Packaging equipment

Abstract

To provide a packaging device that can suppress the deterioration of printing quality on film.SOLUTION: A packaging device 1 includes: a film transport device 100 that transports film F; a moving mechanism that transports a container C having an opening; a sealing device 40 that seals the opening of the container transported by the moving mechanism with the film transported by the film transport device; a printer 140 that is located upstream of the sealing device in the film transport path and prints information at a predetermined position on the film being transported; and a controller that controls the operation of the film transport device. The film transport device has a storage mechanism 120. The storage mechanism is positioned between the printer and the sealing device in the film transport path and temporarily stores the film on which information has been printed. The controller controls the film transport device so that the storage mechanism stores film that is used for at least one packaging operation at the sealing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging device, and more particularly to a packaging device that seals the opening of a container that is being conveyed with a film. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a packaging device is known that seals the opening of a container that is being conveyed with a film.

[0003] In such packaging devices, as in Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 10-203505), for example, a printer may be provided in the transport path of the film that seals the opening of the container, and various information may be printed by the printer on the film as it is being transported. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A common challenge facing packaging machines is the need to improve their processing capacity (the number of containers that can be packaged per unit time).One approach to solving this challenge is to quickly supply film to the sealing mechanism that seals the openings of containers with film.

[0005] However, in the packaging device of Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 10-203505), if an attempt is made to increase the speed at which the film is fed to the sealing mechanism, the time available for printing on the film becomes shorter, the print quality deteriorates, and printing errors become more likely to occur.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a packaging device that seals the opening of a container being transported with film, and that can suppress a decrease in printing quality on the film even when the film is supplied to the sealing mechanism of the container opening at high speed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A packaging device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a film conveying unit, a container conveying unit, a packaging unit, a printing unit, and a control unit. The film conveying unit conveys the film. The container conveying unit conveys containers having openings. The packaging unit seals the openings of the containers conveyed by the container conveying unit with the film conveyed by the film conveying unit. The printing unit is located upstream of the packaging unit in a film conveyance path of the film conveying unit. The printing unit prints information at a predetermined position on the film being conveyed by the film conveying unit. The control unit controls the film conveying unit, the container conveying unit, the packaging unit, and the printing unit. The film conveying unit has a storage mechanism. The storage mechanism is located between the printing unit and the packaging unit in the film conveyance path. The storage mechanism temporarily stores the film with information printed on it. The control unit controls the film conveying unit so that the storage mechanism stores at least the film used for one packaging operation in the packaging unit.

[0008] In the packaging device of the first aspect, the time when the film transport is stopped or slowed down downstream of the storage mechanism in the film transport path can also be used for printing on the film. Therefore, the packaging device of the first aspect can ensure printing time and maintain high print quality on the film.

[0009] A packaging device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the packaging device of the first aspect, wherein the transport speed of the film from the printing unit to the storage mechanism is slower than the transport speed of the film downstream of the storage mechanism.

[0010] In the packaging device of the second aspect, the presence of the storage mechanism eliminates the need to match the film conveyance speed downstream of the storage mechanism with the printing speed of the printing unit. Therefore, in the packaging device of the second aspect, high printing quality on the film can be maintained even when the film is supplied to the printing unit at high speed.

[0011] A packaging device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the packaging device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the film transport section transports the film in the printing section while stopping transport of the film in the packaging section for at least a predetermined period of time.

[0012] The packaging device of the third aspect has a storage mechanism, so the time when film transport is stopped for packaging can be used for printing on the film by the printing unit, thereby maintaining high print quality on the film.

[0013] A packaging device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a packaging device according to the third aspect, wherein the packaging unit seals the openings of multiple containers arranged parallel to the film conveying direction in the packaging unit with film in a single packaging operation.

[0014] In this packaging device, it is necessary to supply film long enough for multiple containers for each packaging operation of the packaging section. Therefore, if the packaging device does not have a storage mechanism, it will be necessary to complete printing for multiple containers at most in the time between the end of one packaging operation and the start of the next packaging operation.

[0015] In contrast, the packaging device of the fourth aspect has a storage mechanism, and therefore can transport the film and print on the film even while the packaging operation is being performed, thereby maintaining high print quality on the film.

[0016] A packaging device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the packaging device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a change unit that changes the maximum length of film that can be stored by the storage mechanism.

[0017] In the packaging device of the fifth aspect, even if the size of the container, the number of containers packaged at one time in the packaging unit, or the position at which the printing unit prints on the film changes, when the film transport is temporarily stopped, the film can be stopped at an appropriate position that does not affect the printing by the printing unit.

[0018] A packaging device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a packaging device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and stops the printing operation in the printing unit when the storage mechanism stores film to be used for one packaging operation in the packaging unit.

[0019] In the packaging device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the film conveying unit waits while the film to be used for one packaging operation is stored in the storage mechanism, so that film with printed information can be provided to the packaging unit without delay in accordance with the operation timing of the packaging unit.

[0020] On the other hand, since the storage mechanism does not store an excessive amount of film, it is possible to prevent the size of the storage mechanism from increasing excessively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] In the packaging device of the present invention, the time when the film transport is stopped or slowed down downstream of the storage mechanism in the film transport path can also be used for printing on the film, thereby ensuring printing time and maintaining high print quality on the film. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the packaging device of FIG. [Figure 3A] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a movement mechanism of the packaging device of FIG. [Figure 3B] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a movement mechanism of the packaging device of FIG. [Figure 3C] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a movement mechanism of the packaging device of FIG. [Figure 3D] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a movement mechanism of the packaging device of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a film feeding device and the periphery of the film feeding device included in the packaging device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a flowchart mainly illustrating the container packaging operation performed by the packaging device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart mainly illustrating the operation of a film conveying device of the packaging device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the packaging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the packaging device described below is merely an example, and various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0024] (1) Overall overview The overall configuration of a packaging device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the packaging device 1. In Fig. 1, a gripping arm 32 of a moving mechanism 30, which will be described later, is depicted as a permeable object by a two-dot chain line. Fig. 2 is a control block diagram of the packaging device 1.

[0025] The packaging device 1 is a device that closes the opening of a container C with a film F and packages the container C with the film F.

[0026] Specifically, the packaging device 1 receives tray-shaped containers C filled with the packaged items that are transported to the packaging device 1. The containers C that the packaging device 1 receives have openings at the top. In other words, the packaging device 1 receives containers C that have already been filled with the packaged items and have not yet been packaged with film F. The packaging device 1 seals (packages) the openings at the top of the received containers C with film F. The packaging device 1 transports the packaged containers C to a subsequent process.

[0027] The type of packaged item is not limited, but the packaged item is, for example, food. The type of material of container C is not limited, but the material of container C is, for example, plastic such as polypropylene. The type of material of film F is not limited, but the material of film F is, for example, plastic such as polypropylene.

[0028] The packaging device 1 will now be described in more detail.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the packaging device 1 mainly comprises a first conveyor 10, a second conveyor 20, a moving mechanism 30, a sealing device 40, a third conveyor 50, a film transport device 100, a printer 140, a mark detection sensor 160, an encoder 170, and a controller 200.

[0030] The first conveyor 10 receives the containers C that are transported to the packaging device 1 by a transport means such as a conveyor (not shown). The first conveyor 10 is, for example, a belt conveyor. The first conveyor 10 transports the containers C to the second conveyor 20.

[0031] The second conveyor 20 receives the containers C supplied by the first conveyor 10. The second conveyor 20 is, for example, a belt conveyor. A predetermined number of containers C are collected on the second conveyor 20. The operation and stopping of the second conveyor 20 is controlled so that the containers C are lined up on the second conveyor 20 at predetermined intervals from each other along the conveying direction A of the second conveyor 20 (see FIG. 1).

[0032] The moving mechanism 30 moves a predetermined number of containers C collected on the second conveyor 20 to the sealing device 40. The moving mechanism 30 also moves the containers C packaged by the sealing device 40 (containers C whose openings have been sealed with the film F) to the third conveyor 50.

[0033] The sealing device 40 seals the opening of the container C conveyed by the moving mechanism 30 with the film F conveyed by the film conveying device 100. The container C packaged by the sealing device 40 is moved to the third conveyor 50 by the moving mechanism 30.

[0034] The third conveyor 50 receives and transports the packaged containers C transported by the moving mechanism 30, and delivers them to a subsequent process (for example, a transport means such as a conveyor not shown).

[0035] The film conveying device 100 unwinds and conveys the film F from the film roll R1 around which the film F is wound, and supplies the film F to the sealing device 40.

[0036] The printer 140 prints predetermined information such as characters and figures onto the film F conveyed by the film conveying device 100 before the film F is supplied to the sealing device 40.

[0037] Mark detection sensor 160 detects marks that are applied at predetermined intervals to film F being transported by film transport device 100. Mark detection sensor 160 is used to control the printing timing of printer 140.

[0038] The encoder 170 detects the transport speed and transport distance of the film F transported by the film transport device 100. The encoder 170 is used to control the printing timing of the printer 140.

[0039] The controller 200 controls the operations of the first conveyor 10, the second conveyor 20, the moving mechanism 30, the sealing device 40, the third conveyor 50, the film transport device 100, the printer 140, and the like.

[0040] (2)Details The moving mechanism 30, sealing device 40, film conveying device 100, printer 140, mark detection sensor 160, encoder 170, and controller 200 will be described in detail with further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIGS. 3A to 3D are diagrams for explaining the operation of the moving mechanism 30. In FIGS. 3A to 3D, the film conveying device 100, printer 140, mark detection sensor 160, and encoder 170 are omitted from the illustration. In addition, in FIGS. 3A to 3D, containers C that have been packaged with film F are indicated by hatching. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration around the film conveying device 100.

[0041] (2-1) Movement mechanism The moving mechanism 30 is an example of a container conveying section that conveys containers C having openings. The moving mechanism 30 moves a predetermined number of containers C collected on the second conveyor 20 onto a lifter 42 (described later) of the sealing device 40. Furthermore, the moving mechanism 30 moves the containers C (packaged containers C) whose openings have been sealed with the film F on the lifter 42 of the sealing device 40 to the third conveyor 50.

[0042] The movement mechanism 30 is, for example, but not limited to, the following mechanism.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the movement mechanism 30 has a pair of gripping arms 32 and a gripping arm driving unit 34 that operates the pair of gripping arms 32.

[0044] The gripping arm driving unit 34 is, for example, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a motor, etc. The gripping arm driving unit 34 may have a plurality of pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, and motors, and the plurality of pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, and motors may work together to operate the gripping arm 32 as follows.

[0045] The pair of gripping arms 32 are rod-shaped members extending in the transport direction A of the containers C on the second conveyor 20.

[0046] The pair of gripping arms 32 are members that can move between a first position and a second position in the conveying direction A of the containers C on the second conveyor 20. Hereinafter, in the description of the movement mechanism 30, the conveying direction A of the containers C on the second conveyor 20 will be simply referred to as the conveying direction A. The pair of gripping arms 32 that are arranged at the first position in the conveying direction A are arranged so as to sandwich the second conveyor 20 and the sealing device 40 therebetween in a direction B that is perpendicular to the conveying direction A of the containers C on the second conveyor 20 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Hereinafter, in the description of the movement mechanism 30, the direction B that is perpendicular to the conveying direction A of the containers C on the second conveyor 20 will be simply referred to as the direction B. The pair of gripping arms 32 that are arranged at the second position in the conveying direction A are arranged so as to sandwich the sealing device 40 and the third conveyor 50 therebetween in the direction B (see FIGS. 3C and 3D).

[0047] Furthermore, the pair of gripping arms 32 are members that can move between a third position and a fourth position in the direction B. In the direction B, the pair of gripping arms 32 arranged at the third position are spaced apart from each other compared to the pair of gripping arms 32 arranged at the fourth position. The pair of gripping arms 32 arranged at the third position in the direction B are spaced apart from the lifter 42 of the sealing device 40 and the container C present on the conveyors 20, 50 in the direction B (see FIGS. 3A and 3D). In other words, the pair of gripping arms 32 arranged at the third position in the direction B do not contact the container C even if the container C is present on the lifter 42 of the sealing device 40 or the conveyors 20, 50 (see FIGS. 3A and 3D). The pair of gripping arms 32 arranged at the fourth position in the direction B contact the lifter 42 of the sealing device 40 or the container C on the conveyors 20, 50 in the direction B and sandwich the container C (see FIGS. 3B and 3C).

[0048] The pair of gripping arms 32 are driven by gripping arm driving units 34 and operate as follows: For the purposes of explanation, it is assumed that the pair of gripping arms 32 are at a first position in conveying direction A and at a third position in direction B, as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0049] When a predetermined number of containers C have been gathered on the second conveyor 20 and the containers C on the lifter 42 of the sealing device 40 have been completely wrapped with film F, the pair of gripping arms 32 are driven by the gripping arm drive unit 34 to move from the third position to the fourth position in direction B. The pair of gripping arms 32 then grip the containers C on the second conveyor 20 and the lifter 42 (see FIG. 3B). The wrapping of containers C by the sealing device 40 will be described later.

[0050] Next, the pair of gripping arms 32 are driven by the gripping arm drive unit 34 and move to the second position in the conveying direction A (see FIG. 3C). As a result, the container C that was on the second conveyor 20 moves onto the lifter 42. Also, the container C that was originally on the lifter 42 (before the pair of gripping arms 32 moved to the second position in the conveying direction A) moves onto the third conveyor 50. The pair of gripping arms 32 move the container C that was on the second conveyor 20 onto the lifter 42, and move the container C that was originally on the lifter 42 onto the third conveyor 50, while maintaining the alignment of the containers C in the conveying direction A.

[0051] In this state, the pair of gripping arms 32 are driven by the gripping arm driving unit 34 to move to a third position in direction B (see FIG. 3D), and the gripping of the container C by the pair of gripping arms 32 is released.

[0052] Thereafter, the pair of gripping arms 32 are driven by the gripping arm driving unit 34 to move to a first position in the conveying direction A (see FIG. 3A).

[0053] Then, when a predetermined number of containers C are gathered on the second conveyor 20 and the containers C on the lifter 42 have been wrapped in film F, the pair of gripping arms 32 again move to the fourth position in direction B and grip the containers C on the second conveyor 20 and the lifter 42.

[0054] The movement mechanism 30 repeats this series of operations.

[0055] (2-2) Sealing device The sealing device 40 is an example of a packaging unit.

[0056] The sealing device 40 seals the openings of a predetermined number of containers C conveyed from the second conveyor 20 by the moving mechanism 30 with the film F conveyed by the film conveying device 100. In particular, in this embodiment, the sealing device 40 collectively (simultaneously) seals the openings of multiple (four in this embodiment) containers C arranged in parallel in the conveying direction D of the film F in one packaging operation. The sealing device 40 individually packages the items in multiple containers C in one packaging operation. The containers C whose openings have been sealed with the film F by the sealing device 40 (packaged containers C) are moved to the third conveyor 50 by the moving mechanism 30.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sealing device 40 mainly includes a lifter 42, a plate 44, and a lifter driving portion 46.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the film F transported by the film transport device 100 is transported between the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42 on which the container C is placed and the opposing surface 44a of the plate 44 that faces the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42.

[0059] The lifter driving unit 46 is a mechanism that moves the lifter 42 in a direction toward the plate 44 and in a direction away from the plate 44. The lifter driving unit 46 is, but is not limited to, for example, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a motor, or the like.

[0060] Tools 48 are provided on the plate 44 at positions corresponding to each container C moved to the lifter 42 by the moving mechanism 30 in the conveying direction A of the second conveyor 20 (conveying direction D of the film F) and in a direction B perpendicular to the conveying direction A of the second conveyor 20.

[0061] The tools 48 have heaters and cutters (not shown). The heater of each tool 48 is at least positioned so that the film F is sandwiched between the heater and the edge of the opening of the corresponding container C (the boundary portion with the opening of the container C) when the lifter 42 is moved by the lifter drive unit 46 so that the container C approaches the plate 44, as will be described later. The cutter of each tool 48 is positioned so that the cutter comes into contact with the film F and cuts the film F at a predetermined position (at an appropriate position around the edge of the opening of the container C to which the film F has been heat-sealed) when the container C is moved by the lifter 42 so that the container C approaches the plate 44.

[0062] In other words, the relationship between the positions of the containers C on the lifter 42 and the positions of the tools 48 is such that the moving mechanism 30 moves the containers C on the second conveyor 20 to positions corresponding to the tools 48 provided on the plate 44 in the conveying direction A of the second conveyor 20 and in the direction B perpendicular to the conveying direction A. In other words, the second conveyor 20 aligns and collects a predetermined number of containers C on the second conveyor 20 so that each container C is placed at a position corresponding to each tool 48 provided on the plate 44 when the moving mechanism 30 moves the containers C on the second conveyor 20 onto the lifter 42.

[0063] When the moving mechanism 30 receives the containers C transported from the second conveyor 20, the lifter 42 is disposed at a predetermined position (separate position) away from the plate 44. When the moving mechanism 30 moves a predetermined number of containers C from the second conveyor 20 to the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42, the sealing device 40 causes the lifter drive unit 46 to move the lifter 42 to a predetermined position (approaching position) so that the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42 approaches the opposing surface 44a of the plate 44. More specifically, the sealing device 40 causes the lifter drive unit 46 to move the lifter 42 from the separated position to the approaching position so that the edge of the opening of the container C on the lifter 42 comes into contact with the heater of the tool 48 of the plate 44 via the film F. In this way, the edge of the opening of the container C on the lifter 42 comes into contact with the heater of the tool 48 via the film F, whereby the film F is heat-sealed to the edge of the opening of the container C, and the opening of the container C is sealed with the film F. Furthermore, when the lifter driving unit 46 moves the lifter 42 from the separated position to the approached position so that the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42 approaches the opposing surface 44a of the plate 44, the cutter of each tool 48 comes into contact with the film F, and the film F is cut at a predetermined position. Note that unused film F (film F not used to seal the opening of the container C) is sent to the recovery roll holding unit 130, which will be described later.

[0064] The sealing device 40 moves the lifter 42 so that it approaches the plate 44, and then uses the lifter drive unit 46 of the container C to move the lifter 42 from the approaching position to the separating position so that the lifter 42 moves away from the plate 44. In other words, the sealing device 40 seals the opening of the container C with the film F, cuts off the film F (film piece) that seals the opening of the container C from the film F transported by the film transport device 100, and then moves the lifter 42 from the approaching position to the separating position so that the lifter 42 moves away from the plate 44. The container C (packaged container C) whose opening has been sealed with the film F by the sealing device 40, which is placed on the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42 located at the separating position, is moved to the third conveyor 50 by the moving mechanism 30.

[0065] (2-3) Film transport device The film conveying device 100 is an example of a film conveying section. The film conveying device 100 unwinds and conveys the film F used to seal the opening of the container C from a film roll R1 around which the film F is wound, and supplies the film F to the sealing device 40.

[0066] 1 and 4, the film conveying device 100 mainly includes a film roll holding unit 110, a recovery roll holding unit 130, and a storage mechanism 120. The film conveying device 100 uses multiple rollers to guide the film F unwound from the film roll R1 held by the film roll holding unit 110 and supply it between the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42 and the opposing surface 44a of the plate 44 of the sealing device 40. As described above, in the sealing device 40, the film F (referred to as used film F) after the film F (film piece) used to seal the opening of the container C has been cut out is conveyed to the recovery roll holding unit 130. The used film F conveyed to the recovery roll holding unit 130 is collected by the recovery roll R2 held by the recovery roll holding unit 130.

[0067] (2-3-1) Film roll holder As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the film roll holding unit 110 has a first shaft 112 and a first shaft driving unit 114. A film roll R1 around which a film F is wound is attached to the first shaft 112. The first shaft driving unit 114 is a mechanism that rotates the first shaft 112. The first shaft driving unit 114 is, for example, a motor. The first shaft driving unit 114 rotates the first shaft 112, thereby rotating the film roll R1 attached to the first shaft 112, thereby unwinding the film F from the film roll R1 and transporting the unwound film F to the sealing device 40.

[0068] (2-3-2) Recovery roll holder The recovery roll holding unit 130 has a second shaft 132 and a second shaft driving unit 134. A recovery roll R2 is attached to the second shaft 132. The leading end of the film F unwound from the film roll R1 is connected to a winding core. The second shaft driving unit 134 is a mechanism that rotates the second shaft 132. The second shaft driving unit 134 is, for example, a motor. The second shaft driving unit 134 rotates the second shaft 132, thereby rotating the recovery roll R2 attached to the second shaft 132, and thereby winding up the used film F onto the recovery roll R2.

[0069] Note that the speed at which the first shaft driver 114 is rotated to unwind the film F from the film roll R1 is preferably slower than the speed at which the second shaft driver 134 is rotated to wind the film F onto the recovery roll R2. Specifically, the transport speed of the film F between the film roll holding unit 110 and the storage mechanism 120 is preferably slower than the transport speed of the film F between the storage mechanism 120 and the recovery roll holding unit 130. With this configuration, the transport speed of the film F from the printer 140, which is arranged between the film roll holding unit 110 and the storage mechanism 120 on the transport path of the film F, to the storage mechanism 120 is slower than the transport speed of the film F downstream of the storage mechanism 120. For example, the average transport speed of the film F from the printer 140 to the storage mechanism 120 is 0.3 to 0.4 times the average transport speed of the film F downstream of the storage mechanism 120. In this way, by making the transport speed of the film F in the printer 140 relatively slow, the time that the printer 140 can be used for printing becomes relatively long, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the print quality of the printer.

[0070] (2-3-3) Storage mechanism The storage mechanism 120 is disposed between the film roll holding unit 110 and the recovery roll holding unit 130 on the transport path of the film F. More specifically, the storage mechanism 120 is disposed between a printer 140, which is an example of a printing unit that prints predetermined characters, figures, etc. on the film F, and a sealing device 40, which is an example of a packaging unit, on the transport path of the film F. The storage mechanism 120 is a mechanism that temporarily stores film F on which information has been printed by the printer 140.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the storage mechanism 120 includes a fixed roller 121, a movable roller 122, a movable roller driving unit 124, and a position sensor 126.

[0072] The fixed rollers 121 and the movable rollers 122 are rollers around which the film F is wound and which guide the film F. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixed rollers 121 and the movable rollers 122 are arranged alternately along the transport path of the film F. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the storage mechanism 120 has three fixed rollers 121 and two movable rollers 122. However, FIG. 4 does not limit the number of fixed rollers 121 and movable rollers 122. The number of fixed rollers 121 and movable rollers 122 may be selected as appropriate.

[0073] The fixed roller 121 is a roller whose position does not change during operation of the film conveying device 100. In contrast, the movable roller 122 is a roller whose position can be changed to change the length of the conveying path of the film F. Although the movement direction of the movable roller 122 is not limited, in the example of Fig. 4, the movable roller 122 changes the length of the conveying path of the film F by moving generally in the vertical direction between the position depicted by the solid line and the position depicted by the dashed line.

[0074] The storage mechanism 120 has a movable roller 122, and is therefore able to temporarily store the film F, particularly the film F on which information has been printed by the printer 140. It is preferable that the storage mechanism 120 be able to store at least the film F used for one packaging operation in the sealing device 40. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that the storage mechanism 120 be able to store at least the film F (film F on which information has been printed by the printer 140) for four containers to be packaged in one operation in the sealing device 40.

[0075] The position of the movable roller 122 is detected by a position sensor 126 that detects the position of the movable roller 122. The position sensor 126 is, for example, an encoder that detects the amount of rotation of an arm (not shown) that supports the movable roller 122. The position sensor 126 may also be a device that uses, for example, a photoelectric sensor or the like to detect whether the movable roller 122 is in a predetermined position.

[0076] The movable roller drive unit 124 is a mechanism that drives the movable roller 122. Although not limited to, the movable roller drive unit 124 is, for example, an air cylinder or a motor. The movable roller drive unit 124 exerts a force on the movable roller 122 so as to increase the amount of film F stored in the storage mechanism 120. Although the direction in which the movable roller 122 exerts the force is not limited, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the movable roller drive unit 124 urges the movable roller 122 downward so that the movable roller 122 moves downward.

[0077] In this embodiment, the film conveying device 100 conveys the film F using the first shaft driving unit 114, the second shaft driving unit 134, and the movable roller driving unit 124. However, the means for conveying the film F is not limited to the first shaft driving unit 114, the second shaft driving unit 134, and the movable roller driving unit 124. The film conveying device 100 may further include, as a means for conveying the film F, a mechanism for conveying the film, such as pinch rollers, in which the film F is pinched between a pair of rollers and conveyed while being pulled.

[0078] The timing at which the storage mechanism 120 stores the printed film F and the effects obtained by the storage mechanism 120 storing the printed film F will be explained together with the explanation of the control of the operation of each part of the packaging device 1 by the controller 200.

[0079] (2-4) Printer Printer 140 is an example of a printing unit.

[0080] The printer 140 is disposed upstream of the sealing device 40 in the transport path of the film F of the film transport device 100. The printer 140 prints information such as predetermined characters and figures at predetermined positions on the film F before the film F transported by the film transport device 100 is supplied to the sealing device 40.

[0081] For example, if the container C is filled with food, the information that the printer 140 prints on the film F may include the name of the food, ingredients of the food, information about food allergies, the date of production of the food, the expiration date of the food, a barcode, etc. However, the information that the printer 140 prints here is merely an example and is not limited to these.

[0082] When information is printed at a predetermined position on the film F by the printer 140, when a piece of film cut out from the film F is attached to the container C by the sealing device 40, the information is printed at the predetermined position on the packaged container C.

[0083] The printer 140 is a thermal transfer printer. As shown in Fig. 4, the printer 140 includes an ink ribbon 142, a thermal head 144, and a print roller 146. The printer 140 starts conveying the ink ribbon 142, and at the same time, moves the thermal head 144 close to the print roller 146, sandwiches the ink ribbon 142 and film F between the thermal head 144 and the print roller 146, and performs printing by transferring the heat-soluble pigment ink of the ink ribbon 142 to the film F using the heat of the thermal head 144.

[0084] (2-5) Mark detection sensor The mark detection sensor 160 detects marks (eye marks) that are attached to the film F being transported by the film transport device 100 at predetermined intervals along the transport direction of the film F.

[0085] The mark detection sensor 160 detects marks affixed to the film F between the film roll R1 and the printing location by the printer 140 along the transport path of the film F transported by the film transport device 100. The mark detection sensor 160 is used to control the printing timing of the printer 140 so that predetermined characters and figures are printed at predetermined positions on the film F transported by the film transport device 100.

[0086] (2-6) Encoder The encoder 170 is a sensor that detects the transport speed and transport distance of the film F transported by the film transport device 100.

[0087] The encoder 170 is connected to the print roller 146 of the printer 140, and detects the transport speed and transport distance of the film F transported by the film transport device 100 from the rotation speed of the print roller 146. The encoder 170, together with the mark detection sensor 160, is used to control the printing timing of the printer 140 so that predetermined characters and figures are printed at predetermined positions on the film F transported by the film transport device 100.

[0088] (2-7) Controller The controller 200 is an example of a control unit that controls the operation of each part of the packaging device 1.

[0089] The controller 200 of this embodiment mainly includes a CPU, memory including a ROM, a RAM, an auxiliary storage device (e.g., a flash memory), and various electronic circuits. The controller 200 controls the operation of each part of the packaging device 1 by the CPU reading and executing a program stored in the memory.

[0090] The configuration of the controller 200 described here is merely one example of the configuration of the controller 200. The controller of the packaging device 1 may achieve the same functions as the controller 200 of this embodiment by hardware such as a logic circuit, or by a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, the controller 200 may be achieved by one device or by multiple devices.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 2 , the controller 200 is electrically connected to the first conveyor 10, the second conveyor 20, the third conveyor 50, the gripping arm drive unit 34, and the lifter drive unit 46. The controller 200 is also electrically connected to the first shaft drive unit 114, the second shaft drive unit 134, and the movable roller drive unit 124 of the film transport device 100. The controller 200 is also electrically connected to the printer 140. Note that, in this context, "electrically connected" means that the controller 200 is connected so as to be able to control the operation of the connected devices. In other words, the controller 200 controls the operation of the conveyors 10, 20, 50, the film transport device 100 as an example of a film transport unit, the moving mechanism 30 as an example of a container transport unit, the sealing device 40 as an example of a packaging unit, the printer 140 as an example of a printing unit, etc.

[0092] The controller 200 is also connected to the position sensor 126, the mark detection sensor 160, and the encoder 170 of the film transport device 100 so as to be able to receive information (detection results) from these.

[0093] Furthermore, the controller 200 is configured to be able to receive instructions and information input by an operator of the packaging device 1 via the input unit 210. The input unit 210 may be a switch, a touch panel, or the like provided on the packaging device 1, or may receive input transmitted from a mobile terminal or the like operated by the operator of the packaging device 1.

[0094] The control of the operation of the packaging device 1 by the controller 200 will be described below.

[0095] (A) Action of each part of the packaging device on the container The control of the operation of each part of the packaging device 1 with respect to the container C by the controller 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart mainly illustrating the packaging operation of the packaging device 1 for the container C.

[0096] The controller 200 controls the operation of the first conveyor 10 to transport the containers C received by the first conveyor 10 onto the second conveyor 20. The controller 200 also controls the start and stop of the second conveyor 20 so that the containers C are aligned on the second conveyor 20 at predetermined intervals from each other in the transport direction A of the second conveyor 20.

[0097] Then, when a predetermined number of containers C have gathered on the second conveyor 20, the controller 200 controls the operation of the gripping arm driver 34 to cause the gripping arm 32 to grip the predetermined number of containers C on the second conveyor 20, as shown in FIG. 3B. The controller 200 then moves the gripping arm 32 along the transport direction A of the second conveyor 20, and transports the predetermined number of containers C on the second conveyor 20 onto the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42 of the sealing device 40, as shown in FIG. 3C (step S1). As described above, at this time, the moving mechanism 30 moves the predetermined number of containers C on the second conveyor 20 onto the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42, as shown in FIG. 3C, and also moves the packaged containers C that were on the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42 onto the third conveyor 50.

[0098] When the movement of the container C from the second conveyor 20 onto the loading surface 42a of the lifter 42 is completed, the controller 200 controls the operation of the gripping arm drive unit 34 to release the grip of the container C by the gripping arm 32 (see Figure 3D), and then moves the gripping arm 32 to the position shown in Figure 3A.

[0099] When the moving mechanism 30 moves the predetermined number of containers C on the second conveyor 20 onto the placement surface 42a of the lifter 42, the controller 200 controls the operation of the first conveyor 10 and the second conveyor 20 to start collecting the predetermined number of containers C on the second conveyor 20 (step S2). The controller 200 continues to control the operation of the first conveyor 10 and the second conveyor 20 until the predetermined number of containers C are collected on the second conveyor 20.

[0100] In parallel with the control of step S2, with film conveying device 100 positioned with film F at a predetermined position (a position appropriate for the position of container C on mounting surface 42a of lifter 42), controller 200 controls the operation of lifter driving unit 46 to bring mounting surface 42a of lifter 42 close to tool 48 provided on the opposing surface 44a of plate 44. In this way, controller 200 causes the heater of tool 48 to heat-seal film F to the opening of container C (step S3).

[0101] When step S3 is performed, the cutter of the tool 48 provided on the opposing surface 44a of the plate 44 cuts the film F at a predetermined position while the film F seals the opening of the container C. As a result, the piece of film F sealing the opening of the container C is separated from the film F being transported to the recovery roll R2.

[0102] In step S3, when the sealing of the openings of the containers C on the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42 with the film F is completed, the controller 200 controls the operation of the gripping arm driver 34 to cause the gripping arm 32 to grip a predetermined number of containers C on the lifter 42, as shown in FIG. 3B. Then, the controller 200 moves the gripping arm 32 along the conveying direction A of the second conveyor 20 to transport the predetermined number of containers C on the lifter 42 onto the third conveyor 50, as shown in FIG. 3C (step S4). Note that, as described in the description of step S1, when executing step S4, the moving mechanism 30 simultaneously moves the predetermined number of containers C on the second conveyor 20 onto the mounting surface 42a of the lifter 42. When the movement of the container C onto the third conveyor 50 is completed, the controller 200 controls the operation of the gripping arm drive unit 34 to release the grip of the container C by the gripping arm 32 (see Figure 3D), and then moves the gripping arm 32 to the position shown in Figure 3A.

[0103] The controller 200 transports the container C on the third conveyor 50 and delivers the container C to a downstream process of the packaging device 1.

[0104] (B) Operation of the film transport device The control of the operation of film transport device 100 by controller 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart mainly for explaining the operation of film transport device 100.

[0105] First, film transport and problems associated with a case where film transport device 100 does not have storage mechanism 120, as in a conventional packaging device, will be described.

[0106] In this packaging apparatus 1, when the sealing device 40 seals the opening of the container C with the film F, it is necessary to stop the conveyance of the film F in the sealing device 40. Therefore, if the film conveying device 100 does not have the storage mechanism 120, when the conveyance of the film F in the sealing device 40 is stopped, the conveyance of the film F between the film roll holding unit 110 and the sealing device 40 also stops. Furthermore, because the printer 140 prints on the film F conveyed by the film conveying device 100, when the conveyance of the film F between the film roll holding unit 110 and the sealing device 40 stops, the operation of the printer 140 also stops. As a result, in a packaging apparatus in which the film conveying device 100 does not have the storage mechanism 120, the time during which the printer 140 can print on the film F is, at most, the operating time of the packaging apparatus 1 minus the time during which the conveyance of the film F is stopped when the sealing device 40 seals the opening of the container C with the film F. Therefore, in a packaging device in which the film conveying device 100 does not have a storage mechanism 120, the time during which the printer 140 can print on the film F is relatively short, and particularly when an attempt is made to increase the number of containers C that the packaging device 1 packages per hour, the printing quality of the printer 140 may deteriorate.

[0107] In contrast, in this embodiment, the film conveying device 100 has the storage mechanism 120, and therefore, as will be described in detail below, even if the conveyance of the film F in the sealing device 40 is stopped, the conveyance of the film F can continue between the film roll holding unit 110 and the storage mechanism 120. Therefore, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the time when the conveyance of the film F in the sealing device 40 is stopped can also be used to print on the film F. Therefore, in the packaging device of this embodiment, even if the number of containers C packaged per hour is increased, the print quality on the film F is less likely to deteriorate.

[0108] The control of the operation of the film transport device 100 by the controller 200 will be described below.

[0109] As a premise for the explanation, it is assumed that when the processing of step S11 described below is started, a predetermined length of film F that has been printed by the printer 140 is already stored in the storage mechanism 120. In particular, it is assumed here that when the processing of step S11 is started, the storage mechanism 120 has stored therein an amount of printed film F (enough for four containers C in this embodiment) that will be used in one sealing operation by the sealing device 40. It is also assumed here that when the processing of step S11 described below is started, the film conveying device 100 has stopped conveying film F along the entire conveying path of the film F.

[0110] In this state, when the sealing device 40 completes sealing the opening of the container C using the film F that has already been supplied to the sealing device 40, the controller 200 starts the second shaft driving unit 134 while stopping the operation of the first shaft driving unit 114, and starts conveying the film F downstream of the storage mechanism 120 (step S11). In this state, no film F is supplied from the film roll R1, so the printed film F stored in the storage mechanism 120 is conveyed to the sealing device 40. Then, the tension of the film F causes the movable roller 122 of the storage mechanism 120 to move in a direction that reduces the amount of film F stored in the storage mechanism 120. In the example of FIG. 4, the tension of the film F causes the movable roller 122 to rise so as to approach the fixed roller 121.

[0111] At this time, controller 200 grasps the position of movable roller 122 using the detection result of position sensor 126. Controller 200 determines, based on the detection result of position sensor 126, whether movable roller 122 has moved to a predetermined position (referred to as position a) as a result of a decrease in the amount of film F stored in storage mechanism 120 (step S12).

[0112] Then, when the controller 200 determines that the movable roller 122 has moved to position a, it activates the first shaft driver 114 to start unwinding the film F from the film roll R1 and also starts transporting the film F between the film roll R1 and the storage mechanism 120 (step S13). Furthermore, in step S13, the controller 200 sends an operation command to the printer 140 at an appropriate time so that information is printed at a predetermined position on the film F, based on the detection result of the mark detection sensor 160 on the mark affixed to the film F and the transport amount of the film F detected by the encoder 170 from the time the mark affixed to the film F passed the detection position of the mark detection sensor 160. In response to this operation command, the printer 140 operates the ink ribbon 142 and the thermal head 144 to print information on the film F.

[0113] The controller 200 grasps the amount of film F supplied to the sealing device 40 by using a sensor (not shown) or the like that is arranged on the conveying path of the film conveying device 100 downstream of the storage mechanism 120 in the conveying direction D of the film F of the film conveying device 100. In other words, the controller 200 determines whether the printed film F to be used in the sealing device 40 in the next packaging operation has moved to a predetermined position (step S14).

[0114] When the controller 200 determines that the printed film F to be used in the sealing device 40 in the next packaging operation has moved to a predetermined position (Yes in step S14), the controller 200 stops the conveyance of the film F in the sealing device 40 so that the sealing device 40 can seal the opening of the container C with the film F. Specifically, when the controller 200 determines that the printed film F to be used in the sealing device 40 in the next packaging operation has moved to a predetermined position, the controller 200 stops the conveyance of the film F downstream of the storage mechanism 120 in the conveyance direction D of the film F. More specifically, when the controller 200 determines that the printed film F to be used in the sealing device 40 in the next packaging operation has moved to a predetermined position, the controller 200 stops the operation of the second shaft drive unit 134 and stops the conveyance of the film F downstream of the storage mechanism 120 in the conveyance direction D of the film F (step S15).

[0115] Furthermore, at this point, controller 200 drives movable roller drive unit 124 to move movable roller 122 so as to increase the amount of film F stored in storage mechanism 120 (step S16). In the example of Fig. 4, controller 200 drives movable roller drive unit 124 to move movable roller 122 downward. By moving movable roller 122 in this manner, in the transport direction of film F, transport of film F downstream of storage mechanism 120 can be stopped, while transport of film F can continue upstream of storage mechanism 120.

[0116] The controller 200 also continues the process of transmitting operation commands to the printer 140 at appropriate timing until a Yes decision is made in step S17, which will be described later.

[0117] Controller 200 grasps the position of movable roller 122, which moves so as to increase the amount of film F stored in storage mechanism 120, using the detection result of position sensor 126. Controller 200 determines whether the amount of film F stored in storage mechanism 120 has increased and movable roller 122 has moved to a predetermined position (referred to as position b) based on the detection result of position sensor 126 (step S17). Note that position b here is set so that when movable roller 122 is at this position, the amount of film F used for one packaging operation in sealing device 40 is stored in storage mechanism 120.

[0118] If the controller 200 determines in step S17 that the position of the movable roller 122 is at position b, it stops the operation of the first shaft driving unit 114 and also stops the operation of the movable roller driving unit 124 (step S18).

[0119] Note that the position b used in the determination in step S17, in other words, the position of the movable roller 122 when the most film F is stored in the storage mechanism 120, is preferably configured to be changeable by the controller 200 as a change unit in response to input to the input unit 210. In other words, the controller 200 preferably changes the maximum film length that can be stored by the storage mechanism 120 in response to input to the input unit 210. With this configuration, even if the size of the containers C packaged by the packaging device 1, the number of containers C packaged at one time by the sealing device 40, the position at which the printer 140 prints on the film F, or the like changes, when the film conveying device 100 temporarily stops conveying the film F, the film F can be stopped at an appropriate position that does not affect the printing by the printer 140. In other words, the provision of the change unit makes it possible to prevent the film F from being stopped in the middle of printing by the printer 140.

[0120] Although the case where the change unit is the controller 200 has been described as an example here, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0121] The change unit may be, for example, a frame 128 to which the movable roller 122 is movably attached. The frame 128 here is a member whose position can be changed relative to a main frame (not shown) of the packaging device 1. Preferably, the frame 128 is a member whose position can be changed manually relative to the main frame. However, the frame 128 may also be a member whose position can be changed relative to the main frame by a drive unit such as a motor, rather than manually. Note that, here, the fixed roller 121 of the storage mechanism 120 is fixed to the main frame. The frame 128 is configured to be able to change the distance between the movable roller 122 and the fixed roller 121 when the movable roller 122 is positioned at the farthest position from the fixed roller 121 on the frame 128, in accordance with a change in the position of the frame 128 relative to the main frame.

[0122] (3) Features (3-1) The packaging device 1 of the above embodiment includes a film conveying device 100 as an example of a film conveying section, a moving mechanism 30 as an example of a container conveying section, a sealing device 40 as an example of a packaging section, a printer 140 as an example of a printing section, and a controller 200 as an example of a control section. The film conveying device 100 conveys a film F. The moving mechanism 30 conveys a container C having an opening. The sealing device 40 seals the opening of the container C conveyed by the moving mechanism 30 with the film F conveyed by the film conveying device 100. The printer 140 is disposed upstream of the sealing device 40 in the conveyance path of the film F of the film conveying device 100. The printer 140 prints information at a predetermined position on the film F being conveyed by the film conveying device 100. The controller 200 controls the operations of the film conveying device 100, the moving mechanism 30, the sealing device 40, and the printer 140. The film conveying device 100 includes a storage mechanism 120. The storage mechanism 120 is disposed between the printer 140 and the sealing device 40 on the transport path of the film F. The storage mechanism 120 temporarily stores the film F on which information has been printed. The controller 200 controls the film transport device 100 so that the storage mechanism 120 stores at least the film F used for one packaging operation in the sealing device 40.

[0123] In the packaging device 1 of the above embodiment, the time when the transport of the film F is stopped or slowed down downstream of the storage mechanism 120 in the transport path of the film F can also be used as printing time on the film F. Therefore, the packaging device 1 can ensure printing time and maintain high print quality on the film F.

[0124] (3-2) In the packaging device 1 of the above embodiment, the transport speed of the film F from the printer 140 to the storage mechanism 120 is slower than the transport speed of the film F downstream of the storage mechanism 120.

[0125] In this packaging device 1, the presence of the storage mechanism 120 eliminates the need to match the transport speed of the film F downstream of the storage mechanism 120 with the printing speed of the printer 140. Therefore, in this packaging device 1, high print quality on the film F can be maintained even if the film F is supplied to the printer 140 at high speed.

[0126] (3-3) In the packaging device 1 of the above embodiment, the film conveying device 100 conveys the film F in the printer 140 while stopping the conveyance of the film F in the sealing device 40 for at least a predetermined period of time.

[0127] The packaging device 1 of the above embodiment has the storage mechanism 120, so the time when the transport of the film F is stopped for packaging can be used for printing on the film F by the printer 140. Therefore, the packaging device 1 can maintain high print quality on the film F.

[0128] (3-4) In the packaging device 1 of the above embodiment, the sealing device 40 collectively seals the openings of a plurality of containers C that are arranged in parallel in the conveyance direction of the film F in the sealing device 40 with the film F in one packaging operation.

[0129] In this packaging device 1, it is necessary to supply film F having a length for multiple containers for each packaging operation of the sealing device 40. Therefore, if the packaging device 1 does not have a storage mechanism, it would be necessary to complete printing for multiple containers at most in the time between the end of one packaging operation and the start of the next packaging operation.

[0130] In contrast, the packaging device 1 has the storage mechanism 120, so that the film F can be conveyed and printed on even during the packaging operation, and high print quality on the film F can be maintained.

[0131] (3-5) The packaging device 1 of the above embodiment includes a change unit that changes the maximum film length that can be stored by the storage mechanism 120.

[0132] The change unit is, for example, the controller 200 that changes the position b used in step S17 of the flowchart in FIG.

[0133] The change unit may also be, for example, a frame 128 to which the movable roller 122 is movably attached. The frame 128 here is a member whose position can be changed relative to a main frame (not shown) of the packaging device 1. Preferably, the frame 128 is a member whose position can be changed manually relative to the main frame. However, the frame 128 may also be a member whose position can be changed relative to the main frame by a drive unit such as a motor, rather than manually. Note that, here, the fixed roller 121 of the storage mechanism 120 is fixed to the main frame. The frame 128 is configured to be able to change the distance between the movable roller 122 and the fixed roller 121 when the movable roller 122 is positioned at the farthest position from the fixed roller 121 on the frame 128, in accordance with a change in the position of the frame 128 relative to the main frame.

[0134] It should be noted that the change unit described here is merely an example, and the change unit may have other structures and configurations as long as it can change the maximum film length that can be stored by storage mechanism 120.

[0135] In the packaging device 1 of the above embodiment, even if the size of the containers C, the number of containers C packaged at one time by the sealing device 40, the position at which the printer 140 prints on the film F, etc. change, when the film conveying device 100 temporarily stops conveying the film F, the film F can be stopped at an appropriate position that does not affect the printing by the printer 140. In other words, by having a change unit, it is possible to prevent the film F from being stopped in the middle of printing by the printer 140.

[0136] (3-6) In the packaging device 1 of the above embodiment, when the storage mechanism 120 stores the film F used for one packaging operation in the sealing device 40, the printing operation in the printer 140 is stopped.

[0137] In the packaging device 1, the film conveying device 100 waits while the film F to be used for one packaging operation is stored in the storage mechanism 120, so that the film F with printed information can be provided to the sealing device 40 without delay in accordance with the operation timing of the sealing device 40.

[0138] On the other hand, since the storage mechanism 120 does not store an excessive amount of film F, the size of the storage mechanism 120 can be prevented from increasing excessively.

[0139] (4) Variations Modifications of this embodiment are described below. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not contradicting each other.

[0140] (4-1) Variation A In the above embodiment, the printer 140 is a thermal transfer printer that uses the ink ribbon 142, but the type of printer 140 is not limited to a thermal transfer printer. For example, if a substance that changes color when heated is applied to parts of the film F, it is possible to print on the film F without using the ink ribbon 142. The configuration of the above embodiment is also useful when the printer 140 is an inkjet printer, for example.

[0141] (4-2) Variation B In the above embodiment, multiple containers C are gathered on the second conveyor 20, the moving mechanism 30 transports the multiple containers C to the sealing device 40, and the sealing device 40 seals the openings of the multiple containers C collectively with the film F.

[0142] However, this is not a limitation. The moving mechanism 30 may transport the containers C one by one to the sealing device 40, and the sealing device 40 may seal the opening of a single container C with the film F. However, in order to efficiently package the containers C, it is preferable that the moving mechanism 30 transports multiple containers C to the sealing device 40, and the sealing device 40 seals the openings of the multiple containers C with the film F.

[0143] (4-3) Variation C In the above embodiment, the moving mechanism 30 moves a predetermined number of containers C collected on the second conveyor 20 to the sealing device 40, and simultaneously moves the packaged containers C on the sealing device 40 to the third conveyor 50. However, this is not limited to this. The packaging device 1 may also include a first moving mechanism that moves a predetermined number of containers C collected on the second conveyor 20 to the sealing device 40, and a second moving mechanism that moves the packaged containers C on the sealing device 40 to the third conveyor 50. [Industrial Applicability]

[0144] The present invention is useful and widely applicable to packaging devices that seal the openings of conveyed containers with film. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 Packaging equipment 30 Moving mechanism (container transport unit) 40 Sealing device (packaging section) 100 Film transport device (film transport section) 120 Reservoir mechanism 128 frames (changed part) 140 Printer (printing unit) 200 Controller (control unit, change unit) C container F film [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0146] [Patent Document 1] Special Announcement No. 10-203505

Claims

1. a film transport unit that transports the film; a container conveying unit that conveys a container having an opening; a packaging unit that seals the opening of the container conveyed by the container conveying unit with the film conveyed by the film conveying unit; a printing unit that is disposed upstream of the packaging unit in a transport path of the film in the film transport unit and that prints information at a predetermined position on the film being transported by the film transport unit; a control unit that controls the film conveying unit, the container conveying unit, the packaging unit, and the printing unit; Equipped with the film transport unit is disposed between the printing unit and the packaging unit in a transport path of the film, and has a storage mechanism that temporarily stores the film on which the information has been printed; The control unit starts film transport downstream of the storage mechanism to transport the printed film to the packaging unit, and when the amount of printed film stored in the storage mechanism decreases to a predetermined amount, the control unit continues film transport downstream of the storage mechanism while also starting film transport to the printing unit upstream of the storage mechanism, and controls the film transport unit so that at least the printed film to be used for one packaging operation in the packaging unit is stored in the storage mechanism, and when the film to be used for one packaging operation has been stored in the storage mechanism, stops film transport to the printing unit. packaging equipment.

2. a transport speed of the film from the printing unit to the storage mechanism is slower than a transport speed of the film downstream of the storage mechanism; The packaging device of claim 1 .

3. the film conveying unit conveys the film in the printing unit while stopping conveyance of the film in the packaging unit for at least a predetermined period of time; 3. The packaging device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the packaging unit seals, in a single packaging operation, the openings of the plurality of containers arranged in parallel to the conveyance direction of the film in the packaging unit collectively with the film; 4. The packaging device of claim 3.

5. a change unit that changes the maximum film length that can be stored by the storage mechanism, The packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images