Bag making and packaging equipment

Abstract

To provide a bag making and packaging device that suppresses article jamming due to catching.SOLUTION: The bag making and packaging device includes a film conveying part, a lateral sealing mechanism, a receiving member 24, and a control part. The film conveying part conveys a film F continuously. The lateral sealing mechanism clips the film F in the direction intersecting the conveying direction to perform sealing operation. The receiving member 24 is arranged integrally with the lateral sealing mechanism above the lateral sealing mechanism. Further, the receiving member 24 is in touch with the outer surface of the film F and catches the articles A that fall inside the film F. The control part performs a first mode operation for moving the receiving member 24 from a first standby position Pst1 to a first position P1 where the articles A are received until the packaging operation is started and the receiving member 24 first receives the articles, and when the receiving member 24 receives the articles A, the lateral sealing mechanism is caused to perform the sealing operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This relates to a bag making and packaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] A bag-making and packaging device is known that packages articles, which are packaged items that are discharged and dropped from an article discharge section, into bags formed from a continuously conveyed film. Patent Document 1 (JP 2020-104881 A) discloses a bag-making and packaging device that includes a receiving member that prevents the articles and / or film from being damaged by the impact of the drop. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In such a bag-making and packaging apparatus, a catch operation is sometimes performed to catch the item with a receiving member to prevent damage to the item or the horizontal seal of the bag due to the impact of the drop. However, bag-making and packaging apparatuses that perform the catch operation have the following problems.

[0004] When the first catching operation is performed immediately after the start of a packaging operation, the operation of the receiving member may not be in time for the falling of the article, causing the receiving member to catch the falling article.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a bag-making and packaging apparatus that prevents articles from getting caught in the bag due to the catching operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A bag-making and packaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention packages articles that are discharged and dropped from an article discharge unit into bags formed into a cylindrical shape from a film that is conveyed from above to below. This bag-making and packaging apparatus includes a film conveying unit, a horizontal sealing mechanism, a receiving member, and a control unit.

[0007] The film conveying unit continuously conveys the film. The horizontal sealing mechanism sandwiches the film from a direction intersecting the conveying direction and performs a sealing operation. The receiving member is disposed above the horizontal sealing mechanism and integral with the horizontal sealing mechanism. The receiving member also contacts the outer surface of the film to catch any articles that fall inside the film. The control unit performs packaging operations.

[0008] The control unit performs a first mode operation in which the receiving member is moved from a standby position to a first position where it receives the item until the receiving member first receives the item after starting the packaging operation, and when the receiving member receives the item, causes the horizontal sealing mechanism to perform the sealing operation.

[0009] A bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the first position is lower than the standby position.

[0010] A bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the second aspect, in which the movement path of the receiving member from the standby position to the first position when viewed horizontally is a curved line that protrudes downward.

[0011] A bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the standby position is at the same height as the first position, and the control unit moves the receiving member horizontally from the standby position to the first position in the first mode operation.

[0012] A bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is any one of the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the first aspect to the fourth aspect, in which the control unit performs a second mode operation in which, after the receiving member receives an item, the receiving member passes through a second position higher than the first position before the lateral sealing mechanism performs a lateral sealing operation.

[0013] A bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus of the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit moves the receiving member to a standby position in the second mode operation.

[0014] A bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is any one of the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatuses according to the first aspect to the sixth aspect, wherein the control unit changes the standby position when the receiving member receives an article. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the present invention can prevent articles from getting caught in the bag due to the catching operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit 16. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a bag making and packaging unit 12. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the horizontal sealing mechanism 23. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the horizontal sealing mechanism 23. [Figure 4C] FIG. 2 is a side view of the horizontal sealing mechanism 23 as seen from the right side. [Figure 5A] 10 is a schematic side view for explaining the movements of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 in the first mode operation and the second mode operation. FIG. [Figure 5B] 10 is a schematic side view for explaining the movements of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 in the first mode operation and the second mode operation. FIG. [Figure 5C] 10 is a schematic side view for explaining the movements of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 in the first mode operation and the second mode operation. FIG. [Figure 6A] 10 is a schematic side view for explaining the movement of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 in a steady operation. FIG. [Figure 6B] 10 is a schematic side view for explaining the movement of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 in a steady operation. FIG. [Figure 6C] 10 is a schematic side view for explaining the movement of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 during steady operation. FIG. [Figure 7A] 10 is a schematic side view for explaining the movement of a receiving member 24 in a first mode operation. FIG. [Figure 7B] 10 is a schematic side view for explaining the movement of a receiving member 24 in a first mode operation. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] First Embodiment A bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0018] (1) Overall structure 1 is a perspective view of a bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100. The bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100 is mainly composed of an item discharge unit 11, a bag manufacturing and packaging unit 12, a film supply unit 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0019] The product discharge unit 11 weighs the weight of product A to be packaged using multiple weighing hoppers (not shown) and combines the weight values ​​measured by each weighing hopper to reach a predetermined total weight. The product discharge unit 11 drops the product A of the predetermined total weight downward and supplies it to the bag-making and packaging unit 12.

[0020] The bag making and packaging unit 12 packages the item A that is discharged and dropped from the item discharge unit 11 into a bag B. The bag making and packaging unit 12 also forms the bag B by shaping a film F, which is a packaging material that is conveyed from above to below, into a cylindrical shape. The detailed structure and operation of the bag making and packaging unit 12 will be described later.

[0021] The film supply unit 13 is installed adjacent to the bag making and packaging unit 12 and supplies the film F to the bag making and packaging unit 12. The film supply unit 13 continuously pays out the film F from a film roll (not shown) around which the sheet-like film F is wound, and supplies the film F to the bag making and packaging unit 12.

[0022] The operation unit 14 and display unit 15 function as input devices that accept instructions for the bag-making and packaging apparatus 100 and settings related to the bag-making and packaging apparatus 100. The operation unit 14 is located in a position where it can be operated by an operator of the bag-making and packaging apparatus 100. The display unit 15 is located in a position where it can be seen by an operator of the bag-making and packaging apparatus 100. The display unit 15 is a touch panel display. The display unit 15 also functions as an output device that displays information related to the bag-making and packaging apparatus 100.

[0023] The control unit 16 is a computer comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the control unit 16. The control unit 16 is built into the main body of the bag making and packaging apparatus 100, and is connected to the item discharge unit 11, the bag making and packaging unit 12, the film supply unit 13, the operation unit 14, and the display unit 15. Based on input from the operation unit 14 and the display unit 15, the control unit 16 controls each device constituting the item discharge unit 11, the bag making and packaging unit 12, and the film supply unit 13, and realizes a packaging operation in which item A is packaged in bag B.

[0024] (2) Configuration of the bag-making and packaging unit 12 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the bag making and packaging unit 12. In the following description, six directions, "front (front)," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," are defined as shown in FIG.

[0025] The bag-making and packaging unit 12 is mainly composed of a forming mechanism 21, a vertical sealing mechanism 22, a horizontal sealing mechanism 23, and a receiving member 24. For convenience, only a portion of the horizontal sealing mechanism 23 is shown in Figure 3.

[0026] (2-1) Forming mechanism 21 The forming mechanism 21 forms the sheet-like film F supplied from the film supply unit 13 into a cylindrical shape. The forming mechanism 21 has a tube 21a and a collar 21b.

[0027] The tube 21a is a cylindrical member with open top and bottom ends. The tube 21a is arranged so that its central axis 21c is aligned in the vertical direction. The article A supplied from the article discharge section 11 is inserted into the opening at the top end of the tube 21a. The collar 21b is a member that curves the film F fed from the film supply section 13 along the surface and wraps it around the outer periphery of the tube 21a. The tube 21a and the collar 21b can be replaced depending on the size of the bag B formed by the bag making and packaging section 12.

[0028] The film F formed into a cylindrical shape by the forming mechanism 21 has a pair of opposing side edges R1, R2. The pair of side edges R1, R2 are end edges of a predetermined width that extend in the longitudinal direction LD of the film F. The pair of side edges R1, R2 are located on the front side of the film F formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0029] (2-2) Vertical sealing mechanism 22 The vertical sealing mechanism 22 seals the film F formed into a cylindrical shape by the forming mechanism 21 in the vertical direction (the up-and-down direction in FIG. 3) to form a tubular film Fc. The vertical sealing mechanism 22 mainly has a pair of heat sealing units 31, 32 and a film conveying unit 33.

[0030] The pair of heat sealing units 31, 32 are arranged on the front side of the tube 21a. The pair of heat sealing units 31, 32 have heaters (not shown) of a predetermined length arranged along the vertical direction. The pair of heat sealing units 31, 32 sandwich a pair of side edge portions R1, R2 of the cylindrically formed film F transported by the film transport unit 33 in a folded state on the front side of the tube 21a and heat seal the film. Heat sealing is a method in which parts of the film F are heated to temporarily soften them, and the softened parts are welded together to form a seal. The pair of heat sealing units 31, 32 seal the side edge portions R1, R2 on both sides of the film F together in the vertical direction, thereby forming a cylindrical film Fc. The heat sealing units 31, 32 are controlled by the control unit 16.

[0031] The film conveying unit 33 continuously conveys the film F wound around the tube 21a downward along the longitudinal direction LD. The film conveying unit 33 is disposed at approximately the same height as the pair of heat sealing units 31, 32. The film conveying unit 33 mainly includes a drive roller 33a, a driven roller 33b, and a pair of belts 33c. As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of belts 33c are disposed on both the left and right sides of the tube 21a so as to sandwich the tube 21a. The pair of belts 33c have a mechanism for adsorbing the film F. The film conveying unit 33 continuously conveys the film F downward while adsorbing it, as the pair of belts 33c are rotationally driven by the drive roller 33a and the driven roller 33b. As a result, the tubular film Fc formed by the vertical sealing mechanism 22 is continuously conveyed downward. The film conveying unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 16.

[0032] (2-3) Horizontal sealing mechanism 23 The horizontal sealing mechanism 23 forms a bag B by providing horizontal seal portions Fs on the tubular film Fc formed by the vertical sealing mechanism 22. Specifically, the horizontal sealing mechanism 23 performs a horizontal sealing operation in which the tubular film Fc is sandwiched and heat-sealed from a direction (front-rear direction in FIG. 3) that intersects with the conveying direction (up-down direction in FIG. 3). By performing the horizontal sealing operation, the horizontal sealing mechanism 23 forms a bag B having horizontal seal portions Fs at the top and bottom ends. The horizontal sealing mechanism 23 is disposed below the tube 21a.

[0033] Fig. 4A is a plan view of the horizontal sealing mechanism 23. Fig. 4B is a plan view of the horizontal sealing mechanism 23. Fig. 4C is a side view of the horizontal sealing mechanism 23 as seen from the right side. For convenience, the receiving member 24 is omitted from Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C.

[0034] The horizontal sealing mechanism 23 has a stand 251, a horizontally moving frame 252, a sliding member 253, a horizontally moving device 254, a vertically moving device 255, a first sealing jaw 53a, and a second sealing jaw 53b.

[0035] (2-3-1) Mount 251 The mount 251 has a first side frame 261, a second side frame 262, a first connecting member 263, a second connecting member 264, and a plurality of guides 265. The first connecting member 263 and the second connecting member 264 both connect the first side frame 261 and the second side frame 262. Each guide 265 is fixed to the first side frame 261 or the second side frame 262.

[0036] (2-3-2) Horizontal movement frame 252 The horizontally moving frame 252 has a rectangular shape. The horizontally moving frame 252 is movable in the horizontal direction (front-back direction in FIGS. 4A and 4B) relative to the base 251. The horizontally moving frame 252 has a first sliding rod 271, a second sliding rod 272, a first base member 273, and a second base member 274. The first sliding rod 271 is disposed along the first side frame 261. The second sliding rod 272 is disposed along the second side frame 262. A first base member 273 and a second base member 274 are fixed to both ends of the first sliding rod 271 and the second sliding rod 272, respectively. The first sliding rod 271 and the second sliding rod 272 are slidably supported by a plurality of guides 265 of the base 251.

[0037] (2-3-3) Sliding member 253 The sliding member 253 is bridged between a first sliding rod 271 and a second sliding rod 272. Sliders 275 are provided on both ends of the sliding member 253. The sliders 275 can slide horizontally relative to the first sliding rod 271 and the second sliding rod 272 (in the front-to-rear direction in FIGS. 4A and 4B).

[0038] (2-3-4) Horizontal movement device 254 The horizontal movement device 254 has a horizontal movement motor 258 and a horizontal link mechanism 280 .

[0039] The horizontal movement motor 258 generates power to move the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b in the horizontal direction (front and back directions in FIGS. 4A and 4B). The horizontal movement motor 258 can rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. The horizontal movement motor 258 is controlled by the control unit 16.

[0040] The horizontal link mechanism 280 transmits the power of the horizontal movement motor 258 to the horizontal movement frame 252 and the sliding member 253. As shown in FIG. 4A , the horizontal link mechanism 280 has a first link 281, a second link 282, and a third link 283. A rotating shaft 258a is fixed to the center of the first link 281. The rotating shaft 258a is rotated by the horizontal movement motor 258. The rotating shaft 258a can rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. The rotating shaft 258a may be a shaft directly connected to the rotor of the horizontal movement motor 258. Alternatively, the rotating shaft 258a may be a shaft rotated by a gearbox or a belt attached to the horizontal movement motor 258. The first link 281 also rotates as the rotating shaft 258a rotates. A second link 282 and a third link 283 are rotatably connected to both ends of the first link 281, respectively. The second link 282 is connected to the second base member 274. The third link 283 is connected to the sliding member 253.

[0041] (2-3-5) First sealing jaw 53a, second sealing jaw 53b The first sealing jaw 53a is mounted on the first base member 273 of the horizontally moving frame 252. The second sealing jaw 53b is mounted on the sliding member 253. The first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b are provided with a heater (not shown). Furthermore, at least one of the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b is provided with a movable knife (not shown). The heater and movable knife of the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b are controlled by the control unit 16.

[0042] In Fig. 4A, the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b are positioned close to each other. When the rotating shaft 258a rotates by a predetermined angle, the horizontal link mechanism 280 assumes the position shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 4B, the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b are positioned apart from each other. When the rotating shaft 258a rotates in the opposite direction in the state shown in Fig. 4B, the horizontal link mechanism 280 returns to the position shown in Fig. 4A.

[0043] (2-3-6) Vertical movement device 255 The vertical movement device 255 has a vertical movement motor 259 and a vertical link mechanism 290 (see FIG. 4C).

[0044] The vertical movement motor 259 generates power to move the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b up and down. The vertical movement motor 259 can rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. The vertical movement motor 259 is controlled by the control unit 16.

[0045] The vertical link mechanism 290 transmits the power of the vertical movement motor 259 to the base 251. The vertical link mechanism 290 has a first link 291 and a second link 292. A rotating shaft 259a is fixed to one end of the first link 291. The rotating shaft 259a is rotated by the vertical movement motor 259. The rotating shaft 259a can rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. The rotating shaft 259a may be a shaft directly connected to the rotor of the vertical movement motor 259. Alternatively, the rotating shaft 259a may be a shaft rotated by a gearbox or belt attached to the vertical movement motor 259. The first link 291 also rotates as the rotating shaft 259a rotates. A second link 292 is rotatably connected to the other end of the first link 291. The second link 292 is connected to the first side frame 261 or the second side frame 262 of the base 251. When the rotation shaft 259a rotates, the base 251 moves up and down, and therefore the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b move up and down.

[0046] (2-4) Receiving member 24 The receiving member 24 is a member that comes into contact with the outer surface of the tubular film Fc and receives the article A that falls inside the tubular film Fc. The receiving member 24 includes a first receiving member 24a and a second receiving member 24b.

[0047] The first receiving member 24a is a component disposed integrally with the first sealing jaw 53a. The first receiving member 24a is attached above the first sealing jaw 53a so that, together with the second receiving member 24b, it can receive the article A falling through the tubular film Fc when the receiving member 24 is in the first position P1 (described below). The second receiving member 24b is a component disposed integrally with the second sealing jaw 53b. The second receiving member 24b is attached above the second sealing jaw 53b so that, together with the first receiving member 24a, it can receive the article A falling through the tubular film Fc when the receiving member 24 is in the first position P1.

[0048] (3) Packaging operation The operation of the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100 during packaging operation will be described.

[0049] (3-1) Overview of packaging operations In the packaging operation, the bag making and packaging unit 12 continuously packages the articles A dropping from the article discharge unit 11 into bags B formed from the tubular film Fc (film F). The packaging operation includes a first mode operation, a second mode operation, and a steady operation.

[0050] The first mode operation is an operation of moving the receiving member 24 from the first standby position Pst1 to the first position P1. The first mode operation is repeated from the start of the packaging operation until the receiving member 24 can perform the initial catching operation to receive the item A for the first time.

[0051] The second mode operation is an operation of moving the receiving member 24 to a second position P2 that is higher than the first position P1. The second mode operation is an operation that is performed after the first mode operation (after the receiving member 24 receives the article A) and before the horizontal sealing mechanism 23 performs the horizontal sealing operation.

[0052] The steady operation is an operation in which the horizontal sealing mechanism 23 performs a horizontal sealing operation to package the article A in the bag B. The steady operation is an operation that is performed after the second mode operation.

[0053] Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C are schematic side views illustrating the movements of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 in the first mode operation and the second mode operation. Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C are schematic side views illustrating the movements of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 in steady operation. Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 6B, and 6C are side views of the vicinity of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 as viewed from the right side.

[0054] (3-2) First mode operation In the first mode operation, the control unit 16 synchronously controls the horizontal movement motor 258 and the vertical movement motor 259 to move the receiving member 24 from the first standby position Pst1 to the first position P1.

[0055] The first standby position Pst1 is a position where the receiving member 24 waits. Specifically, when the receiving member 24 is at the first standby position Pst1, the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b are positioned at the same height above the first position P1 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, when the receiving member 24 is at the first standby position Pst1, the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction and do not touch the surface of the tubular film Fc, and are therefore unable to receive the article A falling inside the tubular film Fc.

[0056] The first position P1 is the position where the receiving member 24 performs a catching operation in the first mode of operation. Specifically, when the receiving member 24 is at the first position P1, the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b are located above the horizontal seal portion Fs of the tubular film Fc in the initial state (described below) and at the same height below the first standby position Pst1. Furthermore, when the receiving member 24 is at the first position P1, the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b are located in positions where they can come into contact with the outer surface of the tubular film Fc and catch an article A that falls inside the tubular film Fc. Furthermore, when the receiving member 24 is at the first position P1, the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b are located in positions where they can sandwich the tubular film Fc in the front-to-rear direction but are slightly spaced apart and cannot perform heat sealing.

[0057] Before the packaging operation begins, a horizontal seal Fs is formed at the lower end of the tubular film Fc, and a vertical seal of a predetermined length is formed extending upward from the horizontal seal Fs. The tubular film Fc is then set to its initial state, unwound a certain length downward from the lower end of the tube 21a (FIG. 5A). At this time, the receiving member 24 is positioned at the first standby position Pst1.

[0058] The first mode operation begins when the packaging operation begins. During the packaging operation, the control unit 16 controls the film supply unit 13 and the film conveying unit 33 to continuously convey the tubular film Fc (film F) from top to bottom. When the packaging operation begins, the control unit 16 activates the heaters of the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b.

[0059] When first mode operation begins, control unit 16 outputs a request signal to request item discharge unit 11 to supply item A. Having output the request signal, control unit 16 moves first receiving member 24a and second receiving member 24b from first standby position Pst1 to first position P1. When item discharge unit 11 receives the request signal and supplies item A, item A falls through tube 21a and into tubular film Fc. Receiving member 24 performs a catching operation to catch item A falling through tubular film Fc (FIG. 5B). At this time, first sealing jaw 53a and second sealing jaw 53b are separated by a distance that prevents heat sealing, so horizontal seal Fs is not formed.

[0060] The movement path taken by the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b when moving from the first standby position Pst1 to the first position P1 is a curved line that protrudes downward when viewed from the left-right direction (horizontal direction) (see the dashed arrow in Figure 5B).

[0061] This completes the first mode operation.

[0062] Even when the first mode operation is initiated, there are cases where the receiving member 24 that has moved to the first position P1 is unable to receive the item A (is unable to perform the catching operation) due to reasons such as the item discharge unit 11 being unable to supply the item A at the appropriate time. In such cases, the control unit 16 moves the receiving member 24 that is at the first position P1 to the first standby position Pst1, and repeats the first mode operation until the item A can be received.

[0063] Furthermore, if the receiving member 24 is unable to receive the item A, the position to which the control unit 16 returns the receiving member 24 to wait does not have to be the first waiting position Pst1, and it can be returned to any position that is the same as or higher than the first position P1.

[0064] (3-3) Second mode operation When the receiving member 24 receives the article A and the first mode operation is completed, the control unit 16 performs the second mode operation.

[0065] In the second mode operation, the control unit 16 synchronously controls the horizontal movement motor 258 and the vertical movement motor 259 to move the receiving member 24 from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0066] The second position P2 is located above the first position P1. In this embodiment, the second position P2 is the same position as the first standby position Pst1.

[0067] The control unit 16 moves the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b from the first position P1 to the second position P2, causing the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b to move apart. As a result, the article A received by the receiving members 24 falls to the vicinity of the horizontal seal Fs and is packed into the tubular film Fc (FIG. 5C). By shortening the distance over which the article A falls (the vertical distance between the first position P1 and the horizontal seal Fs), damage to the article A or the horizontal seal Fs of the tubular film Fc due to the impact of the fall is suppressed.

[0068] The movement path taken by the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b when moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is the same as the movement path taken in the first mode operation (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 5C).

[0069] This completes the second mode operation. When the second mode operation is completed, the receiving member 24 is placed in the first standby position Pst1.

[0070] (3-4) Steady operation When the second mode operation ends or the immediately preceding steady operation ends, the control unit 16 performs the steady operation.

[0071] In the steady operation, the control unit 16 synchronously controls the horizontal movement motor 258 and the vertical movement motor 259 to move the receiving member 24 between the first standby position Pst1 and the sealing position Psl.

[0072] The sealing position Psl is a position where, during normal operation, the receiving member 24 receives an article A falling through the tubular film Fc and the sealing jaws 53 perform a sealing operation. Specifically, when the receiving member 24 is at the sealing position Psl, the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b are located above the first position P1 and below the first standby position Pst1, at the same height. Furthermore, when the receiving member 24 is at the sealing position Psl, the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b are located in positions where they can come into contact with the outer surface of the tubular film Fc and receive an article A falling through the interior of the tubular film Fc. Furthermore, when the receiving member 24 is at the sealing position Psl, the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b are located in positions where they can clamp and heat-seal the tubular film Fc.

[0073] When steady-state operation begins, the control unit 16 outputs a request signal to the item discharge unit 11, requesting that the item A be supplied. Having output the request signal, the control unit 16 moves the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b from the first standby position Pst1 to the sealing position Psl. When the item discharge unit 11 receives the request signal and supplies the item A, the item A falls through the tube 21a and into the tubular film Fc. The receiving member 24 receives the item A as it falls through the tubular film Fc (FIG. 6A). At this time, the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b perform a lateral sealing operation to clamp and heat-seal the tubular film Fc, thereby forming a lateral seal Fs.

[0074] Because the film conveying unit 33 continuously conveys the tubular film Fc downward, the horizontal seal Fs formed in the tubular film Fc in this process is located above the area filled with the item A during the first mode operation or the immediately preceding steady operation. As a result, a bag B is formed in which the area of ​​the tubular film Fc filled with the item A is sealed.

[0075] The movement path taken by the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b when moving from the first standby position Pst1 to the sealing position Psl is a straight line connecting the first standby position Pst1 and the sealing position Psl when viewed from the left and right direction (see the dashed arrow in Figure 6A).

[0076] Next, control unit 16 moves receiving member 24 downward from sealing position Psl by a preset distance. At this time, the speed at which receiving member 24 moves downward is synchronized with the speed at which tubular film Fc is conveyed downward by film conveyance unit 33. In other words, receiving member 24 moves downward at the same speed as tubular film Fc.

[0077] While the receiving member 24 is moving downward, the control unit 16 controls the movable knife built into the first sealing jaw 53a or the second sealing jaw 53b to cut the horizontal seal Fs in the horizontal direction, thereby separating the bag B containing the item A from the following tubular film Fc (FIG. 6B).

[0078] Next, the control unit 16 moves the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b to the first standby position Pst1 (FIG. 6C).

[0079] This completes the steady operation. The bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100 can continuously manufacture bags B each containing an item A by repeating the steady operation.

[0080] (4) Features The bag-making and packaging apparatus 100 packages an item A that is discharged and dropped from an item discharge section 11 into a bag B formed into a cylindrical shape from a film F that is conveyed from above to below. The bag-making and packaging apparatus 100 includes a film conveying section 33, a horizontal sealing mechanism 23, a receiving member 24, and a control section 16.

[0081] The film conveying unit 33 continuously conveys the film F. The horizontal sealing mechanism 23 pinches the film F from a direction intersecting the conveying direction and performs a sealing operation. The receiving member 24 is disposed integrally with the horizontal sealing mechanism 23 above the horizontal sealing mechanism 23. The receiving member 24 also comes into contact with the outer surface of the film F and receives the article A that falls inside the film F. The control unit 16 performs the packaging operation.

[0082] The control unit 16 performs a first mode operation in which the receiving member 24 moves from the first standby position Pst1 to the first position P1, which is a position for receiving the item A, until the receiving member 24 receives the item A for the first time after starting the packaging operation, and when the receiving member 24 receives the item A, causes the horizontal sealing mechanism 23 to perform a sealing operation.

[0083] In the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100, the first position P1 is located below the first standby position Pst1.

[0084] In the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100, the path along which the receiving member 24 moves from the first standby position Pst1 to the first position P1 when viewed from the left-right direction (horizontal direction) is a curved line that protrudes downward.

[0085] The control unit 16 of the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100 performs a second mode operation in which, after the receiving member 24 receives the item A, the receiving member 24 is moved to a second position P2 above the first position P1 before the horizontal sealing mechanism 23 performs the horizontal sealing operation.

[0086] In the bag-making and packaging apparatus 100, the first position P1 is located below the first standby position Pst1, where the receiving member 24 is on standby during normal operation, allowing the receiving member 24 ample time to perform the catching operation, thereby preventing the item A from getting caught during the initial catching operation.

[0087] Furthermore, in the bag-making and packaging apparatus 100, by moving the receiving member 24 to the second position P2 after the catching operation, the contact time between the receiving member 24 and the surface of the tubular film Fc can be shortened. This prevents the portion of the film F that was in contact with the receiving member 24 from returning to its cylindrical shape and impeding the drop of the article A, even if the receiving member 24 is separated after the initial catching operation. In addition, the relative movement of the receiving member 24 with respect to the tubular film Fc prevents the surface of the film F from being scratched and damaged.

[0088] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation A In the second mode operation, the movement path taken by the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b when moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is not limited to a curved line that protrudes downward when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0089] For example, in the second mode operation, the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b may move in a box motion from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Specifically, the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b may move from the first position P1 in the horizontal direction (front-to-back direction), and then move upward to the second position P2.

[0090] (5-2) In the first embodiment, the second position P2 is the same as the first standby position Pst1, but the second position P2 does not have to be the same as the first standby position Pst1 as long as it is located above the first position P1. In this case, the control unit 16 may move the receiving member 24 through the second position P2 to the first standby position Pst1 in the second mode operation. Second Embodiment A bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus (not shown) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100. In the following, the same or corresponding components as those in the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100 will be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0091] (1) Overview The differences between the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus 100 and the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the second embodiment are the position at which the receiving member 24 waits during first-mode operation and the path of movement of the receiving member 24 during first-mode operation. For convenience, the position at which the receiving member 24 waits during first-mode operation of the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the second embodiment will be referred to as the second wait position Pst2. Note that the second-mode operation and steady-state operation performed by the control unit 16 in the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore a description of these will be omitted.

[0092] (2) First Mode Operation of the Bag-Making and Packaging Apparatus According to the Second Embodiment 7A and 7B are schematic side views illustrating the movements of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 in the first mode operation. Figures 7A and 7B are side views of the vicinity of the receiving member 24 and the sealing jaw 53 as viewed from the right side.

[0093] The difference between the first standby position Pst1 and the second standby position Pst2 is that the second standby position Pst2 is at the same height in the up-down direction as the first position P1. The position of the receiving member 24 in the second standby position Pst2 in the front-rear direction is the same distance as that at the first standby position Pst.

[0094] Before the packaging operation starts, the tubular film Fc is set to the initial state, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 7A).

[0095] First, the control unit 16 outputs a request signal to the article discharge unit 11, requesting that it supply article A. Having output the request signal, the control unit 16 moves the receiving member 24 from the second standby position Pst2 to the first position P1. When the article discharge unit 11 receives the request signal and supplies article A, the article A falls through the tube 21a and into the tubular film Fc. The receiving member 24 catches the article A falling through the tubular film Fc (FIG. 7B). At this time, the first sealing jaw 53a and the second sealing jaw 53b are separated by a distance that prevents heat sealing, and therefore the horizontal seal Fs is not formed.

[0096] The movement path taken by the first receiving member 24a and the second receiving member 24b when moving from the second standby position Pst2 to the first position P1 is a straight line along the front-rear direction when viewed from the left-right direction (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 7B). In other words, the receiving member 24 moves horizontally from the second standby position Pst2 to the first position P1.

[0097] This completes the first mode operation.

[0098] When the first mode operation is completed, the control unit 16 changes the standby position of the receiving member 24 from the second standby position Pst2 to the first standby position Pst1, thereby enabling the control unit 16 to perform the second mode operation similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0099] In the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, if the receiving member 24 that has moved to the first position P1 is unable to receive the item A, the control unit 16 moves the receiving member 24 at the first position P1 to the second waiting position Pst2 and repeats the first mode operation until the receiving member 24 can receive the item A.

[0100] (3) Features In the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, the second standby position Pst2 is at the same height as the first position P1. Furthermore, in the first mode operation, the control unit 16 horizontally moves the receiving member 24 from the second standby position Pst2 to the first position P1.

[0101] When the receiving member 24 receives an article, the control unit 16 of the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the second embodiment changes the standby position of the receiving member 24 from the second standby position Pst2 to the first standby position Pst1.

[0102] In the bag-making and packaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, the first position P1 is also located below the first standby position Pst1, where the receiving member 24 waits during normal operation, allowing the receiving member 24 to perform the catching operation with ample space to maneuver. This prevents the item A from getting caught during the initial catching operation.

[0103] In particular, in the bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, the second standby position Pst2 is at the same height as the first position P1, so the movement amount of the receiving member 24 can be reduced compared to the first embodiment. As a result, the occurrence of the item A getting caught during the initial catching operation is more effectively prevented. [Industrial Applicability]

[0104] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the present invention is useful and can be widely applied to bag manufacturing and packaging apparatuses that package articles that are discharged and dropped from an article discharge section into bags made by forming a film into a cylindrical shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 100 Bag making and packaging equipment 11 Goods discharge section 12 Bag making and packaging department 13 Film supply section 16 Control Unit 33 Film transport section 23 Horizontal sealing mechanism 24 Receiving member [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0106] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-104881

Claims

1. A bag-making and packaging device that packages articles that are discharged and dropped from an article discharge section into bags formed into a cylindrical shape using a film that is conveyed from above to below, a film transport unit that continuously transports the film; a horizontal sealing mechanism that sandwiches the film from a direction intersecting the conveying direction and performs a sealing operation; a receiving member that is integrally disposed in the transverse sealing mechanism and that contacts the outer surface of the film to receive the article that falls inside the film; A control unit that performs packaging operations Equipped with The packaging operation performed by the control unit is a first mode operation in which the receiving member is moved to a first position, which is a position for receiving the object and is located below the standby position, until the receiving member first receives the object after starting the packaging operation; a second mode operation in which, after the first mode operation is completed and the receiving member receives the article at the first position, the receiving member passes through a second position that is higher than the first position before the lateral sealing mechanism performs a sealing operation; a steady operation in which the lateral sealing mechanism performs the sealing operation; Including, Bag making and packaging equipment.

2. A movement path of the receiving member from the standby position to the first position as viewed from a horizontal direction is It is a curved line that protrudes downward. The bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit In the second mode operation, the receiving member is moved to the standby position. The bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to claim 1.

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