JP2023117081A - Packaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

To package a commodity product by automatically conveying the commodity product placed on a weighing part to a packaging part even when weight of the commodity product is less than minimum weight necessary for printing.SOLUTION: A packaging device 100 comprises: a weighing part 21; a packaging mechanism 30; and a control part 82, and packages a commodity product with a film. The weighing part 21 weighs the commodity product. The packaging mechanism 30 performs packaging by folding a peripheral part of the film into a bottom surface of the commodity product after covering the commodity product with the film. The control part 82 causes the packaging part to package a weighed commodity product when the calculation result is equal to or greater than the first weight in a first mode in which weighing by the weighing part 21 and packaging of the weighed commodity product by the packaging part 30 are performed. The control part 82 causes the packaging mechanism 30 to package a price-fixed commodity product when the calculation result is equal to or greater than the second weight in a second mode in which weighing by the weighing part 21 and packaging of the price-fixed commodity product by the packaging mechanism 30 are performed. The second weight is smaller than the first weight.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to packaging equipment.

Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-156410), there has been known a packaging device that wraps the product by covering the upper side of the product with a film and folding the film into the lower surface side of the product. It is In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the product is weighed, and when the weight value is stabilized, the conveying unit is started to convey the product loaded on the weighing unit to the packaging unit, and at the same time the weight value is output to the printing unit. there is

As in the packaging apparatus of Patent Literature 1 described above, it is preferable that the conveying unit that conveys the product to the packaging unit automatically starts conveying.

However, if the weight of the product is less than the minimum weight that can be printed, the transfer by the transfer section cannot be started. Therefore, by loading the weight on the weighing unit, the transportation by the transportation unit is forcibly started.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to automatically convey a product placed on a weighing unit to a packaging unit for packaging even if the weight of the product is less than the minimum weight required for printing.

A packaging device according to a first aspect is a packaging device for packaging products with a film, and includes a weighing section, a packaging section, and a control section. The weighing unit weighs the products. The packaging unit covers the product with a film and then folds the peripheral portion of the film into the bottom surface of the product to package the product. In the first mode, the control unit performs weighing by the weighing unit and packaging by the packaging unit for a first product whose price is calculated based on the weighing result of the weighing unit. The control unit causes the packaging unit to package the first product when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the first weight in the first mode. In the second mode, the control unit performs weighing by the weighing unit and packaging by the packaging unit for a second product whose price is constant regardless of the weighing result of the weighing unit. In the second mode, the control section causes the packing section to pack the second product when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight. The second weight is less than the first weight.

In the packaging device according to the first aspect, even if the weight of the product is less than the first weight, the product placed on the weighing unit can be packaged by the packaging unit if the weight is equal to or greater than the second weight.

The packaging apparatus of the second aspect is the packaging apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the first weight is the minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy grade of the weighing unit.

In the packaging device according to the second aspect, even if the weighing result of the product is less than the minimum measurement amount, the product placed on the weighing unit can be packaged by the packaging unit if the weight is equal to or greater than the second weight.

The packaging apparatus of the third aspect is the packaging apparatus of the first aspect, and the second weight is a preset constant value.

The packaging device of the third aspect can package the product placed on the weighing unit in the packaging unit using a predetermined constant value even when packaging a fixed-price product whose weight is less than the minimum measurement amount. This constant value is a value that allows the weighing unit itself to recognize that the product is loaded on the weighing unit, even if the product is light in weight.

A packaging device according to a fourth aspect is the packaging device according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, and further includes a conveying section. The conveying section conveys the products from the weighing section to the packaging section. In the first mode, the control section causes the weighing section to start conveying the first product loaded when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the first weight. In the second mode, the control section causes the weighing section to start conveying the second product loaded when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight.

In the packaging apparatus of the fourth aspect, even if the weight of the product is less than the first weight, if the weight is equal to or greater than the second weight, the transport unit can start transporting the product placed on the weighing unit. Therefore, it is not necessary to put a weight on the weighing section to start the transport section.

A packaging device according to a fifth aspect is the packaging device according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, and further includes a label printing unit. The label printing unit prints predetermined information on the product on the label.

In the packaging device according to the fifth aspect, the predetermined information about the product is printed on the label even for the first product for which the weight and price are printed, and for the second product for which the weight does not need to be printed. be able to.

The packaging apparatus according to the sixth aspect is the packaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein in the second mode, the control unit outputs predetermined information about the product to the label printing unit when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight. print.

In the packaging device of the sixth aspect, even if the weighing result of the product is less than the first weight, which is the minimum weight required for printing, if the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight, information about the product other than the weighing result is printed on the label. be able to.

A packaging device according to a seventh aspect is the packaging device according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect, further comprising a labeling section. The labeling unit affixes a label to the product covered with the film.

In the packaging apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the label printed by the label printing unit can be attached to the product regardless of whether or not the weighing result of the product is printed.

According to the packaging apparatus of the present invention, even if the weight of the product is less than the minimum weight required for printing, the product placed on the weighing unit can be automatically conveyed to the packaging unit for packaging.

1 is an external view of a packaging device 100 according to this embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a packaging device 100; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a preview screen of weighed products; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a preview screen of a fixed-price product; It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the label of the weighing goods. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a fixed-price product label; It is a flowchart which shows operation|movement of the weighing|weighing part of a packaging apparatus. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a packaging device 200 of Modification A; FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a packaging device 300 of modification B;

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is an external view of a packaging device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the packaging device 100. As shown in FIG. The packaging device 100 wraps a product with a film and issues a label to be affixed to the packaged product. Information about the product and the like are printed on the label. The issued label is attached to the packaged goods by the packaging machine 100 automatically by the labeling machine or by an operator.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging device 100 mainly includes a weighing-in mechanism 20, a packaging mechanism 30, a label issuing unit 60, an operation unit 70, and a control device 80. As shown in FIG. The control device 80 controls the weighing-in mechanism 20, packaging mechanism (packaging section) 30, label issuing unit (label printer) 60, and operation unit 70, as shown in FIG.

The weighing and carrying-in mechanism 20 has a conveying section 22 that conveys the product into the packaging device 100 and a weighing section 21 that measures the weight of the product. The product weighed by the weighing section 21 of the weighing and carrying-in mechanism 20 is conveyed to the packaging mechanism 30 by the conveying section 22 . Goods are, for example, food in trays and containers.

The packaging mechanism 30 wraps the product conveyed from the weighing and carrying-in mechanism 20 with a film. The packaging mechanism 30 mainly has a packaging material holding unit 31 , a folding mechanism 32 and a film sealing portion 33 . The packaging material holding unit 31 holds a film roll. The folding mechanism 32 folds the film fed out from the film roll to the bottom side of the product, wraps the product with the film, and delivers the wrapped product to the film sealing part 33 . The film sealing part 33 heat seals the film folded under the product.

The operation unit 70 mainly has a touch panel 71 and input keys 72 for operating the packaging device 100 . The touch panel 71 is formed integrally with the liquid crystal display. The touch panel 71 displays the operating state of the packaging device 100, information about the products to be packaged by the packaging device 100, and the like. The packaging device 100 operates based on information input by the user of the packaging device 100 using the touch panel 71 and the input keys 72 .

The label issuing unit 60 issues a label to be affixed to the product wrapped with the film by the packaging mechanism 30 .

(2) Weighing-in Mechanism The weighing-in mechanism 20 mainly includes a weighing unit 21 and a transport unit 22 . The products include a quantified product (first product) whose product price is calculated based on the weighing result of the weighing unit 21, and a fixed-price product (second product) whose product price is constant regardless of the weighing result of the weighing unit 21. products) and are included.

(2-1) Weighing Section The weighing section 21 weighs the first product in the first mode, and the second product in the second mode.

In the first mode, the weighing unit 21 weighs the product under the condition that the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than the first weight. The first weight is the minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy grade of the weighing section 21 . The minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy grade of the weighing unit 21 is the minimum weight required for printing on the weighed product. In the first mode, when the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 for the weighed product is the first weight, ie, the minimum measurement amount or more, the information regarding the weighed product can be printed.

Also, the minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy grade of the weighing unit 21 is the minimum weight at which the weight value of the product can be printed on the label. In the first mode, when the weighing result of the weighing section 21 is equal to or greater than the minimum weight of the product to be weighed, the product information printed on the label includes the weight value of the product.

The classification of accuracy grades for scales is specified in the Japanese Industrial Standards. The accuracy grade of the weighing unit 21 of the packaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment corresponds to class 3 in the accuracy grade classification of the Japanese Industrial Standards.

In the Japanese Industrial Standards, the scale interval (e) (verification scale interval) is the difference between the amounts of states of physical phenomena represented by each of the scale marks, excluding adjacent actual scale intervals. The actual scale interval is an indication of an amount smaller than the scale interval (e). The scale interval (e) is, for example, in a digital display, the value of the difference between two consecutive scale readings, expressed in units of mass. When the accuracy grade of the balance is grade 3, the graduation (e) is 0.1g≦e≦2g.

In Japanese Industrial Standards, the number of verification scale intervals (n) is expressed by Equation (1).
Formula 1: n=Max/e
However, n: number of intervals Max: weighing capacity e: interval

When the accuracy grade of the balance is grade 3, the number of scale intervals (n=Max/e) is 100 at the minimum and 10000 at the maximum.

In addition, in the Japanese Industrial Standards, when the accuracy grade of the balance is grade 3, the minimum measurement amount is 20e≦Min. The minimum measurement amount of the measuring unit 21 of the packaging apparatus 100 of this embodiment is "20 g".

In the second mode, the weighing unit 21 weighs the product when the weight of the fixed-price product is equal to or greater than the second weight.

The second weight is a preset constant value in the case of fixed-price products. Therefore, when the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than the second weight, it is possible to print the information on the fixed-price product.

The second weight is less than the first weight. In other words, the second weight is less than the minimum weight for which the weight value of the item can be printed on the label. Therefore, even if the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is less than the minimum weight for the fixed-price product, if the weight is equal to or greater than the second weight, the product-related information that does not include the weight value of the product is printed on the label. However, depending on the specifications, the lower limit weight may be printed on the label.

In this embodiment, the second weight is "10 g". The second weight is not limited to "10 g", and may be any weight smaller than the first weight.

In the second mode, commodities with a high unit price and weighing 20 g or less are weighed as fixed-price commodities. The weighing in this case is not the weighing for calculating the price of the product as in the first mode, but the weighing for starting the conveying unit and carrying the product loaded on the weighing unit 21 into the packaging mechanism 30. be. In other words, in the second mode, the weighing unit 21 determines whether or not the weight of the product is stable. Transport to mechanism 30 . However, when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the first weight, for example, even if the weight exceeds 20 g, if the price to be printed on the label is registered as a fixed price, the product is carried into the packaging mechanism 30 as a fixed-price product. can be

(2-2) Conveying Unit The conveying unit 22 conveys products in the first mode or the second mode.

In the first mode, the transport section 22 transports weighed products from the weighing section 21 to the packaging mechanism 30 . In the first mode, the transport unit 22 starts transporting the weighed product when the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than the first weight. In this embodiment, in the first mode, the transport unit 22 starts transporting the weighed product when the weight of the weighed product is "20 g" or more.

In the second mode, the transport section 22 transports the fixed-price product from the weighing section 21 to the packaging mechanism 30 . In the second mode, the transport unit 22 starts transporting the fixed-price product when the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than the second weight.

The second weight is less than the first weight. In other words, the second weight is less than the minimum weight for which the weight value of the item can be printed on the label. In this embodiment, in the second mode, when the weight of the fixed-price product weighed by the weighing unit 21 is "10 g" or more, a command is given to the transport unit 22 to transport the fixed-price product loaded on the weighing unit 21. to start. Therefore, even if the weight of the product is less than the minimum weight for which the weight value of the product can be printed on the label, the fixed-price product can be automatically conveyed to the packaging mechanism 30 .

(3) Label Issuing Unit The label issuing unit 60 mainly has a label printing section 61 . The label printing unit 61 prints predetermined information about the product on the label in the first mode or the second mode.

In the first mode, the label printing unit 61 prints predetermined information on the product, including the weight and price of the weighed product, on the label. That is, in the present embodiment, in the first mode, the label printing unit 61 prints predetermined information about the product, including the weight and price of the product, on the label when the weight of the product is 20 g or more. do.

In the second mode, the label printing unit 61 prints predetermined information on the product, including the fixed price registered as the fixed price product, on the label. That is, in the second mode, when the weight of the fixed-price product is "10 g" or more, predetermined information about the product is printed on the label. Therefore, even if the weighing result is less than "20 g", which is the minimum weight for which the weight value of the product can be printed on the label, the label printing unit 61 prints the predetermined information regarding the fixed-price product. . The information may not include the results of weighing by the weighing unit 21 .

(4) Control Device As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 80 is connected to the weighing-in mechanism 20, the packaging mechanism 30, the label issuing unit 60, and the operation unit 70, and transmits signals between these components. Send and receive. The control device 80 is mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk drive. A solid state drive may be used instead of the hard disk drive. The control device 80 has a storage section 81 and a control section 82, and the control section 82 has a function of reading and executing a program.

(4-1) Storage Unit The storage unit 81 stores various programs and information necessary for controlling the packaging apparatus 100 . The storage unit 81 also stores information necessary for printing product information on labels. Specifically, the storage unit 81 has a merchandise master storage area 81a, a format information storage area 81b, and a control parameter storage area 81c, which are assigned to each other with call numbers. linked with .

(4-1-1) Product Master Storage Area The product master storage area 81a stores, as basic information on products, for example, basic information on weighing products and basic information on fixed price products.

Basic information about the weighing product may include, for example, call no. , product name, product code, unit price, raw materials, etc. In addition, the basic information about the fixed-price product includes the call number. , including fixed weights and/or fixed amounts of fixed price products. In addition, this basic information includes other information such as bar codes, calories, varieties and storage methods regarding the product.

In this embodiment, product information means basic information and all information associated with the basic information.

(4-1-2) Format Information Storage Area In the format information storage area 81b, information (format information) related to formats referred to when product information is printed on labels is stored. The format information is, for example, information regarding the size of the label, the type of print item, the layout of the print item, and the like.

(4-1-3) Control Parameter Storage Area Control parameters for controlling the packaging mechanism 30 are stored in the control parameter storage area 81c. For example, the timing of film cutting according to the size of the product, the operation timing of folding the film into the product, etc. are stored as control parameters. The wrapping mechanism 30 uses the control parameters to perform a wrapping operation according to the product size.

(4-2) Control Unit The control unit 82 reads various programs stored in the storage unit 81 and executes them. The control section 82 has an interface section 82a.

(4-2-1) Interface Unit The interface unit 82a receives various information input by the user of the packaging apparatus 100 through the operation unit 70. FIG. Various types of information received by the interface unit 82a are, for example, product call numbers. is. Information received by the interface unit 82 a is temporarily stored in the storage unit 81 .

The control unit 82 receives the call No. received by the interface unit 82a. , the control parameters of the corresponding product are read out from the parameter storage area 81c and transmitted to the packaging mechanism 30 of the packaging device 100. FIG. Also, the control unit 82 receives the call No. received by the interface unit 82a. , the product information of the corresponding product and the format information associated with the product information are called. Then, the control unit 82 generates image data to be printed on the label based on the retrieved product information and format information. Further, if the retrieved product information is a weighed product, the control unit 82 calculates the price based on the weight when the measured value of the weighing unit 21 is stabilized, and develops the calculated price and weight into image data. Output to the label printing unit 61 .

If the product is a fixed-price product, the control unit 82 sets the second mode based on the product information that has been called up. Output to the label printing unit 61 .

(4-2-2) Mode Selecting Section The mode selecting section 82b selects the second mode as the fixed price product if fixed price information is included in the called product information. If not, select the first mode.

In the first mode, the control unit 82 causes the weighing unit 21 to weigh and the wrapping mechanism 30 to pack the weighed product.

In the first mode, if the weight acquired by the weighing unit 21 is stable for a predetermined time, the control unit 82 determines that the weighing is stable, and calculates the price based on the stable weighing result (net weight). At the same time, the transportation of the weighed product by the transportation unit 22 is started, and the packaging by the packaging mechanism 30 is performed. In this embodiment, when the net weight is 20 g or more when it is determined that the weighing is stable, the control unit 82 causes the conveying unit 22 to start conveying the weighed product and causes the packing unit 30 to pack the product.

In the second mode, when the control unit 82 determines that the weighing of the fixed-price product by the weighing unit 21 has stabilized, the control unit 82 causes the fixed-price product to be transported to the packaging unit and packaged by the packaging unit 30 .

In the present embodiment, in the second mode, when the weighing result (net weight) when it is determined that the weighing is stable is 10 g or more, the control unit 82 causes the transport unit 22 to start transporting the fixed-price product, and the packaging mechanism. 30 packaging.

(5) Preview Screen A preview screen is displayed on the touch panel 71 of the operation unit 70 . The preview screen is a screen regarding product information to be printed on the label. The preview screen is generated based on the product label printing information retrieved from the product master storage area 81a for the product to be processed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen of weighed products. The preview screen of the weighed product is called Call No. , product name, net weight, price, unit price, date of processing, and expiration date. In this embodiment, a case where the weighed commodity is "tomatoes" will be described.

Call no. is a call number for reading product information from the product master storage area 81a. In FIG. "2" written in the lower column of is the calling number of the product "tomato".

The product name is the name of the product. In FIG. 3, "tomato" is displayed.

The net weight is the net weight of the product obtained by subtracting the tare weight from the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 . In FIG. 3, "419 g" is the net weight.

The unit price is the price per 100 g of the product. In FIG. 3, "198 yen" is the unit price.

The price is calculated from the called unit price and the net weight obtained by taring. In FIG. 3, "829 yen" is the price.

The processing date is the date when the label was issued, which is read from the internal clock. In FIG. 3, "January 7, 2022" is the processing date.

The expiry date is the expiry date of the product obtained by adding the consumption days retrieved from the product master storage area 81a to the processing date. In FIG. 3, "January 8, 2022" is the expiration date.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a preview screen of a fixed-price product. The preview screen of the fixed-price product can be displayed by calling No. , product name, fixed weight, fixed amount, processing date, and expiration date information. In this embodiment, a case where the fixed-price product is "perilla" will be described. The fixed-price product is not limited to "perilla", but may be tree buds (young leaves of Japanese pepper), hawk's claws, and the like. For example, perilla, tree buds, and hawk's claws are all placed in a transparent tray and packed with a film, and the content is 20 g or less, but may exceed 20 g.

Call no. is described as "1" in FIG.

The product name is displayed as "perilla" in FIG.

The fixed weight is not necessary for perilla and the like, but it is a column for displaying the lower limit weight when the upper limit weight and lower limit weight of the content amount are set, even for a fixed price product, for example. Therefore, if no weight is printed on the label, the constant weight field will be blank.

The fixed price is the price of the product registered in advance. The fixed amount is constant regardless of the weight of the goods. In FIG. 4, "98 yen" is displayed.

The processing date is displayed as "January 7, 2022" in FIG. 4, and the expiry date is displayed as "January 8, 2022" in FIG.

(6) Label FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a label for weighed products.

In the example of FIG. 5, call no. "2" as the product name, "tomato" as the product name, "419 g" as the net amount, "198 yen" as the unit price, "829 yen" as the price, "January 7, 2022" as the processing date, and as the expiration date, "January 8, 2022" is described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a label for a fixed-price product.

In the example of FIG. 6, the label of the fixed-price product has a call number. "1" as the product name, "Ooba" as the product name, "98 yen" as the fixed amount, "January 7, 2022" as the processing date, and "January 8, 2022" as the expiration date. As shown in FIG. 6, the weight of the product weighed by the weighing unit 21 is not printed on the label of the fixed-price product.

(7) Operation of Packaging Apparatus FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the weighing section 21 of the packaging apparatus 100 . In FIG. 7, a case where the target product is a fixed-price product, “Perilla” will be described as an example.

In step S<b>11 , the user of the packaging apparatus 100 calls the call number via the operation unit 70 . Enter In step S11, the input key 72 is used to select the call number. or by displaying a list of products on the touch panel 71 and designating the name of the product from the list. In this embodiment, the user can enter the call number. Select a product by entering For example, in this embodiment, the user inputs "1" as the "call No.". Then, the process proceeds to the next step S12.

In the next step S12, the control unit 82 retrieves the call No. selected in step S11 from the product master storage area 81a of the storage unit 81. Read out the product information corresponding to the product in . In the present embodiment, the control unit 82 reads from the storage unit 81 the product information whose “call No.” is “1”. Specifically, it reads out "perilla" as the "product name" and "98 yen" as the "flat amount". Also, from the internal clock, the date (processing date) "January 7, 2022" at the time of printing is read out, and the number of consumption days registered in the product master is added to the date to obtain the expiration date, for example, "2022". January 8” is calculated. When such basic print information is obtained, the information excluding undetermined weight, price, etc. is developed into image data, and then the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the user of the packaging apparatus 100 selects the call number selected in step S11. are placed on the weighing unit 21 . The weighing unit 21 measures the weight of the product placed on the weighing unit 21 . In this embodiment, the "perilla" is stored in a tray and placed on the weighing section 21, so the weighing section 21 outputs the weight of the entire "perilla" including the tray as a weight value. After that, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S<b>14 , the control unit 82 receives the weighing value output by the weighing unit 21 . The control unit 82 subtracts the tare weight of the tray or the like from the input weight value to obtain the net weight of the "perilla". After that, the process proceeds to step S15.

At step S15, the control unit 82 selects the call No. selected at step S11. It is determined whether or not the product is a weighted product based on whether or not the product information read out in step S12 includes fixed price information. If the product information read out in step S12 does not include fixed price information, and the call No. selected in step S11 is selected, is a weighed product (Yes in step S15), the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, the product information read out in step S12 includes fixed price information, and the call No. selected in step S11. is a fixed-price product (No in step S15), the process proceeds to step S17.

At step S16, the control unit 82 determines whether or not the calculated net weight (hereinafter referred to as weight) is 20 g or more. If the net weight is 20 g or more (Yes in step S16), the process proceeds to step S18, and if it is less than 20 g (No in step S16), the process returns to step S14. The reason for returning to step S14 is to wait for the product to be added to the tray because the weight is insufficient.

In the present embodiment, since the product read in step S12 is the fixed-price product "perilla" (No in step S15), the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S17, the control unit 82 determines whether or not the net weight of the fixed-price product determined by the tare subtraction is 10 g or more. If the net weight of the fixed-price product is 10 g or more (Yes in step S17), the process proceeds to step S19, and if it is not 10 g or more (No in step S17), the process returns to step S14.

In step S17, when it is determined that the net weight of the fixed-price product "Shiba" is 10 g or more (Yes in step S17), the process proceeds to step S19.

In step S18, the control unit 82 integrates the net weight of the weighed product and the unit price to calculate the price of the weighed product. The price calculated in step S18 and the net weight at that time are developed into image data as print information. After that, the process proceeds to step S19.

In step S19, when the weight of the product loaded on the weighing unit 21 stabilizes for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 82 determines that the weighing is stable and causes the transport unit 22 to start transporting the product. As a result, the products loaded on the weighing unit 21 are transported by the transport unit 22 to the packaging mechanism 30, where they are packaged (not shown).

Similarly, in the case of the fixed-price product “perilla”, the “perilla” is conveyed to the packaging mechanism 30 when the weight value of the weighing unit 21 is stabilized. The “perilla” transported to the packaging mechanism 30 by the transporting unit 22 is packaged by the packaging mechanism 30 .

In step S20, in the case of a weighed product (Yes in step S15), the control unit 82 adds the weight determined by stable weighing and the calculated price to the image data, and prints the completed image data to the label printing unit 61. (printer). In the case of a fixed-price product (No in step S15), the image data including the fixed-price is output to the label printing unit 61. FIG. As a result, the fixed amount information not including the weight is printed on the label of the fixed amount product.

The label printing unit 61 prints on a label based on the image data output from the control unit 82 in step S20 (not shown). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. "1" is printed as the product name, "Oba" as the product name, "98 yen" as the fixed amount, "January 7, 2022" as the processing date, and "January 8, 2022" as the expiration date. weight is not printed.

(8) Features (8-1)
The packaging apparatus 100 of the above-described embodiment is a packaging apparatus 100 that packages products with film, and includes a weighing section 21 , a packaging mechanism 30 , and a control section 82 . The weighing unit 21 weighs the products. The wrapping mechanism 30 wraps the merchandise by covering the merchandise with a film and then folding the peripheral portion of the film into the bottom surface of the merchandise. In the first mode, the control unit 82 performs weighing by the weighing unit 21 and packaging by the packaging mechanism 30 of the weighed product. In the first mode, the control unit 82 causes the packing mechanism 30 to pack the weighed product when the weight result is equal to or greater than the first weight. In the second mode, the control unit 82 performs the weighing by the weighing unit 21 and the packaging by the packaging mechanism 30 of the fixed-price product. In the second mode, the control unit 82 causes the packing mechanism 30 to pack the fixed-price product when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight. The second weight is less than the first weight.

Conventionally, when the minimum weight required for printing is "20 g", for example, in a packaging apparatus, it has been impossible to automatically convey a product weighing less than "20 g" from the weighing section to the packaging section.

On the other hand, recently, there are cases where products with high unit prices are packaged with a weight less than the minimum weight "20 g" required for printing, and sold as fixed-price products. For example, perilla leaves (perilla leaves) may be packaged and sold as a fixed-price product. Until now, if the weight of the product is less than the minimum weight required for printing, the weighing unit determines that the product is insufficient, and automatically conveys the product loaded on the weighing unit to the packaging unit. I couldn't. For this reason, until now, weights have been placed on the weighing unit to forcibly convey even light fixed-price products loaded on the weighing unit to the packaging unit.

In the packaging device 100, the controller 82 automatically conveys the product loaded on the weighing unit to the packaging mechanism 30 when the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than the second weight in the second mode. Since the packaging mechanism 30 is caused to pack the fixed-price product, even if the measurement result of the fixed-price product is less than the first weight "20 g", if the second weight is "10 g" or more, it is placed on the weighing unit 21. Fixed-price products can be transported and packaged by the packaging unit.

With this packaging device 100, even fixed-price commodities weighing less than 20 g can be automatically packaged, and the packaging can be done more efficiently than manual packaging, so that the workability of the user and the neatness of the packaging can be improved. is possible. In addition, it is possible to reduce the labor of the user when producing high-priced products in small quantities.

(8-2)
In the packaging device 100 of the above embodiment, the first weight is the minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy grade of the weighing section 21 .

In this packaging apparatus 100, the first weight is the minimum measurement quantity determined by the accuracy grade of the weighing unit 21. Therefore, when packaging the weighed product whose price is calculated based on the weighing result, the condition for packaging the weighed product is , the minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy grade of the weighing unit 21 can be used. In this packaging apparatus 100, an appropriate minimum measurement amount of the weighing unit 21 can be used according to the accuracy grade of the scale defined by Japanese Industrial Standards.

(8-3)
In the packaging apparatus 100 of the above embodiment, the second weight is a preset constant value smaller than the first weight.

In the packaging apparatus 100, the second weight is a preset constant value, so when packaging a fixed-price product with a small weight, the preset constant value can be used as a condition for packaging the fixed-price product. can.

Some fixed-price products weigh more than 20 g, but the packing apparatus 100 can handle light products weighing less than 20 g, such as perilla, tree buds, and hawk's claws, in the same way as fixed-price products weighing more than 20 g. work can proceed. Therefore, the second weight is preset to a value smaller than the first weight. As a result, if it is a fixed-price product, it can be automatically wrapped regardless of which product it is.

(8-4)
The packaging device 100 of the above-described embodiment further includes a conveying section 22 . The transport section 22 automatically transports the products from the weighing section 21 to the packaging section 30 . In the first mode, the control unit 82 causes the transport unit 22 to start transporting the weighed product when the weighing result of the weighing unit is equal to or greater than the first weight. In the second mode, the control unit 82 causes the transport unit 22 to start transporting the fixed-price product when the weighing result of the weighing unit is equal to or greater than the second weight.

Conventionally, when the weight of the product is less than the minimum weight required for printing, the transport by the transport unit cannot be started. Therefore, for fixed-price products with less than the minimum weight, a weight separate from the product is placed on the weighing unit to forcibly start transportation by the transport unit.

In the packaging apparatus 100, the control unit 82 causes the conveying unit 22 to start conveying the fixed-price product when the weighing result of the weighing unit is equal to or greater than the second weight in the second mode. Even if the result is less than the first weight, if the weight is equal to or greater than the second weight, the transportation of the transportation section 22 can be automatically started.

(8-5)
The packaging device 100 of the above embodiment further includes a label printing unit 61 . The label printing unit 61 prints predetermined information about the product on the label.

Since the packaging apparatus 100 further includes a label printing unit 61, it is possible to print predetermined information on the product on the label regardless of whether the weighing result of the product is the minimum weight required for printing. can.

(8-6)
In the packaging apparatus 100 of the above-described embodiment, in the second mode, the controller 82 can print predetermined information about the product on the label even if the weighing result of the weighing unit is less than the first weight.

In other words, when packaging fixed-price products, even if the weighing result of the product is less than the first weight, which is the minimum weight required for printing, if it is greater than or equal to the second weight, information related to the product other than the weight value of the product is required. Labels can be printed.

(9) Modifications Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

(9-1) Modification A
In the embodiment described above, the packaging device 100 includes the label issuing unit 60 . However, the packaging apparatus may be configured without the label issuing unit 60 .

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a packaging device 200 of Modification A. As shown in FIG. Except for the configuration without the label issuing unit 60, the configuration is the same as that of FIG. 2, so detailed description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the packaging device 200 of Modification A does not include the label issuing unit 60 . The packaging device 200 causes the packaging mechanism 30 to package the fixed-price product when the controller 82 is in the second mode and the weighing result of the weighing unit 21 is equal to or greater than the second weight.

In the packaging apparatus 200 of Modification A, as in the case where the label issuing unit 60 is provided, even if the weighing result of the fixed-price product is less than the first weight, if the weight is equal to or greater than the second weight, the fixed-price placed on the weighing unit 21 is weighed. Goods can be packaged. Thereby, the packaging device 200 can automatically package lightweight fixed-price products.

(9-2) Modification B
In the embodiment described above, the user of the packaging device 100 affixes the label issued by the packaging device 100 to the product packaged by the packaging device 100 . However, the packaging device may be provided with a labeling station.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of packaging device 300 of modification B. As shown in FIG. Since the configuration other than the label issuing unit 60a is the same as that of FIG. 2, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The label issuing unit 60 a has a label printing section 61 and a label pasting section 62 . A label attaching unit 62 receives the label issued by the label printing unit 61 and attaches it to the product covered with the film.

In the packaging apparatus 300 of Modification B, the label printed by the label printing unit 61 can be attached to the product regardless of whether the weighing result of the product is the minimum weight required for printing.

(9-3) Modification C
In the above embodiment, the case where the packaging mechanism 30 wraps the flat-price product "Oba" with film using a tray has been described. You may make it

Reference Signs List 100, 200, 300 packaging device 20 weighing and conveying mechanism 21 weighing unit 22 conveying unit 30 packaging mechanism (packaging unit)
60, 60a Label printing unit 61 Label printing unit 62 Labeling unit 70 Operation unit 80 Control device 81 Storage unit 82 Control unit

JP 2019-156410 A

Claims (7)

A packaging device for packaging a product with a film,
a weighing unit for weighing the product;
a packaging unit that covers the product with the film and then folds the peripheral edge of the film into the bottom surface of the product for packaging;
a control unit;
with
The control unit
In a first mode in which a first product whose price is calculated based on the weighing result of the weighing unit is weighed by the weighing unit and packaged by the packaging unit, the weighing result is equal to or greater than a first weight. sometimes causing the packaging unit to package the first product,
In a second mode in which a second product whose price is constant regardless of the weighing result of the weighing unit is weighed by the weighing unit and packaged by the packaging unit, the weighing result is equal to or greater than a second weight. sometimes causing the packaging unit to package the second product,
the second weight is less than the first weight;
packaging equipment. The first weight is a minimum measurement amount determined by the accuracy grade of the weighing unit,
The packaging device according to claim 1. The second weight is a preset constant value,
The packaging device according to claim 1. a conveying unit that conveys the product from the weighing unit to the packaging unit;
further comprising
The control unit
In the first mode, when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the first weight, the transport unit starts transporting the first product;
In the second mode, when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight, the transport unit starts transporting the second product.
The packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. a label printing unit that prints predetermined information about the product on a label;
further comprising
The packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. In the second mode, the control unit causes the label printing unit to print predetermined information regarding the product when the weighing result is equal to or greater than the second weight.
The packaging device according to claim 5. further comprising a labeling unit that affixes the label to the product covered with the film;
The packaging device according to claim 5 or 6.

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