Packaging system and packaging method

Abstract

A packaging system and a packaging method are provided that are capable of efficiently packaging items grouped into M columns and N rows. [Solution] The packaging system comprises an item conveying device that conveys multiple first grouped items in a first direction, when N items grouped into one column in the item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a first grouped item; a packaging device that receives multiple first grouped items from the item conveying device and packages the second grouped items, when M x N items grouped into M columns in the item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a second grouped item; and an item feeding device that is positioned above the downstream end of the item conveying device and forms one set of second grouped items from M sets of the first grouped items.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging system and a packaging method. [Background technology]

[0002] Apparatuses for packaging grouped articles are known.

[0003] As a related technique, an article supplying device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The article supplying device described in Patent Document 1 includes an intermediate conveyor and a transfer robot that picks up an article to be packaged at a downstream portion of the intermediate conveyor with a picking head and places it on an entrance conveyor of a packaging machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-32031 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system and a packaging method capable of efficiently packaging items grouped into M columns and N rows (where "M" and "N" are each natural numbers greater than or equal to 2). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The means for solving the problems will be described below using the numbers and symbols used in the description of the embodiment of the invention. These numbers and symbols are added in parentheses for reference purposes to show an example of the correspondence between the description of the claims and the description of the embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the description in parentheses should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0007] In some embodiments, the packaging system includes an item conveying device (2) that conveys multiple first grouped items (G) in a first direction (DR1), where N is defined as a natural number greater than or equal to 2, and a first grouped item (G) is defined as N items (P) grouped into a column in the item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction; a packaging device (3) that receives multiple first grouped items (G) from the item conveying device (2) and packages the second grouped items (R), where M is defined as a natural number greater than or equal to 2, and a second grouped item (R) is defined as M x N items grouped into M columns in the item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction; and an item feeding device (8) that is arranged above the downstream end (2b) of the item conveying device (2) and forms one set of the second grouped items (R) from M sets of the first grouped items (G).

[0008] In the above packaging system, the article feeder (8) may have an article transfer member (81) that moves across, in a plan view, a downstream end (2b) of the article conveyor (2) and an upstream end (3a) of the packaging device (3). Also, the one set of the second grouped products (R) may be formed from the M sets of the first grouped products (G) by the article transfer member (81).

[0009] The packaging system may further include a control device (9) that controls at least the packaging device (3). The control device (9) may be selectively operable between a first packaging mode (K1) in which the packaging device (3) packages the second grouped items (R) and a second packaging mode (K2) in which the packaging device (3) packages the third grouped items (U) received by the packaging device (3) from the item conveying device (2), where Q items grouped into one column in the item conveying direction and Q rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a third grouped item (U).

[0010] In the above packaging system, when the first packaging mode (K1) is executed, the control device (9) may operate the packaging device (3) intermittently. Also, when the second packaging mode (K2) is executed, the control device (9) may operate the packaging device (3) continuously.

[0011] The packaging system may further include a control device (9) that controls at least the packaging device (3). The control device (9) may intermittently drive the packaging device (3) every time the M sets of the first grouped products (G) are transferred to the packaging device (3).

[0012] In the above packaging system, the packaging device (3) may include a film supplying device (4) that supplies a packaging film (F), a former (51) that forms a tubular packaging film (F2) that wraps the second grouped products (R) from the flat packaging film (F1), a vertical sealer (55) that forms a vertical seal portion (F21) in the tubular packaging film (F2), and a horizontal sealer (61) that forms a horizontal seal portion (F22) in the tubular packaging film (F2). The one set of the second grouped products (R) may be formed from the M sets of the first grouped products (G) directly above the article support portion (52) of the former (51).

[0013] In the packaging system, the article conveying device (2) may include an attachment (21) that pushes the first grouped products (G) in the first direction (DR1). The article feeding device (8) may have a pusher (81p) that pushes the first grouped products (G) in the first direction (DR1). The pusher (81p) may move along a circular orbit (OB) that includes an outgoing track (OB1) for pushing the first grouped products (G) in the first direction (DR1) and a return track (OB2) located above the outgoing track (OB1).

[0014] In the above packaging system, at the timing when the pusher (81p) moves from the outbound track (OB1) to the return track (OB2), the posture of the pusher (81p) may be changed from a first posture (T1) in which the pusher presses the first grouped products (G) to a second posture (T2) in which the pusher moves away from the first grouped products (G).

[0015] In some embodiments, the packaging method is a packaging method performed using a packaging system (1). The packaging system (1) includes an article conveying device (2) that conveys an article (P) in a first direction (DR1), a packaging device (3) that receives a plurality of articles (P) from the article conveying device (2) and packages the plurality of articles (P), and an article feeder (8) disposed above a downstream end (2b) of the article conveying device (2). The packaging method includes a conveying step of conveying a plurality of the first grouped articles (G) in the first direction (DR1) using the article conveying device (2), where N is defined as a natural number of 2 or more, and N articles (P) grouped into one column in the article conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the article conveying direction are defined as first grouped articles (G), and a receiving step of the packaging device (3) receiving the plurality of the first grouped articles (G) from the article conveying device (2). When M is defined as a natural number greater than or equal to 2, and M x N items grouped into M columns in the item transport direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item transport direction are defined as the second grouped items (R), the receiving process includes forming one set of the second grouped items (R) from M sets of the first grouped items (G) using the item feeding device (8). Effect of the Invention

[0016] The present invention makes it possible to provide a packaging system and a packaging method capable of efficiently packaging items grouped into M columns and N rows (where "M" and "N" are each natural numbers greater than or equal to 2). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a packaging system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the functions of the packaging system in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic two-sided view showing the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic two-sided view showing the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an article. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a portion of the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the attachment moving along an orbit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a portion of the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a portion of the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the article transport member moving along the orbit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a portion of the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the article transport member moving along the circular orbit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a portion of the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic two-sided view showing a part of the packaging system in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic two-sided view showing a part of the packaging system in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a portion of the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a portion of the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a state in which a control device can control a control target device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic two-sided view showing the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic two-sided view showing the packaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the packaging system in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a packaging method in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, a packaging system 1 and a packaging method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for members and parts having the same functions, and repeated description of the members and parts to which the same reference numerals are used will be omitted.

[0019] (Direction definition) In this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" are defined based on the direction in which the article P is transported. More specifically, the upstream side in the transport direction of the article P is defined as "upstream," and the downstream side in the transport direction of the article P is defined as "downstream."

[0020] In this specification, the left side when viewed from above and in the direction in which the item P is transported is defined as the "left side," and the right side when viewed from above and in the direction in which the item P is transported is defined as the "right side."

[0021] (Other definitions) In this specification, "N" is defined as a natural number of 2 or more, and "M" is defined as a natural number of 2 or more. "N" is, for example, "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9", or "10". "M" is, for example, "2" or "3". In this specification, "Q" is defined as a natural number of 2 or more. "Q" is, for example, "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9", or "10". "Q" may be the same number as "N" or may be a different number from "N".

[0022] (First embodiment) A packaging system 1A in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the function of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic two-sided diagrams showing the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. The upper side of FIGS. 3 and 4 shows a schematic plan view, and the lower side of FIGS. 3 and 4 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an article P. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the attachment 21 moves along the orbit OA. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of attachments 21 are attached to a chain CH. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state where the article transfer member 81 moves along the orbit OB. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic two-sided diagram showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. The upper side of FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view, and the lower side of FIG. 14 is a schematic side view. FIG. 15 is a schematic two-sided diagram showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. The upper side of FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view, and the lower side of FIG. 15 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view. FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are diagrams showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state where the control device 9 can control the controlled device. Figures 19 and 20 are schematic two-sided views showing the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment. Schematic plan views are shown in the upper parts of Figures 19 and 20, and schematic longitudinal sectional views are shown in the lower parts of Figures 19 and 20. Figure 21 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment.

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a packaging system 1A in the first embodiment includes an article transport device 2, a packaging device 3, and an article feeder device 8.

[0024] As illustrated in Fig. 2, N (e.g., six) items P grouped into one column in the item conveying direction (e.g., first direction DR1) and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction (e.g., second direction DR2) are defined as a first grouped item G. In the example illustrated in Fig. 2, the conveying direction of the items P by the item conveying device 2 is the "first direction DR1", and the direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 in a planar view is the "second direction DR2". More specifically, the second direction DR2 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the item transport apparatus 2 transports a plurality of first grouped items (G1, G2, G3, . . . ) in a first direction DR1.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 2, M×N items P (e.g., 2×6 items P) grouped into M columns in the item conveying direction (e.g., first direction DR1) and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction (e.g., second direction DR2) are defined as a second grouped item R. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the conveying direction of the items P by the packaging device 3 is the "first direction DR1", and the direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 in a planar view is the "second direction DR2". In addition, the direction opposite to the first direction DR1 is the "third direction DR3", and the direction opposite to the second direction DR2 is the "fourth direction DR4".

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the packaging device 3 receives a plurality of first grouped items (G1, G2, G3, . . . ) from the article conveying device 2, and packages the second grouped items R.

[0028] The article feeding device 8 is disposed above the downstream end 2b of the article transport device 2. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the article feeding device 8 has an article transfer member 81. The article transfer member 81 moves so as to cross between the downstream end 2b of the article transport device 2 and the upstream end 3a of the packaging device 3 in a plan view.

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 2 or Figure 3, the article feeding device 8 (more specifically, the article transfer member 81) forms one set of second grouped items R from M sets of first grouped items G (e.g., two sets of first grouped items G).

[0030] In the packaging system 1A of the first embodiment, one set of second grouped items R is formed from M sets of first grouped items G (e.g., two sets of first grouped items G) by utilizing the operation of transferring items P from the item conveying device 2 to the packaging device 3. Therefore, the burden on the item conveying device 2 for forming the second grouped items R, or on the supply device that supplies items to the item conveying device 2, is small. Therefore, the items P grouped into M columns and N rows can be efficiently packaged without relying on the capacity of the supply device that supplies items to the item conveying device 2.

[0031] (Optional configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be adopted in the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0032] (First packaging mode K1 and second packaging mode K2) In the example shown in Fig. 3, the packaging system 1A has at least a control device 9 that controls the packaging device 3. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the control device 9 is capable of executing a first packaging mode K1 in which the second grouped items R are packaged using the packaging device 3.

[0033] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the control device 9 can execute a second packaging mode K2 in which the third grouped items U is packaged using the packaging device 3 without forming the second grouped items R. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the second grouped items R is not formed using the article feed device 8.

[0034] More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 4, when Q (e.g., 6) items P grouped into one column in the item conveying direction and Q rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a third grouped item U, the control device 9 is capable of executing a second packaging mode K2 in which the packaging device 3 packages the third grouped items U received by the packaging device 3 from the item conveying device 2.

[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the control device 9 can selectively execute a first packaging mode K1 (see FIG. 3) in which the second grouped items R in which the items P are arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns are packaged, and a second packaging mode K2 (see FIG. 4) in which the third grouped items U in which the items are arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns are packaged. In this case, since one packaging system 1A can selectively package grouped items in M ​​columns and N rows and grouped items in one column and Q rows, the user of the packaging system 1A has more options. In addition, the packaging form performed using the packaging system 1A can be easily switched from packaging of items grouped in one row to packaging of items grouped in multiple rows, and from packaging of items grouped in multiple rows to packaging of items grouped in one row.

[0036] (Goods P) The item P is, for example, a product package P1 in which a product is packaged. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the product package P1 may be a noodle package in which noodles such as dried noodles are packaged (more specifically, a pillow package in which noodles are packaged). The product package P1 may be a package in which coffee is packaged (more specifically, a pillow package in which coffee is packaged).

[0037] As illustrated in Fig. 6, an article P may be transported in a first direction DR1 in an upright position on an article transport apparatus 2. In the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the article P is a pillow package PP. The pillow package PP has two horizontal seal portions A1 and a vertical seal portion A2. The pillow package PP may be transported in the first direction DR1 on an article transport apparatus 2 in an upright position in which each of the two horizontal seal portions A1 extends along the vertical direction.

[0038] (Item transport device 2) In the example shown in FIG. 6, the article transport apparatus 2 is disposed adjacent to the packaging apparatus 3 on the upstream side of the packaging apparatus 3.

[0039] The article transport device 2 has an article support section 20, an attachment 21 that pushes the first grouped articles G in a first direction, and a moving device 23 that moves the attachment 21.

[0040] The article support portion 20 slidably supports an article P (more specifically, a first grouped article G in which a plurality of articles P are grouped).

[0041] The attachment 21 moves relative to the item support portion 20 in a first direction DR1, thereby pushing an item P supported by the item support portion 20 (more specifically, a first grouped item G in which multiple items P are grouped) in the first direction DR1.

[0042] The attachment 21 includes, for example, a pushing rod 21b extending in the second direction DR2 (more specifically, the horizontal direction). The attachment 21 (more specifically, the pushing rod 21b) presses each of the N articles P constituting the first grouped product G in the first direction DR1. The attachment 21 (more specifically, the pushing rod 21b) may press the horizontal seal portion A1 of each of the N articles P constituting the first grouped product G in the first direction DR1.

[0043] 6, the item transport device 2 includes a plurality of attachments 21 arranged at equal intervals. The attachments 21 press the plurality of first grouped items G in the first direction DR1 so that the plurality of first grouped items G are transported in the first direction DR1 at equal intervals.

[0044] In the example shown in Fig. 7, the moving device 23 moves the attachment 21 along the circular orbit OA. In the example shown in Fig. 7, all of the attachments 21 for pushing articles that the article transport device 2 has move along the same single circular orbit OA.

[0045] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the item transport device 2 has a left side wall 26a facing the leftmost item Pa of the multiple items P constituting the first grouped items G, and a right side wall 26b facing the rightmost item Pb of the multiple items P constituting the first grouped items G. The left side wall 26a prevents the leftmost item Pa from shifting sideways, and the right side wall 26b prevents the rightmost item Pb from shifting sideways. When the item transport device 2 transports items in an upright position, the left side wall 26a prevents the leftmost item Pa from tipping over, and the right side wall 26b prevents the rightmost item Pb from tipping over. Each of the left side wall 26a and the right side wall 26b is a stationary wall.

[0046] The attachment 21 (more specifically, the pushing rod 21b) is disposed so as to cross the left side wall 26a and the right side wall 26b in a plan view. More specifically, the length of the attachment 21 (more specifically, the pushing rod 21b) in the direction along the second direction DR2 is greater than the interval W1 between the left side wall 26a and the right side wall 26b (see FIG. 9).

[0047] (Item feed device 8) 8, the direction in which the article P is fed by the article feed device 8 is the same as the direction in which the article P is transported by the article transport device 2. More specifically, the article P is transported in the first direction DR1 by the article transport device 2, the article P located at the end of the article transport device 2 on the first direction DR1 side is fed in the first direction DR1 by the article feed device 8, and the article P fed in the first direction DR1 by the article feed device 8 is received by the packaging device 3.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 9, the article feeding device 8 has an article transport member 81 (more specifically, a pusher 81p that pushes the first grouped item G in the first direction DR1), which is a group of multiple items P.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 8, the pushing body 81p moves along a circular orbit OB including an outbound orbit OB1 for pushing the first grouped product G in the first direction DR1 and a return orbit OB2 positioned above the outbound orbit OB1.

[0050] Since the return track OB2 is located above the outgoing track OB1, the pusher 81p moving along the return track OB2 is prevented from interfering with the next first grouped products G2 to be sent next to the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the first grouped products G2 located upstream of the first grouped products G1 sent to the packaging device 3). More specifically, the pusher 81p moving along the return track OB2 moves in the direction opposite to the article conveying direction so as to pass above the next first grouped products G2 to be sent next to the packaging device 3.

[0051] In the example shown in Fig. 9, the pushing body 81p is a pushing plate 810p. The pushing body 81p (pushing plate 810p) simultaneously presses N (six in the example shown in Fig. 9) articles P constituting the first grouped products G in the first direction DR1. The pushing body 81p (pushing plate 810p) may simultaneously press the horizontal seal portions A1 (see Fig. 8) of the N articles P constituting the first grouped products G in the first direction DR1.

[0052] 9, the height of the bottom end 810d of the pushing body 81p (more specifically, the pushing plate 810p) is always higher than the height of the attachment 21. In this case, the pushing body 81p (more specifically, the pushing plate 810p) and the attachment 21 are reliably prevented from interfering with each other.

[0053] In the example shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, when the pusher 81p moves from the return track OB2 to the outward track OB1, the lower end 81d of the pusher 81p is configured to enter the space SP1 between the left side wall 26a of the article transport device 2 and the right side wall 26b of the article transport device 2. More specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, when the pusher 81p is located at the lowest position, the height of the lowermost end 810d of the pusher 81p (more specifically, the push plate 810p) is lower than the height of the upper end 260 of each of the left side wall 26a and the right side wall 26b. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 10, when the pusher 81p is located at the highest position, the height of the lowermost end 810d of the pusher 81p (more specifically, the push plate 810p) is higher than the height of the upper end 260 of each of the left side wall 26a and the right side wall 26b.

[0054] 10, the outgoing orbit OB1 includes a straight orbit Ob1, and the return orbit OB2 includes a curved orbit Ob2. More specifically, the outgoing orbit OB1 is configured by a straight orbit when viewed in the second direction DR2, and the return orbit OB2 is configured by a substantially arc-shaped orbit when viewed in the second direction DR2.

[0055] 11, the article feeder 8 has (1) a rotating body 84 that rotates about a first axis AX1, and (2) a cam member 85 that converts the rotational motion of the rotating body 84 about the first axis AX1 into the movement of the pusher 81p along a circular orbit OB including a straight orbit Ob1 and a curved orbit Ob2. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the cam member 85 is formed with a guide portion 850 (e.g., a guide groove or a guide slit) that guides a portion 82 of the part that supports the pusher 81p.

[0056] In the example shown in FIG. 11, a groove 84v is formed in the rotor 84 to receive a part 82 of the part supporting the pusher 81p. When the rotor 84 rotates around the first axis AX1, the part 82 of the part supporting the pusher 81p rotates around the first axis AX1 together with the groove 84v. Also, when the rotor 84 rotates around the first axis AX1, the part 82 of the part supporting the pusher 81p moves relative to the groove 84v in the radial direction of the rotor 84.

[0057] In the examples shown in FIG. 12(b) and FIG. 12(c), when the pushing body 81p moves from the outbound orbit OB1 to the return orbit OB2, the posture of the pushing body 81p (more specifically, the pushing plate 810p) is changed (more specifically, tilted) from a first posture T1 in which the pushing body 81p presses the first grouped products G to a second posture T2 in which the pushing body 81p moves away from the first grouped products G. In the example shown in FIG. 12(b), the first posture T1 is a posture in which the pushing body 81p faces the first grouped products G (more specifically, a posture in which the pushing plate 810p extends in the vertical direction). Also, in the example shown in FIG. 12(c), the second posture T2 is a posture in which the pushing body 81p is inclined with respect to the first grouped products G (more specifically, a posture in which the pushing plate 810p is inclined with respect to the vertical direction).

[0058] At the time when the pusher 81p moves to the return track OB2, the posture of the pusher 81p is changed to the second posture T2, thereby preventing the pusher 81p moving along the return track OB2 from interfering with the next first grouped product G2 (see Figure 8) that is to be sent next to the packaging device 3.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the article feeding device 8 has a tilting device 86 that tilts the pusher 81p (more specifically, the pusher plate 810p), and the tilting device 86 tilts the pusher 81p (more specifically, the pusher plate 810p) so that the posture of the pusher 81p (more specifically, the pusher plate 810p) is changed from the first posture T1 to the second posture T2.

[0060] The tilting device 86 may include a rod 861 that tilts the pushing body 81p (more specifically, the pushing plate 810p) and a cylinder 863 that guides the forward and backward movement of the rod 861. More specifically, the tilting device 86 may have a fluid pressure cylinder 860 that tilts the pushing body 81p (more specifically, the pushing plate 810p).

[0061] 8, the above-mentioned rotating body 84 is disposed on a first plane PL1 that passes on the first direction DR1 side of the end 2e on the first direction DR1 side of the article transport apparatus 2 and is perpendicular to the first direction DR1. In addition, the above-mentioned cam member 85 is disposed on the first plane PL1.

[0062] When the pusher 81p (more specifically, the pusher plate 810p) moves along the outgoing track OB1, the pusher 81p may be configured to move at a constant speed in the first direction DR1. The moving speed of the pusher 81p in the first direction DR1 may be substantially the same as the moving speed of the attachment 21 in the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the pusher 81p moving along the outgoing track OB1 is positioned directly above the attachment 21, and the pusher 81p and the attachment 21 move in the first direction DR1. In this case, a smooth transition is made between pushing the first grouped products G by the attachment 21 and pushing the first grouped products G by the pusher 81p.

[0063] The angular velocity of the rotating body 84 when the pushing body 81p (more specifically, the pushing plate 810p) moves along the forward path OB1 may be slower than the angular velocity of the rotating body 84 when the pushing body 81p (more specifically, the pushing plate 810p) moves along the return path OB2. For example, the rotating body 84 may be configured to repeatedly execute a cycle including at least a first uniform speed rotation (forward path), an accelerated rotation (return path), and a decelerated rotation (return path). The rotating body 84 may also be configured to repeatedly execute a cycle including at least a first uniform speed rotation (forward path), an accelerated rotation (return path), a second uniform speed rotation (return path) faster than the first uniform speed rotation, and a decelerated rotation (return path). Alternatively, the rotating body 84 may be configured to constantly rotate at a uniform speed during operation of the packaging device 3.

[0064] 3 and 4, the article feeding device 8 (e.g., the rotating body 84) is configured to operate continuously when the first packaging mode K1 and the second packaging mode K2 are each performed. Alternatively, the article feeding device 8 (e.g., the rotating body 84) may be configured to operate continuously when the first packaging mode K1 (see FIG. 3) is performed, and the operation of the article feeding device 8 (e.g., the rotating body 84) may be stopped when the second packaging mode K2 (see FIG. 4) is performed.

[0065] (Packaging device 3) 3, the packaging apparatus 3 includes a film supply device 4, a former 51, a vertical sealer 55, and a horizontal sealer 61. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the direction in which the article P is conveyed by the packaging apparatus 3 is the same as the direction in which the article P is conveyed by the article conveying apparatus 2. More specifically, the article P is conveyed in a first direction DR1 by the article conveying apparatus 2, and then the article P is received by the packaging apparatus 3, and then the article P is conveyed in the first direction DR1 by the packaging apparatus 3.

[0066] The film supplying device 4 supplies the packaging film F. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the film supplying device 4 has a roll supporting device 41 that supports the film roll FR, a plurality of guide rollers 42 that guide the packaging film F unwound from the film roll FR, and a film driving roller 44 that imparts a moving force to the packaging film F.

[0067] The former 51 forms a tubular packaging film F2 from a flat (in other words, sheet-like) packaging film F1 to wrap the second grouped products R. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the former 51 is disposed above the film roll FR. Alternatively, the former 51 may be disposed below the film roll FR.

[0068] 13, the former 51 has an article support portion 52 that supports a plurality of articles P. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the article support portion 52 of the former 51 supports a plurality of articles P via a packaging film F.

[0069] 6, one set of second grouped products R is formed from M sets of first grouped products G (e.g., two sets of first grouped products G) directly above the article support section 52 of the former 51. In this case, the space above the article support section 52 of the former 51 is utilized as the space for forming the second grouped products R, so there is no need to prepare a separate dedicated space for forming the second grouped products R. This allows the packaging system 1A to be made compact.

[0070] 14, the former 51 has a first vertical plate portion 53a rising upward from the article support portion 52, and a second vertical plate portion 53b rising upward from the article support portion 52. The packaging film F is supplied between the first vertical plate portion 53a of the former 51 and the second vertical plate portion 53b of the former 51, and the packaging film F supplied between the first vertical plate portion 53a and the second vertical plate portion 53b is formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 14, the former 51 has a first wing portion 54a extending from the first vertical plate portion 53a in the second direction DR2 in a planar view, and a second wing portion 54b extending from the second vertical plate portion 53b in the fourth direction DR4 in a planar view.

[0072] The first wing portion 54a has a first edge portion 541a that guides the packaging film F, and the second wing portion 54b has a second edge portion 541b that guides the packaging film F. In addition, the first vertical plate portion 53a has a third edge portion 531a that guides the packaging film F, and the second vertical plate portion 53b has a fourth edge portion 531b that guides the packaging film F.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the packaging film F is guided by the first edge portion 541a, the second edge portion 541b, the third edge portion 531a, and the fourth edge portion 531b, so that its shape is changed from a flat shape (in other words, a sheet shape) to a tubular shape.

[0074] The vertical sealer 55 forms a vertical seal portion F21 in the tubular packaging film F2. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the vertical sealer 55 forms the vertical seal portion F21 in the tubular packaging film F2 at a position above the second grouped products R. Alternatively, the vertical sealer 55 may form the vertical seal portion F21 in the tubular packaging film F2 at a position below the second grouped products R.

[0075] The packaging device 3 may have a first pinch roller 56 that feeds the tubular packaging film F2 toward the vertical sealer 55, and a second pinch roller 57 that feeds the vertical seal portion F21 formed by the vertical sealer 55 in the first direction DR1.

[0076] The horizontal sealer 61 forms a horizontal seal portion F22 in the cylindrical packaging film F2. As illustrated in Fig. 16, the horizontal sealer 61 forms a first horizontal seal portion F22-1 on the first direction DR1 side of the second grouped products R, and forms a second horizontal seal portion F22-2 on the third direction DR3 side of the second grouped products R, thereby forming a first package E1 in which the second grouped products R are packaged. M x N articles P are packaged in the first package E1.

[0077] The horizontal sealer 61 may be configured to form the horizontal seal portion F22 in the tubular packaging film F2 and cut the tubular packaging film F2. More specifically, the horizontal sealer 61 may have two welded portions and a cutting blade disposed between the two welded portions.

[0078] The packaging device 3 may have a feed conveyor 58 that feeds the tubular packaging film F2 and the second grouped products R to the horizontal sealer 61. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the feed conveyor 58 feeds the tubular packaging film F2 and the second grouped products R in a first direction DR1. The packaging device 3 may have a discharge conveyor 65 that transports the first package E1 downstream from the horizontal sealer 61. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the discharge conveyor 65 transports the first package E1 in the first direction DR1.

[0079] In the example shown in Fig. 17 (when the second packaging mode K2 is executed), the horizontal sealer 61 forms a horizontal seal portion F24 in the tubular packaging film F2. As illustrated in Fig. 17, the horizontal sealer 61 forms a first horizontal seal portion F24-1 on the first direction DR1 side of the third grouped products U, and forms a second horizontal seal portion F24-2 on the third direction DR3 side of the third grouped products U, thereby forming a second package E2 in which the third grouped products U is packaged. 1xQ items P are packaged in the second package E2.

[0080] When the second packaging mode K2 is performed, the horizontal sealer 61 may be configured to form the horizontal seal portion F24 in the tubular packaging film F2 and cut the tubular packaging film F2.

[0081] (Control device 9) 3 and 4, the packaging system 1A includes a control device 9. The control device 9 controls the packaging device 3 (for example, the film supply device 4 (more specifically, the film drive roller 44), the vertical sealer 55, the horizontal sealer 61, the first pinch roller 56, the second pinch roller 57, etc.). The film drive roller 44, the vertical sealer 55, the horizontal sealer 61, etc. may be mechanically synchronized, or may be synchronously controlled by the control device 9.

[0082] Additionally, the control device 9 may control the article transport device 2 (more specifically, the first motor 23m of the moving device 23 that moves the attachment 21 along the circular track OA shown in FIG. 7). The control device 9 may also control the article feed device 8 (for example, the second motor 83m that drives the rotating body 84 and / or the fluid pressure cylinder 860 that tilts the pusher 81p shown in FIG. 9). Furthermore, the control device 9 may control the feed conveyor 58 and / or the discharge conveyor 65.

[0083] 18, the control device 9 includes a processor 91, a memory 92, a communication circuit 93, an input device 94 (such as a switch, a keyboard, or a touch panel on a display), and a display 95. The processor 91 executes a program stored in the memory 92 to generate a control command to be transmitted to devices to be controlled (such as the packaging device 3, the article transport device 2, and the article feeder 8).

[0084] 3, the packaging system 1A has a sensor S that detects the article P. In the example shown in FIG.

[0085] The control device 9 receives an article detection signal from the sensor S, and controls the driving of the packaging device 3 based on the article detection signal. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the control device 9 determines whether M sets (e.g., 2 sets) of the first grouped items G have been transferred from the article conveying device 2 to the packaging device 3 based on the article detection signal received from the sensor S, and the control device 9 intermittently drives the packaging device 3 every time M sets (e.g., 2 sets) of the first grouped items G are transferred to the packaging device 3.

[0086] More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 3 (when the first packaging mode K1 is executed), the control device 9 suspends the transport of items P by the packaging device 3 until it determines that M sets (e.g., 2 sets) of the first grouped items G have been transferred to the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the former 51), and when it determines that M sets (e.g., 2 sets) of the first grouped items G have been transferred to the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the former 51), it sends a drive command to the packaging device 3, and the packaging device 3, upon receiving the drive command, transports the second grouped items R formed from the M sets of the first grouped items G in the first direction DR1.

[0087] For example, the control device 9 stops the transfer of the articles P by the packaging device 3 at least until the second set of first grouped articles G is transferred to the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the former 51) after the first set of first grouped articles G has been transferred to the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the former 51). Furthermore, when it is determined based on the article detection signal received from the sensor S that the second set of first grouped articles G has been transferred to the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the former 51), the control device 9 transmits a drive command to the packaging device 3, and the packaging device 3 that receives the drive command transfers the second grouped articles R formed from the two sets of first grouped articles G in the first direction DR1.

[0088] In the example shown in FIG. 3, when the first packaging mode K1 is executed, the control device 9 operates the packaging device 3 intermittently.

[0089] In the example shown in FIG. 3, since the packaging device 3 is driven after the second grouped products R are formed on the packaging device 3 (more specifically, on the former 51), it is not necessary to increase the interval L1 between two adjacent attachments 21 to correspond to the length L2 of the second grouped products R in the direction along the first direction DR1 (or the length L3 of the first package E1 in the direction along the first direction DR1). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the interval L1 between two adjacent attachments 21 is shorter than the length L2 of the second grouped products R in the direction along the first direction DR1. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the interval L1 between two adjacent attachments 21 is shorter than the length L3 of the first package E1 in the direction along the first direction DR1.

[0090] 3, the second grouped products R are formed on the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the former 51) before the packaging device 3 is driven. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 19, even if the first grouped products G are missing on the item conveying device 2 (in other words, even if a missing area occurs in the downstream area RG of the attachment 21 where the first grouped products G should be), there is no disruption to the operation of the packaging system 1A as a whole.

[0091] In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the first packaging mode K1 is executed, the control device 9 operates the packaging device 3 intermittently and continuously operates the article conveying device 2 and the article feeding device 8. As illustrated in Fig. 19, even if a shortage of the first grouped items G occurs on the article conveying device 2, the control device 9 operates the packaging device 3 intermittently and operates the article conveying device 2 and the article feeding device 8 continuously without interruption. When the article conveying device 2 and the article feeding device 8 are operated continuously, the control of the article conveying device 2 and the article feeding device 8 does not become complicated.

[0092] 3 and 19, the control device 9 synchronously drives the article transport device 2 and the article feeder device 8. The synchronous driving may be performed mechanically using a power transmission mechanism such as gears, or may be performed by synchronously controlling the first motor 23m of the article transport device 2 and the second motor 83m of the article feeder device 8.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 4, when the second packaging mode K2 is executed, the item conveying device 2 (more specifically, each of the multiple attachments 21) conveys a third grouped item U, in which items are arranged in one column and Q rows, in the first direction DR1.

[0094] 4, when the second packaging mode K2 is executed, the control device 9 continuously operates the packaging device 3. More specifically, the control device 9 continuously operates the packaging device 3 as long as there is no shortage of the third grouped items U on the item conveying device 2 (in other words, as long as there is no shortage area in the downstream area RG of the attachment 21 where the third grouped items U should be).

[0095] 4 (when the second packaging mode K2 is being executed), the control device 9 determines whether or not the third grouped items U have been transferred from the item conveying device 2 to the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the former 51) based on the item detection signal received from the sensor S. Furthermore, the control device 9 operates the packaging device 3 continuously as long as the third grouped items U are being transferred to the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the former 51) at regular intervals.

[0096] In this case, unless there is a shortage of the third grouped items U, the movement of the third grouped items U in the first direction DR1 will not be interrupted on the packaging device 3, so that more third grouped items U can be packaged per unit time.

[0097] In the example shown in Figure 20, when the control device 9 determines based on the item detection signal received from the sensor S that a shortage of the third grouped item U has occurred on the item conveying device 2 (in other words, when it determines that a shortage area has occurred in the downstream area RG of the attachment 21 where the third grouped item U should be), it suspends operation of the packaging device 3 for a predetermined period (more specifically, the period corresponding to the shortage area), and then resumes operation of the packaging device 3.

[0098] 3 and 4, when the wrapping mode executed by the control device 9 is switched between the first wrapping mode K1 and the second wrapping mode K2, the interval L1 between two adjacent attachments 21 is not changed. Also, the trajectory along which all of the attachments 21 for pushing articles that the item conveying device 2 has move when the first wrapping mode K1 is executed is the same as the trajectory along which all of the attachments 21 for pushing articles that the item conveying device 2 has move when the second wrapping mode K2 is executed. Therefore, when the wrapping mode is switched between the first wrapping mode K1 and the second wrapping mode K2, there is no need to change the settings related to the attachments 21, and the mode can be easily switched.

[0099] During continuous operation of the packaging device 3, it is preferable that the difference between the interval L1 (see FIG. 4) between two adjacent attachments 21 and the length L5 (see FIG. 4) of the second packaging body E2 in the direction along the first direction DR1 is small. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, it is possible to simultaneously achieve (1) the ability to selectively execute the first packaging mode K1 and the second packaging mode K2 without changing the interval L1 between two adjacent attachments 21, and (2) the ability to reduce the difference between the interval L1 (see FIG. 4) between the two adjacent attachments 21 and the length L5 (see FIG. 4) of the second packaging body E2 in the direction along the first direction DR1.

[0100] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the interval L1 between two adjacent attachments 21 is longer than the length L4 of the third grouped products U in the direction along the first direction DR1. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 4, the interval L1 between two adjacent attachments 21 is approximately the same as the length L5 of the second packaging body E2 in the direction along the first direction DR1.

[0101] 4, when the second packaging mode K2 is executed, the control device 9 continuously operates the packaging device 3, and continuously operates the article conveying device 2 and the article feeding device 8. As illustrated in Fig. 20, when a shortage of the third grouped products U occurs on the article conveying device 2, the control device 9 temporarily suspends the operation of the packaging device 3 while continuing the continuous operation of the article conveying device 2 and the article feeding device 8.

[0102] 4 and 20, the control device 9 synchronously drives the article transport device 2 and the article feeder device 8. The synchronous driving may be performed mechanically using a power transmission mechanism such as gears, or may be performed by synchronously controlling the first motor 23m of the article transport device 2 and the second motor 83m of the article feeder device 8.

[0103] (Goods supply device 7) In the example shown in FIG. 21, the packaging system 1A includes an article supplying device 7 that supplies an article P to an article conveying device 2. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the article supplying device 7 includes a transporting device 71 that transports an article P in a direction perpendicular to a first direction DR1, and a transfer device 73 that transfers the article P from the transporting device 71 to the article conveying device 2. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the article supplying device 7 is configured such that an article P transported by the transporting device 71 in a direction different from the first direction DR1 (more specifically, the second direction DR2) in a plan view is supplied to the article conveying device 2. As an alternative example to FIG. 21, the article supplying device 7 may include a chute that supplies an article P to the article conveying device 2, or an article transfer robot that supplies an article P to the article conveying device 2.

[0104] In the first embodiment (see FIG. 3, etc.), a second grouped product R in which the products P are arranged in M ​​columns and N rows is formed in the packaging device 3. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the product supply device 7 is not required to have high capacity.

[0105] Second embodiment A packaging method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 22. Figure 22 is a flow chart showing an example of the packaging method according to the second embodiment.

[0106] The packaging method in the second embodiment may be performed using the packaging system 1A in the first embodiment, or may be performed using another packaging system.

[0107] 3, the packaging system 1 includes (1) an article conveying device 2 that conveys an article P in a first direction DR1, (2) a packaging device 3 that receives a plurality of articles P from the article conveying device 2 and packages the plurality of articles, and (3) an article feeding device 8 disposed above the downstream end of the article conveying device 2. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the packaging system 1 may include a control device 9 and a sensor S.

[0108] The article transport device 2, packaging device 3, article feeder device 8, control device 9, and sensor S have already been described in the first embodiment, so repeated description of these configurations will be omitted.

[0109] 3, when N items grouped into one column in the item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a first grouped item G, in a first step ST1, a plurality of first grouped items G are conveyed in a first direction DR1. The first step ST1 is a first conveying step. The first conveying step is performed using an item conveying device 2.

[0110] In the example shown in Figure 3, the first conveying process (first step ST1) includes moving a plurality of attachments 21 in a first direction DR1, thereby moving a plurality of first grouped products G in contact with the plurality of attachments 21 in the first direction DR1.

[0111] In the first transfer step (first step ST1), the attachments 21 are preferably moved at a constant speed along the circular orbit OA.

[0112] In the second step ST2, the packaging device 3 receives the first grouped articles G from the article conveying device 2. The second step ST2 is a first receiving process.

[0113] In the example shown in Figure 3, when M x N items P grouped into M columns in the item transport direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item transport direction are defined as the second grouped items R, the first receiving process (second step ST2) includes forming one set of second grouped items R from M sets of first grouped items G using an item feeding device 8 (more specifically, an item transfer member 81).

[0114] In the first receiving step (second step ST2), it is preferable that the packaging device 3 is operated intermittently, and the article transport device 2 and the article feeder device 8 are operated continuously.

[0115] More specifically, in the first receiving process (second step ST2), the transport of the articles P by the packaging device 3 is interrupted until M sets (e.g., 2 sets) of the first grouped items G are transferred to the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the former 51), and after M sets (e.g., 2 sets) of the first grouped items G are transferred to the packaging device 3 (more specifically, the former 51), it is preferable that the packaging device 3 is configured to transport the second grouped items R formed from the M sets of the first grouped items G in the first direction DR1.

[0116] On the other hand, in the first receiving step (second step ST2), the attachment 21 of the article transport device 2 is preferably rotated along the circular orbit OA without stopping. Also, the article transfer member 81 (more specifically, the pusher 81p) of the article feeder 8 is preferably rotated along the circular orbit OB without stopping.

[0117] In the packaging method of the second embodiment, one set of second grouped items R is formed from M sets of first grouped items G (e.g., two sets of first grouped items G) using a first receiving process in which the packaging device 3 receives multiple items P from the item conveying device 2. Therefore, the items P grouped into M columns and N rows can be efficiently packaged without relying on the capacity of a supply device that supplies items to the item conveying device 2.

[0118] (Optional configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be adopted in the packaging method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0119] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the packaging method according to the second embodiment includes a tubular film forming step (third step ST3) in which a former 51 is used to form a tubular packaging film F2 from a flat packaging film F1.

[0120] 3, the first receiving step (second step ST2) and the tubular film forming step (third step ST3) are performed simultaneously. More specifically, the packaging film F is formed into a cylindrical shape by the former 51, and one set of second grouped products R is formed from M sets of first grouped products G on the former 51 (more specifically, directly above the article support portion 52 of the former 51).

[0121] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the packaging method in the second embodiment includes a step of forming a vertical seal portion F21 in the tubular packaging film F2 (fourth step ST4) and a step of forming front and rear horizontal seal portions F22 in the tubular packaging film F2 (fifth step ST5).

[0122] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a vertical seal F21 and two horizontal seals F22 are formed in the tubular packaging film F2 to form a first package E1 for packaging M×N articles.

[0123] The packaging method in the second embodiment may include a packaging mode switching process for switching between (1) a first packaging mode K1 (see Figure 3) in which the packaging device 3 packages the above-mentioned second grouped items R, and (2) a second packaging mode K2 (see Figure 4) in which the packaging device 3 packages the third grouped items U received by the packaging device 3 from the item conveying device 2, when Q items grouped in one column in the item conveying direction and Q rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a third grouped item U.

[0124] 3 and 4, in the sixth step ST6, the packaging mode is switched from the first packaging mode K1 to the second packaging mode K2. Alternatively, the packaging mode may be switched from the second packaging mode K2 to the first packaging mode K1 before the first step ST1 is performed.

[0125] The second wrapping mode K2 will now be described in more detail.

[0126] In the example shown in Fig. 4, when the second packaging mode K2 is executed by the control device 9, (1) the article conveying device 2 conveys a plurality of third grouped items U in the first direction DR1 (second conveying step), and (2) the packaging device 3 receives the plurality of third grouped items U from the article conveying device 2 (second receiving step). In the second receiving step, it is preferable that the article conveying device 2 and the packaging device 3 are operated continuously. Also, it is preferable that the article feeding device 8 is operated continuously in the second receiving step.

[0127] In the example shown in Figure 4, when the second packaging mode K2 is executed by the control device 9, a vertical seal F23 and two horizontal seals F24 are formed in the tubular packaging film F2, thereby forming a second packaging body E2 that wraps Q items.

[0128] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments or modifications, and it is clear that each embodiment or modification can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In addition, various techniques used in each embodiment or modification can be applied to other embodiments or other modifications as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, any additional configuration in each embodiment or modification can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1, 1A: Packaging system 2: Item transport device 2b: downstream end of the article transport device 2e: End of the article conveying device on the first direction side 3: Packaging equipment 3a: upstream end of packaging device 4: Film supply device 7: Goods supply device 8: Article feeding device 9: Control device 20: Article support part 21: Attachment 21b: Push rod 23: Mobile device 23m: First motor 26a: Left side wall 26b: Right side wall 41: Roll support device 42: Guide roller 44: Film drive roller 51:Forma 52: Article support part 53a: 1st vertical plate part 53b: 2nd vertical plate part 54a: First wing 54b: Second wing 55: Vertical Sealer 56: First pinch roller 57: Second pinch roller 58: Feed conveyor 61: Horizontal Sheila 65: Discharge conveyor 71: Transfer device 73:Transfer device 81: Item transport member 81d: Lower end of the pusher 81p: Pushing body 82: A part of the part supporting the pusher 83m: 2nd motor 84: Rotating body 84v:Groove 85: Cam member 86:Tilt device 91: Processor 92: Memory 93: Communication circuits 94: Input device 95: Display 260:Top edge 531a: Third edge part 531b: 4th edge part 541a: First edge part 541b: Second edge part 810d: Bottom end 810p: Push plate 850: Guide section 860: Fluid pressure cylinder 861: Rod 863: Cylinder A1: Horizontal seal part A2: Vertical seal part AX1: 1st axis CH: Chain DR1: 1st direction DR2: 2nd direction DR3: 3rd direction DR4: 4th direction E1: 1st package E2: 2nd package F: Packaging film F1: Flat packaging film F2: Cylindrical packaging film F21: Vertical seal F22: Horizontal seal part F22-1: First horizontal seal section F22-2: Second horizontal seal section F23: Vertical seal F24: Horizontal seal part F24-1: First horizontal seal section F24-2: Second horizontal seal section FR: Film roll G, G1, G2, G3: First group products K1: First packaging mode K2: Second packaging mode OA: Orbit OB: Orbit OB1: Outbound orbit OB2: Return orbit Ob1: Straight trajectory Ob2: Curved trajectory P, Pa, Pb: Goods P1: Product packaging PL1: 1st plane PP: Pillow packaging R: Second group products RG: downstream region of attachment S: Sensor SP1: Space T1: 1st posture T2: 2nd posture U: Third group product

Claims

1. an item conveying device that conveys a plurality of first grouped items in a first direction, where N is defined as a natural number of 2 or more and N items grouped in one column in an item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as first grouped items; a packaging device that receives a plurality of the first grouped items from the item conveying device and packages the second grouped items, where M is defined as a natural number of 2 or more, and M×N items grouped into M columns in the item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a second grouped item; an article feeder arranged above a downstream end of the article transport device, for forming one set of the second grouped products from M sets of the first grouped products; Equipped with The article transport device includes an attachment that pushes the first grouped articles in the first direction; The article feeding device has a pushing body that pushes the first grouped articles in the first direction, The pushing body moves along a circular orbit including an outward orbit for pushing the first grouped products in the first direction and a return orbit located above the outward orbit, The pusher and the attachment move in the first direction in a state where the pusher moving along the forward track is positioned directly above the attachment. Packaging system.

2. The pusher moves across a downstream end of the article conveying device and an upstream end of the packaging device in a plan view, The one set of the second grouped products is formed from the M sets of the first grouped products by the pushing body. The packaging system of claim 1 .

3. Further comprising a control device for controlling at least the packaging device, The control device includes: a first packaging mode in which the packaging device is used to package the second grouped products; a second packaging mode in which Q items grouped in one column in the item conveying direction and Q rows in the direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a third grouped item, the third grouped item being received by the packaging device from the item conveying device and packaged by the packaging device; can be selectively executed.

3. A packaging system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the first packaging mode is executed, the control device operates the packaging device intermittently, When the second packaging mode is executed, the control device continuously operates the packaging device. The packaging system of claim 3.

5. Further comprising a control device for controlling at least the packaging device, The control device intermittently drives the packaging device every time the M sets of the first grouped products are transferred to the packaging device.

3. A packaging system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The packaging device includes: a film supplying device for supplying a packaging film; a former that forms a tubular packaging film from the flat packaging film to wrap the second grouped products; A vertical sealer that forms a vertical seal portion in the tubular packaging film; a horizontal sealer for forming a horizontal seal portion on the cylindrical packaging film; Equipped with The one set of the second grouped products is formed from the M sets of the first grouped products directly above the article support portion of the former.

3. A packaging system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. An item conveying device that conveys a plurality of first grouped items in a first direction, where N is defined as a natural number of 2 or more and N items grouped in one column in an item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a first grouped item; a packaging device that receives a plurality of the first grouped items from the item conveying device and packages the second grouped items, where M is defined as a natural number of 2 or more, and M×N items grouped into M columns in the item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a second grouped item; an article feeder arranged above a downstream end of the article transport device, for forming one set of the second grouped products from M sets of the first grouped products; Equipped with The article feed device is A pusher that pushes the first grouped products in the first direction; A rotor that rotates around a first axis; A cam member that converts the rotational motion of the rotating body around the first axis into the movement of the pushing body along a circular orbit including a straight orbit and a curved orbit; have Packaging system.

8. An item conveying device that conveys a plurality of first grouped items in a first direction, where N is defined as a natural number of 2 or more and N items grouped in one column in an item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a first grouped item; a packaging device that receives a plurality of the first grouped items from the item conveying device and packages the second grouped items, where M is defined as a natural number of 2 or more, and M×N items grouped into M columns in the item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a second grouped item; an article feeder arranged above a downstream end of the article transport device, for forming one set of the second grouped products from M sets of the first grouped products; Equipped with The article feeding device has a pushing body that pushes the first grouped articles in the first direction, The pushing body moves along a circular orbit including an outward orbit for pushing the first grouped products in the first direction and a return orbit located above the outward orbit, At a timing when the pushing body moves from the outward path to the return path, the posture of the pushing body is tilted from a first posture in which the pushing body presses the first grouped products to a second posture in which the pushing body moves away from the first grouped products. Packaging system.

9. 1. A packaging method performed using a packaging system, comprising: The packaging system comprises: an article transport device that transports an article in a first direction; a packaging device that receives a plurality of articles from the article conveying device and packages the plurality of articles; an article feed device disposed above a downstream end of the article transport device; Equipped with When N is defined as a natural number of 2 or more, and N items grouped in one column in the item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a first grouped item, the item conveying device includes an attachment that pushes the first grouped items in the first direction, The article feeding device has a pushing body that pushes the first grouped articles in the first direction, The packaging method includes: a conveying step of conveying the first grouped articles in the first direction by using the article conveying device; a receiving step in which the packaging device receives a plurality of the first grouped items from the article conveying device; Equipped with When M is defined as a natural number of 2 or more, and M×N items grouped into M columns in the item conveying direction and N rows in a direction perpendicular to the item conveying direction are defined as a second grouped item, the receiving step includes forming one set of the second grouped items from the M sets of the first grouped items using the item feeding device; The pushing body moves along a circular orbit including an outward orbit for pushing the first grouped products in the first direction and a return orbit located above the outward orbit, The pusher and the attachment move in the first direction in a state where the pusher moving along the forward track is positioned directly above the attachment. Packaging method.

Images