JPH04142222A - Packaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce operational miss and provide a device having excellent operability and high work efficiency by indicating a start command by an indicating means, actuating a packaging means when a packaging sheet feed detecting means detects that a feed has been made and actuating a packaging sheet feed means when said detecting means detects that a feed has not been made. CONSTITUTION:Limit switches S1-S14, 61a, 61b are connected to a control device HH utilizing a microcomputer. Whether or not sheets are being fed is judged based on the detected information of a higher rank limit switch S12 of a holding mechanism 3. When the switch S12 is in OFF state, it is judged that sheets are being fed. In a sheet feed state, wherein wrapping sheets 1 are being fed onto a receiver 8, after an operator has put an item to be packaged on the receiver 8, a start switch S0 is depressed. And then packaging operation is started at a packaging station B. However, when the operation is started, sheets are not being fed, so that sheet preparing operation and sheet feed operation at a sheet feed device 2 is performed to provide a sheet feed state. By depressing the switch S0 again, operations including packaging are performed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention provides a packaging means for packaging an object with a supplied packaging sheet and discharging the object upon completion of packaging; The present invention relates to a packaging apparatus including a packaging sheet supplying means for supplying sheets to the packaging means, and a control means for controlling the operation of the packaging means and the packaging sheet supplying means.

[Conventional technology]

The above-mentioned packaging device is intended to improve work efficiency by automatically wrapping an object to be packaged, typified by spherical vegetables such as lettuce, with a packaging sheet.

Here, when operating the packaging means and the packaging sheet supplying means, a configuration can be considered in which a starting switch for the packaging means and a starting switch for the packaging sheet supplying means are provided separately, and the operator selectively operates both switches.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is necessary for the operator to operate both switches while confirming whether or not the packaging sheet has been supplied.

Therefore, there is a risk that an operational error will occur, leading to a decrease in work efficiency.

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned conventional drawbacks and provide a packaging device with excellent operability and high work efficiency.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve this object, the first aspect of the packaging device according to the present invention is
The characteristic configuration is that an instruction means for instructing a start command and a packaging sheet supply detection means for detecting whether or not the packaging sheet has been supplied to the packaging means are provided, and the control means is configured to cause the instruction means to If the packaging sheet supply detection means detects that the packaging sheet has been supplied when a start command is issued, the packaging sheet supply detection means starts the operation of the packaging sheet, and the packaging sheet supply detection means detects that the packaging sheet supply detection means has not yet been supplied. If this occurs, the packaging sheet supplying means is configured to start operating.

In a second characteristic configuration, the packaging sheet supplying means is configured to hold one packaging sheet from the packaging sheet storage section and supplying it to the packaging means, and the control means is configured to operate the packaging sheet. The present invention is configured to cause the packaging sheet supply means to perform an operation of holding one packaging sheet from the storage section when the packaging sheet is started.

[For production]

In the first characteristic configuration, the operator can perform the packaging work by operating the same instruction means without determining whether or not the packaging sheet has been supplied to the packaging means.

In the second characteristic configuration, when the activation command is given when the packaging sheet has already been supplied to the packaging means, the operation of the packaging means is started and the packaging sheet supplying means is made to hold the packaging sheet. Immediately after the operation is completed, the next packaging sheet can be supplied to the packaging means.

〔Effect of the invention〕

With the first characteristic configuration, it is possible to obtain a packaging device that has excellent operability and high work efficiency with less risk of operational errors.

In the second characteristic configuration, it is possible to improve the efficiency of supplying the packaging sheet to the packaging means, and further improve the work efficiency.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a packaging device for wrapping an article (C) such as lettuce with a packaging sheet (1). This packaging device includes a storage section (A) for stacking and storing a large number of packaging sheets (1), a sheet feeding device (2) as a sheet feeding means for transporting and supplying sheets one by one from the storage section (A), and Packaging work section (B) as a packaging means for wrapping the packaged object (C) with the supplied packaging sheet (1)
It consists of Further, a start switch (So) as an instruction means is attached to the sideways portion of the packaging device. The packaging work section (B) includes a holding mechanism (3) that holds the packaged article (C) placed from above the supplied packaging sheet (1) from below and holds the packaged article (C). ), a wrapping mechanism (4) that folds each end of the packaging sheet (1) and guides the wrapping, and an adhesive tape (5) for pasting and fixing the packaging sheet (1) after the wrapping operation. It is equipped with a tape feeding device (6) for feeding and feeding a tape, a holding device (7) for preventing the object (C) from floating up during the wrapping operation, and the like. In addition, (B3) and (B
4) is a nozzle for removing ears, and (B1) in FIG. 5 is a blowing nozzle for separation.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the holding mechanism (3) includes a receiving stand (8) that receives and supports the object to be packaged (C), and also swings up and down to hold the object to be packaged (C). Equipped with a pair of left and right holding arms (9), (9) for holding and holding C),
The holding arms (9), (9) are configured to be swing-driven between a downwardly retracted position and an upwardly swinging working position by an electric motor (Ma) which can be rotated forward and backward. In other words, an arm (11) that rotates integrally with an electric motor (M) holds each lifting member (14) that is slid up and down with respect to a support shaft (13) via a balance swinging arm (12). The swinging drive is performed by interlockingly connecting the arms (9) and (9).

Further, the electric motor (Ml) is configured to interlock and drive a presser roller (15) for pressing and tensioning one end of the packaging sheet (1) via a link mechanism (16).

Additionally, limit switches (S12), (S13), and (Sl-) for timing control of the electric motor (M,) are provided. By the way, the upper limit switch (S,
Based on the detection information in step 2), it is detected whether the packaging sheet (1) has been supplied to the packaging section (B). In other words, the limit switch (S12) corresponds to the packaging sheet supply detection means.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the wrapping mechanism (4) wraps the packaged object (C) held by the holding mechanism (3).
four first to fourth wrapping tools (17a), (17b) that fold and guide and hold each end of the packaging sheet (1);
), (17C), and (17d), and each wrapping tool sequentially folds and guides the packaging sheet (1) along the surface of the packaged object (C) by a forward/reverse electric motor (Ml) to (M4). It is configured to do so. Each wrapping tool is attached to a first support arm (20) at the tip of a drive arm (19) that is oscillated within a certain range by each electric motor (Ml) to (M4).
), a second support arm (21) is pivotally supported at one end of the first support arm (20), and a guide roller (22) is supported at the tip of the second support arm (21). Each of the support arms (20) and (21) is biased to rotate in the direction of the packaged object. A cam roller (23) is supported on the other end side of the second support arm (21), and this cam roller (23) is guided by the cam surface (24) as the drive arm (19) rotates. , each guide roller (22) is configured to be guided and driven substantially along the surface of the packaged object (C). In addition, (Sl) to (S,) in the figure
are limit switches for timing control of each electric motor (Ml) to (M4).

The guide roller (22) of the first wrapping device (17a) that operates first is divided into left and right halves, and between them the sheet end side guided by the roller (22) is guided by the object to be wrapped (C). )
A blower nozzle (B2) is provided which is bent and guided toward the side. This blow nozzle (B2) is connected to the first wrapping tool (1
Air is blown in conjunction with the enclosing operation in step 7a), and the air blown is stopped after the second enclosing device (17b) has been operated to an intermediate position.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, in the presser device (7), a presser arm (26) elastically biased downward moves vertically and laterally by driving an electric motor (M). According to the above-mentioned wrapping operation, the object to be packaged (C
) is configured to operate as a presser. In detail, the presser device (7) is provided on the rear side of the second wrapper (17b), and is slidable horizontally in the direction toward the center of the working part with respect to the support frame (28) erected from the machine stand. Moving part (29
), and also supports a vertically movable part (30) so as to be vertically movable with respect to this horizontally movable part (29), and the presser arm (26) is attached to this vertically movable part (30).

In the lateral movement part (29), the drive bin (31) which is rotationally driven by the electric motor (M6) is connected to the vertical engagement recess (
32) and is driven to move laterally, and vertically moving part (30
) is driven when the drive pin (31) is in contact with and secured to the locking part (83). The guide hole (34) connected to the engagement recess (32) allows the drive bin (31) to rotate so as not to move laterally during vertical movement driving. The presser device (7) configured in this manner includes the presser arm (26).
The first step is to move horizontally from the standby position at the rear and upper side to above the packaged object (C), the second step is to move downward and press the packaged object (C), and the third step is to move backward and retreat laterally. , and the fourth step of moving upward toward the standby position are sequentially repeated.

In the figure, (S, .) and (S12) are limit switches for timing control of the electric motor (M,).

Next, the sheet feeding device (2) will be explained.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, guide rails (35), (35) and an endless rotating chain (36) are installed on both left and right sides of the storage section (A) and packaging section (B), respectively. ,
(36) and both guide rails (36).
5), (35), and the rotating chain (3
It is equipped with an adsorption transfer mechanism (37) that slides when driven by (6) and (36). The suction transfer mechanism (37) extends between a pair of support members (38), (38) movably connected to each rotary chain (36), (36), and the sprocket shaft of the rotary chain (36). A U-shaped arm (39) that can swing freely around the horizontal core (Pl) at almost the same level as the core is constructed and connected, and suction for adsorbing the packaging sheet (1) is installed at two midpoints of this arm (39). nozzle(
40), (40) is provided. Each of the rotating chains (36), (36) is configured to be driven in forward and reverse directions by the drive of a forward and reverse electric motor (M6), and has an adsorption transfer mechanism (
39) Potentiometer (PM) for detecting the amount of movement of
). Further, a forward/reverse electric motor (M
7), and is configured so that the suction nozzle (40) can be switched and swung between a position where it retracts upward and a position where it suctions the packaging sheet (1) to be stored, when driven by the electric motor (M7). It is. In the figure (PM2) is the suction nozzle (
40) is a position detection potentiometer.

Furthermore, the storage section (A) has three storage devices (43) each for storing three types of packaging sheets (1) of different sizes in a stacked manner.
are placed one on top of the other in an inclined position and with their front ends at approximately the same height.

The suction nozzle (40) is elastically retractably supported by a support bracket (44) attached to the arm (39), and is communicatively connected to a suction device (41) via a suction pipe (45).

As shown in FIG. 12, the suction nozzle (40) has a cylindrical member (47) attached to the outer periphery of a central shaft (46) to form an annular suction port (48).
The structure is such that suction is carried out through a suction path (!) formed inside the container.The suction of the packaging sheet (1) is detected by a negative pressure switch (S+S).

A saucer (50) having a cross shape in plan view is provided at the upper center of the holding mechanism (3), and the saucer (50) holds the packaged material around the horizontal axis (P2) at the lower position on the downstream side in the sheet feeding direction. thing(
C) It is configured to be able to freely switch and swing between a support position in which it receives and supports the object, and a discharge position in which it swings outward and upward.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the L-shaped arm (51) integrally connected to the saucer (50) is pivoted to the frame (52), and the middle part of the arm (51) and the presser device (7) are connected to each other. A drive arm (53) with a wire (54)
It is interlocked and connected through. The drive arm (53) is a drive bin (31) in the fourth step of the presser device (7).
By the movement of the receiving tray (50), the receiving tray (50) is quickly switched from the supporting position to the releasing position to release the packaged object (C) to the outside.

Next, the installation structure of the tape feeding device (6) will be explained. The tape feeding device (6) is configured to feed out a predetermined amount of the adhesive tape (5) for packaging for each packaging operation as described above.

It is arranged on the outer side of the fourth wrapping device (17d) that operates fourth, and is directed toward the center of the working section (B), that is, the place where the object to be packaged (C) is placed. It is installed so that its position can be adjusted freely along the direction. In detail, as shown in Fig. 13, four rollers (57) are attached and guided by a pair of left and right rails (56), (56) formed on a fixed frame (55), and the rollers (57) are slid. The locking tool (5) is supported freely and is connected to the fixed frame (55).
8), an operating lever (59) that is elastically deformable in the direction of movement;
It is configured to be positioned by engaging the two. The locking tool (58) has three engaging recesses (60a) and (60b).
), (60c), respectively, and the feeding tape (5)
It is set so that the position can be switched corresponding to the three sizes of packaging sheets (1).

In addition, along with the above-mentioned position adjustment of the tape feeding device (6), the suction start end position and suction end position of the sheet supply device (2) are changed and adjusted, and the left and right suction nozzles (40), (4)
0) is configured to change the left and right spacing. To explain in detail, the engaging recesses (60a) on both end sides of the locking tool (58)
), a limit switch (61a) that detects the presence of the operating lever (59) in (60c).

(61b), and each switch (61a), (
61b), a control device (H), which will be described later, controls the supply drive motor (M,) of the sheet supply device (2) to change the suction start position and the suction end position. In other words, if the limit switch (61a) on the center side is in the detection state, it is determined to be the small side seat position, and if the limit switch (61b) on the opposite side is in the detection state, it is determined to be the large side seat position. If it is not detected, it is determined that the seat is in the middle seat position.

Further, each of the suction nozzles (40), (40) has a support shaft (
62), and is supported so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction.
Balance arm (63) and each rod (64), (64)
It is linked so that the slides are linked in a contradictory manner. The balance arm (63) is interlocked and connected to the tape feeding device (6) via a wire (65).
Corresponding to the position of (6), left and right suction nozzles (40), (4)
0) or slide movement.

A tape support (66) for placing and supporting the adhesive tape (5) is placed below the tape feeding portion of the tape feeding device (6).
), and this tape support (66) is attached to the tip of a support arm (67) pivotally connected to the fourth wrapper (17d) as shown in FIG. It can be mounted freely, and the roller (
68) or is configured to be positioned by engaging with the hook portion (69a) at the lower end of the plate-shaped guide member (69) on the tape feeding device (6) side.

The roller (68) is formed to have a smaller diameter at the central portion in the axial direction, and is configured to be able to be positioned in the left and right direction by being engaged with the guide member (69). The tape support (66) also includes a tape holding member (70) that can be freely switched between a state in which the adhesive tape (5) and the packaging sheet (1) are held together and supported under pressure, and a state in which the pressure is released. )
is provided in a supporting action position in a spring biased state and can be freely driven and released by the electric motor (M8).

As explained above, the packaging device is provided with a tape feeding device (6) whose position can be freely adjusted according to the size of the packaging sheet (1), so that the amount of tape feeding can be adjusted regardless of the size of the sheet. It is possible to supply it in an appropriate state while keeping it constant at all times.

Next, a configuration for controlling the operations of the packaging section (B) and the sheet feeding device (2) will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 1, a control device (H) using a microcomputer is provided, and the control device (H) includes limit switches (S+) to (S14) and (61a).

(61b), start switch (S,), each potentiometer (PM,), (PM2), negative pressure switch (S1
s) are connected to each other. And the control device ()l)
is adapted to control the operation of the packaging section (B) and the sheet feeding device (2) based on various input information.

That is, the control means (10
0) is configured.

Next, the operation of the control device (l()) will be explained based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2(a) to 2(d).

First, the packaging procedure will be explained based on FIG. 2(a).

Basically, each time the operator presses the start switch (S6), the packaging work section (B) and the sheet feeding device (2)
Each performs one cycle of operation, and after the operation is completed, it waits until the start switch (So) is pressed again. In other words, in a state where the packaging sheet (1) is being fed onto the receiving stand (8) (hereinafter referred to as the paper feeding state), after the worker places the object to be packaged on the receiving stand (8), By pressing the start switch (S0), the packaging operation in the packaging section (B) is started. In addition, in the sheet feeding device (2), one packaging sheet (1
) (hereinafter referred to as paper feeding preparation operation) is performed during the above-mentioned packaging operation.

Furthermore, the packaging sheet (
The operation of feeding 1) onto the receiving table (8) of the packaging work section (B) (hereinafter referred to as paper feeding operation) is executed upon completion of the packaging operation.

However, at the start of work, etc., the paper is not being fed, so the wrapping operation cannot be performed immediately. Therefore, when the start switch (So) is pressed in the above state, the packaging operation in the packaging section (B) is not executed, and the sheet feeding preparation operation and sheet feeding in the sheet feeding device (2) are not performed. Execute the operation and enter the paper feeding state. Then, by pressing the start switch (So) again, the above-mentioned operations including the wrapping operation will be performed.

Here, the holding mechanism (3
) based on the detection information of the upper limit switch (S, 2). That is, it is determined that the paper is being fed when the switch (S, □) is OFF.

To explain the sheet feeding preparation operation, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the U-shaped arm (39) is moved to the suction start position corresponding to the specified size of the packaging sheet (1). Next, a suction nozzle (40).

(40) is lowered to activate the suction device (41).

After confirming suction, raise the suction nozzles (40) and (40), and move the U-shaped arm (39) to the packaging work section (B).
) by the set distance in the direction away from. Check the suction again and repeat the above operation until the suction is achieved. After the suction is confirmed, the packaging sheets (1) are blown by the separation air nozzle (B1) while swinging the suction nozzles (40) and (40) up and down to avoid feeding multiple packaging sheets (1). We are trying to separate. Then, stand by with the suction nozzles (40), (40) raised to their upper limits.

To explain the paper feeding operation, as shown in FIG. 2(c), first, the adhesive tape (5) is fed out to a predetermined position with the adhesive surface facing upward. Next, move the U-shaped arm (39) to the specified suction end position. Then, the suction nozzles (40), (40) are lowered to release the suction. Thus, the packaging sheet (1) is fed onto the receiving table (8). At this time, adhesive tape (5) is attached to one end (1d) of the packaging sheet (1) that is folded back at the end. Also, while raising the suction nozzles (40), (40), one side end (IC) diagonally opposite to the - side end (ld)
) is fixed by the presser roller (15).

Next, the packaging operation will be explained.

As shown in Figure 2 (d) and Figure 3, the receiving stand (8)
The object to be packaged (C) placed on is fixedly held by setting the holding mechanism (3) to the operating position.

Next, raise the first wrapping tool (1'7a) until the upper limit switch (B2) is turned on, and then
Fold the - side end (1a) of ) onto the top surface of the packaged item.

In addition, the second wrapping device (17b) is activated slightly after the first wrapping device (17a) starts to rise, and the packaging sheet (17a) is activated.
) overlap the negative side edge (1b) on the negative side edge.

The operation of the second enclosing tool (17b) is performed intermittently in four times, but when the second enclosing tool (17b) is raised for the second time,
b) Operate the blower nozzle (B2) so as not to wrap the negative side end (1a) around the air.

Middle limit switch (B4) of the second wrapping tool (17b)
) is turned on, the third wrapping device (17c) is activated. Before activation, the third wrapping device (17c) is moved along the outer circumferential surface of the object to be wrapped so that one end (la) and one side edge (lb) are covered without any bulge. Activate the removal nozzle (B,) and blow air toward the bent area.

Moreover, the third wrapping tool (17c) is attached to the packaging sheet (1).
After overlapping the side ends (IC), a presser arm (26) presses the upper surface thereof.

Furthermore, after activating the ear-picking nozzle (B4), the fourth wrapper (17d) is activated, and the one end (ld) to which the adhesive tape (5) is attached is folded back and folded into four layers. Glue the wrapped packaging sheet (1).

Next, the presser arm (26) is raised and the holding mechanism (3) releases the object (C) to be packaged. Then, the packaged object (C) is released from the receiving table (8).

[Another example]

In the above embodiment, the upper +) Mitsutswitch (S, 2) of the holding mechanism (3) is used as the packaging sheet supply detection means, or, for example, the packaging sheet (1) on the receiving stand (8) is detected by an optical sensor. It may be detected, and the specific configuration of the packaging sheet detection means can be modified in various ways.

Incidentally, although reference numerals are written in the claims section for convenient comparison with the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the structure shown in the accompanying drawings.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The drawings show an embodiment of the packaging apparatus according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the control configuration, FIGS. 2(a) to (d) are flowcharts of control operation, FIG. The figure is an overall plan view, FIG. 5 is a side view of the same, FIGS. 6 and 7 are side views of the packaging work section, FIG. 8 is a side view of the holding mechanism, FIG. 9 is a side view of the presser device, and FIG. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the same.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the main parts of the holding mechanism, FIG. 12 is a side view of the suction nozzle, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tape feeding device, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the main parts. (1)...Packaging sheet, (2)...Packaging sheet supply means, (100)...Control means,
(A)... Storage section, (B)... Packaging means, (C)... Item to be packaged, (So)...
・Instruction means, (S+□)...Packaging sheet supply detection means. Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 (0) Figure 2 (C) Procedural amendment (method) Relationship with the case of person making an amendment to the name of the invention packaging device 3゜

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Packaging means (B) that wraps the packaged object (C) with the supplied packaging sheet (1) and discharges the packaged object (C) upon completion of packaging; packaging sheet supply means (2) for supplying the packaging sheet (1) to the packaging means (B);
and the packaging means (B) and the packaging sheet supply means (
2), the packaging device is equipped with a control means (100) for controlling the operation of the above, and an instruction means (S_0) for instructing a start command, and the packaging sheet (1) has already been supplied to the packaging means (B). Packaging sheet supply detection means (S_1_2) is provided for detecting whether or not the instruction means (S_1_2) is provided, and the control means (100)
When the activation command is issued in step S_0), if the packaging sheet supply detection means (S_1_2) detects that supply has been completed, starts the operation of the packaging sheet (B), and detects the packaging sheet supply. When the means (S_1_2) detects that the packaging sheet supply means (S_1_2) is not supplied, the packaging sheet supply means (S_1_2)
) a packaging device configured to initiate actuation of 2. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the packaging sheet supply means (2) is arranged in a storage section (A) for the packaging sheet (1).
) is configured to hold one packaging sheet (1) and supply it to the packaging means (B), and the control means (10
0), when the packaging means (B) starts operating, the packaging sheet supply means (2) supplies the storage section (A) with the packaging sheet supply means (2).
) A packaging device configured to carry out an operation of holding one packaging sheet (1) from ).