JP3499524B2 - Packaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a packaging apparatus for packaging a product by folding the film on the bottom side of the product (folding) and packaging the product with the film.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a packaging device for supplying a product on a lifter by a circulation type pusher, lifting the product to an upper packaging station and packaging the product with a film (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-77843). No., JP-A-7
-257524). Since the pusher is a circulation type, it pushes the product onto the lifter and then enters the lifter.Therefore, the pusher is composed of a plurality of divided claws, and the pusher can be inserted into the lifter. To prevent interference.

[0003]

However, in such a structure, there are restrictions on the shape of the pusher and the layout of the lifter posts. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging device that can prevent interference between the lifter and the pusher, and that is less likely to restrict the shape of the pusher and the arrangement of the lifter posts.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, the packaging apparatus of the present invention supplies a product onto a lifter by a supply means, and the lifter raises the product to a packaging station. A packaging device for pressing a stretched film, folding the film on the bottom side of the product to wrap the product, wherein the supply means includes a support surface for supporting the product during transportation and a product on the support surface. A circulation type pusher that is pushed from the rear to supply to the lifter is provided, and the pusher that has supplied the product to the lifter is made to stand by before the lifter lifting path, and the lifter does not hinder the movement of the pusher. It is characterized in that the pusher is introduced into the ascending / descending path of the lifter after being raised to the position.

In the present invention, a "circulating pusher"
The term “pusher” refers to a pusher that circulates along a predetermined loop-shaped travel route, but the pusher may move backward. It should be noted that a plurality of “pushers” are generally provided in the loop-shaped transmission device, but only one may be provided. Further, "before the lifter up-and-down path" means a position that is close to the lifter and does not interfere with the lifter up-and-down path.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the product M shown in FIG. 1 is placed on the tray T and conveyed.
The “commodity M” may refer to the contents in the tray T, or may be used as a concept including the contents, the tray T, and the film. Also, the products do not necessarily have to be on the tray.

Basic structure: As shown in FIG. 1, the present packaging device is a front discharge type packaging sticking device which carries in a product M from the front side 2a and discharges it to the front side 2a. A supply device (supply means) 20 such as a conveyor is provided.

In FIG. 2, when the product M is placed on the supply device 20, the supply device 20 supplies the tray T on which the product M is placed onto the lifter 201. Each post 210 of the lifter 201 is arranged directly below the packaging station S of the packaging mechanism 200, and can be vertically moved up and down by the elevating means 208. When the product M is supplied from the supply device 20, the lifter 201 rises and lifts the product M to the packaging station S.

On the other hand, prior to the packaging operation, the stretched film F is transferred to the packaging station S by the transfer mechanism 20.
2,202. This film F
When the product M is pushed up, is attached to the upper surface of the product M. In this state, the film folding mechanism 203 includes the pair of left and right folding plates 204, 204 and the rear folding plate 205 of FIG.
With the round bar-shaped front folding member 206 and the push-out 207 (FIG. 2) for folding and discharging, the front, rear, left and right side edges of the film F are folded into the bottom surface side of the tray T and the product M
2 is packaged, and the packaged products are conveyed on the heat welding conveyor 211 in FIG. The heat welding conveyor 211 welds the films F folded on the bottom to each other, and then the tray T is discharged onto the discharge table 209.

On the other hand, above the packaging station S, a label printer (label issuing unit) 12 for issuing a label L according to the content of the product and a label sticking machine 13 are arranged. In the labeling machine 13, the product M is discharged from the discharge table 209.
The label L issued from the label printer 12 is affixed to the upper surface of the product M before being discharged to the upper side.

Main Structure: As shown in FIG. 4, the supply device 20 comprises a weighing conveyor 100, a correction conveyor 21 and a plurality of (for example, three) pushers 1 _i (FIG. 6).
have. The weighing conveyor 100 is a resin plate 105.
The resin plate 105 is provided with a first support surface 102 for supporting the product M from below during transportation.

The correction conveyor 21 provided downstream of the measuring conveyor 100 includes a free roller conveyor 22 and a cam mechanism 23. Free roller conveyor 2
2 includes a roller, and the roller constitutes a second support surface 22a for supporting the product M from below. The first
A CCD camera 2 for detecting the size of the product M and the amount of deviation of the product M in the width direction is provided above the support surface 102. The free roller conveyor 22 is supported by a cam mechanism 23. The cam mechanism 23 moves the free roller conveyor 22 in the width direction Y based on the amount of deviation detected by the CCD camera 2 to adjust the deviation of the product M in the width direction. In the present embodiment,
The shift amount is detected before the pusher 1 _i starts pushing the product M. However, after the pusher 1 _i starts pushing the product M (for example, a predetermined time after the pusher 1 _i is started to drive). If the amount of deviation is detected, even if the product M is obliquely placed on the support surface 102, a more accurate amount of deviation can be detected after the pusher corrects the oblique deviation of the product M.

The pusher 1 _i has the support surface 10
In a portion exposed above 2, 22a, the product M is conveyed by being driven by the drive chain 104. As shown in FIG. 6, the drive chain 104 is composed of an endless chain, and is intermittently circulated by a drive device (not shown) composed of, for example, a servo motor. The pushers 1 _i are attached to the drive chain 104 at predetermined intervals. As shown in FIG. 4, each pusher 1 _i is formed such that the portions exposed above the transport direction support surfaces 102, 22a are connected in a comb shape in the width direction Y substantially orthogonal to the (moving direction) X, Therefore, if the lifter 201 enters the up-and-down path of the lifter 201 while the lifter 201 is at the lower end, it interferes with the lifter 201. Each pusher 1 _i
When the drive chain 104 rotates in the forward direction, the pusher 1 _i moves in the transport direction X, contacts the rear end of the product M, and supplies the product M on the support surfaces 102 and 22a onto the lifter 201. The post 210 of the lifter 201 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, every other row is staggered.
This results in a tighter arrangement than the traditional row and column arrangement.

Peripheral equipment: As shown in FIG. 5, the microcomputer 3 for controlling the present packaging device is provided with a CCD camera 2, a touch screen 10, a stroke key section 11, a label printer 12, a pusher detector via an interface (not shown). 13, weighing and packaging price control unit 14 and weighing means 1
06 and the like are connected. The microcomputer 3 has a CPU 4 and a memory 6.

The supply device 20 comprises a weighing conveyor 10
0, a weight detector 101 and a weighing means 106. The weight of the product M placed on the weighing conveyor 100 is detected by the weight detector 101 and output as a weight signal to the microcomputer 3 via the weighing means 106. CPU 4
Calculates the weighing value of the product M based on the weight signal from the weighing means 106. The memory 6 includes a product information storage unit 60.

The pusher detector 13 is, for example, a photodetector, is provided on the downstream side of the correction conveyor 21 in FIG. 4, and the pusher 1 _i is set at the retracted position P1 in FIG. 6A. To detect. When the pusher detector 13 detects the pusher 1 _i , it outputs a detection signal to the microcomputer 3. The CPU 4 has a counter 5, and by incrementing or decrementing the count value of the counter 5 with a signal from a rotary encoder that detects the rotation angle of the servo motor, the CPU 4 moves from the retracted position P1 of the pusher 1 _i. To detect the distance. CP
Based on the detection signal, U4 determines whether or not the pusher 1 _i has passed a predetermined retracted position P1 and whether or not the pusher 1 _i has stopped at the retracted position P1, and drives as described below. The rotation control of the chain 104 is performed.

Supplying operation: Next, the supplying operation of the product in the present packaging apparatus will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lifter 201 stands by at the receiving position L1 where the product M can be received from the supply device 20. On the other hand, the first pusher 1 ₁ near the upstream side of the lifter 201 is
01 is standing by at the retracted position P1 that does not prevent the lifting and lowering of 01, that is, before the lifting path U of the lifter 201.

After the operator performs a predetermined operation to start the packaging apparatus, when the product M is placed on the supply device 20,
At timing T1 in FIG. 8, the lifter 201 starts rising. At timing T2, when the lifter 201 reaches a height L2 which does not interfere with the lifter 201 moves to the first pusher 1 ₁ conveying direction X shown in FIG. 6 (b), the lifter 201 is elevated end (packaging station) Drive chain 104 starts to rotate forward, and each pusher 1 _i starts moving. By the forward rotation, the first
While the pusher 1 ₁ enters the ascending / descending path U of the lifter 201, the second pusher 1 _{2 at} the rear of the product M contacts the product M to transport the product M on the support surfaces 102, 22a (FIG. 4). Start. The lifter 201 starts descending after ascending to the packaging station S (FIG. 2).

Then, at timing T3, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), the lifter 201 has the receiving position L1.
To descend and stop. Meanwhile, the second pusher 1 ₂
Continues to convey the product M, and when the pusher detector 13 detects the second pusher 1 ₂ , it sends a detection signal to the CPU.
Output to 4. After receiving the detection signal, the CPU 4 moves a predetermined distance based on the count value of the counter 5, and then moves the second pusher 1 at the pushing position P2 shown in FIG. 7B.
Stop ₂ As a result, the product M is supplied from the supply device 20 onto the lifter 201 at the receiving position L1.

At timing T4, the CPU 4 reversely rotates the drive chain 104 in the non-conveying direction B.
When the pusher detector 13 detects the second pusher 1 ₂ retracting toward the upstream side, it outputs a detection signal to the CPU 4
Output to. At timing T5, the CPU 4 triggers the reception of the detection signal to cause the second pusher 1 to operate.
₂ is stopped at the retracted position P1 shown in FIG. 7 (c). Thus, the products are successively supplied to the packaging station S and packaged.

In this packaging device, the pusher 1_iTo
While waiting in front of the lifter 201, pusher 1
_iAfter the lifter 201 is raised to a position where it does not hinder the movement of
To pusher 1_iEnter the lifting path U of the lifter 201
Prevents the cycle time of packaging from increasing.
And pusher 1_iAnd lifter 201 collide
do not do. Also, pusher 1_iOn the lifter 201
After feeding the _iWhat is the lifter 201
Since the product moves in the opposite direction and stops, the product M is lifted by the lifter 20.
1 and pusher 1
_iThere is no risk of the lifter 201 colliding with the lifter 201.

Recovery mode: Next, the operation when the present packaging apparatus is stopped in an abnormal state such as an error or an emergency stop will be described. The CPU 4 has the recovery mode shown in FIG. 9, and when the packaging device stops in an abnormal state, the recovery mode starts.

In step S1, the CPU 4 operates the pusher 1 based on the detection signal from the pusher detector 13.
The position of _i is detected. CPU4 is pusher detector 1
When the detection signal of pusher 1 _i is received from 3,
It is determined that the pusher 1 _i is stopped at the retracted position (origin position) P1 and the recovery mode is ended. On the other hand, when the detection signal is not received, it is determined that the pusher 1 _i has not stopped at the retracted position P1 and the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the servo motor is driven to drive the drive chain 1.
04 is rotated forward, each pusher 1 _i is moved, and the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, it is determined whether or not the pusher 1 _i has come into contact with the lifter 201. When the servomotor is stopped even though the servomotor is supplied with electric power, the pusher 1 _i causes the lifter 2 to move.
01 is determined to have come into contact, and the process proceeds to step S4. on the other hand,
If the pusher 1 _i is not in contact with the lifter 201, the process returns to step S1. In step S4, the pusher 1 _i is rotated in the reverse direction, and the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the CPU 4 detects the position of the pusher 1 _i . When the CPU 4 receives the detection signal, it is determined that the pusher 1 _i has reached the retracted position P1, the reverse rotation is stopped, and the recovery mode is ended. On the other hand, if the detection signal has not been received, the process returns to step S4.

When the lifter 201 is stopped at a position other than the receiving position L1, the lifter 201 is lowered to the receiving position L1 after the pusher 1 _i is stopped at the retracted position P1. In this way, when the present packaging apparatus stops in an abnormal state and the pusher 1 _i does not stop at the predetermined retracted position P1, the pusher 1 _i moves to the retracted position P.
Move to stop at 1, then lifter 201
Is lowered, there is no possibility that the lifter 201 collides with the pusher 1 _i .

As described above, the preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art can easily envision various changes and modifications within the obvious scope by viewing the present specification. Let's do it. For example, the present invention can be applied to a packaging device having a pusher that projects upward from between the transport surfaces. Further, the free roller conveyor 22 does not necessarily have to be provided, and the resin plate 105 is not lifted by the lifter 201.
You may extend to the vicinity. Further, the present packaging device may be a rear discharge type packaging device that carries in products from the front side and discharges them to the rear side. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0027]

As described above, according to the present invention,
After the lifter rises to a position where it does not interfere with the movement of the pusher, the pusher enters the lifter lifting path,
Interference between the lifter and the pusher can be prevented, and the degree of freedom in designing the shape of the pusher, the arrangement of the lifter posts, and the density and shape is significantly improved.

If the pusher that has supplied the product onto the lifter retracts in the opposite direction to the lifter and stands by, the product can be pushed further into the back of the lifter for easier packaging. At the same time, interference between the lifter and the pusher can be prevented.

Further, if a recovery mode is provided to automatically move the pusher to a regular stop position so that the pusher and the lifter do not collide with each other when the packaging device stops in an abnormal state, the operation in such a case can be performed. It will be easy, and it will be possible to recover quickly, and the operating rate of the device will be high.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing the packaging mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a folding operation of the film.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a supply device.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a packaging device.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing a supply operation.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a supply operation.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart of a supply operation.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a recovery mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 _i : Pushers 102, 22 a: Support surface 20: Supply device (supply means) 201: Lifter F: Film M: Product S: Packaging station U: Elevating path X: Conveying direction (moving direction)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Susumu Kimoto 1 at 959 Shimohage, Ritto-cho, Kurita-gun, Shiga Ishida Co., Ltd. Shiga Works (72) Inventor Go Yanase 1 at 959, Shimohako, Ritto-cho, Kurita-gun, Shiga Prefecture Ishida Co., Ltd. Shiga Works (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Sakata 1 959, Shimoha, Ritto Town, Kurita-gun, Shiga Prefecture Ishida Co., Ltd. Shiga Works (56) Reference JP-A-6-115507 (JP, A) JP-A-11 -189211 (JP, A) Actual development Sho-48-104766 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B65B 11/00-11/58 B65B 49/00-49/15

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A product is supplied onto a lifter by a supply means, and when the lifter rises, the product on the lifter is pressed against a film stretched on a packaging station, and the film is folded on the bottom surface side of the product to form the product. A packaging device for packaging, wherein the supply means includes a support surface that supports a product during transportation, and a circulation pusher that presses the product on the support surface from the rear to supply the product to the lifter. the pusher supplied to the, the quotient
After moving the product in the direction opposite to the direction in which the product is supplied and making it stand by before the lifting path of the lifter, and after the lifter has risen to a position where it does not hinder the movement of the pusher, the pusher is moved to the lifting path of the lifter. A packaging device characterized by allowing it to enter. 2. A product is supplied onto a lifter by a supply means, and when the lifter rises, the product on the lifter is pressed against a film stretched on a packaging station, and the film is folded on the bottom surface side of the product to form the product. A packaging device for packaging, wherein the supply means includes a support surface that supports a product during transportation, and a circulation pusher that presses the product on the support surface from the rear to supply the product to the lifter. der after the pusher was fed, to wait in front of the lifting path of the lifter, and elevated to a position where the lifter does not interfere with the movement of the pusher
Thus, the packaging device is characterized in that the pusher is allowed to enter the lifting path of the lifter before the lifter reaches the rising end . 3. The package according to claim 2 , wherein in the portion exposed above the support surface, the pushers are formed in series in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving direction of the pushers. apparatus. 4. The packaging device according to claim 1, further comprising means for detecting whether or not the pusher is stopped at a predetermined position where collision with the lifter can be avoided. when stopped in a state not normal, when said pusher it is detected that is stopped at a predetermined position which can avoid a collision with the lifter, without moving the pusher, the pusher is the lifter When
If it is detected that can avoid collision not stopped at a predetermined position, packaging apparatus characterized by comprising a recovery mode for stopping by moving said pusher to said predetermined position. 5. The packaging device according to claim 4 , wherein, in the recovery mode, the lifter is lowered after the recovery operation of the pusher is completed.