Bag-in-box filling system

Abstract

To improve the maintainability of a bag-in-box filling machine.SOLUTION: A bag-in-box filling system with a bag-in-box filling machine that fills a bag-in-box having an outer box inner bag, a spout and a cap with a content, and a monitoring part, wherein the bag-in-box filling machine is equipped with an actuator to perform a stroke movement. The monitoring part includes a detection part, a calculation part, a storage part, and a determination part. The detection part detects a start timing and an end timing of the stroke operation of the actuator. The calculation part calculates the time required for the stroke operation of the actuator based on the start timing and the end timing of the stroke operation of the actuator. The storage part accumulates and stores storage data indicating the time required for the stroke operation of the actuator. The determination part determines whether or not the actuator is normal based on the data indicating the time required for the stroke operation of the actuator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bag-in-box filling system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a filling and sealing machine that manufactures a product by filling a carton with a filling material and sealing the carton (see Patent Document 1). In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a filling and sealing system includes a filling and sealing machine, a communication device that transmits data on at least one of the operations of filling and sealing of the filling and sealing machine to a storage device, and an information processing device. The information processing device obtains data on the operations for a given period from the storage device and displays the data on the operations on a display device. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration, for example, changes over time in the time required for the stroke operation of the actuator, changes over time in the time required for the pump to fill the contents, changes over time in the values ​​of multiple parameters detected by a flow meter, etc. Therefore, it can be said that there is room for improvement in the technology described in Patent Document 1 to improve the maintainability of the filling and sealing machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-013297 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a bag-in-box filling system that can improve the maintainability of a bag-in-box filling machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a bag-in-box filling system comprising: a bag-in-box filling machine that fills contents into a bag-in-box having an outer box, an inner bag stored in the outer box, a spout attached to the inner bag, and a cap attached to the spout; and a monitoring unit that monitors the bag-in-box filling machine, wherein the bag-in-box filling machine has at least one actuator that performs a stroke motion, and the monitoring unit comprises a detection unit, a calculation unit, a memory unit, and a judgment unit, wherein the detection unit detects at least a start timing and an end timing of the stroke motion of the actuator, the calculation unit calculates a required time for the stroke motion of the actuator based on the start timing and the end timing of the stroke motion of the actuator detected by the detection unit, the memory unit accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke motion of the actuator calculated by the calculation unit, and the judgment unit judges whether or not at least the actuator is normal based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke motion of the actuator accumulated and stored by the memory unit. the bag-in-box filling machine includes a spout holder that holds the spout and a capping mechanism that opens and caps the spouts, the monitoring unit includes a first imaging unit that captures images of the spout holder and the capping mechanism, the memory unit accumulates and stores image data of the spout holder and the capping mechanism captured by the first imaging unit, and the determination unit determines whether or not at least the spout holder and the capping mechanism are functioning normally based on the image data of the spout holder and the capping mechanism accumulated and stored by the memory unit. It is a bag-in-box filling system. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bag-in-box filling system that can improve the maintainability of a bag-in-box filling machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a bag-in-box filling system according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the bag-in-box filling machine shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between a spout, a spout holder, and a support. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a capping mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] First Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of a bag-in-box filling system of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a bag-in-box filling system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a bag-in-box filling machine 11 shown in Fig. 1. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a bag-in-box filling system 1 includes a bag-in-box filling machine 11 and a monitoring unit 12. The bag-in-box filling machine 11 fills the contents into the bag-in-box B. The bag-in-box B has an outer box B1, an inner bag B2 stored in the outer box B1, a spout B21 attached to the inner bag B2, and a cap B3 attached to the spout B21. The bag-in-box filling machine 11 includes, for example, an inner bag supplying section 111, a filling section 112, a capping mechanism 113, a cutting section 114, an input section 115, and an actuator 11A.

[0012] The inner bag supplying section 111 supplies (transports) the inner bags B2 to the filling section 112 in a state in which a plurality of the inner bags B2 are connected to one another. The filling unit 112 fills the inner bag B2 with the contents. The filling unit 112 includes a tank 112E, a pump 11B, a flow meter 11C, a filling nozzle 112A, a spout holder 112B, a support 112F, a filling table 112C, and a lifting unit 112D. Tank 112E contains the contents to be filled into inner bag B2. Pump 11B supplies the contents contained in tank 112E to filling nozzle 112A. Flowmeter 11C measures the flow rate of the contents supplied by pump 11B. The filling nozzle 112A is configured so as to be insertable into the spout B21, and fills the inner bag B2 with the contents supplied by the pump 11B. The spout holder 112B and the support 112F hold (position) the spout B21 by engaging with the spout B21 when the filling nozzle 112A fills the contents.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between spout B21, spout holder 112B, and support 112F. In detail, Fig. 3(A) is a plan view of spout B21, spout holder 112B, support 112F, etc., as seen from the central axis direction of spout B21 (upper side in Fig. 2), and Fig. 3(B) is a side view of spout B21, spout holder 112B, support 112F, etc., as seen from the left side of Fig. 3(A). In the example shown in FIG. 3, when the filling nozzle 112A fills the contents, the spout holder 112B fits into the outer circumferential groove of the spout B21, thereby stably holding the spout B21. 3, when the filling nozzle 112A fills the contents, the support 112F fits into the outer circumferential groove of the spout B21, so that the spout B21 is held even more stably. In FIG. 3, the cross-hatched portion indicates the portion where the spout holder 112B and the support 112F are fitted into the outer peripheral groove of the spout B21.

[0014] 1 and 2, when the filling nozzle 112A fills the inner bag B2 with the contents, the filling table 112C supports the inner bag B2. The lifting unit 112D lifts and lowers the filling table 112C. As the amount of contents filled in the inner bag B2 increases, the filling table 112C is lowered by the lifting unit 112D. The capping mechanism 113 opens and caps the cap B3 on the spout B21. In detail, the capping mechanism 113 opens the cap B3 before the filling unit 112 starts filling the contents, and caps the cap B3 after the filling unit 112 finishes filling the contents.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the capping mechanism 113. As shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4, capping mechanism 113 includes grip portion 113A that can be opened and closed, rotating portion 113B that rotates grip portion 113A, and lifting portion 113C that lifts and lowers grip portion 113A. When the capping mechanism 113 opens the cap B3, the lifting unit 113C lowers the grip portion 113A while the grip portion 113A is open, and then, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the grip portion 113A clamps the cap B3. Next, while the grip portion 113A is clamping the cap B3, the rotating unit 113B rotates the grip portion 113A, and the lifting unit 113C raises the grip portion 113A. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4(B), the capping mechanism 113 completes opening the cap B3. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the spout B21 and the cap B3 are screw type, but in other examples, the spout B21 and the cap B3 may be of a type other than the screw type, such as a snap-on type, a cock type, a pull-top type, a bending type, or the like.

[0016] 1 and 2, the cutting unit 114 cuts the multiple inner bags B2 that are connected to each other to separate them into individual inner bags B2. In detail, the cutting unit 114 cuts the multiple inner bags B2 that are connected to each other via a connection part having a perforation at the position of the perforation to separate them into individual inner bags B2. The cutting unit 114 includes a cutter 114A and a lifting unit 114B that lifts and lowers the cutter 114A. The inserting section 115 inserts the inner bag B2 that has been filled with the contents by the filling section 112 and cut by the cutting section 114 into the outer box B1. Actuator 11A executes a stroke operation. Actuator 11A includes, for example, an inner bag supply air cylinder functioning as inner bag supply unit 111 that supplies (transports) inner bag B2 to filling unit 112, a filling nozzle movement air cylinder that moves filling nozzle 112A between a filling position and a retracted position, a filling table lifting air cylinder that functions as lifting unit 112D that lifts and lowers filling table 112C, a capping mechanism lifting air cylinder that functions as lifting unit 113C of capping mechanism 113, a cutting unit driving air cylinder that drives cutting unit 114, and the like. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the actuator 11A is servo-driven. Therefore, in the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the operating position and time of the actuator 11A can be monitored, and the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily manage the actuator 11A and perform preventive maintenance work. In another example, the actuator 11A does not have to be a servo.

[0017] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the monitoring unit 12 includes a detection unit 12A, a calculation unit 12B, a storage unit 12C, a determination unit 12D, an output unit 12E, and imaging units 12F, 12G, and 12H. The detector 12A includes, for example, a proximity sensor, and detects the start and end timings of the stroke operation of the actuator 11A. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the detector 12A is an IoT (Internet of Things) device. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 1, it is possible to perform remote maintenance on the actuator 11A that is the detection target of the detector 12A. In another example, the detector 12A does not have to be an IoT device.

[0018] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the calculation unit 12B calculates the time required for the stroke motion of the actuator 11A based on the start timing and end timing of the stroke motion of the actuator 11A detected by the detection unit 12A. The memory unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the time required for the stroke operation of the actuator 11A calculated by the calculation unit 12B. The determination unit 12D determines, for example, whether the actuator 11A is normal or not, based on data indicating the time required for the stroke operation of the actuator 11A accumulated and stored by the memory unit 12C. For example, when the time required for the stroke operation of the actuator 11A to be determined is longer than the time required for the stroke operation of a normal actuator 11A, the determination unit 12D determines that the actuator 11A to be determined may have deteriorated and that it is time to replace the actuator 11A to be determined. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation results by the calculation unit 12B, the determination results by the determination unit 12D, and the like.

[0019] 1, the calculation unit 12B converts the detection result of the detection unit 12A into information that makes it easy to understand the state of the actuator 11A. Furthermore, the judgment unit 12D judges whether the actuator 11A is normal or not. Furthermore, the output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the calculation unit 12B and the judgment result by the judgment unit 12D. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the actuator 11A, and can easily grasp the timing for replacing the actuator 11A, etc. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the maintainability of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be improved, and preventive maintenance work on the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be easily performed by the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance frequency of the bag-in-box filling system 1 can be clarified by, for example, monitoring the amount of data stored in the memory unit 12C. In another example, the detection unit 12A may detect the number of stroke operations of the actuator 11A, and the storage unit 12C may store the number of stroke operations (accumulated value) of the actuator 11A. In this example, the determination unit 12D determines, for example, whether the actuator 11A is normal or not, based on data indicating the number of stroke operations (accumulated value) of the actuator 11A stored by the storage unit 12C. For example, when the number of stroke operations (accumulated value) of the actuator 11A to be determined becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 12D determines that the actuator 11A to be determined may have deteriorated and that it is time to replace the actuator 11A to be determined.

[0020] Specifically, in the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, detection unit 12A detects the start and end timings of the stroke motion of an inner bag supply air cylinder that functions as inner bag supply unit 111 that supplies inner bag B2 to filling unit 112. Calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the stroke motion of the inner bag supply air cylinder based on the start and end timings of the stroke motion of the inner bag supply air cylinder detected by detection unit 12A. Memory unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke motion of the inner bag supply air cylinder calculated by calculation unit 12B. Determination unit 12D makes a determination, for example, as to whether or not the inner bag supply air cylinder is normal, based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke motion of the inner bag supply air cylinder accumulated and stored by memory unit 12C. For example, if the time required for the stroke operation of the inner bag supply air cylinder being judged is longer than the time required for the stroke operation of a normal inner bag supply air cylinder, judgment unit 12D judges that the inner bag supply air cylinder being judged may have deteriorated and that it is time to replace the inner bag supply air cylinder being judged. Output unit 12E outputs the calculation results by calculation unit 12B, the judgment results by judgment unit 12D, etc. Therefore, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the inner bag supply air cylinder and can easily know the timing for replacing the inner bag supply air cylinder.

[0021] In the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, detection unit 12A detects the start and end timings of the stroke motion of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle, which moves filling nozzle 112A between the filling position and the retracted position. Calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the stroke motion of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle, based on the start and end timings of the stroke motion of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle detected by detection unit 12A. Memory unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke motion of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle calculated by calculation unit 12B. Determination unit 12D makes a determination, for example, as to whether or not the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle is normal, based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke motion of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle accumulated and stored by memory unit 12C. For example, if the time required for the stroke movement of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle to be judged is longer than the time required for the stroke movement of a normal air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle, judgment unit 12D will judge that the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle to be judged may have deteriorated and that it is time to replace the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle to be judged. Output unit 12E outputs the calculation results by calculation unit 12B, the judgment results by judgment unit 12D, etc. Therefore, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle, and can easily know the timing for replacing the air cylinder for moving the filling nozzle.

[0022] In the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the detection unit 12A detects the start and end timings of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table, which functions as the lifting and lowering unit 112D for lifting and lowering the filling table 112C. The calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table based on the start and end timings of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table detected by the detection unit 12A. The memory unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table calculated by the calculation unit 12B. The judgment unit 12D judges, for example, whether the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table is normal or not based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table accumulated and stored by the memory unit 12C. For example, when the time required for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table to be judged is longer than the time required for the stroke operation of a normal air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table, the judgment unit 12D judges that the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table to be judged may be deteriorated and that it is time to replace the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table to be judged. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the calculation unit 12B, the judgment result by the judgment unit 12D, etc. Therefore, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table, and can easily grasp the timing for replacing the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the filling table.

[0023] In the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the detection unit 12A detects the start and end timings of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism, which functions as the lifting and lowering unit 113C of the capping mechanism 113. The calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism, based on the start and end timings of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism detected by the detection unit 12A. The memory unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism calculated by the calculation unit 12B. The judgment unit 12D judges, for example, whether the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism is normal or not, based on the data indicating the required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism accumulated and stored by the memory unit 12C. For example, when the time required for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism to be judged is longer than the time required for the stroke operation of a normal air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism, the judgment unit 12D judges that the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism to be judged may have deteriorated and that it is time to replace the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism to be judged. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the calculation unit 12B, the judgment result by the judgment unit 12D, etc. Therefore, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism, and can easily grasp the timing for replacing the air cylinder for lifting and lowering the capping mechanism.

[0024] 1 and 2, the detection unit 12A detects the start and end timings of the stroke motion of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit, which drives the cutting unit 114. The calculation unit 12B calculates the required time for the stroke motion of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit, based on the start and end timings of the stroke motion of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit detected by the detection unit 12A. The memory unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the required time for the stroke motion of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit calculated by the calculation unit 12B. The determination unit 12D determines, for example, whether the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit is normal or not, based on data indicating the time required for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit accumulated and stored by the memory unit 12C. For example, when the time required for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit to be determined is longer than the time required for the stroke operation of a normal air cylinder for driving the cutting unit, the determination unit 12D determines that the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit to be determined may have deteriorated and that it is time to replace the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit to be determined. Alternatively, the determination unit 12D may determine (estimate) whether the cutting of the inner bag B2 at the position of the perforation by the cutting unit 114 is being performed normally, based on data indicating the time required for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit, accumulated and stored by the memory unit 12C. For example, when the time required for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit to be determined is longer than the time required for a normal stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit, the determination unit 12D determines (estimates) that the cutting of the inner bag B2 at the position of the perforation by the cutting unit 114 is not being performed normally, and the stress applied to the cutting unit 114 and the inner bag B2 during cutting is greater than normal. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation results by the calculation unit 12B, the determination results by the determination unit 12D, and the like. Therefore, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit, and can easily know the timing for replacing the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit.

[0025] 1, imaging unit 12F captures images of spout holder 112B and capping mechanism 113. Memory unit 12C accumulates and stores image data of spout holder 112B and capping mechanism 113 captured by imaging unit 12F. Determination unit 12D determines whether spout holder 112B and capping mechanism 113 are functioning normally, based on the image data of spout holder 112B and capping mechanism 113 accumulated and stored by memory unit 12C. Therefore, the manager of bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily know whether or not adjustment is required for spout holder 112B or capping mechanism 113. In other words, the maintainability of spout holder 112B and capping mechanism 113 can be improved, and preventive maintenance work for spout holder 112B and capping mechanism 113 by the manager of bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be easily performed (for example, monitoring the dimensions of parts that affect the quality of bag-in-box filling machine 11).

[0026] The imaging unit 12F also captures an image showing the height of the cap B3 relative to the spout B21 before the capping mechanism 113 opens the cap B3. The imaging unit 12F also captures an image showing the height of the cap B3 relative to the spout B21 after the capping mechanism 113 caps the cap B3. The memory unit 12C accumulates and stores image data captured by the imaging unit 12F showing the height of the cap B3 relative to the spout B21 before the cap B3 is opened, and image data showing the height of the cap B3 relative to the spout B21 after the cap B3 is capped. The judgment unit 12D judges whether the state of the cap B3 before and after the capping is performed is normal based on image data indicating the height of the cap B3 relative to the spout B21 before the cap B3 is opened, which has been accumulated and stored by the memory unit 12C, and image data indicating the height of the cap B3 relative to the spout B21 after the cap B3 is closed. Therefore, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily perform quality control of the bag-in-box B before and after the contents are filled by the bag-in-box filling machine 11 (for example, managing the height of the cap B3 relative to the spout B21, detecting whether the cap B3 is floating relative to the spout B21, etc.).

[0027] Furthermore, the imaging unit 12F captures an image including the printing on the surface of the inner bag B2 before the cap B3 is opened by the capping mechanism 113. The memory unit 12C accumulates and stores the image data including the printing on the surface of the inner bag B2 captured by the imaging unit 12F. Therefore, even if a defect occurs in the inner bag B2, it is possible to easily identify the target range by lot tracing, and it is possible to speed up the investigation of the cause. In addition, the inner bag B2 supplied to the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be analyzed.

[0028] 1, imaging unit 12G captures an image of inner bag B2 being cut at the perforation by cutting unit 114. Memory unit 12C accumulates and stores image data of cutting unit 114 and inner bag B2 captured by imaging unit 12G. Determination unit 12D determines whether cutting of inner bag B2 at the perforation by cutting unit 114 is performed normally, based on the image data of cutting unit 114 and inner bag B2 accumulated and stored by memory unit 12C. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the cutting state of the perforation of the inner bag B2 is monitored. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the setting conditions of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be clarified, and the presence or absence of a defect in the manufacturing process of the inner bag B2 can be clarified.

[0029] 1, imaging unit 12H captures an image of inner bag B2 being inserted into outer box B1 by insertion unit 115. Memory unit 12C accumulates and stores image data of inner bag B2 captured by imaging unit 12H. Determination unit 12D determines whether inner bag B2 has been properly inserted into outer box B1 by insertion unit 115, based on the image data of inner bag B2 accumulated and stored by memory unit 12C. For example, determination unit 12D estimates the falling speed of inner bag B2 being inserted into outer box B1 by insertion unit 115, the attitude of inner bag B2 being inserted into outer box B1 by insertion unit 115, and the like. 1, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily know the timing for replacing components of the insertion unit 115. In addition, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can monitor the state of the inner bag B2 inserted into the outer box B1 by the insertion unit 115, and can reduce the risk of leakage of the contents filled in the inner bag B2.

[0030] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment of the bag-in-box filling system of the present invention will now be described. The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below. Therefore, according to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0031] The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment is configured generally similarly to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The bag-in-box filling machine 11 of the second embodiment is configured generally similarly to the bag-in-box filling machine 11 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and includes, for example, an inner bag supply unit 111, a filling unit 112, a capping mechanism 113, a cutting unit 114, an input unit 115, and an actuator 11A. The filling unit 112 includes a tank 112E, a pump 11B, a flow meter 11C, a filling nozzle 112A, a spout holder 112B, a support 112F, a filling table 112C, and a lifting unit 112D. The pump 11B supplies the contents stored in the tank 112E to the filling nozzle 112A. That is, the pump 11B fills the bag-in-box B with the contents.

[0032] The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, like the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment, includes a monitoring unit 12 that monitors a bag-in-box filling machine 11. Like the monitoring unit 12 of the first embodiment, the monitoring unit 12 of the second embodiment includes a detection unit 12A, a calculation unit 12B, a memory unit 12C, a determination unit 12D, an output unit 12E, and imaging units 12F, 12G, and 12H. The detection unit 12A of the second embodiment includes, for example, an ammeter, a thermometer, a microcomputer, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), etc. The detection unit 12A detects the start and end timings of the filling operation of the content by the pump 11B. In one example of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the detection unit 12A is an IoT device. In another example of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the detection unit 12A does not have to be an IoT device.

[0033] In the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the calculation unit 12B calculates the time required for the contents filling operation by the pump 11B based on the start timing and end timing of the contents filling operation by the pump 11B detected by the detection unit 12A. The memory unit 12C accumulates and stores data indicating the time required for the filling operation of the content by the pump 11B, which is calculated by the calculation unit 12B. The determination unit 12D determines, for example, whether the pump 11B is normal or not, based on data indicating the time required for the filling operation of the contents by the pump 11B accumulated and stored by the memory unit 12C. For example, when the time required for the filling operation of the contents by the pump 11B to be determined is longer than the time required for the filling operation of the contents by the normal pump 11B, the determination unit 12D determines that the pump 11B to be determined may have deteriorated and that it is time to replace the pump 11B to be determined. The output unit 12E outputs the calculation results by the calculation unit 12B, the determination results by the determination unit 12D, and the like.

[0034] That is, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the calculation unit 12B converts the detection result of the detection unit 12A into information that makes it easy to understand the state of the pump 11B. Furthermore, the judgment unit 12D judges whether the pump 11B is normal or not. Furthermore, the output unit 12E outputs the calculation result by the calculation unit 12B and the judgment result by the judgment unit 12D. Therefore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the pump 11B, and can easily grasp the timing for replacing the pump 11B, etc. In other words, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the maintainability of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be improved, and preventive maintenance work on the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be easily performed by the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11. Furthermore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the maintenance frequency of the bag-in-box filling system 1 can be clarified, for example, by monitoring the amount of data stored in the memory unit 12C. In another example of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the second embodiment, the detection unit 12A may detect the number of times the pump 11B fills the contents, and the storage unit 12C may store the number of times (accumulated value) the pump 11B fills the contents. In this example, the determination unit 12D determines, for example, whether the pump 11B is normal or not, based on data indicating the number of times (accumulated value) the pump 11B fills the contents stored by the storage unit 12C. For example, when the number of times (accumulated value) the pump 11B to be determined fills the contents becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 12D determines that the pump 11B to be determined may have deteriorated and that it is time to replace the pump 11B to be determined.

[0035] <Third embodiment> A third embodiment of the bag-in-box filling system of the present invention will now be described. The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment is configured similarly to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below. Therefore, according to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0036] The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment is configured generally similarly to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The bag-in-box filling machine 11 of the third embodiment is configured generally similarly to the bag-in-box filling machine 11 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and includes, for example, an inner bag supply unit 111, a filling unit 112, a capping mechanism 113, a cutting unit 114, an input unit 115, and an actuator 11A. The filling unit 112 includes a tank 112E, a pump 11B, a flow meter 11C, a filling nozzle 112A, a spout holder 112B, a support 112F, a filling table 112C, and a lifting unit 112D. The pump 11B supplies the contents stored in the tank 112E to the filling nozzle 112A. That is, the pump 11B fills the bag-in-box B with the contents. In the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the flow meter 11C is a mass flow meter, and detects various parameter values ​​such as the flow rate and temperature of the contents filled into the bag-in-box B by the pump 11B. In one example of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the flow meter 11C is an IoT device. In another example of the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the flow meter 11C does not have to be an IoT device.

[0037] The bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment includes a monitoring unit 12 that monitors the bag-in-box filling machine 11, similar to the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first embodiment. In the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the monitoring unit 12 includes a detection unit 12A, a storage unit 12C, a determination unit 12D, an output unit 12E, and imaging units 12F, 12G, and 12H. The storage unit 12C of the third embodiment accumulates and stores data indicating various parameter values ​​detected by the flowmeter 11C. The determination unit 12D determines, for example, whether the contents are normally filled into the bag-in-box B based on data indicating various parameter values ​​accumulated and stored by the memory unit 12C. For example, when the various parameter values ​​detected by the flow meter 11C to be determined are outside a range of preset reference values, the determination unit 12D determines that a component of the mechanism for filling the contents into the bag-in-box B may have deteriorated and that it is time to replace the component of the mechanism for filling the contents into the bag-in-box B. The output unit 12E outputs the result of the determination made by the determination unit 12D.

[0038] That is, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the determination unit 12D determines whether or not various parameter values ​​detected by the flowmeter 11C are normal values, whether or not components of the mechanism for filling the bag-in-box B with the contents are normal, etc. Furthermore, the output unit 12E outputs the determination result by the determination unit 12D. Therefore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily grasp the deterioration status of the components of the mechanism for filling the contents into the bag-in-box B, and can easily grasp the timing for replacing the components of the mechanism for filling the contents into the bag-in-box B. In other words, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the third embodiment, the maintainability of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be improved, and preventive maintenance work on the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can be easily performed by the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11.

[0039] As described above, in the bag-in-box filling systems 1 of the first to third embodiments, imaging unit 12F is used to monitor the dimensions of parts that affect the quality of bag-in-box filling machine 11, such as spout holder 112B and capping mechanism 113. This makes it easier for the manager of bag-in-box filling machine 11 to perform preventive maintenance work on bag-in-box filling machine 11, and the manager of bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily determine whether adjustments are required for spout holder 112B, capping mechanism 113, etc.

[0040] Furthermore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, the number of operations and operation time of the various air cylinders, pump 11B, etc. are monitored by using the detection unit 12A, flow meter 11C, etc. This makes it easier for the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 to perform preventive maintenance work on the bag-in-box filling machine 11, and the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily know whether or not the various air cylinders, pump 11B, etc. need to be replaced.

[0041] Furthermore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, the flow rate of the contents filled into the bag-in-box B detected by the mass flow meter, the temperature, and various counter values ​​are monitored. This makes it easier for the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 to perform preventive maintenance work on the bag-in-box filling machine 11, and the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can monitor the trends of the bag-in-box filling machine 11, thereby improving the yield.

[0042] In the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, the imaging unit 12F is used to monitor the height of the cap B3 relative to the spout B21 before the cap B3 is opened and the height of the cap B3 relative to the spout B21 after the cap B3 is capped. This allows the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 to easily manage the quality of the bag-in-box B (the height of the cap B3 relative to the spout B21, the floating of the cap B3). Furthermore, by linking the monitoring results using the imaging unit 12F with the inspection results in the manufacturing process of the inner bag B2 before it is supplied to the filling unit 112 by the inner bag supply unit 111, it is possible to easily identify the cause when a defect occurs.

[0043] Furthermore, in the bag-in-box filling systems 1 of the first to third embodiments, the imaging unit 12G is used to monitor the state of cutting of the inner bag B2 by the cutting unit 114 at the perforation position. This allows the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 to easily manage the quality of the inner bag B2 cut by the cutting unit 114 at the perforation position. Furthermore, by measuring the stress when the inner bag B2 is cut by the cutting unit 114, when a defect occurs, it can be clarified whether the defect is caused by a problem with the settings of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 or by a problem in the manufacturing process of the inner bag B2 before it is supplied to the filling unit 112 by the inner bag supply unit 111.

[0044] Furthermore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, the state in which the inner bag B2 is being put into the outer box B1 (the putting posture of the inner bag B2) is monitored by using the imaging unit 12H. Therefore, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily manage the quality of the inner bag B2 put into the outer box B1 and can easily know the timing for replacing the components of the putting unit 115. Furthermore, by detecting the falling speed of the inner bag B2, it is possible to prevent the contents filled in the inner bag B2 from leaking out.

[0045] Furthermore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, the operating position and time of the air cylinder are monitored by servo-controlling the air cylinder, so that the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can perform quality control and preventive maintenance work more easily than in a case where the air cylinder is not servo-controlled.

[0046] Furthermore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, the imaging unit 12F is used to monitor the printing on the surface of the inner bag B2. Therefore, even if a defect occurs in the inner bag B2, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can easily identify the target range by lot tracing, and can speed up the investigation into the cause.

[0047] In the bag-in-box filling system 1 according to the first to third embodiments, the IoT device is used as the detector 12A and the flow meter 11C to monitor the bag-in-box filling machine 11. Therefore, the manager of the bag-in-box filling machine 11 can perform remote maintenance of the bag-in-box filling machine 11.

[0048] Furthermore, in the bag-in-box filling system 1 of the first to third embodiments, analysis can be performed using the inspection results in the manufacturing process of the inner bag B2 before it is supplied to the filling section 112. Furthermore, in the bag-in-box filling systems 1 of the first to third embodiments, the maintenance frequency of the bag-in-box filling system 1 can be clarified.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments and examples may be appropriately combined.

[0050] In addition, all or part of the functions of each unit of the bag-in-box filling system 1 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized by recording a program for realizing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, reading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Note that the "computer system" referred to here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage units such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client in such cases. Furthermore, the above program may be one that realizes part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be one that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 ... bag-in-box filling system, 11 ... bag-in-box filling machine, 111 ... inner bag supply section, 112 ... filling section, 112A ... filling nozzle, 112B ... spout holder, 112C ... filling table, 112D ... lifting section, 112E ... tank, 112F ... support, 113 ... capping mechanism, 113A ... grip section, 113B ... rotating section, 113C ... lifting section, 114 ... cutting section, 114A ... cutter, 114B ... lifting section, 115 ... input section, 11A ... actuator, 11B ... pump, 11C ... flow meter, 12 ... monitoring section, 12A ... detection section, 12B ... calculation section, 12C ... memory section, 12D ... judgment section, 12E ... output section, 12F ... imaging section, 12G ... imaging section, 12H ... imaging section, B ... bag-in-box, B1 ... outer box, B2 ... inner bag, B21…Spout, B3…Cap

Claims

1. A bag-in-box filling system comprising: a bag-in-box filling machine that fills a content into a bag-in-box having an outer box, an inner bag contained in the outer box, a spout attached to the inner bag, and a cap attached to the spout; and a monitoring unit that monitors the bag-in-box filling machine, The bag-in-box filling machine includes at least one actuator that performs a stroke motion; The monitoring unit includes a detection unit, a calculation unit, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The detection unit detects at least a start timing and an end timing of the stroke operation of the actuator, the calculation unit calculates a required time for the stroke motion of the actuator based on a start timing and an end timing of the stroke motion of the actuator detected by the detection unit; The memory unit accumulates and stores data indicating a required time for the stroke operation of the actuator calculated by the calculation unit, the determination unit determines whether or not at least the actuator is normal based on data indicating a required time for the stroke operation of the actuator, the data being accumulated and stored by the storage unit; The bag-in-box filling machine comprises: A spout holder that holds the spout; a capping mechanism for opening and closing the cap on the spout, The monitoring unit includes a first imaging unit that captures images of the spout holder and the capping mechanism, The storage unit accumulates and stores image data of the spout holder and the capping mechanism captured by the first imaging unit, The determination unit determines whether or not at least the spout holder and the capping mechanism are functioning normally based on image data of the spout holder and the capping mechanism accumulated and stored by the storage unit. Bag-in-box filling system.

2. the first imaging unit captures an image showing a height of the cap relative to the spout before the cap is opened by the capping mechanism, and an image showing a height of the cap relative to the spout after the cap is capped by the capping mechanism; The storage unit accumulates and stores image data captured by the first imaging unit, the image data indicating a height of the cap relative to the spout before the cap is opened, and the image data indicating a height of the cap relative to the spout after the cap is capped, The determination unit determines whether or not a state of the cap before and after the capping is performed is normal based on image data indicating a height of the cap relative to the spout before the cap is unsealed, and image data indicating a height of the cap relative to the spout after the cap is sealed.

2. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 1.

3. The bag-in-box filling machine comprises: a cutting section for cutting the multiple inner bags connected to each other via a connection section having a perforation at the position of the perforation to separate the multiple inner bags into individual inner bags; The monitoring unit includes a second imaging unit that captures an image of the inner bag cut by the cutting unit at the position of the perforation, The storage unit accumulates and stores image data of the cut portion and the inner bag captured by the second imaging unit, The determination unit determines whether or not the cutting unit has properly cut the inner bag at the position of the perforation based on the image data of the cutting unit and the inner bag accumulated and stored by the storage unit.

2. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 1.

4. the actuator includes an air cylinder for driving the cutting unit, the calculation unit calculates a required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit based on a start timing and an end timing of the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit detected by the detection unit, The memory unit accumulates and stores data indicating a required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit calculated by the calculation unit, The determination unit determines whether or not the cutting unit is properly cutting the inner bag at the position of the perforation based on data indicating a required time for the stroke operation of the air cylinder for driving the cutting unit, the data being accumulated and stored in the storage unit.

4. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 3.

5. The bag-in-box filling machine comprises: An insertion unit that inserts the inner bag filled with the content into the outer box, the monitoring unit includes a third imaging unit that captures an image of the inner bag being inserted into the outer box by the insertion unit, The storage unit accumulates and stores image data of the inner bag captured by the third imaging unit, The determination unit determines whether or not the inner bag has been properly inserted into the outer box by the insertion unit based on the image data of the inner bag accumulated and stored by the storage unit.

2. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 1.

6. The detection unit is an IoT device.

2. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 1.

7. The actuator is servo-controlled.

2. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 1.

8. Before the cap is opened by the capping mechanism, the first imaging unit captures an image including printing on a surface of the inner bag, The storage unit accumulates and stores image data including printing on the surface of the inner bag captured by the first imaging unit.

3. The bag-in-box filling system of claim 2.

Images