JP7514564B2 - Packaging Machine - Google Patents

Description

This embodiment relates to a packaging machine.

Packaging machines that wrap items in packaging film or the like are known.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-143008

Various information is acquired by packaging machines. It is useful for packaging machine companies to use this information. Errors may also occur in packaging machines. Depending on the type of error, the company may need to respond, so it is desirable to be able to contact the company as soon as possible.
The present embodiment has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a packaging machine that can easily utilize various pieces of acquired information.

The packaging machine of one embodiment is equipped with a communication module that transmits at least one of information on the usage status of the packaging machine, information on operation settings, and error information to a server.

This embodiment provides a packaging machine that can easily use the various information acquired.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an example of a packaging machine system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of a packaging mechanism of the packaging machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the packaging machine. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the packaging machine.

The embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an example of a packaging machine system according to an embodiment. The packaging machine system has a packaging machine 1 and a server 2. The packaging machine 1 and the server 2 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The packaging machine 1 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 2, for example, by wireless communication. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 communicates with the server 2, for example, via a router 3, a modem 4, and a network 5. If the router 3 has a modem function, the modem 4 is not necessary. Also, if the router 3 does not have an access point function, the packaging machine 1 and the router 3 may be configured to communicate via an access point.

The packaging machine 1 may also be configured to communicate with the server 2 via wired communication. In this case, the router does not need to have the functionality of an access point.

The packaging machine 1 is configured to package the packaged item with a packaging film or the like. The packaged item is, for example, a delivery item including a newspaper and an insert advertisement. The delivery item is produced, for example, by using a combination of a collating machine and an inserting machine.

The server 2 is, for example, a server located at the location of a company that provides maintenance services for the packaging machine 1, for example, the manufacturer of the packaging machine 1. The server 2 is, for example, a computer equipped with a processor, storage, an operation interface, and a display. Various information sent from the packaging machine 1 is stored in the storage of the server 2. Maintenance personnel can access the server 2 and view the information stored in the storage. Here, the server 2 may be a cloud server.

The packaging machine 1 will be described further below. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the packaging mechanism of the packaging machine 1.

The packaging machine 1 shown in FIG. 2 packages delivery items. To this end, the packaging machine 1 is provided with a first packaging unit 100 as a packaging mechanism 10. The packaging mechanism 10 in FIG. 2 is provided with a packaging unit 100. The packaging mechanism 10 may be provided with two or more packaging units so as to package two or more delivery items. Furthermore, the packaged items to be packaged by the packaging mechanism 10 are not limited to delivery items.

The packaging mechanism 10 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to discharge deliveries inserted from above from the bottom side. However, the packaging mechanism 10 is not limited to this structure. For example, the packaging mechanism 10 may be configured to discharge deliveries inserted from one side from the bottom side. For example, the packaging mechanism 10 may be configured to discharge deliveries inserted from one side from the other side.

The packaging section 100 has an input port 101, a first film roller 102, a second film roller 103, a first conveying section 104, a second conveying section 106, a first sensor 108, a second sensor 109, a first pressing mechanism 110, a first heater 112, a second pressing mechanism 113, a second heater 115, a biasing member 116, and a discharge port 117.

The input port 101 is an opening on the upper surface of the packaging mechanism 10. The delivery is taken into the inside of the packaging mechanism 10. The first film roller 102 is configured to be able to load a first packaging film roll R11 as a packaging material. This first film roller 102 supplies a first packaging film sheet S11 from the first packaging film roll R11. Similarly, the second film roller 103 is configured to be able to load a second packaging film roll R12 as a packaging material. This second film roller 103 supplies a second packaging film sheet S12 from the second packaging film roll R12. As shown in FIG. 2, the first film roller 102 and the second film roller 103 are arranged to face each other. Then, the first film roller 102 and the second film roller 103 supply a pair of film sheets including the opposing first packaging film sheet S11 and second packaging film sheet S12. The delivery inserted through the insertion slot 101 is configured to fall between the film sheets S11 and S12. The delivery is then sandwiched between the first packaging film sheet S11 and the second packaging film sheet S12 and is supplied between the first conveying unit 104 and the second conveying unit 106.

The first conveying unit 104 has a first conveying belt 105. Similarly, the second conveying unit 106 has a second conveying belt 107. The first conveying unit 104 conveys the delivery while pulling out the first packaging film sheet S11 from the first film roller 102 by moving the first conveying belt 105. Similarly, the second conveying unit 106 conveys the delivery while pulling out the second packaging film sheet S12 from the second film roller 103 by moving the second conveying belt 107. As a result, the delivery is conveyed by being pushed downward by the first conveying belt 105 and the second conveying belt 107.

The first sensor 108 is disposed, for example, at the inlet of the transported item in the first transport section 104. The first sensor 108 detects the insertion of the delivery item into the first transport section 104 and the second transport section 106, and outputs a first detection signal. The second sensor 109 is disposed, for example, at the outlet of the transported item in the first transport section 104. The second sensor 109 detects the discharge of the delivery item from the first transport section 104 and the second transport section 106, and outputs a second detection signal. Here, the first sensor 108 and the second sensor 109 may be disposed in the second transport section 106. Also, three or more sensors may be disposed in the first transport section 104 or the second transport section 106.

The first pressing mechanism 110 has a first pressing member 111. The first pressing member 111 is, for example, a sponge plate. The first pressing member 111 is disposed so as to face the first heater 112. This first pressing member 111 is configured to move toward the first heater 112. The second pressing mechanism 113 has a second pressing member 114. The second pressing member 114 is, for example, a sponge plate. The second pressing member 114 is disposed so as to face the second heater 115. This second pressing member 114 is configured to move toward the second heater 115.

The first heater 112 is a heater that can heat to a higher temperature than the second heater 115, for example. The first heater 112 is a single heater formed so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first packaging film sheet S11 and the second packaging film sheet S12. The second heater 115 is a dual heater formed so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first packaging film sheet S11 and the second packaging film sheet S12.

The biasing member 116 is, for example, a spring, and is attached to the first conveying section 104 to bias the first conveying section 104 in a direction toward the second conveying section 106. As a result, the biasing member 116 is configured to be able to push the first conveying section 104 toward the second conveying section 106.

The discharge outlet 117 is an opening on the underside of the packaging mechanism 10. A slope is formed from the discharge outlet 117 to below the first conveying section 104 and the second conveying section 106. The packaged item discharged between the first conveying section 104 and the second conveying section 106 is guided by the slope and discharged from the discharge outlet 117.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the packaging machine 1. In addition to the packaging mechanism 10 shown in Figure 2, the packaging machine 1 has a control circuit 20, a memory 30, an operation switch 40, a display 50, and a communication module 60.

The control circuit 20 is configured, for example, by a CPU. The control circuit 20 controls the operation of the packaging mechanism 10 in accordance with a control application program stored in the memory 30. The control circuit 20 does not necessarily have to be configured as a CPU. The control circuit 20 may be configured as a hardware logic circuit such as an ASIC. In addition, the control circuit 20 does not necessarily have to be configured by a single CPU or the like, and may be configured by multiple CPUs or the like.

The memory 30 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 30 stores a program for executing a control application required for controlling the operation of the packaging machine 1. The memory 30 also stores various parameters corresponding to the settings related to the packaging machine 1. The memory 30 may be composed of multiple volatile memories and non-volatile memories.

The operation switch 40 is various switches provided on the packaging machine 1. For example, the operation switch 40 includes a power switch of the packaging machine 1. Also, for example, the operation switch 40 includes various mode switches. The mode switch is a switch for setting the mode of the packaging machine 1 to a specific mode. The modes of the packaging machine 1 include, for example, a seal mode. The seal mode includes a mode for sealing or not sealing the delivery. In a mode in which the delivery is not sealed, the two film sheets are bonded together so that a gap is formed in a part of the adhesive portion of the two film sheets when the delivery is packaged. In such a mode in which the delivery is not sealed, the air inside the package is released, so that the delivery is prevented from becoming bulky even when stacked. In a mode in which the delivery is sealed, the two film sheets are bonded together so that a gap is not formed in a part of the adhesive portion of the two film sheets when the delivery is packaged. In such a mode in which the delivery is sealed, the intrusion of raindrops or the like into the inside of the package is prevented. The operation switch 40 may include switches other than these switches. In addition to the operation switch 40, the packaging machine 1 may also be equipped with an operation member such as a touch panel.

The display 50 is an indicator, such as an LED or a liquid crystal display, that displays various states of the packaging machine 1. For example, the display 50 has an indicator for displaying an indication that the power of the packaging machine 1 is on. The display 50 also has an indicator for displaying a counter for displaying the number of packs. The number of packs is the cumulative number of times packaging has been performed. The display 50 also has an indicator for displaying an indication that the packaging film roll is out when the packaging film roll is out.

The communication module 60 is a module that includes a processing circuit for communication with the server 2. The communication module 60 is equipped with, for example, a wireless communication module required for wireless LAN communication with the server 2.

The operation of the packaging machine 1 will be described below. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the packaging machine 1. The process in Figure 4 is controlled by the control circuit 20.

In step S1, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to turn on the power of the packaging machine 1. For example, when the power switch is turned on, it is determined that the power of the packaging machine 1 is to be turned on. In step S1, the control circuit 20 waits for processing until it is determined that the power of the packaging machine 1 is to be turned on. When it is determined in step S1 that the power of the packaging machine 1 is to be turned on, processing proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, the control circuit 20 starts preheating the first heater 112 and the second heater 115.

In step S3, the control circuit 20 transmits information about the packaging machine 1 to the server 2 via the communication module 60. In a typical packaging machine, preheating takes several minutes. During preheating, the packaging machine 1 cannot perform packaging operations. During preheating, the power supply of the packaging machine 1 is reliably on. Therefore, the preheating period is a suitable period for transmitting information about the packaging machine 1. Here, the information about the packaging machine 1 includes information about the usage state and information about the operation settings. The information about the usage state is information that indicates the state of the packaging machine 1, such as the number of packs. The information about the operation settings is information that indicates the settings of the packaging machine 1, such as the heater temperature setting, the processing speed setting for the packaging operation, and the sealing mode setting. The information transmitted to the server 2 is merely an example and may be set appropriately. For example, the control circuit 20 may transmit only either the information about the usage state or the information about the operation settings to the server 2 as the information about the packaging machine 1.

In step S4, the control circuit 20 determines whether preheating is complete. For example, the control circuit 20 determines that preheating is complete when the temperatures of the first heater 112 and the second heater 115 have reached the temperatures required for the packaging operation. In step S4, the control circuit 20 waits for processing until it is determined that preheating is complete. When it is determined in step S4 that preheating is complete, the processing proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the control circuit 20 notifies the user that preheating is complete. For example, the control circuit 20 turns on an LED to notify the user that preheating of the display 50 is complete.

In step S6, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not a delivery has been inserted. This determination is made, for example, based on a detection signal from the first sensor 108. As described above, the delivery inserted into the insertion slot 101 is sandwiched between two film sheets (the first packaging film sheet S11 and the second packaging film sheet S12) and supplied between the first conveying unit 104 and the second conveying unit 106. At this time, the first sensor 108 sends a detection signal to the control circuit 20. This detection signal causes the control circuit 20 to recognize that a delivery has been inserted. If it is determined in step S6 that a delivery has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S7. If it is determined in step S6 that a delivery has not been inserted, the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S7, the control circuit 20 starts the packaging operation. The operation of the packaging unit 100 is described below.

The control circuit 20 starts the movement of the first pressing mechanism 110 and the second pressing mechanism 113 by driving a motor (not shown). The movement of the first pressing mechanism 110 causes the first pressing member 111 to move toward the first heater 112. When the first pressing member 111 comes into contact with the first heater 112, the heat of the first heater 112 welds the two parallel sides (e.g., the upper and lower sides) of the first packaging film sheet S11 and the second packaging film sheet S12 sandwiched between the first pressing member 111 and the first heater 112, respectively, and the first packaging film sheet S11 is cut off from the first packaging film roll R11, and the second packaging film sheet S12 is cut off from the second packaging film roll R12.

In addition, the movement of the second pressing mechanism 113 causes the second pressing member 114 to move toward the second heater 115. Then, when the second pressing member 114 comes into contact with the second heater 115, the heat of the second heater 115 welds two other parallel sides (e.g., the left and right sides) of the first packaging film sheet S11 and the second packaging film sheet S12 sandwiched between the second pressing member 114 and the second heater 115.

The first pressing member 111 and the first heater 112 are welded together by contact and then separated, and the second pressing member 114 and the second heater 115 are welded together by contact and then a package is formed in which the delivery item is packaged between the first packaging film sheet S11 and the second packaging film sheet S12.

When the first pressing member 111 and the first heater 112 come into contact and the second pressing member 114 and the second heater 115 come into contact, the control circuit 20 drives the first conveyor belt 105 and the second conveyor belt 107. This causes the package to be discharged toward the discharge opening 117.

In step S8, the control circuit 20 determines whether an error has occurred during the packaging operation. Errors include a delivery jam, a heater malfunction, etc. Each error is associated in advance with a unique error code. There are no particular limitations on the method of detecting an error. If it is determined in step S8 that no error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S9. If it is determined in step S8 that an error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S9, the control circuit 20 determines whether the package has been discharged. For example, this determination is made based on a detection signal from the second sensor 109. As described above, if the packaging is performed normally, the first conveyor belt 105 and the second conveyor belt 107 are driven and the package is discharged toward the discharge port 117. At this time, the second sensor 109 sends a detection signal to the control circuit 20. This detection signal allows the control circuit 20 to recognize that the package has been discharged. If it is determined in step S9 that the package has not been discharged, the process returns to step S8. In this case, the packaging operation continues. If it is determined in step S9 that the package has been discharged, the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to turn off the power to the packaging machine 1. For example, when the power switch is turned off, it is determined that the power to the packaging machine 1 is to be turned off. In addition, it is also determined that the power is to be turned off if no delivery item has been inserted for a specified time. When it is determined in step S10 that the power to the packaging machine 1 is not to be turned off, the process returns to step S6. When it is determined in step S10 that the power to the packaging machine 1 is to be turned off, the control circuit 20 turns off the power to the packaging machine 1 and ends the process in FIG. 4.

In step S11, the control circuit 20 notifies the user of the error. For example, the control circuit 20 causes the liquid crystal display of the display unit 50 to display an error code corresponding to the error.

In step S12, the control circuit 20 transmits the error information together with the information of the packaging machine 1 to the server 2 through the communication module 60. After that, the control circuit 20 turns off the power supply of the packaging machine 1 and ends the process of FIG. 4. The error information includes an error code. Similarly to step S2, the information of the packaging machine 1 includes information on the usage state and information on the operation settings. The information on the usage state is information indicating the state of the packaging machine 1, such as the number of packs. The information on the operation settings is information indicating the settings of the packaging machine 1, such as the heater temperature setting, the processing speed setting of the packaging operation, and the sealing mode setting. The information on the usage state and the information on the operation settings may identify details of an error that cannot be determined by the error code alone. Therefore, it is useful to transmit these pieces of information to the server 2. Here, in the example of FIG. 4, the power supply is turned off when an error occurs. In contrast, for example, when the error is minor, the power supply may not need to be turned off. In this case, when the error is resolved, the packaging operation may be resumed. Also, the control circuit 20 may transmit only the error information to the server 2 as the information of the packaging machine 1.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the packaging machine 1 is provided with a communication module 60, so that various information acquired by the packaging machine 1 can be transmitted to the server 2. This allows, for example, the manufacturer of the packaging machine 1 to easily use various information acquired by the packaging machine 1. For example, by transmitting error information when an error occurs, a maintenance person can know that an error has occurred in the packaging machine 1 without receiving contact from the user of the packaging machine 1.

Also, there are various causes of errors. Therefore, just looking at the error code may not reveal what actually caused the error. Such complex errors often cannot be understood just by reading the explanation from the user. In this embodiment, the error is sent along with information on the usage status and operation settings, making it easy for the maintenance staff to identify the cause of the error. This allows the maintenance staff to take the necessary measures before actually going to the user's location.

In addition, in this embodiment, information on the usage status and operation settings are sent even when no error occurs. This allows the usage status and operation settings of the packaging machine 1 to be analyzed. The analysis results can be used in the development of the next generation of packaging machines. In addition, early replacement of packaging film can be performed by predicting wear from the number of packs, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, information is sent when no error occurs during preheating. Preheating is necessary in the packaging machine 1, but during this time, the control circuit 20 remains in standby without being able to perform packaging operations, etc. Also, there is a high possibility that the power of the packaging machine 1 is turned on during preheating. In this embodiment, information is sent using such free time, so information can be sent reliably.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combination, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which the constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.
The invention as described in the claims of the present application as originally filed is set forth below.
[1] A packaging machine that packages an item to be packaged in a packaging film,
The packaging machine includes a communication module that transmits at least one of information on the usage state of the packaging machine, information on operation settings, and error information to a server.
[2] The method further includes a heater for welding the two pieces of packaging film into a bag shape,
The packaging machine described in [1], wherein the communication module transmits at least one of information on the usage status and information on operation settings of the packaging machine to the server during the time from when the packaging machine is turned on until when the heater reaches a temperature at which the welding can be performed.
[3] The packaging machine according to [1] or [2], wherein the communication module transmits information on the usage status of the packaging machine and information on the operation settings to the server together with the error information when an error occurs in the packaging machine.
[4] The packaging machine according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the information on the usage status of the packaging machine includes a pack count, which is the number of times the packaging has been performed.
[5] A packaging machine as described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein the operational setting information includes information indicating whether the packaging mode of the packaging machine is a first mode in which the packaged item is packaged in the packaging film with a gap, or a second mode in which the packaged item is packaged in the packaging film without any gap.
[6] The packaging machine according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the communication module is a wireless communication module.

1 Packaging machine, 2 Server, 3 Router, 4 Modem, 5 Network, 10 Packaging mechanism, 20 Control circuit, 30 Memory, 40 Operation switch, 50 Display, 60 Communication module, 100 Packaging section, 101 Insertion port, 102 First film roller, 103 Second film roller, 104 First conveyor section, 105 First conveyor belt, 106 Second conveyor section, 107 Second conveyor belt, 108 First sensor, 109 Second sensor, 110 First pressing mechanism, 111 First pressing member, 112 First heater, 113 Second pressing member, 114 Second pressing member, 115 Second heater, 116 Pressing member, 117 Discharge port.

Claims (4)

A packaging machine for packaging a delivery item with a packaging film, comprising:
a heater for welding the two sheets of packaging film into a bag shape;
a communication module that transmits at least one of information on the usage state and information on the operation settings of the packaging machine , which are necessary for analysis, to a server during a period from when the packaging machine is turned on until when the heater reaches a temperature at which the welding can be performed;
A packaging machine comprising: The packaging machine according to claim 1 , wherein the information on the usage state of the packaging machine includes a pack count, which is the number of times the packaging has been performed. The packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operational setting information includes information indicating whether the packaging mode of the packaging machine is a first mode in which the delivery item is packaged with the two-ply packaging film so that a gap is formed in the adhesive portion of the two-ply packaging film, or a second mode in which the delivery item is packaged with the two -ply packaging film so that no gap is formed . 4. The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the communication module is a wireless communication module.