Packaging device

Abstract

To package a commodity product by automatically conveying the commodity product placed on a weighing part to a packaging part even when weight of the commodity product is less than minimum weight necessary for printing.SOLUTION: A packaging device 100 comprises: a weighing part 21; a packaging mechanism 30; and a control part 82, and packages a commodity product with a film. The weighing part 21 weighs the commodity product. The packaging mechanism 30 performs packaging by folding a peripheral part of the film into a bottom surface of the commodity product after covering the commodity product with the film. The control part 82 causes the packaging part to package a weighed commodity product when the calculation result is equal to or greater than the first weight in a first mode in which weighing by the weighing part 21 and packaging of the weighed commodity product by the packaging part 30 are performed. The control part 82 causes the packaging mechanism 30 to package a price-fixed commodity product when the calculation result is equal to or greater than the second weight in a second mode in which weighing by the weighing part 21 and packaging of the price-fixed commodity product by the packaging mechanism 30 are performed. The second weight is smaller than the first weight.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (JP 2019-156410 A), a packaging device is known that covers the upper side of a product with a film and folds the film under the product to package the product. In the device of Patent Document 1, the product is weighed, and when the weighing value stabilizes, conveyance by the conveying unit is started to convey the product loaded on the weighing unit to the packaging unit, and at the same time, the weighing value is output to the printing unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] As in the packaging device of Patent Document 1, it is preferable that the conveying section that conveys the products to the packaging section automatically starts conveying.

[0004] However, if the product weight is below the minimum weight that can be printed, the conveying unit cannot start conveying the product. Therefore, a weight is placed on the weighing unit to force the conveying unit to start conveying the product.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to automatically transport a product placed on a weighing unit to a packaging unit and package it, even if the product weight is less than the minimum weight required for printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A packaging device according to a first aspect is a packaging device that packages a product in film and includes a weighing unit, a packaging unit, and a control unit. The weighing unit weighs the product. The packaging unit covers the product in film and then folds the peripheral edge of the film onto the bottom of the product to package it. In a first mode, the control unit causes the weighing unit to weigh and package a first product, the price of which is calculated based on a weighing result from the weighing unit. In the first mode, the control unit causes the packaging unit to package the first product when the weighing result is equal to or greater than a first weight. In a second mode, the control unit causes the weighing unit to weigh and package a second product, the price of which is constant regardless of the weighing result from the weighing unit. In the second mode, the control unit causes the packaging unit to package the second product when the weighing result is equal to or greater than a second weight. The second weight is smaller than the first weight.

[0007] In the packaging device of the first aspect, even if the weighing result of the product is less than the first weight, the product placed on the weighing section can be packaged in the packaging section if the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight.

[0008] A packaging device according to a second aspect is the packaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the first weight is a minimum measurable amount determined by the accuracy class of the weighing unit.

[0009] In the packaging device of the second aspect, even if the weighing result of the product is less than the minimum measurement amount, if it is equal to or greater than the second weight, the product placed on the weighing section can be packaged in the packaging section.

[0010] A packaging device according to a third aspect is the packaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the second weight is a preset constant value.

[0011] The packaging device of the third aspect can use a preset constant value to package a fixed-price product whose weight is less than the minimum measurement amount in the packaging unit, where the product placed on the weighing unit can be packaged. This constant value is a value that allows the weighing unit itself to recognize that a product has been loaded on the weighing unit, even if the product is light in weight.

[0012] A packaging device according to a fourth aspect is the packaging device according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a conveying unit. The conveying unit conveys products from the weighing unit to the packaging unit. In the first mode, the control unit starts conveying the first product loaded on the weighing unit when the weighing result is equal to or greater than a first weight. In the second mode, the control unit starts conveying the second product loaded on the weighing unit when the weighing result is equal to or greater than a second weight.

[0013] In the packaging device of the fourth aspect, even if the weighing result of the product is less than the first weight, the conveying unit can start conveying the product placed on the weighing unit if the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight. Therefore, it is not necessary to place a weight on the weighing unit to start the conveying unit.

[0014] A packaging device according to a fifth aspect is the packaging device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a label printing unit, which prints predetermined information about the product on a label.

[0015] In the packaging device of the fifth aspect, it is possible to print predetermined information about the product on the label, whether it is a first product for which the weight and price are printed, or a second product for which the weight does not need to be printed.

[0016] A packaging device according to a sixth aspect is the packaging device according to the fifth aspect, wherein in the second mode, the control unit causes the label printing unit to print predetermined information about the product when the weighing result is equal to or greater than a second weight.

[0017] In the packaging device of the sixth aspect, even if the weighing result of the product is less than the first weight, which is the minimum weight required for printing, information about the product other than the weighing result can be printed on the label if it is equal to or greater than the second weight.

[0018] A packaging device according to a seventh aspect is the packaging device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, further comprising a label application unit, which applies a label to the product covered with the film.

[0019] In the packaging device of the seventh aspect, the label printed by the label printing unit can be attached to the product, regardless of whether or not the product weighing result is printed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the packaging device of the present invention, even if the weight of the product is less than the minimum weight required for printing, the product placed on the weighing unit can be automatically transported to the packaging unit and packaged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a packaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a packaging device 100. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen for a weighed product. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen for a fixed-price product. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a label for a weighed product. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a label for a fixed-price product. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a weighing unit of the packaging device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a packaging device 200 according to a modified example A. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a packaging device 300 according to a modified example B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiments described below are specific examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0023] (1) Overall structure FIG. 1 is an external view of a packaging device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the packaging device 100. The packaging device 100 packages products in film and issues labels to be attached to the packaged products. Information about the products is printed on the labels. The issued labels are attached to the products packaged by the packaging device 100 automatically by a label application machine or by an operator.

[0024] 1 and 2, the packaging device 100 mainly includes a weighing and carrying-in mechanism 20, a packaging mechanism 30, a label issuing unit 60, an operation unit 70, and a control device 80. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 80 controls the weighing and carrying-in mechanism 20, the packaging mechanism (packaging section) 30, the label issuing unit (label printer) 60, and the operation unit 70.

[0025] The weighing and carrying-in mechanism 20 has a conveying unit 22 that conveys the products into the packaging device 100, and a weighing unit 21 that weighs the products. The products whose weights have been measured by the weighing unit 21 of the weighing and carrying-in mechanism 20 are conveyed to the packaging mechanism 30 by the conveying unit 22. The products are, for example, food products placed in trays and containers.

[0026] The packaging mechanism 30 packages the products transported from the weighing and carrying-in mechanism 20 in film. The packaging mechanism 30 mainly comprises a packaging material holding unit 31, a folding mechanism 32, and a film sealing section 33. The packaging material holding unit 31 holds a film roll. The folding mechanism 32 folds the film unwound from the film roll onto the underside of the product to wrap the product in the film, and sends the packaged product to the film sealing section 33. The film sealing section 33 applies a heat seal to the film folded onto the underside of the product.

[0027] The operation unit 70 mainly has a touch panel 71 and input keys 72 for operating the packaging device 100. The touch panel 71 is formed integrally with a liquid crystal display. The touch panel 71 displays the operating status of the packaging device 100 and information about the products to be packaged by the packaging device 100. The packaging device 100 operates based on information input by the user of the packaging device 100 using the touch panel 71 and input keys 72.

[0028] The label issuing unit 60 issues labels to be attached to products packaged in film by the packaging mechanism 30.

[0029] (2) Weighing loading mechanism The weighing and carrying-in mechanism 20 mainly includes a weighing unit 21 and a conveying unit 22. The products include weighed products (first products) whose prices are calculated based on the weighing results of the weighing unit 21, and fixed-price products (second products) whose prices are constant regardless of the weighing results of the weighing unit 21.

[0030] (2-1)Measuring part The weighing unit 21 weighs the first product in the first mode, and weighs the second product in the second mode.

[0031] In the first mode, the weighing unit 21 weighs the weight of a product on the condition that the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than a first weight. The first weight is the minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy class of the weighing unit 21. The minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy class of the weighing unit 21 is the minimum weight required for printing on the weighed product. In the first mode, if the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 on the weighed product is equal to or greater than the first weight, i.e., the minimum measurement amount, product information on the weighed product can be printed.

[0032] Furthermore, the minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy grade of the weighing unit 21 is the minimum weight at which the product weight value can be printed on the label. In the first mode, if the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 for a weighed product is equal to or greater than the minimum weight, the product information printed on the label includes the product weight value.

[0033] The accuracy class of scales is defined by the Japanese Industrial Standards. The accuracy class of weighing unit 21 of packaging device 100 of this embodiment corresponds to Class 3 in the accuracy class classification of the Japanese Industrial Standards.

[0034] In the Japanese Industrial Standards, the verification scale interval (e) is the difference in the quantity of the state of a physical phenomenon represented by each scale mark, excluding adjacent actual scale intervals. The actual scale interval is the display of a quantity smaller than the scale interval (e). For example, in a digital display, the scale interval (e) is the value of the difference between two consecutive displays excluding the actual scale interval, and is expressed in units of mass. If the accuracy class of a scale is Class 3, the scale interval (e) is 0.1g≦e≦2g.

[0035] In addition, in the Japanese Industrial Standards, the number of verification scale intervals (n) is expressed by Equation 1. Formula 1:n=Max / e where n is the number of scale intervals Max: Capacity e: Scale interval

[0036] If the accuracy class of a scale is Class 3, the number of scale intervals (n=Max / e) is 100 at minimum and 10,000 at maximum.

[0037] Furthermore, in the Japanese Industrial Standards, when the accuracy class of a scale is Class 3, the minimum measurement amount is 20e≦Min. The minimum measurement amount of the measuring unit 21 of the packaging device 100 of this embodiment is "20 g".

[0038] In the second mode, the weighing unit 21 weighs the weight of a fixed-price item if the weight of the item is equal to or greater than a second weight.

[0039] The second weight is a preset constant value for fixed-price items. Therefore, when the weighing result by weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than the second weight, information about the fixed-price item can be printed.

[0040] The second weight is smaller than the first weight. In other words, the second weight is less than the minimum weight at which the product weight value can be printed on the label. Therefore, for fixed-price products, even if the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is less than the minimum weight, information about the product that does not include the product weight value is printed on the label as long as it is equal to or greater than the second weight. However, depending on the specifications, a lower limit weight may be printed on the label.

[0041] In this embodiment, the second weight is set to 10 g. The second weight is not limited to 10 g, and may be any weight that is smaller than the first weight.

[0042] In the second mode, high-priced items weighing 20 g or less are weighed as fixed-price items. The weighing in this case is not for calculating the price of the item as in the first mode, but for starting the conveying unit and transporting the item loaded on the weighing unit 21 to the packaging mechanism 30. In other words, in the second mode, the weighing unit 21 determines whether the weight of the item is stable, and if the weight is stable, the conveying unit 22 transports the item loaded on the weighing unit 21 to the packaging mechanism 30. However, if the weighing result is equal to or greater than the first weight, for example, even if the weight exceeds 20 g, the item may be transported to the packaging mechanism 30 as a fixed-price item if the price to be printed on the label is registered as a fixed amount.

[0043] (2-2) Conveyor The conveying section 22 conveys the products in a first mode or a second mode.

[0044] In the first mode, the conveying unit 22 conveys the weighed product from the weighing unit 21 to the packaging mechanism 30. In the first mode, the conveying unit 22 starts conveying the weighed product when the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than a first weight. In this embodiment, in the first mode, the conveying unit 22 starts conveying the weighed product when the weight of the weighed product is equal to or greater than 20 g.

[0045] In the second mode, the conveying unit 22 conveys fixed-price products from the weighing unit 21 to the packaging mechanism 30. In the second mode, the conveying unit 22 starts conveying the fixed-price products when the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than a second weight.

[0046] The second weight is smaller than the first weight. In other words, the second weight is less than the minimum weight at which the product's weight value can be printed on the label. In this embodiment, in the second mode, when the weight of the fixed-price product weighed by the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than 10 g, a command is given to the conveying unit 22 to start conveying the fixed-price product loaded on the weighing unit 21. Therefore, even if the product's weight is less than the minimum weight at which the product's weight value can be printed on the label, the fixed-price product can be automatically conveyed to the packaging mechanism 30.

[0047] (3) Label issuing unit The label issuing unit 60 mainly includes a label printing unit 61. The label printing unit 61 prints predetermined information about a product on a label in the first mode or the second mode.

[0048] In the first mode, the label printing unit 61 prints predetermined information about the weighed product, including the weight and price of the weighed product, on a label. That is, in this embodiment, in the first mode, when the weight of the weighed product is 20 g or more, the label printing unit 61 prints predetermined information about the weighed product, including the weight and price of the weighed product, on a label.

[0049] In the second mode, the label printing unit 61 prints predetermined information about the product, including the fixed price registered as a fixed-price product, on the label. That is, in the second mode, when the weight of the fixed-price product is 10 g or more, the predetermined information about the product is printed on the label. Therefore, even if the weighing result is less than 20 g, which is the minimum weight at which the weight value of the product can be printed on the label, the label printing unit 61 prints the predetermined information about the fixed-price product. The weighing result by the weighing unit 21 may not be included in this information.

[0050] (4) Control device As shown in Figure 2, the control device 80 is connected to the weighing and carrying-in mechanism 20, packaging mechanism 30, label issuing unit 60, and operation unit 70, and transmits and receives signals to and from each of these components. The control device 80 is mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and a hard disk drive. Note that a solid state drive may be used instead of the hard disk drive. The control device 80 has a storage unit 81 and a control unit 82, and the control unit 82 has the function of reading and executing programs.

[0051] (4-1) Storage section The storage unit 81 stores various programs and information necessary for controlling the packaging device 100. The storage unit 81 also stores information necessary for printing product information on labels. Specifically, the storage unit 81 has a product master storage area 81a, a format information storage area 81b, and a control parameter storage area 81c, which are linked to each other by call numbers.

[0052] (4-1-1) Product master storage area The product master storage area 81a stores basic information about products, such as basic information about measured products and basic information about fixed-price products.

[0053] Basic information about weighed products includes, for example, the call number, product name, product code, unit price, and ingredients. Basic information about fixed-price products includes the call number, fixed weight, and / or fixed price of the fixed-price product. This basic information also includes other information about the product, such as the barcode, calories, variety, and storage method.

[0054] In this embodiment, product information means basic information and all information associated with the basic information.

[0055] (4-1-2) Format information storage area The format information storage area 81b stores information (format information) related to the format to be referenced when printing product information on a label. The format information includes, for example, information related to the label size, the type of printing items, and the layout of the printing items.

[0056] (4-1-3) Control parameter storage area The control parameter storage area 81c stores control parameters for controlling the packaging mechanism 30. For example, the timing of film cutting according to the product size, the timing of the operation of folding the film around the product, etc. are stored as control parameters. The packaging mechanism 30 uses the control parameters to perform packaging operations according to the product size.

[0057] (4-2) Control Unit The control unit 82 reads and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 81. The control unit 82 has an interface unit 82a.

[0058] (4-2-1) Interface section The interface unit 82a receives various types of information input by a user of the packaging device 100 via the operation unit 70. The various types of information received by the interface unit 82a include, for example, a product call number. The information received by the interface unit 82a is temporarily stored in the memory unit 81.

[0059] Based on the call number received by interface unit 82a, control unit 82 reads out the control parameters for the corresponding product from parameter storage area 81c and transmits them to packaging mechanism 30 of packaging device 100. Based on the call number received by interface unit 82a, control unit 82 also retrieves product information for the corresponding product and format information associated with the product information. Based on the retrieved product information and format information, control unit 82 then generates image data to be printed on a label. Furthermore, if the retrieved product information is for a weighed product, control unit 82 calculates the price based on the weight when the weighing value from weighing unit 21 stabilizes, and converts the calculated price and weight into image data to output to label printing unit 61.

[0060] If the control unit 82 determines from the retrieved product information that the product is a fixed-price product, it sets the mode to the second mode, and when the weight of the fixed-price product is equal to or greater than the second weight, it outputs two-dimensionally expanded image data to the label printing unit 61.

[0061] (4-2-2) Mode selection section If the retrieved product information includes fixed price information, the mode selection unit 82b selects the second mode for fixed price products, and if the retrieved product information does not include fixed price information, the mode selection unit 82b selects the first mode.

[0062] In the first mode, the control unit 82 controls the weighing unit 21 to weigh the weighed product and the packaging mechanism 30 to package the weighed product.

[0063] In the first mode, if the weight acquired by the weighing unit 21 remains stable for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 82 determines that the weighing is stable, calculates the price based on the weighing result (net weight) when stable, and causes the conveying unit 22 to start conveying the weighed product and the packaging mechanism 30 to package it. In this embodiment, if the net weight when it determines that the weighing is stable is 20 g or more, the control unit 82 causes the conveying unit 22 to start conveying the weighed product and causes the packaging unit 30 to package it.

[0064] In addition, in the second mode, when the control unit 82 determines that the weighing of the fixed-price product by the weighing unit 21 has stabilized, the control unit 82 causes the fixed-price product to be transported to the packaging unit and the packaging unit 30 to package it.

[0065] In this embodiment, in the second mode, when the weighing result (net weight) when it is determined that weighing is stable is 10 g or more, the control unit 82 causes the conveying unit 22 to start conveying the fixed-price product and causes the packaging mechanism 30 to package it.

[0066] (5) Preview screen The preview screen is displayed on the touch panel 71 of the operation unit 70. The preview screen is a screen related to the product information to be printed on the label. The preview screen is generated based on the product label printing information retrieved from the product master storage area 81a for the product to be processed.

[0067] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen for a weighed product. The preview screen for a weighed product includes information such as a call number, product name, net weight, price, unit price, processing date, and expiration date. In this embodiment, a case where the weighed product is "tomato" will be described.

[0068] The call number is a call number for reading out product information from the product master storage area 81a. In Fig. 3, "2" written in the column below the call number is the call number for the product "tomato."

[0069] The product name is the name of the product. In Figure 3, "Tomato" is displayed.

[0070] The net weight is the net weight of the product obtained by subtracting the tare weight from the weighing result of the weighing unit 21. In Fig. 3, "419g" is the net weight.

[0071] The unit price is the price per 100g of the product. In Figure 3, "198 yen" is the unit price.

[0072] The price is calculated from the unit price and the net weight calculated by subtracting the tare weight. In Figure 3, the price is "829 yen."

[0073] The processing date is the date when the label was issued, read from the internal clock. In Figure 3, "January 7, 2022" is the processing date.

[0074] The expiration date is the expiration date of the product obtained by adding the number of days to consume retrieved from the product master storage area 81a to the processing date. In Figure 3, "January 8, 2022" is the expiration date.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen for a fixed-price product. The preview screen for a fixed-price product includes information such as a call number, product name, fixed weight, fixed price, processing date, and expiration date. In this embodiment, a case where the fixed-price product is a "shiso" (perilla leaf) is described. The fixed-price product is not limited to a "shiso" (perilla leaf), but may also be kinome (young Japanese pepper leaves), takano chili (chili pepper), etc. For example, kinome (perilla leaf), takano chili, and takano chili are all placed in a transparent tray and packed in film, with a content of 20 g or less, but may also exceed 20 g.

[0076] In FIG. 4, the call number is set to "1."

[0077] The product name shown in Figure 4 is "Oba."

[0078] The fixed weight is not necessary for items such as shiso leaves, but even for fixed-price items, if upper and lower limits are set for the content volume, this field displays the lower limit weight. Therefore, if the weight is not printed on the label, the fixed weight field will be blank.

[0079] The fixed price is the price of the product that has been registered in advance. The fixed price is constant regardless of the weight of the product. In Figure 4, "98 yen" is displayed.

[0080] In FIG. 4, the processing date is displayed as "January 7, 2022," and the expiration date is displayed as "January 8, 2022."

[0081] (6) Label FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a label for a weighed product.

[0082] In the example shown in Figure 5, the label for the weighed product contains the call number "2," the product name "Tomato," the net weight "419g," the unit price "198 yen," the price "829 yen," the processing date "January 7, 2022," and the expiration date "January 8, 2022."

[0083] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a label for a fixed-price product.

[0084] In the example of Fig. 6, the label of the fixed-price product has the call number "1," the product name "Shiso," the fixed price "98 yen," the processing date "January 7, 2022," and the expiration date "January 8, 2022." As shown in Fig. 6, the weight of the product measured by weighing unit 21 is not printed on the label of the fixed-price product.

[0085] (7) Operation of packaging equipment Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the weighing unit 21 of the packaging device 100. In Fig. 7, an example will be described in which the target product is a fixed-price product called "shiso (perilla)."

[0086] In step S11, the user of the packaging device 100 inputs a call number via the operation unit 70. In step S11, the call number may be input using the input keys 72, or a list of products may be displayed on the touch panel 71 and the product may be called by specifying the relevant product name from the list. In this embodiment, the user selects a product by inputting the call number. For example, in this embodiment, the user inputs "1" as the "call number." Then, the process proceeds to the next step S12.

[0087] In the next step S12, the control unit 82 reads product information corresponding to the product with the call number selected in step S11 from the product master storage area 81a of the storage unit 81. In this embodiment, the control unit 82 reads product information with a "call number" of "1" from the storage unit 81. Specifically, the control unit 82 reads "Perilla Leaf" as the "Product Name" and "98 yen" as the Fixed Price. The control unit 82 also reads the printing date (processing date) of "January 7, 2022" from the internal clock, and adds the number of days to the expiration date registered in the product master to calculate an expiration date of, for example, "January 8, 2022." Once this basic printing information is collected, the information, excluding undetermined weight, price, etc., is expanded into image data, and then the process proceeds to step S13.

[0088] In step S13, the user of packaging device 100 places the product with the call number selected in step S11 on weighing unit 21. Weighing unit 21 weighs the product placed on weighing unit 21. In this embodiment, the shiso leaves are placed on a tray and then on weighing unit 21, so weighing unit 21 outputs the weight of the entire shiso leaves, including the tray, as the weighed value. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0089] In step S14, the control unit 82 receives the weighing value output by the weighing unit 21. The control unit 82 subtracts the tare weight of the tray or the like from the input weighing value to determine the net weight of the "shiso" leaves. Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0090] In step S15, the control unit 82 determines whether the product with the call number selected in step S11 is a weighed product based on whether fixed price information is included in the product information read in step S12. If fixed price information is not included in the product information read in step S12 and the product with the call number selected in step S11 is a weighed product (Yes in step S15), the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if fixed price information is included in the product information read in step S12 and the product with the call number selected in step S11 is a fixed price product (No in step S15), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0091] In step S16, the control unit 82 determines whether the calculated net weight (hereinafter referred to as "weight") is 20 g or more. If the net weight is 20 g or more (Yes in step S16), the process proceeds to step S18, and if the net weight is less than 20 g (No in step S16), the process returns to step S14. The reason for returning to step S14 is that the weight is insufficient, so the process waits for an item to be added to the tray.

[0092] In this embodiment, the product read in step S12 is the fixed-price product "Perilla Leaf" (No in step S15), so the process proceeds to step S17.

[0093] In step S17, the control unit 82 determines whether the net weight of the fixed-price product calculated by tare is 10 g or more. If the net weight of the fixed-price product is 10 g or more (Yes in step S17), the process proceeds to step S19. If the net weight is not 10 g or more (No in step S17), the process returns to step S14.

[0094] In step S17, if it is determined that the net weight of the fixed-price product "shiso" is 10 g or more (Yes in step S17), the process proceeds to step S19.

[0095] In step S18, the control unit 82 adds up the net weight of the weighed product and the unit price to calculate the price of the weighed product. The price calculated in step S18 and the net weight at that time are converted into image data as print information. Then, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0096] In step S19, when the weight of the product loaded on weighing unit 21 has stabilized for a predetermined time, control unit 82 determines that the weighing has stabilized and causes conveying unit 22 to start conveying the product. As a result, the product loaded on weighing unit 21 is conveyed by conveying unit 22 to packaging mechanism 30, where it is packaged (not shown).

[0097] Similarly, in the case of "shio leaf," a fixed-price product, once the weighing value of weighing unit 21 stabilizes, the "shio leaf" is transported to packaging mechanism 30. The "shio leaf" transported to packaging mechanism 30 by conveying unit 22 is packaged by packaging mechanism 30.

[0098] In step S20, if the product is a weighed product (Yes in step S15), the control unit 82 adds the weight determined by stable weighing and the calculated price to the image data, and outputs the completed image data to the label printing unit 61 (printer). Also, if the product is a fixed-price product (No in step S15), the control unit 82 outputs image data including the fixed price to the label printing unit 61. As a result, the fixed price information, excluding the weight, is printed on the label of the fixed-price product.

[0099] The label printing unit 61 prints on a label based on the image data output from the control unit 82 in step S20 (not shown). In this embodiment, the label for the "Perilla" product selected in step S11 and having a "Call No." of "1" has the call no. "1," the product name "Perilla," the fixed price "98 yen," the processing date "January 7, 2022," and the expiration date "January 8, 2022" printed on it, as shown in FIG. 6, but the weight of the product is not printed on it.

[0100] (8) Features (8-1) The packaging device 100 of the above embodiment is a packaging device 100 that packages products in film and includes a weighing unit 21, a packaging mechanism 30, and a control unit 82. The weighing unit 21 weighs the products. The packaging mechanism 30 covers the products with film and then folds the peripheral edge of the film over the bottom of the products to package them. In a first mode, the control unit 82 causes the weighing unit 21 to weigh the weighed products and the packaging mechanism 30 to package them. In the first mode, when the weighing result is equal to or greater than a first weight, the control unit 82 causes the packaging mechanism 30 to package the weighed products. In a second mode, the control unit 82 causes the weighing unit 21 to weigh fixed-price products and the packaging mechanism 30 to package them. In the second mode, when the weighing result is equal to or greater than a second weight, the control unit 82 causes the packaging mechanism 30 to package the fixed-price products. The second weight is smaller than the first weight.

[0101] In conventional packaging devices, if the minimum weight required for printing is, for example, 20 g, it has not been possible to automatically transport products weighing less than 20 g from the weighing unit to the packaging unit.

[0102] Recently, however, high-priced items are sometimes packaged at a weight less than the 20g minimum required for printing and sold as fixed-price items. For example, shiso leaves (perilla leaves) are sometimes packaged and sold as fixed-price items. Until now, if the weight of a product was less than the minimum required for printing, the weighing unit would determine that there was a shortage of product and would not automatically transport the product loaded on the weighing unit to the packaging unit. Therefore, until now, by loading a weight onto the weighing unit, even a light fixed-price item would be forcibly transported to the packaging unit.

[0103] In this packaging device 100, when the control unit 82 is in the second mode, if the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than the second weight, it automatically transports the product loaded on the weighing unit to the packaging mechanism 30, and has the packaging mechanism 30 package the fixed-price product.Therefore, even if the weighing result of the fixed-price product is less than the first weight of "20g," if it is equal to or greater than the second weight of "10g," the fixed-price product loaded on the weighing unit 21 can be transported and packaged in the packaging unit.

[0104] This packaging device 100 can automatically package fixed-price items weighing less than 20g, and can package more efficiently than manual packaging, improving the user's work efficiency and the neatness of the packaging. It can also reduce the user's effort when producing high-value items in small quantities.

[0105] (8-2) In the packaging device 100 of the above embodiment, the first weight is the minimum measurable amount determined by the accuracy grade of the weighing unit 21.

[0106] In this packaging device 100, the first weight is the minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy class of the weighing unit 21, and therefore, when packaging weighed products whose prices are calculated based on the weighing results, the minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy class of the weighing unit 21 can be used as a condition for packaging the weighed products. In this packaging device 100, an appropriate minimum measurement amount of the weighing unit 21 can be used in accordance with the accuracy class of the scale determined by the Japanese Industrial Standards.

[0107] (8-3) In the packaging device 100 of the above embodiment, the second weight is a preset constant value that is smaller than the first weight.

[0108] In this packaging device 100, the second weight is a preset constant value, so when packaging a small-weight fixed-price item, the preset constant value can be used as a condition for packaging the fixed-price item.

[0109] Some fixed-price items weigh more than 20g, but with this packaging device 100, even lightweight items weighing less than 20g, such as shiso leaves, leaf buds, and hawk's eye chilies, can be packaged in the same way as fixed-price items weighing more than 20g. Therefore, the second weight is preset to a value smaller than the first weight. This allows fixed-price items to be packaged automatically regardless of the item, thereby reducing the effort required for the user of packaging device 100 to set the second weight.

[0110] (8-4) The packaging device 100 of the above embodiment further includes a conveying unit 22. The conveying unit 22 automatically conveys products from the weighing unit 21 to the packaging unit 30. In the first mode, the control unit 82 causes the conveying unit 22 to start conveying the weighed products when the weighing result of the weighing unit is equal to or greater than a first weight. In the second mode, the control unit 82 causes the conveying unit 22 to start conveying the fixed-price products when the weighing result of the weighing unit is equal to or greater than a second weight.

[0111] Previously, if the product weight was less than the minimum weight required for printing, the conveyance unit could not start conveying the product. Therefore, for fixed-price products that were less than the minimum weight, a weight separate from the product was placed on the weighing unit to force the conveyance unit to start conveying the product.

[0112] In this packaging device 100, the control unit 82 is configured to start conveying the fixed-price product by the conveying unit 22 when the weighing result of the weighing unit is equal to or greater than the second weight in the second mode, so that even if the weighing result of the product is less than the first weight, if it is equal to or greater than the second weight, the conveying unit 22 can automatically start conveying.

[0113] (8-5) The packaging device 100 of the above embodiment further includes a label printing unit 61. The label printing unit 61 prints predetermined information about the product on a label.

[0114] This packaging device 100 is further provided with a label printing unit 61, so that predetermined information about the product can be printed on the label regardless of whether the product weighing result is the minimum weight required for printing.

[0115] (8-6) In the packaging device 100 of the above embodiment, in the second mode, the control unit 82 can print predetermined information about the product on the label even if the weighing result of the weighing unit is less than the first weight.

[0116] In other words, when packaging a fixed-price item, even if the weighing result of the item is less than the first weight, which is the minimum weight required for printing, if it is equal to or greater than the second weight, information about the item other than the weight value can be printed on the label.

[0117] (9) Variations Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0118] (9-1) Variation A In the above embodiment, the packaging device 100 includes the label issuing unit 60. However, the packaging device may not include the label issuing unit 60.

[0119] Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a packaging device 200 of Modification A. Since the configuration is the same as Fig. 2 except that the label issuing unit 60 is not provided, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] 8, the packaging device 200 of modification A does not include a label issuing unit 60. In the packaging device 200, the control unit 82 causes the packaging mechanism 30 to package fixed-price products when the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than the second weight in the second mode.

[0121] In the packaging device 200 of Modification A, as in the case where the label issuing unit 60 is provided, even if the weighing result of the fixed-price product is less than the first weight, if it is equal to or greater than the second weight, the packaging device 200 can package the fixed-price product placed on the weighing unit 21. This allows the packaging device 200 to automatically package lightweight fixed-price products.

[0122] (9-2) Variation B In the above embodiment, the user of the packaging device 100 affixes the label issued by the packaging device 100 to the product packaged by the packaging device 100. However, the packaging device may also be provided with a label application unit.

[0123] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a packaging device 300 of Modification B. The configuration other than the label issuing unit 60a is the same as in Fig. 2, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0124] The label issuing unit 60a has a label printing unit 61 and a label sticking unit 62. The label sticking unit 62 receives the label issued by the label printing unit 61 and sticks it to a product covered with a film.

[0125] In the packaging device 300 of the modified example B, the label printed by the label printing unit 61 can be attached to the product regardless of whether the weighing result of the product is the minimum weight required for printing.

[0126] (9-3) Variation C In the above embodiment, the packaging mechanism 30 was described as packaging the fixed-price product "shiso" in film using a tray, but depending on the product, it may be possible to package the product directly in film without using a tray. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 100, 200, 300 packaging equipment 20 Measuring and conveying mechanism 21 Measuring part 22 Conveyor 30 Packaging mechanism (packaging department) 60, 60a Label issuing unit 61 Label printing section 62 Label attachment section 70 Operation Unit 80 Control device 81 Storage section 82 Control Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0128] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-156410

Claims

1. A packaging device for packaging products in film, a weighing unit that weighs the product; a packaging unit that covers the product with the film and then folds the peripheral portion of the film onto the bottom of the product to package it; A control unit; Equipped with The control unit In a first mode in which a first product, the price of which is calculated based on the weighing result of the weighing unit, is weighed by the weighing unit and packaged by the packaging unit, when the weighing result is equal to or greater than a first weight, the packaging unit packages the first product; In a second mode in which a second product, the price of which is constant regardless of the weighing result of the weighing unit, is weighed by the weighing unit and packaged by the packaging unit, when the weighing result is equal to or greater than a second weight, the packaging unit packages the second product; the second weight is less than the first weight; packaging equipment.

2. The first weight is the minimum measurable amount defined by the accuracy class of the measuring unit. The packaging device of claim 1 .

3. The second weight is a predetermined constant value. The packaging device of claim 1 .

4. a conveying unit that conveys the product from the weighing unit to the packaging unit; Furthermore, The control unit In the first mode, when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the first weight, the conveying unit starts conveying the first product; In the second mode, when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight, the conveying unit starts conveying the second product.

4. The packaging device according to claim 1.

5. a label printing unit that prints predetermined information about the product on a label; Further provided with 5. The packaging device according to claim 1.

6. In the second mode, the control unit causes the label printing unit to print predetermined information about the product when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight.

6. The packaging device of claim 5.

7. a labeling section that attaches the label to the product covered with the film; Further provided with 7. The packaging device according to claim 5 or 6.

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