Conveying device and boxing device

Abstract

To provide a boxing device that can improve reliability of folding operation of connected package items consisting of multiple bags which are consecutive one after another.SOLUTION: A boxing device that packs connected package items consisting of multiple bags which are consecutive one after another has a first conveyor that conveys the connected package items downstream, an abutment member that abuts from below against a part of the connected package items conveyed by the first conveyor and applies a force from above on the first conveyor and a folding member that folds the connected package items so that the bags that constitute the connected package items overlap one another.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveying device and a boxing device for a packaged product in which a plurality of bags are continuously connected.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic boxing device for continuous packaging bags. This automatic boxing device has a bag fixing means for adsorbing and fixedly holding a plurality of bags located at the longitudinal center of the header-attached continuous packaging bags arranged between conveyor belts from below.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the automatic boxing device described in Patent Document 1 adsorbs and fixes a plurality of bags arranged on the conveyor belt from below, even if the stop position of the conveyor belt is slightly shifted, the continuous packaging bags cannot move from that position. Therefore, when folding with the folding claws, the folding position may remain shifted, and there is a possibility of folding errors.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a conveying device and a boxing device that can improve the certainty of the folding operation of a packaged product in which a plurality of bags are continuously connected.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A conveying device according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes a first conveyor for conveying a continuous package downstream, a contact member that contacts a portion of the continuous package conveyed by the first conveyor from below and applies an upward force to the first conveyor, and a folding member that folds the continuous package so that the bags constituting the continuous package are overlapping.

[0007] A conveying device according to a second aspect of this disclosure includes a first conveyor for conveying a continuous package downstream, a folding member for folding the continuous package so that the bags constituting the continuous package are overlapping, and a suction conveying unit for receiving the continuous package from the first conveyor and conveying it by suction, wherein the suction conveying unit has a first suction unit, each having one or more suction nozzles, a second suction unit, and an elastic pressing unit between the first and second suction units.

[0008] A conveying device according to a third aspect of this disclosure includes a first conveyor for conveying a continuous package downstream, a folding member for folding the continuous package so that the bags constituting the continuous package are overlapping, a suction conveying unit for receiving the continuous package from the first conveyor and conveying it by suction, and a second conveyor for receiving the folded continuous package from the suction conveying unit, accumulating and conveying the products, wherein the suction conveying unit, after receiving the continuous package from the first conveyor, rotates the continuous package by 90 degrees and hands it over to the second conveyor.

[0009] The conveying device in the fourth aspect of this disclosure is the conveying device described in the third aspect, wherein the second conveyor is higher at both ends than at the center when viewed from the conveying direction.

[0010] The conveying device in the fifth aspect of this disclosure is the conveying device described in the first aspect, wherein the contact member lifts a portion of the continuous packaged product off the first conveyor.

[0011] The conveying device according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure is the conveying device according to the first and fifth aspects, wherein the contact member causes a valley to form between the Nth bag adjacent to the contact position and the N+1th bag located next to that bag.

[0012] The conveying device according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure is the conveying device according to the second aspect, wherein the contact member contacts the approximate center of the continuous package with respect to the conveying direction of the continuous package.

[0013] The conveying device in the eighth aspect of this disclosure is the conveying device according to the second aspect, wherein the pressing portion is formed by folding a rubber or Bancoran sheet into a semicircular shape.

[0014] The conveying device in the ninth aspect of this disclosure is the conveying device described in the first to eighth aspects, wherein the continuous package consists of four bags.

[0015] The boxing device in the tenth aspect of this disclosure is a boxing device that further comprises a gripping unit for gripping a series of folded products using a folding member and packing them into a box, in addition to the conveying device described in any of the first to eighth aspects. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The boxing apparatus in this disclosure can improve the reliability of the folding operation of bundled products, in which multiple bags are connected to form a bundle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the boxing device 1 in this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view of the boxing device 1. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the folding operation of the continuous packaging in the boxing device 1 in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the operation of the suction transport unit 3 in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a detailed view of the second conveyor in this embodiment. [Figure 6] These are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the second conveyor in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. The inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0019] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0020] (1: Overall Outline) Hereinafter, the packing device 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the packing device 1 in this embodiment.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, an inlet area 11 for taking in the continuous package 5 and an outlet area 12 for discharging the packing box 6 that has accommodated a plurality of continuous packages 5 are provided in the frame 10 of the packing device 1. Here, the continuous package 5 means an article in which a plurality of bags are continuously connected to form a continuous package. In this embodiment, the bags forming the continuous package 5 are partitioned into four bags, namely the first bag 51, the second bag 52, the third bag 53, and the fourth bag 54 by heat-sealing the packaging material, but the number of bags is not limited to this, and any number such as 6 or 7 may be used. For example, in the case of 6 bags, it is folded in three folds so that two bags overlap each other. Further, an empty bag called a header may be attached to the continuous package 5. If it has a header, a hook can be hung on the continuous package 5 without damaging the product bags during in-store display.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the packing device 1 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the packing device 1 has a first conveyor 21 and a second conveyor 23 as a conveying mechanism.

[0023] The first conveyor 21 is a mechanism for transporting the packaged goods 5, and is composed of, for example, a belt conveyor. The first conveyor 21 is arranged parallel to the transport direction, with a gap formed in the center. Here, this gap is formed at a narrower interval than the width of the packaged goods 5. Therefore, even if the packaged goods 5 are transported by the first conveyor 21, the packaged goods 5 will not fall into the gap. In addition, the first conveyor 21 is driven while synchronizing the transport speed of each section. In other words, the first conveyor 21 transports the packaged goods 5 at a uniform speed so that the posture of the packaged goods 5 is not disturbed.

[0024] The suction conveying unit 3 grasps the bundled products 5 that have been conveyed by the first conveyor 21 and folded by the action of the first folding member 204 and the second folding member 206, which will be described later. The suction conveying unit 3 then transfers the grasped bundled products 5 to the second conveyor 23. At this time, the suction conveying unit 3 transfers the bundled products 5 to the second conveyor 23 while rotating them 90 degrees horizontally, while keeping them folded. Furthermore, the bundled products 5 being transferred to the second conveyor 23 are transferred in a group adjacent to each other, anticipating that they will be packed into boxes 6 by the gripping unit 4. Specifically, the suction conveying unit 3 transfers bundled products 5 adjacent to bundled products 5 transferred at a specific timing, and then transfers bundled products 5 at the next timing to the second conveyor 23, thereby forming a stack of bundled products 50.

[0025] The second conveyor 23 further transports the bundled products 5 transferred by the suction transport unit 3 downstream. The gripping unit 4 grips the bundled products 5 being transported by the second conveyor 23 in groups of bundled products 50 and packs them into boxes 6.

[0026] (2-1: Explanation of the folding operation of the bundled product 5) The folding operation of the continuous package 5 in the boxing device 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0027] The continuous packaging 5 consists of multiple bags connected in a row. Therefore, compared to a single bag, the length of the continuous packaging 5 is longer in the direction of transport. In this case, it is difficult to pack the continuous packaging 5 directly into the box 6, so it is necessary to fold the continuous packaging 5.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates the folding operation of the continuous package in the boxing device 1 in this embodiment. Here, Figure 3(a) illustrates the state before the contact member 202 comes into contact with the continuous package 5. On the other hand, Figure 3(b) illustrates the state after the contact member 202 has come into contact with the continuous package 5.

[0029] The box packing device 1 includes a first drive unit 201, a contact member 202, a second drive unit 203, a first folding member 204, a third drive unit 205, and a second folding member 206 to perform a folding operation.

[0030] The first drive unit 201 is a component that drives the contact member 202. The first drive unit 201 is composed of, for example, an air cylinder. The first drive unit 201 moves the contact member 202 in the vertical direction, thereby switching between a first state in which the contact member 202 shown in Figure 3(b) comes into contact with the seal portion at the boundary between the second bag 52 and the third bag 53 of the packaged goods 5 and applies upward force, and a second state in which it does not come into contact with the packaged goods 5 shown in Figure 3(a). Here, the uppermost vertical end of the contact member 202 in the second state is lower than the conveying surface of the first conveyor 21. This prevents the conveying operation of the packaged goods 5 from being obstructed when the packaged goods 5 are being conveyed.

[0031] The contact member 202 is moved by the first drive unit 201 and is a member that contacts the seal portion at the boundary between the second bag 52 and the third bag 53 of the packaged goods 5. The contact member 202 is made of, for example, a roughly cylindrical stainless steel member. When the contact member 202 contacts the seal portion at the boundary between the second bag 52 and the third bag 53 of the packaged goods 5, the packaged goods 5 is folded back near the center and positioned on the first conveyor 21. In other words, the packaged goods 5 becomes difficult to move upstream or downstream in the conveying direction. Also, when the contact member 202 contacts the packaged goods 5, a part of the packaged goods 5 is lifted off the first conveyor 21. In other words, when the contact member 202 is in contact with the packaged goods 5, the sealing portion between the second bag 52 and the third bag 53 changes to a mountain-like shape with the contact position of the contact member 202 as the apex.

[0032] The second drive unit 203 is a component that drives the first folding member 204. The third drive unit 205 is a component that drives the second folding member 206.

[0033] The first folding member 204 is driven by the second drive unit 203, contacts the first bag 51 of the packaged goods 5 which has changed into a mountain shape, and folds onto the second bag 52. The second folding member 206 is driven by the third drive unit 205, contacts the fourth bag 54, and folds onto the third bag 53.

[0034] Here, the sealed portion between the second bag 52 and the third bag 53 takes on a mountain-like shape with the contact position of the contact member 202 as its peak, thereby positioning the continuous package 5. However, since the position of the continuous package 5 is not completely fixed, even if the transport position of the continuous package 5 shifts slightly and stops, the sealed portion between the first bag 51 and the second bag 52 and the sealed portion between the third bag 53 and the fourth bag 54 will move slightly, making it easier for valleys to form in the sealed portion between the first bag 51 and the second bag 52 and the sealed portion between the third bag 53 and the fourth bag 54 when the first and second folding members 204 and 206 come into contact with the continuous package 5. Note that the bags that the first folding member 204 and the second folding member 206 come into contact with are not limited to the above configuration, and may also be configured to come into contact with the next bag (second bag 52, third bag 53) that is continuously arranged with the bag located furthest upstream or downstream.

[0035] (2-2: Explanation of the transfer operation of the suction transport unit 3) Figure 4 illustrates the operation of the suction conveying unit 3 approaching the folded continuous package 5 and gripping it with suction. The suction conveying unit 3 has a first suction unit 31 that sucks up the first bag 51 and a second suction unit 32 that sucks up the second bag 52. The first suction unit 31 and the second suction unit 32 are each equipped with suction nozzles consisting of multiple bellows-shaped rubber hoses, and each suction nozzle is connected to an intake pump that generates negative pressure via a duct. The first and second suction units 31 and 32 suck up the continuous package 5, raise the robot arm, and move it onto the second conveyor 23 while rotating it 90 degrees horizontally. By lowering the robot arm and releasing the suction, the continuous package 5 is transferred to the second conveyor 23. By repeating this operation multiple times while moving the second conveyor 23, a stack of continuous packages 50 can be made.

[0036] Furthermore, between the first suction part 31 and the second suction part 32, there is a pressing part 33 made of a rubber sheet or Bancoran sheet folded into a semicircular shape. The pressing part 33 is elastic and is taller than the first and second suction parts 31 and 32, so when the suction transport part 3 approaches the packaged product 5, it presses down on the central part of the packaged product 5 at a position opposite to the aforementioned contact part 202. This prevents the packaged product 5, once folded, from opening again.

[0037] (2-3: Explanation of the accumulation operation on the second conveyor belt 23) Figures 5 and 6 show the structure of the second conveyor 23. The second conveyor 23 consists of a conveyor belt 231, a support section 232 that supports the conveyor belt 231, a motor 233, a transmission section 234 that transmits power from the motor 233, and rollers 235 that are rotated by the transmission section 234. The support section 232 has a greater vertical height at both ends than at the center in the direction intersecting the conveying direction. As a result, the cross-section of the conveyor belt 231, when viewed from the conveying direction, is approximately U-shaped. The folded packaged goods 5 are transferred by the suction conveying section 3 so that their longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the second conveyor 23. The second conveyor 23 is driven a predetermined distance once the packaged goods 5 are placed on the conveyor belt 231. Then, subsequent packaged goods 5 are further transferred by the suction conveying section 3. This operation is repeated until a predetermined number of bundled items 50 have been accumulated, at which point the conveyor belt 231 is driven to a position where the bundled items 50 can be gripped by the gripping unit 4.

[0038] The transferred connected packages 5 are held down at both ends by a conveyor belt 231 with a roughly U-shaped cross-section, preventing them from unfolding again due to impacts during transport. The stacked connected packages 50 may consist of multiple folded connected packages 5 adjacent to each other without overlapping, or they may overlap to some extent, creating a so-called sashimi-like arrangement. The number of connected packages 5 constituting the stacked connected packages 50 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the box.

[0039] (2-4: Explanation of the packing mechanism's operation) The gripping unit 4 consists of a suction head (not shown), a lifting mechanism for moving the suction head up and down, and a sliding mechanism for moving it horizontally. The gripping unit 4 lowers the suction head using the lifting mechanism to hold the stacked bundled products 50 that have been transported by the second conveyor 23, and after rising, slides it in the opposite direction to the movement by the suction transport unit 3. A cardboard box 6 with its opening facing upward is waiting directly below the moved suction head, and the lifting mechanism is activated to lower the suction head and pack the products into the box. This packing operation is repeated a predetermined number of times, and once a predetermined quantity of bundled products 5 have been packed, the box 6 is unloaded and the next box 6 is placed in the waiting position.

[0040] By packing the stacked

[0041] (3: Summary) The boxing device 1 in this embodiment includes a folding mechanism for folding a continuous package 5 consisting of multiple bags connected in a row, a first conveyor 21 for transporting the continuous package 5 downstream, a contact member 202 that contacts a portion of the continuous package 5 transported by the first conveyor 21 from below and applies an upward force on the first conveyor, first and second folding members 204 and 206 for folding the continuous package 5 so that the bags constituting the continuous package 5 are overlapping, a suction transport unit 3 that receives the continuous package 5 from the first conveyor 21 and transports it by suction, a second conveyor that receives the continuous package 5 from the suction transport unit 3 and accumulates it, and a gripping unit 4 that grips the accumulated continuous package 50 and boxes it.

[0042] As described above, the contact member 202 can directly contact the packaged items 5, thereby ensuring reliable positioning of the packaged items 5. This reduces errors in the folding operation of the first folding member 204 and the second folding member 206. As a result, the reliability of the folding operation of the packaged items 5 is improved.

[0043] Furthermore, the pressing portion 33 provided on the suction transport portion 3 further presses down on the folded continuous package 5, thereby preventing the folded continuous package 5 from opening again.

[0044] Furthermore, by making the height of both ends of the conveyor belt 231 of the second conveyor 21 higher than the center in the direction of transport, the continuous packaging 5, which has been folded once during accumulation and transport, is prevented from unfolding again.

[0045] Therefore, the boxing device 1 in this embodiment can improve the reliability of the folding operation of bundled products, in which multiple bags are connected to form a bundle.

[0046] (4-1: Variation 1) It is also possible to configure a conveying device without a boxing mechanism by utilizing the components that enable the folding operation in the above-described boxing device 1. Specifically, by utilizing the first conveyor 21, the first drive unit 201, the contact member 202, the second drive unit 203, the first folding member 204, the third drive unit 205, and the second folding member 206, a conveying device can be configured that enables folding operation during the conveying operation of the continuous package 5.

[0047] (4-2: Modification 2) In the above embodiment, a substantially cylindrical stainless steel member was used for the contact member 202, but it is not limited to this. For example, an elastic member such as rubber or Bancolan can also be used. This makes it less likely to damage the packaged goods, and the elasticity allows for a tighter fit, enabling more reliable folding. Alternatively, instead of the contact member 202, air may be blown from below using an air jet (not shown). In this case as well, it is less likely to damage the packaged goods, such as by suppressing the occurrence of pinholes.

[0048] (4-3: Modification 3) In the above embodiment, the support portion 232 has a roughly U-shape where both ends are higher in height from the vertical than the central part in the direction intersecting the conveying direction, but the shape of the support portion 232 is not limited to this. For example, a flat support portion 232 can be divided in the middle, and the height of both ends along the conveying direction can be increased to make it roughly V-shaped. Furthermore, by providing a mechanism to slide both ends in the height direction, it may be possible to switch between a state where the height of both ends is increased and a normal flat state manually or automatically. In this case, the box packing device 1 can switch between packing continuous packages 5 and individually packaged products.

[0049] (4-4: Modification 4) In the above embodiment, the first folding member 204 and the second folding member 206 were placed below the first conveyor. However, for example, the first folding member 204 and the second folding member 206 could be placed on the suction transport unit 3, and the continuous packaging bags 5 could be folded while being transported to the second conveyor. In this case, the first and second folding members 204 and 206 would operate to scoop up the bags hanging down from the front / back or left / right direction of the continuous packaging items 5 while they are being transported by the suction transport unit 3, and fold the continuous packaging items 5. This makes it possible to fold the continuous packaging items 5 by using the existing conveyor for bag packaging as is and only replacing the suction transport unit. Furthermore, performing the folding operation while moving from the first conveyor to the second conveyor makes it possible to transport at a higher speed. [Industrial applicability]

[0050] This disclosure is applicable to conveying devices that transport continuous packages of goods. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1. Packing machine 3. Suction and transport section 4 Grip part 5-pack 6 boxes 10 frames 11 Entrance Area 12 Exit Area 21. First Conveyor 23. Second Conveyor 33. Pressing part 51~54 1st bag~4th bag 201 First drive unit 202 Contact Member 203 Second drive unit 204 First folding member 205 Third drive unit 206 Second folding member 231 Conveyor Belt 232 Support part

Claims

1. A conveying device equipped with a folding mechanism for folding a continuous package consisting of multiple bags connected in a row, A first conveyor for transporting the aforementioned packaged goods downstream, A contact member that contacts the sealing portion at the boundary between bags located in the center of the continuous package of products transported by the first conveyor from below, and applies an upward force on the first conveyor, A conveying device comprising a folding member that constitutes the continuous packaging of the product and folds the continuous packaging onto an adjacent bag so that the bag at the end is in an overlapping state.

2. The contact member lifts a portion of the continuous packaged product off the first conveyor, as described in claim 1.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the contact member forms a valley between the Nth bag adjacent to the contact position and the (N+1)th bag located next to that bag.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the contact member contacts the approximate center of the continuous package with respect to the conveying direction of the continuous package.

5. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the continuous packaging consists of four bags.

6. The box packing device according to claim 1, further comprising a gripping part for gripping the folded continuous package of goods and packing them into a box.

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