Packaging apparatus, method for manufacturing a packaged product, and support for a packaged product

Abstract

To provide a packaging device that can package items more appropriately. [Solution] The packaging device 100 is a packaging device that packages an object to be packaged PK using a heat-shrinkable film FM, and comprises a conveying mechanism CM for conveying the object to be packaged PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM, a tunnel structure 2 in which the object to be packaged PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM is heated inside, and a gas flow generation mechanism GM that generates a flow of high-temperature gas HG from inside the tunnel structure 2, passing around the object to be packaged PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM in the space upstream (X1 side) of the tunnel structure 2, and moving from the downstream side to the upstream side of the object to be packaged PK, thereby preheating the heat-shrinkable film FM covering the object to be packaged PK.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a packaging device, a method for manufacturing a packaged object, and a support for a packaged object.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a packaging device that heats a heat-shrinkable film so that the heat-shrinkable film covering a packaged object conveyed along a conveyance direction is fixed to the packaged object (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This packaging device is configured to allow high-temperature air jetted toward a main heating position to flow into a preheating position in a tunnel-shaped cover member provided upstream of the main heating position in the conveyance direction, and to preheat the heat-shrinkable film while retaining the high-temperature air at the preheating position for as long as possible.

[0005] However, this packaging device is configured such that high-temperature air stays at the preheating position as described above. Therefore, when the downstream portion of the heat-shrinkable film in the conveyance direction reaches the preheating position, the heat-shrinkable film rapidly shrinks, and there is a risk that the packaged object cannot be properly packaged.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a packaging device that can more appropriately package a packaged object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A packaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a packaging apparatus for packaging an object to be packaged using a heat-shrinkable film, comprising: a conveying mechanism for conveying the object to be packaged covered with the heat-shrinkable film; a tunnel structure in which the object to be packaged covered with the heat-shrinkable film is heated; and a gas flow generation mechanism that generates a flow of high-temperature gas from inside the tunnel structure, passing around the object to be packaged covered with the heat-shrinkable film in the space upstream of the tunnel structure, and moving from the downstream side to the upstream side of the object to be packaged, thereby preheating the heat-shrinkable film covering the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The packaging device described above can package the items to be packaged more appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a packaging apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a packaged product support according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a packaged object supported by a packaged object support. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the flow state of high-temperature gas used in the packaging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the change in the state of the heat-shrinkable film covering the packaged item shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing packaged goods using a packaging device that is wrapped in heat-shrinkable film. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, a packaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the packaging apparatus 100. Specifically, the upper left of Figure 1 is a top view (plan view) of the packaging apparatus 100, the lower left of Figure 1 is a right side view of the packaging apparatus 100, and the right of Figure 1 is a rear view of the packaging apparatus 100.

[0011] In Figure 1, X1 represents one direction along the X-axis in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction along the X-axis. Similarly, Y1 represents one direction along the Y-axis in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction along the Y-axis. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction along the Z-axis in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction along the Z-axis. In Figure 1, the X1 side of the packaging device 100 corresponds to the front side (front side, upstream side) of the packaging device 100, and the X2 side of the packaging device 100 corresponds to the rear side (back side, downstream side) of the packaging device 100. Furthermore, the Y1 side of the packaging device 100 corresponds to the left side of the packaging device 100, and the Y2 side of the packaging device 100 corresponds to the right side of the packaging device 100. Also, the Z1 side of the packaging device 100 corresponds to the top side of the packaging device 100, and the Z2 side of the packaging device 100 corresponds to the bottom side of the packaging device 100. The same applies to other components in other diagrams.

[0012] The packaging device 100 is a device for packaging an item PK using a heat-shrinkable film FM, and includes a tunnel structure 2, a conveying mechanism CM, a gas flow generation mechanism GM, a conveying speed controller 5, and a control panel 8.

[0013] The conveying mechanism CM is a mechanism for conveying a packaged object PK that is at least partially covered with a heat-shrinkable film FM. Hereinafter, the packaged object PK that is at least partially covered with a heat-shrinkable film FM will also be called the object to be heated. In the illustrated example, the conveying mechanism CM consists of a belt conveyor 1, a frame 6, and casters 7. Specifically, the conveying mechanism CM includes an upstream conveying mechanism CMF and a downstream conveying mechanism CMB. The upstream conveying mechanism CMF consists of an upstream belt conveyor 1F, an upstream frame 6F, and an upstream caster 7F, while the downstream conveying mechanism CMB consists of a downstream belt conveyor 1B, a downstream frame 6B, and a downstream caster 7B. In Figure 1, for clarity, the belt portion of the belt conveyor 1 is marked with a dot pattern, and the packaged object support SP is marked with a cross pattern.

[0014] The conveying mechanism CM is configured to convey the packaged object support SP, which supports the packaged object PK covered at least partially with a heat-shrinkable film FM, from the upstream side (X1 side) to the downstream side (X2 side). Specifically, as shown by arrow AR1 in Figure 1, the conveying mechanism CM is configured such that the downstream end of the upstream belt conveyor 1F and the upstream end of the downstream belt conveyor 1B are adjacent to each other along the X-axis direction, which is the conveying direction, so that the transfer of the packaged object support SP from the upstream belt conveyor 1F to the downstream belt conveyor 1B can be performed smoothly.

[0015] The gas flow generation mechanism GM is a mechanism that generates a flow of high-temperature gas (high-temperature air) and consists of a heat gun 3 and a blower 4. In Figure 1, for clarity, the conduit (air hose) connecting the heat gun 3 and the blower 4 is omitted from the illustration, but in reality, the heat gun 3 and the blower 4 are connected by a conduit (air hose) that guides the gas (air).

[0016] The heat gun 3 is a device that heats the gas supplied by the blower 4 and discharges it as high-temperature gas. In the illustrated example, the heat gun 3 includes an upper heat gun 3U that ejects high-temperature gas from the upper side (Z1 side) of the tunnel structure 2 into the interior of the tunnel structure 2, a lower heat gun 3D that ejects high-temperature gas from the lower side (Z2 side) of the tunnel structure 2 into the interior of the tunnel structure 2, a left heat gun 3L that ejects high-temperature gas from the left side (Y1 side) of the tunnel structure 2 into the interior of the tunnel structure 2, and a right heat gun 3R that ejects high-temperature gas from the right side (Y2 side) of the tunnel structure 2 into the interior of the tunnel structure 2.

[0017] Specifically, the heat gun 3 has a ejection axis 3X and is configured to eject high-temperature gas along the ejection axis 3X. In the example shown in Figure 1, in a right-side view along the Y-axis (see the lower left view in Figure 1), the upper heat gun 3U has an upper ejection axis 3UX perpendicular to the conveying direction (X-axis direction), and the lower heat gun 3D has a lower ejection axis 3DX perpendicular to the conveying direction (X-axis direction). The lower heat gun 3D is positioned so that its tip corresponds to a position between the downstream end of the upstream belt conveyor 1F and the upstream end of the downstream belt conveyor 1B. However, the upper heat gun 3U may have an upper ejection axis 3UX that is inclined with respect to the conveying direction (X-axis direction) in a right-side view along the Y-axis. In this case, the upper heat gun 3U is typically positioned so that its tip (lower end) is located upstream (towards X1) of its rear end (upper end). The same applies to the lower heat gun 3D. Furthermore, the upper heat gun 3U is positioned so that the upper ejection axis 3UX is parallel to the Z axis when viewed from the rear along the X axis (see the right diagram in Figure 1), but it may also be positioned at an angle to the Z axis. The same applies to the lower heat gun 3D.

[0018] Further, the left heat gun 3L has a left ejection axis 3LX that is inclined with respect to the conveyance direction (X-axis direction) in a top view along the Z-axis direction (see the upper left figure in FIG. 1), and the right heat gun 3R has a right ejection axis 3RX that is inclined with respect to the conveyance direction. Specifically, the left heat gun 3L is arranged such that the angle between the conveyance direction (X-axis direction) and the left ejection axis 3LX is the angle θL in a top view along the Z-axis direction. Similarly, the right heat gun 3R is arranged such that the angle between the conveyance direction (X-axis direction) and the right ejection axis 3RX is the angle θR in a top view along the Z-axis direction. The angle θL and the angle θR are typically angles less than 90 degrees. This is to enable the ejection of hot air toward the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2, and further, to enable the hot air ejected by the upper heat gun 3U and the lower heat gun 3D to be pushed toward the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2. Note that the size of the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2 is set according to the size of the object to be heated (particularly, the size of the cross-section perpendicular to the conveyance direction). Typically, the area of the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2 is set to be larger as the object to be heated (particularly, the area of the cross-section perpendicular to the conveyance direction) is larger. Also, the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2 may be configured to be adjustable (changeable) in size.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the left heat gun 3L and the right heat gun 3R are arranged such that the angle θL and the angle θR are the same size as each other, but they may be arranged such that the angle θL and the angle θR are different sizes from each other. Also, the right heat gun 3R is arranged such that the right ejection axis 3RX and the X-axis are parallel in a right side view along the Y-axis direction (see the lower left figure in FIG. 1), but it may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the X-axis. The same applies to the left heat gun 3L.

[0020] Also, in the illustrated example, the left heat gun 3L and the right heat gun 3R are arranged on the downstream side (X2 side) of the upper heat gun 3U and the lower heat gun 3D, but they may be arranged on the upstream side (X1 side) of the upper heat gun 3U and the lower heat gun 3D. In this case, the upper heat gun 3U and the lower heat gun 3D are typically arranged with their tip portions facing upstream so that they can jet high-temperature air toward the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2, and further so that they can extrude the high-temperature air jetted by the left heat gun 3L and the right heat gun 3R toward the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2.

[0021] Also, the left heat gun 3L is arranged such that the position of its jet outlet is approximately at the center of the height (dimension in the Z-axis direction) of the tunnel structure 2, but it may be arranged at a higher position or a lower position. The same applies to the right heat gun 3R.

[0022] Also, the upper heat gun 3U is arranged such that the position of its jet outlet is approximately at the center of the width (dimension in the Y-axis direction) of the tunnel structure 2, but it may be arranged at a more leftward position or a more rightward position. The same applies to the lower heat gun 3D.

[0023] Also, in the illustrated example, the upper heat gun 3U and the lower heat gun 3D are arranged such that their tip portions are located at the same position in the conveyance direction (X-axis direction), but they may be arranged such that their tip portions are located at different positions in the conveyance direction (X-axis direction). For example, the tip portion of the upper heat gun 3U may be arranged to be located on the upstream side (X1 side) of the tip portion of the lower heat gun 3D. The same applies to the left heat gun 3L and the right heat gun 3R.

[0024] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the temperature of the hot gas ejected from the left heat gun 3L and the right heat gun 3R is higher than the temperature of the hot gas ejected from the lower heat gun 3D, and the temperature of the hot gas ejected from the lower heat gun 3D is higher than the temperature of the hot gas ejected from the upper heat gun 3U. The airflow rate of the hot gas ejected from the lower heat gun 3D is greater than the airflow rate of the hot gas ejected from the upper heat gun 3U and the right heat gun 3R, and the airflow rate of the hot gas ejected from the upper heat gun 3U and the right heat gun 3R is greater than the airflow rate of the hot gas ejected from the left heat gun 3L. However, the temperature and airflow rate of the hot gas ejected from each of the four heat guns 3 may be arbitrarily set according to the shape of the packaged item PK, etc.

[0025] As described above, the gas flow generation mechanism GM typically includes a heat gun 3 positioned to allow high-temperature air to flow from the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2 toward the upstream side (X1 side). However, the gas flow generation mechanism GM does not necessarily include the heat gun 3, as long as it can allow high-temperature gas inside the tunnel structure 2 to flow from the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2 toward the upstream side (X1 side). For example, the gas flow generation mechanism GM may have a heat source, such as a heater, inside the tunnel structure 2 to heat the air inside the tunnel structure 2. In this case, the air heated by the heat source inside the tunnel structure 2 (high-temperature air) may be pushed out toward the upstream side (X1 side) from the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2 by the airflow generated by a blower located downstream of the tunnel structure 2. Alternatively, air heated by a heat source inside the tunnel structure 2 (high-temperature air) may be drawn out through the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2 by an airflow generated by an exhaust fan located upstream of the transport mechanism CM (package support SP that supports the packaged item PK covered with heat-shrinkable film FM). In this case, the drawn-out air passes around the packaged item PK covered with heat-shrinkable film FM and is taken into the exhaust fan.

[0026] The tunnel structure 2 is a structure that provides a main heating chamber for main heating of the heat-shrinkable film FM covering the packaged object PK, and has an upstream opening 2KF that allows the object to be heated to enter the main heating chamber, and a downstream opening 2KB that allows the object to be heated to exit the main heating chamber. Note that "main heating" of the object to be heated means heating that takes place inside the tunnel structure 2, and "preheating" of the object to be heated means heating that takes place outside the tunnel structure 2. The heat-shrinkable film FM shrinks primarily (pre-shrink) by preheating and shrinks secondarily (main shrink) by main heating. The tunnel structure 2 is made of any heat-resistant material such as metal, ceramic, or synthetic resin. In the illustrated example, the tunnel structure 2 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped structure composed of plate-like members that form the top surface, left side surface, and right side surface, with a hole provided on the top surface for receiving the tip of the upper heat gun 3U, a hole provided on the left side surface for receiving the tip of the left heat gun 3L, and a hole provided on the right side surface for receiving the tip of the right heat gun 3R. The tunnel structure 2 may also include additional plate-like members that form its lower surface. In this case, the lower surface is provided with a hole for receiving the tip of the lower heat gun 3D, and the belt conveyor 1 is positioned above the lower surface of the tunnel structure 2, adjacent to the lower surface of the tunnel structure 2.

[0027] The blower 4 is a device for supplying airflow to the heat gun 3. In the illustrated example, the blower 4 includes an upstream blower 4F for supplying airflow to the upper heat gun 3U and the lower heat gun 3D, respectively, and a downstream blower 4B for supplying airflow to the left heat gun 3L and the right heat gun 3R, respectively. Note that in Figure 1, the air hoses connecting the upstream blower 4F to the upper heat gun 3U and the lower heat gun 3D, respectively, and the air hoses connecting the downstream blower 4B to the left heat gun 3L and the right heat gun 3R, respectively, are not shown. Furthermore, the blower 4 may be a single blower that supplies airflow to each of the upper heat gun 3U, lower heat gun 3D, left heat gun 3L, and right heat gun 3R, or it may be four blowers that supply airflow separately to each of the upper heat gun 3U, lower heat gun 3D, left heat gun 3L, and right heat gun 3R.

[0028] The conveying speed controller 5 is a device for controlling the conveying speed (movement speed) of the object to be heated by the conveying mechanism CM. In the illustrated example, the conveying speed controller 5 includes an upstream conveying speed controller 5F for controlling the conveying speed by the upstream belt conveyor 1F, and a downstream conveying speed controller 5B for controlling the conveying speed by the downstream belt conveyor 1B. Specifically, the conveying speed controller 5 is an electric motor and is configured to allow stepless adjustment of the conveying speed. Note that the conveying speed controller 5 may be a single controller capable of controlling both the conveying speed by the upstream belt conveyor 1F and the conveying speed by the downstream belt conveyor 1B.

[0029] The control panel 8 is a device for controlling the movement of the packaging device 100. Specifically, the control panel 8 may receive input from various sensors (not shown), such as a temperature sensor located inside the tunnel structure 2, a temperature sensor located outside the tunnel structure 2 (upstream of the tunnel structure 2), or a temperature sensor located near the nozzle of the heat gun 3. The control panel 8 may be configured to generate control commands to various devices, such as the heat gun 3, the blower 4, and the transport speed controller 5, based on the outputs of the various sensors. This is to achieve a temperature environment that brings about appropriate shrinkage of the heat-shrinkable film FM. For example, the control panel 8 may be configured to output control commands to the heat gun 3 to adjust the temperature of the high-temperature air ejected by the heat gun 3. The control panel 8 may also be configured to output control commands to the blower 4 to adjust the speed (amount) of airflow supplied by the blower 4 to the heat gun 3. Furthermore, the control panel 8 may be configured to output control commands to the transport speed controller 5 to adjust the transport speed (movement speed).

[0030] Next, with reference to Figure 2, an example of the configuration of the packaged product support SP will be described. Figure 2 is a six-view drawing of the packaged product support SP (front view, left side view, right side view, rear view, top view, and bottom view). In Figure 2, for clarity, a coarse dot pattern is applied to the first support part 21 and a fine dot pattern is applied to the second support part 22. In the left side view and right side view, parts that are actually invisible or difficult to see due to the side plate part 24 are represented by dashed lines. In the front view and right side view, the packaged product PK and the heat-shrinkable film FM are represented by dashed lines.

[0031] The packaged object support SP is a component for supporting the object to be heated (the packaged object PK, which is at least partially covered with a heat-shrinkable film FM). The packaged object support SP is also a component that is preheated and then heated together with the object to be heated, and is formed of any heat-resistant material such as ceramic or synthetic resin. In the illustrated example, the packaged object support SP is composed of a transparent plate-like component made of synthetic resin.

[0032] Specifically, the packaged product support SP has a first support portion 21, a second support portion 22, and a third support portion 23. The first support portion 21 is a member that supports the upstream (X1 side) end of the packaged product PK covered with heat-shrinkable film FM in the transport direction (X-axis direction) from below (Z2 side). The second support portion 22 is a member that supports the downstream (X2 side) end of the packaged product PK covered with heat-shrinkable film FM in the transport direction (X-axis direction) from below (Z2 side). The third support portion 23 is a member that supports the area near the center of the upstream (X1 side) end face (corresponding to the bottom face when the packaged product PK is placed upright) of the packaged product PK covered with heat-shrinkable film FM in the transport direction (X-axis direction) from the upstream (X1 side).

[0033] Furthermore, the packaged product support SP has a side plate portion 24 for connecting the first support portion 21 and the second support portion 22, a vertical plate portion 25 for connecting the first support portion 21 and the third support portion 23, and a reinforcing portion 26 for reinforcing the connection between the first support portion 21 and the side plate portion 24.

[0034] As shown in the front view, the first support portion 21 is a flat plate-shaped member extending along the YZ plane and has a notch portion 21C that is approximately semicircular in shape when viewed from the front along the X axis. The approximately semicircular shape has a radius larger than the maximum diameter of the packaged object PK and the heat-shrinkable film FM, respectively. Therefore, when the cross-section of the upstream end of the packaged object PK is approximately circular, the first support portion 21 can support the upstream end of the object to be heated at a single point in the central part (lowest part) in the Y axis direction. In other words, this approximately semicircular shape facilitates the positioning of the object to be heated and suppresses the object from swaying from side to side.

[0035] As shown in the rear view, the second support portion 22 is a flat plate-shaped member extending along the YZ plane and has a notch portion 22C that is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from the rear along the X axis. The notch portion 22C is intended to allow the high-temperature gas HG (see Figure 4) to enter the area below the object to be heated. The high-temperature gas HG that enters the area below the object to be heated through the notch portion 22C is blocked from moving upstream by the first support portion 21, passes through the spaces on the right and left sides of the object to be heated, and then proceeds upstream through the notch portion 21C of the first support portion 21.

[0036] Furthermore, the second support portion 22 can support the downstream end of the object to be heated at a single point in the central part of the upper end surface in the Y-axis direction. This is because the object to be heated is positioned so as not to swing from side to side by the semicircular notch portion 21C of the first support portion 21. In addition, the second support portion 22 is configured to support the downstream end of the object to be heated at a higher position than the first support portion 21. This is to ensure that the longitudinal axis PX (see Figure 3) of the packaged object PK is horizontal (parallel to the X-axis). That is, it is preferable that the height of the support points in the first support portion 21 and the second support portion 22 are adjusted so that the longitudinal axis PX (see Figure 3) of the packaged object PK supported by the packaged object support SP is horizontal (parallel to the X-axis).

[0037] As shown in the right side view, the third support portion 23 is a flat plate-shaped member extending along the XY plane, and is configured to be approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from above along the Z axis. Specifically, the third support portion 23 is positioned so that its downstream end (X2 side) contacts the upstream end face (X1 side) of the packaged object PK, thereby positioning the packaged object PK. Therefore, even when subjected to a flow of high-temperature gas from the downstream side (X2 side) to the upstream side (X1 side), the packaged object PK will not move upstream (X1 side) relative to the packaged object support SP. Furthermore, the third support portion 23 is positioned upstream (X1 side) of the first support portion 21 to facilitate the attachment of the object to be heated to the packaged object support SP. In addition, the shape of the third support portion 23 is designed so that it can contact the upstream end face (bottom face) of the packaged object PK without contacting the heat-shrinkable film FM.

[0038] The side plate portion 24 is a member for connecting the first support portion 21 and the second support portion 22, and includes a left side plate portion 24L and a right side plate portion 24R. The right side plate portion 24R is a flat plate-shaped member extending along the XZ plane, as shown in the right side view, and has a right notch portion 24CR that is substantially rectangular when viewed from the right side along the Y axis. The left side plate portion 24L is a flat plate-shaped member extending along the XZ plane, as shown in the left side view, and has a left notch portion 24CL that is substantially rectangular when viewed from the left side along the Y axis. In the illustrated example, the notches 24C (left notch portion 24CL and right notch portion 24CR) of the side plate portion 24 are formed to open to the upper side (Z1 side) and the downstream side (X2 side), respectively. Specifically, the notches 24C of the side plate portion 24 (left notch 24CL and right notch 24CR) are formed to leave open (not obstruct) the left side (Y1 side) and right side (Y2 side) of the upper end of the second support portion 22.

[0039] The left plate portion 24L and the right plate portion 24R are intended to suppress the spread of high-temperature gas HG to the left and right sides of the upstream portion of the object to be heated. On the other hand, the left notch portion 24CL and the right notch portion 24CR are intended to promote the spread of high-temperature gas HG to the left and right sides of the downstream portion of the object to be heated (particularly the portion supported by the upper end of the second support portion 22).

[0040] As shown in the right side view, the vertical plate portion 25 is a flat plate-shaped member extending along the XZ plane and is configured to connect the first support portion 21 and the third support portion 23. Specifically, the vertical plate portion 25 is configured such that the rear end surface of its lower end is attached to the center of the front surface of the first support portion 21 in the Y-axis direction, and the upper end surface of its upper end is attached to the center of the lower surface of the third support portion 23, so as not to obstruct the flow of high-temperature gas HG from the downstream side to the upstream side. In the illustrated example, the vertical plate portion 25 is configured such that the width of the upper end in the transport direction (X-axis direction) is smaller than the width of the lower end. That is, the vertical plate portion 25 is configured to be approximately L-shaped when viewed from the right side. This is so that the third support portion 23 is positioned upstream (X1 side) of the first support portion 21.

[0041] The reinforcing portion 26 is for reinforcing the connection between the first support portion 21 and the side plate portion 24. In the illustrated example, the reinforcing portion 26 is configured to connect the first support portion 21 and the side plate portion 24 such that the first support portion 21 and the side plate portion 24 are perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the reinforcing portion 26 includes a left reinforcing portion 26L and a right reinforcing portion 26R, which are formed to form a substantially right triangle in a top view along the Z-axis direction. The left reinforcing portion 26L is positioned to connect the first support portion 21 and the left plate portion 24L such that the first support portion 21 and the left plate portion 24L are perpendicular to each other. Similarly, the right reinforcing portion 26R is positioned to connect the first support portion 21 and the right plate portion 24R such that the first support portion 21 and the right plate portion 24R are perpendicular to each other.

[0042] Next, with reference to Figure 3, an example of the configuration of the packaged product PK will be described. Figure 3 is a right side view and a cross-sectional view of the packaged product PK. Specifically, the cross-sectional view of the packaged product PK includes a cross-sectional view CS1 showing the upstream end of the packaged product PK in the transport direction, a cross-sectional view CS2 showing the middle part of the packaged product PK in the transport direction, and a cross-sectional view CS3 showing the downstream end of the packaged product PK in the transport direction.

[0043] More specifically, the cross-sectional diagram showing cross-section CS1 is a view of the cross-section CS1 of the packaged product PK in a virtual plane SF1 parallel to the YZ plane, seen from the upstream side (X1 side). Similarly, the cross-sectional diagram showing cross-section CS2 is a view of the cross-section CS2 of the packaged product PK in a virtual plane SF2 parallel to the YZ plane, seen from the upstream side (X1 side), and the cross-sectional diagram showing cross-section CS3 is a view of the cross-section CS3 of the packaged product PK in a virtual plane SF3 parallel to the YZ plane, seen from the upstream side (X1 side). Note that in Figure 3, a coarse dot pattern is added to the cross-section of the packaged product PK for clarity.

[0044] The packaged material PK is a cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis PX parallel to the conveying direction. Typically, the packaged material PK is a container for holding granular material or the like. In the illustrated example, the packaged material PK is a member that includes a portion that is not rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis PX, and is configured such that the cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the upstream end to the downstream end. Specifically, the outer shape of cross section CS1 is a circle with radius RD1. The outer shape of the lower part of cross section CS2 is a semicircle with radius RD2 (<radius RD1), and the outer shape of the upper part of cross section CS2 is an approximately semicircle in which the diameter continuously changes from the maximum value DS1 (=radius RD2) to the minimum value DS2 (<radius RD2) and then back to the maximum value DS1. The outer shape of cross section CS3 is a circle with radius RD3 (<minimum value DS2<radius RD2). That is, the area A1 of cross section CS1 is smaller than the area A2 of cross section CS2, and the area A2 of cross section CS2 is smaller than the area A3 of cross section CS3. For the sake of clarity, the packaged product (PK) is illustrated as having a simple shape, but in reality, it may have a more complex shape.

[0045] However, the packaged object PK may include a portion where the cross-sectional area does not change from the upstream portion to the downstream portion, or it may include a portion where the cross-sectional area increases from the upstream portion to the downstream portion. Furthermore, the packaged object PK may be a columnar member that includes a portion having a cross-section of any shape, such as an ellipse or polygon. For comparison, Figure 3 shows the shape of a member that is rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis PX with a dashed line. Thus, the packaging device 100 is preferably used for packaging a reduced-diameter container in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the upstream end is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream end. More preferably, the packaging device 100 is used for packaging a reduced-diameter container with a non-rotationally symmetric shape.

[0046] Next, referring to Figure 4, the flow of the high-temperature gas HG ejected by the heat gun 3 will be explained. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the flow state of the high-temperature gas HG used in the packaging device 100. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 4 is a right side view of the heat gun 3 that ejects high-temperature gas HG into the tunnel structure 2, and the lower part of Figure 4 is a top view of the heat gun 3 that ejects high-temperature gas HG into the tunnel structure 2. In Figure 4, for the sake of clarity, the high-temperature gas HG is represented by a coarse dot pattern, and the flow of the high-temperature gas HG is represented by solid arrows.

[0047] Specifically, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 4, the upper heat gun 3U is positioned to eject high-temperature gas HG along an upper ejection axis 3UX that is perpendicular to the central axis 2X of the tunnel structure 2, which extends parallel to the transport direction (X-axis direction), in a right-side view along the Y-axis. Similarly, the lower heat gun 3D is positioned to eject high-temperature gas HG along a lower ejection axis 3DX that is perpendicular to the central axis 2X of the tunnel structure 2. The high-temperature gas HG ejected by the upper heat gun 3U and the high-temperature gas HG ejected by the lower heat gun 3D merge in the central part of the tunnel structure 2 in the Z-axis direction.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 4, the left heat gun 3L is positioned to eject high-temperature gas HG along the left ejection axis 3LX, which is inclined at an angle θL with respect to the central axis 2X of the tunnel structure 2 in a top view along the Z-axis. Similarly, the right heat gun 3R is positioned to eject high-temperature gas HG along the right ejection axis 3RX, which is inclined at an angle θR with respect to the central axis 2X of the tunnel structure 2 in a top view along the Z-axis. The high-temperature gas HG ejected by the left heat gun 3L and the high-temperature gas HG ejected by the right heat gun 3R merge in the central part of the tunnel structure 2 in the Y-axis direction.

[0049] The high-temperature gas HG ejected from the upper heat gun 3U and the lower heat gun 3D are then pushed upstream (towards X1) by the high-temperature gas HG ejected from the left heat gun 3L and the right heat gun 3R, respectively, and discharged upstream from the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2.

[0050] The high-temperature gas HG discharged upstream from the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2 mixes with the gas (air) outside the tunnel structure 2 and is cooled, and the portion of the tunnel structure 2 located near its central axis 2X reaches the area around the object to be heated (the packaged object PK, at least partially covered with heat-shrinkable film FM), which is supported by the packaged object support SP. In Figure 4, for clarity, only the packaged object PK is shown on the upstream side (X1 side) of the tunnel structure 2, and other components such as the packaged object support SP and the heat-shrinkable film FM are omitted from the illustration.

[0051] Next, referring to Figure 5, we will explain the changes in the state of the heat-shrinkable film FM covering the packaged object PK as it moves from the upstream side (X1 side) to the downstream side (X2 side) along the transport direction (X-axis direction). Figure 5 shows the packaged object PK covered by the heat-shrinkable film FM. Specifically, the three figures on the left are top views of the packaged object PK covered by the heat-shrinkable film FM, and the three figures on the right are rear views of the packaged object PK covered by the heat-shrinkable film FM. In Figure 5, for clarity, only the outline of the heat-shrinkable film FM is shown with a solid line, and the packaged object PK has a coarse dot pattern.

[0052] The upper diagrams of Figure 5 (upper left and upper right) show the state before the packaged product PK reaches the preheating position (for example, position P1 shown in Figure 1), the center diagrams of Figure 5 (center left and center right) show the state when the downstream portion of the packaged product PK reaches the preheating position, and the lower diagrams of Figure 5 (lower left and lower right) show the state when the packaged product PK reaches the main heating position inside the tunnel structure 2 (for example, position P2 shown in Figure 1). In the illustrated example, the preheating position is not covered by a cover member such as the tunnel structure 2, and the top, left side, and right side are open. However, the preheating position may be covered entirely or partially by a cover member or the like on at least one of the top, left side, and right side. The same applies to other positions (spaces) on the upstream side of the tunnel structure 2.

[0053] The heat-shrinkable film FM has not yet shrunk because, before the packaged item PK reaches the preheating position, it is not affected by the high-temperature gas HG discharged from the tunnel structure 2 toward the upstream side (X1 side) in the conveying direction.

[0054] When the packaged item PK reaches the preheating position, the heat-shrinkable film FM shrinks in the portion on the downstream side in the conveying direction (the portion covering the downstream portion of the packaged item PK). This is because it is affected by the high-temperature gas HG discharged from the tunnel structure 2 toward the upstream side (X1 side) in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the degree of shrinkage of the heat-shrinkable film FM is greater closer to the downstream end and smaller closer to the upstream end. This is because it becomes more susceptible to the influence of the high-temperature gas HG as it approaches the tunnel structure 2. In other words, the temperature of the high-temperature gas HG decreases as it moves away from the tunnel structure 2.

[0055] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the heat-shrinkable film FM is configured such that its length in the X-axis direction is longer than that of the packaged object PK. Then, as shown in the lower right diagram of Figure 5, when the heating is performed, the heat-shrinkable film FM shrinks to cover a portion of the downstream (X2 side) end face of the packaged object PK. In the illustrated example, when viewed from the rear along the X-axis, the heat-shrinkable film FM shrinks to cover the outer circumference of the circular end face on the downstream (X2 side) of the packaged object PK in an annular shape. Note that in the illustrated example, the heat-shrinkable film FM is positioned so that the position of its upstream (X1 side) end is approximately the same as the position of its upstream (X1 side) end of the packaged object PK, and therefore does not cover the upstream (X1 side) end face of the packaged object PK. However, the heat-shrinkable film FM may be positioned to cover a portion of the upstream (X1 side) end face of the packaged object PK, similar to the case where it covers a portion of the downstream (X2 side) end face of the packaged object PK.

[0056] Next, referring to Figure 6, the flow of the method (hereinafter referred to as the "manufacturing method") by which the packaging device 100 manufactures a packaged product PK wrapped with heat-shrinkable film FM will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the manufacturing method flow.

[0057] First, the packaging device 100 begins transporting the object to be heated (the packaged object PK, at least partially covered with a heat-shrinkable film FM) (step ST1). Specifically, the operator attaches the object to be heated to the packaged object support SP and places the packaged object support SP with the object attached onto the belt conveyor 1. The operator also operates the control panel 8 of the packaging device 100 to activate the belt conveyor 1, heat gun 3, blower 4, and transport speed controller 5. Note that the operator's work may be automated.

[0058] Subsequently, the packaging device 100 preheats the object to be heated on the upstream side (X1 side) of the tunnel structure 2 (step ST2). Specifically, the object to be heated, which has been moved downstream (X2 side) by the belt conveyor 1, is preheated by the high-temperature gas HG discharged from the upstream opening 2KF of the tunnel structure 2 once it reaches the preheating position (for example, position P1 shown in Figure 1). As a result, the heat-shrinkable film FM covering the packaged object PK shrinks sequentially from the downstream (X2 side) portion toward the upstream (X1 side) portion as the object to be heated moves downstream (X2 side).

[0059] Subsequently, the packaging device 100 performs the main heating of the object to be heated inside the tunnel structure 2 (step ST3). Specifically, the object to be heated, which has been further moved downstream (to the X2 side) by the belt conveyor 1, is heated by the high-temperature gas HG inside the tunnel structure 2 once it reaches the main heating position (for example, position P2 shown in Figure 1). As a result, the heat-shrinkable film FM covering the packaged object PK shrinks further from its already partially shrunk state due to preheating to match the outer shape of the packaged object PK.

[0060] Subsequently, the packaging device 100 terminates the transport of the object to be heated (step ST4). Specifically, the worker picks up the packaged object support SP to which the object to be heated is attached from the belt conveyor 1 and retrieves it. Note that this worker's task may be automated.

[0061] In this way, the packaging device 100 can package the item to be packaged PK with a heat-shrinkable film FM.

[0062] As described above, the packaging apparatus 100 relating to the implementation of this disclosure, as shown in Figure 1, is a packaging apparatus that packages an object PK using a substantially cylindrical heat-shrinkable film FM, and comprises a conveying mechanism CM for conveying the object PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM, a tunnel structure 2 in which the object PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM is heated, and a gas flow generation mechanism GM that generates a flow of high-temperature gas HG (see Figure 4) from inside the tunnel structure 2, passing around the object PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM in the space upstream (X1 side) of the tunnel structure 2, and moving from the downstream side (X2 side) to the upstream side (X1 side) of the object PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM, thereby preheating the heat-shrinkable film FM covering the object PK.

[0063] This configuration, compared to a configuration where the heat-shrinkable film is preheated by high-temperature air lingering at the preheating position, offers the advantage of more appropriate packaging of the packaged object by the heat-shrinkable film FM. This is because the heat-shrinkable film FM can be shrunk by the high-temperature air flowing from downstream to upstream around the object to be heated along the transport direction (X-axis direction). Specifically, during the preheating stage, the degree of shrinkage of the heat-shrinkable film FM can be smoothly changed (reduced) from downstream to upstream. As a result, this configuration has the advantage of suppressing the occurrence of packaging defects such as distortion, wrinkles, misalignment with the packaged object PK, or holes in the heat-shrinkable film FM after shrinkage. Furthermore, this configuration has the advantage of allowing the heat-shrinkable film FM to shrink uniformly along the outer shape of the packaged object PK, even if the packaged object PK is a highly aesthetically pleasing container.

[0064] Furthermore, the gas flow generation mechanism GM may include a heat gun 3 that ejects high-temperature gas HG into the tunnel structure 2, as shown in Figure 4.

[0065] This configuration has the effect of making it easier to heat the gas inside the tunnel structure 2 compared to when a heat source such as a heater is installed inside the tunnel structure 2. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of making it easier to control the temperature of the high-temperature gas HG inside the tunnel structure 2.

[0066] Furthermore, the ejection axes 3X (left ejection axis 3LX and right ejection axis 3RX) of the high-temperature gas HG ejected by the heat gun 3 may be inclined with respect to the transport direction (X-axis direction).

[0067] This configuration allows for the generation of a flow of high-temperature gas HG inside the tunnel structure 2 using the high-temperature gas HG ejected by the heat gun 3. Compared to cases where a separate blower or the like is provided to generate the flow of high-temperature gas HG, this configuration offers the advantage of simplifying the packaging device 100 as a whole. Furthermore, this configuration makes it easier to adjust the flow rate of high-temperature gas HG inside the tunnel structure 2.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the heat gun 3 may include an upper heat gun 3U that ejects high-temperature gas HG from the upper side (Z1 side) of the tunnel structure 2 towards the interior of the tunnel structure 2, a lower heat gun 3D that ejects high-temperature gas HG from the lower side (Z2 side) of the tunnel structure 2 towards the interior of the tunnel structure 2, a left heat gun 3L that ejects high-temperature gas HG from the left side (Y1 side) of the tunnel structure 2 towards the interior of the tunnel structure 2, and a right heat gun 3R that ejects high-temperature gas HG from the right side (Y2 side) of the tunnel structure 2 towards the interior of the tunnel structure 2.

[0069] This configuration, compared to a configuration in which at least one of the upper heat gun 3U, lower heat gun 3D, left heat gun 3L, and right heat gun 3R is omitted, has the effect of more evenly distributing high-temperature gas HG to the spaces above, below, left, and right of the object being heated. In other words, this configuration has the effect of reducing temperature variations in the high-temperature gas HG in the spaces above, below, left, and right of the object being heated, and consequently, allows for more appropriate packaging of the packaged goods.

[0070] Furthermore, the method for manufacturing a packaged product according to the embodiment of this disclosure is a method for manufacturing a packaged product PK wrapped with a heat-shrinkable film FM, comprising the steps of: transporting the packaged product PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM by a transport mechanism CM; generating a flow of high-temperature gas HG (see Figure 4) from inside the tunnel structure 2 where the packaged product PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM is heated internally, passing around the packaged product PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM in the space upstream (X1 side) of the tunnel structure 2, and moving from the downstream side (X2 side) to the upstream side (X1 side) of the packaged product PK covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM, thereby preheating the heat-shrinkable film FM covering the packaged product PK; and fully heating the heat-shrinkable film FM covering the packaged product PK inside the tunnel structure 2.

[0071] This method offers the advantage of allowing the heat-shrinkable film FM to package the object being packaged more effectively compared to a configuration where the heat-shrinkable film is preheated by high-temperature air lingering at the preheating position. This is because the heat-shrinkable film FM can be shrunk by the high-temperature air flowing around the object being heated along the conveying direction (X-axis direction). Specifically, during the preheating stage, the degree of shrinkage of the heat-shrinkable film FM can be smoothly changed (reduced) from the downstream side to the upstream side.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the packaged object support SP according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a first support portion 21 that supports the upstream (X1 side) end of the packaged object PK covered with heat-shrinkable film FM from below (Z2 side) in the transport direction (X-axis direction), a second support portion 22 that supports the downstream (X2 side) end of the packaged object PK covered with heat-shrinkable film FM from below (Z2 side) in the transport direction (X-axis direction), and a third support portion 23 that supports the upstream (X1 side) end face of the packaged object PK covered with heat-shrinkable film FM from above (X1 side).

[0073] This packaged object support SP can support the underside of the packaged object PK, which is covered with a heat-shrinkable film FM, at two points. Therefore, this packaged object support SP has the effect of properly positioning the heat-shrinkable film FM relative to the packaged object PK and ensuring that the heat-shrinkable film FM is evenly contacted by the high-temperature gas HG. In addition, this packaged object support SP can support the upstream end face of the packaged object PK, which is covered with the heat-shrinkable film FM, at one point from the upstream side. Therefore, this packaged object support SP has the effect of suppressing the movement of the packaged object PK upstream due to the high-temperature gas HG flowing from the downstream side to the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0074] Furthermore, the packaged object PK may be configured such that, as shown in Figure 3, it has a longitudinal axis PX extending parallel to the transport direction (X-axis direction), and the area A1 of the cross-section CS1 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis PX at the upstream end (X1 side) in the transport direction (X-axis direction) is smaller than the area A3 of the cross-section CS3 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis PX at the downstream end (X2 side) in the transport direction (X-axis direction).

[0075] In other words, the packaged product support SP has the effect of being able to properly package the packaged product PK, which tapers from the upstream side (X1 side) to the downstream side (X2 side). To achieve this effect, in the illustrated example, the height of the central part (lowest part) of the first support portion 21 of the packaged product support SP in the Y-axis direction is configured to be lower than the height of the upper end surface of the second support portion 22. Furthermore, the height of the upper end surface of the second support portion 22 is configured to be lower than the height of the lower surface of the third support portion 23.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the packaged object PK may include a portion in which the shape of the cross-section CS2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis PX is rotationally symmetrical.

[0077] In other words, the packaged object support SP has the effect of being able to properly package the packaged object PK, which is not rotationally symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal axis PX. To achieve this effect, in the illustrated example, the packaged object support SP is configured to support the packaged object PK such that its longitudinal axis PX is parallel to the transport direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the packaged object support SP is configured to support the packaged object PK at both its downstream and upstream ends without supporting the intermediate portion between its downstream and upstream ends.

[0078] Furthermore, the packaged product support SP according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured to support a packaged product PK that is packaged using a heat-shrinkable film FM, as shown in Figure 2. Specifically, the first support portion 21 is a flat plate-shaped member extending perpendicularly in the transport direction (X-axis direction), and is positioned to block the flow of high-temperature gas HG that passes under the packaged product PK, from the downstream side (X2 side) to the upstream side (X1 side) of the packaged product PK. The upper part of the first support portion 21 is provided with a first notch portion (notch portion 21C) that allows the flow of high-temperature gas HG from the downstream side (X2 side) to the upstream side (X1 side) of the packaged product PK to pass through. The second support portion 22 is a flat plate-shaped member extending perpendicularly in the transport direction (X-axis direction), and the lower part of the second support portion 22 is provided with a second notch portion (notch portion 22C) that allows the flow of high-temperature gas HG from the downstream side (X2 side) to the upstream side (X1 side) of the packaged product PK to pass through. Furthermore, the side plate portion 24 is a flat plate-shaped member that extends parallel to the conveying direction (X-axis direction), and a third notch portion (notch portion 24C) is provided in the downstream side (X2 side) of the side plate portion 24 to release the flow of high-temperature gas HG that moves laterally away from the packaged item PK. The position in which the first support portion 21 supports the packaged item PK is lower than the position in which the second support portion 22 supports the packaged item PK.

[0079] This packaged product support SP can appropriately control the flow of high-temperature gas HG around the packaged product PK, which is covered with a heat-shrinkable film FM. Therefore, this packaged product support SP has the effect of ensuring that the heat-shrinkable film FM is evenly exposed to the high-temperature gas HG. Furthermore, because this packaged product support SP can bring high-temperature gas HG at the appropriate temperature and location on the heat-shrinkable film FM at the appropriate time, it has the effect of suppressing the occurrence of packaging defects in the heat-shrinkable film FM after shrinkage.

[0080] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and substitutions can be applied to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not conflict technically.

[0081] For example, the tunnel structure 2 may be separated into an upstream tunnel structure having holes for receiving the tips of the upper heat gun 3U and the lower heat gun 3D, and a downstream tunnel structure having holes for receiving the tips of the left heat gun 3L and the right heat gun 3R. In this case, the upstream tunnel structure and the downstream tunnel structure may be adjacent to each other without gaps so that the space for the main heating is connected along the conveying direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1. Belt conveyor 1B. Downstream belt conveyor 1F. Upstream belt conveyor 2. Tunnel structure 2KB. Downstream opening 2KF. Upstream opening 3. Heat gun 3D. Lower heat gun 3DX. Lower discharge shaft 3L. Left heat gun 3LX. Left discharge shaft 3R. Right heat gun 3RX. Right discharge shaft 3U. Upper heat gun 3UX. Upper discharge shaft 3X. Discharge shaft 4. Blower 4B. Downstream blower 4F. Upstream blower 5. Conveyor speed controller 5B. Downstream conveyor speed controller 5F. Upstream conveyor speed controller 6. Frame 6B. Downstream frame 6F. Upstream frame 7. Caster 7B... Downstream caster 7F... Upstream caster 8... Control panel 21... First support section 21C... Notch section 22... Second support section 22C... Notch section 23... Third support section 24... Side plate section 24L... Left side plate section 24R... Right side plate section 25... Vertical plate section 26... Reinforcement section 26L... Left side reinforcement section 26R... Right side reinforcement section 100... Packaging device CM... Conveying mechanism CMB... Downstream conveying mechanism CMF... Upstream conveying mechanism FM... Heat shrinkable film GM... Gas flow generation mechanism PK... Packaged item PX... Long axis SP... Packaged item support

Claims

1. A packaging device for packaging an object using a heat-shrinkable film, A conveying mechanism for conveying the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film, A tunnel structure in which the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film is heated inside, The system includes a gas flow generation mechanism that generates a flow of high-temperature gas from inside the tunnel structure, passing around the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film in the space upstream of the tunnel structure, and moving from the downstream side to the upstream side of the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film, thereby preheating the heat-shrinkable film covering the packaged object. packaging equipment.

2. The gas flow generation mechanism includes a heat gun that ejects high-temperature gas into the interior of the tunnel structure. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The nozzle shaft of the high-temperature gas ejected by the heat gun is inclined with respect to the conveying direction. The packaging apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned heat gun is An upper heat gun that ejects high-temperature gas from the upper side of the tunnel structure toward the interior of the tunnel structure, A lower heat gun that ejects high-temperature gas from the lower side of the tunnel structure toward the interior of the tunnel structure, A left-side heat gun that ejects high-temperature gas from the left side of the tunnel structure toward the interior of the tunnel structure, The system includes a right-side heat gun that ejects high-temperature gas from the right side of the tunnel structure toward the interior of the tunnel structure, The packaging apparatus according to claim 2.

5. A method for manufacturing a packaged product that is wrapped in a heat-shrinkable film, A step of transporting the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film by a transport mechanism, A step of generating a flow of high-temperature gas from inside a tunnel structure in which the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film is heated, passing around the packaged object in the space upstream of the tunnel structure, and moving from the downstream side to the upstream side of the packaged object, thereby preheating the heat-shrinkable film covering the packaged object. The process includes the step of heating the heat-shrinkable film covering the packaged item inside the tunnel structure. A method for manufacturing a packaged product.

6. A packaged object support that supports a packaged object covered with a heat-shrinkable film by a packaging apparatus comprising: a conveying mechanism for conveying a packaged object covered with a heat-shrinkable film; a tunnel structure in which the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film is heated internally; and a gas flow generation mechanism that generates a flow of high-temperature gas from inside the tunnel structure, passing around the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film in the space upstream of the tunnel structure, and moving from the downstream side to the upstream side of the packaged object, thereby preheating the heat-shrinkable film covering the packaged object, wherein the packaged object is supported by the packaged object. A first support portion that supports the upstream end of the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film from below in the transport direction, A second support portion supports the downstream end of the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film from below in the transport direction, A third support portion is provided that supports the upstream end face of the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film from the upstream side in the transport direction. Packaged object support.

7. The packaged object is It has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the conveying direction, and, The area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at the upstream end in the conveying direction is smaller than the area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at the downstream end in the conveying direction. The packaged object support according to claim 6.

8. The packaged object includes a portion in which the shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is rotationally symmetrical. The packaged object support according to claim 7.

9. A packaged object support that supports a packaged object that is packaged using a heat-shrinkable film, A first support portion that supports the upstream end of the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film from below in the transport direction, A second support portion supports the downstream end of the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film from below in the transport direction, A third support portion that supports the upstream end face of the packaged object covered with the heat-shrinkable film from the upstream side in the transport direction, It has a side plate portion for connecting the first support portion and the second support portion, The first support portion is a flat plate-shaped member extending perpendicularly to the conveying direction, and is positioned to stop the flow of high-temperature gas that passes beneath the packaged object, which is flowing from the downstream side to the upstream side of the packaged object. The upper part of the first support portion is provided with a first notch that allows a flow of high-temperature gas from the downstream side to the upstream side of the packaged object to pass through. The second support portion is a flat plate-shaped member that extends perpendicularly to the transport direction. A second notch is provided at the lower part of the second support portion, which allows a flow of high-temperature gas from the downstream side to the upstream side of the packaged object to pass through. The aforementioned side plate portion is a flat plate-shaped member that extends parallel to the transport direction, A third notch is provided in the downstream portion of the side plate to allow the flow of high-temperature gas to escape laterally from the packaged item. The position in which the first support portion supports the packaged object is lower than the position in which the second support portion supports the packaged object. Packaged object support.

Images