Packaging equipment

Abstract

To provide a packaging device which can make an operator (beginner or the like) who does not have sufficient knowledge related to a packaging device create optimum tray setting (packaging control parameter), in a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A packaging device comprises feature reception means, candidate output means, and packaging means. The feature reception means receives input of feature information which indicates a feature of at least any one of a packaged product or packaging material. The candidate output means displays a tray setting candidate screen which proposes a plurality (e.g. not more than seven) of candidates of tray setting, depending on the feature information received by the feature reception means. The packaging means performs packaging on the basis of selected tray setting among the candidates of the tray setting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Packaging devices that package items (articles) with film are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-128011 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a typical packaging device, the operation of the film transport unit and packaging unit is controlled in accordance with control parameters, and setting the control parameters requires complicated operations.

[0005] Furthermore, when packaging a new item to be packaged or a new tray on which to place the product, creating new control parameters poses a problem in that an operator (user) who has no knowledge of trays or packaging will not know how to set the parameters to ensure good packaging using the packaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The packaging device according to the present invention has at least the following configuration. The packaging device includes a feature receiving means, a candidate output means, and a packaging means, The characteristic receiving means , bao Packaged together with the product in packaging material First tray In the setting screen for the tray or packaging material, and the candidate output means, in response to the feature information received by the feature receiving means, packaging control parameters for packaging the one tray by the packaging meansA tray setting candidate screen is displayed, which proposes multiple tray setting candidates, and the packaging means sets the value of the tension strength of the packaging material when packaged as the characteristic information, and when no tray setting is selected from the tray setting candidate screen, the packaging means packages the product to the set tension strength based on the characteristic information, while when a tray setting is selected from the tray setting candidate screen, the packaging means packages the product to the tension strength corresponding to the selected tray setting based on the selected tray setting. The packaging device according to the present invention has at least the following configuration. The packaging device includes a feature accepting means, a candidate output means, and a packaging means, and the feature accepting means , bao Packaged together with the product in packaging material First tray In the setting screen for the tray or packaging material, and the candidate output means displays a plurality of options regarding the appearance of the packaged item or the packaging speed according to the characteristic information received by the characteristic receiving means, packaging control parameters for packaging the one tray by the packaging means A tray setting candidate screen that proposes a plurality of tray setting candidates is displayed, and the packaging unit performs packaging based on a tray setting selected from the tray setting candidates. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a packaging device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front conceptual view showing an example of a packaging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrical functional block of the packaging device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a tray setting screen (packaging control parameter setting screen) in a detailed setting mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a tray setting screen (packaging control parameter setting screen) in a simple setting mode. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen having a recommended tray setting button in test packaging mode. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a tray setting candidate screen for a packaging device, in which (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of a tray setting candidate screen related to film tension, and (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a tray setting candidate screen related to packaging speed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a finish evaluation input screen. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining examples of displaying a tray setting candidate screen and a finish evaluation input screen as pop-ups. (a) is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up display on a setting screen having a recommended tray setting button. (b) is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up display on a setting screen in test packaging mode. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of test packaging results using a packaging device. (a) is a diagram showing an example of the test packaging results when "does not crush" is selected as the tray setting. (b) is a diagram showing an example of the test packaging results when "looks good" is selected as the tray setting. (c) is a diagram showing an example of the test packaging results when "standard" is selected as the tray setting. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the packaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a characteristic receiving means, a candidate output means, and a packaging means. The characteristic receiving means receives input of characteristic information indicating characteristics of at least one of the packaged item or the packaging material. The candidate output means displays a tray setting candidate screen that proposes seven or fewer candidates for tray settings (packaging control parameters) according to the characteristic information received by the characteristic receiving means. The packaging means performs packaging based on a tray setting selected from the candidate tray settings. In addition, when the minimum characteristic information of the packaged item and packaging material (for example, the type of packaged item or tray, width, depth, height, etc.) is input, the packaging device displays an operable "tray setting candidate screen" showing candidates for tray settings (packaging control parameters) (suggestion function). The packaging device also performs test packaging based on the tray settings selected on the tray setting candidate screen. Furthermore, the packaging device operably displays a "finishing evaluation input screen" that prompts the operator (user) to input the finish of the packaging as a result of the test packaging. The packaging device uses machine learning to generate a learning model that describes the relationship between the tray settings (packaging control parameters) used for the test packaging and the information entered by the operator indicating the finished state of the test packaging, and stores the model in a memory unit or a higher-level computer that is connected for communication. The packaging device or the host computer can then input the minimum information about the packaged items and packaging materials into the trained learning model to output optimal tray settings (packaging control parameters).The packaging device can then use the optimal tray settings to wrap the packaged items (including trays, etc.) in film, thereby achieving good packaging.

[0009] In addition, the packaging device or a higher-level computer communicatively connected to the packaging device automatically generates multiple different tray settings (packaging control parameters) based on the minimum characteristic information input, and performs test packaging using each of the multiple tray settings (packaging control parameters). After multiple test packagings, the packaging device generates a learning model using machine learning based on the relationship between each of the tray settings (packaging control parameters) used in the multiple test packagings and the information indicating the finished state of the test packaging entered by the operator, and stores the model in a memory unit or a higher-level computer connected for communication. As described above, the packaging device or the host computer can infer and output optimal tray settings (packaging control parameters) by inputting minimum information about the packaged items and packaging materials into the trained learning model. The packaging device can perform good packaging by wrapping the packaged items (including trays, etc.) in film using the optimal tray settings (packaging control parameters).

[0010] The packaged item may be, for example, a tray on which food or the like is placed.

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the contents shown in the drawings. In the following description of each drawing, parts that are common to parts already described will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a packaging system including a packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The packaging device 100 is connected to a host computer 901 (such as a server) via a wired or wireless communication path 900 (such as a network) so as to be able to communicate with the data. A plurality of packaging devices (not shown) are also connected to the host computer 901 via the communication path 900 so as to be able to communicate with the data. Each packaging device is provided with device identification information unique to the device, and the device identification information is transmitted from the packaging device to the computer 901 during data communication, thereby enabling the host computer 901 to identify the packaging device. The packaging device 100 is installed in, for example, a store or a food factory.

[0013] The packaging device 100 packages an item to be packaged (food products, etc.) using a film such as a stretched film. In detail, the packaging device 100 has a main body 100B including the packaging unit 8, and a display operation unit 39 is provided at the upper front of the main body 100B. The display operation unit 39 includes an operation unit including a keyboard, touch panel, etc., and a display unit including a liquid crystal display device, etc. The operation unit is used for inputting various data and commands. The display unit displays input data, preset data, and various messages based on commands from the CPU. This display operation unit 39 is also known as a console unit.

[0014] A conveying section (conveying device 110) is provided in front of the main body 100B of the packaging device 100. In detail, the conveying device 110 conveys the packaged items w placed on its conveying surface into the main body 100B in a conveying direction (from front to rear in the example shown in FIG. 1). The packaging device 100 unwinds film from a film roll set in a film roll placement section provided in the main body section 100B of the packaging device, and delivers the film to a pair of film feed sections (film feed mechanisms) via a film holding section (including a guide section).The film feed sections then clamp both widthwise ends of the film while transporting it and supplying it to the packaging section 8, and the packaged item (product) transported by the conveying section is pushed up toward the film with both widthwise ends clamped in the packaging section 8 using a lifting device such as an elevator to perform film packaging.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view showing an example of the packaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic front view showing an example of the packaging device 100.

[0016] The packaging device 100 is configured so that the packaged item w conveyed to the main body 100B is conveyed by the conveying device 110 to the elevator 2 serving as an elevating device. A packaging unit 8 is provided above the elevator 2. More specifically, the packaging unit 8 is provided with a film roll arrangement unit (not shown) and a film holding means (movable holding mechanism unit 401) that holds the leading end of the film F (stretchable film; stretch film) that is unwound from the film roll FR set in the film roll arrangement unit FH. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the film F unwound from the film roll FR is held by the film holding means (movable holding mechanism 401) via a roller R1.

[0017] A cutting unit 9 such as a cutter for cutting film F is provided near the film holding means (movable holding mechanism 401). A guide unit 4 is detachably provided on the film holding means (movable holding mechanism 401). The movable holding mechanism 401 is configured to be movable horizontally together with the guide unit 4 toward the film feed unit 5. Furthermore, the movable holding mechanism 401 and the guide section 4 are configured to be movable up and down, and the type of film can be switched by a drive mechanism (switching section) that performs the up and down movement.

[0018] More specifically, holding movable mechanism 401 serving as film holding means has upper holding movable mechanism 401T and lower holding movable mechanism 401B. As will be described later, upper holding movable mechanism 401T is provided with detachable front upper guide 4FT and rear upper guide 4RT as guide unit 4. Furthermore, lower holding movable mechanism 401B is provided with detachable front lower guide 4FB and rear lower guide 4RB as guide unit 4.

[0019] In addition, a pair of front and rear film feed sections 5 (front film feed section, rear film feed section) consisting of upper and lower conveyor belts 5B (upper conveyor belt 5BT, lower conveyor belt 5BB) that clamp and pull out the leading end of the film F held by the film holding means and transport it to the packaging section 8 are arranged close to the leading end of the film holding means, and a cutting section 9 is arranged between the film holding means and film feed section 5 that cuts the film F clamped and pulled out by film feed section 5 to a predetermined length. The film F is stretched by the film feed section 5 of the packaging section 8. The film feed section 5 (film feed mechanism) is provided in the main body 100B so as to be movable in the width direction of the film F, and has an opening / closing mechanism 5C at the tip (tip on the guide section side) of the film feed section 5 that can clamp the tip of the film F. This opening / closing mechanism 5C consists of a moving section 5Ca and a fixed section 5Cb for gripping the film F. The moving section 5Ca is configured to be movable up and down toward the film transport surface (above the fixed section 5Cb) (or rotatable around the rotation axis shown in FIG. 5). More specifically, the film F placed between the moving section 5Ca and the fixed section 5Cb can be clamped by the moving section 5Ca and the fixed section 5Cb. The detection section S is provided in the fixed section 5Cb.

[0020] Each of the movable holding mechanisms is equipped with a mechanism called a dancer roller RT along the film supply path to maintain uniform tension on the film. Each of the movable holding mechanisms moves back and forth to supply the film to the film feed section 5. The film feed section 5 then transports the film.

[0021] In addition, above the film feed section 5, the packaging device 100 is provided with left and right folding plates 6, a rear folding plate 7, a pusher (not shown), and the like.

[0022] In the packaging device 100, the packaged item w placed on the elevator 2 is pushed up against the film F stretched across the packaging section 8 as the elevator 2 rises, and the left, right, and rear ends of the stretched film F are folded onto the bottom of the packaged item w using the left and right folding plates 6 and the rear folding plate.Then, while pushing the packaged item w horizontally with a pusher, the ends of the film F are folded with a front folding roller (not shown), and the film-packaged product is pushed to the rear of the main body section 100B with the pusher.

[0023] The packaging device 100 has a guide unit 4 in the example shown in FIG. A guide film roll placement unit FH is provided corresponding to the guide unit 4, and each holds a film roll FR.

[0024] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the guide section 4 is at the same height as the film feed section 5, and packaging processing is performed using the film fed from the guide section 4.

[0025] The following describes a packaging device 100 that includes a printing unit that prints labels and a labeling unit that applies labels. Note that the packaging device 100 does not necessarily have to include both or either the printing unit or the labeling unit.

[0026] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an electrical functional block of the packaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In detail, the packaging device 100 has a weighing label printer control unit G, a packaging mechanism control unit I, etc.

[0027] The weighing label printer control unit G mainly controls the weighing label printer and is controlled by the CPU 31. The packaging mechanism control unit I mainly controls the mechanism of the packaging device and is controlled by the control unit 61 (CPU). The control unit 61 (control means) may also cooperate with each component of the weighing label printer control unit G to control each component.

[0028] The weighing label printer control unit G will now be described. The CPU 31 is connected to a memory unit 35 such as ROM or RAM, a display operation unit 39, a weighing unit 50, a communication interface circuit (INF) 46, a printing unit 40 (label issuing unit), and a label application unit 41 via a communication line (bus, etc.).

[0029] The storage unit 35 includes a ROM, a RAM, etc., and stores various control programs executed by the CPU 31, etc. The storage unit 35 has areas for registers, flags, etc. used when the CPU 31 executes the control program, a preset data area in which various data is stored in advance for each product (each packaged item w), etc. The preset data area stores in advance, in correspondence with the product number assigned to the product included in the packaged item w, data for price calculation and label printing, such as product name (product name), unit price, tare weight, etc., and data for label affixing, such as "label orientation."

[0030] The display operation unit 39 includes an operation unit consisting of a keyboard, a touch panel, etc., and a display unit consisting of a liquid crystal display device, etc. The operation unit is used to input various data and commands. The display unit displays input data, preset data, and various messages based on commands from the CPU 31.

[0031] The weighing unit 50 is provided, for example, on a conveying device, weighs the packaged items placed on the conveying device, and supplies a weighing signal indicating the weighing result to the CPU 31. The communication interface circuit (INF) 46 is a circuit for communicating various data, commands, etc. between the weighing label printer control unit G and the packaging mechanism control unit I.

[0032] The printing unit 40 is a weighing label printer and is equipped with a print head (such as a thermal head), a platen roller, a label transport unit, a transport drive motor, etc. as printing means for labels, and under the control of the CPU 31, prints product data such as the product name, price, unit price, validity date, barcode, etc. on the label, and issues the printed label from the issuing port.

[0033] Under the control of CPU 31, label application unit 41 uses a suction unit to suck up the label printed and issued by printing unit 40, and applies the label to the film-packaged product.

[0034] Next, the control unit 61 (CPU) of the packaging mechanism control unit I of the packaging device 100 will be described. The control unit 61 is connected to a communication interface circuit (INF) 62, a storage unit 60 such as a ROM or RAM, an operation unit 63, a communication unit 64, a mechanism drive unit 65, etc. via a communication line (such as a bus). The communication interface circuit (INF) 62 is a circuit for communicating various data and commands with the weighing label printer control unit G.

[0035] The storage unit 60 stores the control program executed by the control unit 61. The storage unit 60 also stores various registers and flag areas used when the control unit 61 executes the control program, as well as various tables for determining control data based on product shape data (length, width, height). The storage unit 60 may be a storage device such as an HDD or SSD.

[0036] Under the control of the control unit 61, the communication unit 64 performs data communication with a host computer 901 (such as a server) via a wired or wireless communication path 900 (such as a network).

[0037] The control unit 61 functions as a control means for controlling the packaging operation and the like in the packaging device 100. The control unit 61 executes a control program to realize the functions according to the present invention.

[0038] The mechanism drive unit 65 is electrically connected to the conveyance unit (conveyance device 110), lifting devices such as the elevator 2, the packaging unit 8, the film feed unit 5, the imaging unit 71, the detection unit S, and the like. The imaging unit 71 captures an image of the packaged item and outputs the captured image to the control unit 61 and the storage unit 60.

[0039] The control unit 61 has a feature receiving unit 611 (feature receiving means), a candidate output unit 612 (candidate output means), an evaluation input unit 613 (evaluation input means), etc. The control unit 61 realizes the functions according to the present invention by, for example, executing a program.

[0040] The characteristic receiving unit 611 receives input of characteristic information indicating the characteristics of at least one of the packaged item or the packaging material. The characteristic information of the packaged item includes the size and type of the tray on which the product is placed as the packaged item. The characteristic information of the packaging material includes, for example, the tension, type, and width of the film of the packaging material.

[0041] The candidate output unit 612 performs processing to display a tray setting (packaging control parameter) candidate screen that proposes seven or less candidates for tray setting (packaging control parameter) according to the characteristic information accepted by the characteristic accepting means (characteristic accepting unit 611). The candidate output unit 612 also performs processing to display a packaging setting (packaging control parameter) candidate screen including options that indicate the operator's requests regarding the finished packaging.

[0042] The evaluation input unit 613 performs processing to display an evaluation input screen that accepts input of an evaluation of the finished packaging performed based on the packaging settings (packaging control parameters) selected from among the candidate packaging settings (packaging control parameters). The evaluation input unit 613 also performs processing to display an evaluation input screen including options to express the operator's impression of the finished packaging.

[0043] Next, an example of a tray setting screen (packaging control parameter setting screen) in the advanced setting mode will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the tray setting screen D1 in the advanced setting mode is displayed in an operable manner on the display operation unit 39 of the packaging device 100.

[0044] This tray setting screen D1 is displayed, for example, when a setting mode is selected from the main menu of the packaging device and tray setting is selected in the setting mode.

[0045] The tray setting screen D1 shown in FIG. 5 has a tray number area D11 that displays the tray number of the packaged item in a settable manner, and a tray name area D12 that displays the tray name in a settable manner. The tray setting screen D1 also has a simple setting button B14 for selecting the simple setting mode, a detailed setting button B15 for selecting the detailed setting mode, a packaging test button B16 for selecting the packaging test mode, etc. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the detailed setting button B15 has been operated, and the detailed setting mode is selected.

[0046] The tray setting screen D1 also has a tray type setting area D21 that displays the tray type so that it can be set, a tray feed amount setting area D22 that displays the tray feed amount so that it can be set, a film cut length setting area D23 that displays the film cut length so that it can be set, a film centering setting area D24 that displays the film centering so that it can be set, a packaging speed setting area D25 that displays the packaging speed so that it can be set, and a bottom seal adjustment setting area D26 that allows the adjustment of the bottom seal position.

[0047] Specifically, the tray type setting area D21 is used to select the tray type, such as a standard tray, a clear tray, a large tray, or a saury tray. The tray feed amount setting area D22 sets the amount of items to be fed into the packaging device when the items are transported. The tray feed amount can be set, for example, as an integer value in the range of -3 to 4. For example, when the set value is 0, the feed amount is the standard value (default value), and the larger the set value, the larger the feed amount. In addition, this tray feed amount can be set to automatic (default value). The film cut length setting area D23 sets the length to cut the film for each tray. For example, an integer value between -3 and 3 can be set. For example, when the setting value is 0, the cut length is the standard value (prescribed value), and the larger the setting value, the longer the cut length. The film centering setting area D24 sets the left and right film position for each tray. An integer value between -3 and 3 can be set. For example, a setting value of 0 indicates the standard position (prescribed position), and the larger the setting value, the more the film is positioned to the right. The packaging speed setting area D25 can be set to automatic (standard speed), slow speed, or fast speed. The bottom seal adjustment setting area D26 is used to adjust the bottom seal. For example, an integer value in the range of -3 to 3 can be set.

[0048] The tray setting screen D1 also has an area in the lower center where the tray size can be set, which includes the width, depth, and height of the tray, for example, in centimeters. In detail, the tray setting screen D1 has a tray width setting area D31 that displays the tray width so that it can be set, a tray depth setting area D32 that displays the tray depth so that it can be set, a tray height setting area D33 that displays the tray height so that it can be set, a tray depth (bottom) setting area D34 that displays the tray bottom depth so that it can be set, and a tray width (bottom) setting area D35 that displays the tray bottom width so that it can be set.

[0049] The tray setting screen D1 also has a product number registration button B41 that is operated when registering a product number, a copy button B42 that is operated when selecting the source of the tray setting to copy, and a delete button B43 that is operated when deleting the tray setting.

[0050] The detailed setting mode described above is a setting mode for an operator who has detailed knowledge about packaging machines, for example.

[0051] Next, recommended tray settings for operators (beginners, etc.) who do not have detailed knowledge about packaging machines, for example, will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the tray setting screen D2 (packaging control parameter setting screen) in the simple setting mode. In the explanation of Fig. 6, parts common to those explained in Fig. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and some overlapping explanations will be omitted. The characteristic receiving means (characteristic receiving unit 611) performs processing to receive input of characteristic information indicating the characteristics of at least one of the packaged item or the packaging material. In the example shown in Figure 6, the tray setting screen D2 in simple setting mode has a tray number area D11 that displays the tray number for the packaged item in a settable manner, a tray type setting area D21, a tray width setting area D31 that displays the tray width in a settable manner, a tray depth setting area D32 that displays the tray depth in a settable manner, a tray height setting area D33 that displays the tray height in a settable manner, and a film tension setting area D45 that sets the film tension strength. The film tension setting area D45 has, for example, a knob B46, a plus button B47, a minus button B48, etc., and the film tension can be adjusted by turning the knob B46 left or right. Also, by operating the plus button B47 or the minus button B48, the film tension strength can be increased or decreased relatively from the current value.

[0052] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 6, the tray setting screen D2 in the simple setting mode displays a recommended tray setting button B50, and for example, as described above, when the minimum characteristic information regarding the packaged item (item) such as a tray and the packaging material such as film is entered, the recommended tray setting button B50 becomes operable. In addition, if the tray size can be automatically detected by the detection unit, the recommended tray setting button B50 can be operated without the operator having to input the tray size, as long as the above minimum characteristic information input is met (for example, if the tray type is input).

[0053] The recommended tray setting button B50 may also be displayed on the setting screen in the test packaging mode. FIG. 7 shows an example of the setting screen D3 having a recommended tray setting button B50 when the packaging test button B16 is operated to enter the test packaging mode. When in test packaging mode, the setting screen D3 displays, in approximately the center, a message such as "Test packaging mode. Place the tray in the center and press the 'reset' button to package," along with photos and illustrations to explain the operation, thereby informing the operator (user) of the instructions for test packaging operations. When the recommended tray setting button B50 is operated, a tray setting candidate screen is displayed in an operable manner, as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

[0054] The tray setting candidate screen D501 shown in Fig. 8(a) displays, for example, selectable tray setting candidates related to film tension. In detail, the tray setting candidate screen D501 shown in Fig. 8(a) displays, as tray setting candidates, for example, a "Do not crush" button B502, a "Standard" button B503, and a "Looks good" button B504, which can be operated. The "Don't crush" button B502 is operated to instruct that the tension (tension) of the film be set to a low level so that the packaged item, such as a tray, will not be crushed. The "Standard" button B503 is operated, for example, when the currently defined standard tray setting is not to be changed. The "good looking" button B504 is operated to instruct, for example, to set the tension (tension) of the film to be strong and to pack the product without wrinkles. Then, after any button (option) from among the candidates is selected, if the decision button B505 is operated, the selected tray setting candidate is decided, and if the cancel button B506 is operated, the selected candidate is rejected.

[0055] Also, like the tray setting candidate screen D501 shown in FIG. 8(b), for example, tray setting candidates related to packaging speed may be displayed in a selectable manner. In detail, the tray setting candidate screen D501 shown in FIG. 8(b) displays, for example, a "faster packaging speed" button B507, a "standard" button B508, and a "slower packaging speed" button B509 as tray candidates in an operable manner. The "Faster packaging speed" button B507 is operated to give an instruction to prioritize packaging processing efficiency over the finished product quality. The "Standard" button B508 is operated when the currently defined standard tray setting is not to be changed. The "slower packaging speed" button B509 is operated to give an instruction to prioritize the quality of the finished product over the packaging processing efficiency.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 8(a) or the example shown in Figure 8(b) described above, there are three tray setting candidates (options), but this is not limited to this embodiment, and multiple candidates, preferably seven or less tray setting candidates, may be displayed for selection.

[0057] The tray setting candidate screen shown in FIG. 8(a) and the tray setting selection screen shown in FIG. 8(b) may be displayed on the same screen.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the finish evaluation input screen D601. After the tray setting candidates are selected, the control unit 61 determines packaging control parameters based on the selected tray setting and performs a test packaging process. Then, as a result of the test packaging process, a finish evaluation input screen D601 for evaluating the packaged item (tray, etc.) is displayed (see, for example, FIG. 9).

[0059] The finish evaluation input screen D601 displays operable buttons such as a "tray is crushed" button B602, a "film tension is a little too strong" button B603, a "just right" button B604, a "film tension is a little weak" button B605, a "film wrinkles are noticeable" button B606, and a confirm button B607.

[0060] The "tray crushed" button B602 is pressed when the results of test packaging show that the film tension is too strong and therefore the packaged item, such as a tray, is crushed (deformed). The "film tension is a little too strong" button B603 is pressed when the film tension is a little too strong. The "just right" button B604 is pressed when the results of test packaging are good. The "film tension is a little too weak" button B605 is pressed when the film tension is a little weak. The "film wrinkles are noticeable" button B606 is pressed when the film tension is too weak and therefore wrinkles are noticeable. Then, by operating the decision button B607, the selected finish evaluation is reflected.

[0061] In particular, when the "Just Right" button B604 is selected, the control unit 61 registers, for example, the current tray settings set during test packaging in the storage unit as the official tray settings. If a button other than the "Just Right" button B604 is selected, the control unit 61 performs a process to automatically change the tray settings to be applied in the next packaging test according to the selected evaluation. In detail, the control unit performs a process to optimally change the tray settings based on the information indicating the input evaluation and the tray information selection set at the time of packaging.

[0062] In another embodiment, test packaging may be performed multiple times with different tray settings, and the packaging results may be evaluated together. In this case, for example, by allowing input of not only the best evaluation but also the worst evaluation, tray settings can be optimized with high precision. In other words, by learning the evaluation of the packaging results for one type of tray (item to be packaged) using multiple different tray settings and providing feedback, it is possible to optimize tray settings with high precision. Additionally, the results of multiple packaging runs may be ranked.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of displaying a tray setting candidate screen and a finish evaluation input screen in a pop-up format. In detail, as shown in FIG. 10(a), a tray setting candidate screen D501 and a finish evaluation input screen D601 may be displayed as pop-ups on the setting screen D2 having the recommended tray setting button B50. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(b), a tray setting candidate screen D501 and a finish evaluation input screen D601 may be displayed as pop-ups on the setting screen D3 in the test packaging mode. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tray setting candidate screen D501 and the finish evaluation input screen D601 may be displayed on a screen separate from the setting screens D2 and D3.

[0064] Furthermore, the packaging device 100 may be provided with an imaging unit (camera), and the imaging unit may capture an image of the packaged item (tray, etc.) as a result of the test packaging, and the image (photograph) may be stored in the storage unit. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, photographs (images) showing the results of test packaging corresponding to different tray settings may be arranged on one screen so that they can be easily compared.

[0065] In detail, the example shown in Figure 11(a) shows the results of test packaging when "does not crush" was selected as the tray setting, Figure 11(b) shows the results of test packaging when "looks good" was selected as the tray setting, and Figure 11(c) shows an example of the results of test packaging when "standard" was selected as the tray setting. The photograph in Figure 11(a) illustrates an example where the film has many wrinkles, the photograph in Figure 11(b) illustrates an example where the tray is crushed, and the photograph in Figure 11(c) illustrates an example where the film has few wrinkles.

[0066] The packaging device 100 may also be configured to perform test packaging with different settings in succession, and allow evaluations of individual test results to be input from a screen that compares multiple images (photographs) showing the results of the test packaging.

[0067] Next, an example of the operation of the packaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and other figures.

[0068] In step ST1, the minimum characteristic information of the packaged items and packaging materials is input. In detail, the control unit 61 performs a process to operably display a tray setting screen D2 (packaging control parameter setting screen) on the display operation unit 39, for example, as shown in Fig. 6. Then, the minimum characteristic information of the packaged items and packaging materials is input on the tray setting screen D2. The minimum characteristic information includes, for example, the tray type, tray size (tray width, tray depth, tray height), and, if necessary, the film tension strength. Then, when the recommended tray setting button B50 is operated, the process proceeds to step ST2.

[0069] In step ST2, tray setting candidates are displayed so that they can be selected. In detail, the control unit 61 operably displays a tray setting candidate screen D501 on the display operation unit 39, for example, as shown in Fig. 8. For example, as shown in Fig. 8(a), a "Do not collapse" button B502, a "Standard" button B503, and a "Looks good" button B504 are displayed so that they can be operated.

[0070] In step ST3, the control unit 61 of the packaging device 100 performs test packaging based on the selected tray settings. Specifically, when the packaging test button B16 is operated to enter the test packaging mode, the control unit 61 displays the setting screen D3 as shown in Fig. 7. Then, when the operator places a tray (item) in the center of the loading section of the conveyor as instructed on the setting screen D3 and presses the reset button (not shown), the control unit 61 performs test packaging based on the selected tray settings.

[0071] In step ST4, the control unit 61 performs processing to operably display a finish evaluation input screen D601 on the display operation unit, for example, as shown in Fig. 9. On the finish evaluation input screen D601, for example, a "Tray is crushed" button B602, a "Film tension is a little too strong" button B603, a "Just right" button B604, a "Film tension is a little weak" button B605, a "Wrinkles in the film are noticeable" button B606, a confirm button B607, etc. are operably displayed. The operator (user) looks at the packaged product as a result of the test packaging, evaluates it, and operates one of the buttons B602 to B606, followed by the decision button B607.

[0072] In step ST5, the control unit 61 stores the selected tray setting and the evaluation based on the result of the test packaging in the storage unit and learns the results.

[0073] In step ST6, the control section 61 determines whether or not to perform test packaging again. In detail, for example, when the "Just Right" button B604 is selected on the finish evaluation input screen D601 shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 61 proceeds to the processing of step ST8, and registers, for example, the current tray settings set during test packaging in the memory unit as the official tray settings (ST8). If a button other than the "Just Right" button B604 is selected, the process proceeds to step ST7, where the control unit 61 performs a process to automatically change the tray settings to be applied in the next packaging test according to the selected evaluation. In detail, the control unit 61 infers the optimal tray settings based on the information indicating the input evaluation and the tray information selection set at the time of packaging, performs a process to change the tray settings (ST7), and then proceeds to step ST3. In step ST7, in order to approach the optimal tray setting (packaging control parameters), new tray setting candidates may be displayed so that multiple candidates can be selected (for example, a tray setting candidate screen as shown in FIG. 8), and a process may be performed to narrow down the optimal tray setting (narrowing process), and test packaging may be performed in step ST3 depending on the selected tray setting.

[0074] Then, in step ST8, the current tray settings set during test packaging are confirmed as the official tray settings and registered in the memory unit. After that, in step ST9, the control unit 61 performs packaging processing using the confirmed tray settings (packaging control parameters).

[0075] As described above, the packaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a feature receiving means (feature receiving unit 611), a candidate output means (candidate output unit 612), and a packaging means (packaging unit 8). The feature accepting means (feature accepting unit 611) accepts input of feature information indicating the features of at least one of the packaged item or the packaging material. The candidate output means (candidate output unit 612) performs processing to display a tray setting (packaging control parameter) candidate screen that proposes multiple candidates for tray setting (packaging control parameter) according to the feature information accepted by the feature accepting means (feature accepting unit 611). The packaging means (packaging unit 8) performs packaging based on the tray setting (packaging control parameter) selected from the candidates for tray setting (packaging control parameter). For example, if too many candidates are proposed, it will take a long time for the operator (user) to make a selection, which is inefficient. In this embodiment, the candidate output means (candidate output unit 612) performs processing to display, for example, a tray setting (packaging control parameter) candidate screen that proposes seven or fewer candidates for tray setting (packaging control parameter) in accordance with the feature information accepted by the feature accepting means (feature accepting unit 611). In other words, if the number of proposed candidates is seven or fewer, the time required for the operator (user) to make a selection is relatively short, and a relatively high-precision selection result can be obtained. That is, it is possible to provide a packaging device 100 with a simple configuration that enables an operator (beginner, etc.) who does not have detailed knowledge about packaging devices to easily create optimal tray settings (packaging control parameters). In other words, the operator (user) can easily create tray settings (packaging control parameters) without having to create complex tray settings from scratch.

[0076] Furthermore, the packaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has evaluation input means (evaluation input unit 613) that operably displays an evaluation input screen (finishing evaluation input screen D601) that accepts input of an evaluation on the finishing of packaging performed based on a tray setting (packaging control parameter) selected from among candidate tray settings (packaging control parameters). The packaging means (packaging unit 8) changes the tray setting (packaging control parameter) in accordance with the information accepted by the evaluation input means (evaluation input unit 613). That is, the operator inputs the finish of the test packaging from the evaluation input screen (finish evaluation input screen D601), and based on the input information, the relationship between the test packaging results and the packaging control parameters for tray settings can be learned, and the tray settings (packaging control parameters) can be corrected to ensure good packaging results the next time test packaging is performed.

[0077] In addition, the evaluation input means (evaluation input unit 613) of the packaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a process of operably displaying an evaluation input screen (finish evaluation input screen D601) including options that express the impression that the operator (worker) has of the finished packaging. In other words, the operator (user) can input his / her impressions of the test packaging results into the packaging device without having to modify specific packaging control parameters, and the control unit 61 of the packaging device can correct the tray settings (packaging control parameters) based on the input options to achieve good packaging results.

[0078] Furthermore, the candidate output means (candidate output unit 612) of the packaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention performs processing to display a tray setting candidate screen D501 including options that indicate the operator's requests regarding the finish of packaging. In other words, a packaging device can be provided that allows the operator (user) to perform good packaging by selecting the desired tray setting from the options on the tray setting candidate screen D501 without having to set complex packaging control parameters.

[0079] Furthermore, the packaging device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has an imaging means (imaging unit 71) that images the packaged item. The evaluation input means (evaluation input unit 613) may display an evaluation input screen including a photograph (image) of the packaged item obtained by photographing the packaged item with the imaging means (imaging unit 71). That is, the operator can view a photograph (image) of the packaged item and, through a simple operation, reflect the evaluation of the test packaging results.

[0080] In addition, the packaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is capable of communicating with a server (host computer 901) that generates candidates for tray settings (packaging control parameters), and has a communication means (communication unit 64) that receives candidates for tray settings (packaging control parameters) output by a candidate output means (candidate output unit 612) from the server (host computer 901) and transmits evaluations received by an evaluation input means (evaluation input unit 613) to the server (host computer 901). That is, with a simple configuration, the server (host computer 901) can generate candidates for tray settings (packaging control parameters), and the packaging device 100 can operably display the candidates for tray settings (packaging control parameters). In addition, by sending the evaluation received by the evaluation input means (evaluation input unit 613) of the packaging device 100 to the server (host computer 901), the server (host computer 901) can learn the tray settings by machine learning the packaging control parameters of the packaging device based on the tray settings and the evaluation of the tray settings.

[0081] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the above-described drawings can be combined with each other as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in the purpose, configuration, etc. Furthermore, the contents of each drawing may be independent embodiments, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a single embodiment obtained by combining the drawings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 8...Packaging department 39…Display operation section 61...Control unit (CPU) 100...Packaging equipment 611...Feature reception unit (feature reception means) 612...Candidate output unit (candidate output means) 613...Evaluation input unit (evaluation input means) 901...Host computer (server) D501...Tray setting candidate screen D601...Finishing evaluation input screen

Claims

1. The packaging device includes a feature receiving means, a candidate output means, and a packaging means, the characteristic receiving means receives input of characteristic information indicating characteristics of at least one of a tray or the packaging material on a setting screen related to a tray to be packaged together with the product in the packaging material; the candidate output means displays a tray setting candidate screen that proposes a plurality of candidates for tray settings, which are packaging control parameters for packaging the one tray by the packaging means, in accordance with the characteristic information received by the characteristic receiving means; The packaging means sets a value of the tension strength of the packaging material when packaged as the characteristic information, and when a tray setting is not selected from the tray setting candidate screen, packages the product to the set tension strength based on the characteristic information, while when a tray setting is selected from the tray setting candidate screen, packages the product to the tension strength according to the selected tray setting. A packaging device characterized by:

2. an evaluation input means for displaying an evaluation input screen for receiving an input of an evaluation of the finish of packaging performed based on the tray setting selected from the tray setting candidate screen; The packaging means changes tray settings including the tension strength of the packaging material in accordance with the information received by the evaluation input means.

2. The packaging device according to claim 1.

3. The candidate output means displays a tray setting candidate screen including options that indicate the operator's desires regarding the finish of packaging.

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

4. 3. The packaging device according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation input means displays an evaluation input screen including options for expressing the operator's impression of the finished packaging.

5. The tray setting candidate output unit includes a communication unit that can communicate with a server that generates tray setting candidates, receives tray setting candidates output by the candidate output unit from the server, and transmits evaluations received by the evaluation input unit to the server.

3. The packaging device according to claim 2.

6. The packaging device includes a feature receiving means, a candidate output means, and a packaging means, the characteristic receiving means receives input of characteristic information indicating characteristics of at least one of a tray or the packaging material on a setting screen related to a tray to be packaged together with the product in the packaging material; The candidate output means displays a tray setting candidate screen that suggests a plurality of candidates for tray settings, which are packaging control parameters for packaging the one tray by the packaging means, by showing a plurality of options regarding the appearance of the packaged items or the packaging speed according to the characteristic information received by the characteristic receiving means; The packaging device is characterized in that the packaging means performs packaging based on a tray setting selected from the tray setting candidates.

Images