Packaging material feeding device

Abstract

To provide a wrap material feeder of a bag-making / charging packaging machine capable of setting a succeeding wrap material onto a connection base without stopping the supply of a preceding wrap material.SOLUTION: A wrap material feeder comprises a swivel arm that swivels a plurality of reel axes L between an unwinding position and a standby position, a connector that connects a preceding wrap material with a tip of a succeeding wrap material, base units 62 that are provided on the swivel arm through hold members correspondingly to the plurality of reel axes so as to clamp the preceding wrap material and the succeeding wrap material with the connector, and a plurality of connection bases 60 having a clamp mechanism 61 (temporarily fixing member) that can temporarily fix the tip of the succeeding wrap material. The connection base 60 is attached on a hold member 50 movably in a horizontal direction (movement direction) along a groove 500 between a lock position PL corresponding to a connection position and a wrap-material setting position closer to the reel axis in the standby position than the lock position PL.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique related to a packaging machine provided with a packaging material supply device that loads packaging materials on a plurality of reel shafts and switches the packaging materials to be used is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a bag-making and filling packaging machine is described in which a leading packaging material (leading film) is fed out from a reel shaft of a leading film (packaging material) by a feeding roller, the end portion of the leading film is detected by an end detection means, and is connected to the leading end portion of a trailing packaging material (trailing film) by a film connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] 0000016

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the packaging material supply device of a bag-making and filling packaging machine, in order to set the feeding position of the reel shaft for feeding the leading packaging material and the standby position for waiting for the reel shaft loaded with the trailing packaging material to desired positions, a structure in which a plurality of reel shafts can be rotated may be adopted. [[ID=SO]]

[0005] However, when a structure in which a plurality of reel shafts can be rotated is adopted, in order to set the reel shaft loaded with the trailing packaging material on a connection base that sandwiches the leading end portion of the trailing packaging material between the heater block of the connector, the reel shaft loaded with the trailing packaging material may be shifted from the standby position. As a result, the reel shaft loaded with the leading packaging material may also deviate from the feeding position, the leading packaging material may separate from the member for applying tension to the leading packaging material, and there is a risk that the supply of the leading packaging material cannot be continued. Therefore, it is required to set the trailing packaging material on the above connection base without changing the positions of the plurality of reel shafts while the leading packaging material is being supplied.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and its objective is to provide a packaging material supply device that can set subsequent packaging materials on a connecting stand without stopping the supply of preceding packaging materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the packaging material supply device of the present invention comprises: a plurality of reel shafts on which packaging materials are loaded; a pivot arm that pivots the plurality of reel shafts between a dispensing position for dispensing and using the packaging materials and a standby position before dispensing and using the packaging materials; a connector that connects the leading edge of the leading packaging material to be used first from among the packaging materials, and the leading edge of the trailing packaging material to be used after the leading packaging material from among the packaging materials, via a holding member to the pivot arm Record Each axis One by one The device is provided with a plurality of connecting bases, each having a base portion that sandwiches the preceding packaging material and the succeeding packaging material between itself and the connector at the connection position between the preceding packaging material and the succeeding packaging material by the connector, and a temporary fixing member that can temporarily fix the tip of the succeeding packaging material, wherein the connecting base has a first position corresponding to the connection position and a second position on the reel shaft side that is in the standby position relative to the first position, and the swivel arm Center of rotation center It rotates in the circumferential direction around the axis. The retaining member is attached so as to be movable along the direction of movement. The holding member has a groove extending along the direction of movement, and the connecting base is slidably held in the groove. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the packaging material supply device of the present invention, subsequent packaging materials can be set on the connecting stand without stopping the supply of preceding packaging materials. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing a bag-making, filling, and packaging machine equipped with a packaging material supply device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the system configuration of a bag-making, filling, and packaging machine. [Figure 3]It is a side view showing an outline of a packaging material supply device. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing an outline of a packaging material supply device. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged side view showing a packaging material supply device in the vicinity of a holding member. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a leading packaging material and a tip of a trailing packaging material are connected by a connector. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a packaging material supply device in steps S1 and S2 during execution of packaging material supply control. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a packaging material supply device in steps S3 and S4 during execution of packaging material supply control. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a packaging material supply device in steps S5 and S6 during execution of packaging material supply control. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing a holding member and a connecting base. [Figure 11] It is a side view of the holding member viewed from one axial direction side. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an attachment structure of a connecting base to a holding member. [Figure 13] It is a side view of the connecting base viewed from the other axial direction side. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an operation in which a connecting base moves with respect to a holding member from step S10 to step S30. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an operation in which a connecting base moves with respect to a holding member from step S40 to step S60. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing another example of an operation in which a first regulating roller moves to a second groove portion. [Figure 17] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing a main part of a detection device for an operating state of a lock mechanism.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0011] (Bag-making and filling packaging machine) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a bag-making and filling packaging machine including a packaging material supply device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the system configuration of the bag-making and filling packaging machine. The bag-making and filling packaging machine 1 includes a packaging material supply device 10 according to the embodiment, a bag-making packaging device 20, and a control device 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0012] (Packaging material supply device) The packaging material supply device 10 is a device that supplies the packaging material W to the bag-making packaging device 20. The packaging material W is composed of a heat-sealable film or the like. The packaging material supply device 10 includes a plurality (two in this embodiment) of reel shafts L (see FIG. 3), and supplies the packaging material W from the packaging material rolls WR loaded on each reel shaft L to the bag-making packaging device 20 via a plurality of path rollers R1. The plurality of path rollers R1 includes a tension adjustment mechanism 14, so-called dancer rollers, which can adjust the tension of the packaging material W between the packaging material supply device 10 and the bag-making packaging device 20 by adjusting the position of the movable roller. The detailed configuration of the packaging material supply device 10 will be described later.

[0013] (Bag-making packaging device) The bag-making and packaging device 20 is a device that forms packaging material W supplied from the packaging material supply device 10 into a bag shape and fills the formed bag with a filling material such as powder or snack food. Note that in Figure 1, the description of the packaging material W passing through the bag-making and packaging device 20 is partially omitted. The bag-making and packaging device 20 has a bag-making tube 22 extending vertically below the hopper 21 that supplies the contents. A filling tube 26 is arranged inside the bag-making tube, and the filling tube 26 protrudes upward from the bag-making tube 22 and is connected to the hopper 21. In addition, a former 27 is provided at the top of the bag-making tube 22 to form the packaging material W supplied from the packaging material supply device 10 into a roughly cylindrical shape and guide it. When the packaging material W passes through the former 27, a wrap portion is formed in which both side edges overlap each other in a predetermined shape. A pair of dispensing belts 23 (packaging material feeders) are provided on both sides of the bag-making tube 22, and the packaging material W extending along the circumference of the bag-making tube 22 is dispensed downward by the pair of dispensing belts 23. Below the bag-making tube 22, a forming guide (not shown) is provided to form the packaging material W into a predetermined shape.

[0014] Furthermore, a vertical sealer 24 that can be opened and closed is provided near the bag-making tube 22. The vertical sealer 24 heat-seals the aforementioned wrap portion of the packaging material W, forming a vertical seal flap with both side edges bonded together. In addition, a horizontal sealer 25 that can be opened and closed is provided below the bag-making tube 22. The horizontal sealer 25 has a pair of heater blocks 25a and 25b and a cutter (not shown). When the horizontal sealer 25 is closed, the pair of heater blocks 25a and 25b clamp the packaging material W from the front and back, forming a horizontal seal on the packaging material W, and the packaging material W is cut by the cutter. As a result, the upper and lower ends of the packaging material W are closed by the horizontal seal, and a bag F filled with contents supplied from the hopper 21 via the filling tube 26 is formed, as shown in Figure 1.

[0015] (Control device) The control device 30 is a controller that performs overall control of the bag-making, filling, and packaging machine 1. As shown in Figure 2, the control device 30 has a setting input device 2 and an optical sensor 90 (described later) electrically connected to its input side. The control device 30 also has a tension adjustment mechanism 14, a feed roller drive device 100, a swivel arm drive device 200, a connector 70 (described later), a feed belt 23, a vertical sealer 24, a horizontal sealer 25, and other components electrically connected to its output side.

[0016] The setting input device 2 is an interface for the operator to input various setting values ​​for driving the bag-making, filling, and packaging machine 1. The optical sensor 90 is a sensor for detecting the end portion E of the packaging material W (see Figures 6 and 8). Alternatively, an ultrasonic sensor or the like may be used instead of the optical sensor 90. In that case, the reflector 91, described later, may be omitted. The feed roller drive device 100 is a device for rotating a plurality of feed rollers 80, described later, and includes at least a servo motor (not shown). The swivel arm drive device 200 is a device for rotating a swivel arm 40, described later, and includes at least a servo motor (not shown). The control device 30 controls the above-mentioned devices connected to the output side according to the various settings input by the operator via the setting input device 2. In this embodiment, the control device 30 also performs packaging material supply control, which supplies the packaging material W to the bag-making and packaging machine 20 while selectively switching between the packaging material rolls WR loaded on the plurality of reel shafts L of the packaging material supply device 10. Details of the packaging material supply control will be described later.

[0017] (Detailed configuration of the packaging material supply device) Next, the detailed configuration of the packaging material supply device 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the packaging material supply device 10, and Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging material supply device 10. Note that in Figure 4, the description of some components of the packaging material supply device 10 has been omitted. The packaging material supply device 10 comprises the above-mentioned plurality of reel shafts L, a pivot arm 40 centered on the central shaft 40a, a plurality of holding members 50, a plurality of connecting bases 60, a connector 70, a plurality of feed rollers 80, a receiving roller 85, a light sensor 90, the above-mentioned feed roller drive device 100, and the above-mentioned pivot arm drive device 200.

[0018] (Multiple reel axes) Multiple reel shafts L are positioned at a predetermined angle of rotation relative to the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40. The same applies to members provided in correspondence with the reel shafts L. In this embodiment, the multiple reel shafts L include a first reel shaft LA and a second reel shaft LB that are parallel to each other. As shown in Figure 3, the first reel shaft LA and the second reel shaft LB are positioned at a angle of rotation of 180 degrees relative to each other, relative to the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the first reel shaft LA and the second reel shaft LB are configured to be able to rotate and switch positions between a dispensing position P1, where the packaging material W is dispensed and used, and a standby position P2, where the packaging material W is not yet dispensed and used, via a swivel arm 40. In the following description, the packaging material W used first from the packaging material roll WR loaded on the reel shaft L at the dispensing position P1 will be referred to as "first packaging material W1," and the packaging material W used after the first packaging material W1, i.e., the packaging material W from the packaging material roll WR loaded on the reel shaft L at the standby position P2, will be referred to as "secondary packaging material W2." In the following description, the orientation of the components of the packaging material supply device 10 will be defined based on the state in which each reel shaft L is at the dispensing position P1 and the standby position P2. In the following description, the axial direction of the swivel arm 40 will be simply referred to as the "axial direction," and the orientation of the components of the packaging material supply device 10 will be defined. Note that in Figure 3, the up and down direction is the vertical direction, the left and right direction is the horizontal direction, and the direction of the paper is the axial direction as described above.

[0020] (Swivel arm) As described above, the swivel arm 40 is a component that swivels the first reel shaft LA and the second reel shaft LB between the unwinding position P1 and the standby position P2. The swivel arm 40 is mounted on the main frame (not shown) of the packaging material supply device 10 so as to be rotatable about a central axis 40a. A servo motor (not shown) of the swivel arm drive device 200 is connected to the central axis 40a. The swivel arm 40 can swivel about the central axis 40a by the drive of the servo motor and can be fixed in position at any angle.

[0021] Multiple (two in this embodiment) reel shaft support members 41 are attached to the swivel arm 40 to support the reel shaft L. The reel shaft support members 41 include a first reel shaft support member 41A that extends toward the first reel shaft LA and rotatably supports the first reel shaft LA, and a second reel shaft support member 41B that extends toward the second reel shaft LB and rotatably supports the second reel shaft LB. The first reel shaft support member 41A and the second reel shaft support member 41B have the same configuration except that they are positioned rotated 180 degrees relative to each other with respect to the central axis 40a.

[0022] Furthermore, a plurality (two in this embodiment) of frame members 42 are attached to the swivel arm 40 via each reel shaft support member 41. The frame member 42 has a first frame member 42A that extends above the packaging roll WR loaded on the first reel shaft LA, and a second frame member 42B that extends below the packaging roll WR loaded on the second reel shaft LB. The first frame member 42A and the second frame member 42B have the same configuration except that they are positioned rotated 180 degrees relative to each other with respect to the central axis 40a. The tip of the first frame member 42A is provided with a plurality (two in this embodiment) of path rollers R2 for guiding the packaging material W. Similarly, the tip of the second frame member 42B is provided with a plurality (two in this embodiment) of path rollers R2 for guiding the packaging material W.

[0023] Furthermore, a reflector 91 of the optical sensor 90 is attached to each path roller R2 of the frame member 42. As shown in Figure 3, the optical sensor 90 is positioned near the reel shaft L at the unwinding position P1 and emits light toward the reflector 91, receiving the reflected light from the reflector 91. The optical sensor 90 detects whether or not packaging material W (i.e., preceding packaging material W1) is present between the reflector 91 and the optical sensor 90 according to the intensity of the received reflected light, and outputs the detection result to the control device 30.

[0024] (Retaining member) The holding member 50 is a member for holding the connecting base 60 and the feed roller 80, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 4, the holding member 50 is provided in pairs at both ends in the axial direction of a plate-shaped member 44 provided at the vertical end of the swivel arm 40. The holding member 50 has a first holding member 50A provided corresponding to the first reel axis LA and a second holding member 50B provided corresponding to the second reel axis LB. The first holding member 50A and the second holding member 50B have the same configuration except that, as shown in Figure 3, they are positioned rotated 180 degrees relative to each other with respect to the central axis 40a.

[0025] Figure 5 is an enlarged side view showing the packaging material supply device 10 in the vicinity of the holding member 50. The holding member 50 is a flat plate-shaped member and has a leg portion 51, a connecting base holding portion 52, and a roller holding portion 53. The leg portion 51 is a part that extends vertically from the plate-shaped member 44. The connecting base holding portion 52 extends horizontally from the leg portion 51 on both sides. The connecting base holding portion 52 has a groove 500 formed therein for defining the position and orientation of the connecting base 60, which will be described later. In addition, a path roller R3 for guiding the packaging material W is provided at the end of the connecting base holding portion 52 on the side of the reel shaft L in the horizontal direction (left side in Figure 4). The roller holding portion 53 is a part that protrudes in a roughly triangular shape from the horizontal center of the connecting base holding portion 52 toward the opposite side from the leg portion 51. The roller holding portion 53 rotatably supports the shaft end of the dispensing roller 80.

[0026] (Connection stand) The multiple connecting bases 60 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. The connecting base 60 is a member that serves as a base when connecting the leading end S of the leading packaging material W1 and the trailing packaging material W2 using the connector 70. In other words, the connecting base 60 is a member that sandwiches the leading packaging material W1 and the trailing packaging material W2 between itself and a pair of heater blocks 71 of the connector 70, which will be described later.

[0027] The connecting base 60 is provided in accordance with the reel shaft L on which the packaging roll WR of the preceding packaging material W1 is loaded, in order to connect the succeeding packaging material W2 to the preceding packaging material W1. Specifically, the connecting base 60 includes a first connecting base 60A provided in accordance with the first reel shaft LA, and a second connecting base 60B provided in accordance with the second reel shaft LB. As shown in Figure 3, the first connecting base 60A is attached to the first holding member 50A, and the second connecting base 60B is attached to the second holding member 50B. The first connecting base 60A and the second connecting base 60B have the same configuration except that, as shown in Figure 3, they are positioned rotated 180 degrees relative to each other with respect to the central axis 40a.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, each connecting base 60 extends between a pair of holding members 50 in the axial direction so as to be wider than the width of the packaging material W, and is held by the connecting base holding portion 52 of each holding member 50. The connecting base 60 is positioned on the opposite side in the horizontal direction from the corresponding reel shaft L with respect to the feed roller 80 held by the holding member 50 (the right side in Figure 4). Also, as shown in Figure 4, the connecting base 60 extends between a pair of holding members 50 in the axial direction so as to be wider than the width of the packaging material W. The connecting base 60 has a clamping mechanism 61 and two base portions 62 as temporary fixing members. The clamping mechanism 61 is configured so that an operator can manually open and close it up and down to clamp and temporarily fix the leading edge of the trailing packaging material W2. The two base portions 62 are provided at intervals corresponding to the pair of heater blocks 71 of the connector 70, which will be described later, and are the parts that sandwich the leading edge S of the preceding packaging material W1 and the succeeding packaging material W2 between the pair of heater blocks 71. In addition, a path roller R4 for guiding the succeeding packaging material W2 is provided near the base portions 62 of the connecting base 60. In this embodiment, a clamp mechanism 61 is used as a temporary fixing member, but the temporary fixing member may be one that temporarily fixes the leading edge S of the succeeding packaging material W2 to the connection position CP by other methods, such as using a suction member or an adhesive member, and allows the temporary fixing to be easily released after connection with the preceding packaging material W1 by the connector 70.

[0029] (Connector) As shown in Figure 3, the connector 70 is positioned on the upper part of a connecting base 60 (first connecting base 60A in Figure 3) provided on a holding member 50 that holds the feeding roller 80 that feeds out the preceding packaging material W1. The connector 70 is positioned downstream of the feeding roller 80, which will be described later, in the feeding direction of the preceding packaging material W1. The connector 70 has a pair of heater blocks 71 and a cutter 72 positioned between the pair of heater blocks 71. The pair of heater blocks 71 and the cutter 72 of the connector 70 are movable in the vertical direction and are driven and controlled by the control device 30. In this embodiment, the connector 70 has a pair of heater blocks 71, but the connector 70 may have other sealers capable of connecting packaging materials W to each other, such as an ultrasonic sealer. In that case, the connector 70 should be equipped with an ultrasonic vibration horn of the ultrasonic sealer, and the connecting base 60 should be equipped with an anvil as a fixing jig that sandwiches the packaging material W between itself and the ultrasonic vibration horn.

[0030] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing how the connector 70 connects the leading edge S of the preceding packaging material W1 and the following packaging material W2. As shown in the figure, the connector 70 connects the leading edge S of the preceding packaging material W1 and the following packaging material W2, which are stacked vertically, by heat welding while pressing them against the base portion 62 of the connecting base 60 with a pair of heater blocks 71. Then, the cutter 72 cuts the joined leading edge S of the preceding packaging material W1 and the following packaging material W2. As a result, the portions of the joined preceding packaging material W1 and the following packaging material W2 located downstream of the cutter 72 in the feeding direction become a single continuous packaging material W. On the other hand, the portions of the joined preceding packaging material W1 and the following packaging material W2 located upstream of the cutter 72 in the feeding direction become a single piece. In this way, by positioning the cutter 72 between the pair of heater blocks 71, it is possible to leave a single piece of joined material, making it easy to process the piece. The resulting torn pieces fall naturally into the packaging material supply device 10. The connection process between the leading packaging material W1 and the leading end S of the trailing packaging material W2 by the pair of heater blocks 71, and the cutting process by the cutter 72, are performed before the end E of the leading packaging material W1 passes through the feed roller 80.

[0031] (Retractable roller) Multiple dispensing rollers 80 are provided in accordance with the reel shaft L on which the packaging roll WR of the preceding packaging material W1 is loaded, in order to dispense the preceding packaging material W1. Specifically, the multiple dispensing rollers 80 include a first dispensing roller 80A provided in accordance with the first reel shaft LA, and a second dispensing roller 80B provided in accordance with the second reel shaft LB. As shown in Figure 3, the first dispensing roller 80A is attached to the first holding member 50A, and the second dispensing roller 80B is attached to the second holding member 50B.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each feed roller 80 is rotatably supported at its shaft end by a pair of roller holding portions 53 of a holding member 50 provided in the axial direction. Each feed roller 80 is rotationally driven by a servo motor (not shown) of a feed roller drive device 100. Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a rotatable receiving roller 85 is positioned above the feed roller 80 (first feed roller 80A in Figures 3 and 4) corresponding to the feed roller 80 (first feed roller 80A in Figures 3 and 4) on which the packaging roll WR of the preceding packaging material W1 is loaded. The receiving roller 85 is configured to be movable in a substantially vertical direction and can sandwich the preceding packaging material W1 between itself and the feed roller 80. As a result, when the feed roller 80 is rotationally driven by a servo motor (not shown), the preceding packaging material W1 sandwiched between the feed roller 80 and the receiving roller 85 is fed out from the packaging roll WR by the rotation of the feed roller 80.

[0033] Here, as shown in Figure 3, the first feed roller 80A and the receiving roller 85 are located on the first reel shaft LA side of the connector 70, as shown in Figure 3. In other words, the feed roller 80 and the receiving roller 85 are located on the reel shaft L side on which the leading packaging material W1 is loaded, in the feeding direction of the leading packaging material W1, compared to the connection position CP (see Figure 6) between the leading packaging material W1 and the trailing packaging material W2 by the connector 70. The reel shaft L side on which the leading packaging material W1 is loaded means the upstream side in the feeding direction of the leading packaging material W1.

[0034] (Operation of the bag-making, filling, and packaging machine) The operation of the bag-making, filling, and packaging machine 1, configured as described above, will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figures 7 to 9 show the state of the packaging material supply device 10 in steps S1 to S6 while the packaging material supply control is being performed by the control device 30. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the packaging material supply device 10 in steps S1 and S2 while the packaging material supply control is being performed. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the packaging material supply device 10 in steps S3 and S4 while the packaging material supply control is being performed. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the packaging material supply device 10 in steps S5 and S6 while the packaging material supply control is being performed.

[0035] First, as shown in step S1 of Figure 7, assume that the first reel shaft LA is positioned at the dispensing position P1 and the second reel shaft LB is positioned at the standby position P2. At this time, the leading packaging material W1 from the packaging material roll WR loaded on the first reel shaft LA is sandwiched between the first dispensing roller 80A and the receiving roller 85 attached to the first holding member 50A. In the state shown in step S1, the control device 30 drives and controls the dispensing roller drive device 100 and the dispensing belt 23, causing the leading packaging material W1 to be dispensed from the first reel shaft LA by the first dispensing roller 80A and the dispensing belt 23 and supplied to the bag-making and packaging device 20. As described above, the provision of a path roller R2 on the first frame member 42A and a path roller R3 on the first holding member 50A allows the leading packaging material W1 to be guided in a stable position to the first dispensing roller 80A.

[0036] As the leading packaging material W1 is unwound from the first reel shaft LA, the diameter of the packaging material roll WR loaded on the first reel shaft LA decreases, as shown in step S2. During this time, the operator, at their discretion or at a designated time, sets a new packaging material roll WR on the second reel shaft LB in the standby position P2, and sets the leading edge S of the trailing packaging material W2 of the loaded packaging material roll WR into the clamp mechanism 61 of the connecting base 60. Note that setting the trailing packaging material W2 onto the connecting base 60 can be performed without stopping the unwound of the leading packaging material W1, for example, if the connecting base 60 is movable to the side of the reel shaft L where the packaging material roll WR of the trailing packaging material W2 is loaded (in this case, the side of the second reel shaft LB). However, loading the new packaging material roll WR onto the reel shaft L and setting the trailing packaging material W2 onto the connecting base 60 may be performed after temporarily stopping the rotation of the swivel arm 40 in the state shown in step S5 in Figure 9.

[0037] If the state shown in Figure 7 continues, the leading packaging material W1 will be used up and will be separated from the first reel shaft LA, as shown in step S3 of Figure 8. As a result, the intensity of the reflected light from the reflector 91 received by the optical sensor 90 will change from the state in which the leading packaging material W1 is between the optical sensor 90 and the reflector 91. This causes the optical sensor 90 to detect that the leading packaging material W1 on the first reel shaft LA has been used up, that is, that the end E of the leading packaging material W1 has passed between the optical sensor 90 and the reflector 91, and the detection result is output to the control device 30. Upon receiving this detection result, the control device 30 temporarily stops the feeding of the leading packaging material W1 by the first feed roller 80A and the feed belt 23. Then, the control device 30 connects the leading packaging material W1 and the leading end S of the trailing packaging material W2 using the connector 70 (see Figure 6). As mentioned above, other sensors such as ultrasonic sensors may be used instead of the optical sensor 90.

[0038] As described above, the dispensing roller 80 that dispenses the leading packaging material W1 is located on the reel axis L (in this case, the first reel axis LA) side of the leading packaging material W1, rather than on the connection point CP between the leading packaging material W1 and the trailing packaging material W2. Therefore, even after the leading packaging material W1 has moved away from the reel axis L, the tension of the leading packaging material W1 between the dispensing roller 80 and the connection point CP is maintained. This prevents the leading packaging material W1 from becoming unstable due to the loss of tension, which could prevent it from being connected to the trailing packaging material W2 at the desired position.

[0039] Next, as shown in step S4, the control device 30 drives and controls the swivel arm drive device 200, causing the swivel arm 40 to swivel on its central axis 40a as indicated by the solid arrow. As a result, the first reel axis LA moves from the unwinding position P1 to the standby position P2, and the second reel axis LB moves from the standby position P2 to the unwinding position P1. At this time, as the entire swivel arm 40 swivels, the first holding member 50A and the second holding member 50B also swivel in the same direction. As the swivel arm 40 continues to swivel, as shown in step S5 of Figure 9, the path roller R2 of the second frame member 42B and the path roller R3 of the second holding member 50B come into contact with the trailing packaging material W2. This makes it possible to stably maintain the posture of the trailing packaging material W2 even while the swivel arm 40 is swiveling.

[0040] Then, as shown in step S6, the second reel shaft LB is positioned at the unwinding position P1, and the first reel shaft LA is positioned at the standby position P2. At this point, the control device 30 stops the rotation of the swivel arm 40 using the servo motor of the swivel arm drive device 200, and fixes the swivel arm 40 in the position of step S6. As a result, the trailing packaging material W2 is held between the second unwinding roller 80B and the receiving roller 85 attached to the second holding member 50B, and becomes ready to be unwinded by the second unwinding roller 80B. In other words, the packaging material W of the packaging material roll WR loaded on the second reel shaft LB becomes the leading packaging material W1. The control device 30 again drives and controls the unwinding roller drive device 100 and the unwinding belt 23, and the second unwinding roller 80B and the unwinding belt 23 unwind the leading packaging material W1 from the second reel shaft LB and supply it to the bag-making and packaging device 20. By repeatedly performing the processes from step S1 to step S6 described above, the packaging material W from the packaging material roll WR loaded on the first reel axis LA and the second reel axis LB can be sequentially supplied to the bag-making and packaging device 20.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the holding member 50 and the connecting base 60, which are the main parts of the packaging material supply device 10 of the bag-making, filling, and packaging machine 1 according to the embodiment, will be described. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the holding member 50 and the connecting base 60. Figure 11 is a side view of the holding member 50 viewed from one side in the axial direction. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the mounting structure of the connecting base 60 to the holding member 50. Figure 13 is a side view of the connecting base 60 viewed from the other side in the axial direction. In the following description, the direction of each component is defined based on the holding member 50 and the connecting base 60 corresponding to the reel axis L at the dispensing position P1 (see Figure 3).

[0042] (Detailed configuration of the retaining member) As described above, the retaining member 50 has a groove 500 formed in the connecting base retaining portion 52. The groove 500 is an engagement groove for defining the position and orientation of the connecting base 60 so that it can move along the horizontal direction (direction of movement). The groove 500 is formed to penetrate the inner side surface 50a and the outer side surface 50b (see Figure 10). The inner side surface 50a is the side surface of the retaining member 50 which is provided in a pair with a gap between them in the axial direction, and the outer side surface 50b is the side surface opposite to the inner side surface 50a.

[0043] As shown in Figure 11, the groove 500 has a first groove 501 and a second groove 502. The first groove 501 extends horizontally from one end 501a to the other end 501b. The ends 501a and 501b of the first groove 501 are formed in an arc shape. The second groove 502 extends upward in a roughly triangular shape from near the center of the first groove 501. More specifically, the second groove 502 has an inclined portion 502a that extends upward as it moves from one side to the other in the horizontal direction, a restricting portion 502b that extends vertically on the other side of the inclined portion 502a, and an arc-shaped end portion 502c that connects the inclined portion 502a and the restricting portion 502b. Note that the shape of the end portion 502c is not limited to an arc shape.

[0044] Furthermore, a lock groove 505 is formed near the end of the other horizontal side of the retaining member 50, with a portion of its upper part cut out. Note that the lock groove 505 only needs to be formed on the side of the pair of retaining members 50 provided in the axial direction where the lock mechanism 66, described later, is located (the other axial side in Figure 10). The lock groove 505 is designed to allow engagement of the lock groove engaging roller 664 (lock groove engaging member) of the lock mechanism 66.

[0045] (Detailed configuration of the connection unit) Next, the detailed structure of the connection base 60 will be described. In addition to the clamp mechanism 61 and base portion 62 described above, the connection base 60 has a connection base frame 63 and a link mechanism 65. In this embodiment, the connection base 60 is attached to the holding member 50 so as to be movable along the horizontal direction between a lock position PL (first position, see Figures 10 and 14) corresponding to the connection position CP and a packaging material setting position PS (second position, see Figure 15) which is pulled out toward the reel shaft L side, which is in a standby position P2, rather than the lock position PL.

[0046] (Connection base frame) As shown in Figure 10, the connecting base frame 63 is a plate-shaped member that holds the clamp mechanism 61 and the base portion 62, and is provided in pairs with a gap between them in the axial direction. In the following description, the connecting base frame 63 located on one side in the axial direction will be referred to as "connecting base frame 631," and the connecting base frame 63 located on the other side in the axial direction will be referred to as "connecting base frame 632."

[0047] Each connecting base frame 63 is positioned to abut against the outer side surface 50b of the adjacent retaining member 50 and is attached to the groove 500 of the retaining member 50. As shown in Figure 13, each connecting base frame 63 has a portion that extends horizontally and a portion that extends diagonally upward from the horizontal portion. The portion that extends diagonally upward is formed to extend above the retaining member 50. A clamping mechanism 61 and a base portion 62 are spanned and fixed between the diagonally upward portions of a pair of connecting base frames 63.

[0048] (Regulatory roller) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, a plurality of regulating rollers 64 are attached to the connecting base frame 63. The plurality of regulating rollers 64 include a first regulating roller 641 (first regulating member) and a second regulating roller 642 (second regulating member). The first regulating roller 641 and the second regulating roller 642 are provided spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0049] A pair of first regulating rollers 641 are mounted one at each of the horizontal ends of the connecting base frame 631 and the connecting base frame 632, rotatably mounted around an axis parallel to the axial direction. A rotating shaft 645 connects the pair of first regulating rollers 641 to each other, as shown in Figures 10 and 12. Each first regulating roller 641 is sized to be rotatably sliding within the first groove 501 of the holding member 50 and is held within the first groove 501.

[0050] A pair of second regulating rollers 642 are rotatably mounted on the horizontal midpoint of the connecting base frame 631 and the connecting base frame 632 around an axis parallel to the axial direction. A rotating shaft 646 connects the pair of second regulating rollers 642, as shown in Figure 12. Each second regulating roller 642 is sized to be rotatably sliding in the first groove 501 of the holding member 50, and is held within the first groove 501 on the other horizontal side of each first regulating roller 641.

[0051] (Clamping mechanism) As shown in Figures 10 and 13, the clamping mechanism 61 (temporary fixing member) has a first lever member 611 attached to the connecting base frame 631 on one axial side and a second lever member 612 attached to the connecting base frame 632 on the other axial side. As shown in Figure 10, the first lever member 611 is fixed to the connecting base frame 631 so as to be rotatable around a rotation support shaft 613a parallel to the axial direction. The second lever member 612 is fixed to the connecting base frame 632 so as to be rotatable around a rotation support shaft 613b parallel to the axial direction, as shown in Figure 13. Furthermore, a spring 614a that expands and contracts in the vertical direction is stretched between the first lever member 611 and the connecting base frame 631, and a spring 614b that expands and contracts in the vertical direction is stretched between the second lever member 612 and the connecting base frame 632.

[0052] A plate-shaped retaining member 615 extending in the axial direction is spanned and fixed between the first lever member 611 and the second lever member 612. A receiving portion 616 is positioned below the retaining member 615, and the retaining member 615 and the receiving portion 616 are configured to temporarily fix the tip S (see Figure 6) of the subsequent packaging material W2.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, a stopper 618 is mounted on the connecting base frame 631 so as to be rotatable around a stopper rotation axis 620 parallel to the axial direction. A gripper 619 for the operator to grasp is provided at the other horizontal end of the stopper 618. On the other hand, a stepped first step portion 618a and a second step portion 618b are formed at one horizontal end of the stopper 618. The first lever member 611 is pulled downward relative to the connecting base frame 631 by the biasing force of the spring 614a, and one end 611a abuts against the first step portion 618a of the stopper 618 to maintain its position. In this state, the retaining member 615 and the receiving portion 616 abut against each other.

[0054] In the clamp mechanism 61 configured as described above, when an operator moves the gripper 619 downward and rotates the stopper 618 relative to the stopper rotation axis 620, one end 611a of the first lever member 611 is pressed upward by the stopper 618. As a result, the first lever member 611 rotates around the rotation support axis 613a so that one end 611a faces upward, against the biasing force of the spring 614a. Consequently, the retaining member 615 fixed to the first lever member 611 moves upward relative to the receiving portion 616, creating a gap between the retaining member 615 and the receiving portion 616. Furthermore, this movement of the retaining member 615 also causes the second lever member 612 to rotate around the rotation support axis 613b against the biasing force of the spring 614b. At this time, one end 611a of the first lever member 611 comes into contact with the second step portion 618b formed on the stopper 618, and its position is maintained.

[0055] The operator places the tip S of the subsequent packaging material W2 into the gap created between the restraining member 615 and the receiving part 616. After the operator has finished placing the tip S of the subsequent packaging material W2 into the gap, if the operator moves the gripper 619 upward, the stopper 618, the first lever member 611, and the second lever 612 will operate in the reverse order of when the gripper 619 is moved downward. As a result, the restraining member 615 and the receiving part 616 come into contact with each other, sandwiching the tip S of the subsequent packaging material W2, and the tip S of the subsequent packaging material W2 is set on the connecting base 60.

[0056] (Link mechanism) As shown in Figure 12, the link mechanism 65 has a plate-shaped frame link 651 and a plate-shaped intermediate link 652. The frame link 651 and intermediate link 652 of the link mechanism 65 are arranged in pairs, one at a time, along the inner side surface 50a of each holding member 50, spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The frame links 651 and intermediate links 652, arranged in pairs in the axial direction, are connected to each other and perform the same operation.

[0057] As shown in Figure 10, one end 651a of the frame link 651 is rotatably connected to the inner side surface 50a of the adjacent retaining member 50 around a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12, the other end 651b of the frame link 651 is rotatably connected to the other end 652b of the adjacent intermediate link 652 via a rotation axis 654. The rotation axis 654 is arranged across the pair of frame links 651. Furthermore, one end 652a of the intermediate link 652 is rotatably connected to the adjacent second regulating roller 642 around an axis parallel to the axial direction via a rotation axis 646.

[0058] (Operation of the connection stand) The operation of the connecting base 60 will be explained with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the movement of the connecting base 60 relative to the holding member 50 from step S10 to step S30, and Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the movement of the connecting base 60 relative to the holding member 50 from step S40 to step S60.

[0059] First, let's describe the case when the connecting base 60 is positioned at the locked position PL corresponding to the connecting position CP, as shown in step S10 of Figure 14. In this state, the first regulating roller 641 attached to each connecting base frame 63 abuts against the end 501a of the first groove 501, and the second regulating roller 642 is positioned in the middle of the first groove 501. In other words, the horizontal movement of the connecting base 60 to one side is restricted by the first regulating roller 641 and the first groove 501. From this state, when an operator manually pulls the connecting base 60 to the other side in the horizontal direction, the first regulating roller 641 and the second regulating roller 642 move horizontally to the other side along the first groove 501, as shown in steps S20, S30, and step S40 of Figure 15. Furthermore, as the first regulating roller 641 and the second regulating roller 642 move, as shown in step S50, the second regulating roller 642 comes into contact with the end 501b of the first groove 501, restricting the horizontal movement of the connecting base 60 to the other side. This positions the connecting base 60 at the packaging material setting position PS.

[0060] As described above, when moving the connecting base 60, the frame link 651 of the link mechanism 65 rotates around one end 651a, and the intermediate link 652 rotates around the second regulating roller 642 and changes its orientation while changing its angle with respect to the rotation axis 654. Since the frame link 651 and the intermediate link 652 are provided as a pair with a gap between them in the axial direction and are connected to each other, they perform the same operation on both sides in the axial direction as the second regulating roller 642 moves. This makes it possible to maintain the state in which the second regulating roller 642 is aligned in the axial direction, that is, to prevent the connecting base 60 from shifting to one side in the axial direction.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the connecting base 60 is positioned at the packaging material setting position PS, the first regulating roller 641 is configured to be located below the second groove 502. As a result, as shown in step S60, when the other end of the connecting base 60 is moved downward, the first regulating roller 641 moves into the second groove 502 and comes into contact with the regulating portion 502b and the end portion 502c (see Figure 11) of the second groove 502. This positions the other end of the connecting base 60, on which the clamping mechanism 61 and the base portion 62 are located, so that it faces diagonally downward from the horizontal direction. Note that the other end of the connecting base 60, on which the clamping mechanism 61 and the base portion 62 are located, is heavier than the end on one side of the horizontal direction, so the posture of the connecting base 60 is maintained in the state shown in step S60 even if the operator does not grip the connecting base 60. As a result, the operator can easily set the tip S of the subsequent packaging material W2 into the clamp mechanism 61. After the operator has set the tip S of the subsequent packaging material W2 into the clamp mechanism 61, the connection base 60 can be returned to the locked position PL by reversing the operations from step S10 to step S60.

[0062] Note that the operation of the connecting base 60 after step S40 is not limited to that shown in steps S50 and S60. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the first regulating roller 641 moving toward the second groove 502. The operator may move the connecting base 60 so that the first regulating roller 641 moves toward the second groove 502 before the second regulating roller 642 contacts the end 501b of the first groove 501, as shown in step S55 of Figure 16. That is, the operator may move the first regulating roller 641 along the inclined portion 502a of the second groove 502 while moving the second regulating roller 642 toward the other horizontal side within the first groove 501. Then, as shown in step S65, when the first regulating roller 641 comes into contact with the regulating portion 502b and the end portion 502c (see Figure 11) of the second groove 502, the second regulating roller 642 comes into contact with the end portion 501b of the first groove 501, and the connecting base 60 is positioned at the packaging material setting position PS, just as in step S60. In this way, the inclined portion 502a is formed in the second groove 502, which widens the entrance to the second groove 502, and allows the first regulating roller 641 to move into the second groove 502 along the inclined portion 502a, so that the first regulating roller 641 can be easily inserted into and removed from the second groove 502.

[0063] As described above, in the packaging material supply device 10 of this embodiment, there is no need to rotate the swivel arm 40 while setting the leading end S of the trailing packaging material W2 onto the connecting base 60, and each reel shaft L does not move from the dispensing position P1 or the standby position P2. Therefore, the dispensing roller 80 and the receiving roller 85 do not separate from the leading packaging material W1, and the supply of the leading packaging material W1 by the dispensing roller 80 continues while the tension of the leading packaging material W1 is maintained.

[0064] (Locking mechanism) Next, the locking mechanism 66, which serves as an interlocking mechanism for the connecting base 60, will be described with reference to Figure 13. The locking mechanism 66 is a mechanism that restricts the horizontal movement of the connecting base 60 relative to the holding member 50 when it is positioned at the locked position PL. The locking mechanism 66 is provided for each connecting base 60 (the first connecting base 60A and the second connecting base 60B).

[0065] As shown in Figure 13, the locking mechanism 66 has a lock handle 661 that is rotatably mounted on the connecting base frame 632 on the other axial side, around an axis parallel to the axial direction. The lock handle 661 includes a gripping member 661a that is grasped by the operator, and a contact member 661b that extends in a direction perpendicular to the portion where the gripping member 661a is formed. A spring 662 that expands and contracts horizontally is stretched between the contact member 661b and the connecting base frame 632. In addition, a lock groove engaging roller 664 (see Figure 11) is rotatably mounted on the middle of the lock handle 661 around a rotation axis 663 parallel to the axial direction. The lock groove engaging roller 664 is positioned on the holding member 50 side of the connecting base frame 63, and an arc-shaped notch 632s is formed in the connecting base frame 632, which serves as the movement path for the rotation axis 663. As shown in Figure 11, the lock groove engaging roller 664 is sized to engage with the lock groove 505 formed in the holding member 50.

[0066] The locking mechanism 66 configured as described above maintains a state in which the contact member 661b is pulled horizontally to one side by the biasing force of the spring 662. At this time, as shown in Figure 11, the lock groove engaging roller 664 engages with the lock groove 505 of the holding member 50, and the lock handle 661 and the connecting base frame 632 become immobile in the horizontal direction relative to the holding member 50. In other words, the connecting base 60 is locked in the locked position PL. In this state, the contact member 661b comes into contact with the push button B of the mechanical valve V, which will be described later.

[0067] When the connecting base 60 is locked in the locked position PL, if an operator manually pushes the lock handle 661 upward, the lock handle 661 rotates relative to the connecting base frame 632 against the biasing force of the spring 662, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 13. As a result, the rotation axis 663 moves upward within the notch S, and the lock groove engaging roller 664 separates from the lock groove 505 of the retaining member 50, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 11. This releases the lock of the connecting base 60 from the retaining member 50, allowing the connecting base 60 to move horizontally.

[0068] (Device for detecting the operating status of the locking mechanism) Next, the operating state detection device 670 for the locking mechanism 66 will be described. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the operating state detection device 670 for the locking mechanism 66. The packaging material supply device 10 of this embodiment has the control device 30, a plurality of air paths AL, a rotary joint 672, a plurality of pressure detection sensors 674, a plurality of air supply valves 496, and a plurality of mechanical valves V as the operating state detection device 670. In the following description, the locking mechanism 66 provided on the first connection base 60A will be referred to as the "first locking mechanism 66," and the locking mechanism 66 provided on the second connection base 60B will be referred to as the "second locking mechanism 66."

[0069] Multiple air paths AL are connected to various air-driven devices mounted on the packaging material supply device 10 and are paths for supplying driving air to these devices. Air paths AL also include paths for supplying air to various devices for detecting the operating status of various interlock mechanisms. Each air path AL is connected to an air supply source (not shown) via each air supply valve 496, which is a solenoid valve, and the start and stop of the air supply to each air path AL is controlled by the control device 30 driving the solenoid valve at a predetermined timing. In this embodiment, among the multiple air paths AL, the first air path ALA, which is provided in correspondence with the first lock mechanism 66, and the second air path ALB, which is provided in correspondence with the second lock mechanism 66, are included in the operating status detection device 670.

[0070] The rotary joint 672 is a rotary shaft coupling that forms part of a plurality of air paths AL inside it for supplying a fluid such as air to the various rotating devices mentioned above. The rotary joint 672 is attached to the central axis 40a of the slewing arm 40, although it is not shown in Figures 1 to 9.

[0071] The multiple pressure detection sensors 674 include a first pressure detection sensor 674A provided in correspondence with the first locking mechanism 66 and a second pressure detection sensor 674B provided in correspondence with the second locking mechanism 66. Each pressure detection sensor 494 is mounted in a location that does not rotate with the swivel arm 40. The first pressure detection sensor 674A is connected to the first air path ALA and detects the pressure in the first air path ALA. The second pressure detection sensor 674B is connected to the second air path ALB and detects the pressure in the second air path ALB. The first pressure detection sensor 674A and the second pressure detection sensor 674B output their detection results to the control device 30.

[0072] The mechanical valve V is a push-type pneumatic input on-off valve that switches the connected path between exhaust and non-exhaust states by changing the position of its internal spool depending on whether the push button B is pressed or not. In this embodiment, the mechanical valve V is a normally open type on-off valve. The mechanical valve V has a first mechanical valve VA provided in correspondence with the first locking mechanism 66 and a second mechanical valve VB provided in correspondence with the second locking mechanism 66. The first mechanical valve VA is connected to the first air path ALA and, when the push button B is not pressed, sets the first air path ALA to an exhaust state, and when the push button B is pressed, sets the first air path ALA to a non-exhaust state. The second mechanical valve VB is connected to the second air path ALB and, when the push button B is not pressed, sets the second air path ALB to an exhaust state, and when the push button B is pressed, sets the second air path ALB to a non-exhaust state.

[0073] As shown in Figure 13, the mechanical valve V is mounted on the connecting base frame 632 near the locking mechanism 66. More specifically, the mechanical valve V is positioned such that the push button B is located on the rotational trajectory of the contact member 661b when the locking handle 661 of the locking mechanism 66 rotates. As a result, when the lock groove engaging roller 664 engages with the lock groove 505, the contact member 661b contacts the push button B, and the push button B is pressed. On the other hand, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 13, when the locking handle 661 rotates so that the lock groove engaging roller 664 moves away from the lock groove 505, the contact member 661b does not contact the push button B. Therefore, when the connecting base 60 is locked to the holding member 50, the mechanical valve V puts the connected first air path ALA or second air path ALB into a non-exhausted state. On the other hand, when the connection base 60 is not locked to the retaining member 50, the mechanical valve V puts the connected first air path ALA or second air path ALB into an exhaust state.

[0074] With the above configuration, the pressure in the air path AL (first air path ALA or second air path ALB) detected by the pressure detection sensor 674 fluctuates depending on whether the connecting base 60 is locked to the holding member 50 by the locking mechanism 66 or not. Based on the input from the pressure detection sensor 674, the control device 30 determines that the reel shaft L is not locked to the swivel arm 40 by the locking mechanism 450 if the pressure in the air path AL is less than a predetermined value, and determines that the connecting base 60 is locked to the holding member 50 by the locking mechanism 66 if the pressure in the air path AL is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The predetermined value is a value that is set in advance as the pressure value of the air path AL corresponding to the operation of the locking mechanism 450. Alternatively, the control device 30 may determine whether the connecting base 60 is locked to the holding member 50 or not based on the amount of pressure fluctuation detected by the pressure detection sensor 496.

[0075] Furthermore, as described above, the air path AL is connected to an air supply source (not shown) via an air supply valve 496. The control device 30 controls the air supply valve 496 connected to the corresponding air path AL (first air path ALA or second air path ALB) to start supplying air when the operator pulls the connection stand 60 from the locked position PL to the packaging material setting position PS in order to set the leading edge S of the subsequent packaging material W2 on the connection stand 60. For example, a button can be provided on the operation panel included in the setting input device 2 to instruct the operator to perform the task of setting the leading edge S of the subsequent packaging material W2 on the connection stand 60, and the control device 30 can control the supply of air to the air path AL in accordance with the instruction entered by the operator via the button.

[0076] Furthermore, after the control device 30 determines that the connection base 60 is locked to the holding member 50, it controls the air supply valve 496 to stop supplying air to the air path AL. This prevents the supply of unnecessary air.

[0077] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the packaging material supply device 10 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of reel shafts L on which packaging material W is loaded, a pivot arm 40 that pivots the plurality of reel shafts L between a dispensing position P1 for dispensing and using the packaging material W, and a standby position P2 before dispensing and using the packaging material W, a connector 70 having a heater block 71 that connects the leading packaging material W1 to be used first from the packaging material W and the leading edge S of the trailing packaging material W2 to be used after the leading packaging material W1 from the reel shaft L by heat welding, and a holding member 50 provided on the pivot arm 40 corresponding to each of the plurality of reel shafts L, by the connector 70 At the connection position CP between the leading packaging material W1 and the trailing packaging material W2, the system includes a plurality of connecting bases 60, each having a base portion 62 that sandwiches the leading packaging material W1 and the trailing packaging material W2 between itself and the heater block 71, and a clamping mechanism 61 (temporary fixing member) capable of temporarily fixing the tip portion S of the trailing packaging material W2. The connecting bases 60 are attached to the holding member 50 so as to be movable along the horizontal direction (movement direction), which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40, between a lock position PL (first position) corresponding to the connection position CP and a packaging material setting position PS (second position) on the reel axis L side, which is in a standby position P2 relative to the lock position PL.

[0078] This configuration allows the connection base 60 to be moved to the packaging material setting position PS on the reel shaft L side at the standby position P2, rather than to the lock position PL corresponding to the connection position CP where the preceding packaging material W1 and the succeeding packaging material W2 are connected. In other words, the leading edge S of the succeeding packaging material W2 can be temporarily fixed to the clamp mechanism 61 of the connection base 60 without changing the position of the reel shaft L at the dispensing position P1 and the reel shaft L at the standby position P2. Therefore, according to the packaging material supply device 10 of this embodiment, the succeeding packaging material W2 can be set on the connection base 60 without stopping the supply of the preceding packaging material W1.

[0079] Furthermore, the holding members 50 have grooves 500 extending horizontally and are provided in pairs spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, and the connecting base 60 has a pair of connecting base frames 63 provided adjacent to the holding members 50 and spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, and the connecting base frames 63 have a first regulating roller 641 (first regulating member) and a second regulating roller 642 (first regulating member) that are slidably held in the grooves of the adjacent holding members 50 and are provided spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0080] With this configuration, the first regulating roller 641 and the second regulating roller 642, which are slidable along the groove of the holding member 50, can hold the connecting base 60 so that it can move horizontally relative to the holding member 50. Furthermore, since the first regulating roller 641 and the second regulating roller 642 are rotatably slidable along the groove, the first regulating roller 641 and the second regulating roller 642 can slide smoothly along the groove, allowing the connecting base 60 to move smoothly.

[0081] Furthermore, the direction of movement of the connecting base 60 is horizontal, and the groove 500 has a first groove portion 501 extending along the horizontal direction and a second groove portion 502 extending upward from the middle of the first groove portion 501. The first regulating roller 641 and the second regulating roller 642 are provided on the connecting base frame 63 such that when the second regulating roller 642 contacts the other end portion 501b of the first groove portion 501 (second position side, packaging material set position PS side), the first regulating roller 641 is positioned below the second groove portion 502.

[0082] With this configuration, the end of the connecting base 60 on the packaging material setting position PS side can be rotated downwards around the second regulating roller 642 so that the second regulating roller 642 contacts the end 501b of the first groove 501 on the packaging material setting position PS side, and after the connecting base 60 is positioned at the packaging material setting position PS, the first regulating roller 641 moves into the second groove 502. As a result, the leading edge S of the subsequent packaging material W2 can be easily set into the clamping mechanism 61 (temporary fixing member) of the connecting base 60.

[0083] Furthermore, the second groove 502 has an inclined portion 502a that extends upward toward the end 501b side of the first groove 501, a restricting portion 502b that extends vertically toward the end 501b side of the inclined portion 502a, and a terminal portion 502c that connects the inclined portion 502a and the restricting portion 502b.

[0084] This configuration allows for a wider opening in the second groove 502 that communicates with the first groove 501, making it easier to insert and remove the first regulating roller 641 into the second groove 502. Furthermore, it becomes possible to move the first regulating roller 641 along the inclined portion 502a, further facilitating the insertion and removal of the first regulating roller 641 into the second groove 502.

[0085] Furthermore, the packaging material supply device 10 of the bag-making, filling, and packaging machine 1 further comprises a link mechanism 65 in which the pair of frame links 651 and intermediate links 652, which are provided spaced apart from each other in the axial direction and have one end 651a rotatably connected to an adjacent holding member 50, and the pair of frame links 651 and intermediate links 652, which are provided spaced apart from each other in the axial direction and have one end 652a rotatably connected to an adjacent second regulating roller 642 and the other end 652b rotatably connected to an adjacent frame link 651, are connected to each other.

[0086] This configuration ensures that the frame links 651 and intermediate links 652 of the link mechanism 65, which are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction and connected to one another, perform the same operation as the second regulating roller 642 moves. As a result, the connecting base 60 can be moved horizontally while the second regulating roller 642 remains aligned in the axial direction. In other words, when moving the connecting base 60, it is possible to suppress the tilting of the connecting base 60 to one or the other side in the axial direction, and to move the connecting base 60 smoothly.

[0087] Furthermore, the packaging material supply device 10 of the bag-making, filling, and packaging machine 1 is provided corresponding to each connecting base 60 and further includes a locking mechanism 66 that restricts the movement of the connecting base 60 relative to the holding member 50. The holding member 50 has a locking groove 505, and the locking mechanism 66 includes a locking handle 661 that is rotatable relative to the connecting base frame 63, and a locking groove engaging roller 664 (locking groove engaging member) attached to the locking handle 661 that can engage with the locking groove 505 as the locking handle 661 rotates.

[0088] This configuration makes it easy to lock and unlock the movement of the connecting base 60 relative to the holding member 50 simply by rotating the lock handle 661 relative to the holding member 50.

[0089] (modified version) This concludes the description of the embodiments, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these embodiments. For example, in this embodiment, a plurality of reel shafts L are provided with a first reel shaft LA and a second reel shaft LB, but the number of reel shafts L is not limited to two, but may be three or more.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement direction of the connecting base 60 is set to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the swivel arm 40. However, depending on the orientation of the connecting base 60 corresponding to the reel axis L at the unwinding position P1, the movement direction may be in a direction with a predetermined angle to the horizontal direction.

[0091] Furthermore, the attachment structure of the connecting base 60 to the holding member 50 is not limited to that shown in the embodiment. For example, the connecting base 60 may be provided with a portion corresponding to the groove 500, and the holding member 50 may be provided with members corresponding to the first regulating roller 641 (first regulating member) and the second regulating roller 642 (second regulating member).

[0092] Furthermore, the first regulating roller 641 (first regulating member) and the second regulating roller 642 (second regulating member) may simply be formed by protrusions or the like, as long as they are slidably held in the groove 500.

[0093] Furthermore, the groove 500 does not have a second groove 502, as long as it has at least a first groove 501. Also, the second groove 502 may simply extend upward from the first groove 501, as long as the first regulating roller 641 is positioned downward when the second regulating roller 642 (second regulating member) contacts the end 501b of the first groove 501.

[0094] Furthermore, the link mechanism 65 may be omitted from the connection base 60.

[0095] Furthermore, the locking mechanism 66 can be any mechanism that can lock the movement of the connecting base 60 relative to the holding member 50. For example, a member corresponding to a lock handle 661 or a lock groove engaging roller 664 may be provided on the holding member 50 side, and a portion corresponding to a lock groove 505 may be provided on the connecting base frame 63. Also, the lock groove engaging roller 664 may be a simple projection as long as it can engage with the lock groove 505. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Bag making, filling and packaging machine 10 Packaging material supply device 20 Bag making and packaging equipment 30 Control device 40 Swivel Arms 40a center axis 42 Frame members 50 Retaining member 500 grooves 501 First groove 501a, 501b end 502 Second groove 502a Slope 502b Regulatory Division 502c termination 505 Lock groove 60 connection units 61 Clamping mechanism 62 Base 63, 631, 632 Connection base frame 64 Multiple regulating rollers 641 First regulating roller (first regulating member) 642 Second regulating roller (second regulating member) 645, 646, 654 Rotating shafts 65 Link mechanism 651 Framelink 651a, 652a one end 651b, 652b other end 652 Intermediate Links 66 Locking mechanism 661 Lock Handle 661a Gripping member 661b Contact member 662 Spring 663 Rotation axis 664 Lock groove engaging roller 70 Connectors 80 retractable rollers 85 receiving roller CP connection location L Reel Shaft P1 extension position P2 Standby position PL lock position (1st position) PS Packaging material set position (2nd position) S tip V Mechanical Valve W packaging material W1 Advance packaging material W2 Trailing packaging material WR Packaging Roll

Claims

1. Multiple reel shafts loaded with packaging material, A rotating arm rotates the multiple reel shafts between a dispensing position where the packaging material is dispensed and used, and a standby position before the packaging material is dispensed and used. A connector that connects the leading edge of the leading packaging material to the leading edge of the leading packaging material to be used after the leading packaging material, from the reel shaft, The swivel arm is provided with one connection base for each reel axis via a holding member, and each connection base has a base portion that sandwiches the leading and trailing packaging materials between itself and the connector at the connection position between the leading and trailing packaging materials by the connector, and a temporary fixing member that can temporarily fix the tip of the trailing packaging material. Equipped with, The connecting base is attached to the holding member so as to be movable along the direction of movement which is the circumferential direction of rotation around the central axis, which is the pivot center of the swivel arm, between a first position corresponding to the connection position and a second position on the reel shaft side that is in the standby position, which is further from the first position. The retaining member has a groove extending along the direction of movement, The connecting base is slidably held in the groove. Packaging material supply device.

2. The holding members are provided in pairs, spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the central axis of the pivot arm. The connecting base has a pair of connecting base frames provided adjacent to the holding member and spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The connecting base frame has a first restricting member and a second restricting member that are spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement and are slidably held in the grooves of adjacent retaining members. The packaging material supply device according to claim 1.

3. The first regulating member is a first regulating roller that can rotate and slide along the groove, The second restricting member is a second restricting roller that can rotate and slide along the groove. The packaging material supply device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned direction of movement is a horizontal direction, moving horizontally above the reel shaft in the standby position. The groove has a first groove portion extending horizontally and a second groove portion extending upward from the middle of the first groove portion. The first regulating roller and the second regulating roller are provided on the connecting base frame such that when the second regulating roller contacts the end of the first groove on the second position side, the first regulating roller is positioned below the second groove. The packaging material supply device according to claim 3.

5. The packaging material supply device according to claim 4, wherein the second groove portion has an inclined portion that extends upward toward the end side of the first groove portion, a restricting portion that extends vertically toward the end side of the first groove portion than the inclined portion, and a terminal portion that connects the inclined portion and the restricting portion.

6. A pair of frame links are provided spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, with one end of each link rotatably connected to an adjacent retaining member, A pair of intermediate links are provided spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, one end of which is rotatably connected to an adjacent second restricting member, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to an adjacent frame link. It has, The system further comprises a link mechanism in which a pair of frame links and intermediate links, provided in the axial direction, are connected to each other. A packaging material supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. Each of the aforementioned connecting bases is provided with a locking mechanism that restricts the movement of the connecting base relative to the holding member, The retaining member has a locking groove, The locking mechanism comprises a locking handle rotatable relative to the connecting base frame, and a locking groove engaging member attached to the locking handle and capable of engaging with the locking groove as the locking handle rotates. A packaging material supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

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