Predictive maintenance system for heaters in packaging machinery

Abstract

To acquire, before a malfunction due to deterioration or abnormality occurs to a cartridge heater of a heater block used for a packaging machine, any change indicating such a sign to ensure the maintenance thereof.SOLUTION: Provided is a heater predictive maintenance system 41 for a packaging machine comprising a heater drive circuit 43 and a heater predictive maintenance device 44. The heater drive circuit 43 comprises a cartridge heater 43a embedded in a heater block of the packaging machine, and an ammeter 43b for measuring a current value of a drive current. The heater predictive maintenance device 44 comprises: a current value acquisition section 45 for acquiring the current vale measured by the ammeter 43b; a current value change determination section 46a for determining that there is a sign of a malfunction to the cartridge heater 43a when the changed current value acquired by the current value acquisition section 45 exceeds a prescribed range in the state of the heater block being held at a seal temperature and seal operation being normally performed; and a determination result output section for outputting a determination result of the current value change determination section 46a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater predictive maintenance system in packaging machines such as horizontal pillow packaging machines, vertical pillow packaging machines, overwrap packaging machines, and wrapping packaging machines.

Background Art

[0002] In packaging machines such as horizontal pillow packaging machines, vertical pillow packaging machines, overwrap packaging machines, and wrapping packaging machines, various driving devices such as servo motors, air cylinders, and heaters of heat sealers are used. And these driving devices may fail due to various factors. In that case, they are repaired or replaced, etc. However, in order to minimize the production disruption caused by the repair or replacement of the driving devices, various diagnostic devices for detecting the failure of the driving devices in advance have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-261145) discloses an article conveying device including a conveying conveyor driven by a motor, current measuring means for measuring the magnitude of the current flowing through the motor, notification determination means for outputting a notification signal when the magnitude of the current measured by the current measuring means becomes equal to or greater than a reference value, and notification means for operating in response to the notification signal. Patent Document 2 (JP 2005-528291) discloses a system for identifying abnormal operation of a packaging machine, comprising: a sampling entity arranged to sample a signal corresponding to the torque value of a servo motor issued to the servo motor during use; a spectral analyzer that generates a spectral analysis of the sampled signal; and a processing unit coupled to a memory device for storing a characterization corresponding to the operating state of a mechanical element coupled to the servo motor, wherein the characterization corresponds to at least one predetermined value for each of at least one frequencies of the signal, and the processing unit is arranged to determine abnormal operation of the mechanical element during use using the spectral analysis of the sampled signal and the characterization of the mechanical element. Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-1211) discloses an automatic packaging machine that uses an air cylinder as the drive source for opening and closing a sealer, which calculates and displays the sealer closing operation time and sealer opening operation time from the signal input of a reed switch that detects the forward end position of the piston rod of the air cylinder, and the sealer closing signal output and opening signal output, and makes them available for monitoring, and also has a function to monitor the closing operation time and the opening operation time by setting an allowable time and to stop the machine with an alarm if it is exceeded, and a function to stop the machine with an alarm if the reed switch is lost between the time the sealer closing signal output is output and the reed switch confirms that the sealer is closed and the time the opening signal output is output.

[0003] However, the conveying device described in Patent Document 1 outputs a notification signal when a load is generated that prevents the conveying conveyor from running smoothly, causing the motor torque to increase and the magnitude of the current flowing to the motor to exceed a standard value. However, the conveying device described in Patent Document 1 cannot detect minor malfunctions such as changes in motor operation due to gearhead wear or lack of lubrication in bearings, etc., in geared motors that control position, speed, etc., such as servo motors with reduction gears, and cannot take preventative measures before an abnormality occurs. Furthermore, in the packaging system described in Patent Document 2, the spectral signal corresponding to the torque value of the servo motor is analyzed to monitor the operating state of mechanical elements coupled to the servo motor, such as wear of chains, belts, bearings, etc., and to determine abnormal operation of the mechanical elements. Therefore, similar to Patent Document 1, in geared motors such as servo motors with reduction gears, when the motor operation changes due to wear of the gearhead or lack of lubrication in the bearings, it is not possible to detect slight malfunctions of the servo motor that would not be determined as abnormal operation by analyzing the spectral signal corresponding to the torque value of the servo motor, and thus not be able to take preventative measures before an abnormality occurs. Furthermore, in the automatic packaging machine described in Patent Document 3, a warning is issued and the machine stops if the sealer closing operation time or sealer opening operation time exceeds the allowable time. However, even if an air leak occurs in the air cylinder that does not change the sealer closing operation time or sealer opening operation time, the warning is not issued and the machine does not stop. This means that it is not possible to detect slight changes such as air leaks in the air cylinder and take preventative measures before an abnormality occurs.

[0004] In this regard, Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-167815) discloses an apparatus management system for managing a plurality of production line components that constitute a production line for producing goods, wherein the production line components include a weighing device for weighing the goods, a packaging device for packaging the goods, and / or a boxing device for boxing the packaged goods, and comprises an information storage unit for storing component information relating to the components included in the production line components, an information analysis unit for performing analysis processing for analyzing the component information stored in the information storage unit, and a maintenance information output unit for outputting maintenance information relating to the maintenance of the components based on the results of the analysis processing. In this device management system, the device status data storage unit 90d (information storage unit) stores device status data DT, which is information that identifies (estimates or predicts) the operating status, capacity values, functional characteristics, adjustment problems, aging deterioration, or failures of the components included in the production line configuration device 112. Examples of this device status data DT include parameters that identify signs of deterioration or adjustment problems in the knife cylinder of the horizontal sealing mechanism 25 of the bag-making and packaging machine 20, such as "the time from when the knife is started to drive until the auto switch (sensor) reacts" and "the output value of the pneumatic sensor"; parameters that identify signs of deterioration (slack) or adjustment problems in the timing belt of the bag-making and packaging machine 20, such as "the encoder pulse value of the pressurizing motor during vertical sealing"; and "the load rate of each motor (servo motor)" that identifies insufficient lubrication of each sliding part included in the bag-making and packaging machine 20, bearing wear, or abnormal mechanical condition. The analysis unit 90i (information analysis unit) then determines that if the parameters related to the device status data DT of the target component are significantly larger or smaller than the corresponding parameters of other components, or if they fall outside the numerical range defined in the capability information, there is a high possibility that the target component is showing signs of deterioration, is poorly adjusted, or has some kind of abnormality. However, the device management system in Patent Document 4 determines whether there are signs of deterioration, misadjustment, or some kind of abnormality in the target component based on device status data DT such as the operating time and air pressure of the knife cylinder (air cylinder), the encoder pulse value of the pressurizing motor, and the load rate of the servo motor. Similar to the automatic packaging machine in Patent Document 3, it cannot detect air leaks in the air cylinder that do not change in the operating time or air pressure of the knife cylinder, and thus cannot take preventative measures before an abnormality occurs. Also, similar to Patent Document 2, it cannot detect slight malfunctions in the servo motor that do not result in signs of deterioration, etc., based on the encoder pulse value of the pressurizing motor or the load rate of the servo motor, and therefore cannot take preventative measures before an abnormality occurs. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-261145 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2005-528291 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-1211 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-167815 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to enable the maintenance of cartridge heaters in heater blocks used in packaging machines by detecting changes that indicate deterioration or malfunction before such malfunctions occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a heater predictive maintenance system for a packaging machine, comprising a heater drive circuit and a heater predictive maintenance device, wherein the packaging machine includes a sealing device that seals a tubular continuous film using a pair of heater blocks that perform opening and closing operations, and the heater drive circuit includes a cartridge heater embedded in each of the pair of heater blocks, and means for turning on and off the drive current supplied from a power source. When the on / off means is turned on and the drive current is supplied to the cartridge heater, the pair of heater blocks rise to the sealing temperature and maintain that sealing temperature The heater predictive maintenance device includes an ammeter for measuring the current value of the drive current, and includes a current value acquisition unit for continuously acquiring the current value measured by the ammeter, and means for switching the power supply on and off and the ammeter to supply the drive current to the cartridge heater so that the pair of heater blocks are held at the sealing temperature and the pair of heater blocks are closed, thereby performing a normal sealing operation on the tubular continuous film. The change in the current value of the drive current supplied to the cartridge heater to maintain the pair of heater blocks at the sealing temperature becomes large.The present invention provides a heater predictive maintenance system for a packaging machine that includes a current value change determination unit which determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater when the change in the current value acquired by the current value acquisition unit exceeds a predetermined range, and a determination result output unit which outputs the determination result of the current value change determination unit, thereby solving the above problem. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The heater predictive maintenance system for packaging machines of the present invention has the effect of being able to acquire changes that indicate a precursor to deterioration or malfunction of the heater used in the heat sealer of the packaging machine, thereby enabling maintenance of the air cylinder. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a predictive maintenance system for drive equipment of a packaging machine, equipped with a predictive maintenance device for the drive equipment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a servo motor predictive maintenance system and predictive maintenance device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of another example of a servo motor predictive maintenance system and predictive maintenance device. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air cylinder predictive maintenance system and predictive maintenance device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a heater predictive maintenance system and predictive maintenance device. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of another example of a heater predictive maintenance system and predictive maintenance device. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of an end seal cutting device. [Figure 8] This is a left side view of the end seal cutting device. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the rotating part of the opening / closing toggle mechanism. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the predictive maintenance device 4. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the servo motor pre - failure maintenance device 14. [Figure 12] It is a graph showing the speed change when the servo motor 13a performs the opening and closing operations of 61 and 62 of the heater block, and a graph showing the change in the current value of the drive current supplied to the servo motor 13a. [Figure 13] It is a graph showing an example of the change in the current value (drive current waveform) when a failure occurs in the device operated by the rotation of the servo motor 13a, and a graph showing the change in the current value difference. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the servo motor pre - failure maintenance device 24. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the air cylinder pre - failure maintenance device 34. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the heater pre - failure maintenance device 44. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the heater pre - failure maintenance device 54.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] [Predictive Maintenance System for Driving Equipment, Configuration of Predictive Maintenance Device] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a predictive maintenance system for driving equipment equipped with a predictive maintenance device for the driving equipment of a packaging machine. In the figure, 1 is a predictive maintenance system, 2 is a driving energy supply unit, 3 is a driving device, 4 is a predictive maintenance device, 5 is a driving energy change acquisition unit, 6 is a prediction determination unit, and 7 is a determination result output unit. As shown in FIG. 1, the predictive maintenance system 1 is composed of a driving energy supply unit 2, a driving device 3, and a predictive maintenance device 4. The driving energy supply unit 2 supplies driving energy such as driving current and compressed air to the driving device 3. Specific examples include a commercial power supply that supplies driving current, a power source such as a battery, and a compressor that supplies compressed air, etc. The drive device 3 has the function of operating the packaging machine, and specific examples include a servo motor, an air cylinder, and a heater for the heat sealer. The predictive maintenance device 4 has the function of detecting signs of deterioration or malfunction in the drive equipment 3 before such malfunctions occur, issuing alarms, etc., and maintaining the drive equipment 3. It consists of a drive energy change acquisition unit 5, a predictive determination unit 6, and a determination result output unit 7. The drive energy change acquisition unit 5 acquires changes in the drive energy supplied from the drive energy supply unit 2 to the drive device 3 when the drive device 3 is operating normally. The pre-fault determination unit 6 determines whether or not there are signs of malfunction in the drive device 3 based on the change in the drive energy of the drive device 3 detected by the drive energy change acquisition unit 5. The judgment result output unit 7 outputs the judgment result of whether or not there are signs of malfunction in the drive device 3 determined by the predictive indicator determination unit 6.

[0011] The case where the predictive maintenance system 1 shown in Figure 1 is applied to the end seal and cutting device (described later) of a horizontal pillow packaging machine will be explained. [Configuration of servo motor predictive maintenance system and predictive maintenance device] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a predictive maintenance system and predictive maintenance device for a servo motor in an end seal cutting device. In the diagram, 11 is the servo motor predictive maintenance system, 12 is the power supply, 13 is the servo mechanism, 13a is the servo motor, 13b is the servo amplifier, 13c is the controller, 14 is the servo motor predictive maintenance device, 15 is the current value acquisition unit, 15a is the transmission unit, 15b is the reception unit, 15c is the communication line, 16 is the calculation control unit, 16a is the comparison and judgment unit, 16b is the reference current waveform storage unit, and 17 is the alarm. As shown in Figure 2, the servo motor predictive maintenance system 11 consists of a power supply 12, a servo mechanism 13, and a servo motor predictive maintenance device 14. Power supply 12 is a commercial power supply that serves as the drive energy supply unit 2 and supplies drive current to the servo mechanism 13 (servo motor 13a). The servo mechanism 13 includes a servo motor 13a, a servo amplifier 13b, and a controller 13c, which constitute the drive device 3. In this servo mechanism 13, based on a command (command signal) from the controller 13c, the servo amplifier 13b controls the drive current supplied to the servo motor 13a to control the position and speed of the servo motor, thereby performing the opening and closing operation of the heater block (described later) of the end seal cutting device. The servo motor predictive maintenance device 14 consists of a current value acquisition unit 15 which is a drive energy change acquisition unit 5, a calculation control device 16 which is a predictive determination unit 6, and an alarm device 17 which is a determination result output unit 7. The current value acquisition unit 15 comprises a transmitting unit 15a, a receiving unit 15b, and a communication line 15c, and acquires the current value of the drive current supplied to the servo motor 13a. In other words, in the current value acquisition unit 15, the transmission unit 15a continuously acquires the current value of the drive current supplied from the servo amplifier 13b to the servo motor 13a, transmits it to the reception unit 15b via the communication line 15c, and the reception unit 15b sends the received current value to the calculation control device 16. This current value acquisition unit 15 may be configured to obtain the current value of the drive current supplied from the servo amplifier 13b to the servo motor 13a as an analog signal and send it to the calculation control device 16 via a transmission line or the like, instead of having a transmitter 15a, receiver 15b, and communication line 15c as shown in Figure 2. The calculation control device 16 is composed of a calculation control unit and a memory unit for computer equipment such as a control computer that controls the operation of the horizontal pillow packaging machine and a computer for the operation panel. It includes a comparison and determination unit 16a and a reference current waveform memory unit 16b, and controls the operation of the current value acquisition unit 15 and the alarm unit 17. The reference current waveform storage unit 16b stores a reference current waveform that represents the time change in the current value of the drive current when the servo motor 13a is operating properly. The comparison and determination unit 16a compares the current value sent from the receiving unit 15c, that is, the drive current waveform representing the time change of the drive current value of the servo motor 13a acquired by the current value acquisition unit 15, with the reference current waveform stored in the reference current waveform storage unit 16b. If the degree of change of the drive current waveform relative to the reference current waveform exceeds a predetermined range, it determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the servo motor 13a. The alarm device 17 consists of the control computer and a display such as an operation panel, and displays an alarm indicating that there is a sign of malfunction in the servo motor 13a based on the judgment result of the comparison and judgment unit 16a. Furthermore, the servo motor predictive maintenance device 14 may also be provided with a drive current waveform display unit (not shown) that displays the drive current waveform acquired by the current value acquisition unit 15 on a display such as the control computer or operation panel, and a predetermined range setting unit (not shown) that sets the predetermined range, so that the predetermined range can be set by the predetermined range setting unit from the drive current waveform displayed on the drive current waveform display unit.

[0012] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a servo motor predictive maintenance system for an end seal cutting device, and another example of a predictive maintenance device. In the diagram, 21 is the servo motor predictive maintenance system, 22 is the power supply, 23 is the servo mechanism, 23a is the servo motor, 23b is the servo amplifier, 23c is the controller, 24 is the servo motor predictive maintenance device, 25 is the current value acquisition unit, 25a is the transmission unit, 25b is the reception unit, 25c is the communication line, 26 is the calculation control unit, 26a is the position deviation determination unit, and 27 is the alarm. As shown in Figure 2, the servo motor predictive maintenance system 21 consists of a power supply 22, a servo mechanism 23, and a servo motor predictive maintenance device 24. Power supply 22, like power supply 12, is a commercial power supply that serves as the drive energy supply unit 2 and supplies drive current to the servo mechanism 23 (servo motor 23a). The servo mechanism 23, like the servo mechanism 13, is equipped with a servo motor 23a, a servo amplifier 23b, and a controller 23c, which serve as the drive device 3. In this servo mechanism 23, similar to the servo mechanism 13, the servo amplifier 23b controls the drive current supplied to the servo motor 23a based on a command (command signal) from the controller 23c, thereby controlling the position and speed of the servo motor and performing the opening and closing operation of the heater block (described later) of the end seal / cutting device. The servo motor predictive maintenance device 24 consists of a position deviation acquisition unit 25 which is a drive energy change acquisition unit 5, a calculation control device 26 which is a predictive determination unit 6, and an alarm device 27 which is a determination result output unit 7. The position deviation acquisition unit 25 includes a transmitting unit 15a, a receiving unit 15b, and a communication line 15c, and acquires the position deviation, which is the rotational deviation from the command of the servo motor 13a. In other words, in the servo mechanism 23, when the command pulse from the positioning unit of the controller 23c is added to the deviation counter of the servo amplifier 23b, the feedback pulse from the encoder of the servo motor 23a is subtracted, and a buildup of pulses (accumulated pulses) occurs in the deviation counter. These accumulated pulses represent the position deviation, which is the rotational deviation relative to the command. In the position deviation acquisition unit 25, the transmission unit 25a continuously acquires the accumulated pulses (position deviations) stored in the deviation counter of the servo amplifier 23b, transmits them to the reception unit 25b via the communication line 25c, and the reception unit 25b sends the received accumulated pulses (position deviations) to the calculation control unit 26. The position deviation acquisition unit 25 may, instead of having a transmitter 25a, receiver 25b, and communication line 25c as shown in Figure 3, extract the accumulated pulses (position deviation) stored in the deviation counter of the servo amplifier 23b as an analog signal and send it to the calculation control device 26 via a transmission line or the like. The arithmetic control unit 26, like the arithmetic control unit 16, is composed of a control computer that controls the operation of the horizontal pillow packaging machine, an operation panel computer, and other computer equipment such as a calculation control unit and a storage unit, and includes a position deviation determination unit 26a that controls the operation of the position deviation acquisition unit 25 and the alarm unit 27. The position deviation determination unit 26a determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the servo motor 23a if the accumulated pulses (position deviation) sent from the receiving unit 25c, that is, the accumulated pulses (position deviation) which are the rotational deviation from the command of the servo motor 23a acquired by the position deviation acquisition unit 25, exceed a predetermined range. The alarm device 27 consists of the control computer and a display such as an operation panel, and displays an alarm indicating that there is a sign of malfunction in the servo motor 23a based on the determination result of the position deviation determination unit 26a.

[0013] [Air cylinder predictive maintenance system, configuration of predictive maintenance device] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air cylinder predictive maintenance system and predictive maintenance device for end seal and cutting equipment. In the diagram, 31 is the air cylinder predictive maintenance system, 32 is the compressor, 33 is the air cylinder operating mechanism, 33a is the air cylinder, 33a1 is the piston rod, 33a2 is the pressure chamber, 33a3 is the open chamber, 33b is the flow meter, 33c is the solenoid valve, 33d1 to 33d3 are the piping, 34 is the air cylinder predictive maintenance device, 35 is the flow rate acquisition unit, 36 is the calculation and control unit, 36a is the air leak detection unit, and 37 is the alarm piping. As shown in Figure 4, the air cylinder predictive maintenance system 31 consists of a compressor 32, an air cylinder operating mechanism 33, and an air cylinder predictive maintenance device 34. The compressor 32 serves as the drive energy supply unit 2 and supplies compressed air to the air cylinder operating mechanism 33 (air cylinder 33a). The air cylinder operating mechanism 33 includes an air cylinder 33a, a flow meter 33b, a solenoid valve 33c, and piping 33d1 to 33d3, which serve as the drive equipment 3. In this air cylinder operating mechanism 33, compressed air supplied from the compressor 32 and passing through the flow meter 33b and piping 33d1 flows into the pressure chamber 33a2 through piping 33d2 via the solenoid valve 33c, and the air in the open chamber 33a3 is discharged from the solenoid valve 33c through piping 33d3. From there, the piston rod 33a1 moves, the cutting knife (described later) moves, and the cutting operation of the cutting device (described later) is performed. The air cylinder predictive maintenance device 34 consists of a flow rate acquisition unit 35 which is a drive energy change acquisition unit 5, a calculation control device 36 which is a predictive determination unit 6, and an alarm device 37 which is a determination result output unit 7. The flow rate acquisition unit 35 acquires the flow rate (numerical value) of compressed air flowing through the pipe 33d1 measured by the flow meter 33b as a leakage amount in analog signal when the air cylinder 23 has performed a cutting operation and stopped operating. The acquired analog signal of the compressed air leakage amount (numerical value) is sent to the calculation control device 26 via a transmission line or the like. The flow rate acquisition unit 35 may be configured to include a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, and a communication line, similar to the current value acquisition unit 15 shown in Figure 2. The transmitting unit acquires the flow rate (numerical value) of compressed air measured by the flow meter 33b as a digital signal, transmits it to the receiving unit via the communication line, and the receiving unit sends the leakage amount (numerical value) as a digital signal to the calculation control device 36. The calculation control unit 36 ​​is composed of a calculation control unit and a memory unit for computer equipment such as a control computer that controls the operation of the horizontal pillow packaging machine and a computer for the operation panel, and includes an air leak detection unit 36a that controls the operation of the flow rate acquisition unit 35 and the alarm unit 37. The air leak detection unit 36a determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the air cylinder 33a when the amount of compressed air leak (numerical value) acquired by the flow rate acquisition unit 35 exceeds a predetermined range. The alarm device 37 consists of the control computer and a display such as an operation panel, and displays an alarm indicating that there is a sign of malfunction in the air cylinder 33a based on the determination result of the air leak detection unit 36a. Furthermore, if a packaging machine uses multiple air cylinders, the piping connected to each air cylinder is a branch off from the main piping. By installing a single flow meter in the middle of the main piping, rather than in the middle of the branched piping, the air leak of each air cylinder can be measured with this single flow meter.

[0014] [Configuration of Heater Predictive Maintenance System and Predictive Maintenance Device] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a heater predictive maintenance system and predictive maintenance device for an end seal and cutting device. In the diagram, 41 is the heater predictive maintenance system, 42 is the power supply, 43 is the heater drive circuit, 43a is the cartridge heater, 43b is the ammeter, 43c is the SSR (solid state relay), 44 is the heater predictive maintenance device, 45 is the current value acquisition unit, 46 is the calculation control unit, 46a is the current value change determination unit, and 47 is the alarm. As shown in Figure 5, the heater predictive maintenance system 41 consists of a power supply 42, a heater drive circuit 43, and a heater predictive maintenance device 44. The power supply 32 is a commercial power supply that serves as the drive energy supply unit 2 and supplies drive current to the heater drive circuit 43 (cartridge heater 43a). The heater drive circuit 43 includes a cartridge heater 43a, an ammeter 43b, and an SSR 43c, which are the drive devices 3. In this heater drive circuit 43, the drive current supplied from the power supply 42 is switched on and off by an SSR43c (a contactless relay using a semiconductor switching element). When the SSR43c is on, the drive current is supplied to the cartridge heater 43a, causing the cartridge heater 43a to heat up. As a result, the temperature of the heater block (described later) of the end seal cutting device in which the cartridge heater 43a is embedded rises to the sealing temperature. At this time, the current value of the current flowing through the cartridge heater 43a is measured by an ammeter 43b. The heater predictive maintenance device 44 consists of a current value acquisition unit 45 which is a drive energy change acquisition unit 5, a calculation control device 46 which is a predictive determination unit 6, and an alarm device 47 which is a determination result output unit 7. The current value acquisition unit 45 continuously acquires the current value of the drive current supplied to the cartridge heater 43a, which is measured by the ammeter 43b, as an analog signal, and sends the acquired current value analog signal to the calculation control unit 46 via a transmission line or the like. The current value acquisition unit 45 may be configured to include a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, and a communication line, as shown in the current value acquisition unit 15 in Figure 2. The transmitting unit acquires the current value measured by the ammeter 43b as a digital signal, transmits it to the receiving unit via the communication line, and the receiving unit sends the current value as a digital signal to the calculation control unit 46. The calculation control unit 46 is composed of a calculation control unit and a memory unit for computer equipment such as a control computer that controls the operation of the horizontal pillow packaging machine and a computer for the operation panel, and includes a current value change determination unit 46a that controls the operation of the current value acquisition unit 45 and the alarm unit 47. The current value change determination unit 46a outputs a determination that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater 43a when the change in the current value acquired by the current value acquisition unit 45 exceeds a predetermined range. The alarm device 47 consists of the control computer and a display such as an operation panel, and displays an alarm indicating that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater 43a based on the judgment result of the current value change determination unit 46a.

[0015] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a heater predictive maintenance system for an end seal cutting device, and another example of a predictive maintenance device. In the diagram, 51 is the heater predictive maintenance system, 52 is the power supply, 53 is the seal temperature control device, 53a is the cartridge heater, 53b is the ammeter, 53c is the SSR (solid state relay), 53d is the temperature sensor, 53e is the temperature controller, 54 is the heater predictive maintenance device, 55 is the temperature acquisition unit, 56 is the calculation control unit, 56a is the temperature change determination unit, and 57 is the alarm. As shown in Figure 6, the heater predictive maintenance system 51 consists of a power supply 52, a seal temperature control device 53, and a heater predictive maintenance device 54. The power supply 52 is a commercial power supply that serves as the drive energy supply unit 2 and supplies drive current to the cartridge heater 53a of the seal temperature control device 53. The seal temperature control device 53 includes a cartridge heater 53a, an ammeter 53b, an SSR 53c, a temperature sensor 53d, and a temperature controller 53e, which are drive devices 3. In this seal temperature control device 53, the drive current supplied from the power supply 52 is switched on and off by the SSR 53c. When the SSR 53c is on, the drive current is supplied to the cartridge heater 53a, causing the cartridge heater 53a to heat up. This causes the temperature of the heater block (described later) of the end seal cutting device in which the cartridge heater 53a is embedded to rise. At this time, a temperature sensor 53d, such as a thermocouple embedded in the heater block, detects the temperature of the heater block and sends the detected temperature to the temperature controller 53e. The temperature controller 53e turns on the SSR 53c and supplies drive current to the cartridge heater 43a when the temperature from the temperature sensor 53d is lower than the seal temperature, and turns off the SSR 53c and stops supplying drive current to the cartridge heater 53a when the temperature from the temperature sensor 53d is higher than the seal temperature. This maintains the temperature of the heater block at the seal temperature. The heater predictive maintenance device 54 consists of a temperature acquisition unit 55 which is a drive energy change acquisition unit 5, a calculation control device 56 which is a predictive determination unit 6, and an alarm 57 which is a determination result output unit 7. The temperature acquisition unit 55 continuously acquires the temperature of the heater block detected by the temperature sensor 53d as an analog signal, and sends the acquired temperature analog signal to the calculation control unit 56 via a transmission line or the like. The temperature acquisition unit 55 may be configured to include a transmitter, a receiver, and a communication line, as shown in the current value acquisition unit 15 in Figure 2. The transmitter acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53d as a digital signal, transmits it to the receiver via the communication line, and the receiver sends the temperature as a digital signal to the calculation control device 56. The calculation control unit 56 is composed of a calculation control unit and a memory unit for computer equipment such as a control computer that controls the operation of the horizontal pillow packaging machine and a computer for the operation panel, and includes a temperature change determination unit 56a that controls the operation of the temperature acquisition unit 55 and the alarm unit 57. The temperature change determination unit 56a outputs a determination that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater 53a when the temporal change in temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 55 exceeds a predetermined range. The alarm device 57 consists of the control computer and a display such as an operation panel, and displays an alarm indicating that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater 53a based on the judgment result of the temperature change judgment unit 56a.

[0016] [End seal cutting device] This document describes an end-sealing and cutting device for a horizontal pillow packaging machine equipped with servo motors 13a and 23a, an air cylinder 33a, and carriage heaters 43a and 53a. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the end seal cutting device, Figure 8 is a left side view of the end seal cutting device, and Figure 9 is a front view of the rotating part of the opening / closing toggle mechanism. In the diagram, 13d is a gearbox, 43a1 (53a1) and 43a2 (53a2) are cartridge heaters, 60 is an end seal / cutting device, 61 and 62 are heater blocks, 61a and 62a are central grooves, 61b and 62b are heater block holders, 61c is a guide hole, 63 is an opening / closing toggle mechanism, 63a is a rotating shaft, 63b is a rotating plate, 63c and 63d are driven arms, 63e and 63f are holding members, 64 is a holder drive block, 65a and 65b are support blocks, 65c and 65d are connecting plates, 66a and 66b are connecting rods, 67 is a cutting device, 67a is a support plate, 67b is a slider, 67c and 67d are guide rods, and 68 is a cutting knife. In the end seal cutting device 60, the heater blocks 61 and 62, into which the cartridge heaters 43a (43a1, 43a2) and 53a (53a1, 53a2) are embedded, are provided with central grooves 61a and 62a. The heater block 61 is attached to the lower side of the heater block holder 61b, and the heater block holder 61b is provided with a guide hole 61c. The heater block 62 is attached to the upper side of the heater block holder 62b, and a retaining member 63e is attached to the lower side of the heater block holder 62b. The heater block holder 61b is connected to the holder drive block 64 by connecting rods 66a and 66b, the heater block holder 62b is connected to the holder drive block 64 via an opening / closing toggle mechanism 63 and is slidably supported by the connecting rods 66a and 66b, the connecting rods 66a and 66b are slidably supported by support blocks 65a and 65b, the support blocks 65a and 65b are connected by connecting plates 64c and 64d, and a retaining member 63f is attached to the upper surface of the holder drive block 64. In the opening / closing toggle mechanism 63, a rotating plate 63b is attached to the rotating shaft 63a, one end of driven arms 63c and 63d is rotatably attached to both ends of the rotating arm 63b, the other end of driven arm 63c is rotatably attached to a holding member 63e, the other end of driven arm 463d is rotatably attached to a holding member 63f, and the rotating shaft 63a is connected via a reduction gear 13d to a servo motor 13a (23a) for opening and closing the heater block. The cutting device 67 consists of a support plate 67a, an air cylinder 33a attached to the upper side of the support plate 67a, guide rods 67c and 67d attached to the lower side of the support plate 67a, a slider 67b slidably supported by the guide rods 67c and 67d, a cutting knife 68 attached to the slider 67b, and the like. The tip of the piston rod 33a1 of the air cylinder 33a is attached to the slider 67b, and the tips of the guide rods 67c and 67d are attached to the inner surface of the guide hole 61c of the heater block holder 61b.

[0017] In the end seal cutting device 60, when the servo motor 13a (23a) rotates the rotation axis 63a of the opening / closing toggle mechanism 63 and rotates the rotating plate 63b, the heater block holder 62b moves along the connecting rods 66a, 66b via the driven arm 63c. At the same time, the holder drive block 64 moves via the driven arm 63d, causing the connecting rods 66a, 66b to move along the support blocks 65a, 65b, and the heater block holder 61b moves in the opposite direction to the heater block holder 62b. This causes the heater block 61 and heater block 62 to open and close (reach and close). Furthermore, in the cutting device 67, by operating the air cylinder 33a, the slider 67b moves along the guide rods 67c and 67d inside the guide hole 61c of the heater block holder 61b via the piston rod 33a1, and the cutting knife 68 attached to the slider 67b moves. Then, when the heater blocks 61 and 62 are closed, an end seal is applied to the tubular continuous film (not shown) with a center seal, the air cylinder 33a of the cutting device 67 is activated, and the cutting knife 67 pops out of the central groove 61a of the heater block 61 and enters the central groove 62b of the heater block 62, cutting the tubular continuous film with the end seal applied and creating a package filled with the product to be packaged.

[0018] Next, we will explain the operation of the predictive maintenance device 4 for the drive equipment shown in Figure 1, the operation of the servo motor predictive maintenance devices 14 and 24 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the operation of the air cylinder predictive maintenance device 34 shown in Figure 4, and the operation of the heater predictive maintenance devices 44 and 54 shown in Figures 5 and 6. [Operation of Predictive Maintenance Device 4 for Drive Equipment] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the predictive maintenance device 4, and the operation of the predictive maintenance device 4 will be explained below. First, when drive energy is supplied from the drive energy supply unit 2 to the drive device 3 and the drive device 3 is operating normally, the drive energy change acquisition unit 5 acquires the change in the drive energy supplied to the drive device 3 (S1). Next, the pre-indication determination unit 6 determines whether or not there are signs of malfunction in the drive device 3 based on the change in drive energy of the drive device 3 acquired by the drive energy change acquisition unit 5 (S2). Next, the judgment result output unit 7 outputs the judgment result from the predictive judgment unit 6 (S3). For example, if the predictive detection unit 6 determines that there are signs of malfunction in the drive device 3, the determination result output unit 7 outputs an alarm indicating that there are signs of malfunction in the drive device 3. Furthermore, if the predictive detection unit 6 determines that there are no signs of malfunction in the drive device 3, the determination result output unit 7 will either output nothing as a determination result, or output that there are no signs of malfunction in the drive device 3.

[0019] [Operation of the servo motor predictive maintenance device 14] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the servo motor predictive maintenance device 14, and the operation of the servo motor predictive maintenance device 14 will be explained below. First, the power supply 12 supplies drive current to the servo mechanism 13 (servo motor 13a), and while the servo motor 13a is operating normally, the current value acquisition unit 15 continuously acquires the current value of the drive current supplied to the servo motor 13a and sends the acquired current value to the calculation control unit 16 (S11). Specifically, in the current value acquisition unit 15, the transmission unit 15a continuously acquires the current value of the drive current supplied from the servo amplifier 13b to the servo motor 13a, transmits it to the reception unit 15b via the communication line 15c, and the reception unit 15b sends the received current value to the calculation control device 16. Next, the comparison and determination unit 16a of the arithmetic control device 16 compares the drive current waveform, which represents the time change in the drive current value of the servo motor 13a acquired by the current value acquisition unit 15, with the reference current waveform stored in the reference current waveform storage unit 16b (S12). Then, the comparison and determination unit 16a determines whether the degree of change of the drive current waveform relative to the reference current waveform exceeds a predetermined range (S13). If it determines that it does, it determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the servo motor 13a (S14). This determination result is sent to the alarm device 17, which displays an alarm indicating that there is a sign of malfunction (S15), and the process ends. On the other hand, in step S13, if the comparison determination unit 16a determines that the degree of change of the drive current waveform relative to the reference current waveform does not exceed a predetermined range, it determines that there is no indication of malfunction in the servo motor 13a (S16), and terminates the process without displaying a warning in the alarm device 17.

[0020] Here, we will explain the reference current waveform stored in the reference current waveform storage unit 16b, the drive current waveform of the servo motor 13a acquired by the current value acquisition unit 15, and the determination method in the comparison determination unit 16a. Figure 12(a) is a graph showing the speed change when the servo motor 13a performs the opening and closing operation of the heater blocks 61 and 62 of the end seal cutting device 60, and Figure 12(b) is a graph showing the change in the current value of the drive current supplied to the servo motor 13a when the servo motor 13a rotates at the speed change shown in Figure 12(a). In Figure 12(a), the vertical axis represents speed, and in Figure 12(b), the vertical axis represents the current value. In Figures 12(a) and (b), the horizontal axis represents time. In the figures, ws is the speed waveform and wa1 is the reference current waveform. As shown in the velocity waveform ws in Figure 12(a), the servo motor 13a performs the closing operation of the heater blocks 61 and 62 by accelerating, rotating at a constant speed, and decelerating during time t0 to t1, performs the sealing operation (pressing the heater blocks 61 and 62 together) without rotating during time t1 to t2, and performs the opening operation of the heater blocks 61 and 62 by accelerating, rotating at a constant speed, and decelerating during time t2 to t3. At this time, the time change in the value of the drive current supplied to the servo motor 13a is as shown by the reference current waveform wa1 in Figure 12(b). In this case, the reason why the value of the drive current is at its maximum during time t1 to t2, even though the rotation speed of the servo motor 13a is 0, is that the heater blocks 61 and 62 are pressed together with a constant pressure in order to perform the sealing operation. The reference current waveform wa1 shown in Figure 12(b) represents the change in the current value of the drive current when there are no malfunctions in the equipment such as the reduction gear that operates due to the rotation of the servo motor 13a, and the reference current waveform wa1 is stored in the reference current waveform storage unit 16b.

[0021] Figure 13(a) is a graph showing an example of the change in current value (drive current waveform) acquired by the current value acquisition unit 15 when a malfunction occurs in equipment operated by the rotation of the servo motor 13a. Figure 13(b) is a graph showing the change in the current value difference, which is the difference between the current value shown in Figure 12(b) and the current value shown in Figure 13(a). In Figure 13(a), the vertical axis represents the current value, and in Figure 13(b), the vertical axis represents the current value difference. In Figures 13(a) and (b), the horizontal axis represents time. In the figures, wa2 is the drive current waveform, fr1, fr2, and fr3 are the waveform change sections, and wd1, wd2, and wd3 are the current value difference waveforms. Even when the servo motor 13a is operating normally, if defects such as wear on the gearhead of the reduction gear 13d or lack of lubrication in the bearings occur, the drive current waveform of the servo motor 13a will change from a reference current waveform wa1 to a drive current waveform wa2, which is formed by waveform change sections fr1, fr2, and fr3, as shown in Figure 13(a). Then, by taking the difference between the reference current waveform wa1 and the drive current waveform wa2, the current value difference waveforms wd1, wd2, and wd3 shown in Figure 13(b) are obtained. In step s13, the comparison and determination unit 16a determines whether the maximum value of any of the current difference waveforms wd1, wd2, or wd3 exceeds a predetermined range of ±ds. If it exceeds this range, it determines that there is a malfunction in the servo motor 13a (S14). If it does not exceed this range, it determines that there is no malfunction in the servo motor 13a (S16). In Figure 13(b), the maximum value of the current difference waveform wd3 exceeds ds, so the comparison and determination unit 16a determines that there is a malfunction in the servo motor 13a. Alternatively, the drive current waveform display unit may display the drive current waveform wa2 and current value difference waveforms wd1, wd2, and wd3 as shown in Figures 13(a) and (b), and the predetermined range setting unit may set a predetermined range of ±ds. Even when the servo motor 13a is operating normally, if defects such as wear on the gearhead of the reduction gear 13d or lack of lubrication in the bearings occur, the drive current waveform wa2 will change relative to the reference current waveform wa1. If the degree of change exceeds a predetermined range, it can be determined that there is a sign of malfunction in the servo motor 13a, and the servo motor 13a can be maintained.

[0022] [Operation of the servo motor predictive maintenance device 24] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the servo motor predictive maintenance device 24, and the operation of the servo motor predictive maintenance device 24 will be explained below. First, the power supply 22 supplies drive current to the servo mechanism 23 (servo motor 23a), and while the servo motor 23a is operating normally, the position deviation acquisition unit 25 acquires accumulated pulses (position deviations) and sends the acquired accumulated pulses (position deviations) to the calculation control unit 26 (S21). Specifically, in the position deviation acquisition unit 25, the transmission unit 25a continuously acquires the accumulated pulses (position deviations) stored in the deviation counter of the servo amplifier 23b, transmits them to the reception unit 25b via the communication line 25c, and the reception unit 25b sends the received accumulated pulses (position deviations) to the calculation control unit 26. Next, the position deviation determination unit 26a of the calculation control device 26 determines whether the accumulated pulses (position deviation) acquired by the position deviation acquisition unit 25 exceed a predetermined range (S22). If it determines that it exceeds the range, it determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the servo motor 23a (S23). This determination result is sent to the alarm device 27, which displays an alarm indicating that there is a sign of malfunction (S24), and the process ends. On the other hand, in step S22, if the position deviation determination unit 26a determines that the accumulated pulses (position deviation) do not exceed a predetermined range, it determines that there is no indication of malfunction in the servo motor 23a (S25), and terminates the process without displaying a warning in the alarm device 27. The accumulated pulses (position deviation) acquired by the position deviation acquisition unit 25 represent the rotational deviation from the command of the servo motor 23a. Even when the servo motor 23a is operating normally, if defects such as wear on the gearhead of the reduction gear 13d or lack of lubrication in the bearings occur, the accumulated pulses (position deviation) will increase. If the accumulated pulses (position deviation) exceed a predetermined range, it can be determined that there is a sign of malfunction in the servo motor 23a, and the servo motor 23a can be maintained.

[0023] [Operation of the air cylinder predictive maintenance device 34] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air cylinder predictive maintenance device 34, and the operation of the air cylinder predictive maintenance device 34 will be explained below. The air cylinder predictive maintenance device 34 functions when operating the cutting device 67 of the end seal cutting unit 60. First, in the air cylinder operating mechanism 33, the solenoid valve 33c is activated, causing compressed air supplied from the compressor 32 via the flow meter 33b and piping 33d1 to flow into the pressure chamber 33a2 of the air cylinder 33a via piping 33d2. The air in the open chamber 33a3 is then discharged from the solenoid valve 33b via piping 33d3, thereby moving the piston rod 33a1 to activate the cutting device 67, and then stopping the movement of the piston rod 33a1. In this state, the flow rate acquisition unit 35 acquires the flow rate of compressed air flowing through the pipe 33d1 measured by the flow meter 33b as the leakage amount, and sends the acquired leakage amount of compressed air to the calculation control device 36 (S31). In this case, if an air leak occurs from the pressure chamber 33a2, which causes a malfunction of the air cylinder 33a, compressed air is supplied from the compressor 32 to the pressure chamber 33a2 via the flow meter 33b, piping 33d1, and 33d2, and the flow rate of the compressed air flowing into the pressure chamber 33a2 is measured by the flow meter 33b as the amount of leak. Next, the air leak detection unit 36a of the calculation control device 36 determines whether the amount of compressed air leaking acquired by the flow rate acquisition unit 35 exceeds a predetermined range (for example, several milliliters / minute) (S32). If it determines that it exceeds the limit, it determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the air cylinder 33a (S33). This determination result is sent to the alarm device 27, and the alarm device 37 displays an alarm indicating that there is a sign of malfunction (S34), and the process ends. On the other hand, in step S32, if the air leak detection unit 36a determines that the amount of compressed air leaked by the flow rate acquisition unit 35 does not exceed a predetermined range, it determines that there are no signs of malfunction in the air cylinder 33a (S35), and terminates the process without displaying a warning in the alarm device 37. Even when the air cylinder 33a is operating normally, if there is even a small amount of air leakage from the pressure chamber 33a2, the amount of leakage can be measured by the flow meter 33b. If the amount of leakage measured by the flow meter 33b and acquired by the flow rate acquisition unit 35 exceeds a predetermined range, it is determined that there is a sign of malfunction in the air cylinder 33a, and the air cylinder 33a can be repaired.

[0024] [Operation of Heater Predictive Maintenance Device 44] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the heater predictive maintenance device 44, and the operation of the heater predictive maintenance device 44 will be explained below. First, the heater drive circuit 43 In this configuration, a drive current is supplied from the power supply 42 to the cartridge heater 43a via the SSR 43c and ammeter 43b, causing the cartridge heater 43a to heat up and maintain the heater blocks 61 and 62 at the sealing temperature. Then, the current value acquisition unit 45 continuously acquires the current value of the drive current supplied to the cartridge heater 43a, which is measured by the ammeter 43b, and sends the acquired current value to the calculation control unit 46 (S41). In this case, as the cartridge heater 43a begins to deteriorate, the change in the current value of the drive current supplied to the cartridge heater 43a for maintaining the heater blocks 61 and 62 at the sealing temperature becomes larger. Next, the current value change determination unit 46a of the arithmetic control device 46 determines whether the change in the current value acquired by the current value acquisition unit 45 exceeds a predetermined range (for example, a few percent of the reference value) (S42). If it determines that it exceeds the range, it determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater 43a (S43). This determination result is sent to the alarm device 47, which displays an alarm indicating that there is a sign of malfunction (S44), and the process ends. On the other hand, in step S42, if the current value change determination unit 46a determines that the change in the current value acquired by the current value acquisition unit 45 does not exceed a predetermined range, it determines that there is no indication of malfunction in the cartridge heater 43a (S45), and terminates the process without displaying a warning in the alarm device 47. Even when the heater blocks 61 and 62 are maintained at the sealing temperature and the sealing operation is performed normally, if the cartridge heater 43a begins to deteriorate, the change in the value of the drive current supplied to the cartridge heater 43a to maintain the heater blocks 61 and 62 at the sealing temperature will increase. If this change in the value of the drive current exceeds a predetermined range, it can be determined that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater 43a, and measures can be taken to maintain the cartridge heater 43a.

[0025] [Operation of Heater Predictive Maintenance Device 54] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the heater predictive maintenance device 54, and the operation of the heater predictive maintenance device 54 will be explained below. First, the seal temperature control device 53 supplies drive current from the power supply 52 to the cartridge heater 53a via the SSR 53c and ammeter 53b, causing the cartridge heater 53a to generate heat and raise the temperature of the heater blocks 61 and 62 to the seal temperature. The temperature sensor 53d detects the temperature of the heater blocks 61 and 62, and the temperature controller 53e controls the on / off supply of drive current to the cartridge heater 53a to maintain the heater blocks 61 and 62 at the seal temperature. Then, the temperature acquisition unit 55 continuously acquires the temperature of the heater block detected by the temperature sensor 53d and sends the acquired temperature to the calculation control unit 56 (S51). In this case, when the cartridge heater 53a begins to deteriorate, the temperature fluctuations (frequency of change) of the heater blocks 61 and 62 become larger, and the time it takes to reach the sealing temperature increases. Next, the temperature change determination unit 56a of the calculation control device 56 determines whether the temperature change acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 55 (for example, temperature fluctuations or the time to reach the sealing temperature) exceeds a predetermined range (S52). If it determines that it does, it determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater 53a (S53). This determination result is sent to the alarm device 57, which displays an alarm indicating that there is a sign of malfunction (S54), and the process ends. On the other hand, in step S52, if the temperature change determination unit 56a determines that the change in the current value acquired by the current value acquisition unit 45 does not exceed a predetermined range, it determines that there is no indication of malfunction in the cartridge heater 53a (S55), and terminates the process without displaying a warning in the alarm device 57. Even when the heater blocks 61 and 62 are maintained at the sealing temperature and the sealing operation is performed normally, if the cartridge heater 43a begins to deteriorate, the temperature fluctuations of the heater blocks 61 and 62 will increase, and the time it takes to reach the sealing temperature will lengthen. Therefore, if the temperature change of the heater blocks 61 and 62 exceeds a predetermined range, it can be determined that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater 53a, and measures can be taken to maintain the cartridge heater 53a. [Industrial applicability]

[0026] The heater predictive maintenance system for packaging machines of the present invention can detect changes that indicate deterioration or malfunction before they occur in the cartridge heater of the heater block used in the packaging machine, thereby ensuring the maintenance of the cartridge heater. It can be used in horizontal pillow packaging machines, vertical pillow packaging machines, overwrapping packaging machines, wrapping packaging machines, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0027] 1. Predictive maintenance system 2. Drive energy supply unit 3. Drive equipment 4. Predictive maintenance device 5. Drive energy change detection unit 6. Precursor detection unit 7. Output section for judgment results 11.21 Servo motor predictive maintenance system 12, 22 Power supply 13, 23 Servo mechanism 13a, 23a Servo motors 13b, 23b Servo Amplifier 13c, 23c controllers, 13d reducer 14, 24 Servo motor predictive maintenance device 15, 25 Current value acquisition section 15a, 25a Transmitter section 15b, 25b Receiver 15c, 25c communication lines, 16, 26 Arithmetic Control Unit 16a, 26a Comparison / judgment section 16b, 26b Reference current waveform storage section 17, 27, 37, 47, 57 alarm 31. Air Cylinder Predictive Maintenance System 32 Compressors 33. Air cylinder operating mechanism 33a Air Cylinder 33a1 Piston rod 33a2 Pressure chamber 33a3 Open room 33b flow meter 33c Solenoid valve 33d1~33d3 Piping, 34. Air Cylinder Predictive Maintenance Device 35 Flow rate acquisition section 36. Arithmetic Control Unit 36a Air leak detection unit 41, 51 Heater Predictive Maintenance System 42, 52 Power supply 43 Heater drive circuit 43a, 43a1, 43a2, 53a, 53a1, 53a2 cartridge heaters 43b, 53b ammeter 43c, 53c SSR 44, 54 Heater Predictive Maintenance Device 45 Current Value Acquisition Unit 46, 56 Arithmetic Control Unit 46a Current value change determination unit 53. Seal temperature control device 53d Temperature Sensor 53e temperature controller 60 End seal cutting device 61, 62 Heater Blocks 61a, 62a center groove 61b, 62b Heater block holder 61c Guide hole 63 Opening / Closing Toggle Mechanism 63a Rotation axis 63b Rotating plate 63c, 63d Driven Arm 63e, 63f Retaining members 64 Holder drive block 65a, 65b Support Blocks 65c, 65d connecting plate 66a, 66b Connecting rods 67 Cutting device 67a Support plate 67b Slider 67c, 67d Guide Rod 68 Cutting Knives

Claims

[Claim 1] A heater predictive maintenance system for a packaging machine, comprising a heater drive circuit and a heater predictive maintenance device, The packaging machine is equipped with a sealing device that seals a tubular continuous film using a pair of heater blocks that perform opening and closing operations. The heater drive circuit includes a cartridge heater embedded in each of the pair of heater blocks, means for turning on and off a drive current supplied from a power source, and an ammeter for measuring the current value of the drive current when the means for turning on is turned on and the drive current is supplied to the cartridge heater, causing the pair of heater blocks to rise to a seal temperature and maintain that seal temperature. The heater predictive maintenance device is a heater predictive maintenance system for a packaging machine, comprising: a current value acquisition unit that continuously acquires the current value measured by the ammeter; a current value change determination unit that determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater when, in a state in which the drive current supplied to the cartridge heater to maintain the pair of heater blocks at the sealing temperature is increased and the change in the current value acquired by the current value acquisition unit exceeds a predetermined range, the heater predictive maintenance device for a packaging machine is comprising: a current value acquisition unit that continuously acquires the current value measured by the ammeter; a current value change determination unit that determines that there is a sign of malfunction in the cartridge heater when, in a state in which the drive current is supplied to the cartridge heater from the power supply via the on / off means and the ammeter, the pair of heater blocks are maintained at the sealing temperature, and the pair of heater blocks are closed, a normal sealing operation is performed on the tubular continuous film; and a determination result output unit that outputs the determination result of the current value change determination unit.

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