Horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine

Abstract

To provide a horizontal type rotary type automatic filling packaging machine which can make adjustment of a cut position and the like simple and swift which does not require skills, during an operation of the packaging machine, and can reduce the production of defective products of packaging bags.SOLUTION: A horizontal type rotary type automatic filling packaging machine includes a side seal device 7, a filling chute 8, a turn table 20, a top seal device 12, a conveyance device 14, a cutter device 16 which cuts continuous packaging bags which have been conveyed at a preset position of a side seal portion; a control device 19 which can control a cut position of the side seal of the continuous packaging bags; and an imaging device 15 which images the packaging bags being conveyed. The control device 19 acquires a deviation amount of the cut position from a target position based on image data of the packaging bags from the imaging device 15, and corrects cut timing of the cutter device 16 so that the deviation amount becomes small.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved technology for a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that divides a long packaging film (resin film) that is conveyed horizontally into a large number of pouches and fills each of the horizontally arranged pouches with contents to produce packages. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machines have been used to divide and package fixed amounts of powder or other contents into multiple packages using long packaging film (resin film).

[0003] In this horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example, the packaging film is pulled out and moved horizontally from a film coil in which the packaging film is wound around a core material, and the packaging film is introduced onto a turntable while being folded in half in a direction approximately perpendicular to the film traveling direction in the film guide section to form the part that will become the bottom of the bag section.

[0004] A number of side seal bars arranged around the turntable rotate at a speed synchronized with the introduced packaging film, clamping the packaging film vertically and forming a width seal (side seal: heat seal) that extends perpendicular to the direction of movement of the packaging film as it moves (rotationally moves) horizontally.

[0005] Then, between the successively folded packaging film (the bag portion at the upper opening), a plurality of filling chutes are inserted, which are arranged corresponding to the spaces between adjacent side seal bars and rotate in sync with the packaging film and side seal bars, and a predetermined amount of contents (powder or granular material) is filled (put in) from the filling chute, after which the filling chute is removed from the bag portion and the side seal bars that had been holding the resin film are removed.

[0006] The packaging film, with each pouch filled with the contents in this way, is then sealed by top sealing (heat sealing) the upper edges of the pouches. In this state, the width seal between the pouches is cut or perforated along the length to form the desired package. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-341607 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-124030 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Here, in horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machines that operate at high speed, a method has been used in which the packaging bag is pulled to create tension in the film while being cut or perforated in order to improve product quality by making the cut areas of the packaging bag neater. Specifically, the distance between the clips (144) of the clamp conveying device that grips and conveys the packaging bag (F4) during cutting is set slightly longer (L1) than the distance between one package (L), thereby applying tension to the cut portion (side seal portion) (S) of the packaging bag, resulting in high-quality, stable cutting (see Figures 1(A), (B), 2(A), (B)).

[0009] However, with such a method, it may be necessary to vary the tension depending on, for example, the conveying speed of the packaging bag, the material of the packaging bag, or the contents of the packaging bag. In such cases, when cutting and separating the bags of a linked package at a predetermined number of linked packages or when perforating the bags of a linked package, the actual cutting position or perforation position may deviate from the set position (target position) of the cutting position or perforation position. This problem has gradually become more serious as the conveying speed (production speed) of the packaging bag increases.

[0010] For this reason, in the past, if the cutting position or perforation position (hereinafter also referred to as the cutting position, etc.) was off from the normal position, the operator (worker) would adjust the controller to gradually change the rotation timing (phase) of the cutter of the cutting device (or perforation device), taking time to adjust the cutting position (or perforation position) to the normal position (target position).

[0011] However, with this adjustment method, an operator must always be present at one packaging machine, and one operator cannot operate multiple packaging machines, resulting in poor work efficiency or production efficiency.

[0012] Furthermore, because adjustments are made manually, the packaging bags produced in order to adjust the cutting position, etc., often have to be disposed of as defective products, resulting in a lot of waste.

[0013] Furthermore, due to variations in the quality and properties of the packaging film (for example, the thickness of a long roll of packaging film may differ between the beginning and end of the roll), there are cases where the deviation in the cutting position, etc. is not uniform, or where deviations occur frequently during operation (for example, if the shape of the contents in the packaging bag is not symmetrical, the packaging bag may expand differently depending on the direction in which the contents are placed, causing deviations in the cutting position, etc.), which cannot be handled manually by an operator, and there is a risk of producing defective products unnecessarily.

[0014] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can make adjustments such as cutting positions while the packaging machine is in operation simple and quick without requiring skilled labor, thereby reducing the production of defective packaging bags. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] For this reason, the horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine according to the present invention has the following features: a side sealing device that heat-seals the packaging film in the width direction while transporting the film horizontally and folding the center portion; a filling chute that pours contents into the packaging film bag portion divided by the side sealing device; a turntable that rotates the side sealing devices and the filling chutes; a top sealing device that heat-seals the top edge of the packaging film bag portion filled with the contents; A conveying device that conveys the completed continuous packaging bags horizontally; a cutter device that cuts the conveyed continuous packaging bag at a preset position of the side seal portion; a control device that controls the cutter device to control the cutting position of the side seal of the continuous packaging bag; an imaging device that captures an image of the packaging bag being conveyed; A horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine comprising: When the control device controls the cutting position, First, the operator visually checks the cutting position while inputting the correction value into the control device, corrects the deviation until the cutting position becomes the target position, and then completes the initial cutting position correction work. The control device records the packaging bag image (Vn) and the bag inner edge position (En) a set number of times (n) (Vn is V1, V2, ..., En is E1, E2, ...), and among the recorded Vn and En, those that exceed a few percent of the set upper and lower limits are excluded as outliers, and the remaining multiple Vn and En are saved as reference values, After that, the control device acquires and records the packaging bag image (V) and the inner edge position (E) of the bag captured by the imaging device at a fixed timing, calculates the distance difference (ΔE = En - E) between En, which is closest to E, and E, calculates the amount of correction (ΔT) for the cutting timing based on "ΔE" and "whether V is ahead or behind Vn", and automatically corrects the cutting timing of the cutter device in the direction of delaying or advancing so that the actual cutting position becomes the target position. It is characterized by: In another aspect, the horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine according to the present invention comprises: a side sealing device that heat-seals the packaging film in the width direction while transporting the film horizontally and folding the center portion; a filling chute that pours contents into the packaging film bag portion divided by the side sealing device; a turntable that rotates the side sealing devices and the filling chutes; a top sealing device that heat-seals the top edge of the packaging film bag portion filled with the contents; A conveying device that conveys the completed continuous packaging bags horizontally; a cutter device that cuts the conveyed continuous packaging bag at a preset position of the side seal portion; a control device that controls the cutter device to control the cutting position of the side seal of the continuous packaging bag; an imaging device that captures an image of the packaging bag being conveyed; A horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine comprising: When the control device controls the cutting position, First, the operator visually checks the cutting position while inputting the correction value into the control device, corrects the deviation until the cutting position becomes the target position, and then completes the initial cutting position correction work. The control device records the packaging bag image (Vn) and the bag inner edge position (En) a set number of times (n) (Vn is V1, V2, ..., En is E1, E2, ...), removes the recorded Vn and En that exceed a few percent of the set upper and lower limits as outliers, and saves the average values ​​(Va, Ea) of the remaining multiple Vn and En as reference values, After that, the control device acquires and records the packaging bag image (V) and the inner edge position (E) of the bag captured by the imaging device at a fixed timing, calculates the distance difference between E and Ea (ΔE = Ea - E), calculates the amount of correction (ΔT) for the cutting timing based on "ΔE" and "whether V is ahead or behind Va", and automatically corrects the cutting timing of the cutter device in the direction of delaying or advancing so that the actual cutting position becomes the target position. It is characterized by:

[0016] In the present invention, the imaging device is provided on the upstream side of the cutter device in the conveying direction of the packaging bag; The control device is configured to control the packaging bag before it is cut by the cutter device. Image and inner edge position of bag Based on , the automatic correction Do The present invention can be characterized by the above. In addition, in the present invention, the imaging device is provided downstream of the cutter device in the conveying direction of the packaging bag; The control device performs the automatic correction based on an image of the packaging bag after cutting by the cutter device and the position of the inner edge of the bag. The present invention can be characterized by the above.

[0017] In the present invention, The control device If ΔE is smaller than the preset correction amount ΔS, the automatic correction is not performed. If ΔE is greater than the preset correction amount ΔS, the automatic correction is performed. The present invention can be characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can make adjustments to the cutting position, etc. while the packaging machine is operating simply and quickly without requiring skill, thereby reducing the production of defective packaging bags. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1A is a front view of a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a plan view (viewed along the arrow AA in FIG. 1A) showing the area from the side seal to the product cut. [Figure 2] (A) is a plan view showing the area around the cutter device according to the embodiment, (B) is a front view showing the area around the cutter device according to the embodiment, and (C) is a view taken along the CC arrow in (B) (around the imaging device). [Figure 3]1A is a front view illustrating an initial cut correction according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a front view illustrating automatic correction of a cut position according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating control of an initial cut correction and automatic correction of a cut position according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating control of an initial cut correction and automatic correction of a cut position according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is an example of a flowchart illustrating control of an initial cut correction and automatic correction of a cut position according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A is a plan view showing the periphery of a cutter device according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a front view showing the periphery of the cutter device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A is a front view illustrating an initial cut correction according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a front view illustrating automatic correction of a cut position according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating control of an initial cut correction and automatic correction of a cut position according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a flowchart illustrating control of an initial cut correction and automatic correction of a cut position according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0021] First Embodiment First, the overall configuration of a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1(A) is a front view (partial cross-sectional view) showing a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 1(B) is a plan view showing the transport path of the packaging film as seen from above. 1(A), horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine 1 includes a packaging film raw roll support shaft (in use) 3 rotatably supported by main body 2, a packaging film raw roll support shaft (standby) 4 for the next use (spare) packaging film raw roll, packaging material feeder 5, packaging film folding guide (bag-making guide) 6, side sealing device (side seal bar) 7, filling chute 8, content storage hopper 9, weighing device 10, preheating device 11, top sealing device 12, notching device 13, clamp conveying device 14, pre-cut image detection device (imaging device) 15, cutter device 16, discharge slider (discharge chute) 17, defective product slider (defective product chute) 18, and operation panel (controller) 19. The side sealing device (side seal bar) 7, filling chute 8, etc. are attached to a turntable 20 that rotates on main body 2 in a horizontal plane.

[0022] The packaging film is wound into a roll as a packaging film raw roll F1 and supported on a packaging film raw roll support shaft 3. The remainder of the packaging film raw roll F1 is supported on a packaging film raw roll support shaft 4 as a spare packaging film raw roll F1'. Here, the packaging film is made of a transparent or translucent material, for example, a base film such as PET and a heat-seal film such as polyethylene having a lower melting point than the base film. The packaging film F1 may also have a three-layer structure consisting of a base film, an intermediate film, and a heat-seal film.

[0023] Packaging film F2 is unwound from packaging film raw roll F1 supported on packaging film raw roll support shaft 3, passes through packaging material feed device 5, and is then continuously fed to the right in Fig. 1(A) where it is folded in half along the longitudinal center by bag-making guide (packaging film folding guide) 6 into an upwardly open U-shape. As shown in Fig. 1(B), the folded packaging film F2 is introduced onto turntable 20 from the tangential direction of turntable 20 and moved in the circumferential direction (the rotation direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 1(B)) at a speed synchronized with the turntable 20.

[0024] 1(B), a number of side seal devices (side seal bars) 7 that form width seals are arranged concentrically on the turntable 20. The side seal devices 7, which rotate at a speed synchronized with the turntable 20, perform predetermined positioning (positioning in the circumferential and vertical directions) on the packaging film F2 that is introduced onto the turntable 20 and rotated in the circumferential direction, and at the same time, perform heat sealing in the width direction of the packaging film F2 to locally thermocompress the film.

[0025] At this time, the portion of the packaging film sandwiched by the side sealing device 7 is melted by the heat supplied from the side sealing device 7. At the same time, because the side sealing device 7 sandwiches the packaging film F2, the melted portion of the folded packaging film F2 is pressurized. As a result, the heat seal films of the folded packaging film F2 are pressed together, forming side seals S (see FIG. 2(B), etc.). In this way, multiple bags with upper openings sandwiched by the side sealing device 7 are formed in the folded packaging film F2.

[0026] In parallel with the heat sealing operation by the side sealing device 7, a filling chute 8 is inserted between the folded packaging film F2, and the contents weighed by the weighing device 10 are poured through the filling chute 8. The filling chutes 8, which are arranged concentrically on the turntable 20, are configured to rotate in the circumferential direction (the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 1(B)) at a speed synchronized with the turntable 20 and, ultimately, the packaging film F2.

[0027] Thereafter, the packaging film F3 filled with the contents is sent out in a tangential direction (left horizontal direction in FIG. 1(B)) from the turntable 20, and a top seal is formed by a top sealing device (top sealing roll) 11, where the filling opening (upper opening) of the bag portion of the packaging film F3 is heat-sealed and thermocompressed to form a top seal. As a result, the upper-opening packaging film (continuous packaging bag) F3 filled with the contents is made into a continuous packaging bag F4 in which the contents are sealed (see FIGS. 1(A) and (B)).

[0028] Thereafter, the continuous packaging bag F4 is cut into individual packaging bags F6 by a cutter device 16 to produce packaging bags P1 (FIG. 1(A)). Note that the symbol P2 indicates defective products.

[0029] As shown enlarged in Figure 2(A), the cutter device 16 is configured to sandwich and cut the side seals S of the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) from both the front and back sides using a cutter blade 162 that is driven to rotate around a cutter blade shaft 161 by a servo motor or the like, and a cutter receiving blade 164 that is driven to rotate around a cutter receiving blade shaft 163 by a servo motor or the like. In the figure, the symbol F5 indicates the continuous packaging bag (F4) that is gripped and conveyed by the clamp conveying device 14. The continuous packaging bag F4 is made up of multiple packaging bags connected together at a predetermined distance (pitch) L.

[0030] 2(A) and 2(B), in this embodiment, the cutter blade 162 and the cutter receiving blade 164 clamp and cut the side seals S of the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) from both the front and back sides, but if the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) is not stretched (pulled with a specified tension) in the left-right direction (the conveying direction of the continuous packaging bag) as shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) during cutting, problems such as an oblique cut line or an inability to cut reliably can occur. Such problems become particularly pronounced when the conveying speed is increased in response to demands for improved production capacity of automatic filling and packaging machines.

[0031] For this reason, this embodiment is configured to include a clamp conveying device 14 that can apply tension to the continuous packaging bags F4 (F5) while conveying them linearly. 1(A) and 1(B), the clamp conveying device 14, which is an example of a conveying device, is provided with an endless (endless) chain (or belt, etc.) 141, which is an endless (endless) continuum having a straight portion that moves in the same direction as the linear conveying direction of the continuous packaging bags F4 (F5). The chain (or belt, etc.) 141 is looped around a sprocket (or pulley, etc., not shown) and is arranged so as to have the straight portion and an arc portion in a horizontal plane (within the plane of FIG. 1(B)), and is driven to rotate by an electric motor, etc.

[0032] Clamps 142 (143, 144, 145) are attached to this chain 141 at a predetermined interval (pitch) L1. That is, the clamps 142 are arranged endlessly at intervals (L1) slightly longer than the product length (L) of each continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) (see FIG. 1(B)). The clamp 142 has a structure similar to that of a clothespin, and is normally biased to a closed state with its tip (lower end in Figure 2(B)) closed via a spring (not shown) or the like, but is configured to be able to be biased against the biasing force of the spring to an open state with its tip open, so that it can grasp the top seal portion of the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) in the closed state and release it in the open state. The clamp in the closed state (closed state) is represented by the symbol 142, the clamp in the open state (open state) is represented by the symbol 143, the clamp in the state clamping the top seal portion of the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) (closed state) is represented by the symbol 144, and the clamp in the state releasing the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5, F6) (open state) is represented by the symbol 145.

[0033] Then, as shown in FIG. 1(B), clamp 142, which is rotated in the direction of arrow B along the arc of the outer periphery of a sprocket or the like, is moved toward the downstream side of arrow B, and, for example, via a cam mechanism (or pressing mechanism) not shown, the gap at the base end side of clamp 142 (the upper end side of symbol 144 in FIG. 2(B)) is narrowed against the spring force, thereby setting clamp 143 in an open state with its tip open. The clamp 143 is then moved further in the direction of arrow B until it is aligned with the conveying direction of the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) (the straight portion of the chain 141). At the position indicated by the symbol 144 in Figure 1 (B), the base end side of the clamp 142 is released, the tip of the clamp is closed, and the top seal portion of the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) is grasped (or clamped) and the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) is conveyed downstream.

[0034] The first clamp 144 (reference number 1441 on the left end of Figures 2(A) and 2(B)) grips the corresponding top seal portion of the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) and pulls the continuous packaging bag F4 (F5) against the top seal device 12 to apply tension (give it tension), and then tension is applied to the clamp 144 (1442) that held it first, and tension is applied up to the last clamp 144 (reference number 144 (1444) on the right end of Figures 2(A) and 2(B)) while cutting with the cutter device 16.

[0035] In this embodiment, in order to correct the deviation of the cutting position from the target position, the operator performs the following initial cutting position correction via the control device (operation panel) 19.

[0036] The cutter blade 162 and cutter receiving blade 164 that make up the cutter device 16 are rotated by a servo motor or the like, but the control of this rotational drive is independent of the conveyance of the continuous packaging bags F4 and other devices, so that the control device 19 controls the servo motor, making it possible to appropriately control the adjustment of the cutting position (cutting timing) independently of other devices.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3(A) and 4, if the initial cutting position (CP0) of the packaging bag by cutter device 16 deviates from the target cutting position (CP1), the worker visually checks the cutting position (S2 in Figure 4) and provides a correction value ΔT1 (input by inputting a numerical value or operating a dial, etc.) from control device 19 to adjust the operation timing (cutting timing) of cutter device 16, correcting the deviation until the actual cutting position becomes the appropriate position (target position) (CP1) ((2) in Figure 3(A) and S3 in Figure 4). Then, when the actual cutting position reaches the appropriate position (target position) (CP1) through such manual work, the operator performs processing (operation) to complete the initial correction ((3) in FIG. 3(A) and S4 in FIG. 4).

[0038] Thereafter, the control device 19 performs the following control. That is, in the control device 19, the image sensor 151, which records an image of the packaging bag before cutting at a fixed timing (predetermined timing or desired fixed timing), records the packaging bag image (V1) and the inner edge position (E1) of the bag in a normal (proper) case (i.e., after the amount of deviation has been corrected) ((4) in Figure 3(A) and S5 in Figure 4). The image sensor 151 constituting the pre-cut image detection device 15 is configured by, for example, a digital camera, and is configured to capture an image in response to an image capture command from the control device 19, acquire image data (for example, image data), and transmit the acquired image data to the control device 19. The image data (for example, image data) can be data captured from a direction approximately perpendicular to the plane of Figures 3(A) and (B). The uncut image detecting device 15 may be configured to include, around the image sensor 151, a lighting 152 including an LED or the like that illuminates the image pickup target (packaging bag).

[0039] After the worker has manually corrected the initial cutting position, the control device 19 monitors the deviation of the cutting position (the predicted cutting position before cutting) while the automatic filling and packaging machine 1 is operating, i.e., while packaging bags are being produced, using the method shown in Figures 3(B) and 4, and if a predetermined deviation occurs, the control device 19 automatically corrects the cutting position so that the amount of deviation is small (eliminated) before cutting, thereby preventing the production of defective products.

[0040] While the automatic filling and packaging machine 1 is operating, the control device 19 acquires and saves (records) the packaging bag image (V) and the inner edge position (E) of the bag based on image data from the image sensor 151 at regular intervals (for example, for each packaging bag) ((5) in Figure 3(B) and S6 in Figure 4). Next, the control device 19 calculates the difference in distance between E1 and E (ΔE=E1−E) ((5) in FIG. 3(B), S7 in FIG. 4).

[0041] Next, the control device 19 calculates the amount of correction (ΔT) for the cut timing based on ΔE ((6) in FIG. 3B, S8, S9, S11, S12 in FIG. 4). The correction corresponds to how long the cut (cut timing) should be delayed or advanced.

[0042] Next, the control device 19 instructs the cutter device 16 to perform cutting at a timing corrected by ΔT, thereby correcting the actual cutting position to the appropriate cutting position (CP) (target position) ((7) in Figure 3(B), S10, S13 in Figure 4).

[0043] As a result, even if the cutting position (expected cutting position before cutting) shifts while the automatic filling and packaging machine 1 is operating (while producing packaging bags), the actual cutting position can be corrected to the target position so that this shift does not occur, thereby providing a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can reduce the production of defective packaging bags.

[0044] Furthermore, after manual correction of the initial cutting position is completed and the normal (proper) packaging bag image (V1) and the bag's inner edge position (E1) are recorded (after the amount of deviation has been corrected), the deviation is automatically corrected, so that adjustments of the cutting position, etc. while the packaging machine is in operation can be made simply and quickly without requiring skill, and a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine can be provided that can reduce the production of defective packaging bags.

[0045] Incidentally, deviations in the cutting position may occur when the deviation in the cutting position is not uniform due to variations in the quality and properties of the packaging film (for example, the thickness may differ between the beginning and end of a long roll of packaging film), or when deviations occur frequently during operation (for example, when the shape of the contents in a packaging bag is not symmetrical, the packaging bag may expand differently depending on the direction in which the contents are placed, resulting in deviations in the cutting position), and this cannot be handled manually by an operator, which may result in the unnecessary production of defective products; however, this embodiment can reduce such risks.

[0046] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment will now be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in S5 in Fig. 4 in S205 to S208 in Fig. 5, and only those parts will be described. Note that the second embodiment is an embodiment in which the bag position is detected by image detection multiple times before cutting, and the cutting position is automatically corrected based on the closest value. 5, in S205, the control device 19 records (acquires) a normal (proper) packaging bag image (Vn) and the inner edge position (En) of the bag multiple (n) times (Vn is V1, V2..., En is E1, E2...) via the image sensor 151, which records images of the packaging bag before cutting at regular intervals (for example, for each packaging bag). Note that the number of recordings can be a preset number of times, or until the operator gives an instruction to end the recording. Then, of the recorded (acquired) Vn and En, those exceeding a few percent (depending on the set values) of the upper and lower limits are excluded, and the remaining Vn and En are saved as reference values ​​(S206 in FIG. 5). Thereafter, at regular intervals (for example, for each packaging bag), the control device 19 acquires and saves (records) the packaging bag image (V) and the inner edge position (E) of the bag based on the image data from the image sensor 151 (S207 in FIG. 5), and calculates the distance difference between En closest to E and E (ΔE=En-E) (S208 in FIG. 5). Thereafter, the same control as in the first embodiment is performed.

[0047] In this way, in this embodiment, Vn and En are determined taking into account variations in the transport of packaging bags, etc., so that even if there are variations, the occurrence of control hunting etc. can be suppressed, and the actual cutting position can be corrected to the appropriate cutting position (CP) (target position) in a relatively stable and good manner.

[0048] This means that even if the cutting position shifts while the automatic filling and packaging machine 1 is in operation (while producing packaging bags), the actual cutting position can be corrected to the target position so that the shift does not occur, thereby providing a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can reduce the production of defective packaging bags.

[0049] Furthermore, after manual correction of the initial cutting position is completed and the normal (proper) packaging bag image (Vn) and the inner edge position (En) of the bag are recorded (acquired) (after the amount of deviation has been corrected), the cutting position is automatically corrected so that the amount of deviation is reduced (eliminated). This makes it possible to make simple and quick adjustments to the cutting position, etc. while the packaging machine is operating, without requiring skill, and provides a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can reduce the production of defective packaging bags.

[0050] <Third embodiment> A third embodiment will now be described. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in S206 in Fig. 5 by S306 in Fig. 6, and only this part will be described. Note that the third embodiment is an embodiment in which the bag position is detected multiple times by image detection before cutting, and the cutting position is automatically corrected based on the average value. As shown in FIG. 5, in S306, the control device 19 excludes a few percent (depending on the set values) of the upper and lower limits of the recorded (acquired) Vn and En, and calculates and stores the average values ​​(Va, Ea) of the remaining Vn and En. Thereafter, the same control as in the first and second embodiments is performed using Va and Ea.

[0051] In this way, in this embodiment, Va and Ea are determined taking into account variations in packaging bags, etc., so that even if there is variation, the occurrence of control hunting etc. can be suppressed, and the actual cutting position can be stably and satisfactorily corrected to the appropriate cutting position (CP).

[0052] This means that even if the cutting position shifts while the automatic filling and packaging machine 1 is in operation (while producing packaging bags), the actual cutting position can be corrected to the target position so that the shift does not occur, thereby providing a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can reduce the production of defective packaging bags.

[0053] Furthermore, after manual correction of the initial cutting position is completed and the normal (proper) packaging bag image (Va) and the inner edge position (Ea) of the bag are recorded (acquired) (after the amount of deviation has been corrected), the cutting position is automatically corrected so that the amount of deviation is reduced (eliminated). This makes it possible to make simple and quick adjustments to the cutting position, etc. while the packaging machine is operating, without requiring skill, and provides a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can reduce the production of defective packaging bags.

[0054] <Fourth embodiment> The fourth embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 7, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the position of the image sensor 201. That is, in this embodiment, the cutting position is image-detected after cutting and the cutting position is automatically corrected based on the image data, and for this purpose, a post-cutting image detection device (imaging device) 21 including an image sensor 201 and a front surface 202 is provided instead of the pre-cutting image detection device 15. The image sensor 201 has the same configuration as the image sensor 105, but the imaging position is set to a position where the part cut by the cutter device 16 can be photographed (see FIG. 8).

[0055] As shown in Figures 8(A) and 9, if the initial cutting position (CP0') of the packaging bag by cutter device 16 deviates from the target cutting position (CP1'), the worker visually checks the cutting position (S402 in Figure 9) and provides a correction value ΔT1' (input by inputting a numerical value or operating a dial, etc.) from control device 19 to adjust the operation timing (cutting timing) of cutter device 16, correcting the deviation until the actual cutting position becomes the appropriate position (target position) (CP1') ((2) in Figure 8(A) and S403 in Figure 9). Then, when the actual cutting position reaches the appropriate position (target position) (CP1') through such manual operation, the operator performs processing (operation) to complete the initial correction ((3) in FIG. 8(A), S404 in FIG. 9).

[0056] Thereafter, the control device 19 performs the following control. That is, in the control device 19, the image sensor 201, which records an image of the packaging bag after cutting at a fixed timing (predetermined timing or desired fixed timing), records the packaging bag image (V1') in a normal (proper) case (i.e., after the amount of deviation has been corrected) and the cutting position (E1') within the image ((4) in Figure 8(A) and S405 in Figure 9).

[0057] After the worker has manually corrected the initial cutting position, the control device 19 monitors the deviation of the cutting position while the automatic filling and packaging machine 1 is operating, i.e., while packaging bags are being produced, using the method shown in Figures 8(B) and 9, and if a predetermined deviation occurs, the control device 19 automatically corrects the deviation to prevent defective products from being produced.

[0058] While the automatic filling and packaging machine 1 is operating, the control device 19 acquires and saves (records) the packaging bag image (V') and the bag's inner edge position (E') based on image data from the image sensor 201 at regular intervals (for example, for each packaging bag) ((5) in Figure 8(B) and S406 in Figure 9). Next, the control device 19 calculates the difference in distance between E1 and E (ΔE′=E1′−E′) ((5) in FIG. 8(B), S407 in FIG. 8).

[0059] Next, the control device 19 calculates the amount of correction (ΔT′) for the cut timing based on ΔE′ ((6) in FIG. 8(B) and S408, S409, S411, and S412 in FIG. 9). The correction corresponds to how long the cut (cut timing) should be delayed or advanced.

[0060] Next, the control device 19 instructs the cutter device 16 to perform cutting at a timing corrected by ΔT', thereby correcting the actual cutting position to the appropriate cutting position (CP') (target position) ((7) in Figure 8(B), S410, S413 in Figure 9).

[0061] This means that even if the cutting position shifts while the automatic filling and packaging machine 1 is in operation (while producing packaging bags), the actual cutting position can be corrected to the target position so that the shift does not occur, thereby providing a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can reduce the production of defective packaging bags.

[0062] Furthermore, after manual correction of the initial cutting position is completed and the normal (proper) packaging bag image (V1') and the bag's inner edge position (E1') are recorded (after the amount of deviation has been corrected), the cutting position is automatically corrected so that the amount of deviation is reduced (eliminated). This makes it possible to make simple and quick adjustments to the cutting position, etc. while the packaging machine is in operation that do not require skill, and it is possible to provide a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can reduce the production of defective packaging bags.

[0063] It should be noted that, in this embodiment as well, it is possible to apply an embodiment (corresponding to the second embodiment) in which the cutting position is detected on an image multiple times after cutting and the cutting position is automatically corrected based on the closest value. Also, in this embodiment, it is possible to apply an embodiment (corresponding to the third embodiment) in which the cutting position is detected multiple times after cutting and the cutting position is automatically corrected based on the average value.

[0064] <Fifth embodiment> The fifth embodiment has the same device configuration as the first embodiment, and the control device 19 detects the bag position multiple times using images before cutting, and automatically corrects the cutting position by a fixed amount. In the fifth embodiment, the control device 19 performs control as shown in FIG. Here, only the parts (S508 to S512) that are different from FIG. 4 of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0065] 10, ΔE is compared with a preset correction amount ΔS, and if ΔE<ΔS, it is determined that the deviation is not large enough to require correction, and the process returns to S506. On the other hand, if ΔE≧ΔS, correction is performed, and the process proceeds to S509 or S511 depending on the relationship between V1 and V. In S509 and S510, since V1 is ahead of V, the cut timing is advanced by ΔS and the process returns to S506. In S511 and S512, since V1 is delayed relative to V, the cut timing is delayed by ΔS and cut, and the process returns to S506.

[0066] In this way, in this embodiment, the actual deviation amount (ΔE) is compared with the preset correction amount ΔS, and correction is performed when the actual deviation amount (ΔE) is equal to or greater than the correction amount ΔS. Therefore, correction is not performed more frequently than predetermined, and the actual cutting position can be corrected to the appropriate cutting position (CP) without making the control device 19 very sophisticated.

[0067] This means that even if the cutting position shifts while the automatic filling and packaging machine 1 is in operation (while producing packaging bags), the actual cutting position can be corrected to the target position so that the shift does not occur, thereby providing a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can reduce the production of defective packaging bags.

[0068] Furthermore, after manual correction of the initial cutting position is completed and the normal (proper) packaging bag image (V) and the inner edge position (E) of the bag are recorded (acquired) (after the amount of deviation has been corrected), the cutting position is automatically corrected so that the amount of deviation is reduced (eliminated). This makes it possible to make simple and quick adjustments to the cutting position, etc. while the packaging machine is in operation that do not require skill, and it is possible to provide a horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine that can reduce the production of defective packaging bags.

[0069] It should be noted that the fifth embodiment can also be applied to an embodiment (corresponding to the second embodiment) in which the bag position is detected multiple times using images before cutting and the cutting position is automatically corrected based on the closest value. Also, in the fifth embodiment, an embodiment (corresponding to the third embodiment) in which the bag position is detected by image detection multiple times before cutting and the cutting position is automatically corrected based on the average value can be applied.

[0070] In each embodiment, the cutter device 16 has been described as an example in which the cutter blade is rotated to cut, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a device in which the cutter is slid to cut can be used.

[0071] Although the cutting device has been described here, if a perforation device that puts perforations in the side seal of the continuous packaging bag is provided upstream of the cutter device in the conveying direction, the correction of the cutting position described above can also be applied to the correction of the perforation position put by the perforation device.

[0072] It should be noted that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1: Horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine 2: Main unit 3: Packaging film roll support shaft (in use) 4: Packaging film roll support shaft (standby) 5: Packaging material feeder 6: Bag making guide 7: Side seal device 8: Filling chute 9: Hopper 10:Measuring device 11: Preheating device 12: Top seal device 13: Notch device 14: Clamp transport device 15: Pre-cut image detection device (imaging device) 16: Cutter device 17: Discharge slide (discharge chute) 18: Defective product slide (defective product chute) 19: Operation panel (control device) 20: Turntable 21: Post-cut image detection device (imaging device) F1: Rolled packaging film (in use) F1': Rolled packaging film (standby) F2: Strip-shaped packaging film F3: Continuous packaging bag with top opening F4: Continuous packaging bag F5: Continuous packaging bags being held and conveyed by clamps F6: Cut continuous packaging bags P1: Good packaging bag P2: Defective packaging bag 141: Chain 142:Closed clamp 143: Open clamp 144: Clamp closed to grip product 145: Clamp that opened and dropped the product onto the conveying slide L: Packaging bag pitch L1: Clamp mounting pitch

Claims

1. a side sealing device that heat-seals the packaging film in the width direction while transporting the film horizontally and folding the center portion; a filling chute that pours contents into the packaging film bag portion divided by the side sealing device; a turntable that rotates the side sealing devices and the filling chutes; a top sealing device that heat-seals the top edge of the packaging film bag portion filled with the contents; A conveying device that conveys the completed continuous packaging bags horizontally; a cutter device that cuts the conveyed continuous packaging bag at a preset position of the side seal portion; a control device that controls the cutter device to control the cutting position of the side seal of the continuous packaging bag; an imaging device that captures an image of the packaging bag being conveyed; A horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine comprising: When the control device controls the cutting position, First, the operator visually checks the cutting position while inputting the correction value into the control device, corrects the deviation until the cutting position becomes the target position, and then completes the initial cutting position correction work. The control device records the packaging bag image (Vn) and the bag inner edge position (En) a set number (n) of times (Vn is V1, V2, ..., En is E1, E2, ...), removes the recorded Vn and En that exceed a few percent of the set upper and lower limits as outliers, and stores the remaining multiple Vn and En as reference values, Thereafter, the control device acquires and records the packaging bag image (V) and the inner edge position (E) of the bag captured by the imaging device at a fixed timing, calculates the distance difference (ΔE = En - E) between En, which is closest to E, and E, calculates the amount of correction (ΔT) for the cutting timing based on "ΔE" and "whether V is ahead or behind Vn", and automatically corrects the cutting timing of the cutter device in the direction of delaying or advancing so that the actual cutting position becomes the target position. A horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine characterized by:

2. A side sealing device that heat seals the packaging film in the width direction while transporting the film horizontally and folding the center portion; a filling chute that pours contents into the packaging film bag portion divided by the side sealing device; a turntable that rotates the side sealing devices and the filling chutes; a top sealing device that heat-seals the top edge of the packaging film bag portion filled with the contents; A conveying device that conveys the completed continuous packaging bags horizontally; a cutter device that cuts the conveyed continuous packaging bag at a preset position of the side seal portion; a control device that controls the cutter device to control the cutting position of the side seal of the continuous packaging bag; an imaging device that captures an image of the packaging bag being conveyed; A horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine comprising: When the control device controls the cutting position, First, the operator visually checks the cutting position while inputting the correction value into the control device, corrects the deviation until the cutting position becomes the target position, and then completes the initial cutting position correction work. The control device records the packaging bag image (Vn) and the bag inner edge position (En) a set number (n) of times (Vn is V1, V2, ..., En is E1, E2, ...), removes the recorded Vn and En that exceed a few percent of the set upper and lower limits as outliers, and stores the average value (Va, Ea) of the remaining multiple Vn and En as a reference value, Thereafter, the control device acquires and records the packaging bag image (V) and the inner edge position (E) of the bag captured by the imaging device at a fixed timing, calculates the distance difference between E and Ea (ΔE = Ea - E), calculates the amount of correction (ΔT) for the cutting timing based on "ΔE" and "whether V is ahead or behind Va", and automatically corrects the cutting timing of the cutter device in the direction of delaying or advancing so that the actual cutting position becomes the target position. A horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine characterized by:

3. the imaging device is provided on the upstream side of the cutter device in the conveying direction of the packaging bag; The control device performs the automatic correction based on an image of the packaging bag before cutting by the cutter device and the position of the inner edge of the bag.

3. The horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the imaging device is provided downstream of the cutter device in the conveying direction of the packaging bag; The control device performs the automatic correction based on an image of the packaging bag after cutting by the cutter device and the position of the inner edge of the bag.

3. The horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The control device If ΔE is smaller than the preset correction amount ΔS, the automatic correction is not performed. If ΔE is greater than the preset correction amount ΔS, the automatic correction is performed.

5. A horizontal rotary automatic filling and packaging machine according to claim 1.

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