Packaging material feeding device

Abstract

To provide a packaging material feeder for a bag making, filling and packaging machine that can reduce work time and thus improve operating efficiency by facilitating the work of loading packaging material onto multiple reel shafts.SOLUTION: A packaging material feeder 10 of a bag making, filling, and packaging machine 1 has a plurality of reel shafts L onto which packaging material W is loaded, and a swivel arm 40 that swivels the plurality of reel shafts L between an ejection position P1 where the packaging material W is ejected for use and a standby position P2 before the packing material W is ejected for use. The plurality of reel shafts L are mounted on the swivel arm 40 so as to rotate around a loading rotation axis Z in which an angle between the plurality of reel shafts L and a central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 is different between when the packaging material is supplied and when the packaging material is loaded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technology related to a packaging machine provided with a packaging material supply apparatus that loads packaging materials onto a plurality of reel shafts and switches the packaging material to be used is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a bag-making filling and packaging machine in which an upper winding roll and a lower winding roll are respectively loaded on an upper winding shaft and a lower winding shaft that are fixedly arranged in upper and lower positions. In this bag-making filling and packaging machine, the upper winding shaft and the lower winding shaft are each rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the bag-making filling and packaging machine described in the above Patent Document 1, the upper winding shaft and the lower winding shaft are made rotatable, so that the packaging material can be easily loaded onto each winding shaft during the replacement work of the packaging material roll. However, since the upper winding shaft and the lower winding shaft are fixed in the vertical direction, depending on the height position of each winding shaft, it may become difficult to load the packaging material, and the operation efficiency of the bag-making filling and packaging machine may decrease due to the time required for the work.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging material supply apparatus capable of shortening the work time and further improving the operation efficiency by facilitating the loading work of the packaging material onto a plurality of reel shafts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] 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, and a swivel arm that rotates 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. and The plurality of reel shafts are attached to the swivel arm so that they can rotate around a loading rotation axis such that the angle between the reel shafts and a line parallel to the central axis which is the pivot center of the swivel arm is different when supplying packaging materials and when loading packaging materials. Each of the reel shafts is provided with one locking mechanism, which locks the rotation of the reel shaft relative to the loading rotation axis with respect to the swivel arm when the packaging material is supplied. The locking mechanism comprises a frame member rotatable together with the reel shaft around the loading rotation shaft, a locking shaft rotatably mounted on the frame member around its own axis, a handle for rotating the locking shaft around its own axis, and a locking block provided on the swivel arm opposite the tip of the locking shaft, which is lockable with the tip so that when the locking shaft rotates around its own axis, the reel shaft and the frame member cannot rotate around the loading rotation shaft.

[0007] This configuration allows the swivel arm to rotate multiple reel shafts between the dispensing position and the standby position, enabling a predetermined standby position that facilitates the loading of packaging materials by the worker. Reel shaft and Swivel arm Center of rotation central axis A line parallel to it Since the loading rotation axis can be rotated so that the angle between it and the loading axis is different during packaging material supply and packaging material loading, the reel axis can be rotated relative to the swivel arm to a predetermined angle, making it easy to load packaging material. Therefore, the packaging material supply device of the present invention makes it possible to shorten the working time and, consequently, improve the operating efficiency by simplifying the loading of packaging material onto multiple reel axes. In particular, with this configuration, when the reel shaft rotates around the loading rotation axis relative to the swivel arm, the lock shaft rotates in the same direction around the loading rotation axis along with the frame member. Therefore, by simply moving the reel shaft, the lock shaft attached to the frame member can be easily moved relative to the lock block provided on the swivel arm. After the operator rotates the reel shaft around the loading rotation axis to the position for packaging material loading, they replace the packaging material on the reel shaft with a new one, and then rotate the reel shaft around the loading rotation axis again to set it to the position for packaging material supply. Then, when the operator rotates the lock shaft with the handle, the tip of the lock shaft locks into the lock block, making it easy to lock the rotation of the reel shaft relative to the swivel arm during packaging material supply.

[0008] Furthermore, the loading rotation shaft is Position at the time of supplying the packaging materialIt is preferable that the rotating arm is located on the opposite side of the central axis of the reel shaft, with the reel shaft in between. With this configuration, compared to the case where the rotation axis is on the reel arm side of the reel shaft, when the reel shaft is moved to the position for loading packaging materials, the range in which the member that rotates with the reel shaft protrudes in the direction along the central axis of the reel arm is reduced, and the installation space can be reduced.

[0011] Furthermore, the tip portion of the lock shaft is ,circle A pair of first surfaces extending in an arc shape, and between the pair of first surfaces Extend The lock block has a pair of second surfaces, and the lock block includes an engagement groove having a circular first groove and a second groove extending in an elongated shape from the first groove along a trajectory in which the tip of the lock shaft moves as the reel shaft rotates relative to the swivel arm, wherein the first groove is formed to be slidable with the pair of first surfaces, and the second groove is formed to be narrower than the maximum distance between the pair of first surfaces and wider than the distance between the pair of second surfaces.

[0012] This configuration allows for easy locking engagement between the tip of the locking shaft and the locking block, without requiring complex mechanisms on the tip of the locking shaft or the locking block, and without displacement in the rotational direction around the loading rotation axis.

[0013] Furthermore, the frame member includes, When the frame member rotates together with the reel shaft around the loading rotation shaft and approaches the swivel arm, it slides by gripping the lock block, The tip of the lock shaft is guided into the engagement groove of the lock block. a pair It is preferable that a guide member be provided. This configuration allows the lock shaft to be easily inserted into and removed from the engagement groove of the lock block.

[0014] Furthermore, the packaging material supply device includes an air path through which air flows, a rotary joint attached to the central axis of the swivel arm and forming a part of the air path, a pressure detection sensor for detecting the pressure in the air path, and a mechanical valve that switches the air path between an exhaust state and a non-exhaust state depending on whether a push button is pressed or not. beforeA contact member that rotates together with the lock shaft, does not press the push button of the mechanical valve when the tip portion is not in locking engagement with the lock block, and presses the push button of the mechanical valve when the tip portion is in locking engagement with the lock block; and a control device that determines whether the rotation of the reel shaft relative to the swing arm by the lock mechanism is locked, based on the pressure in the air path detected by the pressure detection sensor. It is preferable to further include these components.

[0015] With this configuration, it is possible to detect whether the tip portion of the lock shaft is in locking engagement with the lock block or not, based on the pressure change in the air path, without disposing an electric sensor at the portion that rotates about the central axis of the swing arm. Accordingly, an increase in electrical wiring around the swing arm can be suppressed.

[0016] Further, the contact member is provided on the handle. With this configuration, there is no need to separately provide a contact member that needs to rotate together with the lock shaft, so that an increase in the number of components can be suppressed. Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the packaging material supply device of the present invention, it is possible to easily load packaging materials onto a plurality of reel shafts and improve operation efficiency. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view schematically showing a bag-making, filling and packaging machine provided with the packaging material supply device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a configuration diagram schematically showing the system configuration of the bag-making, filling and packaging machine. [Figure 3] It is a side view schematically showing the packaging material supply device. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view schematically showing the packaging material supply device. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged side view showing the packaging material supply device in the vicinity of the holding member. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the terminal end of a preceding packaging material and the leading end of a following packaging material are connected by a connector. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the packaging material supply device in steps S1 and S2 during execution of packaging material supply control. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the packaging material supply device in steps S3 and S4 during execution of packaging material supply control. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the packaging material supply device in steps S5 and S6 during execution of packaging material supply control. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a part of the packaging material supply device as viewed from the base end side of the reel shaft. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing a part of the packaging material supply device as viewed from the base end side of the reel shaft in a state where the reel shaft is open. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a part of the packaging material supply device as viewed from the leading end side of the reel shaft in a state where the reel shaft is open. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the leading end portion of the lock shaft and the engagement groove of the lock block are lock-engaged with each other. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing the leading end portion of the lock shaft. [Figure 15] This is a front view showing the lock block. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram showing the process in which the leading end portion of the lock shaft is lock-engaged with the engagement groove of the lock block. [Figure 17] This is a schematic configuration diagram showing the main part of the operating state detection device for the lock mechanism. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0019] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0020] (Bag-making, filling and packaging machine) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic of a bag-making, filling, and packaging machine equipped with a packaging material supply device according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic of the system configuration of the bag-making, filling, and packaging machine. The bag-making, filling, and packaging machine 1 comprises a packaging material supply device 10 according to an embodiment, a bag-making and packaging device 20, and a control device 30 (see Figure 2).

[0021] (Packaging material supply device) The packaging material supply device 10 is a device that supplies packaging material W to the bag-making and packaging device 20. The packaging material W is made of a heat-sealable film or the like. The packaging material supply device 10 is equipped with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) reel shafts L (see Figure 3), and supplies packaging material W from packaging material rolls WR loaded on each reel shaft L to the bag-making and packaging device 20 via a plurality of path rollers R1. The plurality of path rollers R1 include 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 and packaging device 20 by adjusting the position of the movable rolls. The detailed configuration of the packaging material supply device 10 will be described later.

[0022] (Bag making and packaging equipment) 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] (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 the following electrically connected to its input side: a setting input device 2, an optical sensor 90 (described later), and multiple pressure detection sensors 494 (described later). The control device 30 also has the following electrically connected to its output side: 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 multiple air supply valves 496 (described later).

[0025] The setting input device 2 is an interface for an 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 that rotates 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 that rotates 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.

[0026] (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.

[0027] (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 (deg) relative to the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40. Each reel shaft L is fitted with a disc D (see Figures 10 to 12) that applies braking force to the rotation of the reel shaft L by pressing or clamping it with an air-driven brake device 5 (see Figures 10 to 12).

[0028] 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.

[0029] (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.

[0030] 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 (deg) from each other with respect to the central axis 40a.

[0031] 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 (deg) from 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (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 (deg) relative to each other with respect to the central axis 40a.

[0034] 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 portion 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. 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 portion 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.

[0035] (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.

[0036] 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 (deg) relative to each other with respect to the central axis 40a.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, each connecting base 60 extends between a pair of holding members 50 in the axial direction, 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 (right side in Figure 4) in the horizontal direction from the corresponding reel axis L with respect to the feed roller 80 held by the holding member 50. The connecting base 60 has a clamping mechanism 61 and two base portions 62. The clamping mechanism 61 is configured so that an operator can manually open and close it up and down to clamp the tip 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 packaging material W1 and the tip portion S of the trailing packaging material W2 between the pair of heater blocks 71. In addition, a path roller R4 for guiding the trailing packaging material W2 is provided near the base portions 62 of the connecting base 60.

[0038] (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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] (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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] (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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 worker, 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 R3 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] (Reel shaft mounting structure) Next, the attachment structure of the reel shaft L to the swivel arm 40, which is a key part of the packaging material supply device 10 of the bag-making, filling, and packaging machine 1 according to this embodiment, will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a part of the packaging material supply device 10 as seen from the base end side of the reel shaft L. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a part of the packaging material supply device 10 as seen from the base end side of the reel shaft L when the reel shaft L is open. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a part of the packaging material supply device 10 as seen from the tip side of the reel shaft L when the reel shaft L is open. As shown in Figures 10 to 12, in this embodiment, the reel shaft L is rotatably attached to the swivel arm 40. In the following explanation, the state in which the reel axis L and the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 are parallel, as shown in Figure 10, will be referred to as the "closed state of the reel axis L," and the state in which the reel axis L has rotated from the closed state, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, will be referred to as the "open state of the reel axis L."

[0051] As shown in Figure 10, the reel shaft support member 41 has a pair of support frames 410 attached to the side wall 40b on one axial side of the swivel arm 40. The pair of support frames 410 are attached to the side wall 40b with a gap between them in the vertical direction and extend horizontally from the side wall 40b. A loading rotation shaft Z is rotatably attached to the end of the pair of support frames 410 opposite to the swivel arm 40, in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40, i.e., along the vertical direction. One of the support frames 410 is provided with an air-driven brake device 5 that presses against a disc D fixed to the reel shaft L to apply braking force to the reel shaft L, but other types of driven brake devices, such as an electric type, may also be used.

[0052] Furthermore, a fixed block 412 is slidably positioned between the pair of support frames 410. The base end L1 of the reel shaft L is mounted on the fixed block 412 so as to be rotatable around its own axis. The loading rotation shaft Z is inserted through the end of the fixed block 412 that is further away from the swivel arm 40 than the base end L1 of the reel shaft L. Therefore, the fixed block 412 is mounted on the pair of support frames 410 so as to be rotatable around the loading rotation shaft Z which extends in the vertical direction. The loading rotation shaft Z is located on the opposite side of the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 from the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 in the horizontal direction (here, in the direction perpendicular to the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 and the loading rotation shaft Z), with the reel shaft L in between. As a result, the reel shaft L is rotatable around the loading rotation shaft Z relative to the pair of support frames 410, as shown by the arc-shaped white arrow in Figure 11. In other words, the loading rotation axis Z is a rotation axis that sets the angle between the reel axis L and the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 to a different angle (90 degrees in this embodiment) when supplying packaging material (see Figure 10) and when loading packaging material (see Figure 11). As shown in Figure 11, by opening the reel axis L relative to the swivel arm 40, the operator can easily load a new packaging material roll WR onto the reel axis L.

[0053] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the reel shaft L is provided with multiple protrusions LT that project from its outer surface. These multiple protrusions LT can further project radially from the outer surface of the reel shaft L when air is supplied into the interior of the reel shaft L from an air supply passage connected to the base end L1. As a result, the multiple protrusions LT press against the inner surface of the packaging material roll WR loaded on the reel shaft L, stably fixing the packaging material roll WR to the reel shaft L.

[0054] (Locking mechanism) Next, an interlock mechanism for locking the rotation of the reel shaft L relative to the swivel arm 40 will be described. As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the packaging material supply device 10 is equipped with a lock mechanism 450 as the interlock mechanism. The lock mechanism 450 is provided corresponding to each reel shaft L. That is, the lock mechanism 450 has a first lock mechanism 450A corresponding to the first reel shaft LA and a second lock mechanism 450B corresponding to the second reel shaft LB. The first lock mechanism 450A and the second lock mechanism 450B have the same configuration except that they are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the central axis 40a. Each lock mechanism 450 has the frame member 42, a lock shaft 460, a handle 470, and a lock block 480 (see Figure 12).

[0055] The frame member 42 is positioned vertically apart from a pair of support frames 410 and has a fixed block 421 that is fixed to the loading rotation shaft Z. Therefore, the frame member 42 is rotatable together with the reel shaft L as the loading rotation shaft Z rotates.

[0056] Furthermore, a base-side frame 422 extending in a direction perpendicular to the reel axis L is connected to the fixed block 421, and an inner frame 42i and an outer frame 42o extending along the reel axis L are connected to the base-side frame 422. The inner frame 42i and the outer frame 42o are spaced apart from each other. In addition, a first-end-side frame 424, positioned opposite the base-side frame 422, is connected to the end of the inner frame 42i opposite to the base-side frame 422. The first-end-side frame 424 is connected to the middle part of the outer frame 42o. Also, a second-end-side frame 425 is connected to the end of the outer frame 42o opposite to the base-side frame 422. The second-end-side frame 425 is positioned opposite the portion of the base-side frame 422 that protrudes more than the outer frame 42o. The two path rollers R2 described above are rotatably mounted between the base frame 422 and the second tip frame 425. The reflector 91 described above is also mounted on the base frame 422 so as to be positioned between the two path rollers R2.

[0057] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the lock shaft 460 extends between the inner frame 42i and the outer frame 42o in a direction perpendicular to the reel shaft L. The lock shaft 460 is mounted near the ends of the inner frame 42i and the outer frame 42o opposite to the base end frame 422. In other words, as shown in Figure 10, the lock shaft 460 is mounted to the inner frame 42i and the outer frame 42o such that it is located near the side wall 40c on the other axial side of the swivel arm 40 when the reel shaft L is closed. The lock shaft 460 is supported by the inner frame 42i and the outer frame 42o so that it can rotate around its own axis. The outer frame 42o is provided with a lock shaft support member 426 that rotatably supports the lock shaft 460.

[0058] As shown in Figure 12, the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 protrudes from the inner end face 421i of the inner frame 42i. The inner end face 421i of the inner frame 42i is the end face of the inner frame 42i located on the swivel arm 40 side when the reel shaft L is closed. The tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 is designed to be lock-engaged with the lock block 480, which will be described later. Here, "lock-engaged" means that the tip 460a is engaged with the lock block 480 so that it cannot move in the rotational direction around the loading rotation axis Z, thereby restricting the rotation of the frame member 42 to which the lock shaft 460 is attached and the reel shaft L around the loading rotation axis Z. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the lock shaft 460 and the lock block 480 are lock-engaged. Note that in Figure 13, only the portion of the swivel arm 40 to which the lock block 480 is attached is shown, and the frame member 42 is omitted from the description. As shown in the figure, a pair of guide members 427 are provided around the lock shaft 460, sandwiching the tip portion 460a above and below. The pair of guide members 427 are provided on the inner end face 421i of the inner frame 42i (see Figure 12). The pair of guide members 427 slide against the upper and lower surfaces of the lock block 480, guiding the tip portion 460a of the lock shaft 460 to the lock block 480.

[0059] The handle 470 is connected to the lock shaft 460 near the outer end face 422i (see Figure 11) of the inner frame 42i. The outer end face 422i of the inner frame 42i is the end face of the inner frame 42i that is on the opposite side from the swivel arm 40 when the reel shaft L is closed. As shown in Figure 13, the handle 470 has a connecting member 471 connected to the lock shaft 460, and a gripping member 472 and a contact member 473 that extend from the connecting member 471 in the same direction as the lock shaft 460. The gripping member 472 is the part that the operator grips the handle 470 to rotate the lock shaft 460, and extends toward the opposite side from the inner frame 42i. The contact member 473 extends toward the opposite side from the gripping member 472 and protrudes to a position that straddles the inner frame 42i, as shown in Figure 12. The contact member 473 acts as a contact member that presses the mechanical valve V by contacting the push button B (see Figure 16) of the mechanical valve V, which will be described later, when the lock shaft 460 and the lock block 480 are locked into each other.

[0060] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the lock block 480 is a rectangular parallelepiped member attached to the swivel arm 40. The lock block 480 is positioned opposite the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 when the reel shaft L is closed. The lock block 480 has an engagement groove 480a that can lock into the tip 460a when the lock shaft 460 rotates around its axis.

[0061] (Lock engagement structure between the locking shaft and the locking block) Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the tip portion 460a of the lock shaft 460, and Figure 15 is a front view showing the lock block 480. As shown in Figure 14, the tip portion 460a of the lock shaft 460 has a pair of first surfaces 461 that extend in an arc shape facing each other, and a pair of second surfaces 462 that extend between the pair of first surfaces 461 and face each other. In this embodiment, the pair of second surfaces 462 are formed in a straight line. However, the pair of second surfaces 462 are not limited to being straight line, but may be formed in an arc shape, for example. That is, the tip portion 460a of the lock shaft 460 may be formed to have an elliptical shape as a whole, including the pair of first surfaces 461 and the pair of second surfaces 462.

[0062] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15, the engagement groove 480a of the lock block 480 has a circular first groove 481 and a second groove 482 formed continuously with the first groove 481. The diameter D3 of the first groove 481 is formed to be slightly larger than the maximum distance D1 between the pair of first surfaces 461 of the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460. This allows the tip 460a to slide on the inner surface of the first groove 481 (see steps S20 and S30 in Figure 16).

[0063] The second groove 482 extends axially from the first groove 481 toward the side wall 40c of the swivel arm 40. In other words, the second groove 482 extends in an elongated shape from the first groove 481 along the trajectory (see solid arrow in Figure 16) in which the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 moves as the reel shaft L rotates relative to the swivel arm 40. The second groove 482 is formed with a width D4 that is slightly wider than the distance D2 between the pair of second surfaces 462 of the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460. This allows the tip 460a, when the pair of second surfaces 462 are positioned vertically, to slide against the inner surface of the second groove 482 (see steps S10 and S20 in Figure 16). The second groove 482 only needs to be formed with a width that allows the tip 460a, when the pair of second surfaces 462 are positioned vertically, to be inserted. However, the second groove 482 is formed with a width D4 that is narrower than the maximum distance D1 between the pair of first surfaces 461 of the tip portion 460a of the lock shaft 460.

[0064] (The locking engagement action between the locking shaft and the locking block) Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the process by which the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 engages with the engagement groove 480a of the lock block 480. As the frame member 42 approaches the swivel arm 40 as the reel shaft L rotates, the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 approaches the engagement groove 480a from the side closer to the side wall 40c of the swivel arm 40 (left side in Figure 16), and is inserted into the second groove 482 with a pair of second surfaces 462 positioned vertically (step S10). At this time, as described above, the pair of guide members 427 slide while sandwiching the lock block 480 from above and below, guiding the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 relative to the lock block 480. As the frame member 42 approaches the swivel arm 40 and the reel shaft L is closed, the tip portion 460a slides against the inner surface of the second groove portion 482 and moves toward the side wall 40b side of the swivel arm 40 (right side in Figure 16), and is inserted into the first groove portion 481 (step S20).

[0065] In this state, when the operator operates the handle 470 to rotate the lock shaft 460 around its own axis, the pair of first surfaces 461 of the tip portion 460a slide along the inner surface of the first groove portion 481, and the pair of first surfaces 461 are positioned vertically (step S30). As a result, the movement of the tip portion 460a toward the second groove portion 482, which is formed with a width D4 narrower than the maximum distance D1 between the pair of first surfaces 461, is restricted. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the lock shaft 460 is locked into the engagement groove 480a, the frame member 42 becomes immobile relative to the swivel arm 40, and the reel shaft L is locked to the swivel arm 40 in the closed position. To release the lock in order to open the reel shaft L, the operations from step S10 to step S30 should be performed in the reverse order.

[0066] (Device for detecting the operating status of the locking mechanism) Next, the operating state detection device 490 for the locking mechanism 450 will be described. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the operating state detection device 490 for the locking mechanism 450. The packaging material supply device 10 of this embodiment has the control device 30, a plurality of air paths AL, a rotary joint 492, a plurality of pressure detection sensors 494, a plurality of air supply valves 496, and a plurality of mechanical valves V as the operating state detection device 490.

[0067] Multiple air paths AL are connected to various air-driven devices mounted on the packaging material supply device 10, such as the brake device 5, 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 control device 30 controls the start and stop of the air supply to each air path AL by driving each air supply valve 496 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 450A, and the second air path ALB, which is provided in correspondence with the second lock mechanism 450B, are included in the operating status detection device 490.

[0068] The rotary joint 492 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 492 is attached to the central axis 40a of the slewing arm 40, although it is not shown in Figures 1 to 13.

[0069] The multiple pressure detection sensors 494 include a first pressure detection sensor 494A provided in correspondence with the first locking mechanism 450A, and a second pressure detection sensor 494B provided in correspondence with the second locking mechanism 450B. Each pressure detection sensor 494 is mounted in a location that does not rotate with the swivel arm 40. The first pressure detection sensor 494A is connected to the first air path ALA and detects the pressure in the first air path ALA. The second pressure detection sensor 494B is connected to the second air path ALB and detects the pressure in the second air path ALB. The first pressure detection sensor 494A and the second pressure detection sensor 494B output their detection results to the control device 30.

[0070] 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 450A and a second mechanical valve VB provided in correspondence with the second locking mechanism 450B. The first mechanical valve VA is connected to the first air path ALA and sets the first air path ALA to an exhaust state when the push button B is not pressed, and sets the first air path ALA to a non-exhaust state when the push button B is pressed. The second mechanical valve VB is connected to the second air path ALB and sets the second air path ALB to an exhaust state when the push button B is not pressed, and sets the second air path ALB to a non-exhaust state when the push button B is pressed.

[0071] As shown in Figure 16, the mechanical valve V is attached to the swivel arm 40 near the lock block 480. More specifically, the mechanical valve V is positioned such that the push button B is located on the rotational trajectory of the contact member 473 when the handle 470 of the lock mechanism 450 rotates. As a result, when the lock shaft 460 rotates and its tip 460a locks into the lock block 480 (engagement groove 480a, first groove 481), the contact member 473 rotates and contacts the push button B, pressing the push button B (step S30 in Figure 16). On the other hand, when the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 is not locked into the lock block 480 (engagement groove 480a, first groove 481), the contact member 473 and the push button B of the mechanical valve V are separated and do not contact each other, and the push button B is not pressed (steps S10, S20 in Figure 16). Therefore, when the reel shaft L is locked to the swivel arm 40, the mechanical valve V puts the connected first air path ALA or second air path ALB into a non-exhaust state. On the other hand, when the reel shaft L is not locked to the swivel arm 40, the mechanical valve V puts the connected first air path ALA or second air path ALB into an exhaust state.

[0072] With the above configuration, when the reel shaft L is locked to the swivel arm 40 by the locking mechanism 450, the pressure in the air path AL (first air path ALA or second air path ALB) detected by the pressure detection sensor 494 increases. Therefore, based on the input from the pressure detection sensor 494, 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 reel shaft L is locked to the swivel arm 40 by the locking mechanism 450 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 pre-set 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 reel shaft L is locked to the swivel arm 40 or not based on the amount of pressure fluctuation detected by the pressure detection sensor 494.

[0073] Furthermore, as described above, the air path AL is connected to an air supply source (not shown) via an air supply valve 496. This prevents the supply of unnecessary air. For example, after the reel shaft L is locked against the swivel arm 40, the operator closes a safety cover (not shown) provided on the packaging material supply device 10. The control device 30 detects that the safety cover has been closed using a sensor (not shown) and controls the air supply valve 496 to start supplying air from the air supply source (not shown) to the corresponding air path AL (first air path ALA or second air path ALB). As a result, the pressure detection sensor 494 detects that the pressure in the air path AL is above a predetermined value, and the control device 30 can determine that the reel shaft L is locked to the swivel arm 40 by the locking mechanism 450. When the control device 30 determines that the reel shaft L is locked to the swivel arm 40, it controls the air supply valve 496 to stop the supply of air to the air path AL. For example, a button may be provided on the operation panel included in the setting input device 2 to instruct the operator to perform the packaging material W replacement work, and the control device 30 may control the supply of air to the air path AL in accordance with the instruction entered by the operator via the button.

[0074] (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 the packaging material W is loaded, a dispensing position P1 for dispensing and using the packaging material W, and a swivel arm 40 for swiveling the plurality of reel shafts L between a dispensing position P1 and a standby position P2 before dispensing and using the packaging material W. The plurality of reel shafts L are attached to the swivel arm 40 so as to be rotatable around a loading rotation axis Z such that the angle between the reel shafts L and the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 is different during packaging material supply and packaging material loading.

[0075] This configuration allows the swivel arm 40 to rotate multiple reel shafts L between the dispensing position P1 and the standby position P2, enabling a predetermined standby position P2 that facilitates the loading of packaging materials W (i.e., new packaging rolls WR) by the operator. Furthermore, since the reel shafts L can rotate around the loading rotation axis Z, which has a different angle between the reel shafts L and the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 during packaging material supply and packaging material loading, the reel shafts L can be rotated relative to the swivel arm 40 to a predetermined angle for the operator, making it easy to load the packaging materials W. Therefore, the packaging material supply device 10 facilitates the loading of packaging materials W onto multiple reel shafts L, thereby shortening working time and improving operating efficiency.

[0076] Furthermore, the loading rotation axis Z is located on the opposite side of the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40, with the reel axis L in between. This configuration reduces the range over which the components that rotate with the reel axis L (e.g., the frame member 42 and the disc D) protrude from the loading rotation axis Z in the direction along the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 when the reel axis L is moved to the position for loading packaging materials, compared to the case where the loading rotation axis Z is located closer to the swivel arm 40 than the reel axis L (see the straight white arrow in Figure 11).

[0077] For example, let's assume that the loading rotation axis Z' is located at the position indicated by the dashed line in Figure 10. In this case, the range A1 located on the opposite side of the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 with respect to the loading rotation axis Z' becomes the "protruding range" described above. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the range A2 located on the opposite side of the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 with respect to the loading rotation axis Z becomes the "protruding range" described above. Thus, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the "protruding range" is a range A2 that is shorter than range A1. Therefore, the installation space of the packaging material supply device 10 can be reduced.

[0078] In this embodiment, compared to the case where the loading rotation axis Z is located closer to the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 than the reel axis L, when the reel axis L is opened, the reel axis L and the member that rotates with the reel axis L protrude in the direction opposite to the central axis 40a. However, since this direction is the direction in which new packaging material W is inserted into and removed from the reel axis L, it can be said that a workspace is already secured in this direction.

[0079] Furthermore, the packaging material supply device 10 is provided with a plurality of locking mechanisms 450 corresponding to each of the plurality of reel shafts L, which lock the rotation of the reel shaft L relative to the swivel arm 40. The locking mechanism 450 includes a frame member 42 that can rotate together with the reel shaft L around a rotation axis, a lock shaft 460 mounted on the frame member 42 so as to be rotatable around its own axis, a handle 470 for rotating the lock shaft 460 around its own axis, and a lock block 480 provided on the swivel arm 40 at a position opposite to the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460, which can lock-engage with the tip 460a so that when the lock shaft 460 rotates around its own axis, the reel shaft L and the frame member 42 cannot rotate around the loading rotation axis Z.

[0080] In this configuration, when the reel shaft L rotates around the loading rotation axis Z relative to the swivel arm 40, the lock shaft 460 also rotates in the same direction around the loading rotation axis Z along with the frame member 42. Therefore, by simply moving the reel shaft L, the lock shaft 460 attached to the frame member 42 can be easily moved relative to the lock block 480 provided on the swivel arm 40. After the operator rotates the reel shaft L around the loading rotation axis Z to the position for loading packaging material (Figure 11), they replace the packaging material W on the reel shaft L with a new one, and then rotate the reel shaft L again around the loading rotation axis Z to set it to the position for supplying packaging material (Figure 10). Then, when the operator rotates the lock shaft 460 with the handle 470, the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 locks into the lock block 480, making it easy to lock the rotation of the reel shaft L relative to the swivel arm 40 when supplying packaging material.

[0081] Furthermore, the lock block 480 has a tip portion 460a of the lock shaft 460 which has a pair of first surfaces 461 extending in an arc shape facing each other, and a pair of second surfaces 462 extending between the pair of first surfaces 461 facing each other, and includes an engagement groove 480a which has a circular first groove 481 and a second groove 482 extending in an elongated hole shape from the first groove 481, the first groove 481 being formed to be slidable with the pair of first surfaces 461, and the second groove 482 being formed with a width D4 that is narrower than the maximum distance D1 between the pair of first surfaces 461 and wider than the distance D2 between the pair of second surfaces 462.

[0082] This configuration allows the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 and the lock block 480 to be easily locked and engaged without rotational displacement around the loading rotation axis Z, without requiring complex mechanisms to be provided on the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 or the lock block 480.

[0083] Furthermore, the frame member 42 is provided with a guide member 427 that guides the tip 460a of the lock shaft 460 into the engagement groove 480a of the lock block 480. This configuration allows the lock shaft 460 to be easily inserted into and removed from the engagement groove 480a of the lock block 480.

[0084] Furthermore, the packaging material supply device 10 includes an air path AL through which air flows, a rotary joint 492 attached to the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 and forming a part of the air path AL, a pressure detection sensor 494 for detecting the pressure in the air path AL, a mechanical valve V that switches the air path AL between an exhaust state and a non-exhaust state depending on whether the push button B is pressed or not, a contact member 473 attached to the lock shaft 460 and rotating together with the lock shaft 460, which does not press the push button B of the mechanical valve V when the tip portion 460a is not locked into the lock block 480, and presses the push button B of the mechanical valve V when the tip portion 460a is engaged with the lock block 480, and a control device 30 that determines whether or not the rotation of the reel shaft L relative to the swivel arm 40 is locked by the lock mechanism 450 based on the pressure in the air path AL detected by the pressure detection sensor 494.

[0085] This configuration allows for the detection of whether the rotation of the reel axis L relative to the slewing arm 40 is locked, based on the pressure change in the air path AL, without requiring an electrical sensor to be placed in the part of the slewing arm 40 that rotates around its central axis 40a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in electrical wiring around the slewing arm 40.

[0086] Furthermore, the contact member 473 is provided on the handle 470. This configuration eliminates the need to provide a separate contact member 473 that needs to rotate together with the lock shaft 460, thus suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0087] (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, the multiple 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.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the loading rotation axis Z is positioned on the opposite side of the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40, with the reel axis L in between. However, the loading rotation axis Z may be provided on the side of the central axis 40a of the swivel arm 40 that is closer to the reel axis L.

[0089] The interlock mechanism for locking the rotation of the reel shaft L around the loading rotation axis Z relative to the swivel arm 40 is not limited to the lock mechanism 450 of the embodiment, but may be any mechanism. For example, the interlock mechanism may not rotate with the reel shaft L relative to the swivel arm 40, but may be a mechanism provided on the swivel arm 40 that fixes the reel shaft L to the swivel arm 40 in a closed state.

[0090] Furthermore, the lock engagement structure between the tip portion 460a of the lock shaft 460 and the lock block 480 may be any structure, not limited to the structure described in the embodiment, as long as it is possible to lock and release the lock engagement between them. Also, the guide member 427 may be omitted from the lock mechanism 450.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a normally open type mechanical valve V is used to switch between the exhaust state and the non-exhaust state of the air path AL, but the mechanical valve V may be a normally closed type. That is, when the reel shaft L changes from a state where it is not locked to the swivel arm 40 to a locked state by the locking mechanism 450, the corresponding air path AL (first air path ALA or second air path ALB) may change from a non-exhaust state to an exhaust state by the mechanical valve V. In that case, since the pressure in the air path AL detected by the pressure detection sensor 494 decreases, the control device 30 can determine that the reel shaft L is locked to the swivel arm 40 based on the fact that the pressure in the air path AL is below a predetermined value.

[0092] Furthermore, whether or not the rotation of the reel shaft L relative to the swivel arm 40 around the loading rotation axis Z is locked may be detected using an electrical sensor instead of the mechanical valve V.

[0093] Furthermore, the contact member 473 may be attached to the lock shaft 460 separately from the handle 470. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 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 41 Reel shaft support member 42 Frame members 50 Retaining member 60 connection units 70 Connectors 80 retractable rollers 85 receiving roller 427 Guide member 450 Locking Mechanism 460 Locking shaft 460a Tip 461 Pair of first surfaces 462 Pair of second surfaces 470 Handle 473 Contact Member 480 Rock Blocks 480a Engagement groove 481 First trench 482 Second groove 490 Operating status detection device 492 Rotary Joint 494 Pressure detection sensor AL Airway B Push button L Reel Shaft P1 Extension position P2 Standby position V Mechanical Valve W packaging material WR Packaging Roll Z Loading rotation axis

Claims

1. Multiple reel shafts into which packaging materials are loaded, 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. Equipped with, The plurality of reel shafts are attached to the swivel arm so that they can rotate around a loading rotation axis such that the angle between the reel shaft and a line parallel to the central axis which is the pivot center of the swivel arm is different during packaging material supply and packaging material loading. Each of the reel shafts is provided with one locking mechanism, which locks the rotation of the reel shaft relative to the loading rotation axis with respect to the swivel arm when the packaging material is supplied. The locking mechanism is A frame member that can rotate together with the reel shaft around the loading rotation shaft, A locking shaft is mounted on the frame member so as to be rotatable around its own axis, A handle for rotating the locking shaft around its own axis, A packaging material supply device having a lock block provided on the swivel arm opposite the tip of the lock shaft, which is lockable with the tip of the lock shaft so that when the lock shaft rotates around its own axis, the reel shaft and the frame member cannot rotate around the loading rotation axis.

2. The packaging material supply device according to claim 1, wherein the loading rotation shaft is located on the opposite side of the central axis of the swivel arm, with respect to the reel shaft which is in the position when the packaging material is supplied.

3. The tip of the locking shaft has a pair of first surfaces extending in an arc shape and a pair of second surfaces extending between the pair of first surfaces. The lock block includes an engagement groove having a circular first groove and a second groove extending from the first groove in an elongated shape. The first groove is formed to be slidable with the pair of first surfaces, The second groove is formed to be narrower than the distance between the pair of first surfaces and wider than the maximum distance between the pair of second surfaces. The packaging material supply device according to claim 1.

4. The packaging material supply device according to claim 3, wherein the frame member is provided with a pair of guide members that, when the frame member rotates together with the reel shaft around the loading rotation shaft and approaches the swivel arm, grip the lock block and slide, thereby guiding the tip of the lock shaft to the engagement groove of the lock block.

5. The air path through which the air flows, A rotary joint attached to the central axis of the slewing arm and forming part of the air path, A pressure detection sensor that detects the pressure in the air path, A mechanical valve that switches the air path between exhaust and non-exhaust states depending on whether the push button is pressed or not, A contact member that rotates with the locking shaft and does not press the push button of the mechanical valve when its tip is not locked into the locking block, and presses the push button of the mechanical valve when its tip is locked into the locking block, A control device that determines whether or not the rotation of the reel shaft relative to the swivel arm is locked by the locking mechanism, based on the pressure in the air path detected by the pressure detection sensor. The packaging material supply device according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The packaging material supply device according to claim 5, wherein the contact member is provided on the handle.

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