multiple (four in Figure 3) sprockets 43 and chains 44 stretched by those sprockets 43. Similarly, on the other side of the mounting section 31 in the width direction, there are multiple (four in Figure 3) sprockets 43 and chains 44 stretched by those sprockets 43.

[0022] Furthermore, in order to transmit driving force to the sprocket 43 and chain 44 at one end in the width direction and to the sprocket 43 and chain 44 at the other end in the width direction, an elongated drive transmission shaft 43a is provided along the width direction of the mounting section 31, and the drive-side sprockets 43 are attached to both ends of the drive transmission shaft 43a.

[0023] Pushers 45 are attached to the chain 44 described above at predetermined intervals. Specifically, one end of the pusher 45 is attached to the chain 44 on one side in the width direction via a mounting device (not shown), and the other end of the pusher 45 is attached to the chain 44 on the other side in the width direction via a mounting device (not shown). The pusher 45 is a component for pushing the packaged object P1 into the inside of the packaging device 10 (towards the centering adjustment unit 50). The pusher 45 is provided in a long, comb-like shape, and its comb-like teeth (not shown) come into contact with the packaged object P1 and push it toward the centering adjustment unit 50.

[0024] The chain 44 and the pusher 45 may be fixed together via a dedicated joint member. This joint member may be configured such that the relative position of the pusher 45 with respect to the chain 44 is immovable, or it may be configured such that the relative position of the pusher 45 with respect to the chain 44 is movable. When a configuration is used in which the relative position of the pusher 45 with respect to the chain 44 is movable as the joint member, the pressure applied when pushing the packaged object P1 does not become excessively large, and smooth centering of the packaged object P1 becomes possible.

[0025] Furthermore, as described above, various mechanisms can be applied to the joint member, such as using a solenoid, a spring mechanism, or an air cylinder, to allow the relative position of the pusher 45 with respect to the chain 44 to be movable.

[0026] [1-5. Regarding the centering adjustment unit 50] The centering adjustment unit 50 is the part that adjusts the position of the packaged object P1 in the width direction while conveying the packaged object P1. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the centering adjustment unit 50 includes a conveying motor 51, a drive transmission unit 52, a conveying belt unit 53, an adjustment motor 54, a drive transmission unit 55, and a traverse guide 56.

[0027] The conveyor motor 51 is the part that provides the driving force to drive the conveyor belt section 53. The drive transmission section 52 is the part that transmits the driving force of the conveyor motor 51 to the conveyor belt section 53, and includes, for example, a sprocket 52a, a chain 52b, etc.

[0028] The conveyor belt section 53 includes a flat belt 53a having a predetermined width and a belt pulley (not shown). This conveyor belt section 53 is positioned close to the loading section 31 and conveys the packaged object P1 that has moved from the loading section 31 to the elevator mechanism 60.

[0029] The adjustment motor 54 is the part that provides the driving force to move the conveyor belt section 53 in the width direction. The drive transmission section 55 is the part that transmits the driving force from the adjustment motor 54 to the conveyor belt section 53. This drive transmission section 55 can use a rack and pinion mechanism equipped with a rack gear 55a and a pinion gear 55b as shown in Figure 4, or a belt mechanism, chain mechanism, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, the traverse guide 56 is the part that guides the conveyor belt section 53 as it moves in the width direction. This traverse guide 56 can be, for example, a linear guide, a rail mechanism, or the like.

[0031] In the centering adjustment unit 50 described above, the transport motor 51 is driven to place the packaged object P1 onto the flat belt 53a and transport it towards the elevator mechanism 60, while the adjustment motor 54 is driven to adjust the position of the packaged object P1 in the width direction.

[0032] [1-6. About the elevator mechanism 60] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the elevator mechanism 60. The elevator mechanism 60 is the part that raises the packaged object P1 supplied from the centering adjustment unit 50 to the packaging unit 100. This elevator mechanism 60 has a center lifting unit 61A and side lifting units 61B. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the side lifting units 61B are arranged on both sides of the center lifting unit 61A in the width direction of the packaging device 10.

[0033] The central lifting section 61A and the side lifting section 61B are driven in cooperation, allowing the packaged item P1 to rise according to its width. Specifically, when the width of the packaged item P1 is small, the central lifting section 61A is driven to rise relative to the side lifting section 61B, causing the packaged item P1 to rise to a predetermined film-pressing position. However, when the width of the packaged item P1 is large, the side lifting section 61B rises together with the central lifting section 61A, causing the packaged item P1 to rise to a predetermined film-pressing position.

[0034] The center lifting section 61A includes an elevator head 62A, a lifting mechanism 70A, and a spacing adjustment mechanism 80A. Similarly, the side lifting section 61B also includes an elevator head 62B, a lifting mechanism 70B, and a spacing adjustment mechanism 80B.

[0035] The elevator head 62A is the part on which the packaged object P1 is placed. This elevator head 62A is equipped with a reference head 62A1 and an adjustment head 62A2. The reference head 62A1 is located on the side closer to the centering adjustment unit 50 described above and is located at the reference position in the transport direction. On the other hand, the adjustment head 62A2 is located on the side further away from the centering adjustment unit 50 than the reference head 62A1.

[0036] The adjustment head 62A2's relative position (i.e., spacing) to the reference head 62A1 can be adjusted by the spacing adjustment mechanism 80A. Therefore, when the size of the packaged object P1 in the transport direction (depth direction) is small, the operation of the spacing adjustment mechanism 80A positions the adjustment head 62A2 close to the reference head 62A1. However, when the size of the packaged object P1 in the transport direction (depth direction) is large, the operation of the spacing adjustment mechanism 80A positions the adjustment head 62A2 further away from the reference head 62A1.

[0037] Furthermore, the reference head 62A1, part of the adjustment head 62A2, the reference head 62B1, and the adjustment head 62B2 are rotatably mounted on the support column 74A2 so that the elevator head 62A can rotate to escape even if it collides with the right folding member 101a or the left folding member 101b, which will be described later. In addition, the adjustment heads 62A2 and 62B2 are rotatably mounted on the support column 74A2 so that the elevator head 62A can rotate to escape even if it collides with the rear folding member 103.

[0038] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 70A is the part that raises and lowers the elevator head 62A. This lifting mechanism 70A includes a lifting motor 71A, a drive transmission unit 72A, a lifting guide 73A, and a head support unit 74A. The lifting motor 71A is the part that provides the driving force to raise and lower the elevator head 62A. The drive transmission unit 72A is the part that transmits the driving force of the lifting motor 71A to the head support unit 74A, and includes a pulley 72A1, a belt 72A2, etc.

[0039] The lifting guide 73A is the part that guides the head support section 74A as it moves up and down, and is equipped with a shaft-shaped member or the like that runs along the vertical direction. The head support section 74A is the part that supports the elevator head 62A, and is equipped with an arm-shaped section 74A1 and a support column 74A2.

[0040] Furthermore, the spacing adjustment mechanism 80A includes an adjustment motor 81A (see Figure 7), a drive transmission unit, and a head slide mechanism (not shown). When the adjustment motor is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the head slide mechanism via the drive transmission unit, allowing the adjustment head 62A2 to move toward and away from the reference head 62A1.

[0041] The side lifting section 61B also basically has the same configuration as the center lifting section 61A, and a detailed explanation of it will be omitted, but the side lifting section 61B is equipped with an elevator head 62B, a lifting mechanism 70B, and a spacing adjustment section 75B.

[0042] Furthermore, the elevator head 62B is equipped with a reference head 62B1 and an adjustment head 62B2. The lifting mechanism 70B includes a lifting motor 71B, a drive transmission unit 72B, a lifting guide 73A (shared with the lifting mechanism 70A), and a head support unit 74B. In addition, the spacing adjustment unit 75B includes an adjustment motor 81B (see Figure 7), a drive transmission unit (not shown), and a head slide mechanism (not shown).

[0043] [1-7. Regarding the film supply unit 90] Figure 6 shows a schematic configuration of the film supply unit 90. As shown in Figure 6, the film supply unit 90 is the part that pulls out the film F1 from the film roll R1 and supplies it to the packaging unit 100. This film supply unit 90 has a roll holding unit 91, a film guide unit 92, a film transport unit 93, and a forward and backward movement mechanism 98.

[0044] The roll holding section 91 is the part that holds the film roll R1. The film guide section 92 is equipped with multiple rollers 92a and a motor unit 92b, and is the part that guides the film F1 pulled from the film roll R1 toward the film transport section 93.

[0045] Furthermore, the film transport section 93 is the part that transports the film F1 toward the part where the packaged item P1 is packaged. This film transport section 93 comprises a front film transport section 93A and a rear film transport section 93B. The front film transport section 93A is located on the front side (i.e., the upstream side) in the transport direction of the packaged item P1, and the rear film transport section 93B is located on the rear side (i.e., the downstream side) in the transport direction of the packaged item P1. With these front film transport section 93A and rear film transport section 93B, it is possible to transport the film F1 to the packaging section 100 while holding one end of the film F1 in the width direction and the other end in the width direction.

[0046] These front film transport section 93A and rear film transport section 93B each include an upper supply belt 94a, an upper film introduction section 94b, a lower supply belt 95a, a lower film introduction section 95b, a belt drive section 96, and a clamp plate 97, respectively.

[0047] Then, the widthwise end of the film F1 fed from the film guide section 92 is held between the upper supply belt 94a and the lower supply belt 95a, and in this state, the belt drive section 96 is driven to drive the upper supply belt 94a and the lower supply belt 95a, thereby feeding the film F1 to the upper part of the elevator mechanism 60 (i.e., the packaging section 100).

[0048] The upper supply belt 94a is an elastic belt located above the lower supply belt 95a, and is capable of holding the film F1 between it and the lower supply belt 95a. The upper film introduction section 94b is located at one end of the packaging device 10 in the width direction and is equipped with multiple driven pulleys. This upper film introduction section 94b is an introduction section into which the film F1 fed from the film guide section 92 enters between the upper supply belt 94a and the lower supply belt 95a.

[0049] The lower supply belt 95a is an elastic belt located below the upper supply belt 94a, and is capable of elastically holding the film F1 between itself and the upper supply belt 94a. The lower film introduction section 95b is located at one end of the packaging device 10 in the width direction and is equipped with multiple driven pulleys. Together with the upper film introduction section 94b, the lower film introduction section 95b serves as an introduction section into which the film F1 fed from the film guide section 92 enters between the upper supply belt 94a and the lower supply belt 95a.

[0050] The belt drive unit 96 is located on the other end of the packaging device 10 in the width direction and is the part that provides driving force to drive the upper supply belt 94a and the lower supply belt 95a, and is equipped with a motor or the like.

[0051] The clamp plate 97 is a member that presses the lower supply belt 95a against the upper supply belt 94a from below the lower supply belt 95a by a biasing means (not shown). This pressing makes it possible to hold the end of the film F1 between the upper supply belt 94a and the lower supply belt 95a.

[0052] The forward / backward movement mechanism 98 is a mechanism for moving the front film transport section 93A and the rear film transport section 93B in the forward / backward direction (i.e., the transport direction of the packaged item P1). By moving the front film transport section 93A and the rear film transport section 93B in the forward / backward direction using this forward / backward movement mechanism 98, packaging that corresponds to the width of the film F1 and the depth of the packaged item P1 is made possible.

[0053] This forward and backward movement mechanism 98 includes a rail 98a on which the front film transport section 93A and the rear film transport section 93B are mounted, and further includes a forward and backward movement motor 98b (see Figure 7) that provides the driving force to move the front film transport section 93A and the rear film transport section 93B.

[0054] [1-8. Regarding the packaging section 100] Next, the packaging section 100 will be described. The packaging section 100 is located above the film supply section 90 and is the part that performs the action of folding the end of the film F1 that covers the top surface of the packaged item P1 toward the bottom surface of the packaged item P1. This packaging section 100 includes a right folding member 101a, a left folding member 101b, left and right folding drive units 102, a rear folding member 103, and a rear folding drive unit 104.

[0055] The right folding member 101a and the left folding member 101b are plate-shaped members that are driven by the left and right folding drive unit 102 (see Figure 7) to move closer to or further apart from each other, and there are two of each. The two right folding members 101a and the left folding member 101b are each positioned to sandwich the rear folding member 103.

[0056] The right folding member 101a and the left folding member 101b are components for folding the film F1 from the left and right directions toward the lower side of the packaged item P1. That is, when the packaged item P1 is pushed up by the elevator mechanism 60 with respect to the film F1 which is stretched by the front film transport section 93A and the rear film transport section 93B, and the film F1 covers the upper surface of the packaged item P1 in a stretched state, the right folding member 101a and the left folding member 101b move toward each other. As a result, the film F1 is folded toward the bottom side of the packaged item P1 from the left and right directions.

[0057] The left and right folding drive unit 102 is a component that provides driving force to operate the right folding member 101a and the left folding member 101b, and includes, for example, a motor or a belt.

[0058] The rear folding member 103 is a member for folding the film F1 from the rear (downstream) side in the transport direction toward the lower side of the packaged item P1. That is, while the film F1 is being folded by the front film transport section 93A and the rear film transport section 93B, the rear folding member 103 moves forward. As a result, the film F1 is folded toward the bottom side of the packaged item P1 from the rear side.

[0059] The rear folding drive unit 104 is a component that provides driving force to operate the rear folding member 103, and includes, for example, a motor or a belt.

[0060] [1-9. Regarding the discharge mechanism 110] The discharge mechanism 110 includes a discharge pusher 111, a pusher drive unit 112 (see Figure 7), and a discharge roller 113. The discharge pusher 111 is a component for pushing the packaged item P1 from the packaging section 100 towards the printing area of ​​the front label printer 130. In addition, the discharge pusher 111 pushes the packaged item P1 forward by pushing it towards the printing area, and uses the discharge roller 113 to fold the film F1 towards the bottom.

[0061] In this way, in the packaged item P1, the film F1 is folded towards the bottom from the rear on both the left and right sides, and finally, the film F1 is folded towards the bottom from the front by being pushed out by the discharge pusher 111.

[0062] The discharge pusher 111 is constructed, for example, by bending a long plate member into an L-shape. The discharge pusher 111 is driven by a pusher drive unit 112. The pusher drive unit 112 is a component that provides the driving force to operate the discharge pusher 111, and includes, for example, a motor or a belt.

[0063] Furthermore, the discharge roller 113 is a shaft-shaped member that can rotate with the packaged item P1 placed on it, and discharges the packaged item P1 to the front by being pushed by the discharge pusher 111 as described above. The discharge roller 113 also uses the pushing force from the discharge pusher 111 to fold the film F1 from the front to the bottom of the packaged item P1.

[0064] [1-10. Regarding the heater section 120] Next, the heater section 120 will be described. The heater section 120 is located in front of the discharge roller 113 mentioned above. The heater section 120 is the part that heats and adheres the overlapping edge of the film folded into the bottom side of the packaged item P1. After adhesion by the heater section 120 and after the label is applied by the label application section 140, the packaged item P1 is sent to (discharged from) the product discharge section 150.

[0065] The heater unit 120 has an endless belt (no reference numerals) made of glass fiber or the like that is rotatably wound around multiple pulleys, and a heating plate (no reference numerals) is positioned below the conveying surface of the endless belt. The heating plate is the part that electrically heats the film F1, and the film F1 is heat-pressed by this heating.

[0066] [1-11. About Label Printer 130] Next, the label printer 130 will be described. The label printer 130 is the part that issues labels that print information according to the contents of the packaged item P1. This label printer 130 pulls out a label from a label roll (not shown in the figure), prints on the label with a thermal head 131 (see Figure 7), and ejects the printed label. To enable this operation, the label printer 130 is equipped with a motor 132 (see Figure 7) that pulls out the label roll and provides the driving force to wind up the backing paper from which the label has been peeled off.

[0067] [1-12. Regarding the label application area 140] The label application unit 140 is a mechanism for applying a printed label to a predetermined position on the packaged item P1. This label application unit 140 is equipped with multiple motors 141 (see Figure 7) and sensors, and is capable of applying the label to the predetermined position on the packaged item P1 while the label is being held in place by suction.

[0068] [1-13. Regarding the product discharge section 150] The product discharge section 150 is the part that discharges the packaged product P1 with the label attached to a predetermined location where an operator can remove it. In this product discharge section 150, an endless belt (not shown in the reference numerals) is rotatably wound around multiple pulleys driven by a motor 151 (see Figure 7).

[0069] [1-14. Regarding the control unit 160] Figure 7 shows the control configuration of the packaging device 10. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 160 controls the operation of each drive part of the packaging device 10. This control unit 160 has a main control unit 170, a printer control unit 180, a mechanism control unit 190, and a determination unit 191. The main control unit 170, printer control unit 180, mechanism control unit 190, and determination unit 191 are functionally realized through the cooperation of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and non-volatile memory, and other elements. The memory stores control programs for executing various controllable operations.

[0070] The main control unit 170 is responsible for the overall operation of the packaging device 10 and transmits predetermined commands to the printer control unit 180 and the mechanism control unit 190.

[0071] The printer control unit 180 controls the operation of the label printer 130 and the label application unit 140. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the printer control unit 180 controls the operation of the thermal head 131, the motor 132, and the multiple motors 141.

[0072] Furthermore, the mechanism control unit 190 receives detection signals from the weight sensor 32, width detection sensor 33, and height detection sensor 34, respectively. The mechanism control unit 190 also controls the operation of the push motor 42, transport motor 51, lifting motors 71A, 71B, adjustment motors 81A, 81B, motor unit 92b, belt drive unit 96, forward / backward movement motor 98b, left / right folding drive unit 102, rear folding drive unit 104, pusher drive unit 112, and motor 151.

[0073] Furthermore, the determination unit 191 determines whether the packaged object P1 is located at a predetermined position based on the position information of the packaged object P1 transmitted from the mechanism control unit 190, and transmits the result to the mechanism control unit 190. The position information referred to here is the position information of the packaged object P1 in the width direction, based on the detection information of the packaged object P1 obtained from the width detection sensor 33. The determination unit 191 may also obtain the detection information directly from the width detection sensor 33 instead of from the mechanism control unit 190. The width detection sensor 33 corresponds to the position detection unit.

[0074] [2. Operation of the packaging device 10] [2-1. Overall operation of the packaging device 10] In the packaging device 10 having the above configuration, when the item to be packaged P1 is placed on the placement section 31, the weight sensor 32 detects the weight of the item to be packaged P1, and a signal related to that weight is transmitted to the mechanism control unit 190. In addition, the width of the item to be packaged P1 is detected by the width detection sensor 33, and the height of the item to be packaged P1 is also detected by the height detection sensor 34.

[0075] Furthermore, the following operations are realized by control from the mechanism control unit 190. Specifically, the push motor 42 is activated, and the pusher 45 pushes the packaged object P1 toward the centering adjustment unit 50. During this process, the depth dimension of the packaged object P1 is also detected, for example, based on the positional relationship between the position that blocks the light output from the height detection sensor 34 and the pusher 45.

[0076] Then, when the pusher 45 pushes the packaged object P1 into the centering adjustment unit 50, a centering operation as described later is performed. After that, the pusher 45 pushes the packaged object P1 to the elevator mechanism 60. At this time, in the elevator mechanism 60, the adjustment motors 81A and 81B operate according to the depth dimension of the packaged object P1, moving the adjustment heads 62A2 and 62B2 in the front-back direction to adjust the distance between the reference heads 62A1 and 62B1 and the adjustment heads 62A2 and 62B2. This prevents the packaged object P1 from tilting even when it is pressed against the film F1.

[0077] After being pushed into the elevator mechanism 60, the push motor 42 operates in the reverse direction to return the pusher 45 to a position where it does not interfere with the elevator heads 62A and 62B. In this state, the lifting motors 71A and 71B operate to raise the elevator heads 62A and 62B, raising the packaged item P1 up to the packaging section 100 with the packaged item P1 pushing against the film F1.

[0078] In addition, separate from the above series of operations, the forward / reverse movement motor 98b operates as needed to adjust the distance between the front film transport unit 93A and the rear film transport unit 93B. This adjusts the distance between the front film transport unit 93A and the rear film transport unit 93B to a state corresponding to the width of the film F1.

[0079] In this state, the motor unit 92b operates to pull the film F1 from the film roll R1. Then, the belt drive unit 96 operates to hold both ends of the film F1 with the front film transport unit 93A and the rear film transport unit 93B, and transport the film F1 to the packaging unit 100.

[0080] Then, with the packaged item P1 pushing against the film F1, it rises to the packaging section 100, at which point the left and right folding drive unit 102 activates and folds the film F1 from the left and right sides towards the bottom of the packaged item P1.

[0081] Subsequently, the rear folding drive unit 104 operates, folding the film F1 from the rear onto the bottom side of the packaged item P1. Immediately afterward, the pusher drive unit 112 operates, and the packaged item P1 is discharged to the front by the discharge pusher 111. As this discharge operation occurs, the film F1 is folded from the front onto the bottom side of the packaged item P1.

[0082] Furthermore, this discharge operation causes the packaged item P1 to move to the heater unit 120, and the operation of the heater unit 120 heat-seals the film F1 on the bottom side of the packaged item P1.

[0083] Furthermore, before and after the heat sealing described above, the label printer 130 is operated by the printer control unit 180 to print predetermined information on the label, and the label application unit 140 is operated to apply the label to the predetermined position on the packaged item P1. After that, the packaged item P1 is discharged to the product discharge unit 150 by the discharge pusher 111. Subsequently, the packaged item P1 is discharged to the predetermined position by the operation of the motor 151.

[0084] The above describes the process from packaging the item P1 to applying the label. In the following, this operation mode will be referred to as the first operation mode.

[0085] However, in this embodiment, the packaging of the object P1 may be performed only by the film F1 on the bottom side, without attaching a label to the object P1. In the following, this mode of operation will be referred to as the second operation mode. In this second operation mode, the label printer 130 (thermal head 131, motor 132) and the label attachment unit 140 (motor 141) are inactive.

[0086] Alternatively, the packaged item P1, which has already been wrapped in film F1, may be supplied to the weighing unit 30 for weighing, or the label may be applied only without weighing in the weighing unit 30. In the following, this mode of operation will be referred to as the third operation mode. In this third operation mode, the operation of supplying film F1 is unnecessary. Therefore, the film guide unit 92 (motor unit 92b), film transport unit 93 (belt drive unit 96), forward / backward movement mechanism 98 (forward / backward movement motor 98b), packaging unit 100 (left / right folding drive unit 102 and rear folding drive unit 104), and heater unit 120 are inactive.

[0087] [2-2. Operation of the centering adjustment unit 50] During the above series of operations, the centering of the packaged object P1 is achieved by the centering adjustment unit 50. The operation of the centering adjustment unit 50 will be described in detail below.

[0088] (1) Operation of the centering adjustment unit 50 when centering operation is not required First, the details of the operation of the centering adjustment unit 50 when centering is not required will be explained based on Figures 8 and 9. The determination that centering is not required is made by the determination unit 191 based on the detection result from the width detection sensor 33. In this case, the packaged object P1 is in a predetermined position in the width direction of the packaged object P1.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8(A), with the packaged item P1 placed on the weighing unit 30, the packaged item P1 is pushed downstream (rear) in the transport direction by the pusher 45. Then, as shown in Figure 8(B), the packaged item P1 is placed on the centering adjustment unit 50.

[0090] Here, in the centering adjustment unit 50, the flat belt 53a is also driven at speed V1 by the operation of the conveyor motor 51. However, the packaged object P1 is being pushed in by the pusher 45 at a speed V2 which is faster than speed V1. This condition can be expressed using an inequality: speed V1 < speed V2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8(C), the pusher 45 pushes the packaged object P1 into contact with it until it reaches the elevator mechanism 60.

[0091] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 9(A), the pusher 45 moves (returns) to the upstream (front) side in the conveying direction due to the reverse rotation of the push motor 42, and the pusher 45 moves away from the packaged object P1. At this point, the pusher 45 returns to a position where it does not interfere with the elevator heads 62A and 62B of the elevator mechanism 60.

[0092] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 9(B), the push motor 42 rotates forward, and the pusher 45 moves below the centering adjustment unit 50 and the weighing unit 30 by the chain drive mechanism 41. The pusher 45 then moves to the position in the weighing unit 30 where it will push the next packaged item P1.

[0093] (2) Operation of the centering adjustment unit 50 when centering operation is required Next, the operation of the centering adjustment unit 50 when a centering operation is required will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The determination unit 191 makes the determination that a centering operation is required based on the detection result from the width detection sensor 33. In this case, the packaged object P1 is not in a predetermined position in the width direction of the packaged object P1, but is in a misaligned state.

[0094] As shown in Figure 10(A), with the packaged object P1 placed on the weighing unit 30, the packaged object P1 is pushed downstream (rear) in the transport direction by the pusher 45. At this point, the width detection sensor 33 detects that the position of the packaged object P1 is off-center from the center of the weighing unit 30 and that a centering operation is necessary, and this information is transmitted to the mechanism control unit 190.

[0095] Then, the mechanism control unit 190 operates the push motor 42 and the transport motor 51 so that the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a is faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45. This state can be expressed using an inequality as speed V1 > speed V2.

[0096] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10(B), once a large portion of the packaged object P1 is placed on the flat belt 53a, the packaged object P1 will subsequently move away from the pusher 45 due to the driving of the flat belt 53a.

[0097] In addition, compared to the case where centering is not required, the speed of the push motor 42 may be kept the same while the transport motor 51 is controlled to be faster, or the speed of the transport motor 51 may be kept the same while the push motor 42 is controlled to be slower. Also, compared to the case where centering is not required, the transport motor 51 may be controlled to be faster while the push motor 42 is controlled to be slower. Furthermore, compared to the case where centering is not required, as long as speed V1 > speed V2 is achieved, the push motor 42 and the transport motor 51 may both be controlled to be faster, or the push motor 42 and the transport motor 51 may both be controlled to be slower.

[0098] Then, as shown in Figure 10(C), with the packaged object P1 separated from the device, the adjustment motor 54 operates based on a command from the mechanism control unit 190, thereby centering the packaged object P1 and moving it to the correct position.

[0099] In this state, when the packaged object P1 is further moved by the flat belt 53a, the leading edge of the packaged object P1 comes into contact with the elevator heads 62A and 62B of the elevator mechanism 60. In other words, during the centering operation, the position of the packaged object P1 in the width direction is adjusted as it moves along the centering adjustment section 50 (conveyor belt section 53) and reaches the elevator heads 62A and 62B.

[0100] As the packaged object P1 moves towards the elevator heads 62A and 62B, the area of ​​the packaged object P1 placed on the flat belt 53a decreases, resulting in a weakening of the conveying force that the packaged object P1 receives from the flat belt 53a.

[0101] As shown in Figure 11(A), the pusher 45 catches up with the movement of the packaged object P1 and pushes the packaged object P1 again. Furthermore, because the pusher 45 contacts the packaged object P1 again, it is possible to correct the posture of the packaged object P1 even if it is slightly tilted.

[0102] Then, as shown in Figure 11(B), the pusher 45, while in contact with the packaged object P1, pushes the packaged object P1 until it is completely placed on the elevator heads 62A and 62B of the elevator mechanism 60.

[0103] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 11(C), the pusher 45 moves upstream (front) in the conveying direction due to the reverse rotation of the push motor 42, and the pusher 45 moves away from the packaged object P1. At this point, the pusher 45 returns to a position where it does not interfere with the elevator heads 62A and 62B of the elevator mechanism 60.

[0104] From this point onward, as shown in Figure 9(B), the push motor 42 rotates forward, and the pusher 45 moves below the centering adjustment unit 50 and the weighing unit 30 by the chain drive mechanism 41. At this time, the adjustment motor 54 operates to return the centering adjustment unit 50 to its original position.

[0105] Furthermore, after the centering operation is performed and the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a is controlled to be faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45, the speed difference between speed V1 and speed V2 is restored to its original state. At this time, the speed V2 of the pusher 45 is increased, but the timing of increasing the speed V2 can be when the position adjustment in the centering adjustment unit 50 is completed, or slightly before the above position adjustment is completed.

[0106] Furthermore, depending on the packaged object P1, the centering adjustment unit 50 may complete the centering within the travel time of a predetermined transport distance in the transport direction (i.e., even if the full transport time is used) in order to minimize the impact caused by the widthwise speed during the centering operation. Alternatively, the centering operation may be completed while the centering adjustment unit 50 is moving a predetermined transport distance in the transport direction (i.e., until the packaged object P1 is placed on the elevator heads 62A and 62B). In addition, the widthwise speed adjustment of the centering adjustment unit 50 (adjustment of the centering operation speed) may be set for each product, but this operation may be performed by switching operations such as touch operation on a touch panel or operation by mechanical keys.

[0107] Furthermore, even when a centering operation is required, the centering operation in the centering adjustment unit 50 may be performed while the pusher 45 is not separated from the packaged object P1. That is, if the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a and the speed V2 of the pusher 45 are V1 > V2, then even if the pusher 45 is in contact with the packaged object P1, the frictional force between them will be reduced. Therefore, due to this reduction in frictional force, the centering operation in the centering adjustment unit 50 may be performed while the pusher 45 is not separated from the packaged object P1.

[0108] (3) Centering operation in the first, second, and third operating modes In the first and second operating modes described above, the centering operation may be controlled as follows. That is, in the first and second operating modes, if the determination unit 191 determines that the packaged object P1 is not in a predetermined position, it may be controlled as follows. That is, the pushing motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 may be operated so that the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a is faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45 that pushes the packaged object P1. This state can be expressed using an inequality as speed V1 > speed V2.

[0109] On the other hand, in the third operating mode described above, contrary to the first and second operating modes described above, if the determination unit 191 determines that the packaged object P1 is not in a predetermined position, the push motor 42 and the transport motor 51 may be operated so that speed V2 is faster than speed V1. This state can be expressed using an inequality as speed V2 > speed V1.

[0110] Furthermore, the relationship between speed V1 and speed V2 described above may be optimized as appropriate. That is, in the third operating mode described above, even if the determination unit 191 determines that the packaged object P1 is not in a predetermined position, depending on the friction between the pusher 45 and the packaged object P1 and other conditions, the push motor 42 and the transport motor 51 may be operated so that speed V1 is faster than speed V2.

[0111] (4) Centering operation based on container information of the packaged item P1 Next, regarding the centering operation based on the container information of the packaged item P1, the following may be performed. That is, the container, such as a tray, may be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction with the pusher 45, or conversely, it may be made of a material with a high coefficient of friction with the pusher 45.

[0112] Therefore, for example, if the main control unit 170 (corresponding to the container information acquisition unit) in the control unit 160 acquires information about the container material by receiving information about the container from an input device (not shown) or by acquiring information from other sensors, it may perform different controls depending on the material of the container.

[0113] Specifically, if the container is prone to slipping against the pusher 45 (low coefficient of friction), even if the packaged object P1 does not move away from the pusher 45 (i.e., even if the packaged object P1 is in contact with the pusher 45), the adjustment motor 54 may be used to adjust the centering of the packaged object P1 so that the packaged object P1 moves to the correct position.

[0114] At this time, the push motor 42 and the transport motor 51 are operated so that the speed V2 of the pusher 45 is faster than the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a. This state can be expressed using an inequality as speed V2 > speed V1.

[0115] On the other hand, if the container is difficult to slide against the pusher 45 (high coefficient of friction), if the packaged object P1 is not separated from the pusher 45, there is a risk that the orientation of the packaged object P1 will be disturbed during the centering adjustment of the packaged object P1 described above.

[0116] Therefore, in this case, the push motor 42 and the transport motor 51 are operated so that the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a is faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45. This state can be expressed using an inequality as speed V1 > speed V2.

[0117] (5) Centering action based on the weight of the packaged item P1 Next, regarding the centering operation based on the weight of the packaged item P1, the following may be applied. That is, the packaged item P1 may be light, or conversely, heavy. In that case, the coefficient of friction between the pusher 45 and the packaged item P1 will change depending on the weight of the packaged item P1.

[0118] In other words, when the packaged object P1 is light, the coefficient of friction between the pusher 45 and the packaged object P1 is small, but when the packaged object P1 is heavy, the coefficient of friction between the pusher 45 and the packaged object P1 becomes large.

[0119] Therefore, for example, based on the measurement of the packaged object P1 in the weighing unit 30, the mechanism control unit 190 (corresponding to the weight information acquisition unit) may perform different controls depending on the magnitude of the weight.

[0120] Specifically, if the weight of the packaged item P1 is small (the packaged item P1 is light), the centering adjustment of the packaged item P1 may be performed by operating the adjustment motor 54, even if the packaged item P1 does not move away from the pusher 45 (i.e., even if the packaged item P1 is in contact with the pusher 45), so that the packaged item P1 moves to the correct position.

[0121] At this time, the push motor 42 and the transport motor 51 are operated so that the speed V2 of the pusher 45 is faster than the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a. This state can be expressed using an inequality as speed V2 > speed V1.

[0122] On the other hand, if the weight of the packaged object P1 is large (heavy), if the packaged object P1 is not kept away from the pusher 45, there is a risk that the posture of the packaged object P1 will be disturbed during the centering adjustment of the packaged object P1 as described above.

[0123] Therefore, in this case, the push motor 42 and the transport motor 51 are operated so that the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a is faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45. This state can be expressed using an inequality as speed V1 > speed V2.

[0124] [3. Addendum] The contents described in the above-mentioned embodiment can be understood as follows, for example, and can produce the following effects. [1] That is, a packaging device 10 for packaging an object P1 to be packaged with a film F1 (packaging member) in a predetermined packaging section 100, A width detection sensor 33 (position detection unit) acquires position information of the packaged object P1, A determination unit 191 determines whether the position of the packaged object P1 detected by the width detection sensor 33 (position detection unit) is a predetermined position, A product pushing unit 40 (drive transport mechanism) is provided with a pusher 45 that pushes the packaged item P1 toward the downstream side in the transport direction toward the packaging unit 100, and a pushing motor 42 (pushing drive source) that provides the driving force to push the pusher 45, A centering adjustment unit 50 that transports the packaged object P1 independently of the pusher 45 and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, A control unit 160 controls the operation of the push motor 42 (pushing drive source) and the centering adjustment unit 50, Equipped with, In the determination by the determination unit 191, the control unit 160 controls the speed V1 of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the transport direction and the speed V2 of the pusher 45 in the transport direction to be different, depending on whether or not the packaged object P1 is in a predetermined position.

[0125] With this configuration, the determination unit 191 can improve the productivity of packaging the packaged item P1 by making the speed V1 and speed V2 different depending on whether it is determined that the packaged item P1 is in a predetermined position or not.

[0126] [2] In addition, in the above embodiment, in the contents of [1] above, If the determination unit 191 determines that the packaged object P1 is in a predetermined position, the control unit 160 controls the operation of the push motor 42 (pushing drive source) and the centering adjustment unit 50 so that the speed V2 of the pusher 45 in the transport direction is faster than the speed V1 of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the transport direction. If the determination unit 191 determines that the packaged object P1 is not in a predetermined position, the control unit 160 may control the operation of the push motor 42 (push drive source) and the centering adjustment unit 50 so that the speed V1 of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the transport direction is faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45 in the transport direction.

[0127] Thus, when the determination unit 191 determines that the packaged item P1 is in a predetermined position, it controls the speed V2 to be faster than the speed V1. As a result, the packaged item P1 is pushed in the transport direction by the pusher 45 rather than the centering adjustment unit 50. Therefore, by making the speed V2 pushed by the pusher 45 faster than when the determination unit 191 determines that the packaged item P1 is not in a predetermined position, it is possible to improve the productivity of packaging the packaged item P1.

[0128] On the other hand, if the determination unit 191 determines that the packaged object P1 is not in a predetermined position, it controls the speed V1 to be faster than the speed V2. As a result, the packaged object P1 moves faster in the transport direction than it is pushed by the pusher 45 due to the centering adjustment unit 50, so that the packaged object P1 moves away from the pusher 45 (or friction decreases). Therefore, the centering operation of the packaged object P1 can be performed while the packaged object P1 is not in contact with the pusher 45, thus preventing the posture of the packaged object P1 from being disturbed by contact between the pusher 45 and the packaged object P1.

[0129] [3] In addition, the above embodiments include, in addition to the contents described in either [1] or [2] above, or a combination thereof, The control unit 160 is When packaging an object P1, if the determination unit 191 determines that the object P1 is not in a predetermined position, the operation of the push motor 42 (push drive source) and the centering adjustment unit 50 is controlled so that the speed V1 of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the transport direction is faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45 in the transport direction. When labeling is applied to the packaged item P1 without packaging the item P1, and the determination unit 191 determines that the packaged item P1 is not in a predetermined position, the operation of the push motor 42 (push drive source) and the centering adjustment unit 50 may be controlled so that the speed V2 of the pusher 45 in the transport direction is faster than the speed V1 of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the transport direction.

[0130] In this way, the relationship between speeds V1 and V2 is controlled to differ depending on whether the object P1 is being packaged or whether a label is being applied to the object P1 without packaging. Therefore, especially when the object P1 is being packaged, it is possible to improve the productivity of packaging the object P1 compared to when a label is being applied to the object P1 without packaging.

[0131] Furthermore, while the phrase "when packaging the item P1" includes the first and second operating modes described above, other operations besides the first and second operating modes may also be included in "when packaging the item P1". Also, while the phrase "when attaching a label to the item P1 without packaging the item P1" includes the third operating mode described above, other operations besides the third operating mode may also be included in "when attaching a label to the item P1 without packaging the item P1".

[0132] [4] In addition, in this embodiment, in addition to the contents described in any of [1] to [3] above or a combination thereof, It includes a main control unit 170 (container information acquisition unit) that acquires container information used for the packaged product P1, The control unit 160 may also control the speed V1 of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the transport direction and the speed V2 of the pusher 45 in the transport direction to be different, according to the container information acquired by the main control unit 170 (container information acquisition unit).

[0133] In this way, by controlling the speed V1 of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the transport direction and the speed V2 of the pusher 45 in the transport direction to be different according to the container information, when the container is less likely to slip against the pusher 45 (high coefficient of friction), the speed V1 is controlled to be faster than the speed V2, thereby separating the pusher 45 from the packaged object P1 and preventing the posture of the packaged object P1 from being disturbed.

[0134] Conversely, when the container is slippery against the pusher 45 (low coefficient of friction), controlling the speed V2 to be faster than speed V1 can improve the productivity of packaging the packaged item P1.

[0135] [5] In addition, in this embodiment, in addition to the contents described in any of [1] to [4] above or a combination thereof, The system includes a mechanism control unit 190 (weight information acquisition unit) that acquires weight information regarding the weight of the packaged item P1. The control unit 160 may also control the speed V1 of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the transport direction and the speed V2 of the pusher 45 in the transport direction to be different, according to the weight information acquired by the mechanism control unit 190 (weight information acquisition unit).

[0136] In this way, by controlling the speed V1 of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the transport direction and the speed V2 of the pusher 45 in the transport direction to be different according to the weight information, when the weight is large (it is difficult to slide against the pusher 45 (high coefficient of friction)), the speed V1 is controlled to be faster than the speed V2, thereby separating the pusher 45 from the packaged object P1 and preventing the posture of the packaged object P1 from being disturbed.

[0137] Conversely, when the weight is small (the container is more likely to slip against the pusher 45 (low coefficient of friction)), it is possible to improve the productivity of packaging the packaged item P1 by controlling the speed so that speed V2 is faster than speed V1.

[0138] [4. Variant] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways as long as the paper used is not changed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 10...Packaging device, 20...Housing, 30...Weighing unit, 31...Placement unit, 32...Weight sensor, 33...Width detection sensor, 34...Height detection sensor, 40...Product pushing unit, 41...Chain drive mechanism, 42...Pushing motor, 42a...Belt, 42b...Pulley, 43...Sprocket, 43a...Drive transmission shaft, 44...Chain, 45...Pusher, 50...Centering adjustment unit, 51...Conveying motor, 52...Drive transmission unit, 52a...Sprocket, 52b...Chain, 53...Conveying belt unit, 53a...Flat belt, 54...Adjustment motor, 55...Drive transmission unit, 5 5a...Rack gear, 55b...Pinion gear, 56...Traverse guide, 60...Elevator mechanism, 61A...Center lifting section, 61B...Side lifting section, 62A, 62B...Elevator head, 62A1, 62B1...Reference head, 62A2, 62B2...Adjustment head, 70A, 70B...Lifting mechanism, 71A, 71B...Lifting motor, 72A, 72B...Drive transmission section, 72A1...Pulley, 72A2...Belt, 73A...Lifting guide, 74A, 74B...Head support section, 74A1...Arm-shaped section, 74A2...Support column, 75A, 75B...Spacing adjustment section 81A, 81B... Adjustment motor, 90... Film supply unit, 91... Roll holding unit, 92... Film guide unit, 92a... Roller, 92b... Motor unit, 93... Film transport unit, 93A... Front film transport unit, 93B... Rear film transport unit, 94a... Upper supply belt, 94b... Upper film introduction unit, 95a... Lower supply belt, 95b... Lower film introduction unit, 96... Belt drive unit, 97... Clamp plate, 98... Forward / backward movement mechanism, 98a... Rail, 98b... Forward / backward movement motor, 100... Packaging unit, 101a... Right folding member, 101b... Left folding member Components, 102...Left and right folding drive unit, 103...Rear folding component, 104...Rear folding drive unit, 110...Discharge mechanism, 111...Discharge pusher, 112...Pusher drive unit, 113...Discharge roller, 120...Heater unit, 130...Label printer, 131...Thermal head, 132...Motor, 140...Label application unit, 141...Motor, 150...Product discharge unit, 151...Motor, 160...Control unit, 170...Main control unit, 180...Printer control unit, 190...Mechanism control unit, 191...Determination unit, F1...Film, P1...Packaged item, R1...Film roll

Claims

1. A packaging device for packaging an object to be packaged with a packaging material at a predetermined adhesive area, A position detection unit that acquires the position information of the packaged object, A determination unit that determines whether the position of the packaged object detected by the position detection unit is a predetermined position, A drive transport mechanism comprising a pusher that pushes the packaged object downstream in the transport direction toward the adhesive portion, and a pusher drive source that provides the driving force to push the pusher, A centering adjustment unit that transports the packaged object independently of the pusher and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, A control unit that controls the operation of the push-in drive source and the centering adjustment unit, Equipped with, In the determination by the determination unit, depending on whether or not the packaged object is located at a predetermined position, the control unit controls the speed of the centering adjustment unit in the transport direction and the speed of the pusher in the transport direction to be different. A packaging device characterized by the following features.

2. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1, If the determination unit determines that the packaged object is located in a predetermined position, the control unit controls the operation of the pusher drive source and the centering adjustment unit so that the speed of the pusher in the transport direction is faster than the speed of the centering adjustment unit in the transport direction. If the determination unit determines that the packaged object is not in a predetermined position, the control unit controls the operation of the push drive source and the centering adjustment unit so that the speed of the centering adjustment unit in the transport direction is faster than the speed of the pusher in the transport direction. A packaging device characterized by the following features.

3. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit, When packaging the object to be packaged, if the determination unit determines that the object to be packaged is not in a predetermined position, the operation of the push drive source and the centering adjustment unit is controlled so that the speed of the centering adjustment unit in the transport direction is faster than the speed of the pusher in the transport direction. When labeling is applied to the packaged object without packaging the object, and the determination unit determines that the packaged object is not in a predetermined position, the operation of the push drive source and the centering adjustment unit is controlled so that the speed of the pusher in the transport direction is faster than the speed of the centering adjustment unit in the transport direction. A packaging device characterized by the following features.

4. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1, The system includes a container information acquisition unit that acquires container information used for the packaged product, The control unit controls the speed of the centering adjustment unit in the transport direction and the speed of the pusher in the transport direction to be different, according to the container information acquired by the container information acquisition unit. A packaging device characterized by the following features.

5. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1, The system includes a weight information acquisition unit that acquires weight information relating to the weight of the packaged object, The control unit controls the speed of the centering adjustment unit in the transport direction and the speed of the pusher in the transport direction to be different, according to the weight information acquired by the weight information acquisition unit. A packaging device characterized by the following features.

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