Packaging equipment

Abstract

To provide a packaging device capable of reducing defective welding of a film.SOLUTION: The packaging device packages an object to be packaged with films. The packaging device includes a pressing member 16 for pressing two films interposing the object to be packaged against a reception part 4 at an upstream side of the object to be packaged conveyed to a predetermined position, a deposit cutting-off heater 10 coming in contact with the films at an upstream side of the pressing member 16 to thermally weld the films, and a support member for supporting the pressing member 16 and the deposit cutting-off heater 10 to be movable between a standby position where the pressing member 16 and the deposit cutting-off heater 10 are separated from the films and a welding position where they are brought into contact with the films. The pressing member 16 is supported by the support member 20 so as to be relatively movable to the deposit cutting-off heater 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging device.

Background Art

[0002] A packaging device that wraps newspapers to be delivered with a film such as polyethylene is used in newspaper sales stores. For example, the packaging device of Patent Document 1 overlaps the films drawn from two film rolls, sandwiches a four-folded newspaper therebetween, and welds and packages the films around the newspaper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional packaging device as described in Patent Document 1, the films drawn from two film rolls are pressed against a receiving portion by a shutter for closing an insertion opening of a newspaper, and thereby closely adhere to each other on the upstream side of a welding and cutting heater. However, the films from the two film rolls do not closely adhere to each other at the position of the welding and cutting heater. Therefore, although the films are cut by the welding and cutting heater, the films may not be welded to each other or may be welded only partially. That is, poor welding of the films may occur.

[0005] Such a problem may occur not only when the packaging device wraps newspapers but also when it wraps other types of articles to be packaged.

[0006] The present invention has been made in such a situation, and an exemplary object of one aspect thereof is to provide a packaging device capable of reducing poor welding of films.

[0007] To solve the above problems, a packaging apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is a packaging apparatus for packaging an object to be packaged with a film, comprising: a pressing member for bringing two films that sandwich the object to be packaged closer together upstream of the object to be packaged which has been transported to a predetermined position; a heater for contacting the films and heat-sealing them together upstream of the pressing member; and a support member that supports the pressing member and the heater and is movable between a standby position where the heater is away from the films and a welding position where the heater is in contact with the films. The pressing member is supported by the support member so as to be movable relative to the heater, and the support member includes a first support member that supports the heater and a second support member that is movable relative to the first support member and supports the pressing member, and further comprises a regulating member that abuts against the second support member when the support member moves to the welding position, stopping the pressing member with a gap between it and a receiving portion, and when the support member is in the welding position there is a gap between the pressing member and the receiving portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a packaging apparatus that can reduce film welding defects can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a packaging device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the packaging device in Figure 1, taken at the center in the width direction. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the welding and cutting unit from the downstream side. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows the welding and cutting unit viewed from the width direction. [Figure 5] Figures 5(a) to 5(f) illustrate the operation of the welding and cutting unit in chronological order. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the characteristic control operations performed by the control unit. [Figure 8] Figures 8(a) to 8(f) illustrate the operation of the welding and cutting unit in chronological order. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a modified welding and cutting unit and receiving section. [Figure 10] This figure shows a welding and cutting unit and receiving part relating to another modified example. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the challenges of yet another modified example. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of a welding and cutting unit relating to yet another modified example, seen from the downstream side. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows the welding and cutting unit viewed from the width direction. [Figure 14] Figures 14(a) to 14(f) illustrate the operation of the welding and cutting unit in this modified example in chronological order. [Figure 15] Figs. 15(a) and (b) are diagrams showing a welding and cutting unit according to a further modification example.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The packaging apparatus 1 is an apparatus for packaging a flat object to be packaged with a film. In the present embodiment, the case where the packaging apparatus 1 packages a newspaper S as an object to be packaged will be described.

[0014] The four-folded newspaper S is inserted into the packaging apparatus 1 from the insertion port 2 with the short side facing the width direction. The insertion port 2 is provided with guide plates 2a for guiding the lower surface and both sides in the width direction (left and right) of the inserted newspaper S, making it easier for the user to insert by hand. In the present embodiment, the user inserts the newspaper S by hand, but instead of the guide plates 2a, a device for automatically supplying the newspaper S one by one may be provided for automatic supply.

[0015] The inserted newspaper S is conveyed in the packaging apparatus 1 in the direction of the arrow while being sandwiched vertically by the films drawn from the upper film roll R1 and the lower film roll R2, and the films are heat-welded around the newspaper S for packaging, and are discharged from the discharge port 43 and sequentially stacked on the receiving plate 44.

[0016] In this specification, the side of the insertion port 2 in the conveyance path of the newspaper S from the insertion port 2 to the discharge port 43 is referred to as the upstream side, and the side of the discharge port 43 is referred to as the downstream side.

[0017] An operation panel 45 is provided on one side in the width direction of the upper surface of the packaging device 1. The operation panel 45 functions as an input unit for receiving various inputs related to the packaging process and also functions as a display unit for displaying various information. On one side in the width direction of the side surface on the insertion port 2 side of the packaging device 1, a power switch 46 for turning on the power supply to the packaging device 1 is provided.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view at the center in the width direction of the packaging device 1. In FIG. 2, an insertion port 2 is formed on the right side of the packaging device 1, and a discharge port 43 is formed on the left side. The insertion port 2 is closed by a shutter 3. The shutter 3 is a plate-like member extending in the width direction. The shutter 3 is rotatable about a fulcrum 3a.

[0019] The shutter 3 is biased toward the upstream side (counterclockwise in FIG. 2) by a biasing means (not shown in FIG. 2). As a result, the lower end of the shutter 3 is pressed against the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 below the shutter 3. Note that the shutter 3 may be pressed against the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 by its own weight without providing a biasing means. When the newspaper S is inserted from the insertion port 2, the shutter 3 is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2 by being pushed by the leading end of the newspaper S, and a gap is formed between the shutter 3 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4. The newspaper S is further inserted downstream through the gap.

[0020] A welding and cutting unit 5 is disposed above the receiving portion 4 on the downstream side (left side in FIG. 2) of the shutter 3. In FIG. 2, only the welding and cutting heater 10 among the components of the welding and cutting unit 5 is shown. The welding and cutting unit 5 is configured to be movable between a standby position (the position in FIG. 2) where the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10 is separated from the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 and a welding position where the lower end reaches the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4. The welding and cutting heater 10 is formed of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy having good thermal conductivity and being lightweight. The lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10 is formed at an acute angle. A rubber heater (not shown) is baked and fixed to the welding and cutting heater 10, and it can be heated by energizing this rubber heater.

[0021] A film roll R1 is supported above the welding and cutting unit 5, and a film roll R2 is supported below it. Film rolls R1 and R2 are made by winding a long length of thermoplastic resin film, such as polyethylene, around a core (for example, a paper tube). Film F1 is pulled out from film roll R1 and placed on guides 31 and 32, with its tip positioned below the welding and cutting unit 5. Film F2 is pulled out from film roll R2 and placed on guide 33, with its tip positioned below the welding and cutting unit 5. Films F1 and F2 are formed to be slightly wider than the length of the long side of a four-fold newspaper S. The tips of films F1 and F2 were welded together in the previous packaging operation, forming a welding line Fx.

[0022] Conveyor belts 34 and 35 are provided downstream of the welding and cutting unit 5 and the receiving section 4. The conveyor belts 34 and 35 are both arranged in pairs, with a spacing in the width direction shorter than the long side of the newspaper S. Conveyor belt 34 is positioned above conveyor belt 35. When motor M1 rotates, driving force is applied to conveyor belt 35 via drive transmission mechanism 37. Also, when motor M1 rotates, driving force is applied to conveyor belt 34 via drive transmission mechanism (not shown). As conveyor belts 34 and 35 rotate in a circular motion, sandwiching the newspaper S through films F1 and F2, the newspaper S is conveyed downstream together with films F1 and F2.

[0023] Side welding heaters 41 and receiving sections 42 are provided on both sides of the conveyor belts 34 and 35 in the width direction. The side welding heaters 41 and receiving sections 42 are each formed to be long along the conveyor belts 34 and 35.

[0024] The side welding heater 41 is configured to be movable between a standby position (position in Figure 2) where its lower end is separated from the receiving portion 42 and a welding position where its lower end has reached the receiving portion 42. The side welding heater 41 is made of lightweight aluminum or aluminum alloy with a rubber heater baked onto it, similar to the welding cutting heater 10, and its lower end is formed at an acute angle.

[0025] A first sensor 50 is positioned upstream of the welding and cutting unit 5, a second sensor 52 is positioned downstream of the welding and cutting unit 5 and upstream of the receiving section 4, and a third sensor 54 is positioned near the discharge port 43. Sensors 50, 52, and 54 can detect the leading or trailing end of the newspaper S at their respective positions.

[0026] The control unit 60 comprehensively controls the packaging device 1. Specifically, the control unit 60 controls actuators such as the motor M1 that drive each mechanism, heaters for welding the film, and the display of information on the operation panel 45. For example, based on the detection results of the newspaper S by sensors 50, 52, and 54, the control unit 60 starts and stops the rotational drive of the conveyor belts 34 and 35.

[0027] The operation of the packaging device 1, configured as described above, is explained below. When a newspaper S is inserted through the insertion opening 2, the conveyor belts 34 and 35 begin to rotate. When the newspaper S pushes aside the shutter 3 and reaches the conveyor belts 34 and 35, the newspaper S is conveyed by the conveyor belts 34 and 35 and stops at a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as the packaging processing position) where the rear end of the newspaper S has passed the welding and cutting unit 5. The welding and cutting unit 5 (welding and cutting heater 10) and the side welding heater 41 descend from the standby position to the welding position, sandwiching the films F1 and F2 between the heaters 10 and 41 and the receiving parts 4 and 42, and heat-welding the films F1 and F2. The side welding heater 41 is raised back up to the standby position. The conveyor belts 34 and 35 resume rotational driving and conveyance resumes. Since the welding and cutting unit 5 (welding and cutting heater 10) is in the welding position, the films F1 and F2 are cut at that welding position.

[0028] Films F1 and F2 are welded together on both sides in the width direction by side welding heaters 41, cut while being welded on the upstream side (i.e., the rear end side of the newspaper S) by welding cutting unit 5, and welded on the downstream side (the leading end side of the newspaper S) in the previous packaging process. Therefore, these operations weld films F1 and F2 around the newspaper S, resulting in a packaged newspaper S.

[0029] The packaged newspapers S are transported on conveyor belts 34 and 35 and discharged from the discharge port 43. After the newspapers S are discharged, the rotational drive of the conveyor belts 34 and 35 is stopped. The welding and cutting unit 5 rises to the standby position.

[0030] The above describes the basic configuration and operation of the packaging device 1. Next, the configuration of the welding and cutting unit 5 will be explained in more detail.

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the welding and cutting unit 5 shown in Figure 2, viewed from the downstream side. Figure 4 is a view of the welding and cutting unit 5 from the width direction. The welding and cutting unit 5 comprises a welding and cutting heater 10, a plurality of pressing members 16, and a support member 20. The support member 20 includes a first support member 22 and two second support members 24.

[0032] The first support member 22 is a member that is long in the width direction and supports the welding and cutting heater 10. The welding and cutting heater 10 is a plate-shaped member that is long in the width direction. The length of the welding and cutting heater 10 in the width direction is longer than the width of the films F1 and F2. The welding and cutting heater 10 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the width direction is an inverted L shape.

[0033] The two second support members 24 are elongated in the width direction. The two second support members 24 are supported by the first support member 22, spaced apart from each other in the width direction. This spacing allows, for example, the optical axis of a sensor for detecting a newspaper S to pass between them. Each of the two second support members 24 supports a plurality of retaining members 16 arranged in a row in the width direction. The retaining members 16 in this embodiment are rotating bodies supported so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the width direction. In the illustrated example, the retaining members 16 are cylindrical rollers. Preferably, the plurality of retaining members 16 are arranged such that the width direction range R on which they are provided is longer than the length of the long side of a newspaper S folded into quarters.

[0034] Elongated holes 24a extending vertically are formed at both ends of the second support member 24 in the width direction. The support column 26 protrudes from the first support member 22. The support column 26 is inserted through the elongated holes 24a in a manner that prevents it from coming loose. As a result, the second support member 24 can move relative to the first support member 22 in the vertical direction while being guided by the support column 26. The second support member 24 is biased downward, i.e., toward the films F1 and F2, by a spring 28, one end of which is fixed to the second support member 24 and the other end of which is fixed to the first support member 22. Therefore, the multiple pressing members 16 supported by the second support member 24 can move relative to the first support member 22 and thus to the welding cutting heater 10 in the vertical direction, and are also biased toward the films F1 and F2.

[0035] Multiple pressing members 16 are supported by a support member 20 so as to press the film against the receiving section 4 upstream of the packaged object at the packaging processing position. The welding and cutting heater 10 is supported by the support member 20 so as to contact the film upstream of the pressing members 16. The upper surface 4a of the receiving section 4 is a flat horizontal surface, and the height position of the portion of the upper surface 4a that receives the pressing members 16 is the same as the height position of the portion of the upper surface 4a that receives the welding and cutting heater 10.

[0036] Brackets 30 are fixed to both ends of the first support member 22 in the width direction. A support shaft 18 extending vertically is inserted through the bracket 30. A shutter retainer 12 is integrally formed at the lower end of the support shaft 18. A spring 14 is interposed between the bracket 30 and the shutter retainer 12, and the elastic force of the spring 14 biases the shutter retainer 12 downward. The shutter retainer 12 contacts the shutter 3 (not shown in Figures 3 and 4) from above, biasing the shutter 3 upstream (counterclockwise in Figure 2).

[0037] The above describes the detailed configuration of the welding and cutting unit 5. Next, we will explain the operation of the welding and cutting unit 5. Figures 5(a) to 5(f) illustrate the operation of the welding and cutting unit 5 in chronological order. In Figure 5(a), the welding and cutting unit 5 is in the standby position. In this state, the newspaper S is inserted into the packaging device 1. The standby position is at a height where the pressing member 16 and the welding and cutting heater 10 do not come into contact with the newspaper S being inserted. In the standby position, the pressing member 16 is located closer to the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 than to the welding and cutting heater 10. Specifically, in the standby position, the distance L1 between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 is shorter than the distance L2 between the welding and cutting heater 10 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4. In this embodiment, the lower end of the pressing member 16 is located closer to the welding and cutting heater 10 It is located at the same height as the lower end or below the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10. The inserted newspaper S is transported downstream by conveyor belts 35 and 36 (not shown in Figure 5(a)) and stops at the packaging processing position.

[0038] In Figure 5(b), the support member 20 descends (i.e., moves toward the receiving portion 4), and the pressing member 16 and the welding cutting heater 10 descend accordingly. At this time, the pressing member 16 and the welding cutting heater 10 descend without moving relative to each other.

[0039] In Figure 5(c), the support member 20 descends further. The pressing member 16 has reached the receiving portion 4, and therefore the pressing member 16 does not descend any further. The material of the receiving portion 4 is not particularly limited, but it must be a material that does not substantially deform, i.e., not dent, even when pressed downward by the pressing member 16. On the other hand, the welding and cutting heater 10 descends along with the descent of the bracket. In other words, the pressing member 16 moves relative to the welding and cutting heater 10. The films F1 and F2 are pressed against the receiving portion 4 by the shutter 3 on the upstream side of the welding and cutting heater 10, and pressed against the receiving portion 4 by the pressing member 16 on the downstream side of the welding and cutting heater 10. Therefore, the films F1 and F2 are in close contact with each other at the position where they should be welded by the welding and cutting heater 10, i.e., at the position below the welding and cutting heater 10.

[0040] In Figure 5(d), the welding and cutting heater 10 has reached the receiving portion 4. That is, the welding and cutting heater 10 has reached the welding position. The welding and cutting heater 10 comes into contact with the films F1 and F2, which are in close contact with each other, and heat-welds them together.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5(e), when the newspaper S is transported downstream, the films F1 and F2 are cut at the welding position of the welding cutting heater 10. At this time, the films F1 and F2 are pressed down by the receiving portion 4, but since the pressing member 16 is rotatable, the films F1 and F2 can slip through the gap between the pressing member 16 and the receiving portion 4.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5(f), the welding and cutting unit 5 rises toward the standby position. Specifically, first the welding and cutting heater 10 moves away from the receiving part 4, and then the pressing member 16 moves away from the receiving part 4.

[0043] The above describes the operation of the welding and cutting unit 5. Next, we will explain the control unit 60 in more detail, focusing on its characteristic control features.

[0044] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 60. Each block shown here can be realized in hardware terms by elements and mechanical devices such as the CPU and memory of a computer, and in software terms by computer programs, etc., but here it depicts a functional block realized through the cooperation of these. Those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combinations of hardware and software.

[0045] The control unit 60 includes a transport control unit 62 that controls the transport of the newspaper S, a welding control unit 64 that controls the welding and cutting unit 5, and a storage unit 66 that stores various data.

[0046] When the first sensor 50 detects the leading edge of the newspaper S, the transport control unit 62 starts the transport belts 34 and 35 to rotate. The transport control unit 62 stops the transport belts 34 and 35 from rotating at a predetermined timing after the first sensor 50 detects the trailing edge of the newspaper S. The predetermined timing is when a pulse output unit (not shown), which outputs pulses corresponding to the amount of movement of the transport belts 34 and 35, outputs a predetermined number N pulses. The predetermined number N is stored in the storage unit 66.

[0047] It is conceivable to stop the rotation of the conveyor belts 34 and 35 based on the detection result of the second sensor 52 located downstream of the welding and cutting unit 5, but if this is done, the newspaper S will stop at a position relatively far from the welding and cutting unit 5, the distance from the trailing end of the newspaper S to the welding position will be long, and the films F1 and F2 will be wasted. Therefore, the conveyor control unit 62 stops the rotation of the conveyor belts 34 and 35 based on the detection result of the first sensor 50 located upstream of the welding and cutting unit 5.

[0048] Incidentally, the newspaper S sandwiched between films F1 and F2 is relatively slippery, and when the conveyor belts 34 and 35 are stopped, the newspaper S slides along the conveyor belts 34 and 35 due to inertia before coming to a stop. Therefore, in order to stop the newspaper S at a desired position, it is necessary to consider the distance it slides due to inertia. Naturally, the thicker the newspaper S is, i.e., the heavier it is, the greater the inertia, and therefore the longer the distance it slides when brought to a stop.

[0049] If the conveyor belts 34 and 35 are stopped at a timing that matches the thin, or light, newspaper S, then if a thick newspaper S is inserted, the conveyor belts will stop at a position relatively far from the welding and cutting unit 5, resulting in a longer distance from the rear end of the newspaper S to the welding position. In this case, films F1 and F2 are wasted, which is uneconomical, and the film becomes too long relative to the length of the newspaper S, reducing its appearance and ease of handling. Therefore, the conveyor control unit 62 stops the conveyor belts 34 and 35 at a timing that matches the thick newspaper S. This reduces the wasted consumption of films F1 and F2. Furthermore, the film does not become too long relative to the length of the newspaper S, ensuring good appearance and ease of handling.

[0050] However, if a thin newspaper S is inserted when the system is designed for a thick newspaper S, the thin newspaper S may stop before passing through the welding and cutting unit 5. In this case, the transport control unit 62 "re-transports" the newspaper S, that is, it makes the transport belts 34 and 35 circulate again to transport the newspaper S downstream of the welding and cutting unit 5.

[0051] Specifically, if the second sensor 52 detects the newspaper S even after stopping the rotation of the conveyor belts 34 and 35, the conveyor control unit 62 determines that the newspaper S stopped before passing through the welding and cutting unit 5 and restarts the conveyance.

[0052] If the transport control unit 62 performs a re-transport, it delays the timing at which the transport belts 34 and 35 stop rotating after the first sensor 50 detects the trailing end of the newspaper S when packaging the next newspaper S. Specifically, the transport control unit 62 increments a predetermined number N, which determines the timing for stopping the rotation of the transport belts 34 and 35, by 1 pulse. That is, the predetermined number N = N + 1. This optimizes the timing for stopping the rotation of the transport belts 34 and 35 according to the thickness of the newspaper S. The transport control unit 62 returns the predetermined number N to its initial value when the packaging device 1 is restarted or when a reset button (not shown) is pressed.

[0053] Next, we will explain the operation of the characteristic control described above. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating this operation. The process in Figure 7 is executed each time the user inserts a newspaper S into the packaging device 1.

[0054] The transport control unit 62 sets the retransport flag to 0 (S10). As will be described later, the retransport flag is set to 1 when retransport is performed.

[0055] When the first sensor 50 detects the newspaper S (S12), the transport control unit 62 starts the transport belts 34 and 35 to rotate (S14). When the first sensor 50 no longer detects the newspaper S (S16), it waits until a predetermined number N pulses (for example, pulses equivalent to 30 msec) are output. (N in S18). When a predetermined number of pulses N are output (Y in S18), the transport control unit 62 stops the rotation of the transport belts 34 and 35 (S20).

[0056] The system waits for a predetermined time (for example, 120 msec) to elapse after the first sensor 50 stops detecting the newspaper S, that is, after the process in S16 has been executed (N in S22), and then proceeds to the next step (Y in S22).

[0057] If the second sensor 52 does not detect the newspaper S, i.e., if the newspaper S has already passed through the welding and cutting unit 5 (N in S24), steps S26-32 are skipped and the process proceeds to S34.

[0058] If the second sensor 52 detects the newspaper S, that is, if the newspaper S stops before passing through the welding and cutting unit 5 (Y in S24), the transport control unit 62 sets the re-transport flag Flag to 1 (S26) and starts the transport belts 34 and 35 to circle (i.e., re-transport) (S28).

[0059] If the second sensor 52 stops detecting the newspaper S before a predetermined pulse (for example, a pulse equivalent to 5 mm) is output (Y in S30), the transport control unit 62 stops the rotation of the transport belts 34 and 35 (i.e., terminates re-transportation) (S32).

[0060] If the second sensor 52 continues to detect the newspaper S after a predetermined pulse (for example, a pulse equivalent to 5 mm) has been output (N in S30), the transport control unit 62 stops the transport belts 34 and 35 from rotating (i.e., terminates retransport) (S48), displays a jam error on the operation panel 45 (S50), and the process ends.

[0061] The welding control unit 64 lowers the welding cutting unit 5 to heat-weld the films F1 and F2 (S34). The conveying control unit 62 starts the conveying belts 34 and 35 to rotate (S36). The third sensor 54 detects the newspaper S (S38), and then, when the third sensor 54 no longer detects the newspaper S (i.e., the newspaper S is discharged) (S40), the conveying control unit 62 stops the conveying belts 34 and 35 from rotating (S42).

[0062] If retransportation is performed (retransportation flag Flag=1) (Y in S44), the predetermined number N is incremented by 1 pulse, i.e., N=N+1 (S46), and the process ends. If the time from S12 to S16 is unusually long compared to normal, it is possible that the films F1 and F2 are slipping significantly against the transport belts 34 and 35 due to some reason (for example, the newspaper S is inserted at an angle, or the newspaper S is folded, etc.). In this case, the films will continue to slip significantly even after passing the first sensor 50, and as a result, they may be detected by the second sensor 52 in S24. Incrementing the predetermined number N in such exceptional cases would increase the amount of film used in subsequent packaging of the newspaper S, which is uneconomical, so it is not necessary to increment it in this case.

[0063] If retransport is not performed (retransport flag Flag=0) (N in S44), S46 is skipped and processing ends.

[0064] Next, I will explain the effects of this embodiment.

[0065] According to this embodiment, upstream of the object to be packaged, which has been transported to the packaging processing position, the two films sandwiching the object are pressed down on the receiving portion by the pressing member 16, and further upstream, the films F1 and F2 are heat-sealed by the welding and cutting heater 10. That is, downstream of the welding and cutting heater 10, the films F1 and F2 are pressed down on the receiving portion 4. As a result, at the position where welding is performed by the welding and cutting heater 10, the films are heat-sealed. The films F1 and F2 should adhere closely together, thus preventing the occurrence of welding defects.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pressing member 16 contacts the films F1 and F2 before the welding cutting heater 10. That is, the welding cutting heater 10 contacts the films F1 and F2 while the films F1 and F2 are being pressed against the receiving portion 4 by the pressing member 16. As a result, the occurrence of welding defects is suppressed even more than in the case where this does not happen.

[0067] In this embodiment, as described above, the pressing member 16 holds down the films F1 and F2 while the welding cutting heater 10 is brought into contact with the films F1 and F2. However, in such a configuration, if the pressing member 16 is separated from the films F1 and F2 before the welding cutting heater 10 is separated from the films F1 and F2, the configuration of the welding cutting unit becomes complicated. In contrast, in this embodiment, the welding cutting heater 10 is separated from the films F1 and F2 before the pressing member 16 is separated from the films F1 and F2, thus avoiding the problem of a complicated configuration as described above.

[0068] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the pressing member 16 is a rotatable rotating body, the newspaper S can be transported while the films F1 and F2 are pressed down by the pressing member 16.

[0069] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of these components and processing processes, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. Such modifications will be described below.

[0070] (Variation 1) In the embodiment described, the case in which the films F1 and F2 are pressed against the receiving part 4 on both the upstream and downstream sides of the welding and cutting heater 10 was explained. However, as long as the downstream side of the welding and cutting heater 10 is pressed down, the upstream side does not need to be pressed down. In other words, the shutter 3 does not need to press down the films F1 and F2 against the receiving part 4.

[0071] (Modification 2) In the embodiments and the modifications described above, the second support member 24 is biased downward by a spring, and the case in which the pressing member 16 presses down on the films F1 and F2 has been described. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the pressing member 16 may also press down on the films F1 and F2 due to the weight of the second support member 24 and the pressing member 16 themselves.

[0072] (Variation 3) In the embodiments and the modifications described above, the case in which the pressing member 16 is a rotating body that is rotatably supported was explained. However, if the pressing surface of the pressing member 16 is made of a low-friction material, the pressing member 16 may be a non-rotating member. In this case, the pressing member 16 may be made of, for example, a low-friction material such as polyacetal resin or nylon resin, or it may be coated with a low-friction material such as Teflon®. According to this modification, similar to the embodiments, the newspaper S can be conveyed with the films F1 and F2 pressed against the receiving part 4 by the pressing member 16.

[0073] (Modification 4) In the embodiments and the above-described modifications, the case in which the pressing member 16 is supported by the first support member 22 so as to be movable relative to the welding cutting heater 10 in the vertical direction has been described, but the invention is not limited to this, and the pressing member 16 may be supported by the first support member 22 in a state in which it is not movable relative to the welding cutting heater 10, that is, in a state in which its relative position to the welding cutting heater 10 is fixed. Alternatively, the receiving portion 4 is configured such that when pressed down by the pressing member 16, that portion deforms, i.e., it indents downward. The receiving portion 4 is made of, for example, a soft sponge material.

[0074] Figures 8(a) to 8(f) illustrate the operation of the welding and cutting unit 5 in a modified example in chronological order. Figures 8(a) to 8(f) correspond to Figures 5(a) to 8(f), respectively. In Figure 8(c), unlike Figure 5(c), the pressing member 16 continues to descend while indenting the receiving portion 4 downwards even after reaching it. In particular, the pressing member 16 does not move relative to the welding and cutting heater 10, and descends while its relative position to the welding and cutting heater 10 remains fixed.

[0075] This modified example can achieve the same effects as the embodiment. (Variation 5) In the embodiments and the modifications described above, the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 is a flat horizontal surface, and the height position of the portion of the upper surface 4a that receives the pressing member 16 is the same as the height position of the portion of the upper surface 4a that receives the welding cutting heater 10. However, the invention is not limited to this.

[0076] Figure 9 shows a modified example of the welding and cutting unit 5 and the receiving portion 4. Figure 9 corresponds to Figure 5(a). In this modified example, the height position of portion 4aa of the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4a that receives the pressing member 16 is higher than the height position of portion 4ab of the upper surface 4a that receives the welding and cutting heater 10. In this modified example, the height position of the lower end of the pressing member 16 when the welding and cutting unit 5 is in the standby position is the same as the height position of the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10. Because the height position of portion 4aa of the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 is higher than the height position of portion 4ab, the distance L1 between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 is shorter than the distance L2 between the welding and cutting heater 10 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4. Furthermore, when the welding and cutting unit 5 is in the standby position, if the distance L1 between the pressing member 16 and portion 4aa of the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 is shorter than the distance L2 between the welding and cutting heater 10 and portion 4ab of the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4, the lower end of the pressing member 16 may be higher than the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10.

[0077] This modified example can achieve the same effects as the embodiment.

[0078] (Experimental variation 6) In the embodiments and the above-described modifications, the case was described in which the distance L1 between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 when the welding cutting unit 5 is in the standby position is shorter than the distance L2 between the welding cutting heater 10 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4. However, distances L1 and L2 may be the same.

[0079] Figure 10 shows a welding and cutting unit 5 and receiving portion 4 according to another modified example. Figure 10 corresponds to Figure 5(a). In this modified example, the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 is a flat horizontal surface, and the height position of the lower end of the pressing member 16 and the height position of the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10 are the same when the welding and cutting unit 5 is in the standby position, and therefore the distance L1 and the distance L2 are the same. In this case, the pressing member 16 and the welding and cutting heater 10 reach the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion at the same time.

[0080] According to this modified example, since the films F1 and F2 are pressed against the receiving portion 4 downstream of the welding cutting heater 10, the films F1 and F2 to be welded are in close contact at the position where they are welded by the welding cutting heater 10, and therefore the occurrence of welding defects is suppressed.

[0081] (Example 7) In the embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the case in which the receiving portion 4 does not deform even when the pressing member 16 is pressed against it was described. That is, the receiving portion 4 is pressed against by the spring 28. The case described above involves a pressing member 16 that has sufficient rigidity to prevent deformation. In contrast, in this modified example, the receiving part 4 is made of an elastic material in order to reliably press the welding cutting heater 10 against the receiving part 4.

[0082] Figures 11(a) and (b) illustrate the problems of this modified example. When the receiving portion 4 is made of an elastic material, when the pressing member 16 is pressed against the receiving portion 4, the receiving portion 4 sinks together with the pressing member 16 and the films F1 and F2, as shown in Figure 11(a), and the films F1 and F2 are pulled accordingly. As shown in Figure 11(b), when the welding cutting heater 10 descends and contacts the films F1 and F2 while the films F1 and F2 are pulled, the films F1 and F2 may be cut at least partially in the width direction before they are heat-welded. In other words, welding defects may occur in which the films F1 and F2 are not welded at least partially in the width direction (i.e., including non-welded portions).

[0083] This modified example solves the above-mentioned problems when the receiving portion 4 is formed from an elastic material. The differences from the embodiment will be explained in detail below.

[0084] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the welding and cutting unit 5 according to this modified example, seen from the downstream side. Figure 12 corresponds to Figure 3. Figure 13 is a view of the welding and cutting unit 5 of Figure 12, seen from the width direction. Figure 13 corresponds to Figure 4.

[0085] The welding and cutting unit 5 of this modified example includes only one pressing member 16. The pressing member 16 of this modified example is longer in the width direction than that of the embodiment, and is preferably formed such that its width range R is longer than the length of the long side of the newspaper S folded into quarters. The pressing member 16 may be a rotatably supported roller, or it may be a non-rotating member if it is formed of a low-friction material.

[0086] The support member 20 of this modified example comprises only one second support member 24. The second support member 24 of this modified example is longer in the width direction than that of the embodiment, and is formed to be particularly longer in the width direction than the pressing member 16. The second support member 24 also has a projection 24b that protrudes downward from the pressing member 16 on the widthwise outer side of the pressing member 16 (farther from the center of the pressing member 16 in the width direction). Here, there are projections 24b on both sides of the pressing member 16 in the width direction. In other words, there are two projections 24b. The second support member 24 may have a notch or opening in the widthwise center for passing through, for example, the optical axis of a sensor for detecting a newspaper S.

[0087] In this modified example, the packaging device 1 further includes the same number of restricting members 48 as there are protrusions 24b. The restricting members 48 are members that receive the protrusions 24b of the welding cutting unit 5 as it descends during welding, and are located outside the width direction of the pressing member 16 in a plan view, and below the protrusions 24b. The restricting members 48 are preferably made of a cushioning material such as elastomer (for example, silicone rubber or urethane). The restricting members 48 are fixed not on the receiving portion 4, but for example, to the housing frame (not shown) of the packaging device 1.

[0088] Figures 14(a) to 14(f) illustrate the operation of the welding and cutting unit 5 in this modified example in chronological order. Figures 14(a) to 14(f) correspond to Figures 5(a) to 14(f), respectively.

[0089] In Figure 14(c), the protruding portion 24b is in contact with (seaten) the upper surface 48a of the regulating member 48, and therefore the descent of the second support member 24 and thus the pressing member 16 is depicted. In other words, the second support member 24 and thus the pressing member 16 stop there. In this example, the protruding portion 24b protrudes below the pressing member 16, and the regulating member 48 protrudes above the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4. Therefore, the pressing member 16 does not come into contact with the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4, but stops with a small gap G between it and the upper surface 4a. Here, the gap G is exaggerated in the illustration. However, in reality, the gap is only about 1 mm to 2 mm. The retaining member 16 is in contact with the film F1 at least and is pressing the film F1 downwards toward the film F2, that is, so that the film F1 moves closer to the film F2.

[0090] In Figure 14(d), the welding and cutting heater 10 has reached the receiving portion 4. That is, the welding and cutting heater 10 has reached the welding position. The welding and cutting heater 10 comes into contact with the films F1 and F2 and heat-welds them together. The receiving portion 4 is elastically deformed and sinks in together with the lower end of the welding and cutting heater 10.

[0091] According to this modified example, since the pressing member 16 is not pressed against the receiving portion 4, the pressing member 16 does not sink into the receiving portion 4, and the films F1 and F2 are not pulled by the pressing member 16.

[0092] Furthermore, in this modified example, the welding and cutting heater 10 sinks into the receiving portion 4. When the films F1 and F2 are pressed against the receiving portion 4 by the pressing member 16, if the welding and cutting heater 10 sinks into the receiving portion 4, the films F1 and F2 are pulled between the pressing member 16 and the welding and cutting heater 10, which can also cause welding defects. In contrast, in this modified example, there is a gap G between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 that allows the films F1 and F2 to move, and normally there is a certain amount of slack on the downstream side of the pressing member 16. Therefore, the effect of the welding and cutting heater 10 sinking is absorbed by the slack being pulled back to the upstream side through the gap G between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4. As a result, the occurrence of welding defects due to the welding and cutting heater 10 sinking into the receiving portion 4 is suppressed.

[0093] Next, further modifications will be described. Figures 15(a) and (b) illustrate further modifications. Figures 15(a) and (b) correspond to Figure 14(c), respectively. In Figure 15(a), the upper surface 48a of the regulating member 48 is located lower than the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4, and as a result, the amount of protrusion of the protruding portion 24b that protrudes downward from the pressing member 16 is greater. In Figure 15(b), the second support member 24 does not have a protruding portion 24b, but as a result, the amount of protrusion of the regulating member 48 from the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4 is greater. In any case, in these modifications as well, the pressing member 16 stops with a small gap G between it and the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4.

[0094] In another further modification, the pressing member 16 may be supported by the first support member 22 in a state where it is immovable relative to the welding cutting heater 10, that is, its relative position to the welding cutting heater 10 is fixed. In this case, the pressing member 16 should be supported by the first support member 22 such that the vertical distance between the lower end of the pressing member 16 and the lower end of the welding cutting heater 10 is distance G. In this modification as well, the pressing member 16 stops with a small gap G between it and the upper surface 4a of the receiving portion 4.

[0095] Next, let's discuss the size of the gap G. During welding, even if the films F1 and F2 do not necessarily adhere tightly at the welding position, ensuring that the films F1 and F2 are not too far apart helps to prevent welding defects. This has the same or similar effect as pressing the pressing member 16 against the receiving part 4 in the embodiment. Therefore, the gap G must be at most wide enough for the pressing member 16 to contact the film F1. This allows the pressing member 16 to bring the film F1 closer to the film F2, thus preventing welding defects. Furthermore, the gap G is naturally narrower than the gap between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4 when the welding cutting unit 5 is in the standby position. The gap G may also be narrower than the gap through which the newspaper S cannot pass, i.e., narrower than the thickness of the newspaper S (for example, a maximum of 35 mm).

[0096] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in order to prevent welding defects, the films F1 and F2 need to be able to move between the pressing member 16 and the upper surface 4a of the receiving part 4. Therefore, the gap G must be at least as large as the sum of the thicknesses of film F1 and film F2.

[0097] The size of the gap G that satisfies these conditions may be, for example, greater than or equal to the sum of the thicknesses of film F1 and film F2, and less than or equal to 2 mm, and specifically may be 1 mm.

[0098] Any combination of the embodiments and modifications described above is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. The new embodiments resulting from these combinations possess the combined effects of the respective embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component described in the claims can be achieved by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications individually or in combination thereof. The state described in the claims at the time of filing the present application Mr. / Ms. The following is a description. [Aspect 1] A packaging device for wrapping items with film, Upstream from the packaged object that has been transported to a predetermined position, a pressing member presses the two films that sandwich the packaged object against a receiving part, Upstream of the aforementioned pressing member, a heater is provided that contacts the film and heat-seals the films together. A support member that supports the pressing member and the heater, and is movable between a standby position where the pressing member and the heater are away from the film and a welding position where they are in contact with the film, Equipped with, The packaging apparatus is characterized in that the pressing member is supported by the support member so as to be movable relative to the heater. [Aspect 2] A packaging device for wrapping items with film, Upstream from the packaged object that has been transported to a predetermined position, a pressing member presses the two films that sandwich the packaged object against a receiving part, Upstream of the aforementioned pressing member, a heater is provided that contacts the film and heat-seals the films together. A support member that supports the pressing member and the heater, and is movable between a standby position where the pressing member and the heater are away from the film and a welding position where they are in contact with the film, Equipped with, A packaging apparatus characterized in that the distance between the pressing member and the receiving portion when the support member is in the standby position is less than or equal to the distance between the heater and the receiving portion. [Aspect 3] The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 1 or 2, characterized in that the heater contacts the film while the pressing member is pressing down on the film. [Aspect 4] When the support member is in the standby position, the distance between the retaining member and the receiving portion is shorter than the distance between the heater and the receiving portion. The packaging apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, characterized in that the pressing member separates after the heater separates from the film. [Aspect 5] A packaging device for wrapping items with film, Upstream from the packaged object that has been transported to a predetermined position, a pressing member is provided to bring the two films that sandwich the packaged object closer together, Upstream of the aforementioned pressing member, a heater is provided that contacts the film and heat-seals the films together. A support member that supports the pressing member and the heater, and is movable between a standby position where the heater is away from the film and a welding position where it is in contact with the film, Equipped with, A packaging device characterized in that there is a gap between the pressing member and the receiving portion when the support member is in the welding position. [Aspect 6] The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 5, characterized in that when the support member is in the welding position, the pressing member contacts the upper of the two films that sandwich the packaged object. [Aspect 7] The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 5 or 6, characterized in that the pressing member is supported by the support member so as to be movable relative to the heater. [Aspect 8] The support member comprises a first support member that supports the heater and a phase relative to the first support member. It includes a second support member that is movable relative to and supports the pressing member, The packaging apparatus according to embodiment 7, further comprising a regulating member that, when the support member moves to the welding position, abuts against the second support member and stops the pressing member in a state where there is a gap between it and the receiving portion. [Mode 9 ] The aforementioned pressing member is a rotatable roller, as described in Embodiment 1. 8 A packaging device as described in any of the following. [Mode 10 ] The pressing surface of the aforementioned pressing member is formed of a low-friction material, as described in Embodiment 1. 8 A packaging device as described in any of the following. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1 packaging device, 10 welding and cutting heaters, 16 pressing members, 20 support members, 22 first support members, 24 second support members, F1, F2 film, S newspaper.

Claims

1. A packaging device for wrapping items with film, Upstream from the packaged object that has been transported to a predetermined position, a pressing member is provided to bring the two films that sandwich the packaged object closer together, Upstream of the aforementioned pressing member, a heater is provided that contacts the film and heat-welds the films together. A support member that supports the pressing member and the heater, and is movable between a standby position where the heater is away from the film and a welding position where it is in contact with the film, Equipped with, The retaining member is supported by the support member so as to be movable relative to the heater. The support member includes a first support member that supports the heater, and a second support member that is movable relative to the first support member and supports the retaining member. The system further includes a restricting member that, when the support member moves to the welding position, abuts against the second support member to stop the pressing member with a gap between it and the receiving portion. A packaging device characterized in that when the support member is in the welding position, there is a gap between the pressing member and the receiving portion.

2. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the support member is in the welding position, the pressing member contacts the upper of the two films that sandwich the packaged object.

3. The packaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressing member is a rotatable roller.

4. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressing surface of the pressing member is formed of a low-friction material.

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