Automatic packaging roll supply device

Abstract

To provide an automatic supply device of a packaging material roll which does not need to install a conveyor, enables effective utilization of a space in a factory, and can reduce equipment cost.SOLUTION: In a film supply unit 11, a retention station 17 where an unmanned carrier 15 can be positioned is provided. In a free moving base 21 of the unmanned carrier 15, a roll holder 16 capable of holding a film roll 14 is provided. In the free moving base 21, moving means 23 reciprocating between an alignment position where the roll holder 16 is abutted on a paper tube shaft 12 of the film supply unit 11 with those shaft centers aligned with each other and a retreat position is provided. A push-out member 48 which can be brought into contact with the side end face of the film roll 14 held on one of the roll holder 16 and the paper tube shaft 12 positioned at the alignment position is provided, and transfer means 19 for transferring the film roll 14 between the roll holder 16 and the paper tube shaft 12 by the push-out member 48 is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic packaging roll supplying device that can automatically supply packaging rolls to a packaging machine and also automatically collect used packaging rolls, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] An automatic supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed as a device that automatically loads a packaging material roll, which is a core tube wrapped with a packaging material such as film or paper, into a set position in a packaging machine and automatically collects used core tubes after the packaging material has been used up. The automatic supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a conveyor that moves a jig on which a film roll is placed back and forth between a receiving position and a supplying position. When the film roll is received on the jig at the receiving position, the conveyor moves the jig with the film roll placed thereon to a supplying position installed at the end of the conveyor's conveyance. Then, when the jig with the film roll placed thereon arrives at the supplying position, the holding rod of a loader arranged at the supplying position enters a hole in the core tube of the film roll placed on the jig, and the film roll is held by the holding rod of the loader. The film roll held by the holding rod of the loader is then configured to be moved by the rotation of the loader to a position that aligns with the set position of the film. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-165041 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The automatic supply device of Patent Document 1 is composed of a combination of multiple feed conveyors and vertical conveyors for transporting a jig carrying a film roll back and forth, and a loader is provided at the end of the conveyor to move the film roll on the jig to a film setting position. Such a device requires a dedicated conveyor to be installed in the factory as a supply path for the film roll, which requires a large and vast installation space and increases the equipment cost. In particular, when multiple packaging machines are installed in a factory, such a conveyor and loader must be installed for each packaging machine, which leads to problems such as requiring a large installation space and equipment cost.

[0005] To provide an automatic supply device for packaging rolls, which does not require the installation of a conveyor or the like, can effectively utilize space in a factory without being occupied by a device installed for supplying packaging rolls, and can reduce equipment costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] First Measure teeth, The packaging material supply section (11) is positioned at the roll exchange position. For the paper tube shaft (12) of the packaging machine This will become a new packaging material. Packaging rolls(14) of supply , or old packaging material, Used packaging rolls (14) and exhausted packaging tubes (13) of An automatic supply device for packaging rolls that is collected, Travelling cart(20) Equipped Automated guided vehicles (15) and a floating base (21) supported on a fixed base (20a) of the traveling carriage (20) so as to be movable horizontally so that its upward movement is restricted and its forward / backward and left / right movement with respect to the fixed base (20a) is restricted within a predetermined range by a restricting member (56), and the floating base (21) is provided with a roll holder (16) capable of being inserted into a core tube (13) of the packaging material roll (14) to hold the packaging material roll (14); The above To the packaging material supply section (11) Arrange Ta The above A stop station (17) for an automated guided vehicle (15); At the stop station (17) Arranged, The left and right movement of the floating base (21) is restricted. The above Automated guided vehicle (15) At said stop station (17) a receiving guide means (22); The floating base (21) , the above Stations (17) In the above, the axial centers of the roll holder (16) and the paper tube shaft (12) are aligned, and the left and right and front and rear positions are aligned with respect to the paper tube shaft (12) to form an immobile state. A locking means (18) for positioning; a movable means (23) provided on the floating base (21) for moving the roll holder (16) between an alignment position where the roll holder (16) is butted against the paper tube shaft (12) and an evacuation position spaced from the alignment position; , equipped , At the stop station (17) The floating base (21) The locking means (18) Position Placed In this state, the new packaging material held by the roll holder (16) positioned at the alignment position or the old packaging material held by the paper tube shaft (12) is Along the axis of the paper tube shaft (12) horizontal Move 、 Between the roll holder (16) and the paper tube shaft (12) New and old packaging materials Transferring means(19) is provided in the packaging material supply section (11). It is characterized by: This configuration According to the system, a packaging roll can be held by an unmanned guided vehicle that can travel freely within a factory and sent to a packaging supply section of a packaging machine, and the used packaging roll or core tube can be automatically transferred to a new packaging roll, and the collected used packaging roll can be transported to an arbitrary storage location, or the collected core tube can be transported to a waste packaging storage section or the like. In other words, by combining with an unmanned guided vehicle, there is no need to secure a separate space for installing an apparatus including a transport means such as a conveyor for transporting the packaging roll, and the space within the factory can be used effectively. Furthermore, even in an environment where multiple packaging machines are installed within a factory, different packaging rolls can be delivered to multiple packaging machines by an unmanned guided vehicle, and the old and new packaging rolls can be replaced at the destination packaging machine, so that space can be saved and the equipment costs can be reduced. Furthermore, since the roll holder is mounted on a floating base that can move freely relative to the running carriage of the unmanned guided vehicle, the unmanned guided vehicle can be smoothly accepted at the stopping station, and the roll holder of the unmanned guided vehicle can be positioned in an appropriate position where its axis is aligned with the paper tube shaft of the packaging machine, allowing new and old packaging materials to be transferred smoothly between the roll holder and the paper tube shaft.

[0007] Second Measure teeth, The packaging material supply section (11) is positioned at the roll exchange position. For the paper tube shaft (12) of the packaging machine This will become a new packaging material. Packaging rolls(14) of supply , or old packaging material, Used packaging rolls (14) and exhausted packaging tubes (13) of An automatic supply device for packaging rolls that is collected, On the traveling cart (20), The above an automated guided vehicle (15) provided with a roll holder (16) capable of being inserted into a core tube (13) of a packaging material roll (14) to hold the packaging material roll (14); The above To the packaging material supply section (11) Arrange Ta The above A station (17) for an automated guided vehicle (15); Equipped with the automated guided vehicle (15) is configured to, when a packaging material change request signal is output from a control means of the packaging machine, enter the stop station (17) of the packaging machine which has issued the packaging material change request signal, thereby positioning the roll holder (16) at an alignment position where the roll holder (16) is butted against the paper tube shaft (12) in such a manner that their axial centers are aligned with each other; The above Station (17) The above The unmanned transport vehicle (15) is positioned and the roll holder (16) is moved forward. Recording Alignment position Positioned in In this state, The new packaging material held by the roll holder (16) or the paper tube shaft (12) Old packaging material The paper Along the axis of the tube shaft (12) horizontal Move 、 Between the roll holder (16) and the paper tube shaft (12) New and old packaging materials Transfer means (19) disposed in the packaging material supply section (11), The above The transfer means (19) includes the roll holder (16) and The above A push-out member (48) that pushes the new and old packaging materials held on either the cardboard tube shaft (12) in the axial direction of the cardboard tube shaft (12) is reciprocated, and the push-out member (48) is Keep away from the edge of the packaging material The device is characterized by being provided with moving means (49, 50) for moving in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cardboard tube shaft (12). This configurationAccording to the method, a packaging roll can be held by an unmanned guided vehicle that can travel freely within a factory and sent to a packaging supply section of a packaging machine, and used packaging rolls and core tubes can be automatically transferred to new packaging rolls, and the collected used packaging rolls can be transported to an arbitrary storage location, or the collected core tubes can be delivered to a packaging waste storage section. In other words, by combining with an unmanned guided vehicle, there is no need to secure a separate space for installing an apparatus including a transport means such as a conveyor for transporting the packaging rolls, and the space within the factory can be used effectively. Furthermore, even in an environment where multiple packaging machines are installed in a factory, different packaging rolls can be delivered to multiple packaging machines by an unmanned guided vehicle, and the old and new packaging rolls can be replaced at the destination packaging machine, so there is no need to secure a new installation space for automatic supply of packaging rolls, and the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

[0008] The third method is The guide means (22) includes a plurality of rollers (32) that rotate freely while sandwiching the left and right edges of the floating base (21), The locking means (18) are provided on the left and right sides of the floating base (21) at a distance from each other. The engagement hole (38) and the Moves so as to be engageable with and disengaged from the engagement hole (38) , the contact surface with the engagement hole (38) Tapered Tapered surface An engaging member (33) and a device for moving the engaging member (33) In order to achieve this, the packaging material supply section (11) is provided with and an actuation means (34). This configuration According to this, the unmanned guided vehicle can be smoothly accepted at the stopping station while the floating base can be positioned at an appropriate position, and the axis of the roll holder of the unmanned guided vehicle and the paper tube shaft of the packaging machine can be aligned, allowing new and old packaging materials to be smoothly transferred between the roll holder and the paper tube shaft.

[0009] The fourth measure is The roll holder (16) and the cardboard tube shaft (12) hold the core tube (13) of the packaging material roll (14) from the inner periphery side. air A chuck (16a, 12a) is provided, an air supply unit (35) is provided in the reservation station (17) for communicating an air communication hole (40) to the roll holder (16) with an air supply source so that the air chucks (16a, 12a) can release the core tube (13) of the packaging material roll (14) from its holding when the automatic guided vehicle (15) is positioned at the parking station (17); When the packaging material roll (14) held by the roll holder (16) of the automatic guided vehicle (15) is supplied to the paper tube shaft (12) of the packaging machine, The automated guided vehicle (15) is received at the stop station (17), The above The roll holder (16) The above When the cardboard tube shaft (12) is positioned at the alignment position, The compressed air supplied from the air supply unit (35) Roll holder (16) air The core tube (13) of the packaging roll (14) is released from the chuck (16a), By the transfer means (19) The above From roll holder (16) The above After the packaging roll (14) has been transferred to the paper tube shaft (12), air The chuck (12a) is configured to hold a core tube (13) of the packaging material roll (14), From the paper tube shaft (12) of the packaging machine The above When collecting old packaging materials, The automated guided vehicle (15) The above The roll holder (16) The above When the cardboard shaft (12) is positioned at the alignment position, the cardboard shaft (12) air The core tube (13) of the old packaging material is released from the chuck (12a), By the transfer means (19) The above From paper tube shaft(12) The above After transferring the old packaging material to the roll holder (16), air The chuck (16a) is configured to hold the core tube (13) of the old packaging material. This configuration According to the method, when the roll holder of the automated guided vehicle is positioned at the alignment position, air The chuck holds and releases the old and new packaging materials, and the transfer means automatically repeats the transfer of the old and new packaging materials between the paper tube shaft and the roll holder without manual intervention.

[0010] The fifth measure is The moving means (49, 50) brings the pushing member (48) into contact with the end faces of the new and old packaging materials. The above The device is configured with a first moving means (49) that reciprocates along the axis of the cardboard tube shaft (12) and a second moving means (50) that moves the push-out member (48) in a direction intersecting the axis of the cardboard tube shaft (12), and at least the first moving means (49) ,before The push-out member (48) By servo motor Reciprocating linear servo drive means By Configure The first moving means (49) positions the push-out member (48) at an appropriate position according to the size of the old and new packaging materials and moves it back and forth within an appropriate moving range. It is characterized by: This configuration According to the method, the first moving means, which moves the push-out member back and forth along the axial direction of the paper tube shaft while abutting against the end face of the replacement packaging material, is reciprocated by a servo motor, so that the push-out member can be positioned at an appropriate position by setting a numerical value according to the size of the old and new packaging materials. At the same time, the appropriate range of movement is maintained. If the set position data is stored for each type, the position of the push-out member can be called up and automatically positioned when switching between types, eliminating the need to reset the position each time. Therefore, even an inexperienced worker can easily position the push-out member at the appropriate position.

[0011] The sixth measure is: The push-out member (48) is When transferring old and new packaging materials One side is open so that it can abut against the end surface of the core tube (13). Ta A pair of push pieces (48b, 48b) The above The device is characterized by being provided with a pusher (48a) facing the vicinity of the outer periphery of the cardboard tube shaft (13). This configuration According to this, the pair of pressing pieces facing the vicinity of the outer periphery of the cardboard tube shaft makes it possible to smoothly transfer the old and new packaging materials between the roll holder and the cardboard tube shaft.

[0012] The seventh measure is: The automatic guided vehicle (15) is provided with The traveling carriage (20) Positioned at the parking station (17) In statusan alignment position where the roll holder (16) is butted against the paper tube shaft (12) with its axis aligned; 、 The device is characterized by being provided with a movable means (23) which reciprocates between the alignment position and a retreated position retreated therefrom. This configuration According to the invention, a movable means is provided on the unmanned transport vehicle that is positioned at the stopping station, so that the axis of the roll holder of the unmanned transport vehicle and the axis of the paper tube shaft of the packaging machine are aligned in a straight line without misalignment, allowing new and old packaging materials to be transferred smoothly between the roll holder and the paper tube shaft.

[0013] The eighth measure is: The movable means (23) includes a driving means (41) powered by electricity or air, The automated guided vehicle (15) The stop station (17) When the completion of the entry into the passage is detected, the carriage (20) is stopped by the locking member (33). Positioned By being moored , and a power source by air or electricity is connected to the driving means (41) of the movable means (23). When the supply from the power source is stopped, the connecting body (35a) is returned to the position before the supply of power was started. A power connection means (35) is provided at the parking station (17). This configuration According to this, since there is no need to install a power supply source in the unmanned guided vehicle to provide driving force to the movable means, the weight of the unmanned guided vehicle can be reduced and deterioration of the operational performance of the unmanned guided vehicle can be suppressed. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, an unmanned guided vehicle that can travel freely within a factory holds a packaging roll and sends it to a packaging supply section of a packaging machine, automatically transfers the used packaging roll or core tube to a new packaging roll, and transports the collected used packaging roll or core tube to an arbitrary storage location or a waste disposal storage section. In other words, by combining with an unmanned guided vehicle, the space in the factory can be effectively utilized without being occupied by a space for installing a transport means such as a conveyor for transporting the packaging roll. Furthermore, even in an environment where multiple packaging machines are installed in a factory, different packaging rolls can be delivered to multiple packaging machines by an unmanned guided vehicle and the old and new packaging rolls can be replaced at the destination packaging machine, so that space can be saved and equipment costs can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the automatic supply device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the automatic supply device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an automated guided vehicle. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic front view of a main part showing an automated guided vehicle positioned at a stop station. [Diagram 5] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of transferring a film roll from an automatic guided vehicle to a film supply station. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a pulled end portion of a strip of film supported by a support member of an automatic guided vehicle is handed over to a film end holding member of the splicer. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a core tube in the film supply station is being collected into an automatic guided vehicle; FIG. [Figure 8] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a splicer in a state where a new film roll is supplied to a paper core shaft at a roll exchange position, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the state when the old and new strip films are spliced ​​together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Next, a preferred embodiment of an automatic packaging roll supplying device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. EXAMPLES

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic packaging roll supply device of the embodiment automatically supplies a new film roll (packaging roll, new packaging material) 14, in which strip film 10 is wound to a required diameter around a hollow core tube 13, to a paper tube shaft 12 provided in a film supply unit 11 serving as the packaging material supply section of a packaging machine that supplies strip film (strip packaging material) 10 to a bag making means, and is also equipped with an unmanned guided vehicle 15 that collects used film rolls (old packaging material) 14 and exhausted film core tubes (old packaging material) 13 from the paper tube shaft 12 of the film supply unit 11 of the packaging machine. Regarding the film roll 14, when distinguishing between the film roll to be supplied and the film roll to be collected, the film roll to be supplied is referred to as a new film roll 14a or new packaging material 14a, and the film roll to be collected is referred to as an old film roll 14b or a used film roll, which may be a film roll with a certain amount of the strip film 10 remaining or a packaging material in which the strip film 10 has been used up and only the core tube 13 remains, and any used packaging material to be collected is referred to as an old packaging material 14b. In addition, when distinguishing between the strip film 10, it is referred to as a new strip film 10a and an old strip film 10b. In addition, the packaging material 14 transferred between the paper tube shaft 12 of the film supply unit 11 of the packaging machine and the roll holder 16 of the automatic guided vehicle 15 is also referred to as the new and old packaging materials 14 for convenience.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the automatic supply device includes the unmanned transport vehicle 15 provided with a roll holder 16 capable of holding a film roll 14, a parking station 17 arranged so that the unmanned transport vehicle 15 is positioned corresponding to the film supply unit 11, and a stop station 17 for stopping the unmanned transport vehicle 15. The floating base 21 described laterand a transfer means 19 that transfers the film roll 14 between the roll holder 16 and the paper tube shaft 12. The automatic supply device also includes a floating base 21 that is supported on the upper part of the traveling carriage 20 of the automatic guided vehicle 15 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction and on which the roll holder 16 is disposed, a guide means 22 that receives the automatic guided vehicle 15 by restricting the left and right movement of the floating base 21 at the stopping station 17, and a movable means 23 that moves the roll holder 16 to a position where it extends to the outside of one side of the traveling carriage 20 with respect to the floating base 21 in the automatic guided vehicle 15 in a state where it is positioned at the stopping station 17 by the positioning means 18, moves it to an alignment position where the axis of the roll holder 16 is aligned with the paper tube shaft 12 and butts against the paper tube shaft 12, and also moves it back and forth from the alignment position to a retreat position spaced rearward. The automatic supply device also extends parallel to the roll holder 16 of the unmanned transport vehicle 15 and is equipped with a film guide (packaging material guide) 24 that supports the pull-out end (packaging material pull-out end) of the new strip film 10a pulled out from the new film roll 14a held by the roll holder 16.

[0019] 2 and 8, the film supply unit 11 is provided with a rotating disk 26 supported rotatably around an axis in the front-rear direction at the rear side of a machine frame 25 that opens forward in the front-rear direction intersecting with the film supply direction, and the rotating disk 26 is provided with two cardboard tube shafts 12 rotatably arranged at 180 degree intervals in the circumferential direction to removably hold the film roll 14, and the strip film 10 drawn from the film roll 14 held by one of the cardboard tube shafts 12 is supplied toward the bag making means. The cardboard tube shaft 12 is a cantilevered support shaft that extends forward relative to the rotating disk 26 so that the core tube 13 of the film roll 14 can be inserted and removed from the front. The cardboard tube shaft 12 is provided with an air chuck (chuck) 12a whose claw members can expand radially outward by air pressure to hold the core tube 13 from the inner periphery, and the film roll 14 is held against the cardboard tube shaft 12 by the air chuck 12a. Each cardboard shaft 12 is configured so that, after being positioned at a roll exchange position S2 (described later), a rotational force is transmitted from a drive motor (not shown) to the cardboard shaft 12 in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation when the film is pulled out. The cardboard shaft 12 is also configured so that, when the old and new strip films 10a, 10b are spliced ​​together, the end portion of the cut old strip film 10b can be rewound onto the old film roll 14b.

[0020] 7 and 8, the film supply unit 11 is provided with a splicer (packaging material joining mechanism) 27 for joining the leading end of the new strip film 10a of the new film roll 14a held on one of the cardboard tube shafts 12 to the old strip film 10b of the old film roll 14b in use held on one of the cardboard tube shafts 12. The splicer 27 heats and seals the leading end (pulling end) of the new strip film 10a to weld it to the terminal end of the old strip film 10b to join the old and new strip films 10a, 10b, and also cuts the pulling end of the old strip film 10b in the width direction. The splicer 27 has the cardboard tube shafts 12 arranged at a predetermined angle on the turntable 26, and is arranged to rotate and move with the rotation of the turntable 26, and includes two film end holding members (end holding members) 28 capable of holding the leading end of the new strip film 10a by negative pressure, a heat sealing unit 29 that heat-seals the new and old strip films 10a, 10b in the width direction, and a cutting unit 30 that cuts the excess film from the joining position of the old strip film 10b in the width direction. The splicer 27 stops drawing out the old strip film 10b from the old film roll 14b while the old strip film 10b stored in a dancer roll arranged downstream of the film supply unit 11 is being supplied toward the bag making means, and during that time, joins the new and old strip films 10a, 10b.

[0021] 1, 5, 7, and 8, the turntable 26 is configured to position the cardboard tube shaft 12 by an index motor at a film payout position (packaging material payout position) S1 where the strip film 10 is supplied to the bag making means, and a roll exchange position S2 where a new film roll 14a is supplied to the cardboard tube shaft 12 and old packaging material 14b (used film roll 14b and core tube 13) is collected. Note that when one cardboard tube shaft 12 is positioned at the film payout position S1, the other cardboard tube shaft 12 is positioned at the roll exchange position S2. When the corresponding cardboard tube shaft 12 is positioned at the roll exchange position S2, the suction holes 28a of the suction part face downward below the old strip film 10b supplied toward the bag making means from the old film roll 14b held by the other cardboard tube shaft 12 positioned at the film payout position S1, on the side of the cardboard tube shaft 12, and the leading end of the new strip film 10a of the new film roll 14a is held by the suction holes 28a. Then, when the cardboard tube shaft 12 at the roll exchange position S2 rotates toward the film payout position S1, the corresponding film end holding member 28 changes so that the suction holes 28a face upward, and the suction holes 28a face upward in a state where the back surface that will be the welding surface of the leading end of the new strip film 10a of the new film roll 14a that it holds overlaps with the back surface that will be the welding surface of the old strip film 10b. The heat sealing section 29 and cutting section 30 of the splicer 27 are positioned above a film end holding member 28 with its suction hole 28a facing upward, and are configured to heat-seal the old and new strip films 10a, 10b overlapping on the upper surface of the film end holding member 28 and cut the old strip film 10b by descending from an upper separated position where they do not interfere with the film end holding member 28 to an operating position.

[0022] 1, 2 and 4, in the film supply unit 11 of the packaging machine, the parking station 17 for positioning the automatic guided vehicle 15 is provided on the front side of the machine frame 25. The parking station 17 includes a pair of extension members 31, 31 that are spaced apart in the width direction and extend forward from the front surface of the machine frame, and is configured to allow the automatic guided vehicle 15 to enter and retreat between the left and right machine frames in the film supply unit 11 between the pair of extension members 31, 31. Each extension member 31 supports a plurality of elastic rollers (rollers) 32 as the guide means 22 aligned front to back (in the direction in which the automatic guided vehicle 15 enters the film supply unit 11) so as to be freely rotatable about an axis in the vertical direction. The spacing between the peripheral edges of the rollers 32, 32 that are spaced apart in the width direction and have opposing peripheral surfaces is set to a dimension that matches the width of the floating base 21 of the automated guided vehicle 15, and the rollers 32, 32 that rotate freely sandwiching the left and right edges of the floating base 21 of the automated guided vehicle 15 entering the parking station 17 support the floating base 21 from both sides in the width direction to restrict movement in the width direction. When the movement of the floating base 21 in the width direction is restricted by the rollers 32, 32, the axis of the cardboard tube shaft 12 at the roll exchange position S2 and the axis of the roll holder 16 of the automated guided vehicle 15 are configured to be aligned in a straight line without tilting (see FIG. 1). In this way, even if an entry position error occurs when the unmanned guided vehicle 15, which has a positional accuracy of only a few centimeters even at high accuracy, enters the stopping station 17 and the traveling cart 20 shifts left or right or enters at an angle, the floating base 21 moves freely horizontally to absorb the error, and the unmanned guided vehicle 15 is smoothly guided into the stopping station. After entering the stopping station 17, the position of the floating base 21 is regulated by the roller 32, and the roll holder 16 arranged on the floating base 21 is aligned with the paper tube shaft 12 in the film supply unit 11 of the packaging machine, and is aligned in a straight line without tilting, so that it can be positioned in the correct position.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the extending members 31, 31 are provided with the positioning means 18 for positioning the floating base 21 of the automatic guided vehicle 15 at the parking station 17. The positioning means 18 includes an engaging member 33 that is provided on each extending member 31 and engages with an engaging recess (engagement hole) 39 (described later) provided on the floating base 21 in an engageable and detachable manner, and an operating means 34 consisting of an air cylinder that moves the engaging member 33 forward and backward relative to the engaging recess 39. The engaging recess 39 and the engaging member 33 are provided at a central position of the length of the three rollers 32 aligned, that is, at a position that coincides with the support shaft of the middle roller 32 in the width direction in the embodiment. By engaging the engaging member 33 with the engaging recess 39, the floating base 21 is anchored in an appropriate position in which the left-right, front-rear positional relationship is aligned with respect to the paper tube shaft 12 of the film supply unit 11 at the parking station 17, and the traveling cart 20 is immobilized. An air supply member (power connection means) 35 is disposed on one of the engagement members 33, and the air supply member 35 is connected to a compressed air supply source. When compressed air is supplied to the air supply member 35, the connector 35a pops out and the compressed air supply port provided on the connector 35a comes into contact with the upper surface of the floating base 21. Then, compressed air is blown out from the compressed air supply port provided on the connector 35a, and the connector 35a is configured to automatically return to its original position when the supply of compressed air is stopped. Then, when compressed air is supplied to the air supply member 35 with the engagement member 33 engaged with the engagement recess 39 of the floating base 21, the air supply member 35 in contact with the upper surface of the floating base 21 communicates with an air communication hole 40 provided in the floating base 21, which will be described later, and is configured to be able to supply compressed air from the air communication hole 40.

[0024] 1, a proximity switch 36 is provided on the machine frame 25 of the film supply unit 11 located between the pair of extending members 31, 31. A magnetic detector 37 is provided at the front of the automated guided vehicle 15, and when the proximity switch 36 detects the automated guided vehicle 15 entering the parking station 17, the travel of the automated guided vehicle 15 is stopped and the operating means 34 is operated to engage the engaging member 33 with the engaging recess 39. In addition, when the engaging member 33 is engaged and the floating base 21 is placed in an immobile state, the supply of compressed air from the air supply source via the air supply member 35 is started.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the automated guided vehicle 15 is equipped with a traveling cart 20 that can move on the floor of a food factory or the like by power supplied from an on-board battery, and a fixed base 20a is arranged on the upper part of the traveling cart 20, and a flat floating base 21 is arranged parallel to the upper part of the fixed base 20a. A plurality of ball rollers 20b are arranged at predetermined intervals on the upper surface of the fixed base 20a, and the lower surface of the floating base 21 is placed on the plurality of ball rollers 20b, so that the floating base 21 is supported so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. Note that the side facing the film supply unit 11 of the packaging machine when the automated guided vehicle 15 enters the stopping station 17 is referred to as the front, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear, and the direction intersecting therewith is referred to as the width direction or left and right. At the front and rear ends of the floating base 21, there are provided restricting members 56 for restricting the amount of movement of the floating base 21 in the front-rear and left-right directions relative to the fixed base 20a within a predetermined range, and the floating base 21 is configured not to move forward-rear and left-right beyond the position restricted by the restricting members 56. In the embodiment, the restricting members 56 abut against the front or rear end of the fixed base 20a to restrict movement in the front-rear direction, and the restricting members 56 abut against the restricting bodies 20c disposed on the fixed base 20a and positioned to the side to restrict movement in the left-right direction. In addition, a ball roller that abuts against the lower surface of the fixed base 20a is provided at a portion of the restricting members 56 facing downwardly of the fixed base 20a, so that the floating base 21 is also restricted from moving upwardly relative to the fixed base 20a. In addition, two stoppers 38 made of elastic bodies such as cushion rubber are provided at the front end side of the fixed base 20a, spaced apart in the width direction. When the automated guided vehicle 15 enters the parking station 17, a stopper 38 regulates the maximum entry position of the front end of the traveling carriage 20 to prevent excessive entry. An engagement recess 39 that engages with the engagement member 33 arranged on each extension member 31 of the parking station 17 is formed in the floating base 21, and an air communication hole 40 is arranged at a position close to one of the engagement recesses 39 in the floating base 21 so that the connector 35a of the air supply member 35 can be connected.The engagement recess 39 is formed by a through hole with a tapered surface that widens toward the top, and the engagement member 33 is formed into an inverted cone shape with its contact surface with the engagement recess 39 tapering to a corresponding tapered surface. By engagement between the engagement member 33 and the engagement recess 39, the horizontal movement of the floating base 21 at the stopping station 17 is restricted.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 5, the roll holder 16 of the automatic guided vehicle 15 is moved in the front-rear direction by the movable means 23 provided on the floating base 21. The movable means 23 adopts a linear slide mechanism consisting of a linear air cylinder 41 as a linear driving means and a slider 42 that moves back and forth by the linear air cylinder 41, and the roll holder 16 is cantilevered so as to extend forward on a support 43 arranged on the slider 42. The roll holder 16 is composed of a support shaft that can be inserted into and removed from the core tube 13 of the film roll 14 from the front (extending end side) like the cardboard tube shaft 12. The linear air cylinder 41 is a driving means driven by compressed air, and is configured to supply compressed air when the air supply member 35 comes into contact with the air communication hole 40 on the upper surface of the floating base 21, and to move the slider 42 forward and backward by the driving force of the compressed air supplied through a predetermined air supply pipe line. The movable means 23 is configured to horizontally move the roll holder 16 back and forth between an alignment position (a two-dot chain line position in FIG. 1, see FIG. 5(b)) where the extended end of the roll holder 16 is butted against the extended end of the cardboard tube shaft 12 so as to face each other, and a retreat position (a solid line position in FIG. 1, see FIG. 5(a)) where the extended end of the roll holder 16, which holds the film roll 14, retreats from the alignment position and does not protrude outside the front edge of the traveling cart 20. The distance between the extended ends of the roll holder 16 and the cardboard tube shaft 12 at the alignment position of the roll holder 16 approaches a distance that allows the transfer of new and old packaging materials between the roll holder 16 and the cardboard tube shaft 12 without any hindrance. The roll holder 16 is provided with an air chuck 16a that protrudes outward from the peripheral surface of the holder tube 16b and can hold the core tube 13 of the film roll 14 from the inner peripheral side. When compressed air is being supplied through the air communication hole 40, the air chuck 16a releases the hold of the core tube 13 by switching the solenoid valve and maintains the released state, and also holds the core tube 13 by switching the solenoid valve in the released state and maintains the held state.When the proximity switch 36 detects the detector 37 and it is detected that the automated guided vehicle 15 is positioned at the stop station 17, the movable means 23 moves the roll holder 16 from the retracted position toward the alignment position, and when it detects that the roll holder 16 has reached the alignment position, the movable means 23 is stopped. When it is detected that the roll holder 16 has retreated from the alignment position to the retracted position, the movement of the roll holder 16 by the movable means 23 is stopped.

[0027] 1 and 3, a bracket 44 is disposed on the front surface of the support 43 and extends laterally. The bracket 44 is provided with a film guide 24 disposed parallel to the axial direction of the roll holder 16, and the film guide 24 moves horizontally together with the roll holder 16 by the movable means 23. The film guide 24 includes a round support bar 45 extending forward from the bracket 44, and a support member 46 disposed below the support bar 45, extending forward, and rotatably supported. The support member 46 includes a receiving plate 46a capable of receiving and supporting the entire width of the leading end of the new strip film 10a pulled out from the new film roll 14a over a predetermined length in the pulling direction. The leading end of the film is supported flat by the receiving plate 46a and hangs downward. The film guide 24 is configured to change its position by 90 degrees between a first position (see two-dot chain lines in Figs. 3 and 6) in which the plate surface of the receiving plate 46a faces sideways, and a second position (see solid lines in Fig. 6) in which the plate surface faces up and down and extends horizontally, by operating means 47 consisting of a rotary actuator disposed on the bracket 44. The operating means 47 is a means that operates using compressed air as a power source, and similarly to the movable means 23 and the air chuck 16a, the operating means 47 changes the position of the support member 46 between the first position and the second position by compressed air supplied when the air supply member 35 is connected to the air communication hole 40. When the support member 46 is held in the first position, the pulled end of the new strip film 10a pulled out from the new strip film 10a of the new film roll 14a held in the roll holder 16 is hung over the top of the support bar 45 and then guided so that it hangs down in the vertical direction along the outer side of the plate surface of the receiving plate 46a of the support member 46, and the leading edge of the new strip film 10a is set within the range of the plate surface of the receiving plate 46a.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the support bar 45 and support member 46 extend a predetermined length so as to be able to support the leading edge of the new strip film 10a of the new film roll 14a attached to the roll holder 16, and are configured to be able to support the pulled-out end of the new strip film 10a that has been pulled out to the plate surface of the receiving plate 46a until the new film roll 14a completes its feeding to a specified position described below when the new film roll 14a is transferred by the transfer means 19 from the roll holder 16 that has moved to the alignment position to the cardboard tube shaft 12. Then, when the new film roll 14a has been fed to a specified position on the cardboard tube shaft 12, as shown in FIG. 6, the receiving plate 46a of the support member 46, which is supporting the pull-out end of the new strip film 10a from the back side in the first position, is changed to the second position by the operating means 47, so that the surface of the pull-out end of the new strip film 10a, which has been lifted horizontally, is pressed against the downward suction hole 28a of the film end holding member 28 that corresponds to the cardboard tube shaft 12 positioned at the roll exchange position S2.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 7, the machine frame 25 is provided with the transfer means 19 that transfers the film roll 14 between the roll holder 16 of the automatic guided vehicle 15 and the paper tube shaft 12 of the film supply unit 11. The transfer means 19 is equipped with a push-out member 48 formed in a generally horizontal U-shape and equipped with a push-out body 48a having push-out pieces 48b, 48b facing both sides of the cardboard tube shaft 12 when transferring the old and new packaging materials, so that the push-out member 48 can move from one side intersecting the axial direction of the roll holder 16 and the cardboard tube shaft 12 to a position facing the side end face of the core tube 13 in the film roll 14 at the alignment position where the axial centers of the roll holder 16 and the cardboard tube shaft 12 are aligned and butted against each other. The push-out member 48 is equipped with a push-out body 48a having push-out pieces 48b, 48b facing both sides of the cardboard tube shaft 12 when transferring the old and new packaging materials, a front-rear movement means (first movement means) 49 which moves the push-out member 48 back and forth in the extension direction of the cardboard tube shaft 12, and a lateral movement means (second movement means) 50 which moves the push-out member 48 laterally in a direction intersecting the extension direction (axial direction) of the cardboard tube shaft 12. The lateral movement means 50 is composed of linear actuation means consisting of a linear actuator 51 made of a rodless air cylinder and a slider 52 reciprocated by the linear actuator 51, and the front-rear movement means 49 is disposed on the slider 52 of the lateral movement means 50. The front-rear movement means 49 employs linear servo drive means consisting of an electric actuator 54 which reciprocates the push-out member 48 by a servo motor 53, and a moving body 55 which is moved in the front-rear direction by the electric actuator 54, and the push-out member 48 is disposed on the moving body 55. The lateral movement means 50 is configured to position the push-out member 48 disposed on the front-rear movement means 49 at a lateral movement position P (P1, P2) (see Figures 2 and 5(a)) spaced outboard from the peripheral portion of the film roll 14 held by the roll holder 16 and the cardboard tube shaft 12, and at a feed position N (N1, N2) (see Figures 5(b) and 7) where the side end face of the core tube 13 of the film roll 14 held by the roll holder 16 and the cardboard tube shaft 12 can be pushed forward.In addition, the front-rear movement means 49 reciprocates between a first pushing position N1 where the push-out member 48 faces the front end face side of the core tube 13 of the new film roll 14a held by the roll holder 16 when the automatic guided vehicle 15 is positioned at the alignment position, and a second pushing position N2 where the push-out member 48 faces the rear end face side of the core tube 13 of the old film roll 14b held by the cardboard tube shaft 12 when the cardboard tube shaft 12 is positioned at the roll exchange position S2. That is, with the roll holder 16 positioned at the alignment position, the transfer means 19 moves the push-out member 48 from the front lateral movement position P1 (P) to the first pushing position N1 of the feed position N, and then moves the push-out member 48 toward the second pushing position N2, thereby pushing out the new film roll 14a held by the roll holder 16 toward the empty cardboard tube shaft 12 and transferring it. In addition, with the roll holder 16 positioned at the alignment position, the transfer means 19 moves the push-out member 48 from the rear lateral movement position P2 (P) to the second pushing position N2 of the feed position N, and then moves the push-out member 48 toward the first pushing position N1, thereby pushing out and transferring the old packaging material 14b, such as the old film roll 14b and core tube 13 held by the cardboard tube shaft 12, toward the empty roll holder 16.

[0030] Here, the film roll 14 is loaded onto the cardboard core shaft 12 so that the center position in the film width direction coincides with the film conveyance center of the packaging machine. In setting the movement range of the front-rear movement means 49, the first pushing position N1 may be set according to the film width from the center of the movement range of the push-out member 48 as a base point. Then, the movement position of the front-rear movement means 49 is set from the number of pulses of a servo motor or the like, so that the movement of the push-out member 48 by the front-rear movement means 49 is set to stop. In addition, when the new film roll 14a held in the roll holder 16 is supplied to the cardboard tube shaft 12, if the proximity switch 36 detects that the automated guided vehicle 15 has been positioned at the stopping station 17, the air chuck 16a of the roll holder 16 releases the hold of the new film roll 14a, and when it is detected as described above that the new film roll 14a has been sent to a specified position by the push-out member 48 of the front-rear movement means 49 (the new film roll 14a has been transferred to the cardboard tube shaft 12), the air chuck 12a of the cardboard tube shaft 12 holds the new film roll 14a. In addition, when old packaging material 14b such as a used old film roll 14b on the cardboard tube shaft 12 or a core tube 13 with all the film used up is collected into the automated guided vehicle 15, when it is detected that the empty roll holder 16 of the automated guided vehicle 15 has been positioned at the alignment position by the movable means 23, the air chuck 12a of the cardboard tube shaft 12 releases the hold of the old packaging material 14b, and when it is detected that the old packaging material 14b has been transferred to the roll holder 16 by the push-out member 48 of the front-rear moving means 49, the air chuck 16a of the roll holder 16 holds the old packaging material 14b.

[0031] Next, the operation of the automatic packaging film supplying device according to the embodiment will be described. (When supplying a new film roll 14a to the cardboard tube shaft 12) In the film supply unit 11, the empty cardboard tube shaft 12 is positioned at the roll exchange position S2, and the transfer means 19 is positioned at a front lateral movement position P1 where the push-out member 48 has been retracted to one side from the feed position N (first pushing position N1). In addition, the automated guided vehicle 15 is set so that the core tube 13 of the new film roll 14a is inserted and held in the cardboard tube shaft 12 positioned at the retracted position, and so that the new strip film 10a pulled out from the new film roll 14a passes outside the support bar 45 and hangs down at its leading end along the outer surface of the support member 46 in the first position. When a request signal for changing the old and new packaging material is output from the control means of the packaging machine, the automated guided vehicle 15 travels to the film supply unit 11 of the packaging machine which has issued the request signal, and enters the parking station 17 of the film supply unit 11 as shown in Fig. 5(a), and the proximity switch 36 detects the detector 37, causing the automated guided vehicle 15 to stop. When the automated guided vehicle 15 enters the parking station 17, the rollers 32, 32 guide the floating base 21, and the floating base 21 is regulated in position so that the axis of the roll holder 16 is aligned in the front-rear direction with the axis of the paper tube shaft 12 positioned at the roll exchange position S2 of the film supply unit 11. The automated guided vehicle 15 is configured so that the axis height of the roll holder 16 of the automated guided vehicle 15 is aligned with the axis of the paper tube shaft 12 positioned at the roll exchange position S2 of the film supply unit 11. When the proximity switch 36 detects that the automated guided vehicle 15 has completed entering the parking station 17 (positioned at a predetermined position), the operating means 34 of the positioning means 18 moves the engaging members 33 close to the floating base 21, and the engaging members 33 engage with the engaging recesses 39 of the floating base 21, thereby positioning the floating base 21 at the parking station 17 (see FIG. 4). Compressed air is supplied to the air supply member 35, causing the connector 35a to protrude and its supply port to communicate with the air communication hole 40 of the floating base 21, and the compressed air is supplied to the linear air cylinder 41 of the moving means 23 via the air communication hole 40 and the supply path, causing the linear air cylinder 41 to become operable.Furthermore, when compressed air is supplied, the air chuck 16a can switch between holding and releasing the core tube 13 in the roll holder 16.

[0032] When the floating base 21 is positioned by the positioning means 18, the movable means 23 advances the roll holder 16 from the retreated position toward the alignment position, and when it is detected that the tip of the roll holder 16 has reached the alignment position close to the tip of the cardboard tube shaft 12, the movable means 23 is controlled to stop. In addition, the air chuck 16a releases the core tube 13 of the new film roll 14a, and the released state is maintained. In addition, the transfer means 19 is controlled to move the push-out member 48, which is located at the front lateral movement position P1 retreated to one side from the first pushing position N1, to the feed position N by the lateral movement means 50 and positioned at the first pushing position N1, as shown in FIG. 5(b), and then the push-out member 48 is moved toward the second pushing position N2 by the front-rear movement means 49. The push-out member 48 at the feed position N comes into contact with the side end surface of the core tube 13 of the new film roll 14a held by the roll holder 16, and the new film roll 14a is pushed out of the roll holder 16 and fed into the empty cardboard tube shaft 12. When it is detected that the new film roll 14a has been fed to a specified position relative to the cardboard tube shaft 12, the movement of the push-out member 48 by the front-rear movement means 49 is stopped, and the core tube 13 of the new film roll 14a is held by the air chuck 12a of the cardboard tube shaft 12. In addition, the support member 46 is changed in position from the first position to the second position by the operation means 47 of the film guide 24, and as shown in Figures 6 and 8(a), the surface of the pulled-out end of the new strip film 10a supported by the receiving plate 46a of the support member 46 is pressed against the suction hole 28a of the film end holding member 28 that is in a downward position in the splicer 27, and the pulled-out end is held by the film end holding member 28 by negative pressure. Incidentally, the transferring means 19, which has sent the new film roll 14a to the specified position by the push-out member 48, laterally moves the push-out member 48 from the feed position N to a retracted position to one side by the lateral movement means 50 and the front-rear movement means 49, and then moves to the front lateral movement position P1 and waits. In addition, the automatic guided vehicle 15 returns the support member 46 to the first position by the operating means 47, and then moves the roll holder 16 by the movable means 23 to the retracted position and stops there.

[0033] When it is detected that the empty roll holder 16 has moved to the retracted position, the turntable 26 rotates, and the cardboard shaft 12 holding the old film roll 14b is moved to the roll replacement position S2, and the cardboard shaft 12 holding the newly supplied new film roll 14a is moved to the film payout position S1. At this time, the film end holding member 28 holding the pulled-out end of the new strip film 10a of the new film roll 14a is converted so that the suction holes 28a face upward below the old strip film 10b being pulled out from the old film roll 14b, and the back surface, which is the welding surface of the pulled-out end of the held new strip film 10a, comes into close contact with the back surface of the old strip film 10b, and the suction holes 28a face upward. When the two cardboard shafts 12, 12 reach the film unwinding position S1 and the roll exchange position S2 and the rotation of the turntable 26 stops, as shown in Fig. 8 (b), the heat sealing section 29 and the cutting section 30 move down from the retreated position to the operating position, and the old and new strip films 10a, 10b overlapping on the upper surface of the film end holding member 28 are heat-sealed by the heat sealing section 29, and the old strip film 10b is cut on the old film roll side from the sealing position. When the old strip film 10b is cut, the cardboard shaft 12 holding the old film roll 14b rotates, and the end portion of the old strip film 10b extending from the old film roll 14b is rewound, eliminating the slack in the film caused by the joining. During this film joining operation, the old strip film 10b stored in the dancer roll continues to be continuously transported without stopping the supply of film to the packaging machine. Then, a new strip film 10a is successively pulled out from the new film roll 14a held by the cardboard shaft 12 positioned at the film payout position S1 and fed toward the bag making means of the packaging machine.

[0034] (When the old film roll 14b is to be collected by the automated guided vehicle 15) The transfer means 19 moves the push-out member 48, which is waiting at the front lateral movement position P1 retreated to one side from the feed position N (first pushing position N1), to the rear lateral movement position P2 by the front-rear movement means 49, and then moves the push-out member 48 laterally to the feed position N by the lateral movement means 50 to position the push-out member 48 at the second push-out position N2. In addition, the transfer means 19 moves the roll holder 16 that has moved to the retreat position after supplying the new film roll 14a to the cardboard tube shaft 12, or the empty roll holder 16 that does not hold a packaging material in another unmanned guided vehicle 15 newly positioned at the stop station 17, from the retreat position to the alignment position by the movable means 23 and stops it. When it detects that the roll holder 16 has reached the alignment position, it releases the hold of the old film roll 14b by the air chuck 12a of the cardboard tube shaft 12 at the roll exchange position S2. Then, the transferring means 19 moves the push-out member 48, which is located at the second pushing position N2 at the feed position N, toward the first pushing position N1 by the front-rear moving means 49. As shown in Fig. 7, the push-out member 48 at the feed position N abuts against the side end surface of the core tube 13 of the old film roll 14b held by the cardboard tube shaft 12, and the old film roll 14b is pushed out from the cardboard tube shaft 12 and fed into the empty roll holder 16. When it detects that the old film roll 14b has been fed into the roll holder 16, it stops the movement of the push-out member 48 by the front-rear moving means 49, and the transferring means 19 moves the push-out member 48 laterally from the feed position N to a position where it retreats to one side by the front-rear moving means 49 and the lateral moving means 50, and then moves to the front lateral moving position P1 and waits.

[0035] When the unmanned guided vehicle 15 detects that the old film roll 14b has been fed into the roll holder 16, it causes the moving means 23 to move the roll holder 16 backward from the alignment position toward the retreat position, and when it detects that the roll holder 16 has moved to the retreat position, it stops the moving means 23 and converts the support member 46 of the film guide 24 to the first position by the operating means 47. In addition, the air chuck 16a of the roll holder 16 holds the core tube 13 of the old film roll 14b, and the operating means 34, 34 of the positioning means 18 separate the engagement members 33, 33 from the engagement recesses 39, 39 to release the positioning of the floating base 21. The unmanned guided vehicle 15 that has collected the old film roll 14b automatically travels within the factory and transports the collected old film roll 14b to an arbitrary storage location. In addition, when the core tube 13 of the used-up old film is collected, the core tube 13 is transported to a disposal location or the like.

[0036] In the automatic packaging film supply device of the embodiment, the new film roll 14a is held by an unmanned guided vehicle 15 that can travel freely in the factory and sent to the film supply unit 11 of the packaging machine, and the used old film roll 14b and the new film roll 14a are transferred fully automatically without human intervention, and the collected old film roll 14b can be transported to an arbitrary storage location, or the collected core tube 13 can be transported to a disposal location. In other words, by combining with the unmanned guided vehicle 15, there is no need to secure a separate space for installing an apparatus including a conveying means such as a conveyor for transporting the film roll 14, and the space in the factory can be effectively used. In addition, even in an environment where multiple packaging machines are installed in the factory, different film rolls 14 can be delivered to multiple packaging machines by the unmanned guided vehicle 15, and the old and new film rolls 14a, 14b can be exchanged at the destination packaging machine, so that space can be saved and the device cost can be reduced. Since the automated guided vehicle 15 is equipped with a movable means 23 that reciprocates the roll holder 16 holding the new film roll 14a between an alignment position where the axial center is aligned with the paper tube shaft 12 and the ends are butted against each other and a retreat position, the roll holder 16 can be positioned by the movable means 23 at an appropriate alignment position where the axial center is aligned with the paper tube shaft 12 of the packaging machine while the automated guided vehicle 15 is positioned at the stop station 17, and the new film roll 14a can be smoothly transferred between the roll holder 16 and the paper tube shaft 12. In addition, since the axial center height of the roll holder 16 of the automated guided vehicle 15 is set to a height that matches the axial center of the paper tube shaft 12 positioned at the roll exchange position S2, even if the roll diameter of the new film roll 14a held by the roll holder 16 is different, the new film roll 14a can be transferred to the paper tube shaft 12 without adjusting the height.

[0037] Since the parking station 17 provided in the film supply unit 11 is provided with the guide means 22 consisting of a plurality of rollers 32, 32 and the positioning means 18, the floating base 21 of the automatic guided vehicle 15 can be smoothly received in the parking station 17 and the floating base 21 can be positioned at an appropriate position, and the axis of the roll holder 16 of the floating base 21 and the paper tube shaft 12 of the packaging machine can be aligned, allowing smooth transfer of the old and new packaging materials 14a, 14b between the roll holder 16 and the paper tube shaft 12. In addition, the air chucks 16a, 12a provided on the roll holder 16 and the paper tube shaft 12 hold and release the old and new packaging materials 14a, 14b, and the transfer means 19 can repeat the transfer of the old and new packaging materials 14a, 14b between the roll holder 16 and the paper tube shaft 12 fully automatically at appropriate times without human intervention.

[0038] The forward and backward movement means 49 for moving the push-out member 48 of the transfer means 19 forward and backward is configured by a linear servo drive means, so that the push-out member 48 can be positioned at an appropriate position and can be moved back and forth within an appropriate movement range by setting a numerical value according to the size of the new and old packaging materials 14a, 14b. In addition, if the set position data is stored for each type, the position of the push-out member 48 can be called up and automatically positioned during the type switching operation, and there is no need to reset it each time. Therefore, even an inexperienced worker can easily position the push-out member 48 at an appropriate position. In addition, the push-out member 48 can be pressed accurately against the side end surface of the film roll 14 held by the roll holder 16 and the cardboard tube shaft 12. In addition, the push-out member 48 can transfer the new and old packaging materials 14a, 14b between the roll holder 16 and the cardboard tube shaft 12 by a pair of pressing pieces 48b, 48b facing the vicinity of the outer periphery of the cardboard tube shaft 12. Furthermore, since an air supply member 35 is provided at the stopping station 17 to supply compressed air as a power source for the movable means 23, the operating means 47 and the air chuck 16a provided on the automatic guided vehicle 15, there is no need to install a power supply source for providing driving force for the movable means 23, the operating means 47 and the air chuck 16a on the automatic guided vehicle 15, and the weight of the automatic guided vehicle 15 can be reduced, thereby suppressing a decrease in the operating performance of the automatic guided vehicle 15.

[0039] Since the automatic guided vehicle 15 is provided with a support member 46 that transfers the pulled-out end of the new strip film 10a pulled out from the new film roll 14a to the film end holding member 28 of the splicer 27, no mechanism is required for causing the film end holding member 28 to hold the pulled-out end of the new strip film 10a of the new film roll 14a transferred to the cardboard tube shaft 12, and the configuration of the splicer 27 can be simplified. The film guide 24 that supports the pulled-out end of the new strip film 10a pulled out from the new film roll 14a is configured to move integrally with the roll holder 16 by the movable means 23, so that the film guide 24 can support the pulled-out end of the new strip film 10a without misalignment, and the support member 46 of the film guide 24 can properly transfer the pulled-out end of the new strip film 10a to the film end holding member 28. In addition, since the support member 46 supports the pulling-out end of the new strip film 10a at a predetermined length in the pulling direction from the new film roll 14a, the pulling-out end of the new strip film 10a can be smoothly transferred to the film end holding member 28.

[0040] (Example of change) The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the examples and the like, and can be modified as follows, for example. Furthermore, the configurations described in the examples and the like are not limited to the following modifications, and various embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the gist of the present invention. (1) In the embodiment, the movable means 23 and the operating means 47 provided on the automatic guided vehicle 15 are means operated using compressed air as a driving force, but they may be electrically operated means, in which case relay means such as an electric relay may be used as the power connection means provided in the parking station 17. Furthermore, when the movable means 23 and the operating means 47 are electrically operated means, a configuration can be adopted in which the driving force is obtained from a drive battery mounted on the automatic guided vehicle 15 or a separately mounted auxiliary battery as the power source for each of the means 23, 47. (2) In the embodiment, the air supply member 35 is integrally provided with the engaging member 33 of the positioning means 18 which positions the floating base 21 in the parking station 17. However, a structure in which the air supply member 35 is moved up and down by a separate means can be adopted. (3) The method of positioning the floating base 21 by the positioning means 18 and the shape of the engaging member 33 may be selected from various engaging structures and shapes other than those in the embodiment. (4) The film guide 24 may be provided on the traveling carriage 20. (5) In the embodiment, the roll holder 16 and the film guide 24 are configured to move back and forth together, but they may be configured to move individually by separate moving means.

[0041] (6) In the embodiment, the roll holder 16 is configured to move back and forth horizontally. However, a configuration can be adopted in which the axis of the roll holder 16 is rotated to convert it from a vertical position to a horizontal position and moved to a position aligned with the axis of the cardboard tube shaft 12. (7) In the embodiment, the position of the support member 46 of the film guide 24 is changed to press the supported pull-out end of the new strip film 10a against the suction hole 28a of the film end holding member 28. However, the position of the film end holding member 28 may also be changed to adsorb the pull-out end of the film supported by the support member 46 using an adsorption means. (8) The floating structure of the floating base 21 relative to the fixed base 20a of the traveling carriage 20 may employ any of various known structures that support the floating base 21 relative to the fixed base 20a so that the floating base 21 can move freely in the horizontal direction without changing its height position. Also, the structure of the guide means 22 that regulates the position of the floating base 21 at the parking station 17 may employ any of various known structures that regulate the movement of the floating base 21 in the width direction while allowing it to advance and retreat. (9) A configuration can be adopted in which the support member 46 of the film guide 24 is provided with a suction means that holds the pulled-out end of the strip of film 14 (14a) by negative pressure. Such a configuration prevents the pulled-out end of the strip of film 14 (14a) from becoming misaligned due to influences such as external wind while the automated guided vehicle 15 is traveling or before it is delivered to the film end holding member 28 of the splicer 27, and allows the support member 46 to properly deliver the pulled-out end of the strip of film 14 (14a) to the film end holding member 28. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 11 film supply unit (packaging material supply section), 12 paper tube shaft 12a air chuck (chuck), 13 core tube, 14 film roll (packaging roll) 15 Automated guided vehicle, 16 Roll holder, 16a Air chuck (chuck) 17 Stopping station, 18 Positioning means (locking means), 19 Transfer means 20 running cart, 21 floating base, 22 guide means, 23 movable means 32 elastic roller (roller), 33 engaging member, 34 operating means 35 Air supply member (power connection means), 39 Engagement recess (engagement hole) 41 linear air cylinder (driving means), 48 pushing member, 48a pushing body 48b Push piece, 49 Front-rear moving means (first moving means) 50 Lateral movement means (second movement means)

Claims

1. An automatic packaging roll supplying device that supplies a packaging roll to be used as new packaging material to a paper tube shaft of a packaging machine positioned at a roll exchange position of a packaging material supplying section, or collects a used packaging roll or a core tube of a used packaging material to be used as old packaging material, An automated guided vehicle equipped with a traveling carriage; a floating base supported on a fixed base of the traveling carriage so that upward movement is restricted and that the floating amount in the front-rear and left-right directions with respect to the fixed base is restricted within a predetermined range by a restricting member, the floating base being movable in a horizontal direction, and the floating base is provided with a roll holder that is inserted into a core tube of the packaging material roll to hold the packaging material roll; A stop station for the automated guided vehicle disposed in the packaging material supply section; a guide means arranged in the parking station and restricting the left and right movement of the floating base to receive the automatic guided vehicle into the parking station; A locking means for positioning the floating base in a fixed state in the stop station, in which the axial centers of the roll holder and the paper tube shaft are aligned and the left / right and front / rear positions are aligned with respect to the paper tube shaft; a movable means provided on the floating base, for moving the roll holder to an alignment position where the roll holder is butted against the paper tube shaft and an evacuation position away from the alignment position; A transfer means is disposed in the packaging material supply section, which transfers the new packaging material held by the roll holder positioned at the alignment position or the old packaging material held by the paper tube shaft horizontally along the axis of the paper tube shaft while the floating base is positioned by the locking means at the stop station, and transfers the new and old packaging materials between the roll holder and the paper tube shaft.

1. An automatic supplying device for packaging rolls.

2. An automatic packaging roll supplying device for supplying a packaging roll to be used as new packaging material to a paper tube shaft of a packaging machine positioned at a roll exchange position of a packaging material supplying section, or for recovering a used packaging roll or a core tube of a used packaging material to be used as old packaging material, comprising: an automated guided vehicle having a roll holder on a traveling vehicle, the roll holder being capable of being inserted into a core tube of the packaging material roll to hold the packaging material roll; a stop station for the automated guided vehicle disposed in the packaging material supply section; the unmanned guided vehicle is configured to, when a packaging material change request signal is output from a control means of the packaging machine, enter the stop station of the packaging machine which has issued the packaging material change request signal, thereby positioning the roll holder at an alignment position where the axial center of the roll holder is aligned with the axial center of the paper tube shaft, a transfer means is disposed in the packaging material supply section, which transfers the new packaging material held by the roll holder or the old packaging material held by the paper tube shaft horizontally along the axis of the paper tube shaft when the automated guided vehicle is positioned at the stop station and the roll holder is positioned at the alignment position, and transfers the new and old packaging materials between the roll holder and the paper tube shaft, The transfer means includes a push-out member that reciprocates to push the old and new packaging materials held by either the roll holder or the cardboard shaft in the axial direction of the cardboard shaft, and a moving means that moves the push-out member in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cardboard shaft so as to separate it from the end face of the packaging material.

1. An automatic supplying device for packaging rolls.

3. The guide means includes a plurality of rollers that rotate freely between the left and right edges of the floating base, 2. The automatic supply device for packaging material rolls according to claim 1, wherein the locking means comprises: engagement holes spaced apart on the left and right sides of the floating base; an engagement member which moves so as to be able to engage and disengage with the engagement hole and has a tapered surface that contacts the engagement hole; and an operating means provided in the packaging material supply section for moving the engagement member.

4. The roll holder and the cardboard tube shaft are provided with an air chuck that holds a core tube of the packaging material roll from an inner circumferential side, an air supply unit that communicates an air communication hole to the roll holder with an air supply source is disposed in the reservation station so that the air chuck releases the core tube of the packaging material roll from its holding when the automatic guided vehicle is positioned at the reservation station; When the packaging material roll held by the roll holder of the automatic guided vehicle is supplied to the paper tube shaft of the packaging machine, When the unmanned guided vehicle is received at the stop station and the roll holder is positioned at the alignment position with the paper tube shaft, the compressed air supplied from the air supply unit releases the hold of the core tube of the packaging material roll by the air chuck of the roll holder, When the transfer means finishes transferring the packaging roll from the roll holder to the paper tube shaft, the core tube of the packaging roll is held by an air chuck of the paper tube shaft, When recovering the old packaging material from the paper tube shaft of the packaging machine, When the roll holder of the automatic guided vehicle is positioned at the alignment position with the paper tube shaft, the air chuck of the paper tube shaft releases the core tube of the old packaging material from its hold; 2. The automatic packaging material supply device according to claim 1, wherein when the transfer means has completed the transfer of the old packaging material from the paper tube shaft to the roll holder, the core tube of the old packaging material is held by an air chuck of the roll holder.

5. 3. The automatic packaging material supply device according to claim 2, wherein the moving means comprises first moving means for moving the push-out member back and forth along the axis of the cardboard tube shaft in contact with the end faces of the old and new packaging materials, and second moving means for moving the push-out member in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cardboard tube shaft, and at least the first moving means is constituted by linear servo drive means for reciprocating the push-out member using a servo motor, and the first moving means positions the push-out member at an appropriate position according to the sizes of the old and new packaging materials and causes it to reciprocate within an appropriate movement range.

6. 3. The automatic packaging material supply device according to claim 2, wherein the pushing member has a pushing body having a pair of pushing pieces, one side of which is open so as to be able to abut against the end face of the core tube when transferring the old and new packaging materials, facing the vicinity of the outer periphery of the cardboard tube shaft.

7. 3. The automatic packaging material supply device according to claim 2, further comprising a movable means provided on the unmanned transport vehicle for reciprocatingly moving the roll holder between an alignment position where the roll holder is butted against the paper tube shaft and axially aligned with the paper tube shaft when the traveling cart is positioned at the stop station, and a retracted position retreated from the alignment position.

8. The movable means includes a drive means powered by electricity or air, 8. The automatic packaging material supply device according to claim 1 or 7, further comprising a connecting body which is connected to an air or electric power source to the drive means of the movable means to start supplying power when completion of entry of the automated guided vehicle into the stopping station is detected and the traveling cart is positioned and moored by a locking member, and a power connection means is provided at the stopping station which returns the connecting body to the position before the supply of power was started when the supply from the supply source is stopped.

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