Packaging equipment

Abstract

To provide a packaging device that can reduce the effort involved in delivery. [Solution] The packaging device 10 comprises a housing 20, an infeed unit U1 including a transport means for transporting the object to be packaged P1 into the housing 20, a packaging section 100 for stretching a film F1 for packaging the object to be packaged P1 and performing packaging with the film F1, and elevator heads 62A, 62B, and a lifting means for raising the elevator heads 62A, 62B from a standby position so that the object to be packaged P1 comes into contact with the film F1. The infeed unit U1 can be positioned at a first position that extends beyond the housing 20 for placing the object to be packaged P1, and at a second position that is further inside the housing 20 than the first position.

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 wraps an object to be packaged, which is a tray on which food is placed, with a film 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, the product (A) is conveyed to the elevator (30) by the pusher conveyor (13).

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, a part of the portion including the mounting table (20) (hereinafter referred to as "infeed") protrudes to the front side from the machine frame (10). In such a configuration, there are the following problems. That is, for example, at a site such as a general supermarket, the loading entrance is narrow, and it is often impossible for the packaging machine to enter as it is.

[0006] Therefore, in the configuration as shown in Patent Document 1, when the packaging device is carried into the customer's place, the infeed is removed, and after delivery, attachment and the like are performed. Therefore, it takes time to remove and attach the infeed.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a packaging device that can reduce the effort involved in delivery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [1] In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is a packaging device for packaging an object to be packaged, comprising a housing and an infeed unit including a conveying means for conveying an object to be packaged into the housing, wherein the infeed unit can be positioned at a first position extending from the housing for placing an object to be packaged and at a second position different from the first position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a packaging device that can reduce the effort involved in delivery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [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] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the elevator mechanism in the packaging device. [Figure 5] This figure shows the head support section of the elevator mechanism of the packaging device shown in Figure 1, viewed from below. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows the positional relationship between the weighing unit, product pushing unit, centering adjustment unit, and elevator head in the packaging device shown in Figure 1 under normal operating conditions. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a side view showing the packaging device with the infeed unit retracted into the space (stored state). [Figure 8] Figure 1 schematically shows the state of the packaging device before and after the infeed unit enters the space, with (A) showing the state before the infeed unit enters the space and (B) showing the state after the infeed unit enters the space. [Figure 9] Figure 1 shows the packaging device cut near the centering adjustment section, viewed from the front. [Figure 10] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the film supply unit of the packaging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 11] This figure shows the control configuration of the packaging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 12] This figure shows a modified version of the present invention, in which the infeed unit is in a third position. [Figure 13] This figure shows a modified version of the present invention in which the infeed unit is slid diagonally downward without raising the lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A packaging device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [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.

[0013] The packaging device 10 of the present embodiment measures the packaged object P1 in a state where food or the like is placed on a tray, wraps it with a stretch film (film F1; corresponding to the packaging member), prints necessary information with a label printer 130, attaches the printed label to the packaged object P1 at the label attaching unit 140, 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 measuring the packaged object P1 or a label printer 130.

[0014] [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, an infeed sliding mechanism 80, 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.

[0015] 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. Also, in the following description, the container is synonymous with the packaged object P1 unless otherwise specified.

[0016] [1-2. About 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.

[0017] [1-3. About the weighing unit 30] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the weighing unit 30, the product pressing unit 40, and the centering adjustment unit 50. As shown in Figure 3, the weighing unit 30 is the part that weighs the packaged product P1 with food placed on it. This weighing unit 30 is equipped with a weighing plate 31 on which the packaged product P1 is placed, and is also equipped with a weight sensor 32 such as a load cell that weighs the packaged product P1 placed on the weighing plate 31.

[0018] Furthermore, the weighing unit 30 is equipped with a width detection sensor 33 that measures the width of the packaged object P1 (the dimension in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the packaged object P1). 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. Alternatively, a camera may be provided instead of the width detection sensor 33, or together with the width detection sensor 33, and the size and position of the packaged object P1 may be detected by imaging with the camera to perform the centering operation of the packaged object P1.

[0019] Furthermore, the weighing unit 30 is also equipped with a height detection sensor 34 for measuring the height of the item P1 to be packaged. Based on the detection results from the width detection sensor 33 and this height detection sensor 34, it is possible to determine whether or not the item P1 can be packaged.

[0020] Furthermore, when the packaged object P1 placed on the weighing plate 31 is transported toward the elevator mechanism 60, if light from a sensor such as a height detection sensor 34 is blocked by the packaged object P1, it is possible to detect the length (depth) of the packaged object P1 in the transport direction (front-to-back direction) by the difference between the position of the sensor and the position of the pusher 45.

[0021] [1-4. Regarding the product insertion section 40] The product pushing unit 40 includes a chain drive mechanism 41 and a pusher 45. The chain drive mechanism 41 includes a push motor 42, a sprocket 43, a chain 44, etc. The push motor 42 is the part that generates the driving force to move the pusher 45. This driving force from the push motor 42 is transmitted to the sprocket 43 via a belt 42a and a pulley 42b. The product pushing unit 40 corresponds to the conveying means, and the push motor 42 corresponds to the drive unit.

[0022] The sprockets 43 and chains 44 are arranged on both sides of the weighing plate 31 in the width direction. That is, on one side of the weighing plate 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 weighing plate 31 in the width direction, there are multiple (four in Figure 3) sprockets 43 and chains 44 stretched by those sprockets 43.

[0023] Furthermore, in order to transmit driving force to the sprocket 43 and chain 44 at one end in the width direction and the sprocket 43 and chain 44 at the other end in the width direction, a long drive transmission shaft 43a is provided along the width direction of the weighing plate 31, and the drive-side sprockets 43 are attached to both ends of the drive transmission shaft 43a.

[0024] 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.

[0025] [1-5. Regarding the centering adjustment unit 50] The centering adjustment unit 50 is a part that adjusts the position of the packaged object P1 in the width direction while conveying the packaged object P1. As shown in Figure 3, 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 (not shown), and a traverse guide 55.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 weighing plate 31 and conveys the packaged object P1 that has moved from the weighing plate 31 to the elevator mechanism 60.

[0028] 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 is the part that transmits the driving force from the adjustment motor 54 to the conveyor belt section 53. This drive transmission section can use a rack and pinion mechanism, a belt mechanism, a chain mechanism, etc., although these are not shown in the diagram.

[0029] Furthermore, the traverse guide 55 is the part that guides the conveyor belt section 53 to move in the width direction. This traverse guide 55 can be, for example, a linear guide, a rail mechanism, or the like.

[0030] 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.

[0031] [1-6. About the elevator mechanism 60] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the elevator mechanism 60. Figure 5 is a view of the head support sections 74A and 74B of the elevator mechanism 60 from below. Note that in Figure 4, the elevator heads 62A and 62B are shown in the raised state by the lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B, which will be described later. This state is when the packaging device 10 is not in operation. Therefore, when the packaging device 10 is in operation, the lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B are lower than in the state shown in Figure 4.

[0032] 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 a side lifting unit 61B. Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 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 75A. Similarly, the side lifting section 61B also includes an elevator head 62B, a lifting mechanism 70B, and a spacing adjustment mechanism 75B.

[0035] The lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B are located at the rear of the packaging device 10 (see Figure 9). These lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B are housed in a rear casing 21 made of panel boards or the like. The lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B correspond to the lifting means.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The adjustment head 62A2's relative position (i.e., spacing) with respect to the reference head 62A1 can be adjusted by the spacing adjustment mechanism 75A. Therefore, when the size of the packaged object P1 in the transport direction (depth direction) is small, the operation of the spacing adjustment mechanism 75A 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 75A positions the adjustment head 62A2 further away from the reference head 62A1.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Furthermore, the spacing adjustment mechanism 75A includes an adjustment motor 76A (see Figure 11), a drive transmission unit, and a head slide mechanism (not shown). When the adjustment motor 76A 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.

[0042] The side lifting section 61B also has basically 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 mechanism 75B.

[0043] 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 mechanism 75B includes an adjustment motor 76B (see Figure 11), a drive transmission unit (not shown), and a head slide mechanism (not shown).

[0044] With the above configuration, only the elevator head 62A (six elevator heads 62A in Figure 4), which consists of a reference head 62A1 and an adjustment head 62B2, can move up and down (central lifting operation). In this case, it is possible to accommodate the lifting of packaged items P1 with a small width.

[0045] Furthermore, along with the elevator head 62A, the elevator head 62B, which consists of a reference head 62B1 and an adjustment head 62B2 (a total of 12 elevator heads 62A and 62B in Figure 4), can also move up and down (overall lifting operation). In this case, it is possible to accommodate the lifting of wide packaged items P1.

[0046] Furthermore, when the elevator heads 62A and 62B rise to form the space SP1 described later below, a fixing mechanism may be provided to maintain the raised state, for example, by using a string or belt to maintain the raised state. However, instead of fixing with a string or belt, the raised state may also be maintained by, for example, motor control or a reduction mechanism set to a gear ratio that prevents reverse rotation.

[0047] [1-7. Infeed sliding mechanism 80 and related parts] Figure 6 shows the positional relationship between the weighing unit 30, the product pushing unit 40, and the centering adjustment unit 50, and the elevator heads 62A and 62B in the normal operating state (standby position). As shown in Figure 6, the weighing unit 30, the product pushing unit 40, and the centering adjustment unit 50 are integrally provided. Therefore, in the following description, the unit including the weighing unit 30, the product pushing unit 40, and the centering adjustment unit 50 will be referred to as the "infeed unit U1".

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the elevator mechanism 60 is housed in a rear casing 21 located at the rear of the inside of the packaging device 10. The elevator heads 62A and 62B have head support portions 74A and 74B that protrude forward from the rear casing 21, and the tips of these forward protrusions further protrude upward (forming a roughly L-shape). In the state shown in Figure 6, a locking mechanism may be provided to maintain the infeed unit U1 in a state where it protrudes by a dimension L1.

[0049] Because the elevator heads 62A and 62B are supported in this manner, when the elevator heads 62A and 62B rise, a space SP1 is formed between the infeed unit U1 and the elevator mechanism 60, as shown in Figure 6. The infeed unit U1 can then enter this space SP1.

[0050] The infeed unit U1 described above is slidably mounted by an infeed sliding mechanism 80. This infeed sliding mechanism 80 is a rail-shaped part. Specifically, the infeed sliding mechanism 80 is provided with a rail member 81 attached to the infeed unit U1 and a guide member 82 attached to the housing 20. The guide member 82 is, for example, a member with a U-shaped cross-section, and the rail member 81 can be positioned inside it. Therefore, the rail member 81 can slide along the guide member 82.

[0051] The term "enclosure 20" here includes both the portion of the frame that is exposed to the outside and the portion of the frame that is not exposed to the outside.

[0052] Here, Figures 7 and 8 show the state in which the infeed unit U1 is positioned in space SP1 (storage state) due to the guidance of the infeed sliding mechanism 80 described above. Figure 7 is a side view showing the state in which the infeed unit U1 is positioned in space SP1 (storage state). Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the state before and after the infeed unit U1 is positioned in space SP1, where (A) shows the state before the infeed unit U1 is positioned in space SP1, and (B) shows the state after the infeed unit U1 is positioned in space SP1.

[0053] In the normal operating state (first position) shown in Figures 6 and 8(A), the protrusion length of the infeed unit U1 from the housing 20 is dimension L1. On the other hand, in the stored state (second position) shown in Figures 7 and 8(B), the protrusion length of the infeed unit U1 from the housing 20 is dimension L2, which is significantly smaller than dimension L1. This prevents the infeed unit U1 from getting in the way when transporting the packaging device 10.

[0054] Here, an infeed switch SW1 is provided to detect when the infeed unit U1 enters space SP1 from its normal operating state (see Figure 11). The infeed switch SW1 is switched on, for example, in the normal operating state (drawn-out state) shown in Figures 6 and 8(A), and each drive part becomes drivable. The drive parts include the push motor 42, transport motor 51, adjustment motor 54, lifting motors 71A, 71B, adjustment motors 76A, 76B, 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, but other drive parts may also be included. Conversely, in the stored state shown in Figures 7 and 8(B), the switch is switched off, and each drive part becomes inoperable.

[0055] Furthermore, the head support section 74B can also be configured to have a lower lifting height compared to the head support section 74A. This configuration will be explained with reference to Figures 8(A) and 9. Figure 9 is a front view of the packaging device 10 cut near the centering adjustment section 50. Note that in Figure 9, the infeed unit U1 is shown schematically, and therefore the internal configuration is not illustrated.

[0056] In other words, as shown in Figures 8(A) and 9, the centering adjustment unit 50 has a smaller width compared to the weighing unit 30, so side spaces SP2 are provided on both sides of the centering adjustment unit 50 in the width direction. Therefore, as shown in Figures 8(B) and 9, by having the head support unit 74B fit into these side spaces SP2, it is possible to reduce the height to which the head support unit 74B rises.

[0057] In particular, in the configurations shown in Figures 5 and 9, the lower end of the head support portion 74B is located lower than the lower end of the head support portion 74A. However, the above-mentioned side space SP2 is provided. Therefore, even if the lower end of the head support portion 74A is lowered to be close to the flat belt 53a, the lower end of the head support portion 74B does not interfere with the centering adjustment portion 50. However, the heights of the lower ends of the head support portion 74A and the head support portion 74B may be approximately the same, or the lower end of the head support portion 74A may be higher than the lower end of the head support portion 74B.

[0058] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the head support portion 74B is provided with a collision relief portion 74B3. The collision relief portion 74B3 is a part that is positioned at an angle to the front-rear direction (the direction in which the packaged object P1 is transported) and the up-down direction, and has a shape similar to a chamfer. Due to the presence of this collision relief portion 74B3, when the infeed unit U1 is moved into space SP1, the upper side of the head support portion 74B is positioned relative to the weighing portion 30 (weighing plate 31).

[0059] Furthermore, in the configuration shown in Figure 9, handles 56 are provided at the left and right ends of the centering adjustment section 50. However, these handles 56 are positioned so as not to interfere with the head support section 74B, or so as not to obstruct the head support section 74B from entering the side space SP2 even if they slightly touch. Since the head support section 74B is provided with a collision relief section 74B3, this collision relief section 74B3 may be used to avoid interference between the handles 56 and the head support section 74B. Alternatively, the handles 56 may be omitted or made available as an add-on component to minimize interference with the head support section 74B.

[0060] [1-8. Regarding the film supply unit 90] Figure 10 shows a schematic configuration of the film supply unit 90. As shown in Figure 10, the film supply unit 90 is the part that pulls out the film F1 from the film roll R1 and supplies the film F1 to the film transport unit 93. The film transport unit 93 then suspends the supplied film F1 in a clamped state and waits for the packaged item P1 to be raised by the elevator heads 62A and 62B. The film supply unit 90 includes a roll holding unit 91, a film guide unit 92, a film transport unit 93, and a forward / backward movement mechanism 98.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Furthermore, the film transport section 93 is the part that suspends the film F1 supplied from the film supply section 90 in a clamped state and waits for the packaged object P1 to be raised by the elevator heads 62A and 62B. 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 object 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 object P1. With these front film transport section 93A and rear film transport section 93B, one end of the film F1 in the width direction and the other end in the width direction can be held.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 11) that provides the driving force to move the front film transport section 93A and the rear film transport section 93B.

[0071] [1-9. 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, a rear folding drive unit 104, a discharge pusher 105, and a pusher drive unit 106.

[0072] 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 11) 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] [1-10. Regarding the discharge mechanism 110] The discharge mechanism 110 includes a discharge pusher 111, a pusher drive unit 112 (see Figure 11), 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] [1-11. 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] [1-12. 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 11), and ejects the printed label. To enable this operation, the label printer 130 is equipped with a motor 132 (see Figure 11) 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.

[0084] [1-13. 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 11) and sensors, etc., 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.

[0085] [1-14. 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 by the drive of a motor 151 (see Figure 11).

[0086] [1-15. Regarding the control unit 160] Figure 11 shows the control configuration of the packaging device 10. As shown in Figure 11, 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The printer control unit 180 controls the operation of the label printer 130 and the label application unit 140. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the printer control unit 180 controls the operation of the thermal head 131, the motor 132, and the multiple motors 141.

[0089] 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 76A, 76B, 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] [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 weighing plate 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Then, when the pusher 45 pushes the packaged object P1 into the centering adjustment unit 50, the position of the packaged object P1 in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction is adjusted (centering operation). 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 76A and 76B 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] [2-2. Operation of the packaging device 10 during transport] When transporting the packaging device 10, if the infeed unit U1 protrudes as shown in Figures 6 and 8(A), it will obstruct transport. Therefore, the infeed sliding mechanism 80 guides the sliding of the infeed unit U1 so that it fits into space SP1.

[0102] As a result, the infeed unit U1 enters space SP1, and as shown in Figures 7 and 8(B), the protruding dimension of the infeed unit U1 decreases from L1 to L2. Therefore, the obstruction of the infeed unit U1 to transport is reduced. [3. Variant] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways without changing its essence.

[0103] For example, in the above embodiment, in the normal operating state shown in Figures 6 and 8(A), the infeed unit U1 protrudes by a dimension L1. However, for example, as shown in Figure 12, the protrusion dimension of the infeed unit U1 may be set to a dimension larger than L1, approximately L3. This state corresponds to the infeed unit U1 being in the third position.

[0104] In this case, when the infeed switch SW1 is switched off, the above-mentioned drive parts are not operated, but only the weighing unit 30 is operated. This makes it possible to improve the ease of weighing the packaged item P1 in the weighing unit 30. Also, in the normal operating state (first position) shown in Figures 6 and 8(A), the product discharge unit 150 is located above the weighing unit 30 so as to cover it. In contrast, in the third position, the weighing unit 30 is exposed, which has the advantage of making it easier to place the packaged item P1.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B are raised, and then the infeed unit U1 is moved into space SP1. However, for example, as shown in Figure 13, the infeed unit U1 may be moved diagonally downward without raising the lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B, thereby reducing the protruding dimension of the infeed unit U1.

[0106] In this case, the infeed unit U1 may move in any manner as long as it avoids interference with the elevator mechanism 60 (head support parts 74A, 74B). For example, the infeed unit U1 may move diagonally downwards as long as it does not interfere with the elevator heads 62A, 62B (head support parts 74A, 74B), it may move downwards first and then move backward (downstream in the transport direction), or it may move in a curved path.

[0107] [4. 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, Cabinet 20 and An infeed unit U1 including a product pushing section 40 (conveying means) that transports the packaged item P1 into the housing 20, Equipped with, The infeed unit U1 can be positioned in a first position that extends beyond the housing 20 for placing the packaged object P1, and in a second position different from this first position.

[0108] Therefore, by positioning the infeed unit U1 in a second position different from the first position, it becomes possible to change the protruding dimension of the infeed unit U1. As a result, when transporting the packaging device 10, the size of the packaging device 10 can be reduced, or the packaging device 10 can be used for purposes other than packaging the product P1.

[0109] [2] In addition, in the above embodiment, in the contents of [1] above, A packaging section 100 is provided for wrapping the object P1 with a film F1, and the object P1 is wrapped with the film F1. The device includes multiple elevator heads 62A, 62B, and a lifting mechanism 70A, 70B (lifting means) that raises the elevator heads 62A, 62B from a standby position so that the packaged item P1 comes into contact with the film F1, The infeed unit U1 further includes a centering adjustment unit 50 for centering the packaged object P1. The infeed unit U1 can be positioned in a second location inside the housing 20 when the elevator heads 62A and 62B are raised from the standby position to the position where the film F1 is used for packaging in the packaging section 100. In the second position, the lower ends of all or part of the head support sections 74A and 74B that support the multiple elevator heads 62A and 62B may be positioned above the centering adjustment section 50.

[0110] In this configuration, when the lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B are raised from the standby position to the position where the film F1 is used for packaging in the packaging section 100, a space SP1 is formed as shown in Figure 6. As a result, the infeed unit U1 can be placed into space SP1, and the protruding dimension of the infeed unit U1 can be reduced from dimension L1 to dimension L2. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the packaging device 10, and thus reduces the cost of transporting the packaging device 10.

[0111] Furthermore, the lower ends of the head support sections 74A and 74B, which support some of the elevator heads 62A and 62B, are positioned above the centering adjustment section 50, thereby securing space for housing the infeed unit U1 inside the housing 20.

[0112] Therefore, when delivering the packaging device 10 to the customer, it is possible to deliver the packaging device 10 without removing the infeed unit U1 from the packaging device 10. Consequently, when delivering the packaging device 10 to the customer, it is possible to reduce the effort required to remove the infeed unit U1 or to install the infeed unit U1 after delivery.

[0113] Furthermore, by positioning the infeed unit U1 in the second position, the protruding dimension of the infeed unit U1 decreases from dimension L1 to dimension L2, making it possible to reduce the size of the packaging device 10. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the costs required for transporting the packaging device 10.

[0114] [2] In addition, in the above embodiment, in the contents of [1] above, The infeed unit U1 may be positioned in a second location inside the housing 20 when the lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B are raised from the standby position to the position where the film F1 is used for packaging in the packaging section 100.

[0115] In this configuration, when the lifting mechanisms 70A and 70B are raised from the standby position to the position where the film F1 is used for packaging in the packaging section 100, a space SP1 is formed as shown in Figure 6. As a result, the infeed unit U1 can be placed into space SP1, and the protruding dimension of the infeed unit U1 can be reduced from dimension L1 to dimension L2. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the packaging device 10, and thus reduces the cost of transporting the packaging device 10.

[0116] [3] In addition, the above embodiments include, in addition to the contents described in either [1] or [2] above, or a combination thereof, The product pushing unit 40 (the conveying means) is equipped with a pushing motor 42 (drive unit), The infeed unit U1 can be positioned in a third position, which is further extended from the housing 20 than the first position. In the third position, the push motor 42 (drive unit) may be kept in a state where it is not driven.

[0117] This improves the ease of use when weighing the packaged item P1 in the weighing unit 30. In addition, since the push motor 42 (drive unit) is not driven, it is possible to prevent the packaged item P1 from being accidentally transported into the packaging device 10 and falling inside the packaging device 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 10...Packaging device, 20...Housing, 21...Rear casing, 30...Weighing unit, 31...Weighing plate, 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...Conveyor motor, 52...Drive transmission unit, 52a...Sprocket, 52b...Chain, 53...Conveyor belt unit, 53a...Flat belt, 54...Adjustment motor, 55...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, 74B3...Collision escape section, 75A, 75B...Spacing adjustment mechanism, 76A, 76B...Adjustment motor, 80...Infeed sliding mechanism, 81...Rail member, 82...Guide member, 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 and backward movement mechanism, 98a...Rail, 98b...Forward and backward movement motor, 100...Packaging unit, 101a...Right folding member, 101b...Left folding member, 102...Left and right folding drive unit, 103...Rear folding member, 104...Rear folding drive unit, 10 5...Discharge pusher, 106...Pusher 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, SP1...Space, SP2...Side space, SW1...Infeed switch.

Claims

1. A packaging device for packaging an item to be packaged, The casing and An infeed unit including a conveying means for conveying the packaged object into the housing, Equipped with, The infeed unit can be positioned at a first position extending beyond the housing for placing the packaged object, and at a second position different from the first position. A packaging device characterized by the following features.

2. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1, A packaging section is provided for wrapping the aforementioned packaged item with a film, and the packaged item is wrapped with the film. The device comprises multiple elevator heads, and a lifting means for raising the elevator heads from a standby position so as to bring the packaged item into contact with the film, The infeed unit further comprises a centering adjustment unit for adjusting the centering of the packaged object, The infeed unit is positioned inside the housing when the elevator head is raised from the standby position to the position where the film is used for packaging in the packaging section. In the second position, the lower ends of all or part of the head support portion that supports the multiple elevator heads are positioned above the centering adjustment portion. The packaging apparatus according to feature 1.

3. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1, The transport means includes a drive unit, The infeed unit can be positioned in a third position that extends further from the housing than the first position. In the third position, the drive unit is in a state where it is not driven. A packaging device characterized by the following features.

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