Packaging material, packaging body, packaging method and packaging machine

Abstract

To provide a packaging material, a package, a packaging method and a packaging machine which can prevent misalignment of packaged items in either normal pillow packaging method or a reverse pillow packaging method without using separate members or devices, and can reduce packaging costs and simplify and downsize the devices.SOLUTION: In a packaging material YA1 that is supplied in a long strip shape and is made into a tubular bag shape by overlapping both edges in a widthwise direction of the strip and can accommodate packaged items, multiple folded parts 100 which can be raised from the surface and are spaced a predetermined distance in a band longitudinal direction are provided on a surface that becomes an inner surface when the bag is made into a tubular shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging material, a package, a packaging method, and a packaging machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional packaging machines that form cylindrical bags from film while enclosing and sealing the packaged products, measures have been taken to prevent the packaged products from shifting position during transport, so that the packaged products do not get caught in the film when sealing or cutting the film due to misalignment of the packaged products placed inside the film. For example, a known configuration is shown in Patent Document 1. The technology described in Patent Document 1 uses a crosspiece that moves with the film transport, thereby positioning the packaged products. The crosspiece is configured to protrude above the bottom of the packaged products, thereby reducing forward and backward positional shifts of the packaged products. When the crosspiece reaches the end of the transport, it wraps around the chain and moves back below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-295615 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires a drive mechanism and drive control for the crosspiece, which hinders progress in reducing the cost of the device and simplifying the device.

[0005] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot be used in a packaging method (normal pillow packaging method) in which the film (packaged product) is supplied from above the conveying surface and a center seal (vertical seal) is applied to encase the packaged product from above.

[0006] Specifically, the packaging machine described in Patent Document 1 employs a method (reverse pillow packaging method) in which film is supplied from below the conveying surface and center-sealed by wrapping it up upward. In this case, the packaged product is supported by a crosspiece until just before the top seal (horizontal seal), and the crosspiece is retracted below the conveying surface just before the top seal, thereby preventing the packaged product from shifting out of position.

[0007] On the other hand, when this method is applied to a packaging machine for regular pillow packaging, the crosspiece (drive means) and the center seal device interfere with each other below the conveying surface. In other words, the crosspiece must be retracted upstream of the center seal device, which does not solve the problem of misalignment of the packaged product between the center seal and the top seal.

[0008] For this reason, in packaging machines that use the conventional regular pillow packaging method, the packaged product must be placed on a tray or similar and top-sealed as is, or a separate holding device must be used to hold the packaged product from above so that it does not interfere with the center-seal device.

[0009] As described above, conventional technologies require additional components (such as trays for placing the packaged products) and devices (such as movable bars or separate holding devices) to prevent the packaged products from shifting position, which creates the problem of hindering progress in reducing costs related to packaging machines and packaging, and in simplifying and miniaturizing the devices.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a packaging material, a package, a packaging method, and a packaging machine that can prevent the packaged item from shifting position regardless of whether the normal pillow packaging method or the reverse pillow packaging method is used, without using any additional components or devices, and that can reduce packaging costs and simplify and miniaturize the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention relates to a packaging material that is supplied in a long strip shape, and is formed into a cylindrical bag by overlapping both ends in the short direction of the strip, so that the packaging material can contain a packaged product. The packaging material has a surface that will become the inside of the cylindrical bag, and a plurality of pleats that can stand up from the surface. Each of the pleats extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the band and is divided into a plurality of portions in that direction. The present invention relates to a packaging material characterized by the above-mentioned. The present invention also relates to a packaging material that is supplied in a long strip, and the two short edges of the strip are overlapped to form a tubular bag capable of containing the packaged product, characterized in that the surface that will become the inside of the tubular bag when formed into a tubular bag has a plurality of pleats that can stand up from the surface, and the pleats are made of another member and are parts that are adhered to the inside surface.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a package in which the packaged product is packaged in a pillow shape using the above-mentioned packaging material, characterized in that the package has an approximately rectangular cylindrical storage area for storing the packaged product, seal portions for sealing two openings, and the pleat portions are positioned on the inner surface of the storage area, closer to the packaged product than the two seal portions.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a packaging method for packaging the product to be packaged with the above-mentioned packaging material, characterized in that it includes the steps of supplying the packaging material in a strip shape, supplying the product to be packaged between the pleats, and forming the packaging material into a tubular bag.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a packaging machine comprising a packaging material supply means for supplying the above-mentioned packaging material, an article supply means for supplying the packaged article between the pleats, and a bag maker for making bags from the packaging material so that the pleats are on the inside.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a packaging material, a package, a packaging method and a packaging machine that can prevent the packaged item from shifting position regardless of whether the normal pillow packaging method or the reverse pillow packaging method is used, without using any additional components or devices, and that can reduce packaging costs and simplify and miniaturize the equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view showing the overall configuration of a packaging machine according to the present invention. [Figure 2]1A to 1E are diagrams illustrating a packaging material and a package according to the present invention, in which (A) is a front view, (B) is a perspective view, (C) is an enlarged front view, (D) is a side view, and (E) is a side view. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a package according to the present invention, in which (A) is a front view and (B) is a plan view. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a pleat forming means according to the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 1A is a side view showing a pleat part according to the present invention, and FIGS. 1B to 1E are schematic diagrams showing pleat forming means. [Figure 6] (A) Plan view of packaging material according to the present invention, (B) Side view of the pleats, (C) Side view of the pleats, (D) Plan view of packaging material, (E) Plan view of packaging material, and (F) Enlarged view of the pleats. [Figure 7] 1A to 1H are diagrams illustrating the pleats according to the present invention, in which (A) to (D) are side views of the package, and (E) to (H) are side views of the pleats. [Figure 8] 1A to 1H are diagrams illustrating the pleated part according to the present invention, in which (A) to (D) are side views of the package, and (E) to (H) are side views of the pleated part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a packaging material YA1, a package ZA1, a packaging machine 1, and a packaging method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of the packaging machine 1 of this embodiment. Note that in this drawing and the subsequent drawings, some components are omitted as appropriate to simplify the drawings. In this drawing and the subsequent drawings, the size, shape, thickness, position, orientation, etc. of components are appropriately exaggerated.

[0018] 1 uses packaging material YA1 continuously supplied from a raw material roll YB1 to transport packaged products XA2 sequentially supplied from a previous process from upstream to downstream while packaging the packaged products XA2. In this embodiment, the packaging material YA1 is, for example, a resin film, but is not limited to this and may be paper or the like.

[0019] In this embodiment, the various directions in the packaging machine 1 are defined as the upstream side and the downstream side, respectively, to be closer to the raw web roll YB1. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped packaging material YA1 is defined as the conveying direction T, the width direction of the packaging material YA1 (strip short-side direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip is defined as the conveying width direction W, and the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction T and the conveying width direction W is defined as the conveying height direction H.

[0020] <Wrapping machine> Referring to FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 includes an article supply device 2, a packaging material supply device 3, a packaging machine main body 4, and a control unit (not shown). These components of the packaging machine 1 are comprehensively controlled by the control unit. The control unit is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like, and performs various controls. The CPU is a so-called central processing unit, and executes various programs to realize various functions. The RAM is used as a working area for the CPU. The ROM stores the basic OS and programs executed by the CPU.

[0021] As an example, the packaging machine 1 is a so-called horizontal form-fill-seal machine (pillow packaging machine) that continuously supplies packaging material YA1 to form cylindrical bags in accordance with the sequential supply of packaged items XA2, and seals and cuts the packaging material YA1 in the conveying width direction W at a predetermined pitch (cutting pitch CP). Also, as an example, the description here takes as an example a pillow packaging machine that uses a packaging method (normal pillow packaging method) in which packaging material YA1 is supplied from above the conveying surface 25 of the packaged items XA2 (and packaging material YA1) and a center seal (vertical seal) is applied to enclose the packaged items XA2 from above.

[0022] The article supply device 2 conveys the packaged articles XA2 at equal intervals and sequentially conveys the packaged articles XA2 to the downstream packaging machine main body 4. The packaged articles XA2 are, for example, a collection of multiple articles XA1 piled up in a single pile (for example, 5 layers x 5 rows).

[0023] The article supply device 2 is, for example, a finger conveyor including a conveying surface 25 and pushing means (e.g., fingers) 22 that sandwich the packaged items XA2 from the front and rear in the conveying direction T and push them in the conveying direction T. The finger conveyor 2 has, for example, multiple sprockets 201 (drive sprockets and driven sprockets), some of which are not shown here, and a circular chain (or belt) 202 wound around them. The drive sprocket is rotated by a servo motor, causing the chain 202 to run in a circular motion. The driven sprocket rotates in conjunction with the drive sprocket as the chain 202 runs. The multiple fingers 22 protrude upward from below the conveying surface 25 through slits (not shown here) provided in the conveying surface 25. These multiple fingers 22 run on the conveying surface as the chain 202 runs, pushing the packaged items XA2 on the conveying surface 25 and sending them to the packaging machine main body 4.

[0024] The packaging material supply device 3 continuously supplies packaging material YA1 to the packaging machine main body 4 located downstream. The packaging material supply device 3 includes a raw material shaft 8, a servo motor (not shown), and rollers 9. The raw material shaft 8 rotatably holds the raw material roll YB1. This raw material shaft 8 is rotated by power from the servo motor, causing the held raw material roll YB1 to rotate. As a result, the long strip-shaped packaging material YA1 is unwound (stretched) from the raw material roll YB1. The rollers 9 guide the passed-over packaging material YA1 to a supply port 14a of a bag former 14 located downstream. Here, the packaging material YA1 of this embodiment has a pleated portion 100. The pleats 100 are provided at predetermined distances in the strip longitudinal direction (conveying direction T) on the surface (the surface facing the packaged product XA2, hereinafter referred to as the "inner surface 51") that will become the inside of the packaging material YA1 when it is made into a cylindrical bag by the bag former 14 (the surface facing the packaged product XA2) (details will be described later). Each pleat 100 is provided, for example, to extend along the conveying width direction W of the packaging material YA1 and has a length equal to or shorter than the width of the packaging material YA1 (the length in the conveying width direction W). The pleats 100 are configured to be able to stand up in the conveying height direction H at least after passing through the supply port 14a of the bag former 14. Here, as an example, the pleats 100 are formed in advance on the packaging material YA1, and the packaging material YA1 is wound up and held in the packaging material supply device 3 as a raw web roll YB1.

[0025] Instead of employing the above-described raw web driving method for unwinding the packaging material YA1 from the raw web roll YB1, a feed roller driving method may be employed in which a separate feed roller is provided and the feed roller is moved to unwind the packaging material YA1. Also, both the raw web driving method and the feed roller driving method may be employed.

[0026] The packaging machine main body 4 packages the packaged items XA2 supplied from the article supply device 2 while forming the strip-shaped packaging material YA1 supplied from the packaging material supply device 3 into a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the packaging machine main body 4 includes, for example, a bag former 14, a center seal device 16, a first conveying device 17, an upper holding device 18, a top seal device (end seal device) 30, and a second conveying device 20.

[0027] The bag former 14 forms a cylindrical bag from the strip-shaped packaging material YA1 supplied from the packaging material supply device 3 so that both end edges in the width direction (transport width direction W) of the material overlap each other. Here, a set (pair) of pleats 100 (100x, 100y) aligned in the transport direction T are positioned to sandwich a certain packaged product XA2 from upstream and downstream. In other words, the set of pleats 100 (100x, 100y) are spaced apart by a distance approximately equal to the length of the packaged product XA2 in the transport direction T.

[0028] The pleats 100 are configured to be able to stand up at least inside the bag former 14. That is, the packaged item XA2 is released from support by the fingers 22 at the downstream end of the article supply device 2 and sent into the bag former 14. When a packaged item XA2 is sent into the bag former 14, the downstream pleat 100y of the set of pleats 100 of the corresponding packaging material YA1 is configured to be supplied into the bag former 14 before the corresponding packaged item XA2. The leading end TT of the pleat 100y then abuts against the downstream side of the packaged item XA2 and is pushed up, causing the packaged item XA2 to be supported by the pleat 100y. The upstream side of the packaged item XA2 is configured to be positioned adjacent to (or abutting) the upstream pleat 100x of the set of pleats 100. As a result, even if the support of the fingers 22 is released, the packaged item XA2 is supported on its upstream side by the pleats 100x and on its downstream side by the pleats 100y, and is positioned in a predetermined position (preventing misalignment). Furthermore, even if the packaged item XA2 is, for example, an accumulation of multiple items XA1, the accumulated state of the items XA1 is prevented from collapsing. In other words, even with a regular pillow-type packaging machine 1, the packaged item XA2 (accumulated item) can be packaged well without being placed on a tray or the like.

[0029] The packaged item XA2 may be supplied to contact the pleated portion 100 while it is being inverted at the supply port 14a (opening) of the bag former 14. In this case, the article supply means 2 may be controlled to increase or decrease speed.

[0030] Here, "standing up" of the pleats 100 does not necessarily mean that the pleats 100 are perpendicular (90°) to the inner surface 51 of the packaging material YA1, but means that the pleats 100 (at their tips TT) are raised to an extent that they can support the packaged item XA2 (prevent displacement) by separating from the inner surface 51. As an example, even if the angle (standing angle) between the pleats 100 and the inner surface 51 is, for example, about 5° to 10° before being supplied to the bag former 14, the pleats 100 can stand up when the downstream end of the packaged item XA2 comes into contact with and is pushed by the tips TT of the pleats 100.

[0031] Furthermore, it is sufficient that the pleats 100 are erect at least inside the bag former 14, and they may be erect immediately after being unwound from the raw fabric roll YB1 (before being supplied to the bag former 14). Even in this case, the downstream pleat 100y of a set of pleats 100 is supplied into the bag former 14 prior to the corresponding packaged item XA2 so as to be in close proximity to (or in contact with) it, and the upstream pleat 100x is set to be in close proximity to (or in contact with) the upstream side of the packaged item XA2. As a result, the packaged item XA2 is supported on its upstream and downstream sides by the pleats 100 (pleats 100x, 100y).

[0032] Both end edges of the packaging material YA1 stacked by the bag former 14 are pinched by pinch rollers 15 as an area where a center seal portion CE1 (vertical seal portion) is to be formed, and a conveying force is applied. The center seal device 16 uses a pair of bar sealers 16a to pinch and heat both end edges of the stacked packaging material YA1. The center seal device 16 then presses both end edges of the heated packaging material YA1 with press rollers 16b to center seal the edges, forming the center seal portion CE1. The center seal device 16 may be a rotary center seal device that uses a pair of rollers or multiple rollers to pinch and heat the center seal portion CE1.

[0033] The first conveying device 17 places the center-sealed cylindrical packaging material YA1 together with the packaged product XA2 wrapped in the packaging material YA1 on a conveying surface 26 and conveys them toward the top sealing device 30. The downstream end of this first conveying device 17 expands and contracts the conveying surface 25 in the conveying direction in accordance with the box motion of the top sealing device 30.

[0034] The upper holding device 18 is disposed above the first conveying device 17 and holds down from above the packaged item XA2 together with the packaging material YA1 being conveyed by the first conveying device 17. This allows the packaged item XA2 to be conveyed while maintaining a horizontal position.

[0035] The top sealing device (top sealing means, side sealing means, end sealing means) 30 top seals (end seals, side seals) and cuts the tubular packaging material containing the packaged item XA2 at predetermined intervals, specifically at cutting pitches CP according to the length of the packaged item XA2, in the width direction of the packaging material YA1 (the conveyance width direction W, the direction across the packaging material YA1). This forms a top seal and produces a package (pillow package) ZA1 for the packaged item XA2.

[0036] As an example, the top sealing device 30 is a so-called box motion type having a pair of upper and lower top sealers 30a, 30b. The pair of top sealers 30a, 30b, arranged above and below the cylindrical packaging material YA1, move along a predetermined trajectory while maintaining their sealing surfaces facing each other, top sealing and cutting the film widthwise at a cutting pitch CP that corresponds to the length of the product. The film portion (top seal portion) sealed and cut by the top sealing device 30 is a predetermined position between the front and rear packaged products XA2. Note that the top sealing device 30 may be a rotary or linear reciprocating top sealing device in addition to a box motion type.

[0037] Furthermore, if necessary, before (or simultaneously with) applying a top seal to the tubular packaging material YA1, the top sealing device 30 may push inward with a gazette claw (not shown) predetermined folding positions on both sides in the traveling direction near the portion of the tubular packaging material YA1 to be top sealed, thereby forming a folding portion.

[0038] The second conveying device 20 is provided downstream of the top sealing device 30. This second conveying device 20 is a belt conveyor that places the package ZA1 finished by the top sealing device 30 on a conveying surface 27 and conveys it to the next process.

[0039] <Packaging material / packaging body> 2 shows an example of packaging material YA1 and package ZA1 used in packaging machine 1, where (A) is a front view of strip-shaped packaging material YA1 (before bag making) seen from the conveyance width direction, (B) is a perspective view of pleat portion 100 (a perspective view of (A) seen from the inner surface 51), (C) is an enlarged front view of pleat portion 100, (D) is a side view of strip-shaped packaging material YA1 (before bag making) seen from the conveyance direction, and (E) is a side view of tubular packaging material YA1 after bag making seen from the conveyance direction. Although (B) to (D) show one pleat portion 100, multiple pleat portions 100 have the same shape. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing the package ZA1 of this embodiment, where FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of the package ZA1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a plan view (top view).

[0040] As shown in Figure 2(A), packaging material YA1 is unwound from a raw roll YB1 and supplied in the form of a long strip. When the packaging material YA1 is made into a cylindrical bag by bag former 14, the inner surface 51 is provided with a plurality of pleats 100 that can stand up from the inner surface 51 and are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the longitudinal direction of the strip. A pair of pleats 100 (100x, 100y) aligned in the conveying direction T are positioned to sandwich one packaged item XA2 from the upstream and downstream sides in the conveying direction T.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2(B) and 2(C), the pleated portion 100 is formed, for example, by folding the packaging material YA1 so that it is pinched toward its inner surface 51 and protrudes (shortening the length in the strip longitudinal direction). More specifically, using the inner surface 51 as a reference, folds are formed along the strip's short side, i.e., valley fold line L1, mountain fold line L2, and valley fold line L3. The material is then folded around mountain fold line L2 so that the surfaces that will become the outsides when the bag is made into a cylindrical shape (outer surfaces 52) face each other, and the outer surfaces 52 are tightly adhered to each other. Note that Figures 2(B) and 2(C) show the state before the folds are adhered. As a result, the pleated portion 100 is formed, rising from the valley fold lines L1 and L2 as base ends ST toward the mountain fold line L2 (tip end TT).

[0042] The packaging material YA1 for pillow packaging has adhesive for heat sealing on the inner surface 51, which allows for center sealing (vertical sealing) and top sealing (horizontal sealing). In contrast, no adhesive for heat sealing is provided on the outer surface 52, so the outer surfaces 52 are bonded together by partially coating the outer surfaces 52 in the areas where the pleats 100 are to be formed, or by applying adhesive as needed.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2(B), in the strip-shaped packaging material YA1 before bag formation, the pleats 100 each extend in a direction (e.g., the strip width direction, the conveyance width direction W) that intersects with the strip's longitudinal direction (the conveyance direction T). Here, the pleats 100 are formed at both ends in the conveyance width direction W, specifically, excluding the center seal formation region CE1', and the length in the conveyance width direction W is shorter than the width of the packaging material YA1 (the length in the conveyance width direction W). The center seal region CE1 overlaps the edges of the packaging material YA1. If the pleats 100 remain, the amount of overlap of the packaging material YA1 will increase, which may result in poor sealing. Therefore, for the center seal formation region CE1', for example, the pleats 100 are formed over the entire length in the conveyance width direction W, and then the pleats 100 in the center seal formation region CE1' are removed (FIGS. 2(B) and 2(D)).

[0044] 2(B) and 2(D), each pleat 100 is provided with a plurality of separation sections 101 in the conveyance width direction W. In this example, four separation sections 101A to 101D divide one pleat 100 into a plurality of pleat portions 100A to 100E. The separation sections 101A to 101D are, for example, V-shaped cutouts (notches) formed in part of the pleat 100 from the leading end TT toward the base end ST, but may also be linear cuts (notches) that do not result in loss. In this embodiment, the pleats 100 are provided on the inner surface 51, so that overlapping of the pleats 100 occurs at the corners of the folded portion during bag production, which may hinder satisfactory bag production. By providing separation section 101, the degree of freedom of deformation of pleated portions 100A to 100E can be increased (each can be deformed independently), which prevents unintended overlap of pleated portions during bag production and enables good bag production.

[0045] Here, the position where the separation section 101 is formed will be explained. First, as shown in Figures 2(E) and 3, when the packaging material YA1 is made into a bag, the storage area for the packaged item XA2 becomes a roughly rectangular tube, and the openings at both ends (the upstream end and downstream end when making the bag) are horizontally sealed (the top seal section TO1 shown in Figure 3 is formed). This produces a package ZA1 containing the packaged item XA2. The packaged item XA2 is, for example, an accumulation of articles XA1 stacked in multiple layers (e.g., 5 layers x 5 rows) as shown in Figure 3.

[0046] For ease of explanation, the following descriptions will refer to the various portions of the package ZA1 or the packaging material YA1 that constitutes it, using names based on the positional relationship of the package ZA1, in which the center seal portion CE1 is located below, as shown in Figure 2(E). That is, the surface that connects to the center seal portion CE1 (center seal portion formation area CE1') at one end will be referred to as the first lower surface 102, and the surfaces that connect sequentially along the strip's short side direction (transport width direction W) will be referred to as the first side surface 103, upper surface 104, second side surface 105, and second lower surface 106. After the center seal portion CE1 is formed, the first lower surface 102 and the second lower surface 106 are continuous to form the lower surface 107 that faces the upper surface 104.

[0047] 2(D), the separation portions 101 are formed at positions such that the pleated portion 100 is divided into a first lower surface 102, a first side surface 103, an upper surface 104, a second side surface 105, and a second lower surface 106. That is, the separation portions 101A to 101D form a plurality of divided pleated portions 100A to 100E, with pleated portion 100A rising inward from the inner surface 51 of the first lower surface 102, pleated portion 100B rising from the first side surface 103, pleated portion 100C rising from the upper surface 104, pleated portion 100D rising from the second side surface 105, and pleated portion 100E rising inward from the inner surface 51 of the second lower surface 106. That is, the four separation portions 101A to 101D are formed at the corners of the substantially rectangular tubular package ZA1 (FIG. 2(E)). By providing the separating portions 101A-101D, the amount of overlap of the pleated portions 100A-100E at the corners of the bag can be reduced, and the occurrence of wrinkles can be prevented when the bag is folded along the longitudinal direction, thereby enabling good bag production.

[0048] 2(D), 2(E), and 3, the pleats 100 (pleats 100A, 100C, 100E) on the upper surface 104 and / or lower surface 107 have an upright height h1 that can cover at least a portion of the packaged product XA2 in the conveying height direction H. The pleats 100 (100B, 100D) on the first side surface 103 and the second side surface 105 have an upright height h2 that can cover at least a portion of the packaged product XA2 in the conveying width direction W. In the example shown in the figures, the pleats 100A-100E are formed by separating one pleat 100, so the upright heights h1 and h2 are the same.

[0049] Thus, this embodiment is a packaging machine 1 having a packaging material supply means 3 that supplies packaging material YA1 having the above-mentioned pleated portions 100 formed thereon, an item supply means 2 that supplies packaged items XA2 between the pleated portions 100, and a bag maker 14 that makes bags out of the packaging material YA1 so that the pleated portions 100 are on the inside.

[0050] In addition, this embodiment is a packaging method for packaging a packaged item XA2 using packaging material YA1 having the above-mentioned pleated portion 100 formed thereon, and includes the steps of supplying a strip-shaped packaging material YA1, supplying the packaged item XA2 between the pleated portions 100, and manufacturing a cylindrical bag from the packaging material YA1.

[0051] When the bag is made, the pleats 100 that stand up on the inner surface 51 allow the packaged item XA2 to be supported by being sandwiched between the front and back in the conveying direction by the pleats 100 even when the support by the item supply means 2 (fingers 22) is released (after the bag making device 14).

[0052] Because the pleated portion 100 is provided inside the package ZA1 as part of the packaging material YA1, even in the case of a normal pillow packaging method, the packaged product XA2 can be positioned (prevented from shifting) using only the packaging material YA1, without relying on a tray on which the packaged product XA2 is placed or a separate device that supports the packaged product XA2 in place of the article supply means 2. In other words, costs related to the packaging machine 1 and packaging can be reduced, and the packaging machine 1 can also be simplified and made smaller. Note that this example has been described for a packaging machine 1 that uses a normal pillow packaging method. However, the same can be implemented with a packaging machine 1 that uses a reverse pillow packaging method, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0053] Furthermore, the formation positions of the pleats 100 (pleated portions 100A-100E, etc.) of the packaging material YA1 can be appropriately selected depending on the shape of the packaged item XA2. That is, after forming the pleats 100 with an appropriate height h1 (h2), the pleats can be easily formed only in the desired positions by cutting away the remaining areas of the pleats 100 and leaving only the necessary pleats. That is, it is also possible to form only the pleats 100C on the top surface 104, or only the pleats 100B and 100D on the first side surface 103 and the second side surface 105, etc.

[0054] Furthermore, the standing heights h1 and h2 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the folding amount of the pleated portion 100. In particular, when the packaged item XA2 is an accumulation of multiple items XA1, the formation position of the pleated portion and the standing heights h1 and h2 can be set appropriately depending on the accumulation state of the items XA1, thereby increasing flexibility for the packaged item XA2.

[0055] The completed package ZA1 has a roughly rectangular cylindrical storage area 205 for storing packaged item XA2 and two seals (top seals TO1) that seal the openings, packaging the packaged item XA2 in a pillow shape. The inner surface 51 of the storage area 205 has pleats 100 at positions closer to the packaged item XA2 than the two top seals TO1. The pleats 100 are provided along at least a portion of the shape of the storage area. More specifically, pleats 100A-100E are provided on the first lower surface 102, first side surface 103, upper surface 104, second side surface 105, and second lower surface 106, respectively. These pleats 100A-100E (pleats 100) function as support members that support the storage area for packaged item XA2 from the inside. Therefore, the strength of the package ZA1 can be ensured and the shape retention can be maintained.

[0056] Furthermore, the center seal portion CE1 does not have the pleats 100 (for example, after the pleats 100 are formed across the entire width of the packaging material YA1 in the conveying width direction W, the pleats 100 that will become the center seal portion CE1 are cut off). If the formation of the pleats 100 increases the overlap of the packaging material YA1, this could result in poor formation of the center seal portion CE1, but since the center seal portion CE1 does not have the pleats 100, poor sealing can be avoided.

[0057] Second Embodiment In the above example, the packaging material supply means 3 is configured to hold a raw roll YB1 around which packaging material YA1 is wound with pleats 100 already formed, but the pleats 100 may be formed while the packaging material YA1 is being transported. That is, pleat forming means 300 may be provided between the packaging material supply means 3 and the bag former 14, for forming pleats 100 in the packaging material YA1.

[0058] An example of the pleat forming means 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4(A) is a front view showing the vicinity of the pleat forming means 300 when the pleat forming means 300 is provided in the packaging machine 1 shown in Fig. 1, and Figs. 4(B) to 4(D) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the inside of the pleat forming means 300.

[0059] The pleat forming means 300 is provided, for example, between the packaging material supply device 3 and the bag former 14 as shown in Figure 4(A), and is a device that receives a strip-shaped packaging material YA1 that has no creases formed therein, forms folds (valley fold line L1, mountain fold line L2, valley fold line L3) as shown above (Figure 2(A)), and brings the outer surfaces 52 into close contact with each other around mountain fold line L2 to form standable pleats 100. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the packaging machine 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0060] 4(B) is a front view showing a schematic example of the internal configuration of pleat forming means 300. In this figure, the left side of the figure is the upstream side (raw fabric roll YB1) and the right side is the downstream side (bag former 14). The pleat forming means 300 has, for example, a pair of opposing pleat forming plates 301. The pair of pleat forming plates 301 are movable in one direction (left and right in FIG. 4(B)) so that opposing surfaces OS move toward or away from each other.

[0061] The packaging material YA1 introduced into the pleat forming means 300 is introduced, for example, by introduction means 302, into a portion of the packaging material YA1 (pre-pleat formation region 100P) between the opposing surfaces OS of a pair of spaced-apart pleat forming plates 301. The introduction means 302 is, for example, a nozzle that is arranged on the outer surface 52 side of the packaging material YA1 and sprays adhesive (and gas (air, etc.)) onto the outer surface 52 of the pleat formation region 100P, thereby pushing out the pleat formation region 100P between the opposing surfaces OS of the pleat forming plates 301. In this case, the introduction means 302 also serves as adhesive application means. The adhesive may be sprayed on the upstream side of the pleat forming means 300 .

[0062] Then, a pair of pleat forming plates 301 are brought close to each other to sandwich the planned pleat formation region 100P, and the outer surfaces 52 of the planned pleat formation region 100P are bonded together to form the pleats 100. The pair of pleat forming plates 301 may have sealing bars on their opposing surfaces OS. Further, downstream of this, a separation portion 101 is formed at a predetermined position by cutting means or the like.

[0063] Although not shown in the drawings, the introduction means 302 may be, for example, a suction means arranged on the inner surface 51 side of the packaging material YA1 to suck the planned pleat formation region 100P and draw the planned pleat formation region 100P between the opposing surfaces OS of the pleat formation plates 301. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1B, a separate discharge means is provided that discharges adhesive onto the outer surface 52 of the planned pleat formation region 100P before suctioning the planned pleat formation region 100P. Alternatively, the introduction means 302 may be a pair of rollers arranged on the outer surface 52 side of the packaging material YA1 that sandwich the planned pleat formation region 100P and introduce it between the opposing surfaces OS of the pleat formation plates 301. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1B, a separate discharge means is provided that discharges adhesive onto the outer surface 52 of the planned pleat formation region 100P before drawing it in.

[0064] Furthermore, the packaging material YA1 held as the raw roll YB1 may have a part coating agent applied to the outer surface of the fold formation planned region 100P (in this case, adhesive discharging means is not necessary).

[0065] 10C to 10E are schematic diagrams showing an example of another pleat forming means 300. The pleat forming means 300 may be capable of simultaneously forming the pleats 100 and the separation portion 101. The introduction means 301 is the same as that shown in 10B, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1C, a pair of pleat-forming plates 303 are arranged opposite each other, as in FIG. 1B, except that a cutter 304 is disposed at the end of one of the pleat-forming plates 303A for cutting out (or slitting) a portion of the packaging material YA1. A presser plate 305 is provided near (below in FIG. 1C) the cutter 304 and presses a portion of the packaging material YA1 (i.e., serves as the opposing surface OS). The presser plate 305 is biased by, for example, a biasing means 306 so as to protrude toward the other pleat-forming plate 303B. The cutter 304 and presser plate 305 are configured to be movable relative to the pleat-forming plate 303A by an air cylinder 307 or the like. A receiving portion 306 for the cutter 304 is provided on the opposing surface OS of the other pleat-forming plate 303B.

[0067] The pair of pleat-forming plates 303 are set, for example, such that the length in the conveying width direction W is equal to or longer than the strip width direction of the packaging material YA1, thereby forming a single pleat 100 that is continuous in the conveying width direction W (strip width direction). Meanwhile, the separating sections 100 are formed in a dispersed manner in a predetermined region as shown in FIG. 2(B). In other words, multiple cutters 304, pressure plates 305, and receiving sections 306 are arranged (in pairs) at predetermined positions in the conveying width direction W of the pair of pleat-forming plates 303.

[0068] As in the same figure (B), an introduction means 301 is used to introduce a planned pleat formation area 100P, with adhesive applied to the outer surface 52, between the opposing surfaces OS of a pair of pleat formation plates 303 (same figure (C)), and the pair of pleat formation plates 301 are brought close together to sandwich the planned pleat formation area 100P, and the outer surfaces 52 of the planned pleat formation area 100P are bonded together to form the pleat 100 (same figure (D)).

[0069] In this state, the air cylinder 307 pushes out the cutter 304 and the presser plate 305 toward the other pleat forming plate 303B. As a result, a predetermined area is cut out while a part of the pleat formation region 100P is held down by the presser plate 305. Then, when the pleat forming plate 303 is again separated as shown in FIG. 1(E), the pleat 100 is formed and a separation portion 101 is formed in the predetermined region.

[0070] With reference to Figure 5, yet another example of pleat forming means 300 will be described. The pleat forming means 300 is not limited to a configuration in which pleats 100 are formed by folding a portion of the packaging material YA1, but may also be a means for adhering (sticking) pleat parts 100p formed in advance using a member separate from the packaging material YA1 (which may be made of the same material) to the packaging material YA1 while the packaging material YA1 is being conveyed. In this case as well, the pleat forming means 300 is provided, for example, between the packaging material supply device 3 and the bag former 14, as shown in Figure 4(A).

[0071] 5(A) is an example of an external view of the pleat part 100p, and Fig. 5(B) to Fig. 5(E) are schematic diagrams showing other examples of the pleat forming means 300. Fig. 5(B) is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the pleat forming means 300, and Figs. 5(C) to 5(E) are schematic diagrams showing the main components of each component of the pleat forming means 300.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1A, the pleated part part 100p is a ribbon-shaped member having a main body part 1001 and an adhesive tab part 1002. The main body part 1001 has pleated portions 100A to 100E formed in advance at desired positions by forming separation parts 101 (for example, separation parts 101A to 101D). The main body part 1001 and the adhesive tab part 1002 are folded at their boundary (shown by the dashed line), and the adhesive tab part 1002 is adhered to the inner surface 51 of the packaging material YA1, thereby forming the pleated part 100 that can stand up from the inner surface 51. In other words, this boundary becomes the standing base end ST.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 1B, the pleat forming means 300 includes a stocker 350 for stocking the pleat parts 100p, a means 310 for taking out the pleat parts 100p, a means 320 for folding the adhesive tab 1002, and a means 330 for attaching the pleat parts 100p.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1C, the removal means 310 has, for example, an arm unit 312 equipped with a suction means 311. A known drive mechanism can be used for the arm unit 312, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The drive mechanism for the arm unit 312 can, for example, move the arm unit 312 along an arbitrary trajectory in three-dimensional space, and may be a robot, or may be a mechanism that rotates and moves the arm unit 312 along a predetermined trajectory using a turntable, fixed pulley, and multiple planetary pulleys. In other words, the arm unit 312 may be configured to be able to move along an arbitrary trajectory in three-dimensional space, or to be able to move along a predetermined trajectory.

[0075] Furthermore, the drive mechanism of the arm unit 312 is not limited to this, and may be configured to be swingable by a link mechanism. Furthermore, a plurality of arm units 312 may be provided on the turntable.

[0076] As shown in the same figure (D), the folding means 320 is fixed in a predetermined position, and the fold parts 100p picked up one by one from the stocker 350 by the arm unit 312 (suction means 311) are moved (transported) to the folding means 320 by the arm unit 312. Then, the arm unit 312 presses, for example, the tip of the adhesive tab 1002 against the folding means 320, thereby folding the boundary between the main body 1001 and the adhesive tab 1002.

[0077] The arm unit 312 holds the pleated part 100p and moves it to the attaching means 330 shown in FIG. 1(E). The attaching means 330 receives the packaging material YA1 unwound from the raw roll YB1 and transports it downstream. The attaching means 330 also applies adhesive to the glue tab 1002 of the pleated part 100p held by the arm unit 312 using the application means 331. The attaching means 330 cooperates with the arm unit 312 to press and adhere the glue tab 1002 of the pleated part 100p to a predetermined position on the packaging material YA1. In this way, the pleated part 100 is formed in the packaging material YA1.

[0078] In addition, the configuration is not limited to stocking the pleat parts 100p of the ribbon-shaped member in the stocker 350, but for example, a sheet or roll may be prepared in which multiple pleat parts 100p are continuous in the height direction h1, h2 or in the width direction intersecting the height direction h1, h2, and the pleat parts 100p may be unwound one by one from the sheet or roll, cut, and attached by the attachment means 330.

[0079] <Modification> A modified example of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0080] 6(A) is a plan view of the packaging material YA1. As shown by the dashed dotted lines in FIG. 6(A), the packaging material YA1 may have fold lines 115 extending in the conveying direction T (the strip longitudinal direction) and guiding the folding of the first lower surface 102, the first side surface 103, the upper surface 104, the second side surface 105, and the second lower surface 106. The fold lines 115 are formed so as to connect the separation sections aligned in the conveying direction T (separation sections 101A, separation sections 101B, etc.). This allows each corner of the approximately rectangular tubular shape to be folded more satisfactorily, resulting in good bag production.

[0081] FIG. 6(B) is a side view of the pleats 100 as viewed from the conveyance direction T. The pleats 100 in the area CE1' where the center seal is to be formed may be left intact without being cut out. In this case, it is advisable to simply bend the pleats 100 in the area CE1' where the center seal is to be formed, without applying any adhesive. This allows the pleats 100 in the area CE1' where the center seal is to be formed to be easily deformed into any shape, and the rigidity is not increased by adhesion, so that the center seal can be formed without any problems when the center seal CE1 is formed (for example, by the pleats 100 reopening).

[0082] 6(C) and 6(D) show another example in which the pleats 100 remain in the center seal formation region CE1'. FIG. 6(C) is a side view of the pleats 100 as viewed from the conveyance direction T, and FIG. 6(D) is a plan view of the packaging material YA1. In this example, the separation portion 101 is formed by a linear slit (incision) rather than a V-shaped notch (removal of the pleats 100). Even though the separation portion 101 is a slit, it can increase the degree of freedom of deformation of the pleats 100A, 100B, etc., thereby preventing unintended overlap of the pleats during bag production and enabling good bag production.

[0083] In this case, the planned center seal formation regions CE1' at both ends of the packaging material YA1 should be folded in different directions. For example, the planned center seal formation region CE1' at the left end of Figure 1C should be folded so that its leading edge TT faces downstream, and the planned center seal formation region CE1' at the right end of Figure 1C should be folded so that its leading edge TT faces upstream (see Figure 1D). This prevents the overlap of the center seal region CE1 when the two ends are overlapped, ensuring a good center seal. It is also best not to apply adhesive to the pleats 100 of the planned center seal formation region CE1'.

[0084] 6(E) is a plan view of the packaging material YA1, showing another example of reducing the overlap of the pleats 100 in the center seal portion CE1. The pleats 100 may be formed so as to be inclined with respect to the width direction (transport width direction W) of the packaging material YA1. This causes both ends of one pleat 100 in the transport width direction W to be at different positions in the transport direction T. In other words, it is possible to avoid an increase in the amount of overlap of the center seal portion CE1 when they are overlapped.

[0085] FIG. 6(F) is an enlarged side view of the pleat 100 as viewed from the conveyance direction T. The separation portion 101 is preferably formed so as to leave a small portion of the pleat 100. To ensure smooth folding without the pleats interfering with each other, it is desirable to reduce the overlapping amount of the pleat 100 (pleats 100A, 100B, etc.). In other words, it is desirable to remove a large amount of the separation portion 101 (i.e., a deep pleat 100 in the height h direction). However, removing the entire pleat 100 at the height h may result in minute holes in the packaging material YA1 at the proximal end ST of the pleat, resulting in defective packaging, particularly in the case of a package ZA1 that requires airtightness. Therefore, when forming the separation portion 101, it is desirable to remove the pleat 100 from the proximal end ST of the pleat 100 by a predetermined distance (e.g., 1 mm to 2 mm) toward the distal end TT (by forming a remaining portion R from the proximal end ST). The same applies when the separation portion 101 is formed by a slit. The same also applies when the pleats 100 in the center seal region CE1' are cut (e.g., FIG. 1(D)), or when the separation portion 101 is formed and left to remain (FIGS. 6(B) and 6(C)). The center seal region CE1 is a region that is overlapped and sealed, so even if the slit in the separation portion 101 reaches the base end ST and the packaging material YA1 is cut in the conveying direction T or a hole is formed, this does not pose a major problem. However, by inserting the separation portion 101 so as to form the remaining portion R, cutting in the strip longitudinal direction can be avoided and unintended wrinkles due to large deformation of the center seal region CE1' can be avoided, thereby enabling a good center seal.

[0086] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a formation pattern of pleats 100 (pleated portions) formed by folding a portion of packaging material YA1. Fig. 7(A) to Fig. 7(D) are side views of the package ZA1 as viewed from the conveyance direction T, and Fig. 7(E) to Fig. 7(H) are side views as viewed from the conveyance direction T showing the pleats 100 (pleated portions) shown in Fig. 7(A) to Fig. 7(D), respectively, before bag formation.

[0087] In the above example, the pleated portions 100A-100E are provided on each of the lower surface 107, the first side surface 103, the upper surface 104, and the second side surface 105 of the packaging material YA1. However, this is not limiting, and the pleated portion 100 (pleated portion) may be provided on at least one of the inner surface 51 of the upper surface 104, the inner surface 51 of the lower surface 107, the inner surface 51 of the first side surface 103, and the inner surface 51 of the second side surface 105.

[0088] 10A and 10E show an example in which pleated portions 100B, 100C, and 100D are provided on the first side surface 103, the top surface 104, and the second side surface 105, respectively.

[0089] Figures (B) and (F) show an example in which pleated portions 100A, 100B, 100D, and 100E are provided on the first lower surface 102, the first side surface 103, the second side surface 105, and the second lower surface 106, respectively, and the height h1 of pleated portions 100A and 100E and the height h2 of pleated portions 100B and 100D are, for example, more than half the height of the package ZA1 (packaged item XA2) in the conveying height direction H.

[0090] 10C and 10G show an example in which pleats 100C are provided only on the upper surface 104, and the height h1 of pleats 100C is approximately equal to the height of package ZA1 (packaged item XA2) in the conveying height direction H. In other words, in this example, the upstream end face and downstream end face of packaged item XA2 are almost entirely covered by pleats 100C alone.

[0091] 10D and 10H show examples in which pleated portions 100B and 100D are provided on the first side surface 103 and the second side surface 105, respectively.

[0092] In this way, the position and shape (heights h1, h2) of the pleated portion need only cover part of the packaged product XA2 so as to restrict movement of the packaged product XA2 in the conveying direction T, and can be selected appropriately depending on the shape and size of the packaged product XA2. Note that, for example, as shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the height h1 (h2) can be changed, but in this case, since the pleated portion 100 is formed by folding the packaging material YA1, the height h1 of pleated portions 100A, 100C, and 100E and the height h2 of pleated portions 100B and 100D in the same packaging material YA1 are the same height.

[0093] 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a forming pattern of the pleated part 100p. (A) to (D) of the figure are side views of the package ZA1 as viewed from the conveyance direction T, and (E) to (H) of the figure are side views as viewed from the conveyance direction T showing the pleated part 100p (pleated portion) shown in (A) to (D) before bag formation. The pleated part 100p is shown with the main body 1001 and the adhesive tab 1002 on the same plane, and is also shown overlapping with the packaging material YA1 to show their positional relationship (the adhesive tab 1002 is not adhered to the packaging material YA1).

[0094] 1A and 1B show an example in which pleats 100B, 100C, and 100D are provided on first side surface 103, top surface 104, and second side surface 105, respectively. Here, the height h1 of pleat 100C is set smaller than the height h2 of pleats 100B and 100D. Since pleat part 100p can be formed into a predetermined shape in advance as a separate member, rather than by folding packaging material YA1, it is possible to make the height h2 of pleats 100B and 100D different from the height h1 of pleat 100C in the same pleat portion 100, as shown in the figures.

[0095] Furthermore, since both the main body portion 1001 and the adhesive portion 1002 can be formed except for the area CE1' where the center seal portion is to be formed, there is no need to cut out the pleat portion 100 in the area CE1' where the center seal portion is to be formed after the pleat portion 100 is formed (the same applies to the following examples).

[0096] Figures (B) and (F) show an example in which pleated portions 100A, 100B, 100D, and 100E are provided on the first lower surface 102, the first side surface 103, the second side surface 105, and the second lower surface 106, respectively, and the height h1 of pleated portions 100A and 100E and the height h2 of pleated portions 100B and 100D are, for example, more than half the height of the package ZA1 (packaged item XA2) in the conveying height direction H.

[0097] 10C and 10G show an example in which pleats 100C are provided only on the upper surface 104, and the height h1 of pleats 100C is approximately equal to the height of package ZA1 (packaged item XA2) in the conveying height direction H. In other words, in this example, the upstream end face and downstream end face of packaged item XA2 are almost entirely covered by pleats 100C alone.

[0098] In this case, the adhesive margin 1002 may be provided only in the pleated portion 100C.

[0099] 10D and 10H show examples in which pleated portions 100B and 100D are provided on the first side surface 103 and the second side surface 105, respectively. In this case, the heights h2 and h2' are different.

[0100] In this way, in the case of the pleat part 100p, the height h1 of the lower surface 107 and the upper surface 104 can be made different from the height h2 of the first side surface 103 and the second side surface 105 in one pleat 100. Also, in one pleat 100, the height h2 of the first side surface 103 can be made different from the height h2' of the second side surface 105 (the same applies to the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 107).

[0101] Furthermore, the shape of the strap part 100p can be changed at any position on the long packaging material YA1. That is, a certain strap part 100p can be attached to a portion of the packaging material YA1 that has become one raw roll YB1, and a different strap part 100p can be attached to the remaining packaging material YA1.

[0102] Note that, for example, when the packaging material YA1 is a thin material and multiple sheets are stacked on top of each other, if this does not affect (or has little effect on) bag making or packaging, it is not necessary to provide the separation section 101. Similarly, particularly in a configuration in which the pleats 100 are formed by folding, it is not necessary to cut out the pleats 100 in the center seal formation region CE1'.

[0103] Furthermore, when the packaged items XA2 are stacked items, the stacking pattern is not limited to the above example. For example, it may be a stack of one layer and several rows, or a stack of several layers and one row. It does not have to be a row and column stack. For example, it may be a so-called sashimi-like stack in which parts of multiple items XA1 are stacked along the conveying direction T, or it does not have to be aligned regularly. Furthermore, the packaged items XA2 may be single items XA1.

[0104] The pleat part 100p may also be made of paper. The pleat part 100p may be attached to the packaging material YA1 with double-sided tape. In addition, in the case of the packaged goods XA2 in which a plurality of articles XA1 are arranged in a sashimi-like manner along the conveying direction T, the pleated part 100p may be adhered to the inner surface 51 of the packaging material YA1 only in the direction in which the load collapses. Furthermore, the adhesive tabs 1002 of a set of pleat parts 100p attached to one package ZA1 may be folded so that their tips (the ends corresponding to the tips TT of the pleats 100) face each other (toward the packaged product XA2) and then attached to the packaging material YA1. In this way, the cutting pitch of the package ZA1 can be shortened.

[0105] Furthermore, a raising means may be provided upstream of the bag former 14 to abut on the folded portion 100 and raise the folded portion 100 upright.

[0106] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the spirit and technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1 Packaging machine 2. Item supply means (item supply device, finger conveyor) 3 Packaging material supply means (packaging material supply device) 4 Packaging machine body 8 Raw material shaft 9. Laura 14 Bag making machine 14a Supply port 15 Pinch roller 16 Center seal device 16a Basilla 16b Press roller 25 Conveying surface 30 Top seal device (end seal device) 51 Inner surface 52 External surface 100 folds 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E pleated part 100p pleat parts 101,101A, 101B, 101C, 101D Separation section 102 1st bottom surface 103 First aspect 104 Top surface 105 Second aspect 106 2nd bottom surface 107 Bottom surface 115 crease line 300 Fold forming means 310 Removal means 311 Adsorption means 312 Arm section 331 Application means 350 Stocker 1001 Main body 1002 Glue section CE1 Center seal part CE1´ Center seal area XA1 Goods XA2 Packaged product YA1 Packaging material YB1 raw material roll ZA1 packaging

Claims

1. A packaging material that is supplied in a long strip shape, and both ends in the short direction of the strip are overlapped to form a tubular bag that can accommodate a packaged product, A surface that will become the inside of the bag when it is made into a cylindrical shape is provided with a plurality of pleats that can stand up from the surface, The pleats each extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the band and are divided into a plurality of portions in that direction. A packaging material characterized by:

2. A packaging material that is supplied in a long strip shape, and is formed into a cylindrical bag by overlapping both ends of the strip in the short direction so that it can contain a packaged product, A surface that will become the inside of the bag when it is made into a cylindrical shape is provided with a plurality of pleats that can stand up from the surface, The pleat portion is made of another material and is a portion adhered to the inner surface. A packaging material characterized by:

3. The pleat portion is a portion where parts of the surface that will become the outer surface when the bag is made into a cylindrical shape are tightly attached to each other. The packaging material according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A set of the pleats aligned in the conveying direction are positioned to sandwich one of the packaged products in the conveying direction. The packaging material according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A fold line is formed along the longitudinal direction of the band. The packaging material according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A package in which the packaged product is packaged in a pillow shape using the packaging material according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A substantially rectangular cylindrical storage area for storing the packaged items; a seal portion that seals each of the two openings; The pleats are arranged on the inner surface of the storage area and closer to the packaged product than the two seal portions. A package characterized by:

7. A packaging method for packaging the packaged product using the packaging material according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: providing the packaging material in a strip; Supplying the packaged item between the pleats; and forming the packaging material into a cylindrical bag. A packaging method characterized by:

8. a packaging material supply means for supplying the packaging material according to any one of claims 1 to 5; an article supplying means for supplying the packaged article between the pleats; and a bag making machine that makes the packaging material into a bag so that the pleats are on the inside. A packaging machine characterized by:

9. A pleat forming means for forming the pleat between the packaging material supply means and the article supply means.

9. The packaging machine according to claim 8.

Images