Packaging device

Abstract

In recent years, when forming a production line with a packaging device, greater process optimization than conventional processes, such as handling of multiple kinds of film packages and measures to prevent line stoppage, is demanded, and there has been room for improvement in miniaturization and simplification of the device.　The abovementioned problem has been solved by this packaging device for pressing an object, which is to be packaged, against a stretched film and packaging the same, the packaging device being characterized by comprising: a film feeding means which conveys the film; a plurality of film setting means which are capable of supplying the film to the film feeding means and are for selecting one piece of the film delivered from a plurality of film rolls; and a gripping means which is provided to the film feeding means and is for gripping the film set in the plurality of film setting means. The packaging device is also characterized in that the plurality of film setting means: are arranged close to each other; are arranged at positions facing the gripping means; and supply one piece of the film to be selected, only by the advancing and retreating movement of one of the film setting means with respect to the gripping means.

Description

packaging equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging device that packages an item to be packaged in a film.

[0002] Conventional inventions of this type, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, include a packaging device that includes a film unwinding section that unwinds film from a film roll, a film conveying section that conveys and stretches the film unwound from the film unwinding section, an elevator that raises the packaged item by pressing the packaged item from below against the film stretched by the film conveying section, and a folding member that folds the end side of the film against which the packaged item is pressed toward the underside of the packaged item.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-6978

[0004] In recent years, when packaging machines are integrated into an on-line system, there has been a demand for more efficient processing than ever before, for example, the ability to handle multiple types of film packaging, and ways to prevent line stoppages. In response to these demands, attempts have been made to use a film setting means to select one film unwound from multiple film rolls, switch film types, and prevent downtime, but this requires a large-scale mechanism as the film setting means, which leads to increased costs and an increase in the size of the machine.

[0005] In view of these problems, the present invention comprises at least the following configuration: A packaging device that packages an item by pressing it against a stretched film, the packaging device comprising: a film feed means that transports the film, a plurality of film setting means that can supply film to the film feed means and that are used to select one of the films unwound from a plurality of film rolls, and gripping means that are provided in the film feed means and that grip the films set in the plurality of film setting means, the plurality of film setting means being disposed adjacent to each other and facing the gripping means, and the film to be selected can be supplied simply by the movement of one of the film setting means toward or away from the gripping means.

[0006] 1. A perspective view showing an example of a first embodiment of a packaging device. 2. A side view schematically showing a main part of the first embodiment of the packaging device. 3. A view showing a state in which first and second film setting means are both on standby in the packaging device according to the first embodiment of the packaging device. 4. A view showing a state in which the first film setting means is supplying a film in the first embodiment of the packaging device. 5. A view showing a state in which the second film setting means is supplying a film in the first embodiment of the packaging device. 6. A view explaining differences in positions at which openings are provided for a plurality of film setting means. 7. An explanatory view showing a state in which the first film is stretched in the first embodiment of the packaging device. 8. An explanatory view showing a state in which the second film is stretched in the first embodiment of the packaging device. 9. An explanatory view showing another example of a state in which the second film is stretched in the first embodiment of the packaging device. 10. A perspective view showing the overall configuration of a second embodiment of the packaging device. 11. A simplified view showing the overall configuration of the packaging device shown in FIG. 10. 12. A perspective view showing the configuration of a weighing unit, a product pushing unit, and a centering adjustment unit provided in the packaging device shown in FIG. 10. 13. A perspective view showing the configuration of the centering adjustment unit provided in the packaging device shown in FIG. 10. 17 is a perspective view showing the state in which the release mechanism and centering unit of the centering adjustment unit shown in FIG. 13 are removed from the frame plate. It is a cross-sectional view showing the frame plate and centering unit provided in the centering adjustment unit shown in FIG. 13 , cut along the width direction near the rack gear. It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the release mechanism and drive shaft provided in the packaging device shown in FIG. 10. It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the release mechanism and drive shaft shown in FIG. 16 , cut along the axial direction of the drive shaft, showing the state in which the drive shaft is locked by the lock ball. It shows the state in which the lock by the lock ball is released from the state shown in FIG. 17 and the drive shaft begins to move in the removal direction. It shows the state in which the drive shaft has moved further in the removal direction from the state shown in FIG. 18 and has been detached from the release mechanism. It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the centering unit and release mechanism provided in the centering adjustment unit shown in FIG. 13 , showing the state in which the centering unit is viewed from below.13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a centering unit provided in the centering adjustment section shown in FIG. 13 is cut along the conveying direction. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an elevator mechanism provided in the packaging device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 15 is a view showing the state in which the head support section of the elevator mechanism provided in the packaging device shown in FIG. 10 is viewed from below. FIG. 16 is a view showing the positional relationship between the weighing section, the product pushing section, the centering adjustment section, and the elevator head in a normal use state in the packaging device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 17 is a side view showing a state in which the in-feed unit has entered a space (storage state) in the packaging device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing states before and after the in-feed unit enters the space in the packaging device shown in FIG. 10, where (A) shows the state before the in-feed unit enters the space and (B) shows the state after the in-feed unit has entered the space. FIG. 19 is a front view of the packaging device shown in FIG. 10 cut near the centering adjustment section. FIG. 19 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a film supply section provided in the packaging device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 19 is a view showing the control configuration of the packaging device shown in FIG. 10. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the states of the protrusion amount of the drive shaft in the centering adjustment unit provided in the packaging device shown in Fig. 10, where (A) shows the state where the protrusion amount of the drive shaft is minimum, (B) shows the state where the protrusion amount of the drive shaft is any protrusion amount between the minimum and minimum, and (C) shows the state where the protrusion amount of the drive shaft is minimum. 10B are diagrams explaining a case where the centering operation in the centering adjustment unit is not required in the packaging device shown in Fig. 10, where (A) shows the state where the packaged item is placed in the weighing unit, (B) shows the state where the packaged item is pushed into the centering adjustment unit, and (C) shows the state where the packaged item is pushed into the elevator mechanism. 10C are diagrams explaining a case where the centering operation in the centering adjustment unit is not required in the packaging device shown in Fig. 10, where (A) shows the state where the pusher has moved upstream and away from the packaged item, and (B) shows the state where the pusher is moving below the centering adjustment unit and the weighing unit.10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a case where a centering operation is required in the centering adjustment section of the packaging device shown in FIG. 10A, where (A) shows a state in which the packaged item is placed in the weighing section, (B) shows a state in which the packaged item is being pushed into the centering adjustment section, and (C) shows a state in which the packaged item has been pushed into the centering adjustment section and the pusher has moved away from the packaged item. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a case where a centering operation is required in the centering adjustment section of the packaging device shown in FIG. 10A, where (A) shows a state in which the packaged item is being pushed into the elevator mechanism, and (B) shows a state in which the pusher has moved upstream and moved away from the packaged item. 10B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the infeed unit is located in a third position according to a modified example of the second embodiment. 10C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the infeed unit is slid diagonally downward without raising the lifting mechanisms 110A and 110B according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0007] <First Embodiment of Packaging Device> The first embodiment of the packaging device will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are created for explanatory purposes, and for clarity, components unnecessary for the description may be intentionally omitted. Furthermore, components may be intentionally enlarged or reduced in size for explanatory purposes, and the drawings are not drawn to scale. In the following description of each figure, parts common to parts already described are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a first embodiment A of the packaging device. A belt conveyor serving as a conveying unit for conveying packaged items W is placed at the "front" of the packaging device A. In the following description, "front" refers to the front side as viewed from the display / operation unit A101, and in the illustrated example, this is the upstream side in the conveying direction of the packaged items W. Furthermore, "rear" refers to the opposite side of the "front," and in the illustrated example, this is the downstream side in the conveying direction of the packaged items W. Furthermore, "right" refers to the right side as viewed from the display / operation unit A101, and in the illustrated example, this is the upstream side when the film is conveyed horizontally. Furthermore, "left" refers to the opposite side of "right" and, in the illustrated example, refers to the downstream side when the film is transported horizontally. In the illustrated example, the front-to-rear direction and the left-to-right direction are substantially perpendicular to each other (see FIG. 1). Note that, since the same housing as that of a conventional packaging device is used in FIG. 1, the size of the housing is larger in the left-to-right direction. However, the mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which will be described later, can be housed in a housing with a smaller left-to-right size.

[0008] (Overall Configuration) Fig. 2 is a side view schematically showing the main parts of a first embodiment of the packaging device. Fig. 3 is a view showing the first and second film setting means in a standby state in the first embodiment of the packaging device. That is, the gripping means (film setting clamps) are open before gripping the film. Fig. 4 is a view showing the first film setting means, which was in a standby state, moving forward and supplying the film. That is, the gripping means (film setting clamps) are gripping the first film. Fig. 5 is a view showing the second film setting means, which was in a standby state, moving forward and supplying the film. That is, the gripping means (film setting clamps) are gripping the second film. As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging device A includes a film feed means A10 capable of tensioning multiple types of films F1 and F2, a first film setting means A20 and a second film setting means A30 that selectively supply films F1 and F2 to film set clamps A14 and A15 that serve as gripping means possessed by the film feed means A10, a first film supply means A50 that supplies film F1, a second film supply means A60 that supplies film F2, a first guide roller A41 that guides one film F1 supplied from the first film supply means A50 to the first film setting means A20, a second guide roller A42 that guides the other film F2 supplied from the second film supply means A60 to the second film setting means A30, lifting heads A81 and 91 (not shown in FIG. 2) that move up and down below the film F1 or F2 tensioned by the film feed means A10, and a control unit A100 (see FIG. 1) that controls these. Here, films F1 and F2 may be the same type of film. By supplying the same type of film from first film supply means A50 and second film supply means A60, even if one film roll runs out of film, the production line can continue by switching to the other film supply.

[0009] This packaging device A is configured to select one of the first film setting means A20 and the second film setting means A30 and supply the film to the film setting clamps A14, A15, which serve as gripping means of the film feed means A10. This switching operation is performed simply by the forward / backward movement of one film setting means toward the film setting clamps A14, A15. Figure 2 shows the second film setting means A30 moving forward (upward) to guide the film F2 into the film feed means A10 and tension it. Meanwhile, Figure 3 shows the film setting clamps A14, A15 opening when both the first film setting means A20 and the second film setting means A30 are retracted (downward). Furthermore, the packaging device A pushes up the stretched film F1 or F2 using the first lifting head A81, and then lifts the packaged item W using the second lifting head 91 (not shown), and packages the packaged item W by pressing it against the film F1 or F2.

[0010] (Configuration of Film Feeding Means) The film feeding means A10 is a mechanism that clamps the film F1 or F2 on one side and the other side in the width direction and transports it to a predetermined position. This film feeding means A10 is provided with film transport sections A10a, A10b that clamp both widthwise ends of the film F1 or F2 on one side and the other side in the film width direction (the "front-rear direction" described in FIG. 1) and transports it to a predetermined position, and is supported on a stationary part such as a main body frame of the packaging device A.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, each film transport section A10a (or A10b) includes an upper belt A11 and a lower belt A12 that sandwich both widthwise ends of the film F1 or F2 from above and below, and a clamp plate A13 that presses the lower belt A12 from below against the upper belt. Each film transport section A10a (or A10b) rotates the upper and lower belts A11 and A12 in opposite directions, and introduces the film F1 or F2 into one end between the belts A11 and A12 (the right end in Figure 2), where it is transported to a predetermined position and stopped. This operation pulls the film F1 or F2 approximately horizontally between the film transport sections A10a and A10b.

[0012] In FIG. 2, reference numerals A14 and A15 denote film set clamps as gripping means, but also function as pulleys for looping the upper belt A11 and the lower belt A12.

[0013] The film feed means A10 configured as described above changes the film clamping width by moving either one or both of the film transport sections A10a and A10b in the film width direction according to the film width of the film F1 or F2 that accompanies the switching operation of the first and second film setting means A20 and A30. However, if the films F1 and F2 are the same type of film, the film clamping width does not change even if the switching operation of the first and second film setting means A20 and A30 is executed.

[0014] For example, when the second film setting means A30 is positioned as a supply source for the film feed means A10, the film feed means A10 retrieves information on the width of the film F2 set in the second film setting means A30 from the memory means of the control unit A100, and based on this information, moves one or both of the film transport units A10a, A10b in the film width direction to make the film clamping width between the two film transport units A10a, A10b correspond to the width of the film F2.

[0015] As another example, the width of the film F1 or F2 may be detected by a sensor on the supply side of the film feed means A10, and in response to this detection signal, one of the film transport sections A10a may be moved in the film width direction to correspond to the film width.

[0016] 2, the film setting means is composed of a first film setting means A20 and a second film setting means A30 arranged side by side in the left-right direction as viewed in the drawing. These first film setting means A20 and second film setting means A30 are configured to advance toward the film setting clamps A14, A15 so that one of the film setting means A20 or A30 selected in response to an operation on the display operation unit A101 becomes the supply source for the film feed means A10.

[0017] In more detail, the first film setting means A20 comprises two parallel film guide plates 21, 22 (not shown) between which the film F1 is inserted, a one-way roller A23 that contacts one side of the film F1 upstream of the film guide plates 21, 22, and a first guide roller A41 that contacts the other side of the film F1; by moving the film guide plates 21, 22 and the one-way roller A23 back and forth in the vertical direction as shown, they are displaced toward or away from the film setting clamps A14, A15.

[0018] The second film setting means A30 is configured in the same manner as the first film setting means A20, and by moving the film guide plates 31, 32 (not shown) and one-way roller A33 back and forth in the vertical direction as shown, they are displaced in a direction toward or away from the film setting clamps A14, A15, and the film F2 clamped between the upper and lower film guide plates 31, 32 is transferred to the film setting clamps A14, A15.

[0019] A common film end detection means FES (not shown) is provided for the first film setting means A20 and the second film setting means A30. The film end detection means FES detects a state in which the film roll has been unwound to its end and the film ends while the film feed means A10 is unwound to an amount of film sufficient to package the packaged item W. The film end detection means FES is an optical sensor that can detect transparent film by adjusting the determination level according to the transparency, but any suitable alternative means may be used as long as it can detect the film end.

[0020] 6, the first film setting means A20, which inserts the film F1 between its two parallel film guide plates 21, 22 (not shown; they are overlapping in the front-to-back direction in the drawing and therefore cannot be distinguished in the drawing), has a plurality of openings N1-N6 arranged at a predetermined interval in the film width direction, and one opening N7 arranged at a distance from these openings, so that the film F1 can be gripped by the film set clamps A14, A15. The second film setting means A30, which inserts the film F2 between its two parallel film guide plates 31, 32 (not shown; they are overlapping in the front-to-back direction in the drawing and therefore cannot be distinguished in the drawing), has a plurality of openings M1-M4 arranged at a predetermined interval in the film width direction, and one opening M5 arranged at a distance from these openings, so that the film F2 can be gripped by the film set clamps A14, A15.

[0021] Each of the openings N1 to N6 is a concave cutout that penetrates the film guide plates 21 and 22 in the thickness direction and is open to the film set clamps A14 and A15, and one of them is formed to fit over an end of the film transport section A10b. Opening N7 is formed to fit over the film transport section A10a. Each of the openings M1 to M4 is a concave cutout that penetrates the film guide plates 31 and 32 in the thickness direction and is open to the film set clamps A14 and A15, and one of them is formed to fit over an end of the film transport section A10b. Opening M5 is formed to fit over the film transport section A10a.

[0022] 6, the openings of the first film setting means A20 and the second film setting means A30 are arranged in different positions so that they are nested alternately. The reason for this is that film selection is performed solely by the forward and backward movement of each film setting means, and if the openings were set in the same position, there is a risk that films F1 and F2 will be stuck together due to the effects of static electricity.

[0023] The position where the opening N7 of the first film setting means A20 fits into the film transport section A10a is directly opposite the reference position that serves as the reference for push-up packaging of the film, whereas the position where the opening M5 of the second film setting means A30 fits into the film transport section A10a is shifted from the reference position. Therefore, when film F2 is supplied from the second film setting means A30, the position of film F2 must be shifted to the reference position before push-up packaging. This operation will be described later.

[0024] As another example, if a separate partition plate is placed between the first film setting means A20 and the second film setting means A30, the films will not interfere with each other, and the openings can be set in the same position. This is preferable if the same type of film is used and downtime is to be avoided.

[0025] (Configuration of Film Supply Means) The first film supply means A50 and the second film supply means A60 maintain substantially uniform tension on the films F1 and F2. The film set shaft A51 is a long shaft extending in the front-to-rear direction as shown in the figure, and is supported on a stationary part such as the main body frame. This film set shaft A51 rotatably supports the rolled film F1. The film F1 unwound from around the film set shaft A51 is guided to the first guide roller A41, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] The film setting shaft A61 is a long shaft extending in the front-to-rear direction as shown in the figure, and is supported by a stationary part such as the main body frame. This film setting shaft A61 rotatably supports the rolled film F2. The film F2 unwound from around the film setting shaft A61 is guided to the second guide roller A42, as shown in FIG.

[0027] According to the first embodiment, the film F1 loaded in the first film supply means A50 and the film F2 loaded in the second film supply means A60 have different film widths. However, as another example, it is possible to configure these two films F1 and F2 to have the same width. By configuring them in this way, even if one roll of film breaks, it is possible to switch to the other roll and continue operating the production line. The replacement of a run-out roll of film can be performed at an appropriate time, such as when switching between production batches, significantly improving processing efficiency. When adopting such a configuration, it is recommended that the first film setting means A20 and the second film setting means A30 have the same shape and that a separate partition plate be provided between them, as described above.

[0028] (Configuration of Lifting Heads) A large number of first lifting heads A81 and second lifting heads 91 (not shown) are provided in an upward direction below the film F1 or F2 stretched by the film feed means A10. The first lifting heads A81 rise before the second lifting heads 91 (not shown) and push up the film F1 or F2. Each first lifting head A81 is configured as a long rod extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the second lifting head 91 (not shown) rises after the first lifting head A81 with the packaged item W placed on it, and presses the packaged item W against the film F1 or F2. The first lifting head A81 and the second lifting head 91 (not shown) are configured to be independently driven to lift and lower. The arrangement pattern of the first lifting head A81 that constitutes the first lifting head group A80 and the arrangement pattern of the second lifting head 91 (not shown) that constitutes the second lifting head group 90 (not shown) are set appropriately depending on the shape, size, arrangement, etc. of the packaged items W.

[0029] (Configuration of the control unit) The control unit A100 is a control circuit equipped with a storage means (ROM, RAM, etc., not shown) for storing various information including the film widths of films F1 and F2, programs, etc., a display operation unit A101 equipped with a keyboard and a touch panel LCD constant device, etc., and a CPU (not shown) for performing arithmetic processing of information from the storage means and information input via the display operation unit A101, etc. This control unit A100 controls the drive sources of the various mechanisms described above and performs various operations described below based on the information stored in the storage means and information manually input to the display operation unit A101.

[0030] Next, the characteristic operations, effects, etc. of the packaging device A having the above-described configuration will be described in detail.

[0031] <Film Supply Operation> In the initial position shown in Fig. 3, both the first film setting means A20 and the second film setting means A30 are retracted (lowered), and the film set clamps A14 and A15 are open. When supplying the film F1, the first film setting means A20 with the film F1 inserted therethrough is moved up and down as shown in Fig. 4. During this movement, when the first film setting means A20 rises toward the film set clamps A14 and A15 of the film feed means A10, the film F1 is pulled by friction with the one-way roller A23, which is held non-rotatably, and is unwound from the first film supply means A50 (see also Fig. 2).

[0032] The first film setting means A20, which has advanced, transfers the film F1 clamped between the film guide plates 21 and 22 to the film setting clamps A14 and A15. After this, the first film setting means A20 descends and retreats, facing the film F1 clamped by the film setting clamps A14 and A15. During this retreat, the one-way roller A23 and the first guide roller A41 rotate relatively to unwind the film F1. Therefore, by repeating this advance / retraction movement, the film F1 gradually moves toward the film feed means A10.

[0033] The film feed means A10, which receives the film F1 through the above-described advance / retract operation, cuts the film with a cutter A16, which advances and retreats in a direction perpendicular to the film advance direction. Then, the upper belt A11 and the lower belt A12 are rotated a predetermined amount to transport and stretch the film F1 to a predetermined position. The film feed means A10 then moves the film transport sections A10a and A10b slightly away from each other. Alternatively, only the film transport section A10a or only the film transport section A10b may be moved without moving both sections. This is to stretch the film F1, thereby preventing unnecessary slack in the film packaging around the packaged item W and enabling neat packaging. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing how the first film is stretched in the first embodiment of the packaging device. 7 is a perspective view, but in order to make it easier to understand their positional relationship in the width direction (the "front-to-back direction" described in FIG. 1) with respect to the film feed means A10, the first film setting means A20 and the gripping means A14, A15, which are actually arranged vertically, are drawn lying horizontally in front of the film feed means A10. As shown in FIG. 7, the film F1 supplied from the film feed means A20 is simply stretched once after being tensioned.

[0034] On the other hand, when film F2 is to be supplied, the second film setting means A30 with film F2 inserted therethrough is moved up and down as shown in Fig. 5. During this movement, when the second film setting means A30 rises toward the film set clamps A14 and A15 of the film feed means A10, film F2 is pulled by friction with the one-way roller A33, which is held non-rotatably, and is unwound from the second film supply means A60 (see also Fig. 2).

[0035] The second film setting means A30, which has advanced, passes the film F2 clamped between the film guide plates 31 and 32 to the film setting clamps A14 and A15. After this, the second film setting means A30 descends and retreats, facing the film F2 clamped by the film setting clamps A14 and A15. During this retreat, the one-way roller A33 and the second guide roller A42 rotate relatively to unwind the film F2. Therefore, by repeating this advance / retraction movement, the film F2 gradually moves toward the film feed means A10.

[0036] The film feed means A10, which receives the film F2 through the above-described advance / retract operation, cuts the film with a cutter A16 that advances / retracts in a direction perpendicular to the film advancement direction, and then rotates the upper belt A11 and the lower belt A12 a predetermined amount to transport and stretch the film F2 to a predetermined position. The operation for the film F1 supplied from the first film setting means A20 is a simple stretching operation performed only once after the film is stretched, but the operation for the film F2 supplied from the film feed means A30 requires that the film F2 be returned to the reference position because it is supplied deviated from the reference position. The first embodiment A of the packaging device is configured so that the operation required to return the film to the reference position is performed together with the stretching.

[0037] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing how the second film is stretched in the first embodiment of the packaging device. While FIG. 8 is a perspective view, the second film setting means A30 and gripping means A14 and A15, which are actually arranged vertically, are depicted horizontally in front of the film feed means A10 so that their positional relationship in the width direction (the "front-rear direction" described in FIG. 1) can be understood. As shown in FIG. 8, first, (1) after the film is stretched, both film conveying units A10a and A10b are moved to their reference positions. Next, (2) the film conveying units A10a and A10b are slightly moved in opposite directions to perform stretching. Alternatively, only the film conveying unit A10b may be moved to perform stretching. By performing this operation, the first embodiment of the packaging device A can move the film F2 to the appropriate reference position for push-up packaging and simultaneously perform stretching to contribute to high-quality packaging.

[0038] Other methods for moving to the reference position and stretching are also possible. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of how the second film is stretched in the film transport section A10a. As shown in Figure 9(a), after the film is stretched, the film transport section A10a is moved to the reference position and stretched, while as shown in Figure 9(b), the film transport section A10b is stretched by an amount obtained by thinning out the amount of stretching the film transport section A10a from the amount of stretching that should be performed. The stretching operation can be performed in a shorter time than the example shown in Figure 8.

[0039] Furthermore, other stretching techniques are also possible. The movement of the film transport sections A10a and A10b is the same as in Figure 8 and therefore not shown. However, while transporting the film, both film transport sections A10a and A10b are moved to their reference positions, and then they are moved slightly in opposite directions to perform stretching. Alternatively, only the film transport section A10a may be moved to its reference position, and the film transport section A10b may be stretched. This technique also allows the stretching operation to be performed in a short time.

[0040] The movement of the film transport sections A10a and A10b of the film feed means A10 is effective for purposes other than stretching. Specifically, the film feed means A10 can move the film set clamps A14 and A15 from a reference position in a direction perpendicular to the film transport direction so that they face the openings M1 to M4 of the film guide plates 31 and 32. This allows for appropriate film transport depending on the film width. Furthermore, if the film feed means A10 is moved from the reference position, it is configured to return to the reference position before packaging the packaged items. This is to enable the packaging device A to quickly respond to the film switching operation described below, as it is expected to be used to package a variety of products in the back-of-house areas of supermarkets and other retail stores.

[0041] <Switching operation> If it becomes necessary to supply a different type of film F1 during the supply operation of film F2, or if the same type of film is loaded as film F2 and film F1, and the film runs out, the first embodiment A of the packaging device switches from supplying from the second film setting means A30 to supplying from the first film setting means A20.

[0042] First, the first film setting means A20 with the film F1 inserted therethrough is moved up and down. During this movement, when the first film setting means A20 rises toward the film setting clamps A14 and A15 of the film feed means A10, the film F1 is pulled by friction with the one-way roller A23, which is held non-rotatably, and is unwound from the first film supply means A50.

[0043] The first film setting means A20, which has advanced, transfers the film F1 clamped between the film guide plates 21 and 22 to the film setting clamps A14 and A15. After this, the first film setting means A20 descends and retreats, facing the film F1 clamped by the film setting clamps A14 and A15. During this retreat, the one-way roller A23 and the first guide roller A41 rotate relatively to unwind the film F1. Therefore, by repeating this advance / retraction movement, the film F1 gradually moves toward the film feed means A10.

[0044] The film feed means A10, to which the film F1 has been handed over by the above-mentioned forward and backward movement, rotates the upper belt A11 and the lower belt A12 by a predetermined amount, thereby transporting and stretching the film F1 to a predetermined position.

[0045] In a conventional approach, the height positions of multiple film setting means arranged vertically have to be changed to switch between the film setting means, and a separate forward / backward movement has to be performed to supply film from the film setting means to the film feed means. In the first embodiment A of the packaging device, the operation of switching between the film to be supplied can be performed by substantially the same operation as the forward / backward movement to supply film to the film feed means, so no large-scale mechanism is required, and there is no increase in cost or size of the device.

[0046] [Summary of the First Embodiment] [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a packaging device that packages an item to be packaged with a film. [Background Art] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, this type of invention includes a packaging device that includes a film unwinding unit that unwinds a film from a film roll, a film conveying unit that conveys and stretches the film unwound from the film unwinding unit, an elevator that raises the item to be packaged so as to press the item from below against the film stretched by the film conveying unit, and a folding member that folds the end of the film against which the item is pressed toward the bottom of the item. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-6978 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] In recent years, when packaging devices are integrated into a production line, there has been a demand for greater processing efficiency than before, such as the ability to handle multiple types of film packaging and how to avoid line stoppages. In response to such demands, attempts have been made to use a film setting means to select one film from multiple film rolls, switch film types, and prevent downtime, but this requires a large-scale mechanism as the film setting means, which leads to increased costs and an increase in the size of the device. [Means for solving the problem] (A1) As described above, one aspect of the first embodiment is a packaging device A that packages an item to be packaged by pressing it against stretched films F1, F2, and that includes a film feed means A10 that transports the film, a plurality of film set means A20, A30 that are capable of supplying film to the film feed means A10 and that are used to select one of the films F1, F2 that is unwound from a plurality of film rolls, and gripping means A14, A15 that are provided on the film feed means A10 and that grip the films F1, F2 that have been set in the plurality of film set means A20, A30, and the plurality of film set means are arranged in close proximity to each other and are positioned opposite the gripping means A14, A15, and the film to be selected F1, F2 can be supplied by simply moving one of the film set means A20, A30 toward or away from the gripping means A14, A15.According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a packaging device that can switch the film to be selected using a simple mechanism.

[0047] (A2) One aspect of the first embodiment is characterized in that, in the packaging device A described in (A1), the movement of the plurality of film setting means A20, A30 toward and away from the gripping means A14, A15 is vertical. This configuration makes it possible to provide a packaging device that can switch the film to be selected without increasing the size of the device.

[0048] (A3) One aspect of the first embodiment is the packaging device A described in (A1), wherein the plurality of film setting means A20, A30 have a plurality of cutouts N1 to N7, M1 to M5 that enable the gripping means A14, A15 to grip the film, and the cutouts of the plurality of film setting means A20, A30 are not positioned in the same position. This configuration makes it possible to provide a packaging device in which the plurality of films being switched do not stick to each other.

[0049] (A4) One aspect of the first embodiment is the packaging device A described in (A3), wherein the film feed means A10 is movable from a reference position in a direction perpendicular to the film conveyance direction so that the gripping means A14, A15 directly face the positions of the notches N1 to N7, M1 to M5, and when the film feed means A10 moves from the reference position, it returns to the reference position before packaging the packaged items. This configuration allows for a quick response when switching films.

[0050] The first embodiment of the packaging device has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design changes within the spirit and scope of the present invention are also encompassed. For example, to prevent film sticking, the notches of the multiple film setting means are not positioned in the same location. However, the present invention also encompasses the case where a separate partition plate is placed between the multiple film setting means to set the opening positions in the same location while preventing film sticking. Furthermore, although the multiple film sets are moved toward and away from the gripping means in the vertical direction, horizontal movement is also encompassed by the present invention. Although additional rollers or other devices are required to switch and handle the film transport direction, this is disadvantageous in terms of device compactness, but is advantageous in terms of processing speed. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the above figures can be combined with each other as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in terms of purpose, configuration, etc. Furthermore, the contents of each figure can be independent embodiments, and the present invention is not limited to a single embodiment combining the figures.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, a belt conveyor is used as the conveying section for conveying the packaged items W, but this is not limited to this embodiment and a roller conveyor or the like may also be used.

[0052] <Other challenges facing packaging machines> In order to achieve greater processing efficiency than ever before, it is necessary to consider not only switching between film types, but also reducing the time required to install and remove parts for maintenance and cleaning, and accurately detecting the trays to be packaged. Challenges facing such packaging machines include the following:

[0053] (Easy Attachment and Detachment of Centering Adjustment Unit) Some packaging devices are equipped with a centering device that adjusts the position of the packaging object in the conveying width direction. It is desirable for the centering device to be easily detached for maintenance and cleaning of the device itself. However, removing and reinstalling the centering device requires extensive work, making the removal and installation process difficult.

[0054] (Easy Attachment and Detachment of Infeed) In the packaging device, a portion including the mounting table (hereinafter referred to as the "infeed") protrudes from the machine frame toward the front side. This configuration has the following problems. For example, in a typical supermarket or other similar site, the entrance is often narrow and the packaging machine cannot fit in as is. Therefore, when the packaging device is delivered to the customer, the infeed is detached and then attached after delivery, but this detachment and attachment of the infeed is time-consuming.

[0055] (Improvement of packaging productivity) There are packaging devices that include a photoelectric detector that detects products on the conveying path and a discrimination means that compares the detection signal from the photoelectric detector with a predetermined threshold to discriminate the edges of the products, and that pre-store two or more thresholds and discriminate the edges using the thresholds. However, while it may be possible to detect edges depending on the material, such as the transparency of the tray, further improvements to the packaging device are required to improve productivity. Below, a second embodiment of a packaging device that aims to solve these problems will be described.

[0056] <Second Embodiment of Packaging Device> A second embodiment of a packaging device 10 that aims to solve the three problems listed above will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0057] [1. Configuration of packaging device 10] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a second embodiment of the packaging device 10. Fig. 11 is a simplified view showing the overall configuration of the packaging device 10. Note that some components are omitted as appropriate in Figs. 10 and 11 .

[0058] The second embodiment 10 of the packaging device is configured to weigh packaged items P1 with food or the like placed on a tray, wrap the packaged items P1 in stretch film (film F1; corresponding to the packaging material), print necessary information using a label printer 170, and apply the printed labels to the packaged items P1 in a label application unit 180, after which the packaged items P1 are discharged to a product discharge unit 190. However, the packaging device 10 may be configured without the function of weighing the packaged items P1 or the label printer 170.

[0059] 10 and 11 includes a housing 20, a weighing unit 30, a product pushing unit 40, a centering adjustment unit 50, an elevator mechanism 100, an in-feed sliding mechanism 120, a film supply unit 130, a packaging unit 140, a discharge mechanism 150, a heater unit 160, a label printer 170, a label application unit 180, a product discharge unit 190, and a control unit 200 (see FIG. 29).

[0060] In the following description, the packaged item P1 refers to a container such as a tray and the product placed in that container, but the packaging device 10 can also package products that are not placed in a container. Therefore, products that are not placed in a container are also included in the packaged item P1. In the following description, the container is synonymous with the packaged item P1 unless otherwise specified.

[0061] [1-2. Housing 20] The housing 20 is a part that supports the entire packaging device 10, and is made up of a frame, panel plates, and the like.

[0062] [1-3. Regarding the weighing unit 30] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the weighing unit 30, product pushing unit 40, and centering adjustment unit 50. As shown in Figure 12, the weighing unit 30 is a section where the packaged item P1 with the food item placed on it is placed and the packaged item P1 is weighed. The weighing unit 30 is equipped with a weighing plate 31 on which the packaged item P1 is placed, and also equipped with a weight sensor 32 such as a load cell that weighs the packaged item P1 placed on the weighing plate 31.

[0063] The weighing section 30 is also provided with a width detection sensor 33 that measures the width of the packaged item P1 (the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the packaged item P1). Therefore, the center position of the packaged item P1 can be determined based on the width of the packaged item P1 detected by this width detection sensor 33, making it possible to perform a centering operation as described below. Note that a camera may be provided instead of or together with the width detection sensor 33, and the size and position of the packaged item P1 may be detected by capturing an image with the camera, thereby performing a centering operation for the packaged item P1.

[0064] The weighing section 30 is also provided with a height detection sensor 34 that measures the height of the packaged item P1. Based on the detection results of the width detection sensor 33 and the height detection sensor 34, it is possible to determine whether the packaged item P1 can be packaged.

[0065] Furthermore, when the packaged item P1 placed on the weighing plate 31 is transported toward the elevator mechanism 100, if the light from a sensor such as the height detection sensor 34 is blocked by the packaged item P1, the length (depth) of the packaged item P1 in the transport direction (front-to-back direction) can be detected by the difference between the position of the sensor and the position of the pusher 45.

[0066] [1-4. Product Pushing Unit 40] The product pushing unit 40 includes a chain drive mechanism 41 and a pusher 45. The chain drive mechanism 41 includes a pushing motor 42, a sprocket 43, a chain 44, etc. The pushing motor 42 is a part that generates a driving force to move the pusher 45. The driving force of the pushing motor 42 is transmitted to the sprocket 43 via a belt 42a and a pulley 42b.

[0067] The sprockets 43 and the chains 44 are arranged on both sides in the width direction of the weighing plate 31. That is, on one side in the width direction of the weighing plate 31, a plurality of sprockets 43 (four in FIG. 12 ) and a chain 44 tensioned by the sprockets 43 are arranged. Similarly, on the other side in the width direction of the weighing plate 31, a plurality of sprockets 43 (four in FIG. 12 ) and a chain 44 tensioned by the sprockets 43 are arranged.

[0068] In addition, in order to transmit driving force to the sprocket 43 and chain 44 at one end in the width direction and the sprocket 43 and chain 44 at the other end in the width direction, a long drive transmission shaft 43a is provided along the width direction of the weighing plate 31, and drive side sprockets 43 are attached to both ends of the drive transmission shaft 43a.

[0069] Pushers 45 are attached to the chains 44 at predetermined intervals. Specifically, one end of the pusher 45 is attached to the chain 44 on one side in the width direction via a fixture (not shown), and the other end of the pusher 45 is attached to the chain 44 on the other side in the width direction via a fixture (not shown). The pusher 45 is a member for pushing the packaged item P1 into the interior of the packaging device 10 (toward the centering adjustment unit 50). The pusher 45 is formed in the shape of a long comb, and its comb-shaped teeth (reference numeral omitted) come into contact with the packaged item P1, pushing it toward the centering adjustment unit 50.

[0070] The chain 44 and the pusher 45 may be fixed together via a dedicated joint member, but this joint member may be configured so that the position of the pusher 45 relative to the chain 44 is immovable, or may be configured so that the position of the pusher 45 relative to the chain 44 is movable. When a joint member configured so that the position of the pusher 45 relative to the chain 44 is movable is used, the pressure when pushing in the packaged item P1 does not become greater than necessary, and smooth centering of the packaged item P1 becomes possible.

[0071] As a joint member as described above, various mechanisms can be applied to enable the relative position of the pusher 45 to the chain 44 to be moved, such as using a solenoid as the joint member, or using a spring mechanism or an air cylinder.

[0072] [1-5. Centering Adjustment Unit 50] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the centering adjustment unit 50. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the centering adjustment unit 50 with the release mechanism 60 and centering unit 70 removed from the frame plate 51. This centering adjustment unit 50 adjusts the position of the packaged item P1 in the width direction while transporting the packaged item P1. As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the centering adjustment unit 50 includes a frame plate 51, a transport motor 52, a drive transmission unit 53, an adjustment motor 54, a unit fixing mechanism 55, a release mechanism 60, and a centering unit 70.

[0073] The frame plate 51 is attached to a pair of side plates U11 of the in-feed unit U1, which will be described later, and is configured by providing a metal plate with appropriate bent portions, holes, and punched portions. Therefore, when viewed from above, the frame plate 51 is larger in both the width direction and the conveying direction than the centering unit 70.

[0074] 14, a pair of positioning recesses 51a are provided on the frame plate 51. Fitting portions 76a provided on a support base 76 of the centering unit 70 (described later) can be fitted into the pair of positioning recesses 51a. Fitting the positioning recesses 51a into the fitting portions 76a facilitates positioning of the centering unit 70 when it is attached to the frame plate 51.

[0075] 14, the pair of positioning recesses 51a are provided in a generally U-shaped recess that surrounds three of the four sides, and the fitting portions 76a, which will be described later, are also provided in a generally U-shape. This improves the positioning between the pair of positioning recesses 51a and the pair of fitting portions 76a. The pair of positioning recesses 51a may be formed by punching out the frame plate 51 and then fixing a plate member below the frame plate 51, or by hollowing out the frame plate 51.

[0076] The conveying motor 52 is a part that provides a driving force to drive a flat belt 84 of the centering unit 70, which will be described later. The drive transmission unit 53 is a part that transmits the driving force of the conveying motor 52 to the flat belt 84, and includes, for example, toothed pulleys 53a and 53b, a drive belt 53c, etc.

[0077] The toothed pulley 53a is attached to the output shaft (reference numeral omitted) of the conveying motor 52. The toothed pulley 53b is provided integrally with a release mechanism 60 (described later). Therefore, the toothed pulley 53b can be considered to be a part of the release mechanism 60, but the toothed pulley 53b may also be considered not to be a part of the release mechanism 60.

[0078] 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the frame plate 51 and the centering unit 70 cut widthwise near the rack gear 77. The adjustment motor 54 is a part that provides a driving force for moving the centering unit 70 (described later) in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 15, the output gear 54a of the adjustment motor 54 is transmitted to an intermediate gear 54b, which is in mesh with a rack gear 77 (described later). This transmits the driving force of the adjustment motor 54 to the rack gear 77, making it possible to move the centering unit 70 in the width direction.

[0079] The unit fixing mechanism 55 is a mechanism for fixing the centering unit 70 to the frame plate 51. The unit fixing mechanism 55 includes frame-side fixing portions 55a and unit-side locking portions 55b. The frame-side fixing portions 55a are provided in the frame plate 51 near the pair of positioning recesses 51a. The unit-side locking portions 55b are attached to fitting portions 76a of the pair of support bases 76, which will be described later.

[0080] When the positioning recesses 51a are fitted into the fitting portions 76a, the unit-side locking portions 55b come close to the frame-side fixing portions 55a, and in this state the fastening portions present on the frame-side fixing portions 55a fasten the unit-side locking portions 55b. This locks the centering unit 70 to the frame plate 51, preventing it from moving. Note that although a three-way fastening metal fitting can be used as the unit fixing mechanism 55, other types of fastening metal fittings, or screws and screw holes, may also be used.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15 , the unit fixing mechanism 55 is preferably positioned between the end of the frame plate 51 in the width direction (X direction) and the side support plate 71a. Conversely, if the unit fixing mechanism 55 is positioned toward the end of the frame plate 51 in the width direction (X direction), the support base 76 becomes longer toward the end of the frame plate 51 in the width direction (X direction). Furthermore, if the unit fixing mechanism 55 is positioned closer to the center in the width direction (X direction) than the side support plate 71a, it becomes difficult for the user to operate the unit fixing mechanism 55. Furthermore, the guide shaft 75 becomes longer than necessary. Furthermore, if the unit fixing mechanism 55 is positioned closer to the center in the width direction (X direction) than the side support plate 71a, the size of the unit fixing mechanism 55 needs to be increased to ensure operability of the unit fixing mechanism 55.

[0082] 15, the position of the unit fixing mechanism 55 in the width direction (X direction) is located between the end of the frame plate 51 in the width direction (X direction) and the side support plate 71a, which prevents the support base 76 from becoming longer toward the end of the frame plate 51 in the width direction (X direction).In addition, the operability of the unit fixing mechanism 55 is ensured while preventing the size of the unit fixing mechanism 55 from becoming larger than necessary.

[0083] 15, it is more preferable that the position of the frame-side fixing portion 55a in the unit fixing mechanism 55 in the width direction (X direction) be between the end of the frame plate 51 in the width direction (X direction) and the handle 72. In this case, it is possible to prevent the user's hand from interfering with the handle 72 when operating the frame-side fixing portion 55a.

[0084] Next, the release mechanism 60 will be described. The release mechanism 60 corresponds to the rotary coupling portion. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the release mechanism 60 and the drive shaft 81. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the release mechanism 60 and the drive shaft 81 taken along the axial direction of the drive shaft 81, illustrating the state in which the drive shaft 81 is locked by the lock ball 65. FIG. 18 shows the state in which the lock by the lock ball 65 is released from the state shown in FIG. 17 and the drive shaft 81 begins to move in the removal direction. FIG. 19 shows the state in which the drive shaft 81 has moved further in the removal direction from the state shown in FIG. 18 and has been removed from the release mechanism 60.

[0085] 16 to 19, the direction along the drive shaft 81 is referred to as the axial direction (X direction), the side where the release mechanism 60 is located as viewed from the drive shaft 81 is referred to as one end side (X1 side), and the opposite side where the drive shaft 81 is located as viewed from the release mechanism 60 is referred to as the other end side (X2 side).

[0086] As shown in Figures 16 to 19, the release mechanism 60 has as its main components a side plate fixing shaft 61, a bearing 62, a shaft detachable socket 63, a locking cylinder 64, a locking ball 65, a biasing spring 66, and a spring receiving member 67.

[0087] The side plate fixing shaft 61 is fixed to a side plate U11 of the in-feed unit U1 (described later) via, for example, a screw N1. Therefore, the side plate fixing shaft 61 has a screw hole 61a drilled from one end (the end on the X1 side) in the axial direction (direction) of the side plate fixing shaft 61. In the configuration shown in FIG. 17 , the side plate fixing shaft 61 is fixed to the side plate U11 by screwing a screw N1 into the connecting fixing plate U13 from the outside, with the connecting fixing plate U13 having an insertion hole U13a disposed so as to cover the hole U12 of the side plate U11. Therefore, the side plate fixing shaft 61 is non-rotating.

[0088] A bearing 62 is disposed on the outer periphery of the side plate fixing shaft 61, and the outer periphery of the bearing 62 is held in a detachable shaft socket 63. In the configurations shown in Figures 17 to 19, two bearings 62 are disposed adjacent to each other, but the number and type of bearings may be any number.

[0089] Furthermore, the detachable shaft socket 63 that holds the outer periphery of the bearing 62 has a cylindrical pulley portion 63a and a socket portion 63b. The cylindrical pulley portion 63a is a cylindrical portion that is located closer to the end in the axial direction than the drive shaft 81. Therefore, the drive shaft 81 is not disposed (inserted) in the cylindrical pulley portion 63a, but the side plate fixed shaft 61, to which the bearing 62 is attached on the outer periphery, is disposed on the inner cylinder side.

[0090] The outer cylindrical portion of the cylindrical pulley portion 63a is the toothed pulley 53b described above. That is, the cylindrical pulley portion 63a and the toothed pulley 53b are integrated.

[0091] The socket portion 63b also has a socket hole 63c for inserting the drive shaft 81. In this embodiment, the drive shaft 81 has a non-circular cross section, such as a hexagonal shaft, so the socket hole 63c also has a non-circular cross section, such as a hexagonal hole. This allows the detachable socket 63 and the drive shaft 81 to rotate integrally. The socket portion 63b only needs to be large enough to accommodate the insertion of the drive shaft 81, so it has a smaller diameter than the cylindrical pulley portion 63a.

[0092] The socket portion 63b is also provided with an access hole 63d. The socket portion 63b is a hole that penetrates the socket portion 63b in the radial direction and communicates with the socket hole 63c, and is a hole through which a lock ball 65 (described later) enters and exits from the outer periphery of the socket portion 63b. The diameter of this access hole 63d is set smaller than the diameter of the lock ball 65. This prevents the access hole 63d from falling into the socket hole 63c.

[0093] 17 to 19, the access hole 63d is formed so that its diameter gradually decreases from the outer diameter side toward the socket hole 63c side (toward the center in the radial direction). Therefore, the access hole 63d provides good guidance for the lock ball 65 as it moves toward the socket hole 63c side. The access hole 63d is provided in the socket portion 63b near the boundary with the cylindrical pulley portion 63a.

[0094] Furthermore, a locking tube 64 is disposed on the outer periphery of the socket portion 63b. In other words, the socket portion 63b is disposed on the inner cylinder side of the locking tube 64. The locking tube 64 is a cylindrical member that is movable in the axial direction along the socket portion 63b. This locking tube 64 is provided with a pushing protrusion 64a. The pushing protrusion 64a protrudes from the inner cylindrical surface of the locking tube 64 toward the center in the radial direction, and its appearance is a generally hook-shaped portion that includes a tapered wall 64b that is inclined relative to the radial direction and a vertical wall 64c that extends along the radial direction.

[0095] The pushing protrusion 64a pushes the locking ball 65 toward the access hole 63d and receives one end (X1 side) of the biasing spring 66. Regarding the locking ball 65, the tapered wall 64b of the pushing protrusion 64a pushes the locking ball 65 into the access hole 63d as the locking ball 65 moves toward one end (X1 side) in the axial direction (X direction). Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 17 , the locking ball 65 is maintained in the access hole 63d by the tapered wall 64b or the most protruding portion of the pushing protrusion 64a.

[0096] Here, the pushing protrusion 64a is positioned so as to be biased toward one side (X1 side) in the axial direction (X direction) of the locking tube 64. Therefore, the tapered wall 64b of the pushing protrusion 64a is close to the boundary with the cylindrical pulley portion 63a of the socket portion 63b. As a result, a ball space SP1 in which the locking ball 65 can be positioned is formed by being surrounded by the pushing protrusion 64a (tapered wall 64b), the cylindrical pulley portion 63a, and the outer periphery of the socket portion 63b. The ball space SP1 becomes smaller when the locking tube 64 moves toward one side (X1 side) in the axial direction (X direction) due to the biasing spring 66 described below. At that time, the tapered wall 64b moves the locking ball 65 toward the access hole 63d.

[0097] The vertical wall 64c is a wall surface that receives one end (X1 side) of the biasing spring 66. On the inner cylinder side of the locking cylinder 64, a spring arrangement space SP2 in which the biasing spring 66 can be arranged is formed between the vertical wall 64c and the spring receiving member 67.

[0098] The locking ball 65 is a spherical ball, e.g., a steel ball, that enters and exits the access hole 63d. The biasing spring 66 is a compression spring that is placed in the spring placement space SP2. The spring receiving member 67 is a member that receives the other end (X2 side) of the biasing spring 66, and is prevented from moving axially (in the X direction) toward the other end (X2 side) by a fixing ring R that is attached to the other end (X2 side) of the socket portion 63b.

[0099] In the above configuration, the drive shaft 81 can be locked by inserting it into the socket hole 63c, as shown in Fig. 17. However, as shown in Fig. 18, when the locking tube 64 is moved toward the other side (X2 side) in the axial direction (X direction), the tapered wall 64b releases the locking ball 65 from being pressed in, allowing the locking ball 65 to come out of the access hole 63d. At that time, when the drive shaft 81 is moved toward the other side (X2 side) in the axial direction (X direction), a released state can be achieved in which the drive shaft 81 comes out of the socket hole 63c, as shown in Fig. 19.

[0100] Next, the centering unit 70 will be described. Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the centering unit 70 and the release mechanism 60, and shows the centering unit 70 as viewed from below. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the centering unit 70 cut along the conveying direction.

[0101] As shown in Figures 15, 20 and 21, the centering unit 70 includes a chassis 71, a pair of handles 72, a bush fixing member 73, a linear bush 74, a guide shaft 75, a support base 76, a rack gear 77, a detection plate 78 and a conveying belt mechanism 80.

[0102] 15 and 20, the chassis 71 is a part that supports the entire centering unit 70 and is formed, for example, by appropriately bending a metal plate. Side support plates 71a are attached to both ends in the width direction (X direction) of the chassis 71. The side support plates 71a support the bearings of the drive roller 82 and the shaft of the driven roller 83, which will be described later.

[0103] A handle 72 is attached to each side support plate 71a. The handle 72 is a portion that the user grips with their hand when attaching the centering unit 70 to the frame plate 51 or, conversely, when removing it from the frame plate 51. In the configuration shown in Fig. 20 etc., the handle 72 is provided in a form in which both arc-shaped ends are fixed to the side support plate 71a. However, the handle 72 may have any form as long as it can be easily handled by the user's hand. The handle 72 corresponds to the gripping portion.

[0104] The handle 72 is located below the conveying surface of the flat belt 84. If the handle 72 were flush with the conveying surface of the flat belt 84, there is a possibility that the packaged item P1 placed on the conveying surface of the flat belt 84 would also land on the handle 72. However, as described above, by positioning the handle 72 below the conveying surface of the flat belt 84, it is possible to prevent the packaged item P1 from being placed on the handle 72.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 15, the handle 72 is provided at a sufficient distance in the vertical direction from the unit fixing mechanism 55 so that the user can operate the unit fixing mechanism 55 sufficiently.

[0106] Furthermore, if the handle 72 is too large, there is a risk that the handle 72 will interfere with the side plate U11 or the chain 44, or that the user's hand holding the handle 72 will interfere with the side plate U11 or the chain 44. Therefore, the handle 72 is provided at a sufficient distance from the side plate U11 or the chain 44 so that the user's hand will not interfere with them.

[0107] Furthermore, as described above, when the adjustment motor 54 is driven, the centering of the packaged item P1 can be adjusted, and during this centering adjustment, the handle 72 can move sufficiently in the width direction (X direction) within a range where it does not collide with the side plate U11 or the chain 44.

[0108] The bush fixing member 73 is a member for fixing the linear bush 74 to the chassis 71, and in FIG. 20 has a semicircular shape with flanges provided on both ends for screw fixing, for example.

[0109] The linear bushings 74 fixed to the bushing fixing members 73 are, for example, members in which a plurality of steel balls are arranged in a row and exposed in a through-hole (reference numeral omitted) that penetrates the member in the axial direction. When a guide shaft 75 is inserted into this through-hole, the linear bushings 74 can move smoothly along the guide shaft 75. Here, the linear bushings 74 are attached to the chassis 71 via the bushing fixing members 73, and thus guide the chassis 71 to slide smoothly in the width direction via the linear bushings 74. In this embodiment, to stabilize the sliding, two linear bushings 74 are provided on each guide shaft 75 (a total of four).

[0110] The guide shaft 75 is a shaft-shaped member that slides smoothly relative to the linear bushing 74. As shown in Figure 20, in this embodiment, a pair of guide shafts 75 are provided, and the pair of guide shafts 75 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. Both ends of each guide shaft 75 are fixed to shaft supports 76b, which will be described later.

[0111] The support base 76 is a portion for fixing the centering unit 70 to the frame plate 51 while fitting it into the positioning recess 51a of the frame plate 51, and is the lowest portion of the centering unit 70. The support base 76 has a fitting portion 76a and a shaft support portion 76b.

[0112] Of these, the fitting portion 76a is a portion that fits into the positioning recess 51a. As already mentioned, the positioning recess 51a is formed in a substantially U-shape, and therefore the fitting portion 76a is also formed in a substantially U-shape corresponding to the positioning recess 51a.

[0113] The fitting portion 76a is attached to the unit-side locking portion 55b of the unit fixing mechanism 55. Therefore, after fitting the fitting portion 76a into the positioning recess 51a, the centering unit 70 can be fixed to the frame plate 51 by fastening the fastening portion of the frame-side fixing portion 55a to the unit-side locking portion 55b.

[0114] The shaft support portions 76b extend upward from both ends of the generally U-shaped fitting portion 76a, so that two shaft support portions 76b are provided on each side (X1 side) and the other side (X2 side) in the width direction (X direction) (a total of four shaft support portions 76b).

[0115] The shaft support portion 76b is a portion that fixes one end (the end on the X1 side) and the other end (the end on the X2 side) of the above-mentioned guide shaft 75. Therefore, the support base 76 and the guide shaft 75 are fixed to the frame plate 51, but the portions of the centering unit 70 that are attached to the linear bushing 74 and the chassis 71 are slidable relative to the guide shaft 75.

[0116] 20 , a rack gear 77 is attached to the underside of the chassis 71 at a position between one guide shaft 75 and the other guide shaft 75, and this rack gear 77 protrudes downward from the underside of the chassis 71. The rack gear 77 is a gear that meshes with the intermediate gear 54b described above. Therefore, the driving force of the adjustment motor 54 is transmitted to the rack gear 77 via the output gear 54a and intermediate gear 54b described above. As a result, each member attached to the chassis 71 can be moved in the width direction (X direction) by driving the adjustment motor 54.

[0117] A detection plate 78 is attached to one surface of the rack gear 77. The detection plate 78 is a plate-shaped member that is detected by the sensors S1 and S2. As shown in FIG. 14 , the sensor S1 on one side (X1 side) and the sensor S2 on the other side (X2 side) are attached to the frame plate 51 with a fixed gap between them. The width (X direction) of the detection plate 78 is set to approximately the shortest dimension that allows simultaneous detection by the sensors S1 and S2.

[0118] When the detection plate 78 is detected simultaneously by the sensors S1 and S2, the mounting position of the detection plate 78 relative to the rack gear 77 and the mounting positions of the sensors S1 and S2 relative to the frame plate 51 are set so that the chassis 71 (conveyor belt mechanism 80) is positioned exactly at the center of the width direction (X direction).

[0119] Therefore, when the sensor S1 on one side (X1 side) and the sensor S2 on the other side (X2 side) are simultaneously ON, the conveyor belt mechanism 80 is positioned at the center in the width direction (X direction). However, when the sensor S1 on one side (X1 side) is ON but the sensor S2 on the other side (X2 side) is OFF, the conveyor belt mechanism 80 is moving to one side (X1 side) in the width direction (X direction). Conversely, when the sensor S1 on one side (X1 side) is OFF but the sensor S2 on the other side (X2 side) is ON, the conveyor belt mechanism 80 is moving to the other side (X2 side) in the width direction (X direction).

[0120] Next, a description will be given of the conveyor belt mechanism 80. As shown in Fig. 21, the conveyor belt mechanism 80 includes a drive shaft 81, a drive roller 82, a driven roller 83, a flat belt 84, and a belt guide portion 85.

[0121] The drive shaft 81 is a shaft-shaped member that is connected to the release mechanism 60 and transmits the driving force from the release mechanism 60 (toothed pulley 53b) to the drive roller 82. The drive shaft 81 has a non-circular cross section, such as a hexagonal shaft. The socket hole 63c also has a non-circular cross section corresponding to the drive shaft 81, so that the driving force from the detachable shaft socket 63 (toothed pulley 53b) is transmitted to the drive shaft 81 smoothly.

[0122] 16, a locking recess 81a is provided on the tip of the drive shaft 81 on the release mechanism 60 side (X1 side). The locking recess 81a is an annular recess into which the lock ball 65 fits. Therefore, when the lock tube 64 is moved axially (to one side in the X direction) (X1 side) by the biasing spring 66, the tapered wall 64b pushes the lock ball 65 into the access hole 63d, and the tip of the lock ball 65 fits into the locking recess 81a. This prevents the drive shaft 81 from coming out of the socket hole 63c.

[0123] The drive shaft 81 is also connected to a drive roller 82. As shown in Figure 21, the drive roller 82 is provided with a connecting hole 82a. The drive shaft 81 is freely inserted into the connecting hole 82a, and like the socket hole 63c, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting hole 82a is non-circular (e.g., hexagonal) to accommodate the drive shaft 81. Therefore, when the drive shaft 81 rotates, the drive roller 82 can also rotate in synchronization.

[0124] 13, 14, 16, and 20, the drive shaft 81 protrudes from one side (X1 side) in the axial direction (X direction) of the centering unit 70, but does not protrude from the other side (X1 side) in the axial direction (X direction). Therefore, the drive shaft 81 is supported in a cantilevered state by the release mechanism 60. However, if the connecting hole 82a of the drive roller 82 is formed over the entire axial direction, the other side (X2 side) in the axial direction of the drive shaft 81 may protrude from the connecting hole 82a.

[0125] The length of the drive shaft 81 and the projection dimension of the drive shaft 81 toward the release mechanism 60 are ensured to be sufficient to ensure centering adjustment by moving the centering unit 70 in the width direction (X direction). Also, the length (number of gears) of the rack gear 77 described above is ensured to be sufficient to ensure centering adjustment by moving the centering unit 70 in the width direction (X direction).

[0126] A flat belt 84 (described later) is stretched over the drive roller 82 together with a driven roller 83. The driven roller 83 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the drive roller 82. The driven roller 83 is not connected to a member for transmitting a driving force, such as the drive shaft 81, and is rotated in accordance with the feeding of the flat belt 84.

[0127] Here, the drive roller 82 is disposed upstream in the conveying direction from the driven roller 83. Therefore, the release mechanism 60 is disposed upstream in the conveying direction from the location where the driven roller 83 is located, improving the workability when attaching and detaching the drive shaft 81 to and from the release mechanism 60.

[0128] As described above, both ends of the drive roller 82 in the axial direction (X direction) and both ends of the driven roller 83 in the axial direction (X direction) are rotatably supported by the side support plates 71a.

[0129] The flat belt 84 is an endless belt that is wide in the width direction (X direction) and is stretched over the drive roller 82 and driven roller 83. However, when the packaged items P1 are transported by the flat belt 84, there is a risk that the flat belt 84 will sag due to the weight of the packaged items P1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 21, a belt guide unit 85 is disposed below the flat belt 84. The belt guide unit 85 is formed, for example, by appropriately bending a flat metal plate, and is capable of receiving the flat belt 84 on which the packaged items P1 are placed.

[0130] In the centering adjustment section 50 as described above, the conveying motor 52 is driven to place the packaged item P1 on the flat belt 84 and transport it toward the elevator mechanism 100, while the adjustment motor 54 is driven to adjust the widthwise position of the packaged item P1.

[0131] [1-6. Regarding the elevator mechanism 100] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the elevator mechanism 100. Note that Figure 22 shows a state in which elevator heads 102A and 102B are raised by lifting mechanisms 110A and 110B, which will be described later, and this state occurs when the packaging device 10 is not operating. Therefore, when the packaging device 10 is operating, the lifting mechanisms 110A and 110B are lowered further than in the state shown in Figure 22.

[0132] The elevator mechanism 100 is a part that lifts the packaged items P1 supplied from the centering adjustment unit 50 up to the packaging unit 140. This elevator mechanism 100 has a center lifting unit 101A and a side lifting unit 101B. Specifically, as shown in Figure 22, the side lifting units 101B are arranged on both sides of the center lifting unit 101A in the width direction of the packaging device 10.

[0133] The center lifting section 101A and the side lifting section 101B are driven in cooperation to enable lifting according to the width of the packaged item P1. That is, when the width of the packaged item P1 is small, the center lifting section 101A is driven to rise relative to the side lifting section 101B, so that the packaged item P1 rises to the specified film pressing position. However, when the width of the packaged item P1 is large, the side lifting section 101B is also raised together with the center lifting section 101A, so that the packaged item P1 rises to the specified film pressing position.

[0134] The center lifting section 101A includes an elevator head 102A, a lifting mechanism 110A, and a gap adjustment mechanism 115A. Similarly, the side lifting section 101B includes an elevator head 102B, a lifting mechanism 110B, and a gap adjustment mechanism 115B.

[0135] The lifting mechanisms 110A and 110B are disposed at the rear of the packaging device 10. The lifting mechanisms 110A and 110B are housed in a rear casing 21 formed of a panel plate or the like. The lifting mechanisms 110A and 110B correspond to lifting means.

[0136] The elevator head 102A is the portion on which the packaged item P1 is placed. This elevator head 102A is provided with a reference head 102A1 and an adjustment head 102A2. The reference head 102A1 is located on the side closer to the centering adjustment unit 50 and is located at a reference position in the conveying direction. On the other hand, the adjustment head 102A2 is located on the side farther from the centering adjustment unit 50 than the reference head 102A1.

[0137] The relative position (i.e., the distance) of this adjustment head 102A2 to the reference head 102A1 can be adjusted by the distance adjustment mechanism 115A. Therefore, when the size of the packaged item P1 in the conveying direction (depth direction) is small, the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism 115A positions the adjustment head 102A2 close to the reference head 102A1. However, when the size of the packaged item P1 in the conveying direction (depth direction) is large, the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism 115A positions the adjustment head 102A2 farther from the reference head 102A1.

[0138] Reference head 102A1, part of adjustment head 102A2, reference head 102B1, and adjustment head 102B2 are rotatably attached to support column 114A2 so that elevator head 102A can rotate to escape even if it is hit by right folding member 141a or left folding member 141b (described later). Also, adjustment head 102A2 and adjustment head 102B2 are rotatably attached to support column 114A2 so that elevator head 102A can rotate to escape even if it is hit by rear folding member 143.

[0139] The lifting mechanism 110A is a part that raises and lowers the elevator head 102A. This lifting mechanism 110A includes a lifting motor 111A, a drive transmission unit 112A, a lifting guide 113A, and a head support unit 114A. The lifting motor 111A provides the driving force that raises and lowers the elevator head 102A. The drive transmission unit 112A transmits the driving force of the lifting motor 111A to the head support unit 114A, and includes a pulley 112A1, a belt 112A2, etc.

[0140] The lift guide 113A is a part that guides the head support part 114A as it moves up and down, and includes a shaft-like member that extends in the vertical direction. The head support part 114A also supports the elevator head 102A, and includes an arm-like part 114A1 and a support column 114A2.

[0141] The gap adjustment mechanism 115A includes an adjustment motor 116A (see FIG. 29), a drive transmission unit, and a head slide mechanism (not shown). When the adjustment motor 116A is driven, the drive force is transmitted to the head slide mechanism via the drive transmission unit, so that the adjustment head 102A2 can move toward and away from the reference head 102A1.

[0142] The side lifting section 101B basically has the same configuration as the center lifting section 101A, and detailed explanation will be omitted, but the side lifting section 101B is equipped with an elevator head 102B, a lifting mechanism 110B, and a spacing adjustment mechanism 115B.

[0143] The elevator head 102B is provided with a reference head 102B1 and an adjustment head 102B2. The lifting mechanism 110B is provided with a lifting motor 111B, a drive transmission unit 112B, a lifting guide 113A (also used by the lifting mechanism 110A), and a head support unit 114B. The gap adjustment mechanism 115B is provided with an adjustment motor 116B (see FIG. 29), a drive transmission unit (not shown), and a head slide mechanism (not shown).

[0144] With the above configuration, it is possible to perform an operation (central lifting operation) in which only the elevator head 102A (six elevator heads 102A in FIG. 22) consisting of the reference head 102A1 and the adjustment head 102B2 is raised and lowered. In this case, it is possible to accommodate the lifting of packaged items P1 with a small width.

[0145] In addition, together with the elevator head 102A, the elevator head 102B (a total of 12 elevator heads 102A, 102B) consisting of the reference head 102B1 and the adjustment head 102B2 can also be raised and lowered (total raising and lowering operation). In this case, it is possible to accommodate the lifting of wide packaged items P1.

[0146] When elevator heads 102A, 102B are raised to form space SP3 (described below) below, a fixing mechanism for maintaining the raised state may be provided, and the raised state may be maintained by, for example, a string or belt. However, instead of fixing by a string or belt, the raised state may also be maintained by, for example, controlling a motor or a speed reduction mechanism set to a gear ratio that does not allow reverse rotation.

[0147] [1-7. In-feed sliding mechanism 120 and related parts] Figure 24 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the weighing unit 30, product pushing unit 40, and centering adjustment unit 50, and the elevator heads 102A and 102B in the normal usage state (standby position). As shown in Figure 24, the weighing unit 30, product pushing unit 40, and centering adjustment unit 50 are provided integrally. For this reason, in the following description, the unit including the weighing unit 30, product pushing unit 40, and centering adjustment unit 50 will be referred to as the "in-feed unit U1."

[0148] As shown in Figure 24, the elevator mechanism 120 is housed in a rear casing 21 located at the rear of the interior of the packaging device 10. The elevator heads 102A, 102B have head support portions 114A, 114B that protrude forward from the rear casing 21, and the tips of the forward protrusions further protrude upward (in a generally L-shaped configuration). In the state shown in Figure 24, a locking mechanism may be provided to maintain the in-feed unit U1 protruding by a dimension L1.

[0149] Because the elevator heads 102A, 102B are supported in this manner, when the elevator heads 102A, 102B rise, a space SP3 is formed between the in-feed unit U1 and the elevator mechanism 100, as shown in Fig. 24. The in-feed unit U1 can enter this space SP3.

[0150] The in-feed unit U1 is provided slidably by an in-feed sliding mechanism 120. This in-feed sliding mechanism 120 is a rail-shaped part. That is, the in-feed sliding mechanism 120 is provided with a rail member 121 attached to the in-feed unit U1 and a guide member 122 attached to the housing 20. The guide member 122 is, for example, a member having a U-shaped cross section, and the rail member 121 can be positioned inside the guide member 122. Therefore, the rail member 121 can slide along the guide member 122.

[0151] The housing 20 here includes the part of the frame that is exposed to the outside, and the part of the frame that is not exposed to the outside.

[0152] 25 and 26 show a state in which the in-feed unit U1 has entered the space SP3 (storage state) by being guided by the in-feed sliding mechanism 120. Fig. 25 is a side view showing a state in which the in-feed unit U1 has entered the space SP3 (storage state). Fig. 26 is a diagram schematically showing the states before and after the in-feed unit U1 enters (moves) into the space SP3, with (A) showing the state before the in-feed unit U1 enters the space SP3 and (B) showing the state after the in-feed unit U1 has entered the space SP3.

[0153] In the normal use state (first position) shown in Figures 24 and 26(A), the in-feed unit U1 protrudes from the housing 20 by a length L1. On the other hand, in the stored state (second position) shown in Figures 25 and 26(B), the in-feed unit U1 protrudes from the housing 20 by a length L2 that is significantly smaller than the length L1. This prevents the in-feed unit U1 from getting in the way when the packaging device 10 is being transported.

[0154] Here, an in-feed switch SW1 is provided to detect when the in-feed unit U1 enters the space SP3 from its normal use state (see FIG. 29). For example, in the normal use state (pulled-out state) shown in FIGS. 24 and 26(A), the in-feed switch SW1 is switched on, enabling the various drive components. The various drive components include the push motor 42, the conveying motor 52, the adjustment motor 54, the lift motors 111A and 111B, the adjustment motors 116A and 116B, the motor unit 172b, the belt drive unit 136, the front-rear movement motor 138b, the left-right folding drive unit 142, the rear folding drive unit 144, the pusher drive unit 152, and the motor 191, but may also include other drive components. Conversely, in the storage state shown in FIGS. 25 and 26(B), the in-feed switch SW1 is switched off, disabling the various drive components.

[0155] The head support section 114B may be configured to have a lower liftable height than the head support section 114A. Such a configuration will be described with reference to Figs. 26(A) and 27. Fig. 27 is a front view of the packaging device 10 cut in the vicinity of the centering adjustment section 50. In Fig. 27, the in-feed unit U1 is shown only diagrammatically, and the internal configuration is not shown.

[0156] 26(A) and 27, because the centering adjustment unit 50 has a smaller width than the measuring unit 30, side spaces SP4 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the centering adjustment unit 50. Therefore, as shown in Figures 26(B) and 27, by having the head support unit 114B fit into these side spaces SP4, it is possible to reduce the lift height of the head support unit 114B.

[0157] 23 and 27, the lower end of head support portion 114B is positioned lower than the lower end of head support portion 114A. However, the above-mentioned side space SP4 is provided. Therefore, even if the lower end of head support portion 114A is lowered so that it approaches flat belt 53a, the lower end of head support portion 114B does not interfere with centering adjustment portion 50. However, the heights of the lower ends of head support portion 114A and head support portion 114B may be approximately the same, or the lower end of head support portion 114A may be higher than the lower end of head support portion 114B.

[0158] 22 and 23, the head support part 114B is provided with a collision escape part 114B3. The collision escape part 114B3 is a part that is provided at an angle with respect to the front-rear direction (the conveying direction of the packaged article P1) and the up-down direction, and has a shape similar to a C-chamfer. The existence of this collision escape part 114B3 allows the upper side of the head support part 114B to be positioned relative to the weighing part 30 (weighing plate 31) when the in-feed unit U1 enters the space SP3.

[0159] 27, handles 56 are provided on the left and right ends of the centering adjustment unit 50. However, these handles 56 are provided in positions that do not interfere with the head support unit 114B, or are provided so that even if they slightly come into contact with the head support unit 114B, they do not prevent the head support unit 114B from entering the side space SP4. Note that, because the head support unit 114B is provided with a collision escape portion 114B3, this collision escape portion 114B3 may be used to avoid interference between the handles 56 and the head support unit 114B. Furthermore, the handles 56 may be omitted or may be configured to be retrofittable so as to avoid interference with the head support unit 114B as much as possible.

[0160] [1-8. Regarding the Film Supply Unit 130] Figure 28 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the film supply unit 130. As shown in Figure 28, the film supply unit 130 is a unit that pulls out the film F1 from the film roll R1 and supplies the film F1 toward the film conveyance unit 133. The film conveyance unit 133 then suspends the supplied film F1 in a clamped state and waits for the packaged item P1 to be lifted by the elevator heads 102A and 102B. The film supply unit 130 has a roll holding unit 131, a film guide unit 132, a film conveyance unit 133, and a front-rear movement mechanism 138.

[0161] The roll holding section 131 is a section that holds the film roll R1. The film guide section 132 includes a plurality of rollers 132a, a motor unit 132b, etc., and is a section that guides the film F1 pulled out from the film roll R1 so that it is fed toward the film transport section 133.

[0162] The film conveying section 133 suspends the film F1 supplied from the film supplying section 130 in a clamped state while waiting for the packaged item P1 to be lifted by the elevator heads 102A and 102B. The film conveying section 133 includes a front film conveying section 133A and a rear film conveying section 133B. The front film conveying section 133A is located at the front (i.e., upstream) of the conveying direction of the packaged item P1, and the rear film conveying section 133B is located at the rear (i.e., downstream) of the conveying direction of the packaged item P1. The front film conveying section 133A and the rear film conveying section 133B are capable of holding one end and the other end of the width direction of the film F1.

[0163] The front film transport section 133A and the rear film transport section 133B each include an upper supply belt 134a, an upper film introduction section 134b, a lower supply belt 135a, a lower film introduction section 135b, a belt drive section 136, and a clamp plate 137.

[0164] Then, the widthwise end of the film F1 sent from the film guide section 132 is clamped between the upper supply belt 134a and the lower supply belt 135a, and in this state the belt drive section 136 is driven to drive the upper supply belt 134a and the lower supply belt 135a, thereby allowing the film F1 to be sent to the top of the elevator mechanism 100 (i.e., the packaging section 140).

[0165] The upper supply belt 134a is an elastic belt located above the lower supply belt 135a and is capable of sandwiching the film F1 between itself and the lower supply belt 135a. The upper film introduction section 134b is located on one end side of the packaging device 10 in the width direction and is equipped with a plurality of driven pulleys. The upper film introduction section 134b is an introduction section where the film F1 fed from the film guide section 132 enters between the upper supply belt 134a and the lower supply belt 135a.

[0166] The lower supply belt 135a is an elastic belt located lower than the upper supply belt 134a, and is capable of elastically sandwiching the film F1 between itself and the upper supply belt 134a. The lower film introduction section 135b is located on one end side of the packaging device 10 in the width direction and includes a plurality of driven pulleys. The lower film introduction section 135b, together with the upper film introduction section 134b, serves as an introduction section through which the film F1 fed from the film guide section 132 enters between the upper supply belt 134a and the lower supply belt 135a.

[0167] The belt drive unit 136 is located on the other end side of the width direction of the packaging device 10, and is a part that provides driving force to drive the upper supply belt 134a and the lower supply belt 135a, and is equipped with a motor, etc.

[0168] The clamp plate 137 is a member that presses the lower supply belt 135a from below the lower supply belt 135a toward the upper supply belt 134a by a biasing means (not shown). This pressing makes it possible to hold the end of the film F1 between the upper supply belt 134a and the lower supply belt 135a.

[0169] The front-to-rear movement mechanism 138 is a mechanism for moving the front film conveying section 133A and the rear film conveying section 133B in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the conveying direction of the packaged item P1). By moving the front film conveying section 133A and the rear film conveying section 133B in the front-to-rear direction using the front-to-rear movement mechanism 138, packaging can be performed according to the width of the film F1 and the depth dimension of the packaged item P1.

[0170] This forward / backward movement mechanism 138 has rails 138a on which the front film transport section 133A and the rear film transport section 133B are placed, and further has a forward / backward movement motor 138b (see Figure 29) that provides driving force to move the front film transport section 133A and the rear film transport section 133B.

[0171] [1-9. Packaging Unit 140] Next, the packaging unit 140 will be described. The packaging unit 140 is a unit above the film supply unit 130 that performs the operation of folding the end of the film F1 covering the top surface of the packaged item P1 toward the bottom surface of the packaged item P1. The packaging unit 140 includes a right folding member 141a, a left folding member 141b, left and right folding drive units 142, a rear folding member 143, a rear folding drive unit 144, a discharge pusher 151, and a pusher drive unit 152.

[0172] The right folding member 141a and the left folding member 141b are plate-shaped members that are driven to move toward or away from each other by a left / right folding drive unit 142 (see FIG. 29 ), and two of each are provided. The two right folding members 141a and the two left folding members 141b are each provided to sandwich the rear folding member 143.

[0173] The right folding member 141a and the left folding member 141b are members for folding the film F1 from the left and right toward the bottom side of the packaged item P1. That is, when the elevator mechanism 100 operates to push up the packaged item P1 against the film F1, which is stretched by the front film conveying section 133A and the rear film conveying section 133B, and the film F1 covers the top side of the packaged item P1 in a stretched state, the right folding member 141a and the left folding member 141b operate to move closer to each other. Then, the film F1 is folded from the left and right directions toward the bottom side of the packaged item P1.

[0174] The left and right folding drive unit 142 is a member that provides a driving force for operating the right folding member 141a and the left folding member 141b, and includes, for example, a motor and a belt.

[0175] The rear folding member 143 is a member for folding the film F1 from the rear side (downstream side) in the conveying direction downwards of the packaged item P1. That is, the rear folding member 143 moves forward while the film F1 is being folded by the front film conveying section 133A and the rear film conveying section 133B. Then, the film F1 is folded from the rear side of the packaged item P1 toward the bottom side of the packaged item P1.

[0176] The rear folding drive unit 144 is a member that provides a driving force for operating the rear folding member 143, and includes, for example, a motor and a belt.

[0177] [1-10. Regarding the Discharge Mechanism 150] The discharge mechanism 150 includes a discharge pusher 151, a pusher drive unit 152 (see FIG. 29), and discharge rollers 153. The discharge pusher 151 is a member for pushing the packaged item P1 from the packaging unit 140 to the printing area of ​​the front label printer 170. The discharge pusher 151 also pushes the packaged item P1 forward by pushing it into the printing area, while also using the discharge rollers 153 to fold the film F1 toward the bottom.

[0178] In this way, for the packaged item P1, the film F1 is folded from the rear side toward the bottom, after both the left and right sides, and finally, by being pushed out by the discharge pusher 151, the film F1 is folded from the front side toward the bottom.

[0179] The discharge pusher 151 is formed, for example, by bending a long plate member into an L-shape. The discharge pusher 151 is driven by a pusher drive unit 152. The pusher drive unit 152 is a member that provides a driving force for operating the discharge pusher 151, and includes, for example, a motor and a belt.

[0180] The discharge rollers 153 are shaft-shaped members that can rotate with the packaged item P1 placed on them, and as described above, discharge the packaged item P1 to the front side by being pushed by the discharge pusher 151. The discharge rollers 153 also use the pushing force of the discharge pusher 151 to fold the film F1 from the front side of the packaged item P1 to the bottom side.

[0181] [1-11. Regarding the heater unit 160] Next, the heater unit 160 will be described. The heater unit 160 is provided in front of the discharge rollers 153 described above. The heater unit 160 heats and bonds the overlapping portion of the end of the film folded toward the bottom side of the packaged item P1. After bonding by the heater unit 160 and after the label is affixed by the label application unit 180, the packaged item P1 is sent (discharged) to the product discharge unit 190.

[0182] This heater section 160 is configured such that an endless belt (reference number omitted) made of glass fiber or the like is rotatably wound around multiple pulleys, and a heating plate (reference number omitted) is disposed below the conveying surface of the endless belt. The heating plate electrically heats the film F1, and the film F1 is thermocompression-bonded by this heating.

[0183] [1-12. Label Printer 170] Next, the label printer 170 will be described. The label printer 170 is a part that issues labels on which information corresponding to the contents of the packaged item P1 is printed. This label printer 170 pulls out labels from a label roll (not shown), prints on the labels using a thermal head 171 (see FIG. 29), and ejects the printed labels. To enable this operation, the label printer 170 is equipped with a motor 172 (see FIG. 29) that pulls out the label roll and provides a driving force for winding up the backing paper from which the label has been peeled.

[0184] [1-13. Regarding the label application unit 180] The label application unit 180 is a mechanism for applying a printed label to a predetermined position on the packaged item P1. The label application unit 180 is equipped with multiple motors 181 (see FIG. 29), sensors, etc., and is capable of applying a label to a predetermined position on the packaged item P1 while the label is being attracted to the label.

[0185] [1-14. Product Discharge Section 190] The product discharge section 190 is a section for discharging the labeled packaged items P1 to a predetermined location where an operator can remove them. This product discharge section 190 has an endless belt (reference numeral omitted) rotatably wound around multiple pulleys driven by a motor 191 (see FIG. 29 ).

[0186] [1-15. Regarding the control unit 200] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the control configuration of the packaging device 10. As shown in FIG. 29, the control unit 200 is a part that controls the operation of each driving part of the packaging device 10. This control unit 200 has a main control unit 210, a printer control unit 220, a mechanism control unit 230, and a determination unit 231. The main control unit 210, the printer control unit 220, the mechanism control unit 230, and the determination unit 231 are functionally realized by cooperation of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory such as a storage unit (e.g., ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory), and other elements. The memory stores control programs for executing various control operations.

[0187] The main control unit 210 is a part that controls the overall operation of the packaging device 10 , and sends predetermined commands to the printer control unit 220 and the mechanism control unit 230 .

[0188] The printer control unit 220 is a unit that controls the operation of the label printer 170 and the label application unit 180. That is, as shown in Figure 29, the printer control unit 220 is a unit that controls the operation of the thermal head 171, the motor 172, and the plurality of motors 181.

[0189] Furthermore, detection signals from the weight sensor 32, the width detection sensor 33, and the height detection sensor 34 are input to the mechanism control unit 230. The mechanism control unit 230 also controls the operations of the push motor 42, the conveying motor 52, the lifting motors 111A and 111B, the adjustment motors 116A and 116B, the motor unit 132b, the belt drive unit 136, the front-rear movement motor 138b, the left-right folding drive unit 142, the rear folding drive unit 144, the pusher drive unit 152, and the motor 191.

[0190] Furthermore, the determination unit 231 determines whether the packaged item P1 is present at a predetermined position based on the position information of the packaged item P1 sent from the mechanism control unit 230, and sends the result to the mechanism control unit 230. The position information here refers to the position information of the packaged item P1 in the width direction based on the detection information of the packaged item P1 obtained from the width detection sensor 33. Note that the determination unit 231 may obtain the detection information directly from the width detection sensor 33, rather than from the mechanism control unit 230. Note that the width detection sensor 33 corresponds to the position detection unit.

[0191] [2. Operation of the Packaging Device 10] [2-1. Overall Operation of the Packaging Device 10] In the packaging device 10 configured as described above, when the packaged item P1 is placed on the weighing plate 31, the weight sensor 32 detects the weight of the packaged item P1, and a signal related to the weight is sent to the mechanism control unit 230. In addition, the width detection sensor 33 detects the width of the packaged item P1, and the height detection sensor 34 also detects the height of the packaged item P1.

[0192] Furthermore, the following operation is realized under control of the mechanism control unit 230. That is, the push motor 42 is activated, and the pusher 45 pushes the packaged item P1 toward the centering adjustment unit 50. During this process, the depth dimension of the packaged item P1 is also detected based on the positional relationship between the pusher 45 and the position that blocks the light output from the height detection sensor 34, for example.

[0193] When the pusher 45 pushes the packaged item P1 into the centering adjustment section 50, the position of the packaged item P1 is adjusted (centered) in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. At this time, as shown in Figure 30 , the conveyor belt mechanism 80 (flat belt 84) moves in the width direction (X direction) by driving the adjustment motor 54. At this time, the protrusion amount of the drive shaft 81 is minimum in the state shown in Figure 30(A) (second protrusion state) and maximum in the state shown in Figure 30(C) (first protrusion state). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30(B), the protrusion amount of the drive shaft 81 can be any amount between the state shown in Figure 30(A) and the state shown in Figure 30(C).

[0194] 30 , when the conveyor belt mechanism 80 slides from the first protruding state to the second protruding state and then to the third protruding state, the linear bushing 74 attached to the chassis 71 slides relative to the guide shaft 75 attached to the support base 76. This allows the conveyor belt mechanism 80 to slide smoothly.

[0195] After the centering operation, the pusher 45 pushes the packaged item P1 into the elevator mechanism 100. At this time, in the elevator mechanism 100, the adjustment motors 116A and 116B operate to move the adjustment heads 102A2 and 102B2 in the forward and backward directions according to the depth dimension of the packaged item P1, thereby adjusting the distance between the reference heads 102A1 and 102B1 and the adjustment heads 102A2 and 102B2. This makes it possible to prevent the packaged item P1 from tilting even if it is pressed against the film F1.

[0196] After the article P1 is pushed into the elevator mechanism 100, the pusher motor 42 rotates in the opposite direction to return the pusher 45 to a position where it does not interfere with the elevator heads 102A and 102B. In this state, the lift motors 111A and 111B operate to raise the elevator heads 102A and 102B, and the article P1 to be packaged is raised to the packaging section 140 in a state where it pushes up the film F1.

[0197] Furthermore, separate from the above series of operations, the front-rear movement motor 138b operates as needed to adjust the distance between the front film transport section 133A and the rear film transport section 133B, thereby adjusting the distance between the front film transport section 133A and the rear film transport section 133B to a value that corresponds to the width of the film F1.

[0198] In this state, the motor unit 132b is operated to pull out the film F1 from the film roll R1, and the belt drive unit 136 is operated to convey the film F1 to the packaging unit 140 while holding both ends of the film F1 between the front film conveyance unit 133A and the rear film conveyance unit 133B.

[0199] Then, after the packaged item P1 has risen to the packaging section 140 while pushing up the film F1, the left and right folding drive section 142 is activated to fold the film F1 from the left and right toward the bottom side of the packaged item P1.

[0200] After that, the rear folding drive unit 144 is activated to fold the film F1 from the rear side onto the bottom side of the packaged item P1. Immediately thereafter, the pusher drive unit 152 is activated to eject the packaged item P1 to the front side by the ejection pusher 151, and as the packaged item P1 is ejected, the film F1 is folded from the front side onto the bottom side of the packaged item P1.

[0201] Furthermore, this discharge operation moves the packaged item P1 to the heater section 160, and the heater section 160 is activated to thermally press the film F1 on the bottom side of the packaged item P1.

[0202] Also, before or after the above-mentioned thermocompression bonding, the label printer 170 is operated under the control of the printer control unit 220 to print predetermined information on a label, and the label application unit 180 is operated to apply the label to a predetermined position on the packaged item P1. Thereafter, the packaged item P1 is discharged to the product discharge unit 190 by the discharge pusher 151. Thereafter, the packaged item P1 is discharged to a predetermined position by the operation of the motor 191.

[0203] [2-2. Attaching and Removing the Centering Unit 70 to and from the Frame Plate 51] Next, the attachment and removal of the centering unit 70 to and from the frame plate 51 will be described. When attaching the centering unit 70 to the frame plate 51, the user grips the handles 72 to hold the centering unit 70, and then fits the pair of support bases 76 into the pair of positioning recesses 51a. This positions the centering unit 70 relative to the frame plate 51. In this state, the fastening portions of the frame-side fixing portions 55a are fastened to the unit-side locking portions 55b. This secures the centering unit 70 to the frame plate 51.

[0204] Thereafter, one end (X1 side) of the drive shaft 81 is moved toward the release mechanism 60 (see FIG. 19) and inserted into the socket hole 63c. After the drive shaft 81 has been inserted a predetermined distance, as shown in FIG. 18, the lock cylinder 64 is slid toward the other side (X2 side) in the axial direction (X direction) against the biasing force of the biasing spring 66. This releases the state in which the tapered wall 64b presses the lock ball 65 toward the inner diameter side of the access hole 63d.

[0205] In this state, when the drive shaft 81 advances to one side (X1 side) within the socket hole 63c, the locking ball 65 is lifted up so as to move to the outer diameter side in the access hole 63d. As the drive shaft 81 is further inserted into the socket hole 63c, the locking ball 65 enters the locking recess 81a of the drive shaft 81.

[0206] In this state, when the lock cylinder 64 is released from its axial direction (X direction) and the lock cylinder 64 is moved to one side (X1 side) in the axial direction (X direction) by the biasing force of the biasing spring 66, the tapered wall 64b continues to press the lock ball 65 into the inner diameter of the access hole 63d. In this way, the drive shaft 81 and the release mechanism 60 can be connected.

[0207] To remove the centering unit 70 from the frame plate 51, the above-described operations are performed in reverse. In other words, in Fig. 17, the lock cylinder 64 is slid toward the other side (X2 side) in the axial direction (X direction) against the biasing force of the biasing spring 66, thereby releasing the state in which the tapered wall 64b presses the lock ball 65 toward the inner diameter side of the access hole 63d. In this state, as shown in Fig. 18, when the drive shaft 81 is moved toward the other side (X2 side) in the axial direction (X direction), the lock ball 65 becomes movable toward the outer diameter side of the access hole 63d, and the lock ball 65 is released from the engagement recess 81a.

[0208] Then, when the drive shaft 81 is further moved toward the other side (X2 side) in the axial direction (X direction), the drive shaft 81 comes out of the socket hole 63c, as shown in Figure 19, and the connection of the drive shaft 81 to the release mechanism 60 is released.

[0209] In this state, the fastening between the frame-side fixing portion 55a and the unit-side locking portion 55b is released. This allows the centering unit 70 to be removed from the frame plate 51, so the user grasps the handle 72 and lifts up the centering unit 70. In this way, the centering unit 70 can be removed from the frame plate 51.

[0210] Furthermore, the removed centering unit 70 does not contain any electrical components, such as a motor or drive circuit. This allows for cleaning, such as a complete wash, with water, a cleaning solution, or other liquid. Furthermore, when packaging packaged items P1, such as meat on trays, the centering operation may result in the end meat adhering to various parts of the centering adjustment unit 50, such as the frame plate 51 and the drive belt 53c, and cleaning is therefore necessary for hygienic reasons. In this case, removing the centering unit 70 makes it easier to clean each part of the centering adjustment unit 50. This facilitates cleaning, for example, after the task of placing a specific product (fresh fish, meat, prepared food, etc.) on a tray and packaging it, before placing another product on the tray and packaging it, and also facilitates cleaning at the end of each day's work.

[0211] Furthermore, because the drive shaft 81 is supported in a cantilevered manner by the release mechanism 60, the number of parts that get in the way during cleaning can be reduced, even when the centering unit 70 is attached, compared to a configuration in which the drive shaft 81 is supported on both ends. This makes it possible to easily perform relatively simple cleaning.

[0212] [2-3. Operation of the Centering Adjustment Unit 50] During the packaging operation, the centering of the packaged item P1 is achieved by the centering adjustment unit 50. The operation of the centering adjustment unit 50 will be described in detail below.

[0213] (1) Operation of the centering adjustment unit 50 when centering is not required First, the details of the operation of the centering adjustment unit 50 when centering is not required will be described with reference to Figures 31 and 32. The determination that centering is not required is made by the determination unit 231 based on the detection result from the width detection sensor 33. In this case, the packaged item P1 is present at a predetermined position in the width direction of the packaged item P1.

[0214] As shown in Figure 31 (A), with the packaged item P1 placed on the weighing section 30, the packaged item P1 is pushed downstream (rear) in the conveying direction by the pusher 45. Then, as shown in Figure 31 (B), the packaged item P1 is placed on the centering adjustment section 50.

[0215] Here, in the centering adjustment unit 50, the flat belt 53a is also driven at speed V1 by the operation of the conveying motor 51. However, the packaged item P1 is being pushed by the pusher 45 at speed V2, which is faster than speed V1. Expressing this state using an inequality, speed V1 < speed V2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 31 (C), the pusher 45 pushes the packaged item P1 into the elevator mechanism 100 while abutting against it.

[0216] 32(A), the pusher 45 moves (returns) upstream (to the front) in the conveying direction by the reverse rotation of the pusher motor 42, and the pusher 45 moves away from the packaged item P1. At this time, the pusher 45 returns to a position where it does not interfere with the elevator heads 102A and 102B of the elevator mechanism 100.

[0217] 32(B), the pushing motor 42 rotates forward, and the pusher 45 is moved by the chain drive mechanism 41 below the centering adjustment unit 50 and the weighing unit 30. The pusher 45 then moves to a position in the weighing unit 30 where it will push in the next packaged item P1.

[0218] (2) Operation of the centering adjustment unit 50 when centering is required Next, details of the operation of the centering adjustment unit 50 when centering is required will be described with reference to Figures 33 and 34. The determination that centering is required is made by the determination unit 231 based on the detection result from the width detection sensor 33. In this case, the packaged item P1 is not in a predetermined position in the width direction of the packaged item P1, but is misaligned.

[0219] 33(A), with the packaged item P1 placed on the weighing section 30, the packaged item P1 is pushed downstream (rear) in the conveying direction by the pusher 45. In this state, the width detection sensor 33 detects that the position of the packaged item P1 is shifted from the center of the weighing section 30 and that a centering operation is required, and this information is sent to the mechanism control section 190.

[0220] Then, the mechanism control unit 190 operates the push motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 so that the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a is faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45. Expressing this state using an inequality sign, speed V1 > speed V2.

[0221] Therefore, as shown in Figure 33 (B), when a large portion of the packaged item P1 is placed on the flat belt 53a, the packaged item P1 will then move away from the pusher 45 as the flat belt 53a is driven.

[0222] In the above, the speed of the push-in motor 42 may be controlled to be faster while keeping the speed of the conveying motor 51 the same, or the speed of the conveying motor 51 may be controlled to be slower while keeping the speed of the push-in motor 42 the same, compared to when the centering operation is not required. Also, the speed of the conveying motor 51 may be controlled to be faster while keeping the speed of the push-in motor 42 slower, compared to when the centering operation is not required. Also, as long as the relationship speed V1 > speed V2 is realized, the push-in motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 may both be controlled to be faster, or the push-in motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 may both be controlled to be slower, compared to when the centering operation is not required.

[0223] Then, as shown in Figure 33 (C), when the packaged item P1 is separated, the adjustment motor 54 operates based on commands from the mechanism control unit 190, thereby adjusting the centering of the packaged item P1 and moving it to the correct position.

[0224] In this state, when the packaged item P1 is further moved by the flat belt 53a, the leading edge of the packaged item P1 approaches the elevator heads 102A, 102B of the elevator mechanism 100. That is, in the centering operation, the position of the packaged item P1 in the width direction is adjusted as the packaged item P1 moves through the centering adjustment unit 50 (conveyor belt unit 53) until it reaches the elevator heads 102A, 102B.

[0225] As the packaged item P1 moves toward the elevator heads 102A and 102B, the area of ​​the packaged item P1 placed on the flat belt 53a decreases, and the conveying force that the packaged item P1 receives from the flat belt 53a weakens.

[0226] 34(A), the pusher 45 catches up with the movement of the packaged item P1, and the packaged item P1 is again pushed in by the pusher 45. Note that by the pusher 45 coming into contact with the packaged item P1 again, it is possible to correct the position of the packaged item P1 even if the packaged item P1 is slightly tilted.

[0227] Then, as shown in Figure 34 (B), the pusher 45, while in contact with the packaged item P1, pushes the packaged item P1 until the packaged item P1 is completely placed on the elevator heads 102A, 102B of the elevator mechanism 100.

[0228] 34(C), the pusher 45 moves upstream (to the front) in the conveying direction as the push motor 42 rotates in the reverse direction, and the pusher 45 moves away from the packaged item P1. At this time, the pusher 45 returns to a position where it does not interfere with the elevator heads 102A and 102B of the elevator mechanism 100.

[0229] 32(B), the pushing motor 42 rotates forward, and the pusher 45 is moved by the chain drive mechanism 41 below the centering adjustment unit 50 and the measuring unit 30. At this time, the adjustment motor 54 operates to return the centering adjustment unit 50 to its original position.

[0230] After the centering operation is performed and the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a is controlled to be faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45, the speed difference between the speeds V1 and V2 is restored. At this time, the speed V2 of the pusher 45 is increased, and the timing for increasing the speed V2 can be when the position adjustment by the centering adjustment unit 50 is completed or shortly before the above position adjustment is completed.

[0231] Depending on the item P1 to be packaged, the centering adjustment unit 50 may complete centering within the time it takes for the centering adjustment unit 50 to move a predetermined conveying distance in the conveying direction (i.e., use the full conveying time) in order to minimize the impact caused by the widthwise speed during the centering operation. The centering operation may also be completed while the centering adjustment unit 50 is moving a predetermined conveying distance in the conveying direction (i.e., until the packaged item P1 is completely placed on the elevator heads 102A, 102B). Adjustment of the widthwise speed in the centering adjustment unit 50 (adjustment of the speed of the centering operation) may be set for each product, but this operation may also be performed by a switching operation such as touch operation on a touch panel or operation with a mechanical key.

[0232] Furthermore, even when a centering operation is required, the centering operation may be performed in the centering adjustment unit 50 without the pusher 45 separating from the packaged item P1. In other words, when the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a and the speed V2 of the pusher 45 are such that speed V1 > speed V2, even if the pusher 45 is in contact with the packaged item P1, the frictional force between them is reduced. Therefore, due to this reduction in frictional force, the centering operation may be performed in the centering adjustment unit 50 without the pusher 45 separating from the packaged item P1.

[0233] (3) Centering Operation in the First, Second, and Third Operation Modes In the first and second operation modes, the centering operation may be controlled as follows. That is, in the first and second operation modes, if the determination unit 231 determines that the packaged item P1 is not present in the predetermined position, the centering operation may be controlled as follows. That is, the push motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 may be operated so that the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a is faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45 that pushes the packaged item P1. When this state is expressed using an inequality, speed V1 is greater than speed V2.

[0234] On the other hand, in the third operation mode, contrary to the first and second operation modes, if the determination unit 231 determines that the packaged item P1 is not present at the predetermined position, the push motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 may be operated so that the speed V2 is faster than the speed V1. When this state is expressed using an inequality sign, the speed V2 is greater than the speed V1.

[0235] The relationship between the speeds V1 and V2 may be optimized as appropriate. That is, in the third operating mode, even if the determination unit 231 determines that the package item P1 is not present at the predetermined position due to friction between the pusher 45 and the package item P1 or other circumstances, the push motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 may be operated so that the speed V1 is faster than the speed V2.

[0236] (4) Centering Operation Based on Container Information of Packaged Item P1 Next, the centering operation based on the container information of packaged item P1 may be performed as follows: In other words, a container such as a tray may be made of a material with a small coefficient of friction between it and the pusher 45, or conversely, may be made of a material with a large coefficient of friction between it and the pusher 45.

[0237] Therefore, for example, when the main control unit 210 (corresponding to the container information acquisition unit) in the control unit 200 acquires information about the material of the container by inputting information about the container from an input device not shown or by acquiring information from other sensors, etc., it may perform different control depending on the material of the container.

[0238] Specifically, if the container is slippery relative to the pusher 45 (has a small coefficient of friction), even if the packaged item P1 does not separate from the pusher 45 (i.e., even if the packaged item P1 is in contact with the pusher 45), the adjustment motor 54 can be operated to adjust the centering of the packaged item P1 so that the packaged item P1 moves to the correct position.

[0239] At this time, the push motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 are operated so that the speed V2 of the pusher 45 is faster than the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a. When this state is expressed using an inequality sign, the speed V2 is greater than the speed V1.

[0240] On the other hand, if the container does not slide easily against the pusher 45 (the coefficient of friction is large), if the packaged item P1 is not moved away from the pusher 45, there is a risk that the posture of the packaged item P1 will be disturbed when the above-mentioned centering adjustment of the packaged item P1 is performed.

[0241] Therefore, in this case, the push motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 are operated so that the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a is faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45. When this state is expressed using an inequality sign, the speed V1 is greater than the speed V2.

[0242] (5) Centering Operation Based on the Weight of the Packaged Item P1 Next, centering operation based on the weight of the packaged item P1 may be performed as follows. That is, the packaged item P1 may be light or heavy. In this case, the coefficient of friction between the pusher 45 and the packaged item P1 changes depending on the weight of the packaged item P1.

[0243] In other words, when the packaged item P1 is light, the coefficient of friction between the pusher 45 and the packaged item P1 is small, but when the packaged item P1 is heavy, the coefficient of friction between the pusher 45 and the packaged item P1 is large.

[0244] For this reason, for example, based on the measurement of the packaged item P1 in the weighing unit 30, the mechanism control unit 190 (corresponding to the weight information acquisition unit) may perform different control depending on the weight.

[0245] Specifically, if the weight of the packaged item P1 is small (the packaged item P1 is light), even if the packaged item P1 does not separate from the pusher 45 (i.e., even if the packaged item P1 is in contact with the pusher 45), the adjustment motor 54 can be operated to perform centering adjustment of the packaged item P1 so that the packaged item P1 moves to the correct position.

[0246] At this time, the push motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 are operated so that the speed V2 of the pusher 45 is faster than the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a. When this state is expressed using an inequality sign, the speed V2 is greater than the speed V1.

[0247] On the other hand, if the weight of the packaged item P1 is large (the packaged item P1 is heavy), if the packaged item P1 is not moved away from the pusher 45, there is a risk that the posture of the packaged item P1 will be disturbed when the above-mentioned centering adjustment of the packaged item P1 is performed.

[0248] Therefore, in this case, the push motor 42 and the conveying motor 51 are operated so that the speed V1 of the flat belt 53a is faster than the speed V2 of the pusher 45. When this state is expressed using an inequality sign, the speed V1 is greater than the speed V2.

[0249] [3. Modifications] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0250] For example, in the above embodiment, in the normal use state shown in Figures 24 and 26(A), the in-feed unit U1 protrudes by a dimension L1. However, for example, as shown in Figure 35, the protrusion dimension of the in-feed unit U1 may be set to approximately a dimension L3, which is larger than the dimension L1. Note that this state corresponds to the state in which the in-feed unit U1 is located at the third position.

[0251] In this case, when the in-feed switch SW1 is switched off, the above-mentioned drive components are not activated, but only the weighing unit 30 is activated. This makes it possible to improve the ease of use of the weighing unit 30 for weighing the packaged items P1. Furthermore, in the normal use state (first position) shown in Figures 24 and 26(A), the product discharge unit 190 is positioned above the weighing unit 30 so as to cover it. In contrast, in the third position, the weighing unit 30 is exposed, which has the advantage of making it easier to place the packaged items P1.

[0252] In the above embodiment, the lifting mechanisms 110A and 110B are raised, and then the in-feed unit U1 is moved to enter the space SP3. However, for example, as shown in Figure 36, the protruding dimension of the in-feed unit U1 may be reduced by moving the in-feed unit U1 obliquely downward without raising the lifting mechanisms 110A and 110B.

[0253] In this case, the in-feed unit U1 may move in any manner as long as it can avoid interference with the elevator mechanism 100 (head support portions 114A, 114B). For example, the in-feed unit U1 may move diagonally downward, may move downward once and then move rearward (downstream in the conveying direction), or may move in a curved line, as long as it does not interfere with the elevator heads 102A, 102B (head support portions 114A, 114B).

[0254] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the drive roller 82 is located upstream of the driven roller 83 in the conveying direction, but the drive roller 82 may be configured to be located downstream of the driven roller 83 in the conveying direction, conversely.

[0255] In the above embodiment, the toothed pulleys 53a, 53b and the drive belt 53c are used as the drive transmission unit 53, but instead of these, a sprocket and a chain may be used.

[0256] In the above embodiment, the release mechanism 60 includes the biasing spring 66, which applies a biasing force to the lock cylinder 64 toward one side (X1 side) in the axial direction (X direction). However, a magnet may be used instead of the biasing spring 66, and the magnet may apply a force toward one side (X1 side) in the axial direction (X direction).

[0257] In the above embodiment, the grip portion is described as the handle 72 having a handle shape. However, the grip portion is not limited to the handle 72 and may be any shape as long as it has a recess or protrusion for hooking a finger.

[0258] [4. Summary of the Second Embodiment] The contents of the second embodiment described above can be understood, for example, as follows, and further, the following effects can be produced. [B1] That is, a packaging device 10 for packaging an item P1 to be packaged, the packaging device 10 having a flat belt 84 (belt member) that can convey the item P1 to be packaged in the conveying direction, the flat belt 84 (belt member) being conveyed from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the item P1 to be packaged, a conveying motor 52 that drives the flat belt 84 (belt member), and a centering adjustment unit 50 that has an adjustment motor 54 that can move the flat belt 84 (belt member) in the width direction (X direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction, the centering adjustment unit 50 having a drive transmission unit 53 for transmitting the driving force of the conveying motor 52, the drive transmission unit 53 having a release mechanism 60 (rotary coupling unit) to which the driving force from the conveying motor 52 is transmitted, and a drive shaft 81 that applies a driving force to the flat belt 84 (belt member) to send it in the conveying direction, and is detachably coupled to the release mechanism 60 (rotary coupling unit) in a cantilevered state on one side (X1 side) of the flat belt 84 (belt member) in the width direction (X direction).

[0259] In this way, the drive shaft 81 is detachably connected to the release mechanism 60 (rotational coupling portion) in a cantilevered state on one side (X1 side) in the width direction (X direction). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the drive shaft 81 is connected to a drive transmission portion on both sides in the width direction (X direction), it is only necessary to couple and detach the drive shaft 81 and release mechanism 60 (rotational coupling portion) on one side (X1 side) in the width direction (X direction). This makes it possible to easily couple and detach the centering adjustment portion 50 to and from the frame plate 51.

[0260] [B2] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in the content of [B1] above, it is preferable that the conveying state of the packaged item P1 driven by the conveying motor 52 be in the following three states: a first protruding state in which the amount of protrusion of the drive shaft 81 from one side (X1 side) in the width direction (X direction) of the flat belt 84 (belt member) is maximum; a second protruding state in which the amount of protrusion of the drive shaft 81 from one side (X1 side) in the width direction (X direction) of the flat belt 84 (belt member) is minimum; and a third protruding state in which the drive shaft 81 protrudes by any amount between the first and second protruding states.

[0261] In this way, by easily transitioning the amount of protrusion of the drive shaft 81 between the first protrusion state, the second protrusion state, and the third protrusion state, which is any protrusion state between these, it becomes possible to easily adjust the centering of the packaged item P1 even when the drive shaft 81 is in a cantilevered state.

[0262] [B3] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in addition to the contents described in either [B1] or [B2] above, or a combination thereof, it is preferable that the centering adjustment section 50 has a centering unit 70 equipped with a drive shaft 81 and connected to the release mechanism 60 (rotational coupling section), the centering unit 70 has a support base 76 installed on a frame plate 51 (frame section) located outside the centering adjustment section 50, the support base 76 is fixed to the frame plate 51 (frame section) and then the amount of protrusion of the drive shaft 81 is increased to couple the tip of the drive shaft 81 to the release mechanism 60 (rotational coupling section), and the amount of protrusion of the drive shaft 81 is reduced when the support base 76 is fixed to the frame plate 51 (frame section) to release the coupling between the tip of the drive shaft 81 and the release mechanism 60 (rotational coupling section).

[0263] With this configuration, when connecting the tip of the drive shaft 81 to the release mechanism 60 (rotational coupling), the drive shaft 81 can be slid to increase the amount of protrusion. Conversely, when disconnecting the tip of the drive shaft 81 from the release mechanism 60 (rotational coupling), the drive shaft 81 can be slid to decrease the amount of protrusion. This makes it easy to attach and detach the tip of the drive shaft 81 to and from the release mechanism 60 (rotational coupling).

[0264] [B4] In addition to the above-mentioned [B1], in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is preferable that the centering unit 70 is provided with handles 72 on both ends in the width direction (X direction).

[0265] When configured in this manner, the user can easily carry the centering unit 70 by grasping the handle 72, thereby improving convenience when attaching and detaching the centering unit 70 to the frame plate 51.

[0266] Furthermore, if the centering unit 70 is provided with a handle 72, the user can easily understand which part of the centering unit 70 to grip, making it possible to attach and detach the centering unit 70 more easily and safely.

[0267] [5] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in addition to the contents described in either [3] or [4] above, or a combination thereof, it is preferable that the centering unit 70 comprises a chassis 71 that is supported on a support base 76 in a state where it can move freely in the width direction (X direction) and that supports a flat belt 84 (belt member), and that a pair of support bases 76 are provided, and the centering unit 70 comprises a guide shaft 75 that is supported at both ends by the pair of support bases 76 and is provided along the width direction (X direction), and a linear bushing 74 (guide member) that is fixed to the chassis 71 and thereby guides movement of the chassis 71 along the guide shaft 75.

[0268] In this configuration, the linear bushings 74 attached to the chassis 71 are guided relative to the guide shafts 75 attached to the support base 76, thereby enabling the chassis 71 to be reliably and easily moved in the width direction (X direction) relative to the support base 76. Therefore, the flat belts 84 (belt members) can be moved in the width direction (X direction) to easily adjust the centering of the packaged item P1.

[0269] Furthermore, another aspect of the contents described in the present embodiment above can be understood as follows, for example, and can further produce the following effect: [1] That is, a centering adjustment mechanism 50 that can adjust the position of an item P1 in the width direction by moving the item P1 to be packaged in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction while conveying the item P1 conveyed from the upstream side in the conveying direction, comprising: a flat belt 84 (belt member) on which the item P1 to be packaged is placed and conveyed in the conveying direction, a conveying motor 52 that provides a driving force to drive the flat belt 84 (belt member), an adjustment motor 54 that provides a driving force to enable movement in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, a drive transmission unit 53 for transmitting the driving force of the conveying motor 52, a release mechanism 60 (rotary connection unit) that is provided in the drive transmission unit 53 and to which the driving force from the conveying motor 52 is transmitted, and a drive shaft 81 that is detachably connected to the release mechanism 60 (rotary connection unit) and that provides a driving force to feed the flat belt 84 (belt member) in the conveying direction. The drive shaft 81 is connected to the release mechanism 60 (rotational connection portion) in a cantilevered state protruding from one side in the width direction of the flat belt 84 (belt member).

[0270] In this way, the drive shaft 81 is detachably connected to the release mechanism 60 (rotational coupling portion) in a cantilevered state on one side (X1 side) in the width direction (X direction). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the drive shaft 81 is connected to a drive transmission portion on both sides in the width direction (X direction), it is only necessary to couple and detach the drive shaft 81 and release mechanism 60 (rotational coupling portion) on one side (X1 side) in the width direction (X direction). This makes it possible to easily couple and detach the centering adjustment portion 50 to and from the frame plate 51.

[0271] Furthermore, the content described in the second embodiment above can also be understood as follows, for example, and can further produce the following effect: [C1] That is, a packaging device 10 for packaging an item P1 to be packaged, comprising a housing 20, and an in-feed unit U1 including a product pushing section 40 (conveying means) that conveys the item P1 to be packaged into the housing 20, wherein the in-feed unit U1 can be positioned at a first position extending beyond the housing 20 to place the item P1 to be packaged, and at a second position different from the first position.

[0272] Therefore, by disposing the in-feed unit U1 at a second position different from the first position, it is possible to change the protruding dimension of the in-feed unit U1. As a result, when transporting the packaging device 10, the size of the packaging device 10 can be reduced, and the packaging device 10 can be used for purposes other than packaging the packaged item P1, which is a commodity.

[0273] [C2] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in the content of [C1] above, the system further includes a packaging section 140 that stretches a film F1 for packaging the packaged item P1 and packages the packaged item P1 with the film F1, and a plurality of elevator heads 102A, 102B, and lifting mechanisms 110A, 110B (lifting means) that lift the elevator heads 102A, 102B from their standby positions so that the packaged item P1 comes into contact with the film F1, the in-feed unit U1 further includes a centering adjustment section 50 that adjusts the centering of the packaged item P1, and the in-feed unit U1 can be disposed at a second position inside the housing 20 when the elevator heads 102A, 102B are lifted from their standby positions to a position in the packaging section 140 where packaging is performed with the film F1, In the second position, the lower ends of all or part of the head support portions 114A, 114B that support the multiple elevator heads 102A, 102B may be configured to be positioned above the centering adjustment portion 50.

[0274] With this configuration, when the lifting mechanisms 110A, 110B are raised from the standby positions to the position in the packaging section 140 where packaging is performed with the film F1, a space SP3 as shown in Figure 6 is formed. This allows the in-feed unit U1 to enter the space SP3, and the protruding dimension of the in-feed unit U1 can be reduced from dimension L1 to dimension L2. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the packaging device 10, and reduces the cost required for transporting the packaging device 10.

[0275] In addition, the lower ends of the head support portions 114A, 114B that support some of the elevator heads 102A, 102B are positioned above the centering adjustment portion 50, thereby making it possible to secure space for storing the infeed unit U1 inside the housing 20.

[0276] Therefore, when the packaging device 10 is delivered to a customer, it is possible to deliver the packaging device 10 without removing the in-feed unit U1 from the packaging device 10. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to remove the in-feed unit U1 when delivering the packaging device 10 to a customer, or to install the in-feed unit U1 after delivery.

[0277] Furthermore, by placing the in-feed unit U1 at the second position, the protruding dimension of the in-feed unit U1 is reduced from dimension L1 to dimension L2, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the packaging device 10. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost required for transporting the packaging device 10.

[0278] [C2] Also, in the above-described embodiment, in the content of [C1] above, the infeed unit U1 may be arranged at a second position inside the housing 20 when the lifting mechanisms 110A, 110B are raised from the standby position to a position where packaging is performed with the film F1 in the packaging section 140.

[0279] With this configuration, when the lifting mechanisms 110A, 110B are raised from the standby positions to the position in the packaging section 140 where packaging is performed with the film F1, a space SP3 as shown in Figure 6 is formed. This allows the in-feed unit U1 to enter the space SP3, and the protruding dimension of the in-feed unit U1 can be reduced from dimension L1 to dimension L2. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the packaging device 10, and reduces the cost required for transporting the packaging device 10.

[0280] [C3] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in addition to the contents described in either [C1] or [C2] above, or a combination thereof, the product pushing section 40 (the conveying means) is provided with a pushing motor 42 (driving section), and the in-feed unit U1 can be arranged at a third position pulled out from the housing 20 further than the first position, and at the third position, the pushing motor 42 (driving section) may be in a non-driving state.

[0281] This makes it possible to improve the ease of weighing the packaged items P1 in the weighing section 30. Furthermore, because the push motor 42 (drive section) is not driven, it is possible to prevent the packaged items P1 from being accidentally transported inside the packaging device 10 and falling inside the packaging device 10.

[0282] Furthermore, the contents described in the second embodiment can also be understood as follows, for example, and can further produce the following effects. [D1] That is, a packaging device 10 for packaging an item P1 to be packaged with a film F1 (packaging member) in a predetermined packaging section 140, comprising: a width detection sensor 33 (position detection section) that acquires position information of the item P1 to be packaged; a control section 231 that determines whether the position of the item P1 to be packaged detected by the width detection sensor 33 (position detection section) is a predetermined position; a product pushing section 40 (drive conveying mechanism) that has a pusher 45 that pushes the item P1 to the downstream side in the conveying direction toward the packaging section 140 and has a pushing motor 42 (pushing drive source) that provides a driving force to push the pusher 45; a centering adjustment section 50 that conveys the item P1 to be packaged independently of the pusher 45 and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction; and a control section 200 that controls the operation of the pushing motor 42 (pushing drive source) and the centering adjustment section 50. In the judgment by the judgment unit 231, depending on whether or not the packaged item P1 is present at a predetermined position, the control unit 200 controls the speed V1 in the conveying direction of the centering adjustment unit 50 and the speed V2 in the conveying direction of the pusher 45 to be different.

[0283] With this configuration, the above speed V1 and speed V2 can be made different when the judgment unit 231 judges that the packaged item P1 is present at a predetermined position and when it judges that the packaged item P1 is not present at a predetermined position, thereby making it possible to improve the productivity of packaging the packaged item P1.

[0284] [D2] Also, in the above-described embodiment, in the content of [D1] above, if the determination unit 231 determines that the packaged item P1 is present at a predetermined position, the control unit 200 controls the operation of the pushing motor 42 (pushing drive source) and the centering adjustment unit 50 so that the speed V2 in the conveying direction of the pusher 45 is faster than the speed V1 in the conveying direction of the centering adjustment unit 50; and if the determination unit 231 determines that the packaged item P1 is not present at a predetermined position, the control unit 200 may control the operation of the pushing motor 42 (pushing drive source) and the centering adjustment unit 50 so that the speed V1 in the conveying direction of the centering adjustment unit 50 is faster than the speed V2 in the conveying direction of the pusher 45.

[0285] In this way, when the determination unit 191 determines that the packaged item P1 is present in the predetermined position, the speed V2 is controlled to be faster than speed V1. As a result, the packaged item P1 is pushed in the conveying direction by the pusher 45 rather than the centering adjustment unit 50. Therefore, for example, by making the speed V2 pushed by the pusher 45 faster than when the determination unit 231 determines that the packaged item P1 is not present in the predetermined position, it is possible to improve the packaging productivity of the packaged item P1.

[0286] On the other hand, if the determination unit 231 determines that the packaged item P1 is not present at the predetermined position, the speed V1 is controlled to be faster than speed V2. As a result, the centering adjustment unit 50 moves the packaged item P1 in the conveying direction faster than the pusher 45 can push it, causing the packaged item P1 to move away from the pusher 45 (or reducing friction). Therefore, the centering operation for the packaged item P1 can be performed without the packaged item P1 contacting the pusher 45, preventing the packaged item P1 from losing its position due to contact between the pusher 45 and the packaged item P1.

[0287] [D3] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in addition to the contents described in either [D1] or [D2] above, or a combination thereof, the control unit 200 may be configured to: when packaging the packaged item P1 and the determination unit 231 determines that the packaged item P1 is not present in a predetermined position, control the operation of the pushing motor 42 (pushing drive source) and the centering adjustment unit 50 so that the speed V1 in the conveying direction of the centering adjustment unit 50 is faster than the speed V2 in the conveying direction of the pusher 45; when attaching a label to the packaged item P1 without packaging the packaged item P1 and the determination unit 231 determines that the packaged item P1 is not present in a predetermined position, control the operation of the pushing motor 42 (pushing drive source) and the centering adjustment unit 50 so that the speed V2 in the conveying direction of the pusher 45 is faster than the speed V1 in the conveying direction of the centering adjustment unit 50.

[0288] In this way, the magnitude relationship between speeds V1 and V2 is controlled to differ when a centering operation is required in centering adjustment unit 50, depending on whether packaged item P1 is to be packaged or whether a label is to be attached to packaged item P1 without packaging packaged item P1. Therefore, particularly when packaging packaged item P1, it is possible to improve the productivity of packaging packaged item P1 compared to when a label is attached to packaged item P1 without packaging packaged item P1.

[0289] Note that "when packaging the packaged item P1" includes the first and second operating modes described above, but operations other than the first and second operating modes described above may also be included in "when packaging the packaged item P1." Furthermore, "when attaching a label to the packaged item P1 without packaging the packaged item P1" includes the third operating mode described above, but operations other than the third operating mode described above may also be included in "when attaching a label to the packaged item P1 without packaging the packaged item P1."

[0290] [D4] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the contents described in any one of [D1] to [D3] above or a combination thereof, a main control unit 210 (container information acquisition unit) is provided that acquires information about the containers used for the packaged item P1, and the control unit 200 may be configured to control the speed V1 in the conveying direction of the centering adjustment unit 50 and the speed V2 in the conveying direction of the pusher 45 to be different depending on the container information acquired by the main control unit 210 (container information acquisition unit).

[0291] In this way, by controlling the speed V1 in the conveying direction of the centering adjustment unit 50 and the speed V2 in the conveying direction of the pusher 45 to be different depending on the container information, when the container is difficult to slide against the pusher 45 (the coefficient of friction is large), the speed V1 can be controlled to be faster than speed V2, thereby moving the pusher 45 away from the packaged item P1 and preventing the posture of the packaged item P1 from being disturbed.

[0292] Conversely, when the container is slippery against the pusher 45 (the coefficient of friction is small), the speed V2 can be controlled to be faster than the speed V1, thereby improving the productivity of packaging the packaged item P1.

[0293] [D5] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the contents described in any one of [D1] to [D4] above or a combination thereof, a mechanism control unit 230 (weight information acquisition unit) is provided that acquires weight information regarding the weight of the packaged item P1, and the control unit 200 may be configured to control the speed V1 in the conveying direction of the centering adjustment unit 50 and the speed V2 in the conveying direction of the pusher 45 to be different depending on the weight information acquired by the mechanism control unit 230 (weight information acquisition unit).

[0294] In this way, by controlling the speed V1 in the conveying direction of the centering adjustment unit 50 and the speed V2 in the conveying direction of the pusher 45 to be different depending on the weight information, when the weight is heavy (less likely to slip on the pusher 45 (large coefficient of friction)), the speed V1 can be controlled to be faster than speed V2, thereby moving the pusher 45 away from the packaged item P1 and preventing the posture of the packaged item P1 from being disturbed.

[0295] Conversely, when the weight is small (the container is easily slippery against the pusher 45 (small coefficient of friction)), the speed V2 can be controlled to be faster than speed V1, thereby improving the productivity of packaging the packaged item P1.

[0296] A...packaging device, A10...film feed means, A10a, A10b...film transport section, A11...upper belt, A12...lower belt, A14, A15...film set clamp (gripping means), A16...cutter, A20...first film set means, A30...second film set means, A50...first film supply means, A60...second film supply means, A51, A61...film set shaft, A80...first lifting / lowering head group, A81...first lifting / lowering head, W...item to be packaged 10...packaging device, 20...housing, 21...rear casing, 30...weighing section, 31...weighing plate, 32...weight sensor, 33...width detection sensor, 34...height detection sensor, 40...product pushing section, 41...chain drive mechanism, 42...pushing motor, 42a...belt, 42b...pulley, 43...sprocket, 43a...drive transmission shaft, 44...chain, 45...pusher, 50...centering adjustment section, 51...frame plate (corresponding to frame section), 52...conveying motor, 5 3...Drive transmission portion, 53a, 53b...Toothed pulley, 53c...Drive belt, 54...Adjustment motor, 55...Unit fixing mechanism, 55a...Frame side fixing portion, 55b...Unit side locking portion, 60...Release mechanism (corresponding to the rotational coupling portion), 61...Side plate fixing shaft, 62...Bearing, 63...Shaft attachment / detachment socket, 63a...Cylindrical pulley portion, 63b...Socket portion, 63c...Socket hole, 63d...Inlet / outlet hole, 64...Lock cylinder, 64a...Push-in protrusion, 64b...Tapered wall, 64c ...vertical wall, 65...locking ball, 66...biasing spring, 67...spring receiving member, 70...centering unit, 71...chassis, 72...handle (corresponding to gripping portion), 73...bush fixing member, 74...linear bush (corresponding to guide member), 75...guide shaft, 76...support base, 77...rack gear, 78...detection plate, 80...conveyor belt mechanism, 81...drive shaft, 81a...engaging recess, 82...drive roller, 83...driven roller, 84...flat belt (belt corresponding to the member), 85...belt guide portion, 100...elevator mechanism, 101A...center lifting portion, 101B...side lifting portion, 102A, 102B...elevator head, 102A1, 102B1...reference head, 102A2, 102B2...adjustment head, 110A, 110B...lifting mechanism, 111A, 111B...lifting motor, 112A, 112B...drive transmission portion, 112A1...pulley, 112A2...belt, 113A...lifting guide, 114A,114B...head support portion, 114A1...arm-shaped portion, 114A2...support column, 115A, 115B...gap adjustment mechanism, 116A, 116B...adjustment motor, 120...in-feed sliding mechanism, 121...rail member, 122...guide member, 130...film supply portion, 131...roll holding portion, 132...film guide portion, 132a...roller, 132b...motor unit, 133...film transport portion, 133A...front film transport portion, 133B...rear film transport portion, 134a...upper supply belt, 134b...upper film introduction portion, 135a...lower supply belt, 135b...lower film introduction portion, 136...belt drive portion, 137...clamp plate, 138...front-rear movement mechanism, 138a...rail, 138b...front-rear movement motor, 140... Packaging unit, 141a... right folding member, 141b... left folding member, 142... left and right folding drive unit, 143... rear folding member, 144... rear folding drive unit, 150... discharge mechanism, 151... discharge pusher, 152... pusher drive unit, 153... discharge roller, 160... heater unit, 170... label printer, 171... thermal head, 172... motor, 180... label application unit, 181... motor, 190... product discharge unit, 191... motor, 200... control unit, 210... main control unit, 220... printer control unit, 230... mechanism control unit, 231... determination unit, F1... film, P1... packaged item, R1... film roll, SP1... space for ball, SP2... spring arrangement space, SP3... space, SP4... side space, SW1... infeed switch,

Claims

1. A packaging device that presses a package to be packaged against a stretched film for packaging, comprising: film feeding means for feeding the film; a plurality of film setting means capable of supplying the film to the film feeding means and for selecting one film fed from a plurality of film rolls; and gripping means provided in the film feeding means for gripping the film set in the plurality of film setting means, wherein the plurality of film setting means are arranged adjacent to each other and at positions facing the gripping means, and the film to be selected is supplied only by the forward and backward movement of one film setting means toward the gripping means. A packaging device characterized by this.

2. The packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the forward and backward movement of the plurality of film setting means toward the gripping means is a movement in the vertical direction.

3. The packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of film setting means have a plurality of cutout portions for enabling the gripping means to grip the film, and in each of the plurality of film setting means, the cutout portions are not arranged at the same position.

4. The packaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the film feeding means is movable in a direction perpendicular to the film feeding direction so that the gripping means faces the position of the cutout portion from a reference position, and when the film feeding means moves from the reference position, it returns to the reference position before packaging the package to be packaged.

Images