Tray pack manufacturing equipment

Abstract

To provide a tray pack manufacturing device that can easily change a conveyance direction of a tray.SOLUTION: A tray pack manufacturing device 10 includes: a sealing device 14 for attaching a cover film 4 to a tray 3; tray conveyance devices 12 and 13 each having conveyor belts 122 and 132 for conveying the tray 3, which are configured to be able to operate in the forward and reverse directions; a touch panel device 17 for switching an operating direction of the conveyor belts 122 and 132; and a protection device 18 capable of being switched between a state in which an operation for switching the operating direction of the conveyor belts 122 and 132 is enabled and a state in which the operation is disabled. As a result, a conveyance direction of the tray 3 can be easily changed without rotating the tray pack manufacturing device 10 itself, and unintentional switching of the conveyance direction of the tray 3 due to an incorrect operation can be reliably prevented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a tray pack in which a cover film is attached to a tray containing contents. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various foods and the like have often been sold in plastic containers with plastic lids fastened to the containers with rubber bands, etc. On the other hand, in recent years, in order to extend expiration dates, reduce food waste, reduce the amount of plastic used, etc., tray packs have been increasingly adopted, which include a tray capable of containing the contents such as food and a cover film attached to the tray, sealing the inside of the tray.

[0003] The tray pack can be manufactured by a tray pack manufacturing apparatus including a first conveying device, a sealing device, and a second conveying device in this order along the tray conveying direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). The first conveying device conveys a tray containing contents to the sealing device. The sealing device cuts the conveyed strip-shaped cover film material to obtain a cover film, and attaches the cover film to the conveyed tray to obtain a tray pack. The second conveying device conveys the tray pack obtained by the sealing device downstream.

[0004] In addition, the trend to adopt tray packs as described above is not limited to large-scale businesses, but also extends to small businesses and privately owned businesses, and even these small businesses are introducing one or more tray pack manufacturing devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-136915 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When introducing tray pack manufacturing equipment, there may be cases where you purchase tray pack manufacturing equipment that transports trays in a certain direction (for example, from left to right), but for reasons of usability, you want to reverse the tray transport direction (for example, to change it to from right to left).

[0007] However, due to reasons such as the location of installation, it may be difficult or impossible to rotate the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 180° in plan view.

[0008] Even if the tray pack manufacturing apparatus can be rotated 180° in plan view, various problems may occur. For example, the sealing apparatus needs to be subjected to work related to product type change, maintenance, etc., and such work may be difficult or impossible. In addition, the installation state of wiring and piping around the tray pack manufacturing apparatus may become complicated. Furthermore, if the sealing apparatus is equipped with a supply port or door for supplying power or air, etc., and a device for product type change or maintenance, it may be difficult or impossible to use these. Note that providing a supply port, door, and a device for product type change, etc. on both the front and back of the sealing apparatus is not preferable in terms of cost, device size, design, etc.

[0009] For this reason, in the past, tray pack manufacturing equipment was manufactured and prepared separately: one type that transports trays in the forward direction (e.g., from left to right) and one type that transports trays in the reverse direction (e.g., from right to left).

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a tray pack manufacturing apparatus that is capable of easily switching the tray transport direction, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The following describes each of the means suitable for achieving the above object. Note that, as necessary, the specific effects of the corresponding means will be added.

[0012] Means 1. A tray pack manufacturing device for manufacturing a tray pack by attaching a cover film to a tray containing contents, a sealing means for cutting a strip-shaped cover film material to obtain the cover film and attaching the cover film to the tray; a pair of tray transport means each having a conveyor belt for transporting the tray, the conveyor belt being configured to be operable in forward and reverse directions, and disposed at positions sandwiching the sealing means; a cover film material conveying means configured to be able to convey the cover film material on a conveying path passing above the tray supplied to the sealing means by the tray conveying means; an operating means for switching the operating direction of each of the conveyor belts in the pair of tray transport means; a means for preventing erroneous operation of the operating means for switching the movement direction of the conveyor belt between a state in which the operating means is operable and a state in which the operating means is not operable.

[0013] Examples of "misoperation prevention means" include protection means having a specified opening and a door that can open and close the opening, as well as a case that houses an operating means and a locking means for locking the door, and authentication means that can switch from a disabled state to a enabled state in which the operation to change the operating direction of the conveyor belt is permitted by inputting a specified password, etc.

[0014] According to the above-mentioned means 1, the operating direction of the conveyor belts in the pair of tray transport means, and therefore the tray transport direction, can be reversed by operating the operating means. Therefore, the tray transport direction can be easily changed without rotating the tray pack manufacturing apparatus itself (without changing the orientation of the entire apparatus), so that it is possible to immediately respond to the need to reverse the tray transport direction for reasons such as ease of use. Furthermore, since there is no need to rotate the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 180° in plan view to change the tray transport direction, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of various problems that may occur due to rotating the tray pack manufacturing apparatus.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned means 1, the erroneous operation prevention means can switch between a state in which the operation means for switching the operating direction of the conveyor belt is operable and a state in which the operation is not permitted, thereby more reliably preventing the tray transport direction from being unintentionally switched due to erroneous operation.

[0016] Means 2. The cover film material conveying means has a pair of core setting sections corresponding to both ends of the conveying path of the cover film material, and a core relating to the original roll of the cover film material and a core relating to the winding of the scrap of the cover film material remaining after cutting by the sealing means can be set in these core setting sections, respectively, and the sealing means is means The tray pack manufacturing apparatus according to Means 1 is configured symmetrically with respect to the reference position and configured so that the conveying direction of the cover film material can be reversed.

[0017] According to the above-mentioned means 2, a core for the original roll of the cover film material and a core for winding the scrap can be set in the pair of core setting parts, and not only the conveying direction of the tray but also the conveying direction of the cover film material can be reversed. meansFor example, a pair of core setting units, a roll for guiding the cover film material or scrap, and a means for applying tension to the cover film material or scrap are provided symmetrically. As a result, the usability of the device can be effectively improved.

[0018] Means 3. The tray pack manufacturing apparatus described in Means 1, wherein the conveyor belts in the pair of tray transport means each have the same length along the tray transport direction.

[0019] According to the above-mentioned means 3, even when the conveying direction of the tray is reversed, it is possible to easily obtain the same usability as when the apparatus was used in the previous conveying direction.

[0020] Means 4. A cover means is disposed vertically below the conveying path of the cover film material, and covers the tray conveyed by the tray conveying means, The tray pack manufacturing apparatus described in Means 1 is characterized in that the cover means is configured to be selectively installed at any of the positions where the sealing means is placed along the transport direction of the tray.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned means 4, even if a foreign object falls from the scrap onto the tray, the cover means can more reliably prevent the foreign object from entering the tray, thereby improving the hygiene and safety of the tray pack.

[0022] In addition, the cover means can be selectively installed at any of the positions where the sealing means are placed along the tray conveying direction. Therefore, the installation position of the cover means can be appropriately changed according to the position of the scrap conveying path. This makes it possible to reduce costs, etc., compared to the case where a cover means is provided at each position where the sealing means is placed.

[0023] Means 5. A pair of detection sensors are provided on each of the tray transport means and are capable of detecting the tray transported by the tray transport means; The detection results of the pair of detection sensors are configured to be used in separate first and second processes, The tray pack manufacturing apparatus described in Means 1 is configured so that, upon operation of the operating means for switching the operating direction of the conveyor belt, the detection results used in the first process and the detection results used in the second process are automatically switched.

[0024] According to the above-mentioned means 5, the detection result used in the first process and the detection result used in the second process are automatically switched with the operation of the operation means for switching the operation direction of the conveyor belt. For example, the detection result of the detection sensor A located on the upstream side of the tray conveying direction is used to perform a process corresponding to the tray supply state and a process related to the attachment of a cover film by a sealing means as the first process. On the other hand, the detection result of the detection sensor B located on the downstream side of the tray conveying direction is used to perform a process corresponding to the tray pack recovery state. In this case, by operating the operation means to switch the operation direction of the conveyor belt, the detection result of the detection sensor A is automatically used in the process corresponding to the tray pack recovery state (second process), and the detection result of the detection sensor B is automatically used in the process corresponding to the tray supply state (first process). Therefore, when switching the operation direction of the conveyor belt, it is not necessary to perform a separate operation for appropriately performing a process using the detection result, and convenience can be improved.

[0025] Means 6. A display means capable of displaying information related to the conveying direction of the tray by the tray conveying means; The tray pack manufacturing apparatus described in means 1 is characterized in that it is equipped with a direction display control means for controlling information related to the tray transport direction displayed on the display means in accordance with the operating direction of the conveyor belt in the tray transport means.

[0026] According to the above-mentioned means 6, the tray transport direction can be grasped without actually operating the tray transport means, thereby making the device easier to use.

[0027] Furthermore, since the information relating to the tray transport direction displayed on the display means is automatically controlled in accordance with the operating direction of the conveyor belt, it is possible to prevent errors in the information.

[0028] The technical matters related to each of the above-mentioned means may be combined as appropriate. Therefore, for example, the technical matter related to the above-mentioned means 1 may be combined with at least two or more of the technical matters related to the above-mentioned means 2 to 6. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tray pack. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tray pack. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a tray pack manufacturing apparatus in which the operating direction of a conveyor belt and the transport direction of a cover film material are both defined as positive directions. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic front view of a tray pack manufacturing apparatus in which the operating direction of a conveyor belt and the transport direction of a cover film material are both defined as positive directions. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic front view, partially cut away, of a tray pack manufacturing apparatus in which the operating direction of a conveyor belt and the transport direction of a cover film material are both defined as positive directions. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a sealing device. [Figure 7] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sealing device, showing a state in which the lower chamber component has moved upward and the locking protrusion is locked to the lower base portion. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sealing device showing a state in which the lower chamber component has moved upward and the cover film material has been cut, etc. [Figure 9]13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sealing device showing a state in which the tray table is moved upward and the cover film is welded to the flange portion. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an area of ​​the cover film material that is gripped by both chamber components when the chamber is closed. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a normal screen displayed on the touch panel device. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a password input screen displayed on the touch panel device. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a direction change screen displayed on a touch panel device. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protection device and the like in a state in which an opening is closed by a door portion. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the protection device and the like with the opening portion open. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device and the like. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a tray pack manufacturing apparatus in which the operating direction of a conveyor belt and the conveying direction of a cover film material are reversed. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a schematic front view of a tray pack manufacturing apparatus in which the operating direction of a conveyor belt and the transport direction of a cover film material are reversed. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of the tray pack manufacturing apparatus before modification. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of the tray pack manufacturing apparatus after modification. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a modified layout of the tray pack manufacturing apparatus with two workers. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a tray pack manufacturing apparatus equipped with a cover. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view, partially cut away, of a tray pack manufacturing apparatus equipped with a cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a tray pack manufactured by the tray pack manufacturing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tray pack 1 has a tray 3 with one pocket portion 2, and a cover film 4 attached to the tray 3 so as to cover the pocket portion 2. Note that in Figure 1 and other figures, the tray 3 and the cover film 4 are shown thicker than they actually are. Contents 5, such as food, are contained in the pocket portion 2. The tray 3 and the cover film 4 are substantially non-breathable, and are capable of maintaining the contents 5 in a sealed state.

[0032] The tray 3 is made of a thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene). The tray 3 may have a multi-layer structure made of a plurality of types of thermoplastic resin materials. The tray 3 is formed with a flange portion 3a extending outward from the open end of the pocket portion 2. The cover film 4 is made of a thermoplastic resin compatible with the tray 3 and is attached to the flange portion 3a. The cover film 4 may be made of a thin material having a sealant made of a thermoplastic resin compatible with the tray 3 applied to its surface.

[0033] In addition, in order to enable long-term storage of the contents 5, a specific gas (for example, an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) is sealed inside the pocket portion 2. As a result, (the center portion of) the cover film 4 is in a bulging state away from the inside of the pocket portion 2. The inside of the pocket portion 2 may be in a vacuum state.

[0034] Next, there will be described a tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 for manufacturing the tray pack 1. The tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 manufactures the tray pack 1 by attaching a cover film 4 to a tray 3 in which contents 5 are accommodated.

[0035] 3 to 5, the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a cover film material transporting device 11, a pair of tray transporting devices 12, 13, a sealing device 14, a pair of detection sensors 15, 16, a touch panel device 17, a protection device 18, and a control device 19. In this embodiment, the cover film material transporting device 11 constitutes a "cover film material transporting means", and similarly, the tray transporting devices 12, 13 constitute a "tray transporting means", the sealing device 14 constitutes a "sealing means", the touch panel device 17 constitutes an "operation means" and a "display means", and the protection device 18 constitutes a "misoperation prevention means".

[0036] The cover film material conveying device 11 is a device for supplying a strip-shaped cover film material 51, which is the material for the cover film 4, to the sealing device 14, while winding up scraps 52 remaining from the cover film material 51 after cutting. The cover film material conveying device 11 conveys the cover film material 51 on a conveying path that passes above the tray 3 supplied to the sealing device 14. The cover film material conveying device 11 is equipped with a pair of core set units 111, 112, a pair of guide roller groups 113, 114, and a pair of tension applying mechanisms 115, 116. Note that in FIG. 3 etc., the scraps 52 located on the outer periphery of the core set units 111, 112 are shown in a simplified form.

[0037] The pair of core set parts 111, 112 are each rod-shaped and are provided at both ends of the transport path of the cover film material 51. These core set parts 111, 112 can be rotated by a driving means (not shown) around a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction as a rotation axis. The rotation direction, rotation speed, etc. of these core set parts 111, 112 are controlled by a control device 19.

[0038] Furthermore, the core setting parts 111 and 112 are configured to be able to set both a core 53 (hereinafter referred to as "original web core 53") for an original web in which the cover film material 51 is wound in a roll shape and a core 54 (hereinafter referred to as "scrap core 54") for winding up the scrap 52. That is, the core setting parts 111 and 112 are configured to be able to both set the original web core 53 on the outer periphery of one core setting part 111 while setting the scrap core 54 on the outer periphery of the other core setting part 112 (see FIG. 3, etc.), and set the scrap core 54 on the outer periphery of one core setting part 111 while setting the original web core 53 on the other core setting part 112 (see FIGS. 17 and 18).

[0039] In this embodiment, the raw web core 53 and the scrap core 54 are each formed of a cylindrical paper tube. The scrap core 54 may be the scrap 52 itself. That is, the scrap 52 wound directly around the core set parts 111 and 112 may constitute the scrap core 54.

[0040] In addition, the cylindrical core set parts 111, 112 in this embodiment are configured by combining a plurality of arc tubes each having an arc-shaped cross section in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis. Each arc tube is movable along the radial direction of the core set parts 111, 112, and the outer diameter of the core set parts 111, 112 can be increased or decreased with the movement of each arc tube. Since the outer diameter of the core set parts 111, 112 can be increased or decreased in this manner, it is possible to easily set the original web core 53 and the scrap core 54 to the core set parts 111, 112 and remove the original web core 53 and the scrap core 54 from the core set parts 111, 112.

[0041] The core setting parts 111, 112 need not necessarily be rod-shaped as long as they can set the original web core 53 and the scrap core 54. Therefore, the core setting parts 111, 112 may be configured by, for example, gripping means (gripping devices) capable of gripping the ends of the original web core 53 and the scrap core 54.

[0042] The guide roller groups 113, 114 include a plurality of freely rotatable guide rollers 113a, 114a configured to be able to hang the cover film material 51 (including the scrap 52), and determine a transport path for the cover film material 51 (including the scrap 52). The guide roller groups 113, 114 guide the cover film material 51 between an upper chamber component 31 and a lower chamber component 32 (described later) in the sealing device 14 and above the tray 3 supplied to the sealing device 14.

[0043] The tension applying mechanisms 115 and 116 apply tension to the cover film material 51 (including the scrap 52) to prevent the cover film material 51 from sagging.

[0044] Furthermore, when the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 is viewed from the front (see FIGS. 4 and 5), the cover film material conveying device 11 is configured symmetrically with respect to the sealing device 14. That is, when the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 is viewed from the front, the core setting unit 111, the guide roller group 113, and the tension applying mechanism 115 are provided on the left side of the sealing device 14, and the core setting unit 112, the guide roller group 114, and the tension applying mechanism 116 are provided on the right side of the sealing device 14. When the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 is viewed from the front, the core setting unit 111, the guide roller group 113, and the tension applying mechanism 115, and the core setting unit 112, the guide roller group 114, and the tension applying mechanism 116 are each provided in a positional relationship that is symmetrical with respect to the sealing device 14.

[0045] The pair of tray transport devices 12, 13 are devices for transporting the trays 3, and are arranged at positions sandwiching the sealing device 14. The tray transport device 12 (13) includes a pair of pulleys 121a, 121b (131a, 131b) and a conveyor belt 122 (132) stretched around these pulleys 121a, 121b (131a, 131b).

[0046] The pair of pulleys 121a, 121b (131a, 131b) are arranged at a predetermined interval along the horizontal direction and are rotatable on a rotation axis parallel to the horizontal plane. Each pulley 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b is configured to be rotatable by a driving means (not shown), and the rotation direction and rotation speed of each pulley 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b are controlled by the control device 19. By controlling the rotation direction and rotation speed of each pulley 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b, the operation of the conveyor belts 122, 132 is controlled by the control device 19.

[0047] The conveyor belts 122 and 132 rotate in accordance with the rotation of the pulleys 121a, 121b, 131a, and 131b to transport the trays 3 placed on the upper surfaces. The conveyor belts 122 and 132 can be operated in both forward and reverse directions by reversing the rotation directions of the pulleys 121a, 121b, 131a, and 131b by the control device 19 (particularly the tray transport control unit 194 described later).

[0048] The conveyor belts 122 and 132 have the same length L along the conveying direction of the tray 3.

[0049] The sealing device 14 cuts the cover film material 51 to obtain the cover film 4, fills the pocket portion 2 of the tray 3 with a predetermined gas, and attaches the cover film 4 to the flange portion 3a of the tray 3. The sealing device 14 obtains a tray pack 1 in which the pocket portion 2 is filled with a predetermined gas. Note that the contents 5 are accommodated in the tray 3 before the cover film 4 is attached to the tray 3, but the timing of the contents 5 being accommodated in the tray 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is before the cover film 4 is attached. Therefore, the contents 5 may be accommodated in the tray 3 before the tray 3 is supplied to the tray conveying devices 12 and 13, or during the conveying of the tray 3 by the tray conveying devices 12 and 13.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the sealing device 14 includes a chamber 30, a cutter 34, a heater 35, a suction board 36, a rod 37, a pressure spring 38, a tray table 39, and a gas exchange device 40.

[0051] The chamber 30 is used to house the tray 3 in a sealed state. The chamber 30 has an upper chamber component part 31 and a lower chamber component part 32 arranged above and below with a cover film material 51 in between, and is configured to be openable and closable. In this embodiment, the chamber 30 is opened and closed by the lower chamber component part 32 moving up and down to approach or move away from the upper chamber component part 31.

[0052] The upper chamber component 31 includes an upper base portion 311 , a mounting portion 312 , an upper chuck portion 313 , and a gripping spring 314 .

[0053] The upper base portion 311 is a portion that forms, in particular, the upper space of the internal space S of the chamber 30 (see FIG. 8 and the like). The upper base portion 311 is box-shaped with an internal space that opens downward. The lower end surface of the upper base portion 311 is rectangular and annular, and faces a packing 322 (described later) of the lower chamber forming portion 32. In addition, a gas passage 311a that is used when performing gas exchange and an insertion hole 311b for inserting the rod 37 are formed through the upper wall portion of the upper base portion 311.

[0054] In addition, the upper base part 311 is movable up and down within a predetermined range along the longitudinal direction of the rod 37, so that the upper chamber part 31 is movable up and down between a predetermined lower limit position and a predetermined upper limit position. Note that Fig. 6 shows the upper chamber part 31 in a state where it is disposed at the lower limit position.

[0055] The mounting portion 312 is a portion to which the cutter 34 and the like are mounted, and protrudes inward (toward the rod 37) from the inner surface of the side wall of the upper base portion 311.

[0056] When the chamber 30 is closed, the upper chuck portion 313 cooperates with the lower chuck portion 321c (described later) to grip the cover film material 51. The cover film material 51 is gripped by the lower end surface of the upper chuck portion 313. The lower end surface is formed into a rectangular ring shape that is slightly larger than the outer edge of the flange portion 3a of the tray 3. Therefore, when the chamber 30 is closed, the upper chuck portion 313 and the like grip an annular portion of the cover film material 51 that is located outside the flange portion 3a.

[0057] The gripping spring 314 is interposed between the upper chuck portion 313 and the attached portion 312, and applies a downward force to the upper chuck portion 313, thereby enabling the upper chuck portion 313 etc. to grip the cover film material 51 more securely.

[0058] The lower chamber forming portion 32 includes a lower base portion 321 and a packing 322 .

[0059] The lower base portion 321 is a portion that forms, in particular, the lower space of the internal space S of the chamber 30. The lower base portion 321 is box-shaped, and has an internal space that communicates with the outside through a rectangular through-hole 321a formed in the center of the upper wall portion. The lower base portion 321 can be moved up and down within a predetermined range by a driving means (not shown), and as a result, the lower chamber forming portion 32 can be moved up and down between a predetermined lower limit position and a predetermined upper limit position.

[0060] Further, on the upper wall of the lower base portion 321, a groove portion 321b, a lower chuck portion 321c, and a flange mounting portion 321d are formed in this order from the outside to the inside. The groove portion 321b is a rectangular annular groove for arranging the packing 322. The lower chuck portion 321c is a portion that grips the cover film material 51 together with the upper chuck portion 313, and is constituted by a rectangular annular protrusion. The flange mounting portion 321d is a flat surface on which the flange portion 3a is placed when the lower chamber component 32 moves upward.

[0061] On the other hand, an insertion hole 321e is formed through the lower wall of the lower base portion 321 for inserting a table rod 39a, which will be described later.

[0062] The packing 322 is for ensuring airtightness of the internal space S of the chamber 30 when the chamber 30 is closed.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the chamber 30 is closed, the annular region R1 (the area marked with a dotted pattern in FIG. 10) of the cover film material 51 is gripped by both chamber components 31, 32 (specifically, both base portions 311, 321 and the packing 322). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the chamber 30 is simply closed without cutting the cover film material 51, the internal space S of the chamber 30 is partitioned (separated) into an upper space and a lower space by the cover film material 51.

[0064] The cutter 34 is used to cut the cover film material 51 to obtain the cover film 4. The cutter 34 is attached to the attachment portion 312 inside the upper chuck portion 313. The tip portion (lower end portion) of the cutter 34 protrudes downward below the lower end surface of the heater 35 when the upper chamber component 31 is placed at the lowest position.

[0065] The cutter 34 has a rectangular cylindrical shape corresponding to the outer edge shape of the cover film 4, and a sawtooth cutting blade 34a having a plurality of sharp teeth arranged in a ring shape is provided at the tip of the cutter 34. The cover film material 51 is cut by the cutting blade 34a being pressed into the cover film material 51.

[0066] The heater 35 is fixed to a rod 37 inside the cutter 34, and serves to attach (weld) the cover film 4 to the tray 3. A heating section 35a capable of generating heat when energized is provided at the lower end of the heater 35. The heating section 35a has a rectangular ring shape slightly smaller than the outer edge shape of the cover film 4.

[0067] The suction board 36 is fixed to the lower end of the rod 37 inside the cutter 34, and serves to suction and hold the cover film 4. A number of suction holes (not shown) are provided on the lower surface of the suction board 36, and negative pressure can be supplied to the suction holes by a predetermined suction means (not shown). By supplying negative pressure to the suction holes, the lower surface of the suction board 36 can suction and hold the cover film 4 and the cover film material 51. In this embodiment, the cover film 4 obtained by cutting is suctioned and held at the same time that the cutter 34 cuts the cover film material 51. The cover film 4 is suctioned and held at a position that does not block the opening of the pocket portion 2 (i.e., a position that does not interfere with gas exchange within the pocket portion 2).

[0068] The rod 37 is bar-shaped and supports the upper chamber component 31, the heater 35, etc., and guides the upper chamber component 31 in its vertical movement.

[0069] The pressure spring 38 is disposed in a state where it is sandwiched between the upper end flange portion of the rod 37 and the upper wall portion of the upper base portion 311 , and applies a downward biasing force to the upper chamber forming portion 31 .

[0070] The tray table 39 is used to support the tray 3 supplied to the sealing device 14 and to move it up and down. The tray table 39 is shaped like a rectangular flat plate that is slightly smaller than the through hole 321a, and the tray 3 is placed on the upper surface of the tray table 39. A table rod 39a extends downward from the lower surface of the tray table 39 and is inserted into the insertion hole 321e. The tray table 39 and the table rod 39a are movable up and down while being restricted from moving downward below a predetermined position.

[0071] In addition, a brim-shaped locking projection 39b is provided on the outer periphery of table rod 39a. When lower chamber component 32 moves upward to a certain position, locking projection 39b is locked to the lower wall of lower base portion 321. When lower chamber component 32 moves further upward in this state, tray table 39 moves upward together with lower chamber component 32.

[0072] The gas exchange device 40 performs gas exchange in the internal space S of the chamber 30 while the chamber 30 is in a closed state, thereby filling the pocket portion 2 with a predetermined gas. The gas exchange device 40 is connected to the upper chamber forming portion 31 by a predetermined vent pipe 41. The gas exchange device 40 performs the following in this order: sucking gas from the internal space S of the chamber 30 through the gas passage 311a and the vent pipe 41 to make the internal space S into a vacuum state (i.e., evacuating the internal space S), and supplying gas to the internal space S.

[0073] Furthermore, the sealing device 14 is equipped with a tray delivery device 42 (see FIG. 16; not shown in FIG. 6 etc.) for delivering the tray 3 to and from the tray conveying devices 12, 13. The tray delivery device 42 has a function of moving the tray 3 from one tray conveying device 12 (13) to the tray table 39 and delivering the tray 3 to the sealing device 14, and a function of moving the tray 3 (tray pack 1) from the tray table 39 to the other tray conveying device 13 (12) and delivering the tray 3 (tray pack 1) from the sealing device 14. The movement direction of the tray 3 by the tray delivery device 42 is controlled by the control device 19 (particularly the delivery control unit 193 described later).

[0074] In the above-mentioned sealing device 14, the cover film 4 is attached to the tray 3 as follows. That is, when the tray 3 is supplied from one of the tray conveying devices 12 (13) to the tray table 39 by the tray delivery device 42, first, the lower chamber component 32 is moved upward to engage the locking protrusion 39b with the lower wall portion of the lower base portion 321 and place the flange portion 3a on the flange placement portion 321d (see FIG. 7). Furthermore, as the upward movement of the lower chamber component 32 continues, the tray table 39 and the tray 3 move upward together with the lower chamber component 32.

[0075] Then, as the lower chamber component 32 moves upward, the cover film material 51 is gripped by both chuck portions 313, 321c. Next, as the lower chamber component 32 moves further upward, the cutting blade 34a is pressed into the cover film material 51, thereby cutting the cover film material 51. At the same time as the cutting, the suction board 36 suctions and holds the resulting cover film 4.

[0076] Then, as the lower chamber component 32 moves further upward, the chamber 30 is closed while the cover film material 51 (scrap 52) is gripped by the two base portions 311, 321 and the packing 322 (see FIG. 8).

[0077] Thereafter, gas exchange is performed in the internal space S of the chamber 30 by the gas exchange device 40. Next, the lower chamber component 32 is raised to its upper limit position and the tray table 39 is further raised, so that the back surface of the cover film 4 is brought into contact with the flange portion 3a and the front surface of the cover film 4 is pressed against the heating portion 35a in a heat generating state for a predetermined time (see FIG. 9). As a result, the cover film 4 is attached (welded) to the flange portion 3a, and the tray pack 1 is obtained.

[0078] Thereafter, the lower chamber component 32 is moved to the lowest position to open the chamber 30. Then, the tray 3 (tray pack 1) is delivered from the sealing device 14 to the other tray conveying device 13 (12) by the tray delivery device 42. The delivered tray 3 (tray pack 1) is conveyed downstream by the tray conveying device 13 (12).

[0079] In this embodiment, when a tray shortage determination unit 196 described later determines that there is a shortage of trays 3, a sealing control unit 192 described later performs a process related to the attachment of the cover film 4 by the sealing device 14, which skips the process of attaching the cover film 4 at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the shortage determination. This prevents the process of attaching the cover film 4 to the tray 3 from being performed even if the tray 3 is not present.

[0080] 3 to 5, the pair of detection sensors 15, 16 are composed of photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors, etc., and are capable of detecting the tray 3 transported by the tray transport devices 12, 13, respectively. The detection sensors 15, 16 are provided in each of the tray transport devices 12, 13. That is, one detection sensor 15 is provided corresponding to one tray transport device 12, and the other detection sensor 16 is provided corresponding to the other tray transport device 13. When the detection sensors 15, 16 detect the tray 3, they transmit a predetermined detection signal to the control device 19 (particularly a tray shortage determination unit 196 and a tray full determination unit 197, which will be described later).

[0081] In this embodiment, the detection result (detection signal) by the one of the detection sensors 15, 16 located upstream in the conveying direction of the tray 3 is used for processing corresponding to the supply state of the tray 3 (processing for displaying information notifying a shortage of the tray 3 on the touch panel device 17, as described later in this embodiment) and processing related to the attachment of the cover film 4 by the sealing device 14 (processing for skipping the attachment processing described above). In this embodiment, these processes correspond to the "first processing."

[0082] On the other hand, the detection result (detection signal) by the one of the detection sensors 15, 16 located downstream in the conveying direction of the tray 3 is used for a process corresponding to the collection state of the manufactured tray pack 1 (in this embodiment, a process for displaying information notifying that the tray 3 is full on the touch panel device 17, as described later). In this embodiment, this process corresponds to the "second process."

[0083] In this embodiment, the detection result used in the "first process" and the detection result used in the "second process" are automatically switched by operating the touch panel device 17 to switch the operation direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132. In this embodiment, the detection signal referred to by the tray shortage determination unit 196 and the tray full determination unit 197 is switched to the one output from one detection sensor 15 or the other detection sensor 16 depending on whether a predetermined tray transport direction flag is on or off, so that the detection result used in the "first process" and the detection result used in the "second process" are automatically switched. The tray transport flag is information indicating the transport direction of the tray 3 by the tray transport devices 12, 13, and the on / off of the flag is switched depending on the operation direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132.

[0084] The touch panel device 17 is equipped with a specified touch panel and is used for displaying and inputting information, etc. The touch panel device 17 is operated when switching the operating direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132, or when switching the operating direction of the cover film material transport device 11 (i.e., the transport direction of the cover film material 51). In this embodiment, the touch panel device 17 is capable of displaying a normal screen, a password display screen, a direction change screen, etc.

[0085] 11, the normal screen displays information D1 relating to the current conveying direction of the tray 3 (tray pack 1) and information D2 relating to the current conveying direction of the cover film material 51. In this embodiment, arrows are used as the information D1 and D2, but letters, symbols, etc. may also be used as the information D1 and D2. This is similar to information D3 and D4, which will be described later. Also, the normal screen displays a direction change button B1, which is operated when changing the conveying direction of the tray 3 or the cover film material 51.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 12, the password entry screen displays an entry field N1 used to enter a password, a confirmation button B2 used to confirm the entered password, and the like.

[0087] 13, the direction change screen displays information D1, D2 related to the current conveying direction of the tray 3 and the cover film material 51, information D3, D4 related to the changed conveying direction of the tray 3 and the cover film material 51, selection buttons B3, B4 to be operated when changing the conveying direction, and a decision button B5 for finally inputting information to the control device 19. The conveying direction indicated by the information D3, D4 is switched by operating the selection buttons B3, B4. Furthermore, information corresponding to the information D3, D4 is input to the control device 19 by operating the decision button B5.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the enter button B5 is operated while a right-pointing arrow is displayed as the information D3, the tray transport direction flag stored in the storage unit 191, which will be described later, is set to OFF. On the other hand, when the enter button B5 is operated while a left-pointing arrow is displayed as the information D3, the tray transport direction flag stored in the storage unit 191 is set to ON.

[0089] Furthermore, when the enter button B5 is operated while a right-pointing arrow is displayed as the information D4, a film transport direction flag stored in the memory unit 191, which will be described later, is set to OFF. The film transport direction flag is information indicating the transport direction of the cover film material 51 by the cover film material transport device 11. On the other hand, when the enter button B5 is operated while a left-pointing arrow is displayed as the information D4, the film transport direction flag stored in the memory unit 191 is set to ON.

[0090] The protection device 18 is a protection means that can be switched between a state in which the touch panel device 17 for switching the operating direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132 and the cover film material transport device 11 can be operated and a state in which the operation cannot be performed. The protection device 18 includes a case 181 and a locking device 182, as shown in Figs.

[0091] The case 181 accommodates the touch panel device 17 therein, and includes a case body 1811 having an opening 1811a that opens in front of the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10, and a door section 1812 that can open and close the opening 1811a. The door section 1812 has a transmission section 1812a formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material, and the display content on the touch panel device 17 can be viewed from outside the protection device 18 through the transmission section 1812a.

[0092] The locking device 182 is a locking means for locking the door part 1812 in a state where the opening part 1811a is closed by the door part 1812. In this embodiment, the locking and unlocking of the door part 1812 by the locking device 182 can be performed by using a predetermined key or the like. Note that the locking device 1812 is not limited to one that uses a key or the like, and may be, for example, an electronic lock that can be unlocked by authentication such as input of a password or a fingerprint.

[0093] The control device 19 is configured by a computer system including a CPU that executes predetermined arithmetic processing, a ROM that stores various programs and fixed value data, etc., a RAM that temporarily stores various data when executing various arithmetic processing, and peripheral circuits for these, etc. The control device 19 controls the operation of each device (e.g., the cover film material transport device 11 and the tray transport devices 12 and 13, etc.) that constitutes the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 16, the control device 19 includes a memory unit 191, a seal control unit 192, a delivery control unit 193, a tray transport control unit 194, a film transport control unit 195, a tray shortage determination unit 196, a tray full determination unit 197, an authentication unit 198 and a display control unit 199.

[0095] The storage unit 191 stores various information related to the operation of the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10. The storage unit 191 stores a tray transport direction flag (information indicating the transport direction of the tray 3 by the tray transport devices 12, 13) and a film transport direction flag (information indicating the transport direction of the cover film material 51). In this embodiment, the tray transport direction flag and the film transport direction flag are each set to on or off. The storage unit 191 also stores a correct password referenced by the authentication unit 198, and the like.

[0096] The sealing control unit 192 controls the operation of the sealing device 14. The sealing control unit 192 normally controls the sealing device 14 so that the process of attaching the cover film 4 to the tray 3 is performed at regular intervals. However, when the tray shortage determination unit 196 determines that there is a shortage of trays 3, the sealing control unit 192 controls the sealing device 14 so that the attachment process is skipped at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the shortage determination.

[0097] The delivery control unit 193 controls the operation of the tray delivery device 42. More specifically, the delivery control unit 193 refers to the tray conveying direction flag stored in the storage unit 191, and when the tray conveying direction flag is off, controls the operation of the tray delivery device 42 so as to carry in the tray 3 from one tray conveying device 12 to the sealing device 14 (tray table 39) and carry out the tray 3 (tray pack 1) from the sealing device 14 (tray table 39) to the other tray conveying device 13. On the other hand, when the tray conveying direction flag is on, the delivery control unit 193 controls the operation of the tray delivery device 42 so as to carry in the tray 3 from the other tray conveying device 13 to the sealing device 14 and carry out the tray 3 (tray pack 1) from the sealing device 14 to one tray conveying device 12. In other words, the delivery control unit 193 switches the movement direction of the tray 3 between the pair of tray conveying devices 12, 13 and the sealing device 14 depending on whether the tray conveying direction flag is on or off.

[0098] The tray conveyance control unit 194 controls the operation of the pair of tray conveying devices 12, 13. More specifically, the tray conveyance control unit 194 refers to a tray conveyance direction flag stored in the storage unit 191, and when the tray conveyance direction flag is off, controls the operation of both tray conveying devices 12, 13 (particularly pulleys 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b) so that one tray conveying device 12 conveys the tray 3 toward the sealing device 14, and the other tray conveying device 13 conveys the tray 3 (tray pack 1) toward the side away from the sealing device 14. As a result, the conveyor belts 122, 132 operate in the forward direction, and in this embodiment, the tray 3 is conveyed in a direction from left to right (the direction of the white arrow in Figures 3 to 5) when the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 is viewed from the front.

[0099] On the other hand, the tray transport control unit 194 refers to the tray transport direction flag stored in the storage unit 191, and when the tray transport direction flag is on, controls the operation of both tray transport devices 12, 13 so that one tray transport device 12 transports the tray 3 (tray pack 1) toward the side away from the sealing device 14, and the other tray transport device 13 transports the tray 3 toward the sealing device 14. As a result, the conveyor belts 122, 132 operate in the opposite directions, and in this embodiment, the tray 3 is transported in a direction from right to left (indicated by the white arrow in Figs. 17 and 18) when the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 is viewed from the front. In other words, the tray transport control unit 194 switches the transport direction of the tray 3 by both tray transport devices 12, 13 between the forward direction (from left to right) and the reverse direction (from right to left) depending on whether the tray transport direction flag is on or off.

[0100] The film transport control unit 195 controls the operation of the cover film material transport device 11. More specifically, the film transport control unit 195 refers to a film transport direction flag stored in the memory unit 191, and when the film transport direction flag is off, controls the operation of the cover film material transport device 11 (particularly both core set units 111, 112) so that the cover film material 51 (including the scraps 52) is transported from one core set unit 111 side to the other core set unit 112 side. As a result, in this embodiment, when the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 is viewed from the front, the cover film material 51 is transported in a direction from left to right (the direction of the black arrow in Figures 3 to 5).

[0101] On the other hand, the film transport control unit 195 refers to the film transport direction flag stored in the memory unit 191, and when the film transport direction flag is on, controls the operation of the cover film material transport device 11 so that the cover film material 51 is transported from the other core set unit 112 side to the one core set unit 111 side. As a result, in this embodiment, the cover film material 51 is transported in a direction from right to left (the direction of the black arrow in Figures 17 and 18) when the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 is viewed from the front. In other words, the film transport control unit 195 switches the transport direction of the cover film material 51 by the cover film material transport device 11 between the forward direction (from left to right) and the reverse direction (from right to left) depending on whether the film transport direction flag is on or off.

[0102] The tray shortage determining unit 196 determines whether or not the one of the tray transport devices 12, 13 that transports (supplies) the trays 3 to the sealing device 14 has a shortage of trays 3 to be transported.

[0103] More specifically, the tray shortage determination unit 196 refers to the tray conveying direction flag stored in the storage unit 191 every time a predetermined pass / fail determination timing is reached. Then, when the tray conveying direction flag is off, that is, when the tray 3 is conveyed from one tray conveying device 12 toward the sealing device 14, the tray shortage determination unit 196 determines whether or not the tray 3 is insufficient based on the detection result by the detection sensor 15 arranged corresponding to one tray conveying device 12. On the other hand, when the tray conveying direction flag is on, that is, when the tray 3 is conveyed from the other tray conveying device 13 toward the sealing device 14, the tray shortage determination unit 196 determines whether or not the tray 3 is insufficient based on the detection result by the detection sensor 16 arranged corresponding to the other tray conveying device 13. In this embodiment, if a detection signal is input from the target detection sensor 15, 16, the tray shortage determination unit 196 determines that there is no shortage of the tray 3, and if a detection signal is not input from the target detection sensor 15, 16, the tray shortage determination unit 196 determines that there is a shortage of the tray 3.

[0104] Furthermore, when the tray shortage determination unit 196 determines that there is a shortage of trays 3, it sends information related to the determination result to the display control unit 199. As a result, the display control unit 199 performs a process of displaying information notifying the shortage of trays 3 on the touch panel device 17 as a process corresponding to the supply state of the trays 3. Note that in addition to or instead of displaying such information, a process of temporarily stopping the production of the tray packs 1 may be performed by stopping the cover film material transport device 11 and the tray transport devices 12 and 13.

[0105] Furthermore, when the tray shortage determining unit 196 determines that the tray 3 is insufficient, it sends information related to the determination result to the seal control unit 192. As a result, the process of attaching the cover film 4 to the tray 3 is skipped.

[0106] The tray full determination unit 197 determines whether the tray 3 being transported is full (a state in which the tray 3 cannot be transported any further downstream) in the tray transporting device 12, 13, which transports the tray 3 (tray pack 1) transported from the sealing device 14.

[0107] More specifically, the tray fullness determination unit 197 refers to the tray conveying direction flag stored in the storage unit 191 every time a predetermined pass / fail determination timing is reached. When the tray conveying direction flag is off, that is, when the tray pack 1 is conveyed by the other tray conveying device 13, the tray fullness determination unit 197 determines whether or not the tray 3 is full based on the detection result by the detection sensor 16 arranged corresponding to the other tray conveying device 13. On the other hand, when the tray conveying direction flag is on, that is, when the tray pack 1 is conveyed by one tray conveying device 12, the tray fullness determination unit 197 determines whether or not the tray 3 is full based on the detection result by the detection sensor 15 arranged corresponding to the one tray conveying device 12. In this embodiment, if a detection signal is input from the target detection sensor 15, 16, the tray fullness determination unit 197 determines that the tray 3 is full, and if a detection signal is not input from the target detection sensor 15, 61, the tray fullness determination unit 197 determines that the tray 3 is not full.

[0108] Furthermore, when the tray full determination unit 197 determines that the tray 3 is full, it sends information related to the determination result to the display control unit 199. As a result, the display control unit 199 performs a process of displaying information notifying that the tray 3 is full on the touch panel device 17 as a process corresponding to the collection state of the manufactured tray packs 1. Note that, in addition to or instead of displaying the information, as in the case where a shortage of trays 3 occurs, a process of temporarily stopping the manufacture of the tray packs 1 may be performed.

[0109] The authentication unit 198 is for enabling switching between a state in which the touch panel device 17 for switching the operating direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132 and the cover film material transport device 11 can be operated and a state in which the operation cannot be performed. The authentication unit 198 judges whether or not the password entered on the password entry screen (see FIG. 12) is appropriate. Whether or not the password is appropriate is judged by comparing the entered password with a correct password previously stored in the storage unit 191.

[0110] If the password is appropriate, the authentication unit 198 sends information to the display control unit 199 that login is possible. As a result, the display control unit 199 displays the direction change screen (see FIG. 13) on the touch panel device 17. That is, the authentication unit 198 has a function of switching from a disabled state to a enabled state in which an operation for switching the movement direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132, etc. is permitted when a predetermined password is input.

[0111] In this embodiment, the authentication unit 198 constitutes an "erroneous operation prevention means" like the protection device 18. Therefore, in this embodiment, a plurality of "erroneous operation prevention means" are provided, and these "erroneous operation prevention means" are configured to realize switching between a state in which an operation for switching the movement direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132, etc. is possible and a state in which the operation is impossible, by using different functions.

[0112] The display control unit 199 controls the display contents on the touch panel device 17. In normal operation, the display control unit 199 refers to a tray transport direction flag and a film transport direction flag stored in the storage unit 191, and causes the touch panel device 17 to display the normal operation screen including the information D1, D2 based on the on / off status of these flags. That is, the display control unit 199 controls information related to the transport direction of the tray 3 displayed on the touch panel device 17 in accordance with the operating direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132 in the tray transport devices 12, 13. In this embodiment, the display control unit 199 constitutes a "direction display control means."

[0113] Furthermore, when the direction change button B1 is operated (e.g., pressed) while the normal screen is being displayed, the display control unit 199 causes the password input screen to be displayed on the touch panel device 17. However, while the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 is in operation, the password input screen will not be displayed even if the direction change button B1 is operated. Therefore, while the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 is in operation, the conveying directions of the trays 3 and the cover film material 51 cannot be changed.

[0114] When an appropriate password is entered on the password entry screen and information indicating that login is possible is sent from the authentication unit 198, the display control unit 199 causes the touch panel device 17 to display the direction change screen.

[0115] Furthermore, as described above, the display control unit 199 causes the touch panel device 17 to display information notifying the shortage or fullness of the tray 3 in accordance with the determination results from the tray shortage determination unit 196 and the tray fullness prevention unit 197.

[0116] Next, a method for changing the conveying direction of the tray 3 and the cover film material 51 in the above-mentioned tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described.

[0117] When changing the conveying direction of the tray 3 or the cover film material 51, it is first necessary to switch from a state in which the touch panel device 17 for switching the operating direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132 is inoperable to a state in which the touch panel device 17 is operable. This switching is possible only after unlocking the door 1812 by the lock device 182 and then inputting an appropriate password on the password input screen.

[0118] Then, by performing an operation to change the conveying direction of the tray 3 and the cover film material 51 on the direction change screen, it is possible to change the conveying direction of the tray 3 and the cover film material 51. As a result, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, 17, and 18, the conveying direction of the tray 3 can be switched between the forward direction and the reverse direction, and the conveying direction of the cover film material 51 can be switched between the forward direction and the reverse direction. When the conveying direction of the cover film material 51 is changed, it is necessary to set appropriate cores 53, 54 in the core setting parts 111, 112 according to the changed conveying direction.

[0119] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the operating direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132 and therefore the transport direction of the tray 3 can be reversed by operating the touch panel device 17. Therefore, the transport direction of the tray 3 can be easily changed without rotating the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 itself (without changing the orientation of the entire apparatus), so that it is possible to immediately respond to the need to reverse the transport direction of the tray 3 for reasons such as ease of use. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to rotate the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 by 180° in a plan view to change the transport direction of the tray 3, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of various problems that may occur due to the rotation of the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0120] Furthermore, the protection device 18 and the authentication unit 198 can switch between a state in which the touch panel device 17 can be operated to switch the operating direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132, etc., and a state in which the operation cannot be performed. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the conveying direction of the tray 3, etc. from being unintentionally switched due to an erroneous operation.

[0121] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the layout of the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 can be easily changed due to, for example, a review of the production process. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, two tray pack manufacturing apparatuses 10 are used in a layout in which the front faces the same direction and the conveying direction of the tray 3 and the cover film material 51 is the same direction. In contrast, for example, due to a review of the production process, it is necessary to change the layout of the two tray pack manufacturing apparatuses 10 so that the front faces face each other and the conveying direction of the tray 3 and the cover film material 51 is maintained in the same direction. In this case, in the past, it was necessary to prepare a new tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 in which the conveying direction of the tray 3 and the cover film material 51 is reversed, but according to the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, a desired layout can be achieved by simply rotating one tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 by 180° in a plan view and changing the conveying direction of the tray 3 and the cover film material 51 in the tray pack manufacturing apparatus 10 to the opposite direction.

[0122] Furthermore, by adopting a layout in which the fronts of the tray pack manufacturing apparatuses 10 face each other, for example, it is possible to share the maintenance space that needs to be provided in front of the sealing apparatus 14, thereby enabling effective use of space. Also, by changing the layout, it may be possible to reduce the number of workers Op required to manufacture the tray packs 1 (see FIG. 21).

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, the raw web core 53 and the scrap core 54 can be set in the pair of core setting parts 111, 112, respectively, and it is possible to reverse not only the conveying direction of the tray 3 but also the conveying direction of the cover film material 51. Furthermore, the cover film material conveying device 11 is configured symmetrically with respect to the sealing device 14. As a result, the usability of the device can be effectively improved.

[0124] Furthermore, since the conveyor belts 122, 132 each have the same length L along the conveying direction of the tray 3, even when the conveying direction of the tray 3 is reversed, it is possible to easily obtain the same usability as when the device was used in the previous conveying direction.

[0125] In this embodiment, the detection result used in the first process and the detection result used in the second process are automatically switched in response to an operation on the touch panel device 17 for switching the operation direction of the conveyor belts 122 and 132. Therefore, when switching the operation direction of the conveyor belts 122 and 132, it is not necessary to perform a separate operation for appropriately performing a process using the detection result, and convenience can be improved.

[0126] In addition, since the information D1, D2 relating to the conveying direction of the tray 3 is displayed on the touch panel device 17, it is possible to grasp the conveying direction of the tray 3 without actually operating the tray conveying devices 12, 13. This can further improve the usability of the device.

[0127] In addition, the information D1, D2 relating to the transport direction of the tray 3 displayed on the touch panel device 17 is automatically controlled according to the movement direction of the conveyor belts 122, 132, so that errors in the information D1, D2 can be prevented.

[0128] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented as follows: Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0129] 22 and 23, a cover 20 may be provided as a "covering means" that is disposed vertically below the conveying path of the cover film material 51 and covers the tray 3 conveyed by the tray conveying devices 12 and 13. The cover 20 may be selectively installed at either of positions P1 or P2 between which the sealing device 14 is placed along the conveying direction of the tray 3. In this example, the cover 20 can be placed on frames 21 and 22 that are disposed so as to sandwich the conveyor belts 122 and 132, so that the cover 20 can be selectively installed at either of positions P1 and P2.

[0130] By providing the cover 20, even if a foreign object falls from the scraps 52 onto the tray 3, the cover 20 can more reliably prevent the foreign object from entering the tray 3. Therefore, the hygiene and safety of the tray pack 1 can be improved.

[0131] In addition, because the cover 20 can be selectively installed at either position P1 or P2, the installation position of the cover 20 can be changed appropriately according to the position of the transport path of the scrap 52. This makes it possible to reduce costs, etc., compared to a case where a cover 20 is provided at each position between which the sealing devices 14 are located (a case where two covers 20 are provided).

[0132] (b) In the above embodiment, two "misoperation prevention means" (protection device 18 and authentication unit 198) are provided, but only one "misoperation prevention means" or three or more "misoperation prevention means" may be provided.

[0133] (c) The sealing device 14 described in the above embodiment is merely an example. The sealing device may be any device that has the function of cutting the strip-shaped cover film material 51 to obtain the cover film 4 and attaching the cover film 4 to the tray 3.

[0134] Therefore, in the above embodiment, the process of cutting the cover film material 51 to obtain the cover film 4, and then adsorbing and holding the cover film 4, and the process of performing gas exchange in the internal space S of the chamber 30 are performed in this order, but the order in which these processes are performed may be changed as appropriate.

[0135] (d) In the above embodiment, the touch panel device 17 is given as an "operation means" for changing the conveying direction of the tray 3 or the cover film material 51, but the "operation means" is not limited to the touch panel device 17. Therefore, for example, the "operation means" may be constituted by a manually operable switch or the like.

[0136] (e) In the above embodiment, the conveying direction of the cover film material 51 by the cover film material conveying device 11 can be changed by operating the touch panel device 17. Alternatively, the conveying direction of the cover film material 51 by the cover film material conveying device 11 may be automatically set according to the core set in the core setting units 111, 112. For example, sensors capable of detecting whether or not the original web core 53 or scrap core 54 is set may be provided in both core setting units 111, 112, and the conveying direction of the cover film material 51 may be automatically set based on the detection results of these sensors.

[0137] (f) In the above embodiment, one tray 3 is supplied from one tray conveying device 12 (13) to the sealing device 14, and the sealing device 14 performs the process of attaching the cover film 4 to the one tray 3. In contrast, a plurality of trays 3 may be supplied from one tray conveying device 12 (13) to the sealing device 14 at once, and the sealing device 14 may perform the process of attaching the cover film 4 to these plurality of trays 3.

[0138] (g) In the above embodiment, the tray pack 1 has one pocket 2, but the number of pockets 2 provided in the tray pack 1 is not limited in any way. The shapes and positional relationships of the pocket 2, tray 3, and cover film 4 are also not limited in any way and may be changed as appropriate. Of course, the configurations of the tray conveying devices 12, 13 and the sealing device 14 may be changed in accordance with the shape of the tray 3, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1...tray pack, 3...tray, 4...cover film, 5...contents, 10...tray pack manufacturing apparatus, 11...cover film material conveying device (cover film material conveying means), 12, 13...tray conveying device (tray conveying means), 14...sealing device (sealing means), 15, 16...detection sensor, 17...touch panel device (operation means, display means), 18...protection device (means for preventing erroneous operation), 20...cover (cover means), 51...cover film material, 52...scrap, 53...raw fabric core, 54...scrap core, 111, 112...core setting unit, 122, 132...conveyor belt, 198...authentication unit (means for preventing erroneous operation), 199...display control unit (direction display control means).

Claims

1. A tray pack manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a tray pack by attaching a cover film to a tray containing contents, comprising: a sealing means for cutting a strip-shaped cover film material to obtain the cover film and attaching the cover film to the tray; a pair of tray transport means each having a conveyor belt for transporting the tray, the conveyor belt being configured to be operable in forward and reverse directions, and disposed at positions sandwiching the sealing means; a cover film material conveying means configured to be able to convey the cover film material on a conveying path passing above the tray supplied to the sealing means by the tray conveying means; an operating means for switching the operating direction of each of the conveyor belts in the pair of tray transport means; a means for preventing erroneous operation of the operating means for switching the movement direction of the conveyor belt between a state in which the operating means is operable and a state in which the operating means is not operable.

2. The tray pack manufacturing apparatus described in claim 1, characterized in that the cover film material conveying means has a pair of core setting sections corresponding to both ends of the conveying path of the cover film material, and is capable of setting a core for the original roll of the cover film material and a core for winding up the scrap of the cover film material remaining after cutting by the sealing means, respectively, is configured symmetrically with respect to the sealing means, and is configured so that the conveying direction of the cover film material can be reversed.

3. 2. The tray pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor belts of the pair of tray transport means each have the same length along the tray transport direction.

4. a cover means for covering the tray transported by the tray transport means, the cover means being disposed vertically below the transport path of the cover film material; 2. The tray pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover means is selectively installable at any one of positions between the sealing means and the tray along a conveying direction of the tray.

5. a pair of detection sensors provided on each of the tray transport means and capable of detecting the tray transported by the tray transport means; The detection results of the pair of detection sensors are configured to be used in separate first and second processes, The tray pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection result used in the first process and the detection result used in the second process are automatically switched in response to an operation of the operating means for switching the operating direction of the conveyor belt.

6. a display means capable of displaying information relating to a conveying direction of the tray by the tray conveying means; The tray pack manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a direction display control means for controlling information relating to the tray transport direction displayed on the display means in accordance with the operating direction of the conveyor belt in the tray transport means.

Images