JP2018008744A - Cooperative system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a novel cooperative method for performing high quality printing on a belt-like film, even with a printer not allowing conveyance of the belt-like film during printing, and a cooperative system capable of implementing the method.SOLUTION: Provided is a cooperative method for a banding packaging machine that winds a belt-like film around the outer periphery of a product, and for a printer that keeps printing prescribed items with a print head on the belt-like film conveyed by the banding packaging machine. The printer communicates a distance of the print head from a prescribed stop position until arriving at the next printing area to the banding packaging machine in advance, whereas the banding packaging machine monitors a conveyance amount from conveyance start of the stopped belt-like film in order to communicate a printing possible signal to the printer when the conveyance amount attains the distance. The printer keeps printing the prescribed items on the belt-like film during conveyance, on the basis of the printing possible signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a system including a printer that prints a predetermined matter on a belt-like film, and a belt-wrapping machine that wraps the printed belt-like film around a tray with a lid.

  A tray with a lid for storing lunch boxes, side dishes, etc. may have a belt-like film wound around its outer periphery. The apparatus used at that time is called a band wrapping machine, which automatically wraps and wraps a band-shaped film around the outer periphery of a product. Such devices have been developed by many manufacturers. Among them, a printer described in Patent Document 1 described below is known as a printer that incorporates a printer into a belt wrapping machine and prints the product name, price, etc. on the belt-like film. It has been.

  In the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, when printing, the feed roller of the belt wrapping machine is separated from the belt-like film, and instead the printing is performed while the platen roller of the printer conveys the belt-like film. When printing is completed, the platen roller separates from the belt-like film, and instead, the feed roller again transports the belt-like film. In Patent Document 1, printing position information is registered in advance, and when printing is performed, predetermined items are printed at predetermined positions on the belt-like film based on the printing position information. Therefore, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is considered that the print quality for the belt-like film is kept constant.

  However, with a device that combines a printer from a different manufacturer and a belt wrapping machine, the feed roller of the belt wrapping machine prints the belt so that it follows the transport while transporting the belt-like film. There is a problem that the quality cannot be kept constant. This is because the printer itself cannot control the conveyance of the belt-like film during printing. This is also because the belt wrapping machine changes the transport speed according to the set length of the belt-like film.

  As described above, the following Patent Document 2 teaches a certain solution to the problem in the case where the printer must follow the belt-shaped film being conveyed. In Patent Document 2, a rotary encoder is brought into contact with a film whose speed changes, and the film transport speed is detected, and the output from the print head is controlled in synchronization with the detected transport speed. According to this configuration, the print timing can be synchronized with the film whose speed changes, so that the print quality can be improved to some extent.

Japanese Patent No. 4600026 Japanese Patent No. 3720410

  However, since Patent Document 2 does not mention control of the print position, there is a problem that it cannot be used as it is. In particular, when printing the product name, price, etc. on the strip film, the print position is set at a position where there is no hindrance to see the contents of the package. Control is an important point.

  The present invention addresses this problem, and implements a new interlocking method and method capable of performing high-quality printing on a strip film even if the printer cannot transport the strip film during printing. It is an object to provide an interlocking system that can be used.

The interlocking method according to the present invention includes interlocking with a belt-wrapping machine that wraps a belt-shaped film around the outer periphery of a product and a printer that prints a predetermined item with a print head on the belt-shaped film conveyed by the belt-wrapping machine. A method,
The printer transmits the distance from the predetermined stop position to the next print area to the belt wrapping machine,
The belt wrapping machine monitors the transport amount from the start of transport of the stopped belt-like film, and when the transport amount reaches the distance, transmits a printable signal to the printer,
The printer prints a predetermined item on the belt-like film being conveyed based on the printable signal.

  FIG. 1 is a model diagram for explaining the solution principle of the present invention. In this figure, a registration mark M preprinted at a constant interval L is given to the belt-like film 1. The belt wrapping machine stops after transporting the belt-like film 1 in the arrow direction F by a constant interval L. Therefore, here, the intermittent feeding at a constant interval L is referred to as one pitch.

  The belt wrapping machine repeats this intermittent feeding, and the printer prints predetermined items in a predetermined printing area while the belt-like film 1 is being conveyed. In this case, the fixed interval L and the print area in the interval are set and registered in the printer as a format. When the printing by the printer is finished, the banding packaging machine immediately stops the band-like film. The stop position of the belt-like film at this time is set to a position immediately after the print head H exits the print area R1 in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the leading edge of the print head H indicated by the solid line is the print line 2, and the areas printed by the print line 2 are designated as print areas R 1 and R 2, and these areas are surrounded by a one-dot chain line. Accordingly, the distance from the position of the print line 2 to the next print area R2 when the belt-like film 1 is stopped is L1 in FIG.

The printer includes a feed length L for one pitch of the belt-shaped film 1, a feed length L2 from the position where the registration mark M is detected to the next print region R1, and a feed of each print region R1, R2. The length L3 is set and registered as a format. Also, the feed length L4 to be overrun after printing is set and registered as a default. The printer obtains the distance L5 in FIG. 1 using these pieces of information, and adds the distance L2 to the distance L5 to obtain the distance L1. The printer transmits the obtained distance L1 to the banding and packaging machine, and the timing is obtained and transmitted to the banding and packaging machine every time the format in one pitch including the printing area changes.
In some printers, the print head is configured to be movable up and down, and during printing, the print head is lowered to perform printing while pressing a belt-like film. When this type of printer is used, the printing start time is delayed by the time required for the print head to move down. Therefore, the carry amount of the delay time is subtracted from the distance L1 and transmitted to the belt wrapping machine. Thereby, even if the print head descends after receiving the print enable signal, it is possible to start writing from the first line of the predetermined print area.

When the belt-wrapping machine starts transporting the stopped strip-shaped film 1, the belt-wrapping machine 1 monitors the transport amount of the strip-shaped film 1 from that point, and when the transport amount reaches the above-mentioned distance L1, The printable signal is transmitted to the printer. The printer prints predetermined items on the belt-like film 1 with the signal. By this interlocking, even a printer that cannot control the conveyance of the belt-like film being printed can print predetermined items in a predetermined printing area.
The overrun by the distance L4 after the print line 2 has left the print area is that the registration mark detection position (described later) and the position of the sensor for detecting it are stopped when the belt-like film is stopped at a predetermined position. When approaching, the detection operation may become uneasy, so the distance L4 is appropriately set within a range of 0 to 10 mm, for example, in anticipation of safety.

  By the way, it is desirable that the conveyance speed of the belt-like film 1 is constant while the printer is printing. However, the belt wrapping machine may change the conveyance speed of the belt-shaped film 1 based on the set operation capability (number of times / minute) and the feed length L for one pitch of the belt-shaped film required. Therefore, if the conveyance speed during printing is changed accordingly, it becomes difficult for the printer to cope. Therefore, while the printer is not printing, that is, the feeding amount from the start of the feeding of the belt-shaped film to the start of printing is taken as long as possible, during that time, the change of the feeding speed by the belt-wrapping packaging machine is freely permitted. However, immediately before the next printing area R2 of the belt-like film 1 reaches the printing line 2, it is determined in advance with the belt-wrapping machine so that the changed transport speed is returned to a constant printable speed. By doing so, the printer can always print at a constant speed, so that the print quality can be kept constant. In addition, since the wrapping packaging machine can take a large amount of speed change in the time zone in which the speed change is allowed, it can satisfy the user's required specifications.

Therefore, the second interlocking method according to the present invention further includes a sensor for detecting a registration mark attached to the belt-like film in addition to the first interlocking method described above.
The printer transmits a feed amount from a registration mark detection position by the sensor to a stop position immediately after the print head exits the print area to the wrapping packaging machine,
The belt wrapping machine monitors the transport amount of the belt-shaped film from the time when the sensor detects the registration mark, and stops transporting the belt-shaped film when the transport amount reaches the feed amount. And

  FIG. 2 is a model diagram for explaining the solution principle of the second interlocking method. In FIG. 2, the sensor S for detecting the registration mark M is installed at an appropriate position on the transport path of the belt-like film 1. Therefore, the transport distance L6 from the registration mark detection position of the sensor S to the print head H of the printer can be obtained from the arrangement position, and the distance L6 is set and registered as a fixed value in the printer. ing.

  In order to make the distance from the start of conveyance to the next print area as long as possible, the strip film 1 is stopped immediately after the print line 2 of the print head H exits the print area R1, as shown in FIG. If the transport of the belt-like film 1 is resumed from that position, the transport distance until the print line 2 reaches the next print region R2 can be maximized. Therefore, in order to stop the belt-like film 1 at the position shown in FIG. 1 immediately after the print line 2 exits the print region R1, the print head H is moved from the time when the sensor S detects the registration mark M0 based on the positional relationship shown in FIG. A feed amount L7 up to a position immediately after exiting the print area R1 is obtained. The feed amount L7 is obtained by subtracting the distance L6 registered as a fixed value from the addition value of the feed length L for one pitch of the belt-like film 1 and the feed amounts L2, L3, and L4. Can do.

  The feed amount L7 thus determined is transmitted in advance to the banding packaging machine. When the belt-wrapping machine starts transporting the belt-like film 1, the belt-wrapping machine monitors the transport amount until the print line 2 reaches the next print area. At the same time, the transport amount of the belt-like film 1 is monitored from the time when the sensor S detects the registration mark M, and the transport of the belt-like film 1 is stopped when the transport amount reaches the feed amount L7. As a result, the belt-like film 1 stops at a position immediately after the print head H exits the print area R1, and the next one-pitch feed is resumed from that position. Therefore, for the belt-wrapping machine, the feed amount until the start of the next printing is the longest, so that the transport speed of the belt-like film 1 can be freely changed during that time.

  Since the stop position of the belt-like film 1 is controlled by the feed amount from when the registration mark M is detected after the transport of the belt-like film 1 is started, even if the feed amount of the belt-like film varies somewhat due to the speed change. When the belt-like film is stopped, the variation up to that time is corrected so that the next feeding amount L1 is not affected.

  When the distance L7 from the registration mark detection to the film stop is short, the operation becomes unstable. When a plurality of films having different registration mark intervals are used by switching, there may be a situation in which registration marks have to be arranged in a positional relationship where L7 becomes shorter. In order to solve this problem, a method of arranging a plurality of registration mark sensors can be considered, but it is difficult for the user to select which sensor to use. Therefore, the third interlocking method according to the present invention makes it possible to set the minimum possible distance of the sensor distance L7 in addition to the second interlocking method. When the minimum possible distance is reached, a mechanism for automatically switching to use the other sensor is provided. The user may be notified at the switching timing. It is possible to avoid a complicated operation in which the user selects a plurality of sensors, and usability is improved.

Even in the above-described interlocking method, it is expected that the interlocking timing will be slightly shifted when the speed change amount of the belt-like film is large.
Therefore, in the fourth interlocking method according to the present invention, in addition to the second interlocking method, the printer further transmits a signal indicating that printing is being performed to the strapping packaging machine, and the strapping packaging machine If the signal is in the ON state when the monitored transport amount reaches the above-mentioned feed amount L7, stop as an error, or delay the stop of the belt-like film until the signal becomes OFF. It is characterized by.
Thereby, an unexpected situation can be avoided.

The following configuration can be adopted as an interlocking system for carrying out the above interlocking method.
That is, a first interlocking system according to the present invention includes a belt wrapping machine that wraps a belt-like film around the outer periphery of a product, and a printer that prints a predetermined matter with a print head on the belt-like film conveyed by the belt-wrapping machine. A system comprising
The printer transmits a first storage unit that stores a distance from a predetermined stop position to the next printing area, and transmits the stored distance to the banding and packaging machine, and also allows printing from the banding and packaging machine. A first transmission unit that receives a signal; and a control unit that causes the print head to print a predetermined item when the printable signal is received.
On the other hand, the belt wrapping machine has a second storage unit that stores the distance transmitted from the printer, and monitors the transport amount from the start of transport of the strip film, and the monitored transport amount is the second storage unit. A monitoring unit that determines whether or not the distance stored has been reached, and a second transmission unit that transmits the printable signal to the printer based on the determination that the distance from the monitoring unit has been reached. It is characterized by having.

  Here, the predetermined stop position is a position immediately after the print head H shown in FIG. 1 exits the print region R1. Since this position is set and registered for each product or for each belt-like film having a different format, the distance L1 from the stop position of the print head H in FIG. 1 to the next print area R2 is determined based on this stop position. Is stored in the first storage unit. Alternatively, the obtained distance L1 is stored in the first storage unit for each product.

  The first transmission unit is a communication unit with a banding packaging machine provided on the printer side, and the second transmission unit is a communication unit with a printer provided on the banding packaging machine side. The printer and the wrapping packaging machine are linked with each other through these communication means. Specifically, the transport amount L1 and the feed amount L7 transmitted before the start of operation are transmitted via a serial communication standard such as RS-232C, for example, and the printable signal during operation is a signal line for controlling peripheral devices. In this case, whether or not printing is possible is transmitted via a signal line connected between the belt wrapping machine and the printer.

  Therefore, when the printer transmits the distance L1 to the belt wrapping machine, the belt wrapping machine stores it in the second storage unit. When the belt-wrapping machine starts transporting the belt-shaped film stopped at a predetermined position, the transport amount is monitored from that point, and when the transport amount reaches the stored distance L1, the printable signal is sent to the printer. To communicate. The printer prints a predetermined item on the belt-like film being conveyed according to the signal.

In addition to the first system described above, the second interlocking system according to the present invention further includes a sensor for detecting a registration mark attached to the belt-like film,
The first storage unit stores a feed amount from a registration mark detection position by the sensor to a stop position immediately after the print head exits the print region, and the first transmission unit stores the stored feed amount. Communicate to hanging wrapping machine.
On the other hand, the second storage unit of the belt wrapping machine stores the transmitted feed amount, and the monitoring unit monitors the transport amount of the belt-shaped film from the time when the registration mark is detected by the sensor. The belt-like film is stopped when the feed amount reaches the feed amount.

  As a result, the belt-like film is stopped with the feed amount L7 from the time when the registration mark M is detected. Therefore, even if the feed amount of the belt-like film varies slightly due to the speed change, The variation is corrected so that the next feeding amount L1 is not affected.

  Further, in the third interlocking system according to the present invention, in addition to the second system, the first transmission unit further transmits a signal indicating that printing is being performed to the banding and packaging machine, The monitoring unit of the packaging machine stops as an error when the signal is in the ON state when the monitored transport amount reaches the above-described feed amount L7. Alternatively, the stoppage of the belt-like film is delayed until the signal is turned off. Thereby, an unexpected situation can be avoided.

  According to the present invention, even if the printer cannot control the conveyance of the belt-shaped film during printing, the distance from the stop position of the belt-shaped film to the next printing area is transmitted in advance from the printer to the belt-wrapping machine. The belt wrapping machine monitors the transport amount from the start of transporting the belt-shaped film, and when the transport amount reaches the distance, transmits a printable signal to the printer. It is possible to print a predetermined item in a predetermined print area simply by printing on. In addition, since the belt-like film is stopped with the feed amount from the registration mark detection position to the predetermined stop position, even if the feed amount up to that time varies slightly, the belt-like film always stops at the correct position. Can be made. Therefore, even when printing is repeated, the printer can always print predetermined items in a predetermined printing area.

The model figure for demonstrating the solution principle of the 1st interlocking | linkage method which concerns on this invention. The model figure for demonstrating the solution principle of the 2nd interlocking | linkage method which concerns on this invention. The block diagram of one Embodiment of the interlocking | linkage system which concerns on this invention. The functional block diagram of the said embodiment. 5 is an operation flowchart of the printer according to the embodiment. The operation | movement flowchart of the banding packaging machine which concerns on the said embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an interlocking system according to the present invention and an interlocking method thereof will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment shown below does not limit the technical scope of this invention.

  In FIG. 3, an interlocking system 100 according to an embodiment includes a belt-wrapping machine 10 that wraps the belt-shaped film 1 around the outer periphery of a product P, and a belt-like film 1 that is conveyed by the belt-wrapping packaging machine 10 with a print head H. Thus, the printer 20 is provided with a printer 20 for printing predetermined items.

<Configuration of wrapping packaging machine>
The band wrapping machine 10 is an apparatus that wraps a band-shaped film around a product P such as a tray with a lid in which food or the like is stored, and then joins the film to tie the band.

  The band wrapping machine 10 includes a commodity transport unit 3, an upper and lower film supply unit 4, a band unit 5 and a control unit 6 (see FIG. 4). Not connected to the heater conveyor.

  The product transport unit 3 includes a preceding introduction conveyor 31, an intermediate conveyor 32 that follows the introduction conveyor 31, and a discharge conveyor 33 that discharges the banded product P <b> 1. The introduction conveyor 31 is a conveyor that sequentially carries the products P arranged on an upstream conveyor (not shown) into the banding and packaging machine 10. The intermediate conveyor 32 is a conveyor that carries the subsequent product P into the banding unit 5 while maintaining a predetermined distance from the preceding product P1. The discharge conveyor 33 is a conveyor for carrying the banded product P1 to the downstream heater conveyor. These conveyors 31 to 33 are constituted by belt conveyors wider than the width of the product P.

  The film supply unit 4 is a device that supplies the belt-like film 1 to the belt-hanging unit 5, and is arranged separately in the upper and lower stages of the product transport unit 3. 1 are joined and connected together. Therefore, the film connected up and down is supplied to the carry-in port of the banding unit 5 so as to prevent the product P from proceeding.

  The upper film supply unit 4 includes a film roll 41, a supply unit 42 that supplies the belt-shaped film 1 fed out from the film roll 41 to the printer 20, and a dancer roller unit 43 that temporarily stores the printed belt-shaped film 1. I have. The dancer roller unit 43 includes a drive roller 44 that feeds the belt-shaped film 1 from the film roll 41 and a drive roller 45 that supplies the printed belt-shaped film 1 stored in the dancer roller unit 43 to the belt unit 5. An encoder is attached to these drive rollers 44 and 45, and the transport amount of the belt-like film 1 is detected by counting the output pulses. The upstream drive roller 44 is driven when the belt-like film 1 stored in the dancer roller unit 43 is small, and the downstream drive roller 45 is driven when the product P is wrapped and wrapped. ing. A sensor S for detecting a registration mark M is provided at the entrance of the dancer roller unit 43, and the feeding of the belt-like film 1 is controlled to stop based on the detection signal of the sensor S. Further, a registration mark sensor S0 is also provided at the exit of the dancer roller unit 43 so that the printed belt-like film 1 is supplied to the banding unit 5 by one pitch based on the detection signal of the sensor S0. It has become.

  The belt-like film 1 used here is a transparent film that can be heat-sealed, on which registration marks M (see FIG. 1) are printed at regular intervals L. A plurality of types of intervals L of the registration marks M are prepared according to the length when the product P is wound.

  The lower film supply unit 4 includes a film roll 47 around which a belt-shaped film 1 a is wound, and a feeding unit 48 that feeds the film 1 a from the film roll 47 and feeds it to the banding unit 5. The feeding unit 48 includes a driving roller 49 that feeds the film 1a and holds it at a constant tension.

  In the lower film supply unit 4, a shrink film 1 a capable of heat sealing and winding the product P is used. The shrink film is not marked with a registration mark, and is fed out as much as necessary. Therefore, when this shrink film 1a is used, a heater conveyor for shrinking the film 1a is connected to the downstream side.

  The banding unit 5 pushes the film 1, 1a connected up and down with the product P while entering, and then squeezes the film 1, 1a along the outer periphery of the product P with the upper and lower rollers 51, and then heats up and down. The films 1 and 1a are bonded together at the seal portion 52. Therefore, these rollers 51 and the heat seal portion 52 are configured to approach and separate in the vertical direction. Moreover, the films 1 and 1a bonded together by the heat seal part 52 are cut | disconnected with the knife which is not shown in figure, and the goods P1 are cut off from the films 1 and 1a joined up and down. Therefore, when the packaged product P1 is discharged from the banding unit 5, the upper and lower films 1 and 1a stay at the carry-in port of the banding unit 5 while being joined to each other.

  These units 3 to 5 are controlled by the monitoring unit 64 of the control unit 6 shown in FIG. The monitoring unit 64 is configured by a computer, and an operation panel 61 for operating the banding and packaging machine 10 and a sensor 62 for detecting a registration mark M are connected thereto. Further, it is connected to the printer 20 via the second transmission unit 65 so as to be communicable.

<Printer configuration>
The printer 20 is detachably attached to the belt wrapping machine 10. The printer 20 is a thermal transfer type thermal printer, and includes a print head H, a drive unit 21 for bringing the print head H into contact with and separating from the belt-like film 1, and an ink ribbon 22 between the print head H and the belt-like film 1. A ribbon supply unit 23 that supplies and conveys them in between, a platen roller 24 that faces the print head H, and a rotary encoder 25 are provided.

  The print head H is a thermal print head that energizes the heating element to transfer the ink on the ink ribbon 22 to the belt-like film 1. The drive unit 21 floats the print head H from the belt-like film 1 to be conveyed during non-printing, and presses the print head H against the belt-like film 1 when a printable signal is transmitted from the belt-wrapping packaging machine 10. . At the same time, the ribbon supply unit 23 is driven, and the ink ribbon 22 is conveyed at the same speed as the belt-like film 1.

  The platen roller 24 is a free roller that rotates freely. Further, the rotary encoder 25 is in contact with the belt-like film 1 during operation and detects the conveyance speed and the presence / absence of a stop.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of the interlocking system of FIG. In this figure, the printer 20 includes a first storage unit 26, a first transmission unit 27, and a touch panel 29 in addition to the print head H, the drive unit 21, and the rotary encoder 25, which are connected to the control unit 28. ing.

  The control unit 28 is constituted by a microcomputer, and in addition to the printing operation as the printer 20, by executing a stored program, the feeding length L for one pitch of the belt-like film 1 and the registration mark M are detected. A distance L5 in FIG. 1 is used by using the feed length L2 from the position to the next print area R1, the feed length L3 of each print area R1, R2, and the feed length L4 to be overrun after printing is completed. 1 is added to the distance L5 to obtain the distance L1 in FIG. 1 from the predetermined stop position to the next print area. Further, the control unit 28 obtains the feed amount L7 from the time when the sensor S detects the registration mark M0 to the position immediately after the print head H exits the print area R1. The distance L1 and the feed amount L7 thus determined are transmitted to the banding packaging machine 10 via the first transmission unit 27.

The first storage unit 26 stores a format between adjacent registration marks M for each product or for each band-shaped film to be used. That is, the feed length L for one pitch of the belt-like film 1 shown in FIG. 1, the feed length L2 from the detection line of the registration mark M to the next print area R1, and the feed of each print area R1, R2. The length L3 is stored as a format, and the feed length L4 to be overrun after printing is stored as a default.
The first storage unit 26 stores product information such as the product name, raw material, expiration date, price, barcode information, etc. of the product P for each product. When printing, the information is stored in the first storage unit 26. Are output to the print head H.

  The 1st transmission part 27 is comprised by the signal means for controlling the communication means provided with communication standards, such as RS-232C, and a peripheral device. The distance L1 and the feed amount L7 are transmitted to the banding and packaging machine 10 by serial communication, and a printable signal transmitted from the banding and packaging machine 10 to the printer 20 is transmitted via a signal line. This signal line indicates, for example, that printing can be performed on the printer 20 by switching the voltage between high and low, and the transmission delay can be ignored compared to serial communication. In addition, a signal indicating that printing is in progress is transmitted from the printer 20 to the banding packaging machine 10 using another signal line.

  From the touch panel 29, product information and print information stored in the first storage unit 26, and format information of the belt-like film 1 are input. In addition, when the band-shaped film 1 attached to the band-wrapping machine 10 is specified using the touch panel 29, information on the specified band-shaped film 1 is transmitted to the band-wrapping machine 10 via the first transmission unit 27. Thereby, the information regarding the same strip | belt-shaped film 1 is shared by both the printer 20 and the banding packaging machine 10. FIG.

  On the other hand, the control unit 6 of the banding packaging machine 10 includes a second storage unit 63, a monitoring unit 64, and a second transmission unit 65 in addition to the above-described units 3 to 5, the operation panel 61, and the sensor 62. It has been. In FIG. 4, output pulses from the encoders attached to the drive rollers 44 and 45 (the amount of the belt-shaped film transported) are omitted here because they are included in the film supply unit 4.

  In the second storage unit 63, the packaging conditions for each belt-like film of different types and sizes (for example, the conveyance distance L between one pitch, the seal temperature, the operation speed, etc.) and the above-described distance L1 transmitted from the printer 20 are stored. The feed amount L7 is stored.

The monitoring unit 64 is configured by a computer and controls the units 3 to 5 and also executes the stored program to monitor the transport amount from the start of transporting the belt-like film 1. It is determined whether or not the distance L1 is reached. If it is determined that the distance L1 has been reached, a printable signal is transmitted to the printer 20 via the second transmission unit 65.
The monitoring unit 64 monitors the transport amount of the strip film 1 from the time when the registration mark is detected by the sensor S, and stops the strip film 1 when the monitored transport amount reaches the above-described feed amount L7.
Further, when the monitored transport amount reaches the aforementioned feed amount L7, the monitoring unit 64 stops as an error if the printing signal transmitted from the printer 20 is ON. Alternatively, control for delaying the stop of the belt-like film 1 is performed until the signal indicating that printing is in an OFF state. Here, when the distance L7 from the registration mark detection to the film stop is short, the operation becomes unstable. When a plurality of films having different registration mark intervals are used by switching, the registration marks must be arranged in a positional relationship that shortens L7. Therefore, a plurality of registration mark sensors are arranged and the distance between the L7 sensors is changed. The minimum possible distance can be set. When the minimum possible distance is reached, a mechanism for automatically switching to use the other sensor is provided.

  Similarly to the first transmission unit 27, the second transmission unit 65 includes communication means having a communication standard such as RS-232C and signal lines for controlling peripheral devices. From the printer to the printer, a printable signal is transmitted via a signal line.

<Operation of interlocking system>
Next, the interlocking between the wrapping packaging machine 10 and the printer 20 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
When the belt-like film machine 1 is loaded with the belt-like film 1, the upper and lower films 1, 1 a are preliminarily fed and the upper and lower films 1, 1 a are joined at the carry-in entrance of the belt-hanging unit 5. Therefore, in the following description, these films 1 and 1a are demonstrated as having already been joined up and down.

  FIG. 5 shows the basic operation of the printer 20, and FIG. 6 shows the basic operation of the banding packaging machine 10. In these figures, the type of the belt-like film 1 to be used and the number of sheets to be issued are input from the touch panel 29 of the printer 20. Then, the control unit 28 of the printer 20 reads the corresponding format information from the first storage unit 26 and transmits the type of the belt-like film 1 and the number of sheets to be issued to the banding and packaging machine 10 via the first transmission unit 27. (Step S1).

  In FIG. 6, the banding packaging machine 10 sets packaging conditions for each of the units 3 to 5 based on the transmitted information (step S10). Of course, it is also possible to input the number of issued sheets from the operation panel 61 of the banding and packaging machine 10. In this case, the set number of issued sheets is transmitted from the banding and packaging machine 10 to the printer 20.

  Returning to FIG. 5, subsequently, the control unit 28 obtains the distance L1 and the feed amount L7 described above based on the format information read from the first storage unit 26, and transmits them to the banding packaging machine 10 (step S2). ).

  The belt wrapping machine 10 that has received it stores the distance L1 and the feed amount L7 in the second storage unit 63, and subsequently, in step S11 of FIG. 6, the dancer roller unit 43 is full of the printed film. Check whether or not. Immediately after the operation, it is not full, so the transport of the belt-like film 1 is started in step S12 and the process proceeds to step S16. At this time, the lower film 1a remains stopped.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the control unit 28 of the printer 20 next confirms whether or not the designated number of issued sheets has been printed (step S <b> 3), and if not, based on the output of the rotary encoder 25. Then, it is checked whether or not the belt-like film 1 is being conveyed (step S4). If it is not conveyed, the process returns to step S3. If it is conveyed, it is checked in step S5 whether a printable signal is transmitted. If not, the process returns to step S3 and the above processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the monitoring unit 64 of the wrapping packaging machine 10 proceeds to step S16 in FIG. 6, it counts the transport amount of the belt-like film 1 that has started to move, and then whether the count value reaches the stored distance L1 It is checked whether or not (step S17). If it has reached, a printable signal is immediately transmitted to the printer 20 (step S18).

  On the other hand, the control unit 28 of the printer 20 checks the printable signal while repeating the processing of steps S3 to S5 in FIG. 5, and if the printable signal is confirmed, prints on the strip film 1 in the next step S6. To start.

  On the other hand, after transmitting the printable signal, the belt-shaped packaging machine 10 repeatedly checks whether or not the registration mark M has been detected from the belt-shaped film 1 being conveyed (step S19), and if the registration mark M is detected. While counting the feed amount of the belt-like film 1 (step S20), it is repeatedly checked whether or not the count value has reached the stored feed amount L7 (step S21). If the feed amount L7 is reached, the conveyance of the belt-like film 1 is stopped at that time (step S22), and then it is confirmed whether printing for the designated number of sheets has been completed (step S23). Immediately after the start of operation, printing for the designated number of pages has not been completed, and the process returns to step S11 again.

  When such a process is repeated and the printed film is full on the dancer roller section 43, the belt-like film 1 is stopped and waited at step S13. Then, when the product P transported by the product transport unit 3 is detected by a sensor (not shown), the transport of the stopped films 1 and 1a and banding packaging are executed (step S15).

  When the belt-like film 1 is transported thereby, the monitoring unit 64 proceeds to step S16 again and counts the transport amount of the belt-like film 1. By executing such processing, the wrapping and printing operation and the printing operation are repeated, and when the number of times of printing reaches a predetermined number, the series of operations of the printer 20 ends. Further, the wrapping and packaging machine 10 repeats the wrapping and wrapping operation until the printed strip-shaped film 1 stored in the dancer roller unit 43 disappears.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Other structures are employable. For example, in the above embodiment, the belt-shaped film transport speed of the belt-shaped film can be freely changed from when the belt-shaped packaging machine 10 starts to transport the belt-shaped film until the printable signal is transmitted to the printer 20. Depending on the set operation speed and film length, there may be a case where the printable speed cannot be restored before the printable signal is transmitted to the printer 20. In such a case, based on the distance L1 sent from the printer 20, the banding packaging machine 10 can confirm whether it can return the transport speed changed to the printable speed in advance, and cannot return it. In such a case, it is possible to adopt a mode in which an alarm is issued to prompt the user to change the set value.

  Also, in the banding packaging machine, obtain the distance from the start of the conveyance of the belt-shaped film to stop it in advance, determine in advance whether the printed area will be shifted by the calculated distance, and if it is shifted, alarm It is also possible to adopt a mode in which the user is alerted to call attention.

P Product 1 Band-shaped film 10 Band-wrapping machine 20 Printer R1 Print area L1 Distance H Print head M Registration mark S Sensor L7 Feed amount 26 First storage section 27 First transmission section 28 Control section 63 Second storage section 64 Monitoring section 65 Second transmission unit 100 interlocking system

Claims (7)

It is an interlocking method with a belt wrapping machine that wraps a belt-shaped film around the outer periphery of a product, and a printer that prints a predetermined matter with a print head on the belt-shaped film conveyed by the belt wrapping machine,
The printer transmits the distance from the predetermined stop position to the next print area to the belt wrapping machine,
The band wrapping machine monitors the conveyance amount from the start of conveyance of the stopped belt-like film, and transmits a printable signal to the printer when the conveyance amount reaches the distance,
The interlocking method, wherein the printer prints a predetermined item on the belt-like film being conveyed based on the printable signal. The interlocking method according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting a registration mark attached to the belt-like film,
The printer transmits a feed amount from a registration mark detection position by the sensor to a stop position immediately after the print head has left the print area to the banding packaging machine,
The belt wrapping machine monitors the transport amount of the belt-shaped film from the time when the sensor detects the registration mark, and stops transporting the belt-shaped film when the transport amount reaches the feed amount. A featured interlocking method.   3. The interlocking method according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of sensors, wherein the sensors used for the type of film are stored in association with each other, and a suitable sensor among the sensors is selected according to the type of film. An interlocking method characterized by selecting. In addition to the interlocking method according to claim 2 or 3, the printer further transmits a signal indicating that printing is being performed to the belt wrapping machine,
If the signal is in the ON state when the monitored transport amount reaches the feed amount, the banding wrapping machine stops as an error, or stops the band-like film until the signal is in the OFF state. The interlocking method characterized by delaying. A system comprising a belt wrapping machine for wrapping a belt-like film around the outer periphery of a product, and a printer for printing a predetermined matter with a print head on the belt-like film conveyed by the belt wrapping machine,
The printer transmits a first storage unit that stores a distance from a predetermined stop position to the next printing area, and transmits the stored distance to the banding and packaging machine, and also allows printing from the banding and packaging machine. A first transmission unit that receives a signal, and a control unit that causes the print head to print a predetermined matter upon receipt of the printable signal,
The belt wrapping machine monitors the transport amount from the start of transport of the belt-like film, and stores the monitored transport amount in the second storage unit. A monitoring unit that determines whether or not the distance has been reached, and a second transmission unit that transmits the printable signal to the printer based on the determination that the distance from the monitoring unit has been reached. Interlocking system characterized by In addition to the interlocking system according to claim 5, further comprising a sensor for detecting a registration mark attached to the belt-like film,
The first storage unit stores a feed amount from a registration mark detection position by the sensor to a stop position immediately after the print head exits the print area, and the first transmission unit stores the stored feed amount in the To the wrapping machine,
The second storage unit of the banding packaging machine stores the transmitted feed amount, and the monitoring unit monitors the transport amount of the strip film from the registration mark detection time by the sensor. An interlocking system characterized in that the belt-like film is stopped when the feeding amount is reached.   6. The interlocking system according to claim 5, wherein the first transmission unit transmits a signal indicating that printing is being performed to the banding packaging machine, and the monitoring unit of the banding packaging machine has a monitored conveyance amount. If the signal is in the ON state when the feed amount is reached, the interlocking system is stopped as an error, or the stop of the belt-like film is delayed until the signal is in the OFF state.