JP2002002604A - Filling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make the position of a preformed crease in a package material and the position of an actual crease coincide. SOLUTION: The filling machine includes a package-material tubing means for curving a web of package material 11 into a tube 41. The machine also includes a guide roller situated further upstream than the package-material tubing means to guide the package material 11. The machine additionally includes a crease detection means for detecting a crease in the package material 11, and an overlap detection means for detecting an overlap. The filling machine further includes a centering means for moving one end of the guide roller based on the detection result of the crease detection means and the detection result of the overlap detection means. Thus, the position of the preformed crease in the package material 11 and the actual crease position are made to coincide.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a filling machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a filling machine for producing a packaging container filled with liquid foods such as milk and soft drinks, a web-like packaging material is continuously formed into a tube while being conveyed. The liquid food is filled in the packaging material.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional filling machine.

In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a packaging material,
1 is set on the filling machine in the state of the reel 12, is fed by a feeding machine (not shown), and is conveyed in the filling machine in a web-like shape.

[0005] Subsequently, the web-like packaging material 11 is gradually curved while being guided by a not-shown forming ring or the like, is formed into a tube shape, and is vertically sealed by a vertical sealing device (not shown) to form a packaging tube. Become. And, while the packaging material tube is transported downward,
The liquid food is supplied from above through the filling pipe 13 and filled in the packaging tube. Next, the packaging material tube is sandwiched from both sides by a horizontal sealing device (not shown), and is sealed in the horizontal direction at predetermined intervals to form a prototype container 14 having a pillow (pillow) shape, a bag shape, or the like. .

Subsequently, a cutting device (not shown) separates the prototype container 14 by cutting the sealing portion extending in the lateral direction of the packaging material tube, that is, the horizontal sealing portion S1. Then, the packaging container 15 is completed by a molding device (not shown) molding each prototype container 14 into a predetermined shape along a fold formed in advance.

However, since the cross section of the packaging tube has a substantially circular shape, it is difficult to position the packaging tube while transporting the packaging tube. Therefore, when the packaging material tube is rotated in the directions of arrows A1 and A2 by receiving a force from the forming ring, for example, the sealing portion extending in the vertical direction, that is, the overlapping portion S
2 deviates from a predetermined position. Then, while the overlap portion S2 is shifted from the predetermined position, the prototype container 14
Is molded into a predetermined shape to complete the packaging container 15,
The positions of the folds formed in advance on the packaging material 11 do not match the actual fold positions, and the appearance of the packaging container 15 deteriorates.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a prototype container formed in a state where the overlap portion is placed at a predetermined position. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a prototype container formed in a state where the overlap portion is displaced from a predetermined position. FIG.

In the figure, 14 is a prototype container, 14a, 1
4b is an ear piece, S1 is a horizontal seal part, S2 is an overlap part, and m1 and m2 are folds formed in advance on the packaging material 11 (FIG. 2) to bend the ear pieces 14a and 14b. As shown in FIG. 3, when the prototype container 14 is formed in a state where the overlap portion S2 is placed at a predetermined position, the folds m1 and m2 are both placed on one line, so that the folds m1 and m2 are placed on a single line. The ear piece 14 along m2
a and 14b can be bent.

However, when the prototype container 14 is formed with the overlap portion S2 shifted from a predetermined position, as shown in FIG. 4, the folds m1 and m2 are not placed on one line. Therefore, the lugs 14a and 14b cannot be bent along the folds m1 and m2, and the lugs 14a and 14b are bent at the folds n1 and n2.

In view of this, a paper guide (not shown) is provided on a transport path (not shown) of the web-shaped packaging material 11, and the paper guide is pressed against the edge of the packaging material 11, so that the packaging material 11 is perpendicular to the transport direction. Is adjusted so that the overlap portion S2 is placed at a predetermined position.

[0012]

However, in the conventional filling machine, since the paper guide needs to be pressed against the edge of the packaging material 11, the edge of the packaging material 11 is damaged.

The wrapping material 11 is formed by cutting a wide base paper (not shown) at a plurality of positions in the vertical direction. If the distance α varies due to a cutting error, for example, the overlapping portion may be formed. Even if the position of S2 is adjusted, the folds m1, m2
Cannot be matched with the actual positions of the folds n1 and n2.

FIG. 5 is a development view of the packaging material, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the packaging material tube.

In the figure, 11 is a packaging material, 11a, 11b
Is an edge of the packaging material 11, m1 and m2 are folds formed in the lateral direction of the packaging material 11, and m11 to m14 are packaging materials 11
Are folds formed in advance in the vertical direction. When there is no cutting error, the width of the packaging material 11 is stable, but when there is a cutting error, the width of the packaging material 11 varies.

As a result, the edge 11a and the fold m11
When the packaging material tube 41 is formed as shown in FIG. 6, the overlap portion S2
Is adjusted, the positions of the folds m1, m2 formed in advance on the packaging material 11 and the actual folds n1 (FIG. 4),
The position of n2 does not match, and the appearance of the packaging container 15 (FIG. 2) is deteriorated.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional filling machine and corrects the predetermined position of the overlap portion so that the position of the fold previously formed on the packaging material and the position of the actual fold can be reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a filling machine which can make the appearance of packaging containers better.

[0018]

For this purpose, in a filling machine according to the present invention, a packaging material tube forming means for forming a packaging material tube by bending a web-like packaging material, and a packaging material in a conveying direction of the packaging material. A guide roller rotatably disposed on the upstream side of the material tube forming means for guiding the packaging material, a fold detection processing means for detecting a fold of the packaging material, and detecting an overlap portion of the packaging material tube. And a centering processing means for moving one end of the guide roller based on the detection result by the fold detection processing means and the detection result by the overlap detection processing means.

In another filling machine of the present invention,
Distance calculation processing means for calculating a distance between the fold and the edge of the packaging material based on the detection result by the fold detection processing means, and a detection result by the overlap portion detection processing means based on the distance. Correction value calculation processing means for calculating a correction value for correction.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a filling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a guide roller supporting mechanism in the embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a packaging material, and 30 denotes a sterile room provided at a predetermined position of the filling machine.
Is set in the filling machine in the state of the reel 12, is fed by a feeding machine (not shown), and is conveyed in the filling machine in a web-like shape. The wrapping material 11 is formed by vertically cutting a wide base paper (not shown) at a plurality of locations, and includes folds m1 (see FIG. 5), m2, and m11.
To m14 are formed in advance.

The packaging material 11 fed out by the feeder is guided by rollers R1 to R5 and supplied to the aseptic chamber 30, and then guided by rollers R6 and R7. After being transported upward in the direction of arrow C and guided by the rollers 32, it is transported diagonally upward and sent to the air knife section 33. Subsequently, the packaging material 11 is transported obliquely upward in the air knife portion 33 in the direction of arrow B, during which hot air discharged from a nozzle (not shown) removes the sterilizing agent and the like attached to the packaging material 11. Is done.

The packaging material 11 discharged from the air knife section 33
Is sent to the first guide roller 34, and after being guided by the first guide roller 34, the arrow D
And is sent to the second guide roller 35.
Then, after being guided by the second guide roller 35, the packaging material 11 is conveyed obliquely upward and sent to the third guide roller 36, where the third guide roller 36
After being guided by the above, it is conveyed downward, is gradually curved while being guided by a forming ring or the like (not shown) as a packaging material tube forming means, is formed into a tube, and is vertically sealed by a vertical sealing device (not shown). Thus, the packaging material tube 41 is obtained.

While the packaging tube 41 is conveyed downward, the liquid food is supplied from above through a filling pipe (not shown) and is filled in the packaging tube 41. The first to third guide rollers 34 to 36
Is provided rotatably on the upstream side of the forming ring in the conveying direction of the packaging material 11.
I will guide you.

Thereafter, the packaging tube 41 is placed in the sterile room 30.
And is sent to a horizontal sealing device (not shown), where it is sandwiched from both sides and sealed in the horizontal direction at predetermined intervals to form a horizontal sealing portion.
Subsequently, in the horizontal seal portion, the packaging material tube 41 is cut by a cutting device (not shown), and the prototype container 14 having a pillow shape, a bag shape, or the like is separated. Then, each prototype container 14 is formed into a predetermined shape along the preformed folds m1, m2, m11 to m14 by a molding device (not shown), and the packaging container 15 (see FIG. 2) is completed.

Since the cross section of the packaging tube 41 has a substantially circular shape, it is difficult to position the packaging tube 41 while the packaging tube 41 is being transported. Therefore, when the packaging material tube 41 rotates, for example, by receiving a force from the forming ring, the overlap portion S2 shifts from a predetermined position. And
When the packaging container 15 is completed by forming the prototype container 14 into a predetermined shape while the overlap portion S2 is displaced from the predetermined position, the fold m
1, the position of m2 and the actual fold n1 (see FIG. 4), n2
Does not match, the appearance of the packaging container 15 deteriorates.

In view of the above, a CCD 23 as a light detecting unit is disposed near the outlet of the packaging tube 41 from the aseptic chamber 30 so as to face the packaging tube 41, and based on a sensor output of the CCD 23, the overlap 23 is provided. Part S2, and based on first detection data as a detection result of the overlap part S2, one end of the first guide roller 34 is moved in the same direction as the direction of conveyance of the packaging material 11 in the air knife part 33. It is moved in the B direction.

That is, the transport surface of the packaging material 11 when the packaging material 11 is transported between the roller 32 and the first guide roller 34 and reaches the first guide roller 34, and the first guide The direction in which one end of the roller 34 is moved (the direction of arrow B) is made parallel.

In this case, while the packaging material 11 is guided by the first guide roller 34, the first guide roller 3
The first guide roller 34 is moved axially on the surface of the first guide roller 34 in accordance with the amount by which one end of the first guide roller 4 has moved. That is, the packaging material 11 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Therefore, since the positions of the edges 11a and 11b (see FIG. 6) of the packaging material 11 that is curved by the forming ring change, the overlap portion S2 can be moved, and the position of the overlap portion S2 is adjusted. The overlap portion S2 can be placed at a predetermined position.

As a result, when the prototype container 14 is formed and the packaging container 15 is completed, the positions of the folds m1, m2 formed in advance on the packaging material 11 and the actual folds n1, n
Since the position 2 coincides with the position 2, the appearance of the packaging container 15 can be improved.

Further, in order to adjust the position of the overlapping portion S2, the paper guide is connected to the edges 11a, 1
Since it is not necessary to press against the edge 1b, the edges 11a and 11b of the packaging material 11 are not damaged.

Further, since the conveying surface of the packaging material 11 sent to the first guide roller 34 and the direction in which one end of the first guide roller 34 is moved are parallelized, the overlapping portion S2 is moved to a predetermined position. , The transport state of the packaging material 11 can be prevented from greatly changing.

In this embodiment, one end of the first guide roller 34 is moved.
By moving one end of the second guide roller 35,
One end of each of the second guide rollers 34 and 35 can be moved. When one end of the second guide roller 35 is moved, the packaging material 11 is transported between the first and second guide rollers 34 and 35, and the second guide roller 3 is moved.
5 is set so that the conveying surface of the packaging material 11 when reaching the position 5 and the direction in which one end of the second guide roller 35 is moved (the direction of arrow D) are parallel.

Next, one end of the first guide roller 34 is moved to move the overlapping portion S2 of the packaging tube 41.
The mechanism for correcting the position will be described.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 41 denotes a packaging tube, and the packaging tube 41 has a step on its outer peripheral surface because both edges are overlapped in the overlap portion S2. Reference numeral 21 denotes a light source, and the light source 21 irradiates light to at least a portion including the overlapping portion S2 of the outer peripheral surface of the packaging tube 41. For this purpose, the light source 21 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the overlapping portion S2 on the tangent line of the packaging material tube 41 at the overlapping portion S2, and at the end face 1 of the overlapping portion S2.
8 and are arranged to face. Reference numeral 22 denotes a lens as a light collecting member disposed at a predetermined position radially outward from the overlap portion S2 on a line connecting the center of the packaging material tube 41 and the end face 18; 22
Collects light generated by the light source 21 and reflected on the outer peripheral surface of the packaging tube 41.

The CCD 23 is provided with a packaging tube 4.
On the line connecting the center of 1 and the end face 18, it is disposed radially outward from the overlap portion S 2 and the lens 22 and on the optical axis of the lens 22, and receives light collected by the lens 22. Generate sensor output. The CC
D23 may be a one-dimensional line sensor or a two-dimensional planar sensor. The lens 22 and the CCD 2
3 constitutes a first imaging means.

In this case, when the light source 21 irradiates the packaging tube 41 with light, of the light reflected on the outer peripheral surface of the packaging tube 41, the intensity of the light reflected on the end face 18 is large and the sensor output of the CCD 23 A peak is formed. Therefore, the overlap portion S2 can be detected based on a point where a peak is formed in the sensor output. In this case, since the light reflected on the end face 18 has a higher intensity than the light reflected on the other part of the packaging tube 41, noise may not be generated in the sensor output due to the design of the exterior of the packaging container 15. Absent.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a first image processing device. The first image processing device 24 includes a CCD driving circuit 26 and a binarizing section 27. The CCD 23 is driven by the CCD driving circuit 26. The sensor output of
The data is sent to a binarization unit 27 via a CCD drive circuit 26, and is binarized in the binarization unit 27. In the present embodiment, a comparator can be used as the binarization unit 27, and the comparator compares a sensor output with a preset reference value to generate an output of 1 or 0. . Then, the output of the binarizing section 27 is sent to the control device 16.

The control device 16 comprises an overlap portion detection processing means 28, a centering processing means 43, a fold detection processing means 128, a distance calculation processing means 129, and a correction value calculation processing means 130. 28 receives the output of the binarization unit 27, detects the overlap unit S2 based on the output, and uses the first detection data as a detection signal as a detection signal on a display device 31 such as a display.
Send to Therefore, the display device 31 displays the position of the overlap portion S2 based on the first detection data.

Further, the first detection data is sent to the centering processing means 43, and the centering processing means 4
3 drives the motor 74 based on the first detection data to move one end of the first guide roller 34.

By the way, the packaging material 11 is formed by vertically cutting a wide base paper (not shown) at a plurality of positions. If the distance α varies due to a cutting error, for example, the overlapping portion may be formed. Even if the position of S2 is adjusted, the folds m1, m2
Cannot be matched with the actual positions of the folds n1 and n2.

Therefore, a predetermined fold m11 of the folds m11 to m14 formed in advance on the packaging material 11 is detected, and the first detection data is corrected based on the position of the fold m11.

For this purpose, a light source 121 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the packaging material 11 and opposed to the packaging material 11, and the light source 121 is provided on at least the fold m 11 on the surface of the packaging material 11. Is irradiated with light to the portion including. Reference numeral 122 denotes a lens serving as a light condensing member disposed so as to face the fold m11.
The light generated by the light source 121 and reflected on the surface of the packaging material 11 is collected.

Reference numeral 123 denotes a CCD.
23 faces the packaging material 11 between the rollers R3 and R4,
Also, disposed on the optical axis of the lens 122,
Receiving the light collected by 22 generates a sensor output. The CCD 123 may be a one-dimensional line sensor or a two-dimensional planar sensor. The lens 122 and the CCD 123 constitute a second imaging unit.

Reference numeral 124 denotes a second image processing device. The second image processing device 124
6 and a binarizing section 127, and the CCD driving circuit 12
6, the CCD 123 is driven, and the sensor output of the CCD 123 is supplied to the binarizing unit 1 through the CCD driving circuit 126.
27, and is binarized by the binarization unit 127. In the present embodiment, a comparator can be used as the binarizing unit 127, and the comparator compares the sensor output with a preset reference value and generates an output of 1 or 0. . The output of the binarizing section 127 is sent to the control device 16.

The fold detection processing means 1 of the control device 16
Upon receiving the output of the binarizing unit 127, the 28 detects the fold m11 based on the output, and sends the second detection data as the detection result of the fold m11 to the distance calculation processing unit 129 as a detection signal. The distance calculation processing means 129 determines the edge 1 of the packaging material 11 based on the second detection data.
The distance α between 1a and the fold m11 is calculated, and the distance α is sent to the correction value calculation processing means 130. The correction value calculation processing means 130 calculates a correction value based on the distance α, and sends the correction value to the centering processing means 43.

The centering processing means 43 corrects the first detection data based on the correction value,
, The motor 74 is driven based on the detected data, and one end of the first guide roller 34 is moved. Therefore, even if the distance α varies due to the cutting error, the overlapping portion S2 is adjusted based on the corrected first detection data so that the overlapping portion S2 is placed at a predetermined position. The positions of the folds m1 and m2 formed in advance and the positions of the actual folds n1 and n2 can be matched.

When the position of the overlap portion S2 is adjusted by correcting the first detection data based on the correction value, the actual position of the overlap portion S2 slightly rotates in the directions of arrows A1 and A2. However, the portion of the overlapping portion S2 where the packaging material 11 is sealed in the vertical direction does not change significantly. Therefore, the sealing performance at the overlapping portion S2 does not decrease.

In this embodiment, the first detection data is corrected based on the second detection data. However, the position of the overlap portion S2 is adjusted based on only the first detection data. And a mode in which the first detection data is corrected based on the second detection data and the position of the overlap portion S2 is adjusted based on the corrected first detection data.

That is, it is possible to adjust the overlap portion S2 on the basis of the edge based on the first detection data or to adjust the overlap portion S2 on the basis of the crease based on the corrected first detection data. it can. Note that a mode selection switch (not shown) may be provided to select a mode.

In this case, in a filling machine where formability is important, it is necessary to keep the positions of the folds m11 to m14 on the packaging material 11 constant. It is necessary to keep the position of S2 constant. Therefore, in a filling machine in which the formability is important, the overlap portion S2 is adjusted on the basis of the crease, and in a filling machine in which the sealing property is important, the overlap portion S2 is adjusted on the basis of the edge.

In the present embodiment, the overlap portion S2 is detected based on the sensor output of the CCD 23, and the fold m11 is detected based on the sensor output of the CCD 123, so that the CCDs 23 and 123 are separated from each other. Although it is arranged at a position, a variation in the distance α based on such a difference in position is ignored. That is, the fluctuation cycle of the distance α is extremely large as compared with the distance between the CCDs 23 and 123 in the transport direction of the packaging material 11 and the packaging material tube 41.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be variously modified based on the gist of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0055]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in a filling machine, a packaging material tube forming means for forming a packaging material tube by bending a web-like packaging material; A guide roller rotatably disposed on the upstream side of the packaging material tube forming means in the transport direction and guiding the packaging material, fold detection processing means for detecting a fold of the packaging material, and an overwrap of the packaging material tube. Overlapping portion detection processing means for detecting a lap portion, and a centering processing means for moving one end of the guide roller based on a detection result by the fold detection processing means and a detection result by the overlap portion detection processing means. Have.

In this case, the fold of the packaging material is detected by the fold detection processing means, the overlap portion of the packaging material tube is detected by the overlap portion detection processing means, and the detection result by the fold detection processing means and the detection of the overlap portion are performed. One end of the guide roller is moved based on the detection result by the processing means.

Therefore, since the position of the edge of the packaging material changes, the overlapping portion can be moved, the position of the overlapping portion can be adjusted, and the overlapping portion can be placed at a predetermined position.

Even if the distance varies due to the cutting error, the overlap is adjusted so that the overlap portion is located at a predetermined position based on the detection result by the fold detection processing means. The position of the fold formed in advance and the position of the actual fold can be matched. Therefore, the appearance of the packaging container can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a filling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional filling machine.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a prototype container formed in a state where an overlap portion is placed at a predetermined position.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a prototype container formed in a state where an overlap portion is shifted from a predetermined position.

FIG. 5 is a development view of a packaging material.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a packaging tube.

FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a guide roller support mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 packaging material 11a edge 28 overlapping portion detection processing means 34, 35 first and second guide rollers 41 packaging material tube 43 centering processing means 128 fold detection processing means 129 distance calculation processing means 130 correction value calculation processing means m11 fold S2 Overlap section α distance

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A packaging material tube forming means for forming a packaging material tube by curving a web-like packaging material, and (b) an upstream side of the packaging material tube forming means in the conveying direction of the packaging material. A guide roller rotatably disposed to guide the packaging material, (c) a fold detection processing means for detecting a fold of the packaging material, and (d) an overlap for detecting an overlap portion of the packaging material tube. A filling machine comprising: a part detection processing means; and (e) a centering processing means for moving one end of the guide roller based on a detection result by the fold detection processing means and a detection result by the overlap part detection processing means. 2. (a) distance calculation processing means for calculating a distance between the fold and an edge of the packaging material based on a detection result by the fold detection processing means; and (b) based on the distance. 2. The filling machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a correction value calculation processing unit configured to calculate a correction value for correcting a detection result by the overlap portion detection processing unit. 3.