Bag processing method and bag processing device

Abstract

To provide a bag processing apparatus and a bag processing method which are advantageous for dropping a bag in a desired posture.SOLUTION: A bag processing method includes the steps of: moving a bag B while being held by a first bag holding unit 11 and arranging it at a release position P1; holding the bag B by a second bag holding unit 12 in a state where the bag B arranged at the release position P1 is held by the first holding unit 11; releasing the first bag holding unit 11 from the holding of the bag B in a state where the bag B arranged at the release position P1 is held by the second bag holding unit 12, and moving it to a retreat position that does not overlap with the bag B in a height direction; and releasing the second bag holding unit 12 from the holding of the bag B in a state where the first bag holding unit 11 is positioned at the retreat position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bag processing method and a bag processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the shapes of the bag body and the spout attached to the bag body have diversified (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the spout has a shape protruding laterally from the bag body, the gripper holding the side edge of the bag and the spout may accidentally come into contact. For example, when the bag is released from the gripper and allowed to fall naturally, the spout may contact the gripper, causing the posture of the bag to change from the originally intended state.

[0005] In addition, not only the spout but also the bag body may accidentally come into contact with the gripper. For example, when the bag body has an irregular shape or a locally large thickness, when the bag is released from the gripper and allowed to fall naturally, the protruding part or thick part of the bag body may contact the gripper, causing the posture of the bag to change from the originally intended state.

[0006] If the orientation of the bags deviates from their intended state, various problems can occur in subsequent stages. For example, it may become impossible to properly pick up the bags in the subsequent stages, or to pack the bags into boxes in the correct orientation.

[0007] Furthermore, when a movable processing unit that handles bag processing (e.g., sealing or cooling) holds a bag, the movable processing unit may eventually release the bag, causing it to fall naturally. In this case, the same situation as described above can occur. That is, when the bag is released from the movable processing unit and allowed to fall naturally, the spout or the bag itself may come into contact with the movable processing unit, causing the bag's orientation to change from its originally intended state.

[0008] This disclosure is made in view of the circumstances described above and provides an apparatus and method advantageous for dropping a bag in a desired position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag processing method comprising the steps of: moving a bag while holding it with a first bag holding part to position it at a discharge location; holding the bag with a second bag holding part while the first bag holding part is holding the bag at the discharge location; releasing the first bag holding part from holding the bag and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap the bag in the height direction while the second bag holding part is holding the bag at the discharge location; and releasing the second bag holding part from holding the bag while the first bag holding part is positioned in the retracted position.

[0010] The bag processing method may include the steps of: positioning a movable processing unit for sealing or cooling the bag at a processing position and clamping the bag located at a discharge position with the movable processing unit; and, while the bag located at the discharge position is being held by a second bag holding unit, moving the movable processing unit from the processing position to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag in the height direction.

[0011] Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a bag processing method comprising the steps of: moving a bag while holding it with a first bag holding unit to position it at a discharge position; holding the bag with a movable processing unit for sealing or cooling the bag while the first bag holding unit is holding the bag at the discharge position; releasing the first bag holding unit from holding the bag and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap the bag in the height direction while the movable processing unit is holding the bag at the discharge position; holding the bag with a second bag holding unit while the movable processing unit is holding the bag at the discharge position; releasing the movable processing unit from holding the bag and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap the bag in the height direction while the second bag holding unit is holding the bag at the discharge position; and releasing the second bag holding unit from holding the bag while the first bag holding unit is positioned in the retracted position and the movable processing unit is positioned in the retracted position.

[0012] The first bag holding unit may hold a first holding point of the bag located at the release position, and the second bag holding unit may hold a second holding point of the bag located at the release position that is positioned above the first holding point.

[0013] The bag comprises a bag body and a spout attached to the bag body, and the second bag holding part may hold the bag by supporting the spout in between.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag processing device comprising a movable first bag holder and a second bag holder provided to hold and release a bag, wherein the first bag holder moves the bag while holding it to a release position, the second bag holder holds the bag while the first bag holder is holding the bag in the release position, the first bag holder releases the bag while the second bag holder is holding the bag in the release position and moves to a retracted position where it does not overlap the bag in the height direction, and the second bag holder releases the bag while the first bag holder is positioned in the retracted position.

[0015] Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a bag processing apparatus comprising: a movable first bag holder and a second bag holder provided to hold and release a bag; and a movable movable processing unit provided to hold and release a bag and to seal or cool a bag, wherein the first bag holder moves the bag while holding it to a release position; the movable processing unit holds the bag while the first bag holder is holding the bag in the release position; the first bag holder releases the bag while the movable processing unit is holding the bag in the release position and moves to a retracted position where it does not overlap the bag in the height direction; the second bag holder holds the bag while the movable processing unit is holding the bag in the release position; the movable processing unit releases the bag while the second bag holder is holding the bag in the release position and moves to a retracted position where it does not overlap the bag in the height direction; and the second bag holder releases the bag while the first bag holder is positioned in the retracted position and the movable processing unit is positioned in the retracted position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this disclosure, it is advantageous to drop the bag in a desired position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing an example of a bag processing device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view showing an example of a bag processing device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view showing an example of a bag processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the control configuration for a bag processing device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view of a bag processing device showing an example of bag discharge processing. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of a bag processing device showing an example of bag discharge processing. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view of a bag processing device showing an example of bag discharge processing. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side view of a bag processing device showing an example of bag discharge processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of a bag processing apparatus showing an example of a bag discharging process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a bag processing apparatus showing an example of a bag discharging process.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the bag processing apparatus 10. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the bag processing apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is a top view showing an example of the bag processing apparatus 10.

[0019] The bag processing apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 cools the bag B (particularly the heat-sealed portion) at the discharge position P1 and then discharges the bag B. The bag B has a bag body B1 and a spout B2 attached to the bag body B1 (particularly the inner wall surface).

[0020] The bag body B1 has a front-side body portion B11 and a back-side body portion B12. When the bag B is supplied to the bag processing apparatus 10 (particularly the first bag holding portion 11), the front-side body portion B11 and the back-side body portion B12 are pre-sealed and fixed at both side edges and the bottom edge (the left and right edges and the lower edge in FIG. 1) (see "sealing portion B3" in FIGS. 1 to 3), but are not fixed to each other without being sealed at the mouth edge (the upper edge in FIG. 1). Therefore, the bag B is delivered to the bag processing apparatus 10 (particularly the first bag holding portion 11) in a state where both side edges and the bottom edge are closed and the mouth edge is open. When the bag B is supplied to the bag processing apparatus 10, the bag B may or may not contain contents inside. Also, when the bag B is discharged from the discharge position P1, the bag B may or may not contain contents inside.

[0021] The side of bag B refers to the direction from one side edge to the other, and coincides with the width direction of bag B (left-right direction in Figure 1). The thickness direction of bag B refers to the direction from one of the front body part B11 and the back body part B12 to the other (front direction and depth direction in Figure 1). The up-down direction of bag B refers to the direction from one of the opening edge and the bottom side edge to the other (up-down direction in Figure 1). The height direction coincides with the vertical direction in which gravity acts.

[0022] The spout B2 has a spout channel B21 formed as a through-hole. One end of the spout channel B21 opens at the end of the spout located outside the bag body B1 (i.e., the spout tip B22), and the other end opens on the inside of the bag body B1 (i.e., the inner region partitioned by the front body portion B11 and the back body portion B12). Thus, the inside and outside of the bag B are in communication via the spout channel B21.

[0023] Prior to the release position P1 (for example, at the immediate processing station), bag B undergoes a heat sealing process, and the front body portion B11 and the back body portion B12 are heat-sealed to each other at the mouth edge, and are also heat-sealed to the spout B2. Subsequently, bag B moves to the release position P1 together with the first bag holding portion 11, where it undergoes a cooling process by the movable processing portion 13, cooling the mouth edge of bag B (especially the heat-sealed portion). This increases the bonding strength at the mouth edge of bag B (i.e., the bonding strength of the front body portion B11 and the back body portion B12, and the bonding strength of the bag body B1 to the spout B2), and also improves bonding stability.

[0024] As is clear from Figure 1, the spout B2 of the bag B used in this embodiment has an asymmetrical shape, extending laterally on the outside of the bag body B1, with the spout tip B22 protruding laterally beyond one side edge of the bag B (the left edge in Figure 1). Specifically, the spout tip B22 overlaps in the height direction (up and down direction of the bag B) with one of the first bag holding parts 11 that holds the bag B (the left first bag holding part 11 in Figure 1). In other words, the height projection of the spout B2 partially overlaps with the height projection of one of the first bag holding parts 11 that holds the bag B.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the bag processing device 10 includes a first bag holding unit 11, a second bag holding unit 12, and a movable processing unit 13. Each of the first bag holding unit 11, the second bag holding unit 12, and the movable processing unit 13 is movably provided so as to be able to hold and release the bag B located at the release position P1.

[0026] The first bag holding parts 11 shown in Figures 1 to 3 are provided in the form of a pair of grippers, and each first bag holding part 11 (i.e., each gripper) has a front holding part 11a and a back holding part 11b that are provided to be openable and closable. The front holding part 11a and the back holding part 11b grip both sides of the bag B (especially the seal part B3) from the front and back, so that the bag B is gripped by each first bag holding part 11.

[0027] The two first bag holders 11 can move horizontally (particularly in the width direction of bag B) to be positioned at a first proximity position P11 and a first separation position P12. The two first bag holders 11 positioned at the first proximity position P11 are located relatively close to each other and can grip both side edges of bag B (particularly the sealing portion B3). The two first bag holders 11 positioned at the first separation position P12 are located relatively far from each other and are separated horizontally (particularly to the sides of bag B) from bag B.

[0028] As an example, the apparatus disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-28169 can move and open / close the two first bag holding parts 11 described above. The apparatus disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-28169 can constitute the first holding drive unit 51 (see Figure 4) described later. The contents of the disclosure in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-28169 are incorporated into this specification by reference.

[0029] The second bag holding unit 12 shown in Figures 1 to 3 includes two clamping support units 21 capable of holding the bag B (especially the spout B2), an opening / closing device 23 for opening and closing the two clamping support units 21, and a moving drive device 24 for moving the clamping support units 21 and the opening / closing device 23 in the height direction.

[0030] Each clamping support portion 21 is equipped with a clamping surface member 22. The clamping surface member 22 forms a holding surface that contacts the bag B (especially the spout B2) when the clamping support portion 21 clamps the bag B, and can be made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0031] The opening / closing device 23 opens and closes the two clamping support parts 21, placing the two clamping support parts 21 in a second closed state S21 and a second open state S22. The opening / closing device 23 can employ any device configuration and drive method, for example, the two clamping support parts 21 may be opened and closed via air. With the bag B (specifically the spout B2) positioned between the two clamping support parts 21 (i.e., between the clamping surface members 22), the bag B (specifically the spout B2) is held by the two clamping support parts 21 by closing the two clamping support parts 21 to the second closed state S21. On the other hand, with the bag B (particularly the spout B2) positioned between the two clamping support parts 21 (i.e., between the clamping surface members 22), opening the two clamping support parts 21 to the second open state S22 causes the two clamping support parts 21 to separate from the bag B, and the bag B is released from being held by the two clamping support parts 21.

[0032] The mobile drive device 24 moves the clamping support portion 21 and the opening / closing device 23 up and down as a single unit to position them at the second proximity position P21 and the second separation position P22. The mobile drive device 24 has a mobile drive body 24a and a holding reciprocating shaft 24b that protrudes downward from the mobile drive body 24a, and moves the clamping support portion 21 and the opening / closing device 23 in the height direction by changing the amount of protrusion of the holding reciprocating shaft 24b from the mobile drive body 24a. The mobile drive device 24 can employ any device configuration (e.g., an air cylinder) and drive method, and for example, the amount of protrusion of the holding reciprocating shaft 24b may be changed via air. The clamping support portion 21 positioned at the second proximity position P21 is at the same height as a desired location in the bag B (specifically, the spout B2), and is capable of holding that desired location. On the other hand, the clamping support portion 21 positioned at the second separation position P22 is located above the bag B.

[0033] The movable processing unit 13 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is provided as part of the movable processing unit 33 and has a first movable processing unit 13a and a second movable processing unit 13b. The first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b are cooling bodies and cool the heated sealing portion (specifically the mouth edge) of the bag B by contacting it. The first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b may be actively cooled by a cooling device (not shown), or they may not be actively cooled by a cooling device and may be naturally cooled by air.

[0034] The first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b are supported by a clamping reciprocating shaft 32 (i.e., the first clamping reciprocating shaft 32a and the second clamping reciprocating shaft 32b) via a support and fixing part 31. The first clamping reciprocating shaft 32a and the second clamping reciprocating shaft 32b are provided with a variable amount of horizontal protrusion from a reciprocating main body (not shown) fixedly installed inside the seal box 35. The reciprocating main body and the clamping reciprocating shafts 32 can employ any device configuration (e.g., an air cylinder) and drive method.

[0035] The first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b move horizontally according to the amount of protrusion of the first clamping reciprocating axis 32a and the second clamping reciprocating axis 32b, and are positioned at the third proximity position P31 and the third distance position P32. By positioning the bag B (especially the rim) between the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b, and positioning the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b at the third proximity position P31, the bag B (especially the rim) is brought into contact with the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b and cooled. In this embodiment, the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b can grip the bag B at the third proximity position P31 and hold the bag B in a suspended state. On the other hand, by positioning the bag B (especially the rim) between the first clamping reciprocating axis 32a and the second clamping reciprocating axis 32b, and arranging the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b at the third separated position P32, the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b are separated from the bag B (especially the rim) in the horizontal direction (especially in the thickness direction of the bag B).

[0036] As described above, a spout B2 is provided at the rim of the bag B, and the first movable processing section 13a and the second movable processing section 13b, which are positioned at the third proximity position P31, are in close contact with the spout B2 via the front body portion B11 and the back body portion B12, respectively. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the first movable processing section 13a and the second movable processing section 13b have a surface shape corresponding to the shape of the spout B2, and specifically, they have a locally concave surface shape in the area corresponding to the spout B2.

[0037] The seal box 35 shown in Figure 2 is mounted on the top of the stand 36, and the mobile drive device 24 (particularly the mobile drive body 24a) is attached to it via the mounting part 25. The seal box 35 also supports a retractable body part (not shown) to which the first clamping retractable shaft 32a and the second clamping retractable shaft 32b are mounted so as to be able to protrude. In this way, the seal box 35 supports the second bag holding part 12 and the movable processing part 13. The stand 36 is fixed to a frame (not shown) and extends in the height direction.

[0038] Figure 4 shows an example of the control configuration of the bag processing device 10. The bag processing device 10 includes a control device 50 connected to a first holding drive unit 51, a second holding drive unit 52, and a movable processing drive unit 53.

[0039] The first holding drive unit 51 drives each first bag holding unit 11. Specifically, the first holding drive unit 51 has a first holding movement unit 54 that moves each first bag holding unit 11 and a first holding opening / closing unit 55 that opens and closes each first bag holding unit 11. The second holding drive unit 52 drives the second bag holding unit 12. Specifically, the second holding drive unit 52 has a second holding movement unit 56 that moves the second bag holding unit 12 (particularly the two clamping support units 21) and a second holding opening / closing unit 57 that opens and closes the second bag holding unit 12 (particularly the two clamping support units 21). In this embodiment, the above-described movement drive device 24 corresponds to the second holding movement unit 56, and the above-described opening / closing device 23 corresponds to the second holding opening / closing unit 57. The movable processing drive unit 53 moves the movable processing unit 13 (i.e., the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b) to open and close.

[0040] The specific control method of the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53 by the control device 50 is not limited, but the control device 50 controls the first bag holding unit 11, the second bag holding unit 12, and the movable processing unit 13 to operate in conjunction with each other. For example, the control device 50 may transmit regular synchronization signals to the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53, and the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53 may autonomously perform various operations at timings based on the received synchronization signals. Alternatively, the control device 50 may send various operation signals to each of the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53 at desired timings, and the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53 may perform operations according to the received operation signals.

[0041] Next, an example of a bag processing method (particularly the discharge processing of bag B) performed by the bag processing device 10 will be described. In the following bag processing method, the first bag holding unit 11, the second bag holding unit 12, and the movable processing unit 13 are appropriately driven by the first holding drive unit 51, the second holding drive unit 52, and the movable processing drive unit 53 under the control of the control device 50.

[0042] Figures 5 to 7 are front views of the bag processing device 10 showing an example of the discharge process of bag B. Figures 8 to 10 are side views of the bag processing device 10 showing an example of the discharge process of bag B.

[0043] Bag B is held and transported by two first bag holding parts 11 and positioned at the release position P1. At this time, each first bag holding part 11 is positioned at a first proximity position P11 and in a first closed state S11, each clamping support part 21 is positioned at a second separation position P22 and in a second open state S22, and each movable processing part 13 is positioned at a third separation position P32 and in a third open state S32. Immediately after bag B is positioned at the release position P1, both side edges of bag B (i.e., first holding points B31) are held by each first bag holding part 11, the mouth edge of bag B (including a part of the spout B2) is positioned in a non-contact state in the space between the first movable processing part 13a and the second movable processing part 13b, and each clamping support part 21 is waiting at a position away from bag B (above the spout B2 in this embodiment) (see Figure 3).

[0044] Subsequently, the heat-sealed portion (i.e., the rim) of bag B is cooled. Specifically, the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b are positioned at the third proximity position P31 and placed in the third closed state S31, so that the heat-sealed portion (i.e., the rim) of bag B is sandwiched and cooled by the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b. At this time, each first bag holding unit 11 is positioned at the first proximity position P11 and in the first closed state S11, and each clamping support unit 21 is positioned at the second separation position P22 and in the second open state S22 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0045] Subsequently, each clamping support portion 21 is positioned at the second proximity position P21 by the moving drive device 24. As each clamping support portion 21 moves from the second distanced position P22 to the second proximity position P21, the opening / closing device 23 keeps each clamping support portion 21 in the second open state S22. Therefore, immediately after each clamping support portion 21 is positioned at the second proximity position P21, the spout B2 is positioned in a non-contact state in the space between the clamping support portions 21 (specifically, between the clamping surface members 22). Then, with each clamping support portion 21 positioned at the second proximity position P21, it is placed in the second closed state S21 by the opening / closing device 23 (see Figures 5 and 8). As a result, the spout B2 (especially the second holding point B32) is clamped and supported by the clamping support portions 21. While each clamping support portion 21 moves to the second proximity position P21 and transitions to the second closed state S21, each first bag holding portion 11 is in the first closed state S11 at the first proximity position P11, and the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b are in the third closed state S31 at the third proximity position P31.

[0046] Subsequently, each first bag holder 11 moves from the first proximity position P11 to the first distanced position P12 (see Figures 6 and 9). Specifically, each first bag holder 11 transitions from a first closed state S11 to a first open state S12 at the first proximity position P11, and while remaining in the first open state S12, moves from the first proximity position P11 towards the first distanced position P12. When each first bag holder 11 is in the first open state S12 at the first proximity position P11, the bag B is released from being held by each first bag holder 11. The degree of opening of the first bag holder 11 in the first open state S12 (i.e., the distance between the front-side holder 11a and the back-side holder 11b) is not limited and may actually be only a small degree of opening. Specifically, in the first open state S12, the first bag holding portion 11 has an opening degree such that the bag B does not receive a holding force of the size necessary for holding from the front holding portion 11a and the back holding portion 11b (for example, an opening degree that receives no holding force at all). Therefore, the distance between the front holding portion 11a and the back holding portion 11b in the first open state S12 is greater than the thickness of the bag B in the example shown in Figure 9, but may be smaller than the thickness of the bag B (for example, the thickest part of the bag body B1 or the thickest part of the spout B2).

[0047] Furthermore, the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b move from the third proximity position P31 to the third separation position P32 and are placed in the third open state S32, moving away from the bag B (see Figures 6 and 9). As a result, the bag B is released from being held by the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b. The distance between the first movable processing unit 13a and the second movable processing unit 13b positioned at the third separation position P32 is greater than the thickness of the bag B (the thickest part of the bag body B1 and the thickest part of the spout B2).

[0048] The movement of each first bag holding part 11 from the first proximity position P11 to the first separation position P12 may occur before, after, or simultaneously with the movement of each movable processing unit 13 from the third proximity position P31 to the third separation position P32. However, while each first bag holding part 11 and each movable processing unit 13 move to the first separation position P12 and the third separation position P32, respectively, the two clamping support parts 21 remain in the second closed state S21 at the second proximity position P21, and continue to hold the bag B (especially the spout B2).

[0049] Subsequently, each clamping support 21 transitions from a second closed state S21 to a second open state S22 at the second proximity position P21 (see Figures 7 and 10). This causes each clamping support 21 to separate from the bag B (especially the spout B2), releasing its hold on the bag B. As a result, the bag B falls under the influence of gravity and is released from the bag processing device 10. When the bag B falls in this manner, each first bag holding part 11 and each movable processing part 13 are positioned so as not to overlap with the bag B in the height direction, and therefore do not come into contact with the falling bag B. Thus, the bag B basically maintains the posture it was in when it was suspended and held by each clamping support 21, and is released by natural fall.

[0050] The bags B that fall in this manner are received by a lower device (not shown) located below each clamping support 21. The lower device may be a device for further processing of the bags B, a conveying device for transporting the bags B to a later stage (e.g., a conveyor or a conveying guide (slider, etc.)), or a container such as a box for holding the bags B.

[0051] As described above, the bag processing method includes the steps of: moving bag B while holding it with the first bag holding part 11 and positioning it at the release position P1; holding bag B with the second bag holding part 12 while bag B is being held by the first bag holding part 11 at the release position P1; releasing the first bag holding part 11 from holding bag B and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap with bag B in the height direction while bag B is being held by the second bag holding part 12 at the release position P1; and releasing the second bag holding part 12 from holding bag B while the first bag holding part 11 is positioned in the retracted position.

[0052] Furthermore, the bag processing device 10 described above includes a movable first bag holding unit 11 and a second bag holding unit 12 that are provided to hold and release the bag B. The first bag holding unit 11 moves the bag B while holding it and places it at the release position P1. The second bag holding unit 12 holds the bag B while the first bag holding unit 11 is holding the bag B that is at the release position P1. The first bag holding unit 11 releases the bag B while the second bag holding unit 12 is holding the bag B that is at the release position P1 and moves to a retracted position where it does not overlap the bag B in the height direction. The second bag holding unit 12 releases the bag B while the first bag holding unit 11 is positioned at the retracted position.

[0053] According to the bag processing method and bag processing device 10 described above, even if the bag B has a unique shape, it is advantageous to drop and release the bag B positioned at the release position P1 in a desired posture. Furthermore, in the bag processing device 10, the holding configuration of the bag B suitable for transporting the bag B (e.g., the holding method and the holding location of the bag B) does not necessarily coincide with the holding configuration of the bag B suitable for releasing the bag B. According to the bag processing method and bag processing device 10 described above, the first bag holding unit 11 can adopt a holding configuration of the bag B suitable for transporting the bag B, and the second bag holding unit 12 can adopt a holding configuration of the bag B suitable for releasing the bag B.

[0054] The bag processing method also includes the steps of: positioning a movable processing unit 13 for cooling bag B at a processing position (third proximity position P31), and sandwiching bag B, which is located at the discharge position P1, with the movable processing unit 13; and, while bag B, which is located at the discharge position P1, is being held by the second bag holding unit 12, moving the movable processing unit 13 from the processing position (third proximity position P31) to a retracted position where it does not overlap with bag B in the height direction.

[0055] This allows the movable processing unit 13 to properly cool the bag B while releasing the bag B in the desired position.

[0056] Furthermore, the first bag holding unit 11 holds the first holding location B31 of the bag B located at the release position P1, and the second bag holding unit 12 holds the second holding location B32 of the bag B located at the release position P1, which is located above the first holding location B31.

[0057] As a result, the second bag holding unit 12 can hold a portion of bag B in such a way that it does not come into contact with or collide with bag B when it falls and is released from being held.

[0058] Furthermore, bag B has a bag body B1 and a spout B2 attached to the bag body B1, and the second bag holding part 12 holds bag B by supporting the spout B2 in a way that sandwiches it.

[0059] As a result, the second bag holding unit 12 can hold a portion of bag B in such a way that it does not come into contact with or collide with bag B when it falls and is released from being held.

[0060] [Differentiation] The movable processing unit 13 described above performs a cooling process on bag B, but the processes performed by the movable processing unit 13 are not limited. For example, bag B, which is located at the discharge position P1, may be sandwiched by the movable processing unit 13 located at the third proximity position P31 to perform sealing or other processes on bag B (e.g., the rim). When the movable processing unit 13 performs sealing on bag B, the sealing method is not limited, and the movable processing unit 13 may perform heat sealing by applying heat to bag B, or ultrasonic sealing by applying ultrasonic waves to bag B.

[0061] The aforementioned first separated position P12 corresponds to a "retracted position in which the first bag holder 11 does not overlap with the bag B at the release position P1 in the height direction," but the position of the first bag holder 11 when it is in the first open state S12 (see Figures 9 and 10) can also correspond to a "retracted position." Even if two first bag holders 11 are positioned at the first close position P11, if these first bag holders 11 are placed in the first open state S12 with a large opening (i.e., a large separation distance in the thickness direction of the bag B), each first bag holder 11 can be positioned so as not to overlap with the bag B at the release position P1 in the height direction.

[0062] In the above embodiment, when each first bag holder 11 releases the bag B, each first bag holder 11 moves in the thickness direction of the bag B to be placed in a first open state S12, and also moves in the width direction of the bag B to be placed in a first spaced-out position P12. However, when each first bag holder 11 releases the bag B, each first bag holder 11 moves in the thickness direction of the bag B to be placed in a first open state S12, but does not have to move in the width direction of the bag B. In this way, each first bag holder 11 may be positioned in a retracted position by being placed in a first open state S12 at a first proximity position P11 without moving in the width direction of the bag B.

[0063] The aforementioned second separation position P22 corresponds to a "standby position where the second bag holding part 12 (especially the clamping support part 21) is separated from the bag B at the release position P1," but the position of the second bag holding part 12 (especially the clamping support part 21) in the second open state S22 (see Figure 10) can also correspond to a "standby position." Even if the two clamping support parts 21 are positioned at the second proximity position P21, if these clamping support parts 21 are placed in the second open state S22 with a large opening (i.e., a large separation distance in the thickness direction of the bag B), each clamping support part 21 can be positioned so as not to come into contact with the bag B at the release position P1.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, when bag B moves to the release position P1 together with the first bag holding part 11, the second bag holding part 12 (particularly each clamping support part 21) which is positioned in the standby position is positioned in the second separated position P22 in the second open state S22. However, each clamping support part 21 may be positioned in the second close position P21 in the second open state S22 when bag B moves to the release position P1, or in the second separated position P22 in the second closed state S21. Thus, each clamping support part 21 may be positioned in the standby position by being placed in the second open state S22 in the second close position P21, or by being placed in the second closed state S21 in the second separated position P22.

[0065] The aforementioned third separation position P32 corresponds to a "retracted position where the movable processing unit 13 does not overlap in the height direction with the bag B at the release position P1." With respect to the aforementioned movable processing unit 13, the movement operation and opening / closing operation are related to each other, and each movable processing unit 13 is placed in the third closed state S31 when it is positioned in the third proximity position P31, and each movable processing unit 13 is placed in the third open state S32 when it is positioned in the third separation position P32.

[0066] The operation (e.g., the order of operation) of the first bag holding section 11, the second bag holding section 12, and the movable processing section 13 is not limited to the example described above.

[0067] For example, the bag processing method includes the steps of: moving bag B while holding it with a first bag holding unit 11 to position it at a discharge position P1; holding bag B with a movable processing unit 13 that seals or cools bag B while the first bag holding unit 11 is holding bag B at the discharge position P1; releasing the first bag holding unit 11 from holding bag B and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap bag B in the height direction; and at the discharge position P1 The process may include the steps of: holding the bag B with the second bag holding unit 12 while the movable processing unit 13 is holding the bag B that is positioned; releasing the movable processing unit 13 from holding the bag B and moving it to a retracted position where it does not overlap the bag B in the height direction while the second bag holding unit 12 is holding the bag B that is positioned at the release position P1; and releasing the second bag holding unit 12 from holding the bag B while the first bag holding unit 11 is positioned in the retracted position and the movable processing unit 13 is positioned in the retracted position.

[0068] The bag processing apparatus 10 comprises a movable first bag holding section 11 and a second bag holding section 12, which are provided to hold and release bag B, and a movable processing section 13, which is provided to hold and release bag B and to seal or cool bag B. The first bag holding section 11 moves bag B while holding it and places it at the release position P1, and the movable processing section 13 holds bag B while the first bag holding section 11 is holding bag B at the release position P1, and the first bag holding section 11 moves bag B at the release position P1 to the movable processing section 1 With the bag B being held by the first bag holder 11, the second bag holder 12 releases the bag B and moves to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag B in the height direction. The second bag holder 12 holds the bag B while the movable processing unit 13 is holding the bag B which is located at the release position P1. The movable processing unit 13 releases the bag B while the second bag holder 12 is holding the bag B which is located at the release position P1 and moves to a retracted position where it does not overlap with the bag B in the height direction. The second bag holder 12 may release the bag B while the first bag holder 11 is positioned in the retracted position and the movable processing unit 13 is positioned in the retracted position.

[0069] Alternatively, the holding of bag B by the second bag holding section 12, the release of bag B by the first bag holding section 11, the release of bag B by the movable processing section 13, and the release of bag B by the second bag holding section 12 may be performed in this order.

[0070] Alternatively, the holding of bag B by the second bag holding section 12, the release of bag B by the movable processing section 13, the release of bag B by the first bag holding section 11, and the release of bag B by the second bag holding section 12 may be performed in this order.

[0071] Alternatively, the holding and releasing of bag B by the movable processing unit 13, the holding of bag B by the second bag holding unit 12, the holding and releasing of bag B by the first bag holding unit 11, and the holding and releasing of bag B by the second bag holding unit 12 may be performed in this order.

[0072] Bag B may have other components (such as a zipper) that have a different function from spout B2, and such other components may be attached to the bag body B1. Furthermore, the bag body B1 itself may have areas that are locally thicker. For example, an area of ​​the bag body B1 may be locally thicker due to a higher number of layers than other parts. For example, a self-standing bag that can stand on its own when unfolded may have such locally thicker areas.

[0073] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above. For example, various modifications may be made to each element of the embodiments and modifications described above, and the configurations may be combined partially or entirely between the embodiments and modifications described above. Furthermore, the effects achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and unique effects may be achieved depending on the specific configuration of each embodiment. In this way, various additions, changes, and partial deletions are possible to each element described in the claims, specification, abstract, and drawings, without departing from the technical idea and spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 10 Bag processing device, 11 First bag holding part, 11a Front side holding part, 11b Back side holding part, 12 Second bag holding part, 13 Movable processing part, 13a First movable processing part, 13b Second movable processing part, 21 Clamping support part, 22 Clamping surface member, 23 Opening and closing device, 24 Moving drive device, 24a Moving drive body, 24b Holding forward and backward shaft, 25 Mounting part, 31 Support fixing part, 32 Clamping forward and backward shaft, 32a First clamping forward and backward shaft, 32b Second clamping forward and backward shaft, 33 Movable processing unit, 35 Seal box, 36 Stand, 50 Control device, 51 First holding drive part, 52 Second holding drive part, 53 Movable processing drive part, 54 First holding movement part, 55 First holding opening and closing part, 56 Second holding movement part, 57 Second holding opening and closing part, B Bag, B1 Bag body, B2 Spout, B3 Seal part, B4 Cooling seal part, B11 Front body part, B12 Back body part, B21 Spout flow path, B22 Spout tip, B31 First holding point, B32 Second holding point, P1 Discharge position, P11 First proximity position, P12 First separation position, P21 Second proximity position, P22 Second separation position, P31 Third proximity position, P32 Third separation position, S11 First closed state, S12 First open state, S21 Second closed state, S22 Second open state, S31 Third closed state, S32 Third open state

Claims

1. A step of moving a bag having a bag body and a spout attached to the bag body while holding it with a first bag holding part to position it at a discharge location, The first bag holding portion holds the bag positioned at the aforementioned release position, and the second bag holding portion holds the upper end of the bag. The process involves, while the second bag holder is holding the bag positioned at the aforementioned release position, releasing the first bag holder from holding the bag and moving it to a predetermined retracted position. A bag processing method comprising the step of releasing the second bag holding part from holding the bag while the first bag holding part is positioned in the predetermined retracted position, A bag processing method in which the predetermined retraction position is a position in which the first bag holding portion does not come into contact with the bag during the step of releasing the second bag holding portion from holding the bag.

2. The bag processing method according to claim 1, wherein the bag is dropped in the step of releasing the second bag holding part from holding the bag.

3. The bag processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined retraction position is a position in which the first bag holding portion does not overlap with the bag in the height direction.

4. A movable first bag holder and a second bag holder are provided to hold and release the bag body and the bag having a spout attached to the bag body, The first bag holding unit moves the bag while holding it and positions it at the release position. The second bag holding part holds the upper end of the bag while the first bag holding part is holding the bag that is positioned at the release position. The first bag holding unit, while the second bag holding unit is holding the bag located at the release position, releases the bag and moves to a predetermined retracted position. The second bag holding unit is a bag processing device that releases the bag while the first bag holding unit is positioned in the predetermined retracted position, The predetermined retraction position is a position in which the first bag holding portion does not come into contact with the bag when the second bag holding portion releases the bag, in a bag processing apparatus.

5. The bag processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second bag holding unit drops the bag when it releases the bag.

6. The bag processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the predetermined retraction position is a position in which the first bag holding portion does not overlap with the bag in the height direction.

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