Tray sealing machine and method for manufacturing tray packs

Abstract

To provide a tray seal machine capable of identifying a seal position through tracing back it where the tray pack had been placed on the basis of a tray pack.SOLUTION: Cover film material 51 with a supply unit length is normally supplied to a seal system 13 for attaching a cover film on a plurality of trays 3 arranged on a plurality of seal positions P1 to P4, respectively. The cover film material 51 comprises position information showing seal positions P1 to P4. When defects of print parts and seams on the cover film material 51 are detected, the cover film material 51 in a supply unit length including the print defect part and the like is skipped and the cover film material 51 in a subsequent supply unit length L1 is supplied to the seal system 13. This makes the seal positions P1 to P4 on the cover film material 51 and the seal position P1 to P4 on the seal system 13 securely coincide with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tray sealing machine for manufacturing a tray pack in which a cover film is attached to a tray containing contents, and a method for manufacturing the tray pack.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various foods and the like are often sold in a state where they are put in a resin container and a resin lid is fixed to the container with a rubber or the like. On the other hand, in recent years, in order to extend the expiration date, reduce the amount of food waste, and reduce the amount of resin used, a tray pack including a tray capable of containing contents such as food and a cover film attached to the tray, with the inside of the tray being in a sealed state, is increasingly adopted.

[0003] The tray pack can be manufactured by a tray sealing machine. The tray sealing machine includes, for example, a printing device, a material splicing device, a sealing device, and the like. The printing device forms a predetermined printing portion on a belt-shaped cover film material being conveyed upstream of the sealing device. The material splicing device automatically connects the end portion of the cover film material being conveyed and the start portion of the next cover film material, enabling continuous supply of the cover film material to the sealing device. The sealing device has functions such as cutting the cover film material to obtain a cover film and attaching the cover film to the tray.

[0004] A tray sealing machine equipped with a printing device is known that can prevent the production of defective tray packs due to defects in the printing area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This tray sealing machine is equipped with a printing inspection device (printing inspection device) for inspecting the printing area (printing) formed by the printing device, and if a defect in the printing area is detected by the printing inspection device, the supply of cover film material to the sealing device is controlled so that the defective portion of the cover film material is not attached to the tray. More specifically, if the tray sealing machine were to supply the sealing device with the normal amount of cover film material, the defective portion of the cover film material would stop at the position corresponding to the sealing device and be attached to the tray as is, the supply of cover film material to the sealing device is controlled so that the defective portion passes through the sealing device and is transported downstream of the sealing device.

[0005] Furthermore, the sealing device includes heating plates for attaching the cover film to the tray. Some sealing devices have heating plates at each of the multiple sealing positions arranged along the direction of transport of the cover film material, and these heating plates are used to attach the cover film to each of the multiple trays located at each sealing position at once.

[0006] Incidentally, defects in the sealed packaging (for example, poor sealing or cosmetic defects related to the cutting of the cover film material) can occur in manufactured tray packs. When such defects occur, it is necessary to identify the cause of the defect in the sealed packaging and take measures to resolve it. However, since sealed packaging that attaches cover films to multiple trays at once is usually large and complex, it is by no means easy to identify the cause of defects in such packaging.

[0007] Therefore, in order to make it relatively easy to identify the cause of a malfunction, a technique has been proposed in which different raised portions are provided for each heating plate (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this technique, when the heated raised portion is pressed against the tray, an identifier is formed on the tray pack to identify the heating plate used in the manufacture of the tray pack. Then, if a defective tray pack is manufactured, it becomes possible to trace back and identify the heating plate used in the manufacture of the tray pack from the identifier formed on the tray pack. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-78033 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2013-515654 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, with the above technology, the raised portion may make it difficult to properly attach the cover film to the tray, potentially leading to sealing defects.

[0010] Furthermore, the sealing device does not consist solely of a heating plate; it is equipped with various components such as a receiving section for the heating plate, an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the clamping pressure between the tray and cover film, and a cutter for cutting the cover film material. Therefore, in order to identify the cause of a malfunction, it is necessary to identify the sealing position, not the heating plate. In this regard, since the heating plate is usually configured to be positioned in any sealing position, considering that it may be positioned in a different position, the above technology cannot determine which sealing position a defective tray pack was positioned in when it was manufactured.

[0011] Therefore, it is conceivable to assign position information, which indicates the sealing position, to each individual tray pack by providing position information to the cover film material. In this case, based on the position information assigned to the tray pack, it becomes possible to trace back and identify the sealing position in which the tray pack was placed.

[0012] However, in a configuration in which position information is provided on the cover film material, if the supply of the cover film material to the sealing device is controlled simply so that the defective printed portion is transported downstream of the sealing device, as described in Patent Document 1 above, in order to prevent the manufacture of defective tray packs due to defects in the printed portion, there is a risk that a "discrepancy" will occur between the sealing position indicated by the position information provided on the cover film material and the sealing position related to the sealing device. If such a "discrepancy" occurs, it becomes impossible to identify the sealing position based on the position information provided on the tray pack.

[0013] Furthermore, in terms of preventing the manufacture of defective tray packs, it is preferable not to attach the portion of the cover film material with a seam to the tray. However, if the supply of the cover film material is controlled using the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 so that the seam portion is transported downstream of the sealing device, a similar "misalignment" may occur.

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a tray sealing machine, etc., that can identify the sealing position in which a tray pack was placed by tracing back based on the tray pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] Below, we will describe, in separate sections, each means suitable for achieving the above objectives. Furthermore, we will add notes on the effects and benefits specific to each means as needed.

[0016] Method 1. A tray sealing machine for manufacturing a tray pack in which a cover film is attached to a tray containing contents, A sealing means for cutting a strip-shaped cover film material to obtain the cover film, and for attaching the cover film to each of the multiple trays arranged in a plurality of sealing positions along the conveying direction of the cover film material, A material supply means for supplying the cover film material to the sealing means, A printing means is provided along the transport path of the cover film material, upstream of the sealing means, and performs a printing process on the cover film material to provide a printed area on the cover film material. The system includes a printing inspection means that is disposed downstream of the printing means and upstream of the sealing means along the transport path of the cover film material, and performs quality determination of the printed portion, The portion of the cover film material that becomes the cover film is provided with position information, which is information indicating the seal position. The material supply means is Normally, the seal position indicated by the position information provided on the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means, and the cover film material is intermittently supplied to the sealing means in units of one supply length, which corresponds to the same number of trays as the number of seal positions. A tray sealing machine is configured such that, if the printing inspection means determines that the printed portion is defective, the cover film material in the 1-unit supply length including the defective printed portion is skipped, and the next 1-unit supply length of the cover film material is supplied to the sealing means so that the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the next 1-unit supply length of the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means.

[0017] According to the above means 1, a unit length of cover film material is intermittently supplied to the sealing means so that the seal position indicated by the position information provided on the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means. On the other hand, if a defect is detected in the printed area, the unit length of cover film material containing the defective printed area is skipped, and the next unit length of cover film material is supplied to the sealing means so that the seal position indicated by the position information provided on the next unit length of cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means. Therefore, even if a defect occurs in the printed area, the seal position related to the cover film material and the seal position related to the sealing means can be matched. This makes it possible to trace back and identify the seal position where the tray pack was placed based on the position information of the manufactured tray pack. As a result, when a problem caused by the sealing means (e.g., a sealing defect) occurs, the cause of the problem can be identified more easily, and appropriate countermeasures can be taken quickly.

[0018] Furthermore, any portion of the cover film material with a defective print is not attached to the tray but is instead transported downstream of the sealing mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the production of defective tray packs due to printing defects, thereby reducing the cost associated with the manufacturing of the tray packs.

[0019] Means 2. The printing means has the function of printing the position information onto the cover film material, A mark detection means is disposed upstream of the printing means along the transport path of the cover film material and detects marks that have been pre-applied to the cover film material at intervals related to the 1-unit supply length, The tray sealing machine according to means 1, further comprising a printing control means that controls the position of the printed portion to be printed by the printing means based on the detection result by the mark detection means.

[0020] According to the above-described means 2, by using the mark attached to the cover film material, the printed portion including the position information can be provided at an appropriate position in the cover film material. Thereby, it is possible to make it less likely that defects occur in the printed portion. In addition, since the position information can be provided more reliably at an appropriate position in the tray pack, it is possible to more reliably and easily identify the seal position where the manufactured tray pack was placed based on the position information of the tray pack.

[0021] Means 3. A second mark detection means for detecting the mark is provided downstream of the printing inspection means and upstream of the sealing means along the conveyance path of the cover film material. The tray sealer according to means 2, wherein the material supply means is configured to supply the cover film material to the sealing means by using the detection result by the second mark detection means.

[0022] According to the above-described means 3, the printing of the printed portion including the position information and the supply of the cover film material to the sealing means are performed using a common mark. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably match the seal position related to the cover film material and the seal position related to the sealing means, and it is possible to more accurately and easily identify the seal position where the manufactured tray pack was placed based on the position information of the tray pack.

[0023] Further, according to the above-described means 3, since the marks are provided at intervals related to one unit supply length, it is possible to more appropriately control the supply length of the cover film material to the sealing means.

[0024] Means 4. The tray sealer according to means 1, wherein the printing means is configured to be able to stop the subsequent printing process for the cover film material of the one unit supply length including the defective portion that is the target of the defective determination when the defective determination of the printed portion is made by the printing inspection means.

[0025] According to the above means 4, if a printing defect is detected in a printed area, subsequent printing on the cover film material of one unit supply length, including the printed area that was found to be defective, can be stopped. For example, if a printed area already provided on the cover film material of one unit supply length is found to be defective before all the printed areas that should be provided on the cover film material of one unit supply length are provided, subsequent printing can be stopped so that no further printed areas are provided on the cover film material of that unit supply length. Therefore, unnecessary printing can be avoided on the cover film material of one unit supply length that has a defective printed area and is scheduled to be transported downstream of the sealing means without being attached to a tray. This makes it possible to more effectively reduce costs related to the manufacture of tray packs, etc.

[0026] Means 5. A tray sealing machine for manufacturing a tray pack in which a cover film is attached to a tray containing contents, A sealing means for cutting a strip-shaped cover film material to obtain the cover film, and for attaching the cover film to each of the multiple trays arranged in a plurality of sealing positions along the conveying direction of the cover film material, A material supply means for supplying the cover film material to the sealing means, The system includes a joint detection means disposed upstream of the sealing means along the transport path of the cover film material, which detects the joint between the end of the cover film material being transported and the start of the cover film material to be transported next. The portion of the cover film material that becomes the cover film is provided with position information, which is information indicating the seal position. The material supply means is Normally, the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means, and the cover film material is intermittently supplied to the sealing means in units of one supply length, which corresponds to the same number of trays as the number of seal positions, while A tray sealing machine is configured such that, when the seam detection means detects the seam, it skips the cover film material of the 1 unit supply length including the seam, and supplies the next 1 unit supply length of the cover film material to the sealing means so that the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the next 1 unit supply length of the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means.

[0027] According to the above means 5, a unit length of cover film material is intermittently supplied to the sealing means so that the seal position indicated by the position information attached to the cover film material matches the seal position of the sealing means. On the other hand, if a seam is detected, the unit length of cover film material containing the seam is skipped, and the next unit length of cover film material is supplied to the sealing means so that the seal position indicated by the position information attached to the next unit length of cover film material matches the seal position of the sealing means. Therefore, even if a seam exists, the seal position of the cover film material and the seal position of the sealing means can be matched. This makes it possible to more accurately identify the seal position in which the tray pack was placed from the position information of the manufactured tray pack. As a result, when a problem caused by the sealing means (e.g., a sealing defect) occurs, the cause of the problem can be more easily identified, and appropriate countermeasures can be taken quickly.

[0028] Furthermore, since the seam portion is not attached to the tray but is transported downstream of the sealing mechanism, it is possible to prevent the manufacture of defective tray packs containing the seam portion. This makes it possible to reduce the cost associated with manufacturing the tray packs.

[0029] Method 6. A method for manufacturing a tray pack, comprising attaching a cover film to a tray containing contents, A sealing step comprising: cutting a strip-shaped cover film material using a predetermined sealing means to obtain the cover film, and attaching the cover film to each of the multiple trays arranged at multiple sealing positions along the conveying direction of the cover film material; A material supply step of supplying the cover film material to the sealing means, A printing step is performed by printing on the cover film material using a printing means arranged upstream of the sealing means along the transport path of the cover film material, thereby providing a printed portion on the cover film material. The process includes a printing inspection step in which a printing inspection means is disposed along the transport path of the cover film material downstream of the printing means and upstream of the sealing means to determine whether the printed portion is good or bad, The portion of the cover film material that becomes the cover film is provided with position information, which is information indicating the seal position. In the aforementioned material supply process, Normally, the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means, and the cover film material is intermittently supplied to the sealing means in units of one supply length, which corresponds to the same number of tray packs as the number of seal positions, while A method for manufacturing a tray pack, characterized in that, if a defect is determined in the printing inspection step, the cover film material of the 1 unit supply length including the defective printed portion is skipped, and the next 1 unit supply length of the cover film material is supplied to the sealing means such that the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the next 1 unit supply length of the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means.

[0030] According to the above means 6, the same effects and advantages as those of means 1 are achieved.

[0031] Method 7. A method for manufacturing a tray pack, comprising attaching a cover film to a tray containing contents, A sealing step comprising: cutting a strip-shaped cover film material using a predetermined sealing means to obtain the cover film, and attaching the cover film to each of the multiple trays arranged at multiple sealing positions along the conveying direction of the cover film material; A material supply step of supplying the cover film material to the sealing means, The process includes a seam detection step in which a seam detection means, disposed upstream of the sealing means along the transport path of the cover film material, detects the seam between the end of the cover film material being transported and the start of the cover film material to be transported next, The portion of the cover film material that becomes the cover film is provided with position information, which is information indicating the seal position. In the aforementioned material supply process, Normally, the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means, and the cover film material is intermittently supplied to the sealing means in units of one supply length, which corresponds to the same number of trays as the number of seal positions, while A method for manufacturing a tray pack, characterized in that, when the seam portion is detected by the seam detection step, the cover film material of the 1 unit supply length including the seam portion is skipped, and the next 1 unit supply length of the cover film material is supplied to the sealing means such that the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the next 1 unit supply length of the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means.

[0032] According to the above means 7, the same effects and advantages as those of the above means 5 are achieved.

[0033] Furthermore, the technical aspects related to each of the above means may be combined as appropriate. For example, the technical aspects related to means 2 may be combined with the technical aspects related to means 3 or 4. Also, for example, the technical aspects related to means 5, 6 or 7 may be combined with the technical aspects related to means 2 or 3. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the tray pack. [Figure 2] This is a cross-section of the tray pack. [Figure 3] This is a partially enlarged schematic plan view of the cover film material. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a tray sealing machine. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing the general configuration of the first sealing device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the first sealing device. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first sealing device showing the lower chamber component moving upward and the locking projection being locked to the lower base. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first sealing device showing the state in which the lower chamber component moves upward and the cover film material is cut. [Figure 9]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first sealing device showing the state in which the tray table moves upward and the cover film is welded to the flange portion. [Figure 10] This is a schematic perspective view showing the area of ​​the cover film material that is gripped by both chamber components when the chamber is closed. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view of a cutter. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transport of the cover film material when a defect is detected in the printed area. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transport of the cover film material when a defect is detected in the printed area. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transport of the cover film material when a defect is detected in the printed area. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transport of the cover film material when a seam (adhesive tape) is detected. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transport of the cover film material when a seam (adhesive tape) is detected. [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transport of the cover film material when a seam (adhesive tape) is detected. [Figure 18] This is a process diagram showing the manufacturing process for tray packs. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the markings in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The following describes one embodiment with reference to the drawings. First, the tray packs manufactured by the tray sealing machine of this embodiment will be described.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tray pack 1 has a tray 3 with one pocket portion 2 and a cover film 4 attached to the tray 3 so as to cover the pocket portion 2. Note that in Figures 1 and 2, the tray 3 and cover film 4 are shown to be thicker than they actually are.

[0037] Tray 3 is made of a thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene). Tray 3 may also have a multilayer structure made of multiple types of thermoplastic resin materials. The pocket portion 2 of tray 3 contains contents 6, such as food or pet food. Furthermore, a flange portion 3a is formed on tray 3, extending outward from the open end of the pocket portion 2.

[0038] The cover film 4 is made of a thermoplastic resin compatible with the tray 3 and is attached to the flange portion 3a. The tray 3 and cover film 4 are substantially impermeable, allowing the contents 6 to be kept in a sealed state. In addition, a predetermined gas (for example, an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) is sealed inside the pocket portion 2 to enable long-term storage of the contents 6.

[0039] Furthermore, the surface of the cover film 4 is provided with a printed section 5 that displays information related to the contents 6 (for example, the name of the contents 6, raw materials, expiration date, etc.) and information related to the manufacture of the tray pack 1 (for example, the name of the manufacturer, etc.). The printed section 5 includes position information 5a for indicating the seal positions P1, P2, P3, and P4 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "seal positions P1 to P4"), which will be described later. In this embodiment, the position information 5a indicating seal position P1 is "1", and the position information 5a indicating seal positions P2, P3, and P4 are "2", "3", and "4".

[0040] Next, with reference to Figure 4, a tray sealing machine 10 for manufacturing tray packs 1 will be described. The tray sealing machine 10 is capable of attaching cover films 4 to each of a plurality of trays 3 (four in this embodiment) arranged in a row at once. The tray sealing machine 10 comprises a film device 11, a tray supply device 12, a sealing system 13, a discharge device 14, and a control device 15. In this embodiment, the sealing system 13 constitutes the "sealing means," and the control device 15 constitutes the "printing control means."

[0041] The film device 11 is a device that supplies the strip-shaped cover film material 51, which will be the material for the cover film 4, to the sealing system 13 after providing a printing section 5 to the cover film material 51, and also winds up the scrap 52 remaining from the cover film material 51 after cutting. The cover film material 51 has multiple marks 51a pre-applied at regular intervals (see Figure 3). The interval between the marks 51a along the longitudinal direction of the cover film material 51 corresponds to a length corresponding to the 1-unit supply length L1, which will be described later. Note that the cover film material 51 shown in Figure 3 is after the printing section 5 has been provided by the printing device 113, which will be described next.

[0042] The film apparatus 11 includes a film supply device 111, a first mark sensor 112, a printing device 113, a printing inspection device 114, a first feed roller 115, a buffer mechanism 116, a second feed roller 117, a second mark sensor 118, and a winding unit 119. In this embodiment, the first mark sensor 112 constitutes the "mark detection means," the second feed roller 117 and the winding unit 119 constitute the "material supply means," and the second mark sensor 118 constitutes the "second mark detection means."

[0043] The film supply device 111 includes roll setting sections 111a and 111b, an automatic film splicing device 111c, and a splice detection sensor 111d. In this embodiment, the splice detection sensor 111d constitutes the "splice detection means".

[0044] The roll setting sections 111a and 111b are parts where a roll of strip-shaped cover film material 51 is wound into a roll and set, and include, for example, a shaft that supports the roll in a rotatable state. In this embodiment, two roll setting sections 111a and 111b are provided, but three or more roll setting sections may be provided.

[0045] The automatic film splicing device 111c connects the end of the cover film material 51 of the roll set in one roll set section 111a (111b) to the start of the cover film material 51 of the roll set in the other roll set section 111b (111a) when the cover film material 51 of the roll set in one roll set section 111a (111b) is consumed. In this embodiment, the automatic film splicing device 111c utilizes the marks 51a that are pre-provided on the cover film material 51 and connects the two cover film materials 51 when the marks 51a are aligned. The connection of the cover film materials 51 is made using a predetermined adhesive tape te (see Figure 16, etc.). Therefore, the portion to which the adhesive tape te is applied is the splice portion of the cover film material 51. Note that the cover film material 51 constituting the roll is provided only with the marks 51a, and no printed portion 5 is provided.

[0046] The seam detection sensor 111d is composed of, for example, a photoelectric sensor, and detects the seam portion in the cover film material 51, i.e., the portion where the adhesive tape te is attached. The detection result from the seam detection sensor 111d is sent to the control device 15.

[0047] The first mark sensor 112 is located downstream of the film supply device 111 along the transport direction of the cover film material 51. The first mark sensor 112 is composed of, for example, a photoelectric sensor and detects a mark 51a provided on the cover film material 51. The detection result from the first mark sensor 112 is sent to the control device 15 and used for controlling the supply of the cover film material 51 to the buffer mechanism 116 by the first feed roller 115, and for controlling the printing timing by the printing device 113.

[0048] The printing device 113 is located downstream of the first mark sensor 112 and performs contactless printing on the cover film designated area 4k (the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 3), which is the portion of the cover film material 51 that will become the cover film 4, for example, using a predetermined inkjet method. The printing timing and printing position of the printing device 113 are controlled by the control device 15. The printing process by the printing device 113 creates a printed area 5 on the cover film designated area 4k.

[0049] Furthermore, when the printing device 113 sets up the printing section 5, it prints position information 5a indicating the seal positions P1 to P4 (see Figure 4) where each of the four planned cover film sections 4k located between each mark 51a on the cover film material 51 is positioned. The seal positions P1 to P4 are the positions where each planned cover film section 4k is positioned when the seal system 13 attaches the cover film 4 to the tray 3, and in this embodiment, there are a total of four seal positions P1 to P4 arranged along the transport direction of the cover film material 51. The seal positions P1, P2, P3, and P4 are provided in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the cover film material 51, and correspond to the multiple seal devices 131, 132, 133, and 134 described later.

[0050] The print inspection device 114 is located downstream of the printing device 113 and inspects the printing section 5 provided by the printing device 113. The print inspection device 114 performs inspections on items such as misalignment, smudging or missing prints, color variations, and missing characters or images. The inspection results from the print inspection device 114 are sent to the control device 15.

[0051] The first feed roller 115 is located downstream of the printing inspection device 114 and has the cover film material 51 mounted on it. The first feed roller 115 is rotatable by a predetermined driving means (not shown) and supplies (feeds out) the cover film material 51 to the buffer mechanism 116 by its own rotation. The rotation of the first feed roller 115, that is, the supply of the cover film material 51 to the buffer mechanism 116, is controlled by the control device 15.

[0052] The buffer mechanism 116 is located downstream of the first feed roller 115 and upstream of the seal system 13, and temporarily stores the cover film material 51. The buffer mechanism 116 comprises, for example, a plurality of driven rollers and a lifting roller that is vertically displaceable between these driven rollers, and the lifting roller moves up and down in accordance with the amount of cover film material 51 stored. The buffer mechanism 116 has the function of sending information regarding the amount of cover film material 51 stored to the control device 15.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the buffer mechanism 116 is capable of storing cover film material 51 in a length of at least one unit supply length L1. The length of one unit supply length L1 is the length of cover film material 51 used in one sealing process, and in this embodiment, as described above, corresponds to the distance between each mark 51a. The sealing process refers to the process of attaching the cover film 4 to each of the multiple (four in this embodiment) trays 3 at once using the sealing system 13.

[0054] The second feed roller 117 is located downstream of the buffer mechanism 116 and upstream of the seal system 13, and the cover film material 51 is mounted on it. The second feed roller 117 is rotatable by a predetermined driving means (not shown), and supplies (feeds out) the cover film material 51 to the seal system 13 by its own rotation. The cover film material 51 fed out by the second feed roller 117 is guided between the upper chamber component 31 and the lower chamber component 32, which will be described later, and above the tray 3 supplied to the seal system 13. The amount of rotation of the second feed roller 117, i.e., the amount of cover film material 51 supplied to the seal system 13, is controlled by the control device 15, and normally, one operation of the second feed roller 117 supplies the seal system 13 with a cover film material 51 of a supply length L1.

[0055] The second mark sensor 118 is located downstream of the second feed roller 117 and, like the first mark sensor 112, detects the marks 51a provided on the cover film material 51. The detection result from the second mark sensor 118 is sent to the control device 15 and used to control the supply of the cover film material 51 to the sealing system 13 by the second feed roller 117.

[0056] The winding unit 119 is configured to be intermittently rotatable by a driving means (not shown), and winds up the scrap 52 by rotating.

[0057] The tray supply device 12 sequentially supplies trays 3, each containing contents 6 in its pocket 2, to the sealing system 13. The tray supply device 12 includes a conveyor belt 121 and a transfer device (not shown). The conveyor belt 121 transports the trays 3 in a single row to the sealing system 13. In this embodiment, the contents 6 are placed in the pocket 2 of the trays 3 automatically or manually during or before the transport of the trays 3 by the conveyor belt 121. The transfer device transfers the multiple (four) trays 3, which have been transported by the conveyor belt 121 to the sealing system 13, in a single row.

[0058] The sealing system 13 cuts the cover film material 51 to obtain the cover film 4, fills the pocket portion 2 in the tray 3 with a predetermined gas, and then welds the cover film 4 to the flange portion 3a of the tray 3. The sealing system 13 attaches the cover film 4 to each of the multiple trays 3 arranged in a row at sealing positions P1 to P4 at once. The sealing system 13 includes a first sealing device 131, a second sealing device 132, a third sealing device 133, and a fourth sealing device 134, which are arranged in line along the conveying direction of the cover film material 51.

[0059] Each sealing device 131, 132, 133, and 134 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "sealing devices 131-134") is responsible for attaching a cover film 4 to one tray 3. More specifically, each sealing device 131-134 corresponds to each sealing position P1-P4, and obtains a cover film 4 by cutting off the planned cover film portion 4k located at sealing positions P1-P4, and then attaches the cover film 4 to the tray 3. For example, the first sealing device 131 corresponds to sealing position P1, and obtains a cover film 4 by cutting off the planned cover film portion 4k located at sealing position P1, and then attaches the cover film 4 to the tray 3.

[0060] Here, we will explain in detail the configuration of each sealing device 131 to 134. Since each sealing device 131 to 134 has a similar configuration, we will explain the configuration of the first sealing device 131 below.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first sealing device 131 includes a chamber 30, a cutter 34, a heater 35, a suction board 36, a rod 37, a retaining spring 38, a tray table 39, and a gas exchange device 40.

[0062] Chamber 30 is used to house tray 3 in a sealed state. Chamber 30 has an upper chamber component 31 and a lower chamber component 32 arranged above and below a cover film material 51, and is configured to be openable and closable. In this embodiment, opening and closing of chamber 30 is achieved by the lower chamber component 32 moving up and down to approach or move away from the upper chamber component 31.

[0063] The upper chamber component 31 includes an upper base portion 311, a mounting portion 312, an upper chuck portion 313, and a gripping spring 314.

[0064] The upper base portion 311 is the part that forms the upper part of the internal space S (see Figure 8, etc.) of the chamber 30. The upper base portion 311 is box-shaped with an internal space that opens downwards. The lower end surface of the upper base portion 311 is rectangular and annular in shape and is in a state opposite to the packing 322 of the lower chamber component 32, which will be described later. In addition, a gas passage 311a used when performing gas exchange and an insertion hole 311b for inserting the rod 37 are formed through the upper wall of the upper base portion 311.

[0065] In addition, the upper base portion 311 is movable up and down within a predetermined range along the longitudinal direction of the rod 37, and as a result, the upper chamber component 31 is movable up and down between a predetermined lower limit position and a predetermined upper limit position. Figures 5 and 6 show the upper chamber component 31 in the lower limit position.

[0066] The mounting portion 312 is the part to which the cutter 34 or the like is attached, and it protrudes inward (towards the rod 37) from the inner surface of the side wall of the upper base portion 311.

[0067] The upper chuck portion 313, when the chamber 30 is closed, works in cooperation with the lower chuck portion 321c (described later) to grip the cover film material 51. The gripping of the cover film material 51 is performed by the lower end surface of the upper chuck portion 313. This lower end surface is a rectangular annular shape that is slightly larger than the outer edge of the flange portion 3a on the tray 3. Therefore, when the chamber 30 is closed, the upper chuck portion 313 and the like grip the annular portion of the cover film material 51 that is located outside the planned cover film portion 4k.

[0068] The gripping spring 314 is used to apply a downward force to the upper chuck portion 313 when gripping the cover film material 51 with the upper chuck portion 313, etc., in order to grip the cover film material 51 more securely. The gripping spring 314 is interposed between the upper chuck portion 313 and the mounting portion 312.

[0069] The lower chamber component 32 includes a lower base portion 321 and a packing 322.

[0070] The lower base portion 321 is the part that forms the lower part of the internal space S of the chamber 30. The lower base portion 321 is box-shaped and has an internal space that communicates with the outside through a rectangular through-hole 321a formed in the center of the upper wall portion. In addition, the lower base portion 321 can move up and down within a predetermined range by a driving means (not shown), and as a result, the lower chamber component 32 can move up and down between a predetermined lower limit position and a predetermined upper limit position.

[0071] Furthermore, on the upper wall of the lower base portion 321, a groove portion 321b, a lower chuck portion 321c, and a flange mounting portion 321d are formed in order from the outside to the inside. The groove portion 321b is a rectangular annular groove for positioning the packing 322. The lower chuck portion 321c is the part that grips the cover film material 51 together with the upper chuck portion 313, and is composed of a rectangular annular projection. The flange mounting portion 321d is a flat surface on which the flange portion 3a is placed when the lower chamber component 32 moves upward.

[0072] On the other hand, a through hole 321e is formed through the lower wall of the lower base portion 321 for inserting the table rod 39a, which will be described later.

[0073] The packing 322 is used to ensure airtightness of the internal space S of the chamber 30 when the chamber 30 is closed. The packing 322 protrudes slightly above the upper end surface of the lower base portion 321 and, when the chamber 30 is closed, is pressed against the lower end surface of the upper base portion 311 via the cover film material 51.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the chamber 30 is closed, the annular region R1 of the cover film material 51 (the area with the scattered dot pattern in Figure 10) is gripped by both chamber components 31 and 32 (specifically, both base components 311 and 321 and the packing 322). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the chamber 30 is closed (more specifically, when the chamber 30 is simply closed without cutting the cover film material 51), the cover film material 51 divides (separates) the internal space S of the chamber 30 into an upper space and a lower space.

[0075] The cutter 34 is used to cut the cover film material 51 to obtain the cover film 4. The cutter 34 is attached to the mounting part 312 inside the upper chuck part 313, thereby being attached to the upper chamber component 31. The tip (lower end) of the cutter 34 protrudes below the lower end surface of the heater 35 when the upper chamber component 31 is positioned at its lower limit. However, as the cutter 34 moves upward with the upward movement of the upper chamber component 31, the tip of the cutter 34 may be positioned above the lower end surface of the heater 35.

[0076] Furthermore, the cutter 34 has a rectangular cylindrical shape corresponding to the outer edge shape of the cover film 4, and the tip of the cutter 34 is provided with a sawtooth-shaped cutting blade 34a having multiple pointed teeth arranged in an annular shape (see Figure 11). The cover film material 51 is cut when the cutting blade 34a is pressed into the cover film material 51 along the thickness direction of the cover film material 51. In this embodiment, as the lower chamber component 32 moves upward, the portion of the cover film material 51 located above the tray 3 that corresponds to the outer edge of the planned cover film portion 4k is cut. As a result, the cover film 4 is obtained.

[0077] The heater 35 is used to weld the cover film 4 to the tray 3. The lower end of the heater 35 is provided with a heating element 35a that can generate heat when electricity is applied, and this heating element 35a has a rectangular ring shape that is slightly smaller than the outer edge shape of the cover film 4. The heater 35 is fixed to the rod 37 inside the cutter 34.

[0078] The suction board 36 is a device for adsorbing and holding the cover film 4. The suction board 36 is fixed to the lower end of the rod 37 inside the cutter 34. The lower surface of the suction board 36 is provided with numerous suction holes (not shown), and negative pressure can be supplied to these suction holes by a predetermined suction means (not shown). By supplying negative pressure to the suction holes, the lower surface of the suction board 36 can adsorb and hold the cover film 4 or cover film material 51. In this embodiment, the cover film 4 obtained by cutting is adsorbed and held at the same time as the cover film material 51 is cut by the cutter 34. Furthermore, the cover film 4 is adsorbed and held in a position that does not block the opening of the pocket portion 2 (i.e., a position that does not hinder gas exchange within the pocket portion 2). Alternatively, the device may be configured to adsorb and hold the planned portion 4k of the cover film before the cover film material 51 is cut by the cutter 34.

[0079] The rod 37 supports the upper chamber component 31 and the heater 35, etc., while guiding the vertical movement of the upper chamber component 31. The rod 37 is rod-shaped, and its upper end is fixed to a predetermined mounting object. In addition, a predetermined sealing component (not shown) is placed between the rod 37 and the upper base portion 311, ensuring airtightness in the internal space S of the chamber 30.

[0080] The retaining spring 38 is a component that applies a downward biasing force to the upper chamber component 31. The retaining spring 38 is installed on the outer circumference of the rod 37, sandwiched between the upper flange portion of the rod 37 and the upper wall portion of the upper base portion 311.

[0081] The tray table 39 is used to support and move up and down the tray 3 supplied to the sealing system 13. The tray table 39 is a rectangular flat plate slightly smaller than the through hole 321a, and the tray 3 is placed on its upper surface. A table rod 39a extends downward from the lower surface of the tray table 39 and is inserted through the insertion hole 321e. The tray table 39 and the table rod 39a are capable of moving up and down, but their movement below a predetermined position is restricted. A predetermined sealing component (not shown) is placed between the outer circumferential surface of the table rod 39a and the lower base portion 321 to ensure airtightness in the internal space S of the chamber 30.

[0082] In addition, a flange-shaped locking projection 39b is provided on the outer circumference of the table rod 39a. When the lower chamber component 32 moves upward to a certain position, the locking projection 39b becomes locked to the lower wall of the lower base component 321. As the lower chamber component 32 moves further upward in this state, the tray table 39 moves upward together with the lower chamber component 32.

[0083] The gas exchange device 40 fills the pocket portion 2 with a predetermined gas by performing gas exchange in the internal space S of the chamber 30 when the chamber 30 is closed. The gas exchange device 40 is connected to the upper chamber component 31 by a predetermined vent pipe 41. The internal space of the vent pipe 41 is in communication with the gas passage 311a and the internal space S of the chamber 30. The gas exchange device 40 performs the following actions in this order: sucking gas from the internal space S of the chamber 30 through the vent pipe 41 to create a vacuum in the internal space S (i.e., evacuating it), and supplying gas to the internal space S.

[0084] In addition, the gas exchange device 40 is capable of adjusting the air pressure in the internal space S of the chamber 30 by adjusting the supply (amount of supply) of the gas to the internal space S. By adjusting the air pressure, the air pressure inside the pocket portion 2 of the manufactured tray pack 1 is adjusted.

[0085] Returning to Figure 4, the unloading device 14 transports the tray packs 1 manufactured by the sealing system 13 to a predetermined downstream position while removing them from the sealing system 13. The unloading device 14 includes an unloading device (not shown) and a transport conveyor 141. The unloading device removes the tray packs 1 from the sealing system 13 and hands them over to the transport conveyor 141. The transport conveyor 141 transports the tray packs 1 in a single row to the downstream position.

[0086] The tray pack 1, which has been transported to the downstream position, is inspected, for example, by a predetermined tray pack inspection device (not shown). Examples of tray pack inspection devices include a device that performs inspections related to the attachment of the cover film 4 to the tray 3 (seal inspection), a device that performs inspections related to the gas filled in the tray 3, and a device that performs inspections related to the appearance of the tray pack 1 (for example, the state of cutting of the cover film 4). Alternatively, the tray pack 1 may be inspected visually.

[0087] The control device 15 is composed of a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes predetermined calculations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and fixed value data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores various data when various calculations are executed, and peripheral circuits for these. The control device 15 controls the entire tray sealing machine 10 and controls the operation of the printing device 113, the first feed roller 115, the second feed roller 117, and the sealing system 13.

[0088] The control device 15 performs the following operational control for the printing device 113. Specifically, the control device 15 controls the timing and position of the printing process by the printing device 113 based on the detection results sent from the first mark sensor 112. As a result, the printing section 5 is provided on the planned cover film section 4k of the cover film material 51.

[0089] Furthermore, the control device 15 controls the printing content by the printing device 113 so that the position information 5a included in the printing unit 5 is appropriate. That is, the control device 15 controls the printing device 113 so that the position information 5a of "1", "2", "3", and "4" are printed on the cover film material 51 of one unit supply length L1 in this order from upstream to downstream along the transport direction of the cover film material 51. Accordingly, for example, among the multiple (four in this embodiment) printing units 5 printed on the cover film material 51 of one unit supply length L1, the position information 5a of the upstreammost unit will be "1", and the position information 5a of the downstreammost unit will be "4".

[0090] Furthermore, the control device 15 controls the operation of the first feed roller 115 as follows: Based on information regarding the amount of cover film material 51 stored from the buffer mechanism 116, the control device 15, upon detecting that the amount has fallen below a predetermined lower limit, uses the detection information of the mark 51a sent from the first mark sensor 112 to control the first feed roller 115 so that a unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 is stored in the buffer mechanism 116. Note that printing by the printing device 113 and inspection by the printing inspection device 114 can be performed while the cover film 51 is being transported by the first feed roller 115.

[0091] In addition, the control device 15 controls the operation of the second feed roller 117 as follows: The control device 15 normally controls the second feed roller 117 so that a cover film material 51 of one unit supply length L1 is intermittently supplied to the seal system 13 based on the detection result of the mark 51a by the second mark sensor 118. As a result, the seal positions P1 to P4 indicated by the position information 51a attached to the supplied cover film material 51 of one unit supply length L1 match the seal positions P1 to P4 related to the seal system 13.

[0092] However, if the control device 15 determines that at least one of the printed sections 5 on the cover film material 51 of a 1-unit supply length L1 that is to be supplied to the sealing system 13 next is defective, the control device 15 controls the second feed roller 117 so that the printed cover film section 4k of the defective printed section 5 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "defective printed section 5x"; see Figure 12) is not used. In Figure 12, etc., the defective printed section 5x is shown with diagonal lines, and a scattered dot pattern is shown on the punched-out portion of the cover film material 51. Also, in Figure 12, etc., for the sake of explanation, each of the cover film section 4k is shown with corresponding position information 5a ("1", "2", "3", "4").

[0093] To explain in more detail what happens when a defective printing section 5x occurs, the control device 15 identifies the cover film section 4k on which the defective printing section 5x is located, based on the inspection results from the printing inspection device 114. Then, based on the detection result of the mark 51a by the second mark sensor 118, if the next unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 to be supplied contains a defective printing section 5x, the control device 15 controls the second feed roller 117 so that the unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 containing the defective printing section 5x is skipped and the next unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 is supplied to the sealing system 13 (see Figures 13 and 14). As a result, the seal positions P1 to P4 indicated by the position information 51a attached to the next unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 match the seal positions P1 to P4 related to the sealing system 13.

[0094] Furthermore, if the cover film material 51 of a unit supply length L1 that is to be supplied to the sealing system 13 next has a seam (the part where the adhesive tape te is attached) (see Figure 15), the control device 15 controls the second feed roller 117 so that the seam in the cover film material 51 is not used. Note that in Figure 15, etc., the adhesive tape te is shown in black.

[0095] To explain in more detail what happens when a seam (adhesive tape te) is detected, the control device 15, based on the detection result of the seam (adhesive tape te) by the seam detection sensor 111d, controls the second feed roller 117 so that if the next unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 to be supplied contains a seam (adhesive tape te), it skips the unit supply length L1 containing the seam and supplies the next unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 to the seal system 13 (see Figures 16 and 17). As a result, the seal positions P1 to P4 indicated by the position information 51a assigned to the next unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 match the seal positions P1 to P4 related to the seal system 13.

[0096] Furthermore, the control device 15 controls the operation of the sealing system 13 as follows: The control device 15 normally controls the sealing system 13 so that the cover film 4 is attached to each of the multiple (four) trays 3 at once during the interval between the transport operations of the cover film material 51 by the second feed roller 117.

[0097] However, the control device 15 controls the sealing system 13 so as not to attach the cover film 4 to the tray 3 when a unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 containing a defective printed area 5x or a seam (adhesive tape te) is located in sealing positions P1 to P4. As a result, the portion of the cover film material 51 containing the defective printed area 5x or the seam (adhesive tape te) is not used and is transported downstream of the sealing system 13 (see Figures 14 and 17).

[0098] Next, the manufacturing process of the tray pack 1 using the tray sealing machine 10 will be described. As shown in Figure 18, the manufacturing process of the tray pack 1 includes a handover process S1, a printing and supply process S2, a sealing process S3, an unloading process S4, and a scrap winding process S5.

[0099] In the transfer process S1, the transfer device transfers multiple trays 3, each containing contents 6 in its pocket section 2, from the conveyor belt 121 to the sealing system 13, where the trays 3 are placed on the tray table 39. At this time, the lower chamber component 32 is positioned at its lower limit, and the upper end surface of the lower chamber component 32 and the upper surface of the tray table 39 are at the same height (see Figure 6). This makes it easy to transfer the trays 3 to the sealing system 13 and to place the trays 3 on the tray table 39.

[0100] Furthermore, the printing and supply process S2 is carried out in parallel with the delivery process S1. The printing and supply process S2 is a process for the cover film material 51 and includes a film splicing process S21, a splice detection process S22, a printing process S23, a printing inspection process S24, and a material supply process S25.

[0101] The film splicing process S21 is a process in which, when the remaining amount of the currently supplied cover film material 51 falls below a predetermined amount, the automatic film splicing device 111c connects the end of the cover film material 51 with the beginning of the next supply of cover film material 51. The film splicing process S21 is performed as needed, based on the remaining amount of the currently supplied cover film material 51.

[0102] The seam detection step S22 is a step in which the seam detection sensor 111d detects the seam portion (the portion where the adhesive tape te is attached) of the cover film material 51.

[0103] Printing step S23 is a step in which a printing device 113 provides a printed section 5 containing position information 5a to the cover film planned section 4k. In printing step S23, appropriate position information 5a ("1", "2", "3", or "4") that matches the position of the cover film planned section 4k is printed on multiple (four) cover film planned sections 4k in a cover film material 51 of one unit supply length L1.

[0104] The printing inspection process S24 is a process in which the printing section 5 is inspected by the printing inspection device 114.

[0105] The material supply process S25 is a process in which the second feed roller 117 supplies cover film material 51 to the sealing system 13. In the material supply process S25, normally (usually), a unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 is supplied to the sealing system 13. However, if a defect in the printed part 5 is detected in the print inspection process S24, or if a seam (adhesive tape te) is detected in the seam detection process S22, the unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 containing the defective printed part 5x or adhesive tape te is skipped, and the next unit supply length L1 of cover film material 51 is supplied to the sealing system 13.

[0106] In the sealing process S3, which follows the delivery process S1 and the printing and supply process S2, various processes are performed on the supplied tray 3 and cover film material 51 by the sealing devices 131 to 134 that constitute the sealing system 13.

[0107] The sealing process S3 includes a gripping process S31, a cutting process S32, an adsorption holding process S33, a closing process S34, a gas exchange process S35, a welding process S36, and an opening process S37. The gripping process S31 is a process of gripping the cover film material 51 with both chuck parts 313 and 321c. The cutting process S32 is a process of obtaining a cover film 4 by cutting the portion of the cover film material 51 located in the internal space S of the chamber 30 in an annular shape with a cutter 34. The adsorption holding process S33 is a process of adsorbing and holding the cover film 4 obtained by cutting the cover film material 51. The closing process S34 is a process of closing the chamber 30 while gripping the cover film material 51 with both base parts 311 and 321 and a packing 322, so that the tray 3 is housed in the internal space S of the chamber 30.

[0108] In the sealing process S3, first, the lower chamber component 32 is moved upward, thereby engaging the locking projection 39b with the lower wall of the lower base component 321 and placing the flange component 3a on the flange mounting component 321d (see Figure 7). Furthermore, as the upward movement of the lower chamber component 32 continues, the tray table 39 and the tray 3 move upward together with the lower chamber component 32.

[0109] Then, as the lower chamber component 32 moves upward, the cover film material 51 is first gripped by both chucks 313 and 321c. In other words, the gripping process S31 is performed. At this time, the gripping spring 314 is compressed and deformed, which makes the gripping of the cover film material 51 more secure (see Figure 8).

[0110] Next, as the lower chamber component 32 moves upward, the cover film material 51 is held in place, and the cutting blade 34a is pushed into the cover film material 51 along its thickness direction, thereby cutting the cover film material 51. More specifically, in the initial stages of cutting, the tip of the cutting blade 34a is embedded in the cover film material 51. Then, in this state, the cutting blade 34a is pushed further into the cover film material 51, cutting the cover film material 51.

[0111] Furthermore, at the same time as the cutting, the obtained cover film 4 is adsorbed and held by the adsorption board 36. In other words, the cutting process S32 and the adsorption holding process S33 are performed at the same time.

[0112] Then, as the lower chamber component 32 moves further upward, the cover film material 51 (scrap 52) is gripped by both base components 311, 321 and the packing 322, and the chamber 30 is closed. In other words, the closing process S34 is performed.

[0113] Following the cutting process S32 and the closing process S34, a gas exchange process S35 is performed. In this process, the gas exchange device 40 performs gas exchange in the internal space S of the chamber 30. That is, after the internal space S of the chamber 30 is evacuated, a predetermined gas is supplied to the internal space S. As a result, the gas fills the pocket portion 2 of the tray 3 housed in the chamber 30. In addition, in the gas exchange process S35, the air pressure in the internal space S is adjusted by adjusting the supply (supply amount) of gas to the internal space S of the chamber 30.

[0114] Next, in the welding process S36, with the chamber 30 closed, the cover film 4, which is held by adsorption on the adsorption board 36, is welded to the flange portion 3a. That is, by moving the lower chamber component 32 upward to its upper limit position and further moving the tray table 39 upward, the back surface of the cover film 4 is brought into contact with the flange portion 3a, and the surface of the cover film 4 is pressed against the heated portion 35a, which is in a heated state, for a predetermined time (see Figure 9). As a result, the cover film 4 is welded to the flange portion 3a, and the tray pack 1 is obtained.

[0115] Furthermore, in the welding process S36, the upper chamber component 31 moves to its upper limit position against the biasing force from the retaining spring 38 due to being pushed by the lower chamber component 32. As a result, the cutter 34 moves upward, preventing the tip of the cutter 34 from contacting the tray 3.

[0116] After the welding process S36, in the opening process S37, the lower chamber component 32 is moved to the lower limit position, thereby opening the chamber 30.

[0117] Subsequently, in the unloading process S4, the tray pack 1 is transferred from the sealing system 13 to the conveyor belt 141 by the unloading device. The transferred tray pack 1 is then transported by the conveyor belt 141 to the downstream position.

[0118] Meanwhile, in the scrap winding process S5, the winding unit 119 winds up the scrap 52 remaining from the cover film material 51 after cutting. The wound-up scrap 52 is disposed of separately. Note that the scrap 52 may contain defective printed parts 5x and adhesive tape te.

[0119] As detailed above, according to this embodiment, even if a defect occurs in the printed section 5 or if there is a seam (adhesive tape te) in the cover film material 51, the seal positions P1 to P4 related to the cover film material 51 and the seal positions P1 to P4 related to the seal system 13 can be matched. This makes it possible to trace back and identify the seal positions P1 to P4 in which the tray pack 1 was placed based on the position information 5a of the manufactured tray pack 1. As a result, when a problem caused by the seal system 13 (for example, a sealing defect) occurs, the cause of the problem can be identified more easily, and appropriate countermeasures can be taken quickly.

[0120] Furthermore, any portion of the cover film material 51 with a defective printed area 5 or a seam (adhesive tape te) is not attached to the tray 3 but is instead transported downstream of the sealing system 13. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the production of defective tray packs 1 containing defective printed areas 5 or seams (adhesive tape te), thereby reducing the cost associated with the production of the tray packs 1.

[0121] In addition, according to this embodiment, by using the mark 51a attached to the cover film material 51, the printed portion 5 including position information 5a can be placed in an appropriate position on the cover film material 51. This makes it less likely for defects to occur in the printed portion 5. Furthermore, since the position information 5a can be more reliably placed in an appropriate position on the tray pack 1, the seal positions P1 to P4 in which the tray pack 1 was placed can be identified more reliably and easily based on the position information 5a of the manufactured tray pack 1.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printing of the printing section 5 including position information 5a and the supply of the cover film material 51 to the sealing system 13 are performed using a common mark 51a. Therefore, the sealing positions P1 to P4 related to the cover film material 51 and the sealing positions P1 to P4 related to the sealing system 13 can be matched even more reliably.

[0123] In addition, since the marks 51a are provided at intervals related to the unit supply length L1, the supply length of the cover film material 51 to the seal system 13 can be controlled more appropriately.

[0124] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the description above, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0125] (a) In the above embodiment, the spacing between marks 51a along the longitudinal direction of the cover film material 51 is set to a length corresponding to the 1 unit supply length L1. In contrast, as shown in Figure 19, the spacing between marks 51a may be set to a length corresponding to the pitch L2 between the planned cover film portions 4k. When configured in this way, the seal positions P1 to P4 indicated by the position information 51a attached to the cover film material 51 can be matched with the seal positions P1 to P4 related to the seal system 13 by measuring the number of marks 51a that have passed using the second mark sensor 118.

[0126] (b) In the above embodiment, the printing device 113 is configured to print position information 5a onto the cover film material 51. Alternatively, the position information 5a may be provided on the cover film material 51 in advance without printing the position information 5a onto the cover film material 51 using the printing device 113.

[0127] (c) The control device 15 may have a function to skip the printing process by the printing device 113 as necessary when the printing inspection device 114 determines that the printing unit 5 is defective and the determination result is sent, or when the seam detection sensor 111d detects a seam (adhesive tape te) and the detection result is sent.

[0128] In other words, if the printing inspection device 114 determines that a printing section 5 already provided on the cover film material 51 of a unit supply length L1 is defective, the control device 15 may control the printing device 113 to skip subsequent printing processes on the cover film material 51 of a unit supply length L1, before the printing of the multiple (four in the above embodiment) printing sections 5 to be provided on the cover film material 51 of a unit supply length L1 is completed. Therefore, for example, if a printing section 5 is determined to be defective when only one printing section 5 has been provided on the cover film material 51 of a unit supply length L1, the printing processes for the remaining three printing sections 5 that should be printed may be skipped.

[0129] Furthermore, if the seam detection sensor 111d detects a seam (adhesive tape te), the control device 15 may control the printing device 113 to skip the printing process on the cover film material 51 of one unit supply length L1 that includes the seam.

[0130] As described above, by allowing the printing process to be skipped as needed, unnecessary printing can be avoided on the cover film material 51 of one unit supply length L1 that is intended to be transported downstream of the sealing system 13 without being attached to the tray 3. This makes it possible to more effectively reduce the costs associated with the manufacture of the tray pack 1.

[0131] (d) The configuration of the sealing system 13 in the above embodiment is an example, and the configuration may be changed as appropriate. For example, one chamber may be provided by integrating the chambers 30 provided for each sealing device 131 to 134. In this case, by closing the chamber, a plurality of trays 3 are housed in the internal space of the chamber, and gas may be filled into each of the pocket portions 2 of the plurality of trays 3 by gas exchange in the internal space.

[0132] (e) In the above embodiment, the number of trays 3 on which the cover film 4 is attached at one time is set to four, but it may be other than four (for example, two or three).

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cover film 4 is attached to multiple trays 3 arranged in a single row. However, the cover film 4 may be attached to multiple trays 3 arranged in several rows. In the case of adopting this configuration, since there will be multiple rows of seal positions arranged along the transport direction of the cover film material 51, the position information 5a may include information that can identify the row of seal positions.

[0134] (f) Position information 5a is any information that can identify the seal position and is not limited to numerical values ​​such as "1" to "4". Therefore, position information may be, for example, letters, symbols, shapes, or code information (e.g., a two-dimensional code).

[0135] (g) In the above embodiment, the automatic film splicing device 111c connects the cover film material 51 using adhesive tape te, but the cover film material 51 may be connected without using adhesive tape te. Therefore, the film splicing device 111c may connect the cover film material 51 using, for example, heat welding. The method for detecting the seam portion in the cover film material 51 may be appropriately changed depending on the method for connecting the cover film material 51.

[0136] (h) In the above embodiment, the tray pack 1 is provided with one pocket portion 2, but the number of pocket portions 2 provided in the tray pack 1 is not limited in any way. Furthermore, the shape and positional relationship of the pocket portion 2, tray 3, and cover film 4 are not limited in any way and may be changed as appropriate. Of course, the shape and position of the chamber 30 and cutter 34 may also be changed to match the shape of the tray 3, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0137] 1...Tray pack, 3...Tray, 4...Cover film, 5...Printing section, 5a...Position information, 6...Contents, 10...Tray sealing machine, 13...Sealing system (sealing means), 15...Control device (printing control means), 51...Cover film material, 51a...Mark, 111d...Seam detection sensor (seam detection means), 112...First mark sensor (mark detection means), 113...Printing device (printing means), 114...Printing inspection means (printing inspection device), 117...Second feed roller (material supply means), 118...Second mark sensor (second mark detection means), P1, P2, P3, P4...Sealing position.

Claims

1. A tray sealing machine for manufacturing tray packs, which consist of a tray containing contents and a cover film attached to it, A sealing means for cutting a strip-shaped cover film material to obtain the cover film, and for attaching the cover film to each of the multiple trays arranged in a plurality of sealing positions along the conveying direction of the cover film material, A material supply means for supplying the cover film material to the sealing means, A printing means is provided along the transport path of the cover film material, upstream of the sealing means, and performs a printing process on the cover film material to provide a printed area on the cover film material. The system includes a printing inspection means that is disposed downstream of the printing means and upstream of the sealing means along the transport path of the cover film material, and performs quality determination of the printed portion. The portion of the cover film material that becomes the cover film is provided with position information, which is information indicating the seal position. The material supply means is Normally, the seal position indicated by the position information provided on the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means, and the cover film material is intermittently supplied to the sealing means in units of one supply length, which corresponds to the same number of trays as the number of seal positions. A tray sealing machine is configured such that, if the printing inspection means determines that the printed portion is defective, the cover film material in the one-unit supply length including the defective printed portion is skipped, and the next one-unit supply length of the cover film material is supplied to the sealing means so that the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the next one-unit supply length of the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means.

2. The printing means has the function of printing the position information onto the cover film material. A mark detection means is disposed upstream of the printing means along the transport path of the cover film material and detects marks that have been pre-applied to the cover film material at intervals related to the one-unit supply length, The tray sealing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a printing control means for controlling the position of the printed portion to be printed by the printing means based on the detection result by the mark detection means.

3. A second mark detection means is provided along the transport path of the cover film material, downstream of the printing inspection means and upstream of the sealing means, for detecting the mark. The tray sealing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the material supply means is configured to supply the cover film material to the sealing means using the detection result by the second mark detection means.

4. The tray sealing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing means is configured to stop subsequent printing on the cover film material of the one unit supply length including the defective portion that was the subject of the defect determination when the printing inspection means determines that the printed portion is defective.

5. A tray sealing machine for manufacturing tray packs, which consist of a tray containing contents and a cover film attached to it, A sealing means for cutting a strip-shaped cover film material to obtain the cover film, and for attaching the cover film to each of the multiple trays arranged in a plurality of sealing positions along the conveying direction of the cover film material, A material supply means for supplying the cover film material to the sealing means, The system includes a joint detection means disposed upstream of the sealing means along the transport path of the cover film material, which detects the joint between the end of the cover film material being transported and the start of the cover film material to be transported next. The portion of the cover film material that becomes the cover film is provided with position information, which is information indicating the seal position. The material supply means is Normally, the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means, and the cover film material is intermittently supplied to the sealing means in units of one supply length, which corresponds to the same number of trays as the number of seal positions. A tray sealing machine is configured such that, when the seam detection means detects the seam, it skips the cover film material of the one-unit supply length that includes the seam, and supplies the next one-unit supply length of the cover film material to the sealing means so that the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the next one-unit supply length of the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means.

6. A method for manufacturing a tray pack, comprising attaching a cover film to a tray containing contents, A sealing step comprising: cutting a strip-shaped cover film material using a predetermined sealing means to obtain the cover film, and attaching the cover film to each of the multiple trays arranged at multiple sealing positions along the conveying direction of the cover film material; A material supply step of supplying the cover film material to the sealing means, A printing step is performed by printing on the cover film material using a printing means arranged upstream of the sealing means along the transport path of the cover film material, thereby providing a printed portion on the cover film material. The process includes a printing inspection step in which a printing inspection means is disposed along the transport path of the cover film material downstream of the printing means and upstream of the sealing means to determine whether the printed portion is good or bad, The portion of the cover film material that becomes the cover film is provided with position information, which is information indicating the seal position. In the aforementioned material supply process, Normally, the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means, and the cover film material is intermittently supplied to the sealing means in units of one supply length, which corresponds to the same number of seal positions as the tray packs, while, A method for manufacturing a tray pack, characterized in that, if a defect is determined in the printing inspection step, the cover film material of the one-unit supply length including the defective printed portion is skipped, and the next one-unit supply length of the cover film material is supplied to the sealing means such that the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the next one-unit supply length of the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means.

7. A method for manufacturing a tray pack, comprising attaching a cover film to a tray containing contents, A sealing step comprising: cutting a strip-shaped cover film material using a predetermined sealing means to obtain the cover film, and attaching the cover film to each of the multiple trays arranged at multiple sealing positions along the conveying direction of the cover film material; A material supply step of supplying the cover film material to the sealing means, The process includes a seam detection step in which a seam detection means, disposed upstream of the sealing means along the transport path of the cover film material, detects the seam between the end of the cover film material being transported and the start of the cover film material to be transported next, The portion of the cover film material that becomes the cover film is provided with position information, which is information indicating the seal position. In the aforementioned material supply process, Normally, the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means, and the cover film material is intermittently supplied to the sealing means in units of one supply length, which corresponds to the same number of trays as the number of seal positions. A method for manufacturing a tray pack, characterized in that, when the seam portion is detected by the seam detection step, the cover film material of the one unit supply length including the seam portion is skipped, and the next one unit supply length of the cover film material is supplied to the sealing means such that the seal position indicated by the position information assigned to the next one unit supply length of the cover film material matches the seal position related to the sealing means.

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