JP2001301705A - Top-seal-type packaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a top-seal-type packaging apparatus which can thermally weld a stretch wrap film with a flange of a tray without preparing a mold for each of trays different in size. SOLUTION: The packaging apparatus 1 comprises an apparatus for covering an opening of the tray T with an upper portion opened with the stretch wrap film Fm and welding the stretch wrap film Fm with the flange of the tray T, and includes a sealer 3 and a heater 31 for heating the sealer 3. The sealer 3 comes into contact with the flange of the tray T from above the film Fm. The sealer 3 is formed with an internal space 30 of an approximately rectangular pyramid shape with a lower portion opened.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a top seal type packaging apparatus, and more particularly to a top seal type packaging apparatus which covers an opening of a tray having an open upper portion with a film and welds a film around an opening of the tray.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an overlap method has been often used as a packaging method for fresh foods such as meat and fish, and processed foods such as side dishes. The overlap method is a method in which a package is placed on a tray and then the entire tray is wrapped with a film.

[0003] However, in the case of the overlap system, the tray and the whole package must be wrapped, and the film must be stacked for sealing.
A film several times as large as the planar size of the tray is required. Also, stack the film on the bottom of the tray,
Sealing is often performed by pressing the bottom of the tray against a hot plate, resulting in poor sealing performance.

[0004] On the other hand, a method of bringing the film only to the opening of the tray whose upper surface is open and welding the film around the opening of the tray (hereinafter referred to as a top seal method) is an overlap method. It has been adopted by some instead of the system. In this top seal method, the amount of film used can be reduced by half as compared with the case where the overlap method is employed.

[0005]

This top seal method has the advantage of excellent sealing performance in addition to the above-mentioned reduction in the number of films used, but on the other hand, a mold corresponding to the tray size is required. Disadvantage. Therefore, when the tray size changes, it is necessary to interrupt the packaging process and change the setup. For this reason,
In the industry where multiple types of trays have to be packaged with a wide variety of trays to be packaged, still overlapping packaging forms are often employed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a top seal type packaging apparatus capable of heat-sealing a film around an opening of a tray without preparing a mold for each tray having a different size.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a top seal type packaging apparatus, wherein an opening is covered with a film in a state in which an object to be packaged is accommodated in the tray, and the opening of the tray is opened. This is a packaging device that welds the film to the surrounding area. This top-seal type packaging device includes a sealing unit and a heating unit. The seal portion has an internal space that opens downward. The seal portion presses the inner wall surface of the film from above the film to a portion around the opening of the tray. The heating means heats the seal portion.

In the packaging apparatus according to the present invention, the inner wall surface of the seal portion is pressed against the periphery of the opening of the tray whose opening is covered with the film. At this time, the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray enters the internal space of the seal portion and hits the inner wall surface forming the internal space of the seal portion. Therefore, by forming the internal space surrounded by the inner wall surface into a shape corresponding to trays having different sizes, the film can be thermally welded to the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray without preparing a mold for each tray having a different size. Become like

The seal portion may be made of a soft material having elasticity or a hard material made of a material such as metal. When a hard type seal portion using a metal which is easily heated such as aluminum is adopted, a reduction in running cost is expected compared to a soft type seal portion due to good thermal efficiency. Claim 2
The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the inner space of the sealing portion has a pyramid shape or a shape in which the top of the pyramid is removed.

In the packaging apparatus according to the present invention, the seal is applied to a portion around the opening of the tray whose opening is covered with the film. At this time, the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray enters the internal space of the seal portion and hits a surface forming an internal space of a pyramid shape or a shape in which the top of the pyramid is removed. Since the surface forming the internal space of the pyramid shape or the shape with the apex of the pyramid removed is inclined, the tray is obliquely hit against the heated seal portion. Therefore, the heated seal portion only hits the periphery of the tray opening, and does not contact the film covering the tray opening. For this reason, the film covering the opening is prevented from being melted or minute holes are formed in the film.

Further, in this packaging apparatus, if the shape of the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray is a square shape similar to the planar shape of the internal space of the seal portion, the internal space has a pyramidal shape or a shape obtained by removing the apex of the pyramid. Therefore, even when the tray size changes, each side around the opening of the tray surely hits the slope that forms the internal space of the seal portion. That is, here, if the tray conforms to the pyramid shape of the internal space of the seal portion or the shape obtained by removing the apex of the pyramid, even when the tray size changes, the seal portion surely hits the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray and seals. Is performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the top seal type packaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the inner space of the sealing portion has a conical shape or a shape in which the top of the cone is removed. In the packaging device according to the present invention, the seal portion is applied to a portion around the opening of the tray whose opening is covered with the film. Then, the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray enters the internal space of the seal portion and hits a surface forming an internal space having a conical shape or a shape from which the top of the cone is removed. The surface that forms the interior space of the cone or of the shape with the top of the cone removed is inclined so that the tray strikes the heated seal at an angle. Therefore, the heated seal portion only hits the periphery of the tray opening, and does not contact the film covering the tray opening. For this reason, the film covering the opening is prevented from being melted or minute holes are formed in the film.

In this packaging apparatus, if the shape of the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray is circular, which is similar to the planar shape of the internal space of the seal portion, the internal space has a conical shape or a shape obtained by removing the top of the cone. Therefore, even when the tray size changes, each side around the opening of the tray surely hits the slope that forms the internal space of the seal portion. That is, here, if the tray conforms to the conical shape of the internal space of the seal portion or the shape in which the top of the cone is removed, even when the tray size changes, the seal portion surely hits the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray and seals. Is performed.

The cone in the present invention is a concept including a plane having a shape other than a square having a curved portion, such as a plane having an elliptical shape or a distorted circular shape. Claim 4
The packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the film is a stretch film. Further, the top seal type packaging device further includes a film transport mechanism and a lift mechanism. The film transport mechanism transports the stretch film above the tray. The lift mechanism raises the tray to push up the stretch film by the tray, and presses a portion around the opening of the tray against the inner wall surface of the seal portion.

In this case, the stretch film is pushed up by the tray so that the stretch film covers the opening of the tray, and the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray is pressed against the inner wall surface of the seal portion. The stretch film is thermally welded around the opening of the tray. A top seal type packaging device according to a fifth aspect is the packaging device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein an inner wall surface of the seal portion is a slope.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a top seal type packaging apparatus, wherein an opening is covered with a film in a state in which an object to be packaged is accommodated in the tray, and the film is welded to a portion around the opening of the tray. It is a device to do. The top-seal type packaging device includes a seal unit, a heating unit for heating the seal unit, and a control unit. The seal portion is composed of a plurality of movable pieces, and hits a portion around the opening of the tray from above the film. The control unit moves the divided piece according to the shape of the portion around the opening of the tray.

In the packaging apparatus according to the present invention, the seal is applied to a portion around the opening of the tray whose opening is covered with the film. Then, the film overlapping the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray is thermally welded to the tray by the heat from the heated seal portion. Further, in this packaging device, the seal portion is composed of a plurality of divided pieces, and the control section moves the divided pieces according to the shape of the periphery of the opening of the tray. Therefore, even when the tray size and tray shape are changed, if the tray is a flat rectangular tray, it is possible to cope with the difference in the tray by moving the divided pieces without interrupting the packaging process and performing setup change or the like. .

The control unit may move the divided pieces based on, for example, the input or measured tray size or tray shape. A top seal type packaging device according to a seventh aspect is the packaging device according to the sixth aspect, wherein a surface of the divided piece corresponding to a portion around the opening of the tray is a slope. The film is a stretch film. The top seal type packaging device further includes a film transport mechanism and a lift mechanism. The film transport mechanism transports the stretch film above the tray. The lift mechanism raises the tray, pushes up the stretch film with the tray, and presses a portion around the opening of the tray against the slope of the divided piece.

In the packaging apparatus according to the present invention, the stretch film is pushed up by the tray so that the stretch film covers the opening of the tray. The heat causes the stretch film to heat weld around the tray opening. Here, the surface of the divided piece that hits the opening peripheral portion of the tray is a slope, and the seal portion hits the tray obliquely. Therefore, the heated seal portion only hits the periphery of the tray opening, and does not contact the film covering the tray opening. For this reason, the film covering the opening is prevented from being melted or minute holes are formed in the film.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] <Outline of Apparatus> FIGS. 1 and 2 show a top seal type packaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The packaging apparatus 1 shown here is configured to stretch the upper opening o of a tray T containing fresh foods such as meat and fish and processed foods such as side dishes by using a stretch film F.
m and the slopes 30a to 30d of the sealer 3 are relatively pressed against each other as shown in FIGS.
(Opening peripheral portion) f located around the opening o
This is a device for sealing by thermally welding the stretch film Fm and the stretch film Fm.

<Structure of Apparatus> This packaging apparatus 1 includes a frame 1a, a tray mounting / holding mechanism 2 for holding a tray T, a sealer 3 located above the tray mounting / holding mechanism 2, and a tray mounting / holding mechanism 2. A film transport mechanism 5 for supplying the stretch film Fm to the sealer 3, a lift mechanism 6 for raising and lowering the tray mounting and holding mechanism 2, and a stretch film F between the tray mounting and holding mechanism 2 and the sealer 3.
It comprises a stretching mechanism 9 for stretching m, a control unit 10 for controlling each mechanism (see FIG. 4), and the like.

<Details of Configuration of Each Part> (Tray Placement / Holding Mechanism) The tray placement / holding mechanism 2 holds and holds the tray T on its upper surface, and is moved up and down by a lift mechanism 6. Further, the tray mounting / holding mechanism 2 can be pulled out from the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2 to the position shown by the two-dot chain line, and can be pushed in reverse. This horizontal movement is performed manually or by driving means (not shown).

The operation of placing the tray T on the tray placing / holding mechanism 2 may be performed manually by an operator, or may be automatically carried out from a separately provided transport device for the tray T. You may make it. (Sealer) The sealer 3 lifts the stretch film Fm by the lift mechanism 6 and raises the tray T.
A heat generating member that hits the flange f of the frame 1a.
It is fixed to. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an inner space 30 that opens downward is formed below the sealer 3.

The internal space 30 is a space in which the top of the quadrangular pyramid 130 shown in FIG.
, Four slopes 30a to 30d and a top surface 30
e. Although not shown in FIG. 3A, a portion where each of the slopes 30a to 30d intersect is chamfered according to the corner shape of the flange f of the tray T. The cross-sectional shape when the internal space 30 is cut along an arbitrary horizontal plane is similar to the planar shape of the flange f of the tray T.

A heater 3 is provided above the four slopes 30a to 30d to heat a portion near the slopes 30a to 30d.
1 is arranged. When the heater 31 operates, the slope 3
0a to 30d are heated and the slopes 30a to 30d are heated.
Heat is applied to the tray T that has hit a to 30d. The portions near the slopes 30a to 30d are formed of a metal including aluminum in consideration of the heating efficiency and the heating speed.

(Film transport mechanism) Film transport mechanism 5
Are the tray mounting and holding mechanism 2 and the sealer 3 in the lowered state.
Between the stretch film Fm and
This is a mechanism for winding up a stretch film Fm, part of which has been cut out by fusing accompanying a seal. As shown in FIG. 1, the film transport mechanism 5 includes a film setting section 51.
, A film winding section 53 and a film transport section 52. The film setting section 51, the film transport section 52, and the film winding section 53 are supported by the frame 1a, respectively.

The film setting section 51 is composed of a member that rotatably supports the film roll R of the stretch film Fm, and holds the film roll R to be a supply source of the stretch film Fm. The film setting section 51 has a core support member 51a that can move up and down and a support roller 51b that supports the film roll R obliquely below. The film roll R is supported by the core support member 51a and the support roller 51b, and a feeding roller 52a of a film transport unit 52 described later (see FIG. 1).

The film take-up section 53 is provided to take up the remaining stretch film Fm, part of which is taken out by packaging (top seal) of the tray T, and has a take-up shaft 53a. This winding shaft 5
3a is rotated by a belt 53b hung on a motor 52c described later. The film transport section 52 includes a feeding roller 52a, and the feeding roller 52a
The motor 52c includes a motor 52c that is driven to rotate via the motor 2b and a film supporting roller 52d. The stretch film Fm pulled out from the film roll R is rotated by the feeding roller 52a, and the film winding unit 53 is rotated.
Sent out to the side. In addition, the take-up shaft 53a rotates together with the pay-out roller 52a with the rotation of the motor 52c, so that the stretch film Fm is taken up by the take-up shaft 53a while being fed from the film roll R. The rotation speed of the winding shaft 53a is set to be higher than the rotation speed of the feeding roller 52a. Therefore, tension is applied to the stretch film Fm in the transport direction. As a result, transport without slack is performed.

The feeding roller 52a has a gripping property with respect to the stretch film Fm, and can feed the stretch film Fm by a predetermined amount while suppressing a slip. More specifically, a one-way clutch (not shown) is provided to apply a mirror finish to the surface of the feeding roller 52a to prevent the feeding roller 52a from rotating in the reverse direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the feeding roller 52a
The support roller 51b is arranged symmetrically with respect to the support roller 51b. The distance between the feeding roller 52a and the supporting roller 51b is set smaller than the diameter of the core material of the film roll R, so that the film roll R does not fall off between the rollers 52a and 51b. I have.

The film supporting roller 52d is arranged near the film winding section 53, and is set so that the upper surface of the film supporting roller 52d coincides with the lower surface of the feeding roller 52a (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the horizontal state of the portion of the stretch film Fm being transported, which is located between the feed roller 52a and the film support roller 52d, is maintained.

(Stretch Mechanism) The stretch mechanism 9
Of the stretch film Fm continuing from the film setting section 51 to the film winding section 53, the feeding roller 5
This is a mechanism that grips both side ends of a horizontal portion between the film support roller 2a and the film support roller 52d and stretches the stretch film Fm in the width direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2). The stretch mechanism 9 includes a pair of film grippers 91a and 91b extending in the film transport direction, and a stretch drive unit 93 (see FIG. 4) for moving these in a direction perpendicular to the film transport direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2). have.

The film holding portions 91a and 91b are structured so as to hold the stretch film Fm by sandwiching the stretch film Fm from both upper and lower sides, and are turned ON / OFF by using solenoids 92a and 92b (see FIG. 4). Further, a rubber (or resin) pad having a large coefficient of friction is attached to a portion in contact with the stretch film Fm from above, thereby preventing the film gripping portions 91a and 91b and the stretch film Fm from slipping. .

The stretch driving section 93 includes a motor 93a.
(See FIG. 4), and is composed of a guide rail, a sprocket, a chain, and the like, and moves the film grippers 91a and 91b in the left and right directions in FIG. (Lift Mechanism) The lift mechanism 6 is a mechanism for pushing up the tray mounting and holding mechanism 2 holding the tray T with respect to the stretch film Fm as shown in FIG. The lift mechanism 6 includes a driving motor 61, a large gear 62 pivotally supported by the frame 1a, a link member 63, a lever 64 having one end pivotally supported by the frame 1a at a fulcrum 64a, and a tip end of the lever 64 rotatably. It is composed of a mounted disk member 65 and the like.

When the drive motor 61 operates, the large gear 62 rotates via a gear fixed to the motor shaft. Then, the lever 64 is moved to the fulcrum 64a via the link member 63.
Around the center. Thereby, the tray mounting / holding mechanism 2 whose lower surface is supported by the disk member 65 moves up and down (see FIGS. 2 and 5). In addition, the tray mounting and holding mechanism 2
Is guided by a vertical guide rail 69,
It moves in the vertical direction by the operation of the lift mechanism 6.

(Control Unit) As shown in FIG.
Is equipped with a CPU 11 as a control unit main body,
A ROM 12 and a RAM 13 are mounted as a main storage unit controlled by the CPU 11. Further, the control unit 10
It has a display control circuit 15a for controlling data display on a display 15 for displaying to an operator, a keyboard circuit 16a for taking in key input data from a keyboard 16 for receiving input from the operator, and the like.

The controller 10 has a tray master file 14a in the HDD (hard disk) 14. The tray master file 14a stores data such as tray size, tray material, tray shape, and the like for each tray number. On the other hand, a data area for storing the tray information called from the tray master file 14a is formed in the RAM 13.

Then, CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM
The HDD 13 and the circuits 15a and 16a are interconnected via bus lines such as an address bus and a data bus. This control unit 10, as shown in FIG.
It is connected to driving means such as a motor of each mechanism and the heater 31, and controls these movements.

<Operation Control of Packaging Apparatus> When the tray T containing packages such as food is placed on the tray placing and holding mechanism 2 which is drawn out to the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG.
The tray mounting / holding mechanism 2 is moved horizontally below the sealer 3 by manual operation or by driving means (not shown). The tray mounting and holding mechanism 2 that has moved below the sealer 3 positions the tray T by pressing the side surface of the tray T with a plurality of holding members, and holds the tray T so as to prevent the tray T from being displaced.

The controller 10 calculates the amount of the stretched film Fm fed by the film transport mechanism 5 according to the tray. More specifically, the control unit 10 calls out a tray size, a tray material, and the like stored in the tray master file 14a from a tray number input from the keyboard 16, and calculates a feeding amount of the stretch film Fm.

When the stretch film Fm is fed out from the film transport mechanism 5, the control unit 10 operates the stretch mechanism 9 to stretch the stretch film Fm in the width direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2). Thereby, tension is applied to the stretch film Fm in the width direction, and the stretch film Fm is in a state without wrinkles. Next, the control unit 10 operates the lift mechanism 6 to lift the tray placing and holding mechanism 2 holding the tray T. According to this, the tray T becomes the stretch film F
m is pushed up to hit the slopes 30a to 30d of the sealer 3 (see FIG. 5). In other words, the slope 30 of the sealer 3
a to 30d relatively hit the flange f of the tray T from above the stretch film Fm.

Here, the control unit 10 operates for a predetermined time (one-
(Second to several seconds), the state shown in FIG. 5 is maintained. During this time, heat is transmitted from the slopes 30a to 30d of the sealer 3 to the flange f of the tray T, and the flange f of the tray T and the stretch film Fm are thermally welded. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the contact portion between the slopes 30a to 30d of the sealer 3 when the two are in contact with the tray T.
The tray T is in a state where the opening o is covered with the stretch film Fm. The stretch film Fm is pressed against the flange f of the tray T. Then, the slopes 30a to 30d of the sealer 3 obliquely hit the contact portion between the stretch film Fm and the flange f from above to apply heat. This heat, stretch film Fm and flange f
, The stretch film Fm and the flange f are thermally welded.

At this time, heat and force concentrate on the stretch film Fm at the edge portion of the tray T (here, the outer portion of the top of the flange f on which the slopes 30a to 30d of the sealer 3 are in contact), so that the tray T At the edge of T, the stretch film Fm is melted and separated (see FIG. 7). The control unit 10 holds the state shown in FIG. 5 for a time (predetermined time) during which the stretch film Fm and the flange f are thermally welded, and the stretch film Fm is blown off outside the joint portion by the thermal welding. .

When the sealing of the stretch film Fm on the tray T by the sealer 3 is completed, the tray T is lowered, and then the sealed and wrapped tray T is taken out from the drawn tray mounting and holding mechanism 2 and the next cycle. Move on to At the time of moving to the next cycle, the stretch film Fm partially cut out by heat fusing by the seal packaging of the tray T is wound around the winding shaft 53a. At this time, the rotation of the motor 52c rotates the film supporting roller 52d and the feeding roller 52a, so that at the same time as winding, the feeding of the stretch film Fm for the next cycle (supply of the stretch film Fm below the sealer 3). Done.

Note that the width of the stretch film Fm is set to be at least larger than the width of the tray T when stretched by the stretching mechanism 9.
The continuity of the stretch film Fm is not broken by the seal wrapping of the tray T (pulling out of the stretch film Fm), and the trouble that the film winding unit 53 cannot take up the film does not occur.

<Characteristics of the Packaging Apparatus of the Present Embodiment> (1) In the packaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the slopes 30a to 30d of the sealer 3 are provided on the flange f of the tray T whose opening o is covered with the stretch film Fm. Hit relatively (Figure 5
And FIG. 6). At this time, the flange f of the tray T
Enters the inner space 30 of the sealer 3 and hits the slopes 30 a to 30 d forming the inner space 30 having a substantially quadrangular pyramid shape. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tray T hits the heated sealer 3 obliquely, so that the sealer 3 hits only the flange f of the tray T and covers the stretch film Fm covering the opening o of the tray T. Does not touch. For this reason, it is suppressed that the stretch film Fm covering the opening o is melted or a fine hole is formed in the stretch film Fm.

(2) In the packaging device 1, if the planar shape of the flange f of the tray T is a quadrangle similar to the planar shape of the internal space 30 of the sealer 3, the internal space 30 is substantially a quadrangular pyramid. Therefore, even when the tray size changes, each side of the flange f of the tray T surely hits the slopes 30a to 30d of the sealer 3. In other words, here, if the tray is a rectangular tray that fits into the substantially quadrangular pyramid-shaped internal space 30 of the sealer 3, even when the tray size changes, the sealer 3 reliably hits the flange f, and the entire periphery of the flange f is heat-sealed. (Heat welding).

[Modification of First Embodiment] (A) In the above embodiment, the sealer 3 having the substantially quadrangular pyramid-shaped internal space 30 as shown in FIG. Depending on the type and size of the sealer, a sealer having an internal space of another shape can be prepared.

For example, when the ratio of the width to the length of the tray decreases at a constant rate as the size of the tray increases, a sealer having a quadrangular pyramid-shaped internal space 230 as shown in FIG. Is desirable. (B) In the above embodiment, the sealer 3 corresponding to the rectangular tray is employed, but the present invention is also applicable when a deformed tray such as a circular tray or an elliptical tray is used.

For example, for a circular tray, FIG.
A sealer having an internal space 330 shown in FIG. The internal space 330 has a cone 43 shown in FIG.
0 is a space having a shape from which the top is removed, and an annular slope 33 is formed.
0a and the top surface 330e. The cross-sectional shape when the internal space 330 is cut along an arbitrary horizontal plane is a circle similar to the plane shape of the flange of the circular tray.

(C) In the above embodiment, the planar shape of the internal space 30 of the sealer 3 is rectangular. However, irregular trays such as semicircular trays, planar trapezoidal trays, and star-shaped trays. A corresponding sealer can also be prepared. Although the internal space 30 shown in FIG. 3A has a rectangular planar shape, if the semi-circular shape, trapezoidal shape, star shape, or the like is used, the above-mentioned irregular shaped trays can be sealed regardless of the size.

(D) In the above embodiment, the sealer 3 having the slopes 30a to 30d having a uniform slope as shown in FIG. 3A is employed.
A sealer having a step at d may be used. (E) In the above embodiment, the slopes 30a to 3a of the sealer 3
Although the vicinity of 0d is formed of a metal such as aluminum, it is also possible to use a soft type sealer instead of such a hard type sealer.

For example, an elastic sheet can be selected as a member that contacts the tray and transfers heat. (F) In the above embodiment, the sealer 3 is fixed to the frame 1a, but the sealer 3 is configured to be vertically movable,
It is also conceivable to provide a driving means for moving the sealer 3 up and down. By doing so, it is possible to reliably press the sealer 3 against the tray T while keeping the amount of pushing up of the tray T by the lift mechanism 6 optimal, and to optimize the sealing pressure in addition to the heat. Is also possible.

(G) In FIG. 2 and the like in the above embodiment,
Before the stretching, the width of the stretch film Fm is larger than the width of the tray T. However, even when the width of the stretch film Fm is smaller than the width of the tray T, the stretch film Fm is stretched in the width direction. If the width of the stretch film Fm is larger than the width of the tray T in the state, the continuity of the stretch film Fm is not interrupted even by welding to the tray T, and the conveyance to the film winding unit 53 is not hindered. Absent.

Also, from the viewpoint of resource saving, a stretch film Fm (film roll R) having a small width is positively used, and the pre-stretch amount (stretch amount) is small when the tray T is small, and the pre-stretch amount is small when the tray T is large. The amount of stretching can be greatly controlled. In this case, there is also a secondary effect that one kind of narrow stretch film Fm can handle from a small tray T to a large tray T.

[Second Embodiment] <Structure of Apparatus> In the first embodiment, the sealer 3 having no drive unit is employed. However, the present embodiment is designed so that the tray shape can be accommodated in addition to the tray size. Then Sealer 3
, A sealer 103 is employed.

The sealer 103 is, as shown in FIG.
A heater 131 and a first heater heated by the heater 131
To the fourth heating unit (divided pieces) 132 to 135 and the first to fourth heating units
It is composed of electric ball screws 136 to 139.
The first to fourth heating units 132 to 135 can be arranged in a plane as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. The first to fourth electric ball screws 136 to 139 actuate the rectangular tray in the longitudinal direction or Move in the width direction. The first and second heating units 132 and 133 are moved in the vertical direction in FIGS. 11A, 12A and 13 by the operation of the first and second electric ball screws 136 and 137. The third and fourth heating units 134 and 135 are actuated by the third and fourth electric ball screws 138 and 139, as shown in FIG.
It moves in the left-right direction of FIG. 12 (a) and FIG.

Further, the first to the first trays corresponding to the rising trays
As shown in FIGS. 11B and 12B, the lower surfaces of the fourth heating units 132 to 135 have slopes 132a to 135a.
(Only the slopes 134a and 135a are shown). <Operation Control of Apparatus> Here, the control unit 10 controls the first to fourth electric ball screws 136 to 139, and adjusts the first to fourth electric ball screws according to the shape and size of the flange f of the tray.
The heating units 132 to 135 are moved. Specifically, the flange f of the tray is the slope 1 of the first to fourth heating units 132 to 135.
Control is performed so as to press against 32a to 135a.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, it is possible to correspond to both trays T1 and T2 having similar shapes and different sizes, or to have different planar shapes as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. It is also possible to support both trays T1 and T3. The control unit 10 calls the tray size and tray shape stored in the tray master file 14a from the tray number and the like input from the keyboard 16 and calls the first to fourth electric ball screws 136 to 1
39 is performed.

[Modification of Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, the tray size and tray shape are called from the input tray number. However, the tray image processing result obtained by the imaging means such as a CCD camera is used. Each information in the tray master file 14a is called from the recognized tray shape, and the width of the tray is scanned by a sensor to detect the tray width and to detect the depth of the tray when the tray is loaded. Tray master file 14
Each information in a can be called.

In this case, the tray detecting means such as a CCD camera and a sensor can be arranged, for example, obliquely above the tray mounting and holding mechanism 2 which is drawn out to a position shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

[0061]

According to the present invention, the seal portion (sealer) has an internal space based on a pyramid or a cone.
Since the configuration is such that the peripheral part of the tray opening touches the inner wall surrounding the internal space, if the shape of the peripheral part of the tray opening is similar to the plane shape of the internal space, the tray size will change. Also, the seal portion is reliably brought into contact with the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray to perform sealing.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, since the seal portion is composed of a plurality of divided pieces and the divided pieces move according to the shape of the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray, even if the tray size or tray shape changes. In the case of a flat rectangular tray, it is possible to cope with a difference in trays by moving the divided pieces without interrupting the packaging process and performing setup change or the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the packaging device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a shape of an internal space of the sealer.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the packaging device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of the packaging device.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a tray flange when the sealer is in contact with the tray.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the flange of the tray when the film is thermally welded.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a shape of an internal space of a sealer in a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a shape of an internal space of another sealer in a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of a packaging device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows first to fourth sealers according to the second embodiment.
FIG.

FIG. 12 shows first to fourth sealers according to the second embodiment.
The other arrangement drawing of a heating part.

FIG. 13 shows first to fourth sealers according to the second embodiment.
The other arrangement drawing of a heating part.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Packaging apparatus 3 Sealer (seal part) 5 Film transport mechanism 6 Lift mechanism 10 Control part 30 Inner space of sealer 30a-30d Slope (inner wall surface) 31 Heater (heating means) 103 Sealer (seal part) 131 Heater (heating means) 132-135 First-fourth heating part (divided piece) T Tray f Flange (part around tray opening) o Opening Fm Stretch film

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Norio Kawanishi Inventor No. 959 Shimogaku, Ritto-cho, Kurita-gun, Shiga Prefecture F-term in Ishida Shiga Office (reference) 3E049 AA01 AB03 BA04 DB02 EB03 EC02 FA07 3E094 AA04 CA12 CA15 CA17 DA02 FA13 GA04 GA11 HA03 HA08 HA10 HA11

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A top-seal type packaging apparatus for covering a tray with an open top with a film in a state in which an object to be packaged is accommodated in the tray, and welding the film to a portion around the opening of the tray. And a sealing portion formed by opening the inner space downward, and pressing an inner wall surface of the inner surface against the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray from above the film, and heating means for heating the sealing portion. Top seal type packaging equipment. 2. The top seal type packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the internal space of the seal portion has a pyramid shape or a shape in which a top of the pyramid is removed. 3. The top seal type packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the inner space of the seal portion has a conical shape or a shape in which a top of the cone is removed. 4. A film transport mechanism for transporting a stretch film above the tray, a film transport mechanism for transporting the stretch film above the tray, a portion surrounding the opening of the tray while raising the tray and pushing up the stretch film by the tray. The top seal type packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a lift mechanism that presses the seal against an inner wall surface of the seal portion. 5. The inner wall surface is a slope.
The packaging device according to any one of the above. 6. A top seal type packaging apparatus for covering an opening with a film in a state in which an article to be packaged is accommodated in the tray with an opening at an upper portion, and welding the film to a portion around the opening of the tray. A sealing portion comprising a plurality of movable divided pieces, which contacts the periphery of the opening of the tray from above the film; heating means for heating the sealing portion; and the sealing portion surrounding the opening of the tray. And a control unit that moves according to the shape of the top seal type packaging device. 7. A film conveying mechanism for conveying a stretch film above the tray, wherein the divided piece has an inclined surface that is in contact with a peripheral portion of an opening of the tray, the film is a stretch film, 7. The top seal type packaging device according to claim 6, further comprising: a lift mechanism for raising the stretch film by the tray and pushing the peripheral portion of the opening of the tray against the slope of the divided piece.