Bag processing method and bag processing device

Abstract

To provide a bag processing apparatus and a bag processing method which are advantageous for dropping a bag in a desired posture.SOLUTION: A bag processing method includes the steps of: moving a bag B while being held by a first bag holding unit 11 and arranging it at a release position P1; holding the bag B by a second bag holding unit 12 in a state where the bag B arranged at the release position P1 is held by the first holding unit 11; releasing the first bag holding unit 11 from the holding of the bag B in a state where the bag B arranged at the release position P1 is held by the second bag holding unit 12, and moving it to a retreat position that does not overlap with the bag B in a height direction; and releasing the second bag holding unit 12 from the holding of the bag B in a state where the first bag holding unit 11 is positioned at the retreat position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bag processing method and a bag processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the shapes of the bag body and the shapes of the spouts attached to the bag body have become more diverse (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-287805 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-292002 [Patent Document 3] Jitsuhei 5-28169 Publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the spout has a shape that protrudes laterally beyond the bag body, the gripper holding the side edge of the bag may come into unintentional contact with the spout. For example, when the bag is released from the gripper and allowed to fall naturally, the spout may come into contact with the gripper, causing the bag to change its posture from its intended state.

[0005] Furthermore, not only the spout but also the bag body may come into unintentional contact with the gripper. For example, if the bag body has an irregular shape or is locally thick, when the bag is released from the gripper and allowed to fall naturally, the protruding or thickened parts of the bag body may come into contact with the gripper, causing the bag to change its posture from its intended state.

[0006] If the bag position changes from the intended position, various problems may occur in subsequent stages, such as the bag not being picked up properly or not being packed in the correct position.

[0007] When a movable processing section that processes the bag (for example, sealing or cooling) holds the bag by clamping it, the bag may eventually be released by the movable processing section, causing the bag to fall naturally. In this case, a similar situation to that described above may occur. That is, when the bag is released from the movable processing section and allowed to fall naturally, the spout or the bag body may come into contact with the movable processing section, causing the bag's posture to change from its intended state.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an advantageous device and method for dropping a bag in a desired orientation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag processing method including the steps of: moving a bag while holding it with a first bag holding part and placing it in a discharge position; holding the bag with a second bag holding part while the first bag holding part is holding the bag that is placed in the discharge position; releasing the first bag holding part from holding the bag while the second bag holding part is holding the bag that is placed in the discharge position and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in the vertical direction; and releasing the second bag holding part from holding the bag while the first bag holding part is positioned in the retracted position.

[0010] The bag processing method may include the steps of placing a movable processing unit that seals or cools the bag at a processing position, and clamping the bag that is positioned at the release position with the movable processing unit, and moving the movable processing unit from the processing position to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in the vertical direction while the bag that is positioned at the release position is held by a second bag holding unit.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag processing method including the steps of: moving a bag while holding it with a first bag holding part and placing it in a discharge position; holding the bag with a movable processing part that seals or cools the bag while the first bag holding part is holding the bag placed in the discharge position; releasing the first bag holding part from holding the bag while the movable processing part is holding the bag placed in the discharge position and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in the vertical direction; holding the bag with a second bag holding part while the movable processing part is holding the bag placed in the discharge position; releasing the movable processing part from holding the bag while the second bag holding part is holding the bag placed in the discharge position and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in the vertical direction; and releasing the second bag holding part from holding the bag while the first bag holding part is positioned in the retracted position and the movable processing part is positioned in the retracted position.

[0012] The first bag holding portion may hold a first holding location of the bag placed in the discharge position, and the second bag holding portion may hold a second holding location of the bag placed in the discharge position that is located above the first holding location.

[0013] The bag may have a bag body and a spout attached to the bag body, and the second bag holding portion may hold the bag by supporting the spout so as to sandwich it.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag processing device that includes movable first and second bag holding portions that are configured to be able to hold and release bags, wherein the first bag holding portion holds and moves the bag to place it in a discharge position, the second bag holding portion holds the bag while the first bag holding portion is holding the bag that is placed in the discharge position, the first bag holding portion releases the bag while the second bag holding portion is holding the bag that is placed in the discharge position, and moves it to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in the vertical direction, and the second bag holding portion releases the bag while the first bag holding portion is positioned in the retracted position.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag processing device comprising movable first and second bag holding units configured to be able to hold and release bags, and a movable movable processing unit configured to be able to hold and release bags and seal or cool the bags, wherein the first bag holding unit holds and moves the bag to a discharge position, the movable processing unit holds the bag while the first bag holding unit is holding the bag positioned in the discharge position, the first bag holding unit releases the bag while the movable processing unit is holding the bag positioned in the discharge position, and moves to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in the vertical direction, the second bag holding unit holds the bag while the movable processing unit is holding the bag positioned in the discharge position, the movable processing unit releases the bag while the second bag holding unit is holding the bag positioned in the discharge position, and moves to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in the vertical direction, and the second bag holding unit releases the bag while the first bag holding unit is positioned in the retracted position and the movable processing unit is positioned in the retracted position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The present disclosure is advantageous in that the bag can be dropped in a desired position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a bag processing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a bag processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view showing an example of a bag processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of a control configuration for the bag processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the bag processing device showing an example of bag discharge processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the bag processing device showing an example of bag discharge processing. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the bag processing device showing an example of the bag discharge process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the bag processing device showing an example of the bag discharge process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the bag processing device showing an example of the bag discharge process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the bag processing device showing an example of the bag discharge process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Fig. 1 is a front view showing an example of bag processing apparatus 10. Fig. 2 is a side view showing an example of bag processing apparatus 10. Fig. 3 is a top view showing an example of bag processing apparatus 10.

[0019] 1 to 3 cools bags B (particularly the heat-sealed portion) at a discharge position P1, and then discharges the bags B. The bags B have a bag body B1 and a spout B2 attached to the bag body B1 (particularly the inner wall surface).

[0020] The bag body B1 has a front body portion B11 and a back body portion B12. When the bag B is supplied to the bag processing device 10 (particularly, the first bag holding unit 11), the front body portion B11 and the back body portion B12 are pre-sealed and secured together at both side edges and the bottom edge (the left and right edges and the bottom edge in FIG. 1) (see "sealed portion B3" in FIGS. 1 to 3), but are not sealed and secured together at the rim (the upper edge in FIG. 1). Therefore, the bag B is delivered to the bag processing device 10 (particularly, the first bag holding unit 11) with both side edges and the bottom edge closed and the rim open. When the bag B is supplied to the bag processing device 10, it may or may not contain contents inside the bag B. Furthermore, when the bag B is released from the release position P1, it may or may not contain contents inside the bag B.

[0021] The side of bag B refers to the direction from one side edge to the other side edge, which coincides with the width direction of bag B (left-right direction in Figure 1). The thickness direction of bag B refers to the direction from one of the front body portion B11 and the back body portion B12 to the other (front and depth directions in Figure 1). The up-down direction of bag B refers to the direction from one of the mouth edge and bottom edge to the other (up-down direction in Figure 1). The height direction coincides with the vertical direction in which gravity acts.

[0022] The spout B2 has a spout flow path B21 formed as a through-hole. One end of the spout flow path B21 opens at the end of the spout located outside the bag body B1 (i.e., the spout tip B22), and the other end opens at the inside of the bag body B1 (i.e., the inner region defined by the front body portion B11 and the back body portion B12). Therefore, the inside and outside of the bag B are connected via the spout flow path B21.

[0023] At a stage before discharge position P1 (for example, in the processing station immediately before), bag B undergoes heat sealing processing, and the front body portion B11 and the back body portion B12 are heat-bonded to each other and to the spout B2 at their rims. Bag B then moves to discharge position P1 together with first bag holder 11, where it is cooled by movable processor 13, cooling the rims (particularly the heat-sealed portion) of bag B. This increases the bonding strength at the rims of bag B (i.e., the bonding strength between front body portion B11 and back body portion B12, and the bonding strength of bag body B1 to spout B2), and improves bonding stability.

[0024] As is clear from Figure 1, the spout B2 of the bag B used in this embodiment has an asymmetrical shape and extends laterally outside the bag body B1, with the spout tip B22 protruding laterally beyond one side edge of the bag B (the left edge in Figure 1). Specifically, the spout tip B22 overlaps in the height direction (the up-down direction of the bag B) with one of the first bag holding parts 11 holding the bag B (the first bag holding part 11 on the left side in Figure 1). In other words, the height projection of the spout B2 partially overlaps with the height projection of one of the first bag holding parts 11 holding the bag B.

[0025] 1 to 3, bag processing device 10 includes first bag holding section 11, second bag holding section 12, and movable processing section 13. Each of first bag holding section 11, second bag holding section 12, and movable processing section 13 is provided to be movable so as to be able to hold and release bags B arranged at release position P1.

[0026] 1 to 3 are provided in the form of a pair of grippers, and each first bag holding portion 11 (i.e., each gripper) has a front holding portion 11a and a back holding portion 11b that are provided so as to be able to open and close. The front holding portion 11a and the back holding portion 11b sandwich both sides of the bag B (particularly the seal portion B3) from the front and back, thereby gripping the bag B with each first bag holding portion 11.

[0027] The two first bag holding portions 11 can move in the horizontal direction (particularly in the width direction of the bag B) and be positioned at a first close position P11 and a first separated position P12. The two first bag holding portions 11 positioned at the first close position P11 are positioned relatively close to each other and can grip both side edge portions (particularly the sealed portions B3) of the bag B. The two first bag holding portions 11 positioned at the first separated position P12 are positioned relatively far from each other and are separated from the bag B in the horizontal direction (particularly to the sides of the bag B).

[0028] As an example, the device disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-28169 can be used to move and open and close the two first bag holders 11. The device disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-28169 can form the first holding and driving unit 51 (see FIG. 4) described below. The disclosure of Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-28169 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] The second bag holding section 12 shown in Figures 1 to 3 has two clamping support sections 21 capable of holding bags B (particularly spout B2), an opening / closing device 23 that opens and closes the two clamping support sections 21, and a movement drive device 24 that moves the clamping support sections 21 and the opening / closing device 23 in the vertical direction.

[0030] Each sandwiching support portion 21 includes a sandwiching surface member 22. The sandwiching surface member 22 forms a holding surface that comes into contact with the bag B when the sandwiching support portion 21 sandwiches the bag B (particularly the spout B2), and can be made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0031] The opening and closing device 23 opens and closes the two clamping support parts 21, placing the two clamping support parts 21 in the second closed state S21 and the second open state S22. Any device configuration and drive method can be adopted for the opening and closing device 23, and for example, the two clamping support parts 21 may be opened and closed via air. With the bag B (specifically, the spout B2) positioned between the two clamping support parts 21 (i.e., between the clamping surface members 22), the two clamping support parts 21 are closed and placed in the second closed state S21, whereby the bag B (specifically, the spout B2) is held by the two clamping support parts 21. On the other hand, with bag B (particularly spout B2) positioned between the two clamping support parts 21 (i.e., between the clamping surface members 22), by opening the two clamping support parts 21 and placing them in the second open state S22, the two clamping support parts 21 move away from bag B, and bag B is released from being held by the two clamping support parts 21.

[0032] The moving drive device 24 moves the clamping support part 21 and the opening / closing device 23 up and down together to position them at a second approaching position P21 and a second distant position P22. The moving drive device 24 has a moving drive main body 24a and a holding advancing / retracting shaft 24b that protrudes downward from the moving drive main body 24a. The moving drive device 24 moves the clamping support part 21 and the opening / closing device 23 in the height direction by changing the amount of protrusion of the holding advancing / retracting shaft 24b from the moving drive main body 24a. The moving drive device 24 can employ any device configuration (e.g., an air cylinder) and drive method. For example, the amount of protrusion of the holding advancing / retracting shaft 24b may be changed via air. The clamping support part 21, which is positioned at the second approaching position P21, is at the same height as a desired portion of the bag B (specifically, the spout B2) and can hold the desired portion. On the other hand, the clamping support part 21, which is positioned at the second distant position P22, is spaced upward from the bag B.

[0033] 1 to 3 is provided as part of a movable processing unit 33, and includes a first movable processing section 13a and a second movable processing section 13b. The first movable processing section 13a and the second movable processing section 13b are cooling bodies that cool the heat-sealed section (specifically, the rim section) of the bag B by contacting the heat-sealed section. The first movable processing section 13a and the second movable processing section 13b may be actively cooled by a cooling device (not shown), or may be naturally air-cooled without being actively cooled by a cooling device.

[0034] The first movable processing section 13a and the second movable processing section 13b are supported by a clamping advance / retract shaft 32 (i.e., the first clamping advance / retract shaft 32a and the second clamping advance / retract shaft 32b) via a support fixture 31. The first clamping advance / retract shaft 32a and the second clamping advance / retract shaft 32b are provided so that the amount of horizontal protrusion from an advance / retract main body section (not shown) that is fixedly provided inside the seal box 35 can be changed. The advance / retract main body section and the clamping advance / retract shaft 32 can employ any device configuration (for example, an air cylinder) and drive method.

[0035] First movable processing section 13a and second movable processing section 13b move horizontally according to the amount of protrusion of first clamping advance / retract shaft 32a and second clamping advance / retract shaft 32b, and are positioned at third approach position P31 and third distant position P32. By positioning bag B (particularly the rim portion) between first movable processing section 13a and second movable processing section 13b and positioning first movable processing section 13a and second movable processing section 13b at third approach position P31, bag B (particularly the rim portion) comes into contact with first movable processing section 13a and second movable processing section 13b and is cooled. In this embodiment, first movable processing section 13a and second movable processing section 13b can grip bag B at third approach position P31 and hold bag B in a hanging state. On the other hand, by positioning the bag B (particularly the edge portion) between the first clamping advance / retraction axis 32a and the second clamping advance / retraction axis 32b and disposing the first movable processing section 13a and the second movable processing section 13b at the third separation position P32, the first movable processing section 13a and the second movable processing section 13b are separated from the bag B (particularly the edge portion) in the horizontal direction (particularly in the thickness direction of the bag B).

[0036] As described above, a spout B2 is provided at the rim of the bag B, and the first and second movable processing sections 13a and 13b arranged at the third approach position P31 are in close contact with the spout B2 via the front and back body sections B11 and B12, respectively. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the first and second movable processing sections 13a and 13b have a surface shape corresponding to the shape of the spout B2, specifically, a locally concave surface shape at the location corresponding to the spout B2.

[0037] 2 is attached to the top of a stand 36, and the moving drive device 24 (particularly the moving drive main body 24a) is attached via an attachment portion 25. The seal box 35 also supports an advancing / retracting main body portion (not shown) to which the first clamping advancing / retracting shaft 32a and the second clamping advancing / retracting shaft 32b are attached so as to be able to protrude. In this way, the seal box 35 supports the second bag holding portion 12 and the movable processing portion 13. The stand 36 is fixed to a frame (not shown) and extends in the height direction.

[0038] 4 shows an example of the control configuration of the bag processing device 10. The bag processing device 10 includes a control device 50 connected to a first holding drive unit 51, a second holding drive unit 52, and a movable processing drive unit 53.

[0039] The first holding drive unit 51 drives each first bag holder 11. Specifically, the first holding drive unit 51 has a first holding movement unit 54 that moves each first bag holder 11 and a first holding opening / closing unit 55 that opens and closes each first bag holder 11. The second holding drive unit 52 drives the second bag holder 12. Specifically, the second holding drive unit 52 has a second holding movement unit 56 that moves the second bag holder 12 (particularly the two clamping support units 21) and a second holding opening / closing unit 57 that opens and closes the second bag holder 12 (particularly the two clamping support units 21). In this embodiment, the above-mentioned movement drive device 24 corresponds to the second holding movement unit 56, and the above-mentioned opening / closing device 23 corresponds to the second holding opening / closing unit 57. The movable processing drive unit 53 moves the movable processing unit 13 (i.e., the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b) to open and close.

[0040] The specific control method of the control device 50 for the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53 is not limited, but the control device 50 controls the first bag holder 11, the second bag holder 12, and the movable processing unit 13 so that they operate in a linked manner. For example, the control device 50 may transmit regular synchronization signals to the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53, and the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53 may autonomously perform various operations at timings based on the received synchronization signals. Alternatively, the control device 50 may issue various operation signals to the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53 at desired timings, and the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53 may perform operations in accordance with the received operation signals.

[0041] Next, an example of a bag processing method (particularly the process of discharging bags B) performed by bag processing device 10 will be described. In the bag processing method described below, first bag holding unit 11, second bag holding unit 12, and movable processing unit 13 are appropriately driven by first holding drive unit 51, second holding drive unit 52, and movable processing drive unit 53 under the control of control device 50.

[0042] 5 to 7 are front views of the bag processing device 10 showing an example of the release process of bags B. FIGS. 8 to 10 are side views of the bag processing device 10 showing an example of the release process of bags B.

[0043] The bag B is held and transferred by the two first bag holding units 11 and placed at the discharge position P1. At this time, each first bag holding unit 11 is placed at the first close position P11 and in the first closed state S11, each clamping support unit 21 is placed at the second separated position P22 and in the second open state S22, and each movable processing unit 13 is placed at the third separated position P32 and in the third open state S32. Immediately after the bag B is placed at the discharge position P1, both side edges of the bag B (i.e., the first holding points B31) are held by each first bag holding unit 11, the rim of the bag B (including part of the spout B2) is positioned in a non-contact state in the space between the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b, and each clamping support unit 21 is waiting at a position away from the bag B (above the spout B2 in this embodiment) (see FIG. 3 ).

[0044] Thereafter, a cooling process is performed on the heat-sealed portion (i.e., the rim portion) of bag B. Specifically, first movable processing section 13a and second movable processing section 13b are placed in third proximity position P31 and third closed state S31, and thereby the heat-sealed portion (i.e., the rim portion) of bag B is sandwiched between first movable processing section 13a and second movable processing section 13b and cooled. At this time, each first bag holding section 11 is placed in first proximity position P11 and in first closed state S11, and each clamping support section 21 is placed in second remote position P22 and in second open state S22 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0045] Thereafter, each clamping support portion 21 is disposed at a second approaching position P21 by the movement drive device 24. When each clamping support portion 21 moves from the second separated position P22 to the second approaching position P21, the opening / closing device 23 keeps each clamping support portion 21 in the second open state S22. Therefore, immediately after each clamping support portion 21 is disposed at the second approaching position P21, the spout B2 is positioned in a non-contact state in the space between the clamping support portions 21 (specifically, between the clamping surface members 22). Then, while each clamping support portion 21 is disposed at the second approaching position P21, it is placed in the second closed state S21 by the opening / closing device 23 (see FIGS. 5 and 8). As a result, the spout B2 (particularly the second holding portion B32) is clamped and supported by the clamping support portion 21. While each clamping support portion 21 moves to the second proximity position P21 and transitions to the second closed state S21, each first bag holding portion 11 is placed in the first closed state S11 at the first proximity position P11, and the first movable processing portion 13a and the second movable processing portion 13b are placed in the third closed state S31 at the third proximity position P31.

[0046] Thereafter, each first bag holding portion 11 moves from the first proximity position P11 to the first remote position P12 (see FIGS. 6 and 9). Specifically, each first bag holding portion 11 transitions from the first closed state S11 to the first open state S12 at the first proximity position P11, and then moves from the first proximity position P11 toward the first remote position P12 while remaining in the first open state S12. When each first bag holding portion 11 is placed in the first open state S12 at the first proximity position P11, the bag B is released from being held by each first bag holding portion 11. The degree of opening of the first bag holding portion 11 placed in the first open state S12 (i.e., the distance between the front-side holding portion 11a and the back-side holding portion 11b) is not limited and may actually be a small degree of opening. Specifically, the first bag holding portion 11 in the first open state S12 has an opening degree at which the bag B is not subjected to a holding force of a magnitude necessary for holding from the front-side holding portion 11a and the back-side holding portion 11b (for example, an opening degree at which the bag B is not subjected to any holding force at all). Therefore, the distance between the front-side holding portion 11a and the back-side holding portion 11b in the first open state S12 is greater than the thickness of the bag B in the example shown in Fig. 9, but may be smaller than the thickness of the bag B (for example, the thickest part of the bag body B1 or the thickest part of the spout B2).

[0047] Furthermore, first movable processing section 13a and second movable processing section 13b move from third approach position P31 to third separated position P32, where they are placed in third open state S32, and move away from bag B (see FIGS. 6 and 9). This releases bag B from being held by first movable processing section 13a and second movable processing section 13b. The distance between first movable processing section 13a and second movable processing section 13b, which are positioned at third separated position P32, is greater than the thickness of bag B (the thickest part of bag body B1 and the thickest part of spout B2).

[0048] The movement of each first bag holding unit 11 from the first approaching position P11 to the first separated position P12 may occur before, after, or simultaneously with the movement of each movable processing unit 13 from the third approaching position P31 to the third separated position P32. However, while each first bag holding unit 11 and each movable processing unit 13 are moving to the first separated position P12 and the third separated position P32, respectively, the two clamping support units 21 continue to be in the second closed state S21 at the second approaching position P21 and continue to hold the bag B (particularly the spout B2).

[0049] Thereafter, each clamping support part 21 is transitioned from the second closed state S21 to the second open state S22 at the second approach position P21 (see FIGS. 7 and 10). This causes each clamping support part 21 to separate from the bag B (particularly the spout B2) and release its hold on the bag B. As a result, the bag B falls under the influence of gravity and is released from the bag processing device 10. As the bag B falls in this manner, the first bag holding parts 11 and the movable processing parts 13 are positioned so as not to overlap with the bag B in the height direction, and therefore do not come into contact with the falling bag B. Therefore, the bag B is released by natural falling while basically maintaining the posture in which it was suspended and held by the clamping support parts 21.

[0050] The bags B that have fallen in this manner are received by a lower device (not shown) provided below each clamping support portion 21. The lower device may be a device that applies further processing to the bags B, or may be a transport device (for example, a conveyor or transport guide (slider, etc.)) that transports the bags B to a subsequent stage, or may be a container such as a box that stores the bags B.

[0051] As explained above, the bag processing method described above includes the steps of holding bag B with first bag holding section 11, moving bag B, and arranging it at release position P1; holding bag B with second bag holding section 12 while first bag holding section 11 is holding bag B arranged at release position P1; releasing first bag holding section 11 from holding bag B while second bag holding section 12 is holding bag B arranged at release position P1, and moving first bag holding section 11 to a retracted position where it does not overlap with bag B in the vertical direction; and releasing second bag holding section 12 from holding bag B while first bag holding section 11 is positioned at the retracted position.

[0052] The bag processing device 10 described above also comprises a movable first bag holding section 11 and a second bag holding section 12 that are configured to be able to hold and release bags B, the first bag holding section 11 holds and moves the bag B to place it at the discharge position P1, the second bag holding section 12 holds the bag B while the first bag holding section 11 is holding the bag B that is placed at the discharge position P1, the first bag holding section 11 releases the bag B while the second bag holding section 12 is holding the bag B that is placed at the discharge position P1 and moves it to a retracted position where it does not overlap with bag B in the vertical direction, and the second bag holding section 12 releases the bag B while the first bag holding section 11 is positioned at the retracted position.

[0053] The above-described bag processing method and bag processing device 10 are advantageous in that bags B positioned at release position P1 can be dropped and released in a desired attitude, even if the bags B have a unique shape. Furthermore, in bag processing device 10, the bag B holding shape (e.g., the holding method and the location where bags B are held) that is suitable for transporting bags B does not necessarily match the bag B holding shape that is suitable for releasing bags B. The above-described bag processing method and bag processing device 10 allow first bag holding unit 11 to adopt a bag B holding shape that is suitable for transporting bags B, and second bag holding unit 12 to adopt a bag B holding shape that is suitable for releasing bags B.

[0054] The bag processing method also includes the steps of placing a movable processing unit 13, which cools the bag B, at a processing position (third proximity position P31), and clamping the bag B, which is positioned at the release position P1, with the movable processing unit 13, and moving the movable processing unit 13 from the processing position (third proximity position P31) to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag B in the vertical direction, while the bag B, which is positioned at the release position P1, is held by the second bag holding unit 12.

[0055] This allows the bags B to be appropriately cooled by the movable processing section 13, while the bags B are released in a desired attitude.

[0056] The first bag holding section 11 holds a first holding point B31 of the bag B placed at the discharge position P1, and the second bag holding section 12 holds a second holding point B32 of the bag B placed at the discharge position P1, which is located above the first holding point B31.

[0057] This allows the second bag holding portion 12 to hold a portion of the bag B that will not come into contact with or collide with the bag B that falls when the second bag holding portion 12 releases the hold on the bag B.

[0058] The bag B has a bag body B1 and a spout B2 attached to the bag body B1, and the second bag holding portion 12 holds the bag B by supporting the spout B2 so as to sandwich it.

[0059] This allows the second bag holding portion 12 to hold a portion of the bag B that will not come into contact with or collide with the bag B that falls when the second bag holding portion 12 releases the hold on the bag B.

[0060] [Variations] Although the above-described movable processing unit 13 performs a cooling process on bags B, the process performed by movable processing unit 13 is not limited. For example, bags B positioned at release position P1 may be clamped by movable processing unit 13 positioned at third approach position P31 to perform a sealing process on bags B (e.g., the rim) or other processes. When movable processing unit 13 performs a sealing process on bags B, the sealing method is not limited, and movable processing unit 13 may perform heat sealing by applying heat to bags B, or ultrasonic sealing by applying ultrasonic waves to bags B.

[0061] The above-mentioned first separated position P12 corresponds to the "retracted position where the first bag holding unit 11 does not overlap the bag B at the discharge position P1 in the vertical direction," but the position of the first bag holding unit 11 placed in the first open state S12 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) can also correspond to the "retracted position." Even if two first bag holding units 11 are placed in the first close position P11, if these first bag holding units 11 are placed in the first open state S12 with a large degree of opening (i.e., a large separation distance in the thickness direction of the bag B), each first bag holding unit 11 can be positioned so as not to overlap the bag B at the discharge position P1 in the vertical direction.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, when each first bag holding section 11 releases a bag B, the first bag holding section 11 moves in the thickness direction of the bag B to be placed in the first open state S12, and also moves in the width direction of the bag B to be placed in the first separated position P12. However, when each first bag holding section 11 releases a bag B, although the first bag holding section 11 moves in the thickness direction of the bag B to be placed in the first open state S12, it does not have to move in the width direction of the bag B. In this way, each first bag holding section 11 may be positioned in the retracted position by being placed in the first open state S12 at the first approaching position P11 without moving in the width direction of the bag B.

[0063] The above-mentioned second separated position P22 corresponds to "a standby position where second bag holding unit 12 (particularly clamping support unit 21) is separated from bag B at release position P1," but the position of second bag holding unit 12 (particularly clamping support unit 21) in second open state S22 (see FIG. 10) can also correspond to "a standby position." Even if two clamping support units 21 are positioned at second close position P21, when these clamping support units 21 are placed in second open state S22 with a large degree of opening (i.e., a large separation distance in the thickness direction of bag B), each clamping support unit 21 can be positioned so as not to come into contact with bag B at release position P1.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, when the bag B moves to the discharge position P1 together with the first bag holding unit 11, the second bag holding unit 12 (particularly each clamping support unit 21), which is positioned in the standby position, is disposed in the second separated position P22 in the second open state S22. However, when the bag B moves to the discharge position P1, each clamping support unit 21 may be disposed in the second close position P21 in the second open state S22, or may be disposed in the second separated position P22 in the second closed state S21. In this way, each clamping support unit 21 may be positioned in the standby position by being disposed in the second open state S22 in the second close position P21, or by being disposed in the second closed state S21 in the second separated position P22.

[0065] The above-mentioned third separated position P32 corresponds to "a retracted position where the movable processing section 13 does not overlap the bag B at the discharge position P1 in the height direction." With regard to the above-mentioned movable processing section 13, the moving operation and the opening / closing operation are interrelated, and when each movable processing section 13 is placed in the third close position P31, each movable processing section 13 is placed in the third closed state S31, and when each movable processing section 13 is placed in the third separated position P32, each movable processing section 13 is placed in the third open state S32.

[0066] The operations (for example, the order of operations) of first bag holding unit 11, second bag holding unit 12, and movable processing unit 13 are not limited to the above example.

[0067] For example, the bag processing method includes a step of moving bag B while holding it with first bag holding unit 11 and arranging it at release position P1; a step of holding bag B at release position P1 with first bag holding unit 11 holding bag B by movable processing unit 13 that seals or cools bag B; a step of releasing first bag holding unit 11 from holding bag B and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap with bag B in the height direction while movable processing unit 13 is holding bag B at release position P1; The method may include a step of holding bag B with the second bag holding section 12 while the movable processing section 13 is holding the bag B that is placed therein; a step of releasing the movable processing section 13 from holding bag B and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap with bag B in the vertical direction while the second bag holding section 12 is holding bag B that is placed at the discharge position P1; and a step of releasing the second bag holding section 12 from holding bag B while the first bag holding section 11 is positioned in the retracted position and the movable processing section 13 is positioned in the retracted position.

[0068] The bag processing device 10 comprises a movable first bag holding unit 11 and a movable second bag holding unit 12 that are provided to be able to hold and release bags B, and a movable processing unit 13 that is provided to be able to hold and release bags B and that seals or cools bags B. The first bag holding unit 11 holds and moves bags B to a discharge position P1, and the movable processing unit 13 holds bags B while holding the bags B at the discharge position P1. The first bag holding unit 11 then moves the bags B to the movable processing unit 13. The second bag holding section 12 may hold bag B while movable processing section 13 is holding bag B positioned at discharge position P1, and the second bag holding section 12 may release bag B while movable processing section 13 is holding bag B positioned at discharge position P1, and the second bag holding section 12 may release bag B while movable processing section 13 is holding bag B positioned at discharge position P1, and move to a retracted position where it does not overlap with bag B in the height direction, and the second bag holding section 12 may release bag B while first bag holding section 11 is positioned at the retracted position and movable processing section 13 is positioned at the retracted position.

[0069] In addition, the holding of bag B by the second bag holding portion 12, the holding and release of bag B by the first bag holding portion 11, the holding and release of bag B by the movable processing portion 13, and the holding and release of bag B by the second bag holding portion 12 may be performed in this order.

[0070] In addition, the holding of bag B by the second bag holding portion 12, the holding and release of bag B by the movable processing portion 13, the holding and release of bag B by the first bag holding portion 11, and the holding and release of bag B by the second bag holding portion 12 may be performed in this order.

[0071] In addition, the holding and release of bag B by the movable processing section 13, the holding of bag B by the second bag holding section 12, the holding and release of bag B by the first bag holding section 11, and the holding and release of bag B by the second bag holding section 12 may be performed in this order.

[0072] The bag B may have other components (e.g., zippers) with functions different from the spout B2, and such other components may be attached to the bag body B1. The bag body B1 itself may also have locally thicker portions. For example, the locally thicker portions may be formed by a portion of the bag body B1 that has a greater number of layers than other portions. For example, a freestanding bag that can stand on its own when unfolded may have such locally thicker portions.

[0073] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications. For example, various modifications may be made to each element of the above-described embodiments and modifications, or the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined partially or entirely. Furthermore, the effects achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and unique effects may also be achieved according to the specific configuration of each embodiment. Thus, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions may be made to each element described in the claims, specification, abstract, and drawings, without departing from the technical idea and spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10 bag processing device, 11 first bag holding section, 11a front side holding section, 11b back side holding section, 12 second bag holding section, 13 movable processing section, 13a first movable processing section, 13b second movable processing section, 21 clamping support section, 22 clamping surface member, 23 opening and closing device, 24 movement drive device, 24a movement drive main body, 24b holding advance / retract shaft, 25 mounting section, 31 support fixing section, 32 clamping advance / retract shaft, 32a first clamping advance / retract shaft, 32b second clamping advance / retract shaft, 33 movable processing unit, 35 seal box, 36 stand, 50 control device, 51 first holding drive section, 52 second holding drive section, 53 movable processing drive section, 54 first holding moving section, 55 first holding opening / closing section, 56 second holding moving section, 57 second holding opening / closing section, B bag, B1 Bag body, B2 spout, B3 seal portion, B4 cooling seal portion, B11 front body portion, B12 back body portion, B21 spout flow path, B22 spout tip portion, B31 first holding point, B32 second holding point, P1 discharge position, P11 first close position, P12 first distant position, P21 second close position, P22 second distant position, P31 third close position, P32 third distant position, S11 first closed state, S12 first open state, S21 second closed state, S22 second open state, S31 third closed state, S32 third open state

Claims

1. a step of moving the bag while holding it with a first bag holding part and placing it at a release position; a step of holding the bag by a second bag holding portion while the bag disposed at the release position is held by the first bag holding portion; a step of releasing the first bag holding unit from holding the bag while the bag is disposed at the release position and moving the first bag holding unit to a retracted position where the first bag holding unit does not overlap with the bag in a height direction, while the second bag holding unit is holding the bag disposed at the release position; and releasing the second bag holding portion from holding the bag while the first bag holding portion is positioned at the retracted position, The bag has a bag body and a spout attached to an upper part of the bag body, The second bag holding portion is positioned above the bag and holds the bag by supporting the spout in a pinched manner.

2. a step of placing a movable processing unit that seals or cools the bag at a processing position and sandwiching the bag that is placed at the release position with the movable processing unit; The bag processing method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of moving the movable processing unit from the processing position to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in the vertical direction while the second bag holding unit is holding the bag positioned at the release position.

3. a step of moving the bag while holding it with a first bag holding part and placing it at a release position; a step of holding the bag by a movable processing unit that seals or cools the bag while the bag is placed at the release position and is held by the first bag holding unit; a step of releasing the first bag holding unit from holding the bag while the bag is disposed at the release position and moving the first bag holding unit to a retracted position where the first bag holding unit does not overlap with the bag in a height direction, while the movable processing unit is holding the bag; a step of holding the bag by a second bag holding portion while the bag is disposed at the release position and the movable processing portion is holding the bag; a step of releasing the movable processing unit from holding the bag and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in a height direction while the bag disposed at the release position is held by the second bag holding unit; and releasing the second bag holding portion from holding the bag while the first bag holding portion is positioned at the retracted position and the movable processing portion is positioned at the retreated position, The bag has a bag body and a spout attached to an upper part of the bag body, The bag processing method, wherein the second bag holding portion is positioned above the bag and holds the bag by supporting the spout in a pinched manner.

4. A bag device comprising a bag body and a first bag holding portion and a second bag holding portion that are movable and are configured to be able to hold and release a bag having a spout attached to the top of the bag body; the first bag holding section holds and moves the bag to a release position, the second bag holding portion positioned above the bag holds the bag by supporting the bag so as to sandwich the spout while the first bag holding portion holds the bag disposed at the discharge position, the first bag holding unit releases the bag disposed at the release position while the second bag holding unit holds the bag, and moves the bag to a retracted position where the first bag holding unit does not overlap with the bag in a height direction; The bag processing device, wherein the second bag holding section releases the bag while the first bag holding section is positioned in the retracted position.

5. A bag body and a spout attached to the top of the bag body, and movable first and second bag holding parts that are provided so as to be able to hold and release a bag having the bag body and the spout attached to the top of the bag body; a movable processing section that is provided to be able to hold and release the bag and that seals or cools the bag; the first bag holding section holds and moves the bag to a release position, the movable processing section holds the bag in a state where the bag is disposed at the release position and the first bag holding section holds the bag; the first bag holding unit releases the bag while the movable processing unit is holding the bag disposed at the release position, and moves the bag to a retracted position where the first bag holding unit does not overlap the bag in a height direction; the second bag holding portion positioned above the bag holds the bag by supporting the bag so as to sandwich the spout while the movable processing portion holds the bag disposed at the release position, the movable processing section, while the second bag holding section is holding the bag disposed at the release position, releases the bag and moves to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in a height direction; The bag processing device, wherein the second bag holding section releases the bag when the first bag holding section is positioned at the retracted position and the movable processing section is positioned at the retreated position.

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