Packaging device

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging apparatus that improves maintainability while achieving space savings by arranging a plurality of means related to packaging processing in a single apparatus main body. A packaging apparatus capable of exchanging a plurality of types of upper punching dies and lower punching dies for sealing a film to containers of a plurality of sizes containing contents, the packaging apparatus comprising: weighing means for weighing the weight of the container; heater means for heating the upper punching die; packaging means for moving the lower punching die up and down with respect to the upper punching die and sealing the film to the container weighed by the upper punching die heated by receiving heat from the heater means; conveying means for conveying the weighed container from the weighing means to the packaging means; film holding means for holding the film; and surplus film winding means for winding up the surplus film during packaging by the packaging means, wherein the packaging means is arranged continuously downstream in the conveying direction of the weighing means, and the upper punching die, the film holding means, and the surplus film winding means are arranged above the region where the weighing means and the packaging means are arranged and are detachable from the same direction during replacement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging apparatus that covers a tray on which an object to be packaged is placed with a film and heat-seals the film to the edge of the tray.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional packaging apparatus, food as an object to be packaged is placed on a weighing scale, then conveyed into a tray supplied on a conveyor, and heat-sealed to the lid of the film on the tray, so as to perform top-sealing on a large number of trays (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the packaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1, other means such as weighing means are arranged so as to largely protrude along the production line outside the machine frame where the packaging means is arranged, and no attention is paid to space saving at all. On the other hand, when each means is centrally arranged for space saving, a new problem occurs that maintenance becomes difficult. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging apparatus that improves maintainability while achieving space saving by arranging a plurality of means related to packaging processing in one apparatus main body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The packaging apparatus of the present invention has at least the following configuration. A packaging apparatus capable of exchanging a plurality of types of upper punching dies and lower punching dies for sealing a film to containers of multiple sizes containing contents, comprising: weighing means for weighing the weight of the containers; heater means for heating the upper punching die; packaging means for moving the lower punching die up and down with respect to the upper punching die and sealing a film to the containers weighed by the upper punching die heated by receiving heat from the heater means; conveying means for conveying the weighed containers from the weighing means to the packaging means; film holding means for holding the film; and surplus film winding means for winding up the surplus film during packaging by the packaging means. The packaging means is disposed continuously downstream in the conveying direction of the weighing means. The upper punching die, the film holding means, and the surplus film winding means are disposed above the region where the weighing means and the packaging means are disposed, and are detachable from the same direction during replacement. Here, since the weighing means and the packaging means are disposed upstream and downstream, the placement area and the area where the packaging means are disposed refer to the area in the width direction of the apparatus.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, by arranging a plurality of means related to packaging processing in one apparatus main body, it is possible to provide a packaging apparatus that saves space and improves maintainability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the packaging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the following drawings are created for the purpose of explanation, and in some cases, members unnecessary for explanation may not be intentionally illustrated for the sake of clarity. Also, for the purpose of explanation, members may be intentionally illustrated larger or smaller, and the drawings do not show the exact scale. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate parts having the same function, and duplicate explanations in each drawing are omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (Overall configuration) Figs. 1 to 4 show the external appearance of the packaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a right perspective view, Fig. 2 is a left perspective view, Fig. 3 is a top view, and Fig. 4 is a right side view. Figs. 5 and 6 particularly show the metering means and the packaging means. Fig. 5 is a right side view (with a part of the machine frame removed), and Fig. 6 is a perspective view (with a part of the machine frame removed).

[0010] The packaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 measures the packaged product, carries the tray T on which the packaged product is placed into the machine, and performs a series of operations from the top seal process (processing the entire welded portion at once) and label attachment with a gas replacement process for extending the shelf life of the packaged product to the unloading after that automatically. In other words, it can be said that it is a device in which a packaging process exists between the weighing process of the packaged product and the label attachment process. More specifically, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 3, when the tray T on which the packaged product is placed is placed on the weighing means 1 (see FIG. 1), the packaging device 100 measures the weight of the packaged product, and the infeed bar IB (see FIGS. 5 and 6) carries the tray T into the machine frame having the packaging means 2 so as to proceed. Inside the machine frame, the blanking die 25 (see FIG. 1) pushes up the tray T upward. First, the air existing in the space formed between the film always stretched and held at both ends by the film holding means 211 and the surplus film winding means 212 (see FIG. 1) and the tray T is replaced with an inert gas. Next, while bringing the edge of the tray T into contact with the film, while being sandwiched between the blanking die 25 and the punching die 24 (see FIG. 1), the film is heat-welded and sealed. After cutting the film, the blanking die 25 and the tray T descend and return to a predetermined height (fixed position), and the infeed bar IB (see FIGS. 5 and 6) makes the tray T proceed in the carrying-in direction again and transfers it to the rear stage area 3. While moving in the unloading direction orthogonal to the carrying-in direction, after being labeled by the label attaching means 7, it is discharged to the first discharge table 4, and further, the tray T is moved in the direction opposite to the carrying-in direction and sent to the second discharge table 5. In the embodiment of the present invention, three types of punching dies and blanking dies are prepared and configured to be replaceable so as to be able to handle three types of trays T of different sizes, namely, "large", "medium", and "small". However, such a mode is only an example to the last. The number of size types may be two types, namely, "large" and "small", or four or more sizes may be prepared. Furthermore, there may be only one type of tray size and it may be a mode that does not assume replacement. The measuring means 1, the packaging means 2, and the subsequent stage area 3 are arranged vertically in sequence from the front to the back side of the apparatus. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, above the measuring means 1 and on the upstream side of the measuring means 1 in the conveying direction, there is disposed a console 6 having an operation unit such as a display unit, numeric keypad, and touch panel on the front surface and having a control means inside. Regarding this arrangement, to explain in more detail, the lower end of the case of the console 6 is located on the upstream side of the measuring means 1, the center of the console 6 and the center of the display unit are located in the area of the measuring means 1, and although the console 6 is disposed in an inclined manner, the upper end of the case of the console 6 is also located on the upstream side of the measuring means 1. Also, the upper part of the subsequent stage area 3 is a label sticking means 7 for printing and sticking a product label having information such as the measured weight, unit price, and price. Furthermore, a mechanism for gas replacement (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) is provided in the drawdown type 25. In this specification, "gas replacement" refers to "gas replacement" used in a broad sense (regardless of the specific process) which means a process of replacing the air in the packaged product with an inert gas for extending the shelf life, and includes the mode of "gas replacement" used in a narrow sense of completely removing the air and then introducing the gas, the mode of "gas flash" of spraying the gas to expel the air, and both modes.

[0011] In the embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration, since the top seal is performed while performing gas replacement between the packaged product and the film, the work efficiency can be improved by performing the gas replacement process for extending the shelf life of the packaged product and the packaging process by top sealing substantially simultaneously.

[0012] In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the tray T inserted from the front is subjected to packaging processing and then returns to the front again, it greatly contributes to improving the work efficiency in the backyard, and this configuration is realized compactly. However, from the perspective of performing gas replacement processing for extending the shelf life of the packaged product and packaging processing by top sealing substantially simultaneously, the configuration in which the tray returns to the front after being inserted at the front is not an essential configuration. It is also possible to realize it in a form of simply transporting in one direction from the front to the rear, or first performing packaging processing and then performing weighing processing. Furthermore, it is also possible to exclude weighing processing and label affixing processing and use a device configuration specialized for packaging processing. This will be described as another embodiment later.

[0013] The machine frame shown in FIG. 1, particularly the upper part of the machine frame, not only serves to dispose the packaging means 2 and other components inside, but also has great significance in blocking the inside from the outside. In addition, a buffer tank (not shown) is disposed in the lower part of the machine frame for gas replacement. Also, after weighing by the weighing means 1, when the tray T is transported and the top and bottom die cutting is closed to perform top sealing, a shutter 11 is provided in a part including a slightly weighing means 1 area between the weighing means 1 and the packaging means 2 to prevent an operator or the like from accidentally inserting a hand and leading to an unexpected accident (see FIG. 5). When the tray T is transported to the packaging means 2 by the infeed bar IB (see FIGS. 5 and 6), the shutter 11 blocks the inside and outside of the housing. Since the conveying means of the embodiment of the present invention is an infeed bar IB (see FIGS. 5 and 6) instead of a belt conveyor or the like, the shutter 11 is configured to rise from the bottom to the top and close to avoid the chain part (see FIG. 5). However, the shutter may be configured to descend from the top to the bottom and close, or without providing a shutter, the device may be stopped when a hand intrusion is detected by a sensor to ensure safety.

[0014] In order to enhance convenience during transportation, the first discharge table 4 and the second discharge table 5 are configured to be detachable. Also, after removing these discharge tables, so as not to interfere during transportation, the label attaching means 7 is configured to be slidable in the left direction of FIG. 3 so as to be accommodated within the range of the left and right of the machine frame.

[0015] The weighing means 1 is configured to weigh the placed packaged object and the tray T, and transmits the information of the weighed weight to the control means of the console 6. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, bar-shaped infeed bars IB are bridged at four positions in the circumferential direction with respect to two left and right chains that can circulate over the entire circumference in the front and rear from the front side of the weighing means 1 to the rear side of the packaging means 2. The placed tray T can be carried into the machine frame having the packaging means 2 and can be transferred as it is to the subsequent stage area 3. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a total of eight infeed bar support members IB1 for bridging the infeed bars IB are provided at four positions in the circumferential direction of the two left and right chains, and four antibacterial-treated metal bar-shaped infeed bars IB are connected (see also FIG. 6). The interval between the infeed bars IB in the circumferential arrangement is set so that the infeed bar IB does not interfere with the next packaged object placed on the weighing means 1 when the infeed bar IB performs an operation of retreating once (this will be described later). The height of the infeed bar IB with respect to the placement surface of the tray T is configured to be located at the center of the height of the bottom surface and the top surface of the tray T, but the height may be appropriately changed as long as the tray T can be stably conveyed.

[0016] As described above, there are three types of trays T, namely "large", "medium", and "small". Upper punching dies 24 and lower punching dies 25 for performing packaging processes corresponding to their respective sizes are prepared and are exchangeable. Specifically, in this embodiment, an upper punching die 24A for a large tray with a tray size of 150 mm in width and 150 mm in depth, an upper punching die 24B for a medium tray with a tray size of 150 mm in width and 120 mm in depth, and an upper punching die 24C for a small tray with a tray size of 120 mm in width and 120 mm in depth are prepared. However, regardless of the tray size, the outer shapes of the punching dies are all the same size. On the mounting table of the weighing means 1, recesses with slightly different depths are provided corresponding to the "large", "medium", and "small" tray sizes so that the three types of trays T, namely "large", "medium", and "small", are properly centered with respect to the infeed bar IB. That is, a deeper recess for the medium size is arranged inside the recess for the large size, and an even deeper recess for the small size is arranged inside the recess for the medium size. The step due to this recess is made to be within a slight difference so as not to become a resistance during the transfer of the tray T by the infeed bar IB. In addition to this, as a means for centering, guides 12 having a shape that narrows toward the center are provided on both the left and right sides (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, as a means for centering, it may be a display that can be visually confirmed even if it is not a recess or a guide. Even if there is a slight deviation to the left or right, since the side surface of the tray T is inclined, it is naturally guided to the proper position when pushed up by the lower punching die 25. In addition to this, at the lower end of the frontage portion defined by a shutter arranged in a portion slightly including the area of the weighing means 1 between the weighing means 1 and the packaging means 2, a slide member that is commonly used in a cutting machine and that narrows the width in a left-right coordinated manner may be provided, and a means for correcting this in case the centering is misaligned at the start of conveyance may be provided.

[0017] The tray T that has been subjected to the packaging process by heat welding is transferred from the packaging means 2 to the subsequent stage area 3 as shown in FIG. 5. The subsequent stage area 3 is composed of a conveyor belt as shown in FIG. 6 and functions as a discharging means for moving the tray T outside the machine frame. Above it, there is provided a label attaching means 7 for printing and attaching a product label. Therefore, it is also possible to regard the subsequent stage area 3 as the label attaching means 7. In this way, the tray T is transferred by the subsequent stage area 3 in the discharging direction orthogonal to the loading direction and discharged toward the first discharging table 4. The first discharging table 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is provided with drive rollers and moves the tray T in the direction opposite to the loading direction and sends it to the second discharging table 5. The second discharging table 5 is inclined, and since the tray T moves by its own weight, the rollers of the second discharging table 5 are mere rollers without driving force.

[0018] To summarize the machine frame having the packaging means 2, in FIG. 4, in a form corresponding to the front and rear arrangement of the weighing means 1 and the packaging means 2 respectively shown by the broken line areas, above the inside of the machine frame, there are arranged a film holding means 211 for holding a film for packaging the container and a surplus film winding means 212 for winding up the surplus film at the time of sealing the container, which together constitute the film hanging means 21 as a whole.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the film hanging means 21 is arranged to be accommodated in the upper part within the machine frame where the weighing means 1 and the packaging means 2 are arranged. The film is hung in the same direction as that in which the weighing means 1, the packaging means 2, and the rear-stage area 3 are vertically arranged in a line from the front to the back of the apparatus. That is, the hanging direction of the film is the same as the conveyance direction of the tray T. In the film hanging means in a conventional packaging apparatus, it was usually arranged to largely protrude into the area outside the apparatus machine frame where the packaging means and the like are arranged. In contrast, this embodiment greatly contributes to space saving. Although the film hanging means 21 is arranged to be accommodated in the upper area of the weighing means 1 and the packaging means 2, it may be configured such that the surplus film winding means 212 extends up to the rear-stage area 3, or the console 6 is arranged at another position so that the film holding means 211 protrudes more forward. Even with such a configuration, it can be said that it is a technical idea for space saving that can be distinguished from the prior art of the film hanging means that is arranged to largely protrude into the area outside the apparatus machine frame. Also, even if the front-back directions of the film holding means 211 and the surplus film winding means 212 are reversed, it does not impair space saving, and the film holding means 211 may be arranged at the rear and the surplus film winding means 212 may be arranged at the front. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the film fed out from the film holding means 211 is given a constant tension by the dancer roller DR in order to stabilize the tension, and then is looped around two film feed shafts so as to pass near the lower part of the mounting means, and is wound up by the surplus film winding means 212. The dancer roller DR functions as an adjustment means for adjusting the tension of the film, and is arranged above the weighing means 1 and below the film holding means 211. In FIG. 1, the side panel SP is pivotally supported at the right long side portion and is configured to be rotatable backward. With this configuration, the film roll can be exchanged from the right side, and as will be described later, the upper punching die 24 and the lower punching die 25 can also be exchanged from the right side. Thus, the upper punching die 24, the film holding means 211, and the surplus film winding means 212 are detachable from the same direction along the winding shaft during exchange. For the lower punching die 25, after inserting it from the right side, an exchange operation of dropping it slightly downward is required (see also FIG. 12). The label affixing means 7 is configured to be able to be tilted backward (rotated), making it easy to exchange the film roll and the upper punching die 24 and the lower punching die 25. Also, with the rotatable configuration, it becomes easier to exchange the label itself. Note that the rotatable side panel SP may be arranged on the left side instead of the right side. That is, the rotatable side panel SP does not have to be provided on the same side as the side where the first discharge table 4 etc. are arranged. However, it is more advantageous in terms of space saving to configure the side panel SP on the same side as the side where the first discharge table 4 etc. are arranged to be rotatable.

[0020] The top panel UP, the front panel FP, and the side panel SP of the machine frame are formed of a transparent material or are configured such that a transparent plate is fitted, so that the state of the film suspended by the film hanging means 21 can be confirmed. Also, not only for visual confirmation but also to be able to handle troubles etc., the top panel UP is configured to be slidable backward to a position where it does not contact the label affixing means 7, and the front panel FP is also pivotally supported at the upper side and is configured to be rotatable. Note that a rotational configuration by pivotally supporting at the lower side or a slidable configuration may also be used.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, between the film hanging means 21 and the conveyance space of the tray T (by the infeed bar IB), there is provided an upper die folder 240 in which an upper die 24 is loaded. The upper die folder 240 is provided with locking means that prevents the upper die 24 from being removed after it is loaded. To remove it, it is necessary to operate the unlocking lever 24L (see FIG. 9). The unlocking lever 24L is configured such that, in cooperation with various processes for the die extraction described later, the unlocking operation cannot be performed in inappropriate situations. Also, it may be configured as automatic locking means, and in that case, in various processes for the die extraction described later, the locking operation may be configured to be coordinated with the temperature of the upper die 24. Inside the upper die folder 240, there is provided heater means 241 (see FIG. 7) for supplying heat for film welding. The upper die 24 is provided with a metal plate 242 (see FIG. 7) for transmitting the heat supplied from the heater means 241 and film cutting means 244 (see FIG. 8) for cutting the film. The heater means 241 is in contact with the metal plate 242 of the upper die 24 loaded in the upper die folder 240. The metal plate 242 has a convex portion 242a of a size corresponding to the edge of the tray T and a central portion 242b surrounded by the convex portion 242a, and transmits the heat supplied from the heater means 241 to the convex portion 242a to thermally weld the film in contact with the edge of the tray T. In the embodiment of the present invention, aluminum with a high thermal conductivity is adopted as the material of the metal plate 242, but it is not precluded from adopting silver, copper, gold, etc. with a higher thermal conductivity, and even if it is a material with a lower thermal conductivity than aluminum, it is not precluded from being adopted if there are no practical problems. In an embodiment of the present invention, although the structure of the metal plate 242 has a convex portion 242a corresponding to the edge of the tray T and has an uneven shape, the convex portion 242a and the central portion 242b are basically a single-piece structure composed of a single member. However, it may be configured such that the metal plate is a structure in which two plates are bonded together, and a heat pipe is laid between the two plates so that heat from the heater is conducted more quickly and evenly over a wider range. Further, since the convex portion 242a that functions as the top seal portion welds the film and the container, the central portion 242b, which is in other locations, does not need to be at a high temperature. Rather, considering the possibility of heat dissipation from the central portion 242b, it is preferable to configure the central portion 242b to fix a member that serves as a heat insulating material, and it may be configured in this way.

[0022] Below the upper die folder 240, a lower die 25 is provided across the conveyance space of the tray T. The lower die 25 pushes up the tray T and sandwiches the film sequentially fed out from the roll film R loaded on the film hanging means 21 between the metal plate 242 of the upper die 24 and the lower die 25 to perform a packaging process (top seal process). In this way, the film hanging means 21, the upper die 24, and the lower die 25 constitute the packaging means 2, and the packaging means 2 is arranged continuously downstream in the conveyance direction of the weighing means 1.

[0023] In this embodiment, the roll film R is supported by passing the shaft of the film holding means 211 through the central hole thereof. When the fed-out film is sealed and cut to the size of the tray T, it becomes a film in a waste state in which only the cut peripheral portion remains, that is, a state in which the inside is hollowed out. This waste film is sequentially wound up by the surplus film winding means 212.

[0024] A metal plate 242 (see FIG. 7) that serves as a top seal is disposed so as to face the fed film. When the tray T is moved upward by the lower die 25, the film is heat-sealed along the edge of the tray T in a state where the edge of the tray T and the film are sandwiched between the lower die 25 and the metal plate 242 (see FIG. 7) of the upper die 24. Before heat-sealing, an inert gas for extending the shelf life of the packaged product is injected into the space formed between the film and the tray T to perform a gas replacement process for replacing air with the inert gas. This will be described later.

[0025] (Conveying operation by the infeed bar) As shown in FIG. 5, the infeed bar IB, which is a conveying mechanism for the tray T, is bridged at four positions in the circumferential direction with respect to two left and right chains that can circulate around the entire circumference in the front and rear directions from the front side of the metering means 1 to the rear side of the packaging means 2. By the circulation of the chains, the tray T can be transferred from the metering means 1 to the packaging means 2, and then from the packaging means 2 to the subsequent stage area 3. A roller 31 is arranged in the space generated between the packaging means 2 and the subsequent stage area 3 so that the tray T can move smoothly from the packaging means 2 to the subsequent stage area 3. Since most of the objects to be packaged can be said to be foods, the metal infeed bar IB is subjected to antibacterial treatment and rust prevention treatment. The connection of the infeed bar IB to the chains is made via infeed bar support members IB1 provided in a total of eight positions at four circumferential positions of the two left and right chains.

[0026] As described above, the conveying operation of the infeed bar IB that rotates in a circular motion and is connected to the chain serving as the driving unit, and the opening and closing operation of the shutter 11 will be described. When on standby, the shutter 11 is closed. When weighing is performed by the weighing means 1, the shutter 11 descends so that the inside and outside of the housing communicate with each other. The tray T placed on the weighing means 1 is pushed by the infeed bar IB and transferred to the packaging means 2, and the infeed bar IB stops. If left as it is, when the lower die 25 described later moves upward, it will interfere with the infeed bar IB. Therefore, the infeed bar IB once retreats to the area where the weighing means 1 is located. As described above, the arrangement interval in the circumferential direction of the infeed bar IB is set to an interval at which the infeed bar IB does not interfere with the next package to be packaged placed on the weighing means 1 when the infeed bar IB performs the operation of retreating once. When the infeed bar IB has retreated once, the shutter 11 rises from below the front part of the machine frame, blocking the outside and the inside, and ensuring safety. This blocking state by the shutter 11 continues until the next product is weighed. Due to the structure of the infeed bar IB that is intermittently arranged in the circumferential direction, a shutter configuration that rises from below and performs a closing operation is realized by avoiding the chain portion continuously arranged in the circumferential direction. After the top seal of the tray T is sealed by the packaging means 2, the infeed bar IB moves forward again and transfers the tray T to the subsequent stage area 3. At this time, due to the presence of the roller 31, the tray T will be smoothly transferred without falling between the packaging means 2 and the subsequent stage area 3. The height of the infeed bar IB with respect to the placement surface of the tray T is configured to be located at the center of the height of the bottom surface and the top surface of the tray T, but the height may be appropriately changed as long as the tray T can be stably conveyed. In the present embodiment with such a configuration, the package to be packaged can be conveyed by a single conveying means from the weighing means through the packaging means to the subsequent stage area, greatly contributing to space saving and cost reduction.

[0027] (Gas replacement and packaging operations by the upper die and the lower die) Figure 7 is a front cross-sectional view for explaining the upward extraction type and the upward extraction type folder. Figure 7(a) shows the upward extraction type folder when the upward extraction type is not loaded, Figure 7(b) shows the upward extraction type alone, and Figure 7(c) shows the state where the upward extraction type is loaded into the upward extraction type folder. Figure 8 is a view for explaining the upward extraction type. Figure 8(a) shows a top view, Figure 8(b) shows an upper perspective view, and Figure 8(c) shows a lower perspective view. Figure 11 is a view for explaining the downward extraction type. Figure 11(a) shows a top view, and Figure 11(b) shows a side cross-sectional view. Figure 18 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 11(b), but it is shown in a state where it is rotated 90 degrees and the downward extraction type is horizontally arranged. Figure 19 is a side cross-sectional view showing the change in state when the downward extraction type is pushed up with respect to the upward extraction type.

[0028] As can be understood from the comparison between Figure 7(a) and Figure 7(c), which are front cross-sectional views, the upward extraction type 24 is loaded into the upward extraction type folder 240 in a posture of entering from the right side. That is, as described above, the upward extraction type 24 is detachable from the right side of Figure 1 in the same direction along the winding shaft, similar to the film holding means 211 and the surplus film winding means 212. Also, as shown in Figure 7(b), the upward extraction type has a metal plate 242 that functions as a top seal by transmitting the heat supplied from the heater means 241, and a film cutting means 244 for cutting the film. As shown in Figure 8, the metal plate 242 has a chamfered rectangular shape so as to correspond to the edge portion of the tray T, and the film cutting means 244 is arranged on its outer periphery. Further, the metal plate 242 is composed of a convex portion 242a having a size corresponding to the edge portion of the tray T and a central portion 242b surrounded by the convex portion 242a. The film cutting means 244 can cut the welded film to the size of the tray T. Note that the heat from the heater means 241 is transmitted only to the metal plate 242, but a structure in which heat is transmitted to other metal parts is not excluded.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 7(a), when the upper punching die 24 is not loaded, the heater means 241 for supplying heat for film welding is positioned upward by a biasing means (not shown) (see also Figs. 10(b) and 10(d)). Here, when the upper punching die 24 shown in Fig. 7(b) is inserted from the right direction in the figure, the contact portion at the tip of the upper punching die 24 contacts the roller 2431 at the tip of the heater link 243, and the heater link 243 pushes the heater means 241 downward as shown in Fig. 7(c) (see also Figs. 9(b) and 9(d)). Then, the heater means 241 comes into contact with the metal plate 242 of the upper punching die 24 and can transfer heat for welding to the metal plate 242. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heater means 241 is formed by drilling holes in an aluminum material and inserting a cartridge heater therein (see also Fig. 10(d)). However, it is also possible to employ a silicone rubber heater, a plate heater, a plug type heater, a sheathed heater, etc. Furthermore, in addition to the heater of the heat conduction type, the type of heater may be in a form of convection or radiation (radiation type), and is not limited to the heat conduction type. Also, the heater means may be configured to directly contact the metal plate 242 of the upper punching die 24, or by adding a member having good thermal conductivity, such as a heat transfer member of gold, silver, copper, aluminum, etc., to the metal plate 242, the heater means and the metal plate 242 may be configured to be indirectly in contact. For example, when the spread of the heater means is smaller than the size of the rectangular portion as the spread of the metal plate 242, the region where heat is transferred becomes only near the center, and the efficiency is not good. Therefore, by interposing a heat transfer member HTM having good thermal conductivity and a size not inferior to the spread of the metal plate 242 between the heater means and the metal plate 242, the area where heat is transferred can be effectively enlarged (see also Fig. 9(f)).

[0030] As shown in Fig. 8, the punching die 24 is provided with a chamfered rectangular metal plate 242 having a size and shape corresponding to the edge of the tray T. The metal plate 242 is composed of a convex portion 242a having a size corresponding to the edge of the tray T and a central portion 242b surrounded by the convex portions 242a. In this embodiment, a punching die 24A for a large tray with a tray size of 150 mm in width and 150 mm in depth, a punching die 24B for a medium tray with a tray size of 150 mm in width and 120 mm in depth, and a punching die 24C for a small tray with a tray size of 120 mm in width and 120 mm in depth are prepared (Fig. 8 shows the punching die 24B corresponding to the "medium" size tray). The metal plate 242 transfers the heat supplied from the heater means 241 disposed in the punching die folder 240 (see Fig. 7) to the film and performs top sealing. A cutting blade as film cutting means 244 for cutting the film is provided on the outer periphery of the chamfered rectangular metal plate 242. The punching die 24 main body, the metal plate 242, and the film cutting means 244 are urged downward with different urging forces with respect to the punching die folder 240 and are configured to be relatively movable independently in the vertical direction. When the tray T is brought into contact with the tray edge support portion 254 (see Figs. 11 and 18) of the lower die 25 at its edge and pushed upward, first, the lower die 25 contacts the peripheral bottom plate of the punching die 24, then the edge of the tray T contacts the metal plate 242a, and finally, the film pushed up by the tray T contacts the film cutting means 244. The punching die 24 is provided with three punching die holes 245 for detecting the size of the die, and one of these holes is filled according to the size. The unfilled holes become light-transmitting portions, and the filled holes function as light-shielding portions or reflecting portions. When attaching the upward extraction type 24 to the upward extraction type folder 240, after placing the notches 248 provided at the lower left and right ends of the upward extraction type 24 on the rails 2401 on the left and right inner surfaces of the upward extraction type folder 240, it can be easily loaded by performing a sliding operation (see also FIGS. 10(d) and 10(f)). Also, when removing the upward extraction type 24 from the upward extraction type folder 240, after pressing down the unlock lever 24L shown in FIG. 9 to release the lock, it can be easily removed by gripping the pull-out gripping portion 24G and performing a sliding operation to pull it out.

[0031] FIGS. 9 and 10 show the state where the upward extraction type is loaded in the upward extraction type folder and the state where the upward extraction type is not loaded in the upward extraction type folder. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the state where the upward extraction type is loaded in the upward extraction type folder. FIG. 9(a) is a top view, FIG. 9(b) is a front view, FIG. 9(c) is a bottom view, FIG. 9(d) is an upper perspective view, FIG. 9(e) is a right side view, and FIG. 9(f) is a conceptual diagram showing a heat transfer member. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state where the upward extraction type is not loaded in the upward extraction type folder. FIG. 10(a) is a top view, FIG. 10(b) is a front view, FIG. 10(c) is a bottom view, FIG. 10(d) is an upper perspective view, FIG. 10(e) is a right side view, and FIG. 10(f) is an enlarged view of part D in FIG. 10(d). Note that, unlike FIG. 8, FIG. 9 shows the state where the upward extraction type 24A corresponding to the "large" size tray is loaded. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 10(b), or by comparing FIG. 9(d) and FIG. 10(d), in the state where the upward extraction type 24 is loaded, as shown in FIGS. 9(b) and 9(d), the heater link 243 presses the heater means 241 downward. In contrast, in the state where the upward extraction type 24 is not loaded, as shown in FIGS. 10(b) and 10(d), since the heater means 241 is positioned upward by a biasing means (not shown), the heater link 243 also jumps upward along with it. FIG. 9(c) shows a state in which the metal plate 242 is composed of a convex portion 242a having a size corresponding to the edge of the tray T and a central portion 242b surrounded by the convex portion 242a. Further, FIG. 10(d) shows a state in which the heater means 241 is positioned upward by a biasing means (not shown), and a hole for inserting a cartridge heater can be seen. The metal plate 242 shown in FIG. 9(c) is greatly expanded vertically, horizontally, and diagonally in the figure, while the heater means 241 shown in FIG. 10(c) is not expanded so much, especially vertically. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9(f), a heat transfer member HTM having a good thermal conductivity and a size comparable to the expansion of the metal plate 242 is interposed between the heater means 241 and the metal plate 242 so as to effectively expand the area through which heat is transferred.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), the downward punching type 25 includes a gas inlet 251, a gas diffusion step portion 2510 continuous from the gas inlet 251, and an air outlet 252 for performing a gas replacement process (gas flush). Since the region including the gas inlet 251 and the gas diffusion step portion 2510 is covered with a cover, the gas inlet 251 and the gas diffusion step portion 2510 are drawn with a dashed line in FIG. 11(a). Since the gas diffusion step portion 2510 is triangular in top view, the gas is given diffusibility that easily spreads in the lateral direction of the tray, as indicated by the white arrows in the figure. In FIG. 18, F indicated by a dashed line is a film and at the same time indicates a film support surface. However, since a cover covering the gas diffusion step portion 2510 etc. is located at the left end of the dashed line, only this portion is drawn with a solid line. Also, in FIG. 18, as indicated by the white arrows, the gas is diffused by the gas diffusion step portion 2510, enters the tray T, is sent backward, and finally changes its direction downward and is discharged from the plurality of air outlets 252. Note that while the gas inlet 251 is arranged in the front (corresponding to the long side of the tray), the air outlet 252 is arranged in the rear (corresponding to the opposite long side of the tray), but it may be configured to be arranged on the side corresponding to the short side of the tray (either both left and right sides or one side). Also, while the air outlet 252 is configured to communicate downward, it may be configured to communicate rearward.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 11(a), the downward punching type 25 is provided with three downward punching type holes 253 for detecting the size of the mold, and one of these holes is filled according to the size. The unfilled holes become light-transmitting portions, and the filled holes function as light-shielding portions or reflecting portions. The tray T is lifted by supporting its edge portion by a tray edge support portion 254 provided inside the downward punching type 25. Note that the center of the downward punching type 25 penetrates vertically, and at this position, a container bottom surface support portion 26 is fixedly provided on the housing (see FIG. 19).

[0034] Using FIG. 12, the method of detaching the punch-out type will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the punch-out type is attached to and detached from the punch-out type folder. As shown in the figure, in a state where the punch-out type 25 is loaded in the punch-out type folder 250, hold the hole into which the tray inside the tray edge support portion 254 of the punch-out type 25 drops, that is, use the upper surface, the lower surface, and the inner surface, which are the peripheral portions, as gripping portions, and grip the gripping portions, whereby the punch-out type 25 can be easily attached to and detached from the punch-out type folder 250.

[0035] By the cooperation of the upward punch type 24, the upward punch type folder 240, and the downward punch type 25, the tray T is pushed up, a gas replacement process for extending the shelf life of the packaged product is performed, and then a packaging process is performed. This operation will be described. FIG. 19 is a side sectional view showing changes in the state when the downward punch type is pushed up with respect to the upward punch type. FIG. 19(a) shows a state in which the downward punch type 25 has risen slightly from the lowermost position, FIG. 19(b) shows a state in which the downward punch type 25 has risen greatly and is in contact with the film F to form a closed space, and FIG. 19(c) shows a state in which the downward punch type 25 continues to rise, comes into contact with the metal plate 242, and then further rises, and the film F is cut (punched out) by the film cutting means 244. For FIGS. 19(b) and 19(c), partial enlarged views of parts B and C are shown below, respectively.

[0036] The tray T conveyed from the metering means 1 by the infeed bar IB is initially supported at its bottom surface by the container bottom surface support portion 26. Subsequently, when the blanking die 25 ascends, the support of the bottom surface of the tray T by the container bottom surface support portion 26 is taken over by the support at the edge of the tray T by the tray edge support portion 254 of the blanking die 25, as shown in Fig. 19(a). Thereafter, when the blanking die 25 ascends to the position shown in Fig. 19(b), a closed space is formed by the blanking die 25 and the film F, and an inert gas for replacing the air existing in the space formed between the film F and the tray T is conveyed through the gas injection port 251 and the gas diffusion step portion 2510 and injected. Instead, the air is discharged from the air discharge port 252. By this, a gas replacement process (gas flush) for extending the shelf life of the packaged product is executed. Thereafter, the blanking die 25 continues to ascend, and the edge of the tray T comes into contact with the metal plate 242 of the punching die 24 (this state is not shown, and the blanking die 25 is positioned at the height position between Fig. 19(b) and Fig. 19(c)). In this state, while the top seal is being performed, or after the top seal is performed, the blanking die 25 continues to ascend further, and the excess length portion around the top-sealed film is cut by the film cutting means 244. From Fig. 19(c), it can be seen that the edge portions of the film F and the tray T are sandwiched between the metal plate 242 of the punching die 24 and the tray edge support portion 254 of the blanking die 25, and the cutting edge of the film cutting means 244 is positioned below. The operating mechanism in which the edge of the tray T first contacts the metal plate 242 and then contacts the film cutting means 244 is achieved because the downward biasing force of the metal plate 242 is set weaker than the biasing force of the film cutting means 244, and the metal plate 242 is configured to retract upward with respect to the film cutting means 244. Although not shown, when the blanking die 25 descends, the support of the edge of the tray T by the tray edge support portion 254 of the blanking die 25 is taken over by the support of the bottom surface of the tray T by the container bottom surface support portion 26, and thereafter, it is conveyed to the subsequent stage region 3 by the infeed bar IB.

[0037] (Regarding the conformity detection of the upper and lower blanking dies) As described above, in the embodiments of the present invention, three types of upper punching dies and lower punching dies are provided so as to be able to handle three types of trays T of different sizes, namely, "large", "medium", and "small". The upper punching die 24 can be replaced by inserting it directly from the right side surface of the side panel SP, and the lower punching die 25 can be replaced by inserting it from the right side surface of the side panel SP and then dropping it down. Here, the problem is whether the punching die of the correct size is loaded. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present invention, a device is provided to detect whether the correct upper punching die 24 and the correct lower punching die 25 are loaded. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper punching die 24 is provided with three upper punching die holes 245, and as shown in FIG. 11, the lower punching die 25 is provided with three lower punching die holes 253. One of these holes is filled according to the size. Light emitting elements are provided below the lower punching die 25 at portions corresponding to both ends of the three holes, and light receiving elements are provided above the upper punching die 24. A light emitting element is provided above the upper punching die 24 at the portion corresponding to the middle, and a light receiving element is provided below the lower punching die 25. Normally, two lights should be received. When the upper punching die 24 and the lower punching die 25 do not correspond, one of them will block the light, indicating that the upper and lower punching dies do not match, and this can be detected. On this premise, according to the position of the holes, the size of the loaded punching dies that are aligned vertically can also be detected and determined, and if necessary, it is configured to perform notification by notification means such as a display means, voice guidance, or communication to another external device.

[0038] In this embodiment, the reason for reversing the direction of light propagation between the parts corresponding to both ends and the part corresponding to the middle is to suppress the interference of adjacent light. However, if there is no risk of light interference, the directions of the three lights may be aligned. Also, the hole to be filled according to the size is one of the three, but two of them may be filled. However, filling one and detecting with two increases the possibility of being able to judge various different situations, so it is a desirable mode. Furthermore, instead of a combination of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, a reflection-type sensor may be used. In this case, the hole to be filled is not a light-shielding part but a reflecting part. Also, instead of a light sensor, other optical means, for example, an imaging element, may be used to capture the features of the upper and lower die-cutting patterns and perform determination by image analysis. In this case, even if the upper and lower dies are not aligned and in a mismatched state, it is possible to separately determine each of the upper and lower dies. According to this embodiment with such a configuration, a highly effective packaging device can be provided without stopping the line due to the incompatibility of the upper and lower die-cutting patterns.

[0039] As a mode of problem occurrence, other errors may occur other than the mismatch of the upper and lower die-cutting patterns. At the site during peak periods, other operations other than the packaging operation may interrupt and occur, forcing the operator to perform other operations, or a novice operator may operate, resulting in a mistake of forgetting to load the die-cutting pattern itself. And, despite forgetting to load it, there may be a case where the operator thinks that the replacement has been completed and tries to resume the operation. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, when both the upper and lower die-cutting patterns are not loaded, since light is not blocked for all three holes, the light emitted from the three light-emitting elements is detected by all three light-receiving elements. By judging the state where these three sensors are turned on as forgetting to load and notifying this, it is possible to prevent further operation mistakes due to forgetting to load the upper and lower die-cutting patterns.

[0040] As described above, the three holes can detect the misalignment between the upper and lower die sets and the omission of loading the upper and lower die sets. However, mistakes in another form may occur. When an interrupt operation occurs during the replacement operation, it is conceivable that a situation may occur where the upper die set has been replaced, but the lower die set has not been completely replaced and is not loaded, or vice versa. Another example of the conformity detection of the upper and lower die sets assuming such mistakes will be described.

[0041] FIG. 13 shows an example in which holes are provided at five different positions for the upper die set hole 245 and the lower die set hole 253. The points that three upper die set holes and lower die set holes are required for the coincidence determination, and the operating mechanism for determining coincidence when two sensors are turned on are the same as those in the example described above. In addition to this, in this other example, a lower die set non-loading determination hole is provided in the upper die set, and an upper die set non-loading determination hole is provided in the lower die set. By this, the control means of the packaging device can be configured to determine a state where the lower die set is not loaded or a state where the upper die set is not loaded. Of course, it is also possible to determine that both the upper and lower die sets are not loaded.

[0042] The operating mechanism of the determination will be described. Here, the circled numbers 2 to 4 (hereinafter shown as ○2 to ○4, etc.) are the upper die set holes for coincidence determination or the lower die set holes for coincidence determination. Also, ○1 is the lower die set non-loading determination hole, and ○5 is the upper die set non-loading determination hole. Note that the hole in the lower die set at the position facing the lower die set non-loading determination hole of the upper die set 24 is filled, but originally it may be configured not to have a hole drilled. The same applies to the hole in the upper die set at the position facing the upper die set non-loading determination hole of the lower die set 25.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 13(a), if the sensor output at the corresponding positions of 〇2 and 〇3 is on, it is determined that a large-sized blanking die is loaded. Also, as shown in Fig. 13(b), if the sensor output at the corresponding positions of 〇2 and 〇4 is on, it is determined that a medium-sized blanking die is loaded. Further, as shown in Fig. 13(c), if the sensor output at the corresponding positions of 〇3 and 〇4 is on, it is determined that a small-sized blanking die is loaded. Although not shown in the figure, if only one sensor output is on, it means that the sizes of the upper and lower blanking dies do not match. In contrast, if three sensor outputs are on, it means that neither the upper nor the lower blanking die is loaded. Note that the determination method of the separate example described so far has the same operating mechanism even in the example where only three holes are provided as described earlier.

[0044] If only one of the upper and lower blanking dies is forgotten to be loaded, it cannot be detected with only three sensors. However, with five sensors, it can be properly detected. That is, as can be understood from Fig. 13(d), when the sensor output of 〇1 is on, although the upper blanking die is loaded, the lower blanking die is not loaded. On the other hand, as can be understood from Fig. 13(e), when the sensor output of 〇5 is on, although the lower blanking die is loaded, the upper blanking die is not loaded. When neither the upper nor the lower blanking die is loaded, as described earlier, the sensor outputs of 〇2 to 〇4 are on. In addition to this, the sensor outputs of 〇1 and 〇5 are also on, meaning that all five sensor outputs are on.

[0045] In addition, in the case of an example with three holes and another example with five holes, the size information of the container associated with the product information is stored in an appropriate storage means, and it is possible to detect that the sizes of the determined upper and lower die-cutting forms are different from the size of the container associated with the called product information, and if necessary, it is configured to perform notification by a notification means. Conversely, as a control that does not call a product that does not correspond to the set die-cutting form, it may be possible to make the user notice that the die-cutting form does not fit by not being able to call the product.

[0046] Regarding the means for determining the conformity of the die-cutting form, it may not be an optical determination means, but may use another physical quantity, or may combine a means using holes and another detection means. For example, if a sensor (regardless of the method, such as a contact switch or an electromagnetic sensor) for detecting that the upper die-cutting form has been loaded is provided, the sensor of 〇5 shown in Fig. 13 can be omitted. In addition to this, more intelligent means using an imaging device or, conversely, primitive means may be adopted. For example, a configuration can be adopted in which the weight of the die-cutting form is measured and determined, or a mark or number is described on the die-cutting form so that the number of the die-cutting form can be visually confirmed. Regarding the confirmation mark, it may be composed of a strongly adhesive seal. Also, even if it uses an imaging device, it may be determined by reading a barcode displayed on the die-cutting form instead of the physical characteristics of the die-cutting form itself. However, in the case of using optical means or other physical quantities, if it is configured to provide a sensor that can identify which of the upper and lower die-cutting forms has been loaded, it becomes possible to determine which size of die-cutting form is loaded in the upper and lower die-cutting folders respectively, and the guidance on the display screen described later becomes advantageous. As specific examples of the sensor, a physical sensor corresponding to the size of each die-cutting form, a transmissive sensor, a camera means, etc. can be appropriately adopted.

[0047] (Regarding the determination timing of the loading state of the upper and lower die-cutting forms) In this embodiment, in consideration of the device characteristics of the packaging device, a device is provided to make the determination timing of the loading state of the upper and lower die sets effective. When changing the upper and lower die sets, the emergency stop button 8 is pressed once to stop the packaging machine, and then the die set or film is replaced. When the emergency stop button 8 is released after replacing the die set or the like, the type of the die set is determined, and an error notification is given if the upper and lower die sets are different. Further, when the power is turned on, the type of the currently set die set is determined and the set die set type is displayed, so that the currently set die set can always be confirmed. Furthermore, when replacing the die set, a cleaning notification is provided. Upon receiving the notification and performing an instruction operation for a cleaning command, a purge process is performed to keep the gas injection port of the die set clean. In addition, a gas detection sensor may be provided to enable inspection of whether gas injection is being performed properly, or the entire path to the injection port may be filled with gas through a trial operation.

[0048] While showing an example of the layout of the display screen, the determination timing of the loading state of the die (including the determination of whether the upper and lower dies are not loaded and the determination of whether the upper and lower dies match or not) will be specifically described. First, the display (notification) of the die when the power is turned on will be explained. When the device is not operating, first, when the power is turned on, an initial screen such as date and time confirmation is displayed, and the main menu shown in Fig. 15(a) is displayed. It is possible to select the "Packaging and Pricing Mode" for packaging and pricing, the "Packaging Mode" for only packaging, and the "Pricing Mode" for issuing only the pricing label without packaging. Here, an example of the screen immediately after the "Pricing Mode" is selected is shown. When the packaging operation and the button for the pricing mode for pricing are pressed, it shifts to a reset mode (not shown) and a reset operation is performed. During this reset operation, the determination of whether the upper and lower dies are not loaded and the determination of whether the upper and lower dies match or not are performed, and the determination result is displayed or notified. Note that the determination timing can be changed to any timing, such as during the initial operation or during the display of the main menu, not just during the reset operation. In particular, the packaging device is provided with storage means for storing the size information of the container associated with the product information. It is convenient to give a notification when the size of the loaded die is different from the size of the container associated with the called product information. However, for the call of product information, while checking the screen and displaying the next candidate or the next and next candidates several times and then determining the product, if a configuration is adopted to perform determination and notification every time a candidate is displayed at the stage before determination, it may be considered that the warnings are excessive. Therefore, it is desirable to configure it to perform determination and notification when the product is placed on the weighing means. Alternatively, it may be configured to perform determination and notification when the product is placed and the weight is detected. However, the mode of giving a notification every time the product information is called is not excluded. Fig. 14 is an example of the display of the determination result on the weighing screen, and its details will be described later.

[0049] On the other hand, during normal packaging operations (hereinafter referred to as "normal times"), when replacing the mold, it is necessary to wait for the mold to cool down. Also, if the determination is not made after the operation instructions for replacement are given, it will become meaningless. Therefore, the determination timing is naturally restricted. As described above, during normal times, by pressing the emergency stop button 8, the screen in Fig. 15(b) is displayed, the heating of the upper mold is stopped, and natural cooling is started. In addition, a cooling means may be provided to perform forced cooling. As shown in Fig. 15(b), on the guidance screen, it is displayed that the current mold is of a large size, as well as the temperature of the current mold, the appropriate replacement temperature, and the estimated time until the appropriate replacement temperature is reached. Also, regarding the display of the temperature of the current mold, the display mode may be changed to make it more prominent as long as the temperature does not reach the appropriate temperature. For example, while it is still necessary to wait for heating, a message such as "The temperature is 90°C. Please wait until it reaches 35°C" may be displayed in red, and when the appropriate temperature is reached, a message such as "Cooling is completed" may be displayed in green.

[0050] When the cooling is completed at the appropriate replacement temperature, the screen in Fig. 16(a) is displayed. On the guidance screen, it is displayed that the current mold is of a large size, and a message prompting the replacement by pressing the "Mold Replacement" button is displayed. When the "Mold Replacement" button is pressed, the packaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention executes control to loosen the film by rotating the film support shaft in the loosening direction or rotating the winding side in the loosening direction, making it easier to replace the mold. This is because the film and the upper mold 24 are very close, and there is a risk of the film being caught during the insertion and removal of the upper mold 24 (see Fig. 5). Thereafter, the operator performs the mold replacement operation, and after the operation is completed, presses a "Replacement Completed" button (not shown). At this timing, the determination of the loading state of the upper and lower molds is made.

[0051] If, as a result of the determination, the sizes of the upper and lower die punches match, for example, as shown in FIG. 16(b), on the guidance screen, it is displayed that both the upper die punch and the lower die punch are of medium size, and the "Start Heating" button is activated and displayed as being in a pressable state. Further, it may be configured such that heating is started together with the display of start heating without requiring a pressing operation. Furthermore, it may be controlled such that heating is not even displayed at the start, and heating start control is performed when the upper and lower die punches match, and heating is not started when they do not match.

[0052] On the other hand, if there is a problem with the loading state of the die punch as a result of the determination, an error is prominently displayed and the details of the error are also displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 17(a), along with the highlighted display of "Die Punch Matching Error", although the upper die punch is of large size, the lower die punch is of medium size, and it is displayed that there is a size mismatch. Then, the "Start Heating" button is not activated and is in a non-pressable state. As another example, for example, as shown in FIG. 17(b), along with the highlighted display of "Die Punch Matching Error", it is displayed that the upper die punch is not loaded. Then, the "Start Heating" button is not activated and is in a non-pressable state. Note that the display example here corresponds to a configuration in which a sensor capable of identifying which of the upper and lower die punches is loaded is provided. In the detection method using three holes or five holes, although a mismatch between the upper and lower dies can be determined, it is not possible to identify which die is loaded in each of the upper and lower dies. Nevertheless, the operator who sees the display of "Die Punch Matching Error" checks the actual loading situation, which is quite meaningful. Also, as a result of the determination of the loading state of the upper and lower die punches, if it is determined that there is a mismatch between the upper and lower die punches or that the upper and lower die punches have been forgotten to be loaded, it is configured such that the metering mode cannot be shifted until an exchange or the like is performed to bring it to an appropriate state, or until the heating temperature reaches the appropriate temperature.

[0053] (Display example of determination result on metering screen) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the determination result on the measurement screen. For the product name "Gauda Cheese", "Large (1)" is displayed in the "Tray Type Selection" item, and "Width 150 x Depth 150" is displayed in the tray size item. A skilled operator can recognize that there is a size error. Incidentally, "Medium (2)" is "Width 150 x Depth 120", and "Small (3)" is "Width 120 x Depth 120". Also, for an inexperienced operator, the display mode may be changed from the normal one to make it more prominent so that the size error can be easily recognized, or a message such as "Size error" may be displayed more directly. Furthermore, the error may be notified by voice. In addition, it is also displayed that the current "Packaging Mode" is the "Packaging with Value Mode" and the "Heat Seal Temperature" is "160°C". Regarding this temperature display, the display mode may be changed to make it more prominent as long as the temperature does not reach the appropriate temperature. For example, while it is still necessary to wait for heating, it can be displayed in red, and when the appropriate temperature is reached, it can be changed to green. Note that when the "Value Attachment Mode" is selected as the "Packaging Mode", since the packaging operation is not executed, the configuration is such that the matching or non-matching determination and notification of the die size associated with the called product and the loaded die size are not performed. Of course, it may also be configured to perform the determination and notification for the subsequent packaging operation.

[0054] (Regarding the gas replacement process) The gas replacement process for extending the shelf life of the packaged product is performed by replacing air with an inert gas. The inert gas is for extending the shelf life of food by adjusting the gas ratio of three types of gases: nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. Oxygen may seem unnecessary, but in fact, it is necessary to keep the meat red. As described above, with the structure of injecting gas from between the film and the container with the upper and lower die-cutting forms closed, the gas can be efficiently fed. That is, it is possible to shorten the gas injection time by injecting gas from the gas injection port 251 and discharging the air in the die-cutting form from the air discharge port 252. Also, since the gas injection port 251 is arranged on the metering means 1 side, gas can be injected from the same position even with die-cutting forms of different sizes. Furthermore, since the gas injection port 251 and the air discharge port 252 are provided in the film conveyance direction, the film can be surely covered without shifting left and right. Here, only one type of film is prepared so that it is not necessary to replace the film for each tray size. The same applies to the tray T. Since the width is all the same and only the depth size is different, the film can be used without waste. However, multiple types of heights may be prepared. Conventionally, when it comes to gas replacement packaging, most are of the type that injects gas into the bag during bag making. This embodiment has great significance in that it realizes an efficient gas replacement process at the top seal by injecting gas with the film sandwiched. Also, it may be configured so that vacuum packaging can be selected by discharging the air in the die-cutting form from the air discharge port 252 without injecting gas from the gas injection port 251. Furthermore, it may be configured so that normal packaging can be selected, that is, neither gas injection nor air discharge is performed.

[0055] The gas replacement time is configured to be automatically or manually changeable according to the sizes of the three types of trays T, namely, "large", "medium", and "small". Additionally, the gas replacement time may be configured to be changed according to the expiration date. On the console 6, the expiration date can be directly selected, or the expiration date recommended in the product information can be associated, and the gas replacement time can be automatically changed according to the selection of the product. Furthermore, a plurality of gas inlets, for example, three dedicated inlets for nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen respectively, may be provided, and the optimal gas ratio can be adjusted by setting or automatic control.

[0056] (Regarding another embodiment) The embodiments described so far have been for performing weighing, packaging, and labeling processes, but it may be configured to provide a dedicated packaging mode for performing only the packaging process. The dedicated packaging mode is suitable for fixed-quantity products that do not require weighing. Since it is not necessary to transfer to the subsequent area for labeling, in the dedicated packaging mode, after the packaging process, the infeed bar IB may be rotated reversely to discharge the tray to the front side. Alternatively, it may be configured as a dedicated device for performing only packaging. Even in that case, it is included in the scope of the technical idea of performing the gas replacement process for extending the expiration date of the packaged product and the packaging process by top sealing substantially simultaneously. Also, not only the correspondence in mode switching such as the dedicated packaging mode but also the device configuration itself being a device configuration specialized for packaging is included in the present invention. That is, without having configurations such as weighing means, the console therefor, and labeling means, these configurations may be configured as a dedicated device for performing only the packaging process by communicating with a separate device as a separate device.

[0057] In the described embodiment, the metering means was provided in the front stage of the packaging means 2. However, the metering function may be configured to be provided at the position of the container bottom support portion 26 (see FIG. 19) or in the subsequent stage region 3 (see FIG. 5). When the metering function is provided in the subsequent stage region 3, metering and label sticking will be performed after packaging. Also, since the object to be metered at this time is the weight including the tray weight, film weight, and gas weight, it is advisable to deduct these weights and print. When the metering function is imparted to the container bottom support portion 26 or the subsequent stage region 3, the region of the dashed line "1" shown in FIG. 4 is merely a placement region for carrying the object to be packaged into the apparatus.

[0058] It is also possible to provide the packaging means at the very front stage. That is, upper and lower die punches may be arranged in the region of the dashed line "1" shown in FIG. 4, and the tray may be directly placed on the lower die punch, and then metering and label sticking may be performed. The metering function at this time will be arranged at the container bottom support portion 26 and the subsequent stage region 3 described above. When adopting this configuration, it is preferable to provide a shutter at the front side portion of the very front stage and close the shutter immediately after the tray is placed to ensure safety.

[0059] The described embodiment was a mode of filling with an inert gas by gas flushing in which gas is sprayed to expel air, but it may also be a mode of gas replacement (in the narrow sense) in which gas is introduced after evacuating air. Although the injection time will be longer than that of gas flushing, it is advantageous in terms of the diffusibility of the gas and the gas reaching every corner. In this case, the air discharge port will initially be configured as a suction port for evacuating air. Also, in the described embodiment, the film is configured to be hung in the same direction as the metering means 1, the packaging means 2, and the subsequent stage region 3 are arranged vertically from the front to the back of the apparatus, and the lateral width size of the tray is set to be a single size. However, the film may be configured to be hung in a direction orthogonal to the metering means 1 and the packaging means 2 so that the lateral width direction of the tray can be changed for each tray size.

[0060] <Summary of Embodiments> [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a packaging apparatus that covers a tray on which an object to be packaged is placed with a film and heat-seals the film to the edge of the tray. [Background Art] As a conventional packaging apparatus, food, which is an object to be packaged, is placed on a weighing scale and then conveyed into a tray supplied on a conveyor, and a top seal is performed on a large number of trays by heat-sealing a film lid on the tray (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-515654 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the packaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1, other means such as weighing means are arranged so as to largely protrude along the production line outside the machine frame where the packaging means is arranged, and no attention is paid to space saving. On the other hand, when each means is centrally arranged for space saving, new problems such as difficulty in maintenance occur. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging apparatus that improves maintainability while achieving space saving by arranging a plurality of means related to packaging processing in one apparatus body. [Means for Solving the Problems] (1) As described above, one aspect of the present embodiment is a packaging apparatus 100 in which a plurality of types of upper punching dies 24 and lower punching dies 25 can be exchanged to seal a film to containers of a plurality of sizes containing contents, the packaging apparatus 100 including a weighing means 1 for weighing the weight of the container, a heater means 241 for heating the upper punching die 24, a packaging means 2 for moving the lower punching die 25 up and down with respect to the upper punching die 24 and sealing a film to the container weighed by the upper punching die 24 heated by receiving heat from the heater means 241, a conveying means (infeed bar IB) for conveying the weighed container from the weighing means 1 to the packaging means 2, a film holding means 211 for holding the film, and a surplus film winding means 212 for winding up the surplus film during packaging by the packaging means 2. The packaging means 2 is arranged continuously downstream in the conveying direction of the weighing means 1, and the upper punching die 24, the film holding means 211, and the surplus film winding means 212 are arranged above the region where the weighing means 1 and the packaging means 2 are arranged and can be detached and attached from the same direction during replacement. The packaging apparatus 100 is characterized by this. According to the above configuration, by arranging a plurality of means related to packaging processing in one apparatus main body, it is possible to provide a packaging apparatus that saves space, is easy to replace the film, and has improved maintainability.

[0061] (2) One aspect of the present embodiment is the packaging apparatus 100 described in (1), further including a lower punching die mounting means 250 for detachably holding the lower punching die 25 and a container bottom surface support portion 26 for supporting the bottom surface of the container. The lower punching die 25 has a container edge portion support means 254 and an opening that can be gripped by an operator. When the lower punching die 25 is located downward, the lower punching die 25 can be detached and attached by gripping the opening. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a packaging apparatus in which the punching die can be easily exchanged and the maintainability is further improved.

[0062] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is the packaging device 100 described in (1) or (2), which is provided with a cover SP that can cover and open / close the side surface of the device. By opening and closing the cover SP, the upper die, the lower die, the film holding means, and the surplus film winding means can be made detachable. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a packaging device that can be easily opened and closed by simply opening the cover, and the dies and the film can be easily replaced.

[0063] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is the packaging device 100 described in any one of (1) to (3), which includes transfer means (rear stage area 3) for transferring the container packaged by the packaging means. The transfer means (rear stage area 3) transfers the container in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and the detachment direction of the upper die 24, the lower die 25, the film holding means 211, and the surplus film winding means 212 is the same as the transfer direction of the transfer means (rear stage area 3). According to the above configuration, since the access directions when replacing various members can be aligned on the same side of the side surface, it is possible to further provide a packaging device with improved maintainability.

[0064] As described above, the packaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0065] 100 Packaging device 1 Measuring means 11 Shutter 2 Packaging means 21 Film hanging means 211 Film holding means 212 Surplus film winding means 24 Upper die 241 Heater means 242 Metal plate 243 Heater link 244 Film cutting means 245 Upper die hole 25 Draw-down type (gas replacement means) 250 Draw-down type folder (draw-down type mounting means) 251 Gas injection port 2510 Gas diffusion stage 252 Air discharge port 253 Draw-down type hole 254 Tray edge support part (container edge support means) 26 Container bottom surface support part 3 Rear stage area (transfer means) 4 First discharge table 5 Second discharge table 6 Console (display part) 7 Label affixing means 8 Emergency stop button IB In-feed bar (conveying means) HTM Heat transfer member T Tray R Roll film DR Dancer roller

Claims

1. A packaging device capable of replacing a plurality of types of upper and lower die in order to seal a film around a plurality of sizes of containers containing contents, comprising: A weighing means for weighing the container; A heater means for heating the upper die; a packaging means for vertically moving the lower die relative to the upper die and sealing a film in a container weighed by the upper die heated by the heater means; a conveying means for conveying weighed containers from the weighing means to the packaging means; a film holding means for holding the film; and a surplus film winding means for winding up the excess film when the packaging means wraps the film. The packaging means is disposed downstream of the weighing means in the conveying direction, The upper die, the film holding means, and the surplus film winding means are disposed above the area in which the weighing means and the packaging means are disposed, and are detachable from the same direction when replacing the film. A packaging device comprising:

2. A lower die mounting means for detachably holding the lower die and a container bottom support part for supporting a bottom surface of the container are provided, The lower die has a container edge support means and an opening that can be grasped by an operator, The lower die is detachable by being grasped by the opening when the lower die is positioned downward.

2. The packaging device according to claim 1.

3. A cover that covers the side of the device and can be opened and closed is provided, By opening and closing the cover, the upper die, the lower die, the film holding means, and the surplus film winding means can be attached and detached.

3. The packaging device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A transport means for transporting the containers packaged by the packaging means, The transport means transports the container in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, The attachment and detachment directions of the upper die, the lower die, the film holding means, and the surplus film winding means are the same as the transport direction of the transport means.

3. The packaging device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images