JP3142809B2 - Packaging machine - 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 machine, and more particularly to a packaging machine having a function of performing packaging by switching a plurality of operation modes having different packaging processing speeds.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an example of a packaging machine for packaging an article to be packaged, for example, a stretch film packaging machine pushes up an elevator head on which an article to be packaged is mounted from below, against a film stretched in a horizontal direction. After covering the upper surface of the article to be packaged with the film, the end of the film is folded into the bottom side of the article to be packaged. Before the film is pushed up by the elevator head, the film is pre-stretched (stretched) by the pre-stretch mechanism, and after the object is pushed up,
The pre-stretching force is relaxed in order to fold the package from the side to the bottom (reduce the amount of stretching). In the packaging of articles to be packaged in which a product is stored in a storage container such as a Styrofoam tray, the product may protrude upward from the storage container. By pressing the package, the entire package can be efficiently packaged, and the film can be prevented from becoming loose or wrinkled.

In recent years, in a stretch film wrapping machine, the size (length, width, width, etc.) of the stuff to be packed is being transported to the inside of the wrapping machine (or before the loading is started). Height) is automatically detected by a sensor.
Based on the detected size data, various packaging control data (packing conditions, for example, film cut length, film pre-stretch amount (stretch amount), pre-stretch return amount, film clamp opening timing, etc.) are automatically set, and packaging is performed. Even if the size of the object changes, beautiful packaging with a good appearance is automatically performed without adjustment by the operator. Here, the size of the packaged object refers to the vertical dimension, the horizontal dimension, and the height dimension of the packaged product in which the product is stored in the storage container, but when the same type of storage container is used, this storage container is used. The size of the article to be packaged varies depending on the size of the product stored in the package.

[0004] Further, in this type of stretch film wrapping machine, in order to improve the wrapping capacity, the processing speed depends on the size (particularly, the depth dimension = the dimension in the direction along the pre-stretching of the film). Has been developed to automatically switch from low-speed mode to high-speed mode and from high-speed mode to low-speed mode (for example, the present applicant has already proposed the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-12008 and the like). are doing). The processing speed is a time period from the start of loading of the packaged object into the device to the completion of the packaging and the removal of the package. In the high-speed mode, this time is short, and in the low-speed mode, the time is long. When the size of the package is large,
Since the amount of drawing out the film, the amount of pre-stretching, and the like increase, the time required for packaging becomes longer, and the processing speed becomes the low-speed mode. Conversely, when the size of the object to be packaged is small and the amount of drawing out the film, the amount of pre-stretching, or the like is small, the time required for packaging is short, and the processing speed is set to the high-speed mode.

[0005]

However, in the above-described stretch film packaging machine, a size (for example, 170 mm) serving as a reference for switching the processing speed mode is used.
When wrapping an object to be packaged having a depth dimension close to, the mode may be frequently switched due to a detection error by a sensor. For example, even for the same packaged object, when the detection result is 172 mm, the processing speed is in the low speed mode, and when the detection result is 169 mm, the processing speed is in the high speed mode.
The mode is switched each time. By the way, in this type of stretch film wrapping machine, the operation of a plurality of operating units is performed in parallel to improve the processing efficiency. For example, the front folding of the film (the operation of folding the film forward in the unloading direction from the device to the package from the side to the bottom of the package) at the time of unloading the package from the device is performed, and the packaging cycle is completed. Before the unloading of the package from the device is completed, the transfer of a new package to the device is started. Therefore, when the mode of the processing speed is switched, it is necessary to wait until the operations of all the operation units have returned to the initial state, and then restart the operation. For this reason, as described above, if the mode is frequently switched, the system is restarted every time the mode is switched, which causes a problem that a dead time is generated and the processing speed is reduced as a result. Also,
If the processing speed is frequently changed when the same product is continuously packed, there is a possibility that the worker may be misunderstood that the operation of the packaging machine is defective.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and (a) improves the processing efficiency by preventing the processing speed from being wasted due to a detection error of a sensor. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine in which the processing speed is not frequently switched when packaging the same packaged object.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging machine in which a plurality of operation modes set for each processing speed are low in correspondence with the detected size. In a packaging machine configured to be able to automatically switch from a high-speed one to a high-speed one or a low-speed one, each operation mode compares the size of the packaged object against a preset reference size. The reference size is changed according to the result, and when the operation mode is changed, the reference size is also changed.

In the invention according to claim 2, in the packaging machine according to claim 1, a reference size for switching the operation mode from a low-speed operation mode to a high-speed operation mode and the operation mode from a high-speed operation mode to a low-speed operation mode. It is characterized in that the reference size when switching to is different from each other.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the packaging machine according to the second aspect, when the operation mode is switched from a low-speed operation mode to a high-speed operation mode, the reference size is such that the operation mode is changed from a high-speed operation mode to a low-speed operation mode. It is characterized in that it is smaller than the reference size when switching to.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the packaging machine according to the second or third aspect, the sizes of a plurality of packages to be packaged after the switching of the operation mode are stored, and the current size is stored based on the stored content. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the operation mode is appropriate, and when it is determined that the operation mode is not appropriate, the operation mode is switched.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the packaging machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the size of the object to be packaged is automatically detected during conveyance by a sensor.

According to the present invention, the size of the article to be packaged is detected, and a plurality of operation modes set for each processing speed are changed from a low speed mode to a high speed mode in accordance with the detected size. In a packaging machine configured to be able to automatically switch from a high-speed one to a low-speed one, the size of the packaging object to be packaged after switching the operation mode corresponds to the size of the packaging object at the time of switching the operation mode. As long as the set predetermined condition is continuously satisfied, switching of the operation mode is restricted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the packaging machine according to the sixth aspect, the size t of the article to be packaged after switching the operation mode and the size t 'of the article to be packaged at the time of switching the operation mode are different. , For a preset constant P | t
As long as the relationship of −t ′ | ≦ P is continuously satisfied, the switching of the operation mode is restricted. |
Switching of the operation mode is restricted while the relation of tt ′ | ≦ P is continuously satisfied, and when the relation is not satisfied, whether or not the operation mode is switched is determined according to a predetermined condition. . If the set value of the constant P is large, the detection error of the size of the packaged object by the sensor or the like is absorbed, the frequency of mode switching is reduced, the waste time caused by the mode switching can be reduced, and the packaging time can be shortened. It is. On the other hand, when the set value of the constant P is small, the mode is frequently switched even by a slight difference in the measured size of the packaged object.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the packaging machine according to the seventh aspect, the constant P is set corresponding to an operation mode before switching, and the constant P differs between operation modes having different processing speeds. It is characterized by:

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the packaging machine according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, sizes of a plurality of wrapped articles to be packaged are stored after the operation mode is switched,
It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the current operation mode is valid based on the stored contents, and when it is determined that the current operation mode is not valid, the operation mode is switched.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the size of the packaged object is detected, and a plurality of operation modes set for each processing speed are changed from a low speed mode to a high speed mode in accordance with the detected size. In a packaging machine configured to be able to automatically switch from high-speed to low-speed ones, when packaging the same packaged item continuously, the size of the operation mode is determined by the size data grasped for the specific packaged item. It is characterized in that the presence or absence of switching is selected.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the packaging machine according to the tenth aspect, the specific packaged object is a packaged item to be packed first.

In the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
In the packaging machine according to any one of the first to eleventh, the operation mode at the time of performing the first packaging for each type of the packaged object is stored, and the next and subsequent packaged items are packed according to the stored operation mode. It is characterized by.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A stretch film packaging machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. A stretch film wrapping machine 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as “wrapping machine”) shown in FIG. 1 raises a carry-in conveyor 4 for carrying a wrapped article 2 into a machine body 3 and a wrapped article 2 carried into the machine body 3. An elevator 5 to be packaged and a package 2 raised by the elevator 5 are provided with a film 6 (not shown in FIG. 1).
2), and a discharge conveyor 8 for discharging the packaged object 2 from the packaging unit 7 to the outside of the machine body 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the side of the packaging section 7, a film storage section 9 for storing the film 6, and a film holding mechanism for holding the leading end of the film 6 pulled out from the film storage section 9. And a cutter 11 for cutting the film 6 to a target length. As shown in FIG. 1, a film transport mechanism 12 </ b> A that draws the film 6 held by the film holding mechanism 10 into the packaging section 7 and transports the film 6 to a target position in the packaging section 7. , 12B.

As shown in FIG. 3, the carry-in conveyor 4 has a plurality of conveying rollers 41, 41... Which convey the articles 2 to the body 3 by being driven to rotate, and a positioning mechanism ( The centering device 42 and the articles 2 conveyed by the conveying rollers 41, 41 are stocked immediately before the positioning mechanism 42 and sent out to the positioning mechanism 42 by a signal from a control unit (not shown in FIG. 3). And a first stopper 43. When the first stopper 43 is raised and projected to the transport rollers 41, 41,.
The movement of the packaged object 2 in the direction of the machine body 3 is regulated. The movement of the packaged object 2 conveyed in the direction of the machine body 3 with the first stopper 43 lowered is temporarily restricted in the direction of the machine body 3 by the second stopper 44 driven up and down in the vicinity of the positioning mechanism 42. During the time, it is sandwiched by the left and right positioning plates 45, 45 advanced from both sides in the transport direction, and is accurately positioned, that is, centered at a predetermined position in the transport width direction (direction perpendicular to the transport direction) (see FIG. 4). .
When the positioning of the package 2 in the transport width direction is completed, the left and right positioning plates 45, 45 are quickly separated from the package 2 and the second stopper 44 is lowered, and the movement of the package 2 is resumed. Is carried into the body 3.

The positioning mechanism 42 detects the width W (the length in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction) of the package 2. In FIGS. 3 and 4, reference numeral 46 denotes a first detection sensor for detecting the unloading of the packaged articles 2 stored by the first stopper 43, and 47 denotes unloading of the packaged articles 2 stocked by the second stopper 44. This is a second detection sensor for detecting.

FIG. 5 shows an internal conveyor 48 for transporting the packaged goods 2 carried into the machine body 3 by the carry-in conveyor 4 onto the elevator 5. The internal conveyor 48 extends from the downstream end in the transport direction of the package 2 by the carry-in conveyor 4 to the vicinity of the elevator 5, and transfers the package 2 to which the package 2 has been delivered from the carry-in conveyor 4. The endless first transport belts 48a, 48a, which are transported to the vicinity of the elevator 5.
Extend from the central portion in the extending direction of the first transport belts 48a, 48a to the downstream side in the transport direction of the package 2 by the first transport belts 48a, 48a.
a, 48a... for transporting the packaged article 2 further downstream than the second conveying belts 48b, 48b.

The first transport belts 48a, 48a,...
a and 48a are separated from each other. Are arranged in the gaps between the first conveyor belts 48a, 48a, and a plurality of second conveyor belts 48b are arranged in parallel. The adjacent second transport belts 48b are separated from each other with a gap slightly larger than the width of the first transport belt 48a. The transport speed of the packaged object 2 by the second transport belts 48b, 48b.
a is slightly slower than a ...., the packaged object 2 delivered to the internal conveyor 48 is pressed against the positioning protrusion 48c protruding from the second conveyor belt 48b and is brought into contact with the first and second packages. It is accurately positioned and transported on the transport belts 48a and 48b.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 49a denotes a height detection sensor for detecting the height h of the package 2 transported by the internal conveyor 48, and 49b denotes a depth t (internal conveyor) of the package 2. A depth dimension detection sensor 49c for detecting the dimension in the direction along the transport direction by 48. The dimension in the direction along the stretch direction of the film 6 in the packaging section 7 described later, for example, based on the cutoff time of transmitted light. This is a positioning protrusion detection sensor that detects the positioning protrusion 48c.

The upper part of the elevator 5 is divided into a plurality of elevator heads 5b.
At the downstream end of the internal conveyor 48 in the transport direction,
Are located in gaps between the conveyor belts 48b, 48b...
Therefore, the elevator 5 is provided with each elevator head 5b.
Is raised and lowered without interfering with the second transport belt 48b. Since the upper surface of the elevator head 5b of the elevator 5 lowered for receiving the package 2 is located lower than the transport surface of the package 2 by the second transport belt 48b, the second transport belt 48b is The article to be packaged 2 can be transported onto the elevator 5. The positioning projections 48c protrude from the second transport belt 48b at equal intervals, and when the positioning projection detection sensor 49c detects the positioning projection 48c, it is detected that another positioning projection 48c is present at the position of the elevator 5. At this time, elevator 5
The packaged object 2 positioned in contact with the positioning protrusion 48c positioned at the position is positioned immediately above the elevator 5 that has been lowered below the transport surface of the second transport belt 48b.

As shown in FIG. 6, the internal conveyor 48 includes
Initially, the packaged object 2 delivered from the conveyor 4 is
It is conveyed in the direction of the elevator 5 by the first conveying belt 48a, and then is conveyed by both conveying belts 48a, 48b in a region where the first and second conveying belts 48a, 48b are parallel to each other. The package 2 is conveyed only by the second conveyor belt 48b, and is sent onto the elevator head 5b lowered below the second conveyor belts 48b, 48b. As shown in FIG. 7, when the packaged object 3 is positioned on the elevator 5, as shown in FIG. 8, the elevator 5 is raised, the packaged object 2 is placed on the elevator head 5b, and further, the elevator 5 , The article to be packaged 2 is fed into the upper packaging section 7 (not shown in FIG. 8).

As shown in FIG. 9, in the packaging section 7, the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B (see FIG. 1) are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the elevator ascending position 5a (the upper surface of the elevator head 5b of the elevator 5 which has been raised to the upper limit). By this, the film 6 is pulled in and stretched horizontally before the elevator 5 rises. One of the film transfer mechanisms 12A and 12B is a film transfer mechanism
The other film transfer mechanism 12B is disposed on the pusher 76 side for discharging the sheet, and is opposed to the film transfer mechanism 12A via the elevator ascending position 5a.
In addition, both film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B extend in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction (arrow G in FIG. 9) of the package 2 by the pusher 76 and are parallel to each other. Then, the film 6 drawn into the packaging unit 7
After the film is transported (centered) to the center of the packaging unit 7 by the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B, the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B are moved in directions separated from each other by a pre-stretch mechanism (not shown). It is installed in a preset position.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10, when the elevator 5 is raised and the elevator head 5b reaches the elevator raising position 5a, the packaged object 2 on the elevator head 5b pushes up the film 6. At this time, film 6
Is held by the clamp mechanisms of the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B, which will be described later, does not separate, and is slightly stretched by pushing up the packaged object 2, so that it is put on the packaged object 2 with tension. Before the elevator head 5b reaches the elevator ascending position 5a, the two film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B respectively move in the directions away from each other as described above, and move the film 6 according to the size of the packaged object 2. As we pre-stretch the amount,
Even when the height dimension of the packaged object 2 is small, the film 6 abuts on the upper surface of the packaged object 2 with a desired tension, thereby preventing wrinkles and loosening. In addition, when the elevator 5 is raised and the film 6 is pushed upward by the packaged object 2, the two film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B approach each other to relax the tension of the film 6 (pre-stretch return). The occurrence of inconvenience such as tearing can be prevented. Reference numeral 71 in FIGS. 9 and 10 denotes a holding plate, which is located above the film 6 stretched by the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B, and which holds the packaged object 2 raised by the elevator 5 to the elevator raising position 5a. It is held down between the elevator head 5b by the urging force.

In FIG. 11, reference numerals 72 and 73 denote left and right folding plates, 74 denotes a rear folding plate, and 75 denotes a front folding plate. Before the elevator 5 rises, the left and right folding plates 72 and 73 are separated from the elevator ascending position 5a and are separated from each other. However, when the elevator 5 ascends to the elevator ascending position 5a, toward the elevator ascending position 5a. It advances and enters the lower side of the packaged object 2 on the elevator head 5b. At this time, since the elevator head 5b is tilted by the pressing force from the left and right pressing plates 72, 73, the left and right folding plates 72, 73 enter the outer periphery of the lower surface of the article 2 without interfering with the elevator head 5b. Left and right folding plate 7
2 and 73 are located above the film 6 stretched by the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B.
Fold it from the side to the bottom.

At this time, as the left and right folding plates 72 and 73 are moved, the clamping of the film 6 by the clamping mechanisms of the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B is sequentially released from the position separated from the elevator ascending position 5a. 6
Is folded under the packaged object 2 without causing any extreme deformation or the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, each of the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B drives the pair of upper and lower endless film transport belts 12b and 12c to rotate in opposite directions to each other.
The film 6 sandwiched between 2b and 12c is transported. At this time, the lower film transport belt 1
The portion of 2c facing the lower surface of the upper film transport belt 12b is pressed by the upper film transport belt 12b by raising the plurality of pressing plates 12d to 12h as a clamp mechanism driven up and down, and the upper and lower film transport belts 1b are pressed.
The film 6 is clamped and held between 2b and 12c so that it cannot be pulled out. Further, even if the pressing plates 12d to 12h are lowered, between the upper and lower film transport belts 12b and 12c,
Although there is a clamping force of the film 6, the clamping force at this time is lighter than when the pressing plates 12d to 12h are raised, and the film 6 can be pulled out from between the upper and lower film transport belts 12b and 12c. I have. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, when the film 6 is folded right and left by the left and right folding plates 72 and 73, first, the pressing plates 12 at both ends in the extending direction of each of the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B.
d, 12h descend to release the clamp of the film 6,
Next, the pressing plates 12e and 12g near the center in the extending direction of each of the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B are lowered to release the clamp of the film 6.

The lowering of the pressing plates 12d, 12e, 12g and 12h is performed not at the same time as when the left and right folding plates 72 and 73 advanced toward the elevator ascending position 5a come into contact with the film 6, but with a slight delay. You. Thereby, the film 6
Can be folded from the side of the article to be packaged 2 to the lower surface thereof while applying an appropriate tension, and the occurrence of looseness and wrinkles can be prevented. The pressing plate 12f at the center in the extending direction of the film transport mechanisms 12A, 12B is kept raised, and the clamping of the film 6 is continued during the folding operation of the film 6 by the left and right folding plates 72, 73.

When the left and right folding plates 72 and 73 enter the lower side of the article 2 to be packaged, the elevator 5 is lowered. Thereby, the packaged object 2 is deposited on the left and right folding plates 72 and 73,
In addition, since the film 6 under tension is pressed against the left and right folding plates 72, 73, the left and right folding plates 7
No positional deviation occurs on the positions 2 and 73. Further, the lowered elevator 5 shifts to a receiving operation of the next packaged object 2. In a stretch wrapping machine having a conventional configuration, the mainstream is to wrap and wrap a film with respect to a packaged object supported on an elevator head, and the elevator cannot be lowered until the folding of the film is completed. , It was difficult to reduce the time required to shift to the next operation of receiving the packaged goods.
In this packaging machine 1, the article to be packaged 2 is made of left and right folding plates 72 and 73.
At the same time, the elevator 5 can be lowered and the operation can be shifted to the receiving operation of the next packaged object 2.
The time until the next packaged object 2 is sent to the packaging unit 7 by the elevator 5 can be reduced.

When the folding of the film 6 into the package 2 by the left and right folding plates 72 and 73 is completed, the rear folding plate 74 waiting on the pusher 76 side is moved to the elevator ascending position 5.
The film 6 is advanced in the direction a (see FIG. 12), and the film 6 clamped and held by the film transfer mechanism 12A on the pusher 76 side is folded from the side of the packaged object 2 to the lower surface side. At this time, the rear folding plate 74 is slightly delayed from the contact with the film 6, and the pressing plate 12f of the film transport mechanism 12A descends to release the clamp holding of the film 6, so that the film transport mechanism 12A and the package The film 6 stretched between the object 2 and the object 6 is folded into the object to be packaged 2 while maintaining an appropriate tension, so that generation of looseness and wrinkles is prevented.

As shown in FIG. 13, the left and right folding plates 72, 7
Numeral 3 is slidably mounted on a guide bar 77 extending along the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B (a guide bar on the film transport mechanism 12B side is omitted) and driven by a drive mechanism (not shown). Thus, it moves smoothly while being guided by the guide bar 77. The guide bars 78, 78
13 extends in the discharge direction (arrow G in FIG. 13; pusher 76 in FIG. 13 is not shown), and supports rear folding plate 74 so as to be slidable.

The rear folding plate 74 has a long plate shape.
Upper and lower plates 72a, 72b constituting left and right folding plates 72
Between the upper and lower plates 73a constituting the left and right folding plates 73,
73b are respectively slidably sandwiched between 73b. Since the folding of the film 6 by the rear folding plate 74 is performed in a state where the package 2 is supported on the left and right folding plates 72 and 73, the film 6 folded to the lower surface side of the package 2.
Are the lower plates 72b, 73 of the left and right folding plates 72, 73.
b, and as a result, the left and right folding plates 72, 73
It is folded so that it is gathered between. Also,
Left and right folding plates 72 and 73 composed of a pair of upper and lower plates,
Since it is easy to secure the strength, the upper plate 72a,
By making the thickness 73a thin, it is possible to reduce the vertical spacing between the lower surface of the packaged object 2 and the upper surface of the rear folding plate 74, whereby the folding of the film 6 by the rear folding plate 74 is ensured. It has become so.

As shown in FIG. 14, the pusher 76 is quickly driven after the folding of the film 6 by the rear folding plate 74 is completed, and the pusher 76 is moved to the left and right folding plates 72 and 73.
Is pushed out to the discharge conveyor 8 and discharged. At this time, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the film 6 stretched between the front end of the packaged object 2 in the discharge direction and the film transport mechanism 12B is folded into the lower surface of the packaged object 2 by contacting the front folding plate 75, 6 to be packaged.
As shown in FIG. 14, the article to be packaged 2 discharged from the packaging section 7 is conveyed to a target position by a discharge conveyor 8.
The discharge conveyor 8 has a heat generating function, and heat-fuses the film 6 folded from a plurality of directions to the lower surface side of the packaged object 2. Thereby, the packaging of the article to be packaged 2 by the packaging machine 1 is completed.

Next, an example of the structure of the film storage 9, the film holding mechanism 10, and the film transport mechanism 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 15, the film storage unit 9 is provided with a film roll 9 around which the film 6 is wound.
a, 9b, and a plurality of film guide rollers 9 disposed between the film rolls 9a, 9b and the film holding mechanism 10.
c, 9d, 9e, 9f and the film rolls 9a, 9
and a tension roller 9g for applying tension to the film 6 drawn out between the film holding mechanism 10 and the film holding mechanism 10. In FIG. 15, the tension roller 9g is in contact with the film 6 extending between the film guide rollers 9c and 9d. However, the configuration and the arrangement position of the tension roller 9g are not limited to the example shown in FIG. Various configurations can be employed.

The film holding mechanism 10 has movable plates 10a and 10b opposed to each other above and below the film 6, and as shown in FIGS. 16 (a), (b) and (c), the upper movable plate 10a Installed clamp roller 10
c and the clamp roller 10d attached to the lower movable plate 10b. Since both the clamp rollers 10c and 10d always hold the film 6, as shown in FIG.
When the roller 10b is moved from the vicinity of the film outlet from the film accommodating section 9 (near the film guide roller 9f) toward the film transport mechanism 12, the rotation of the two clamp rollers 10c and 10d is regulated by the built-in one-way clutch. The film 6 moves together with the rollers 10c and 10d while being clamped, and the film 6 is fed into the film receiving port 12a of the film transfer mechanism 12 (see FIG. 17).

As shown in FIG. 15, the movable plate 10
a and 10b are formed with a plurality of roller openings 10e, 10e... Each of the roller openings 10e is provided with a clamp roller 10c or 10d (not shown in FIG. 15). A pair of clamp rollers 10c, 1
0d clamps from above and below. In addition, a plurality of notch grooves 10 are provided at the distal ends of the movable plates 10a and 10b.
f is formed. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, when the movable plates 10a and 10b are inserted into the film receiving port 12a, the notch grooves 10f formed on both sides in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the moving direction) of the lower movable plate 10b. The film 6 is brought into contact with the lower film transport belt 12c of each of the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B. further,
As shown in FIG. 16 (b), when the film receiving port 12a is closed, the upper film transport belt 12b of the film transport mechanism 12 comes into contact with the film 6 via the notch groove 10f formed in the upper movable plate 10a. ,As a result,
The film 6 is sandwiched between the upper and lower film transport belts 12b and 12c.

After the film receiving port 12a is closed and the film 6 is held in each of the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B, as shown in FIG.
b is pulled back to the vicinity of the film guide roller 9f, and the film 6 is moved into the wrapping section 7 by the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B (in the direction away from the film holding mechanism 10).
Be drawn in. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16C, since both clamp rollers 10c and 10d roll with respect to the film 6, drawing in the film 6 by the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B affects pulling back of the film holding mechanism 10. Not done smoothly. In addition, tension is applied to the film 6 by the rotational resistance of the clamp rollers 10c and 10d, so that wrinkling and loosening of the film 6 can be prevented. Here, the cutter 11 is driven while the tension is acting on the film 6 to cut the film 6, so that the target position can be cut accurately (see FIG. 19).

As shown in FIG. 17, the upper film transport belt 12b of each of the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B near the film receiving port 12a is wound around an elevating roller 12i. , Is advanced toward the lower film transport belt 12c, and the film receiving port 12a is opened and closed. Here, when the film 6 is fed into the film receiving port 12a by the film holding mechanism 10 and the elevating roller 12i is lowered as shown in FIG. 18, the upper and lower film transport belts 12b and 12c
The film 6 is interposed therebetween, and thereafter, the film 6 is conveyed to the elevator ascending position 5a by the rotational driving of the film conveyance belts 12b and 12c (FIG. 20).

FIG. 21 shows an example of a control section for controlling the operation of the packaging machine 1. In FIG. 21, this CPU 80
Includes a ROM 81, a RAM 82, an operation unit 83, and a display unit 8.
4. The I / O port 85 is connected. I / O port 8
5 includes a motor M1 drive circuit 91 for controlling the motor M1 for driving the elevator 5, a motor M2 drive circuit 92 for controlling the film transfer mechanism drive motor M2, and a pre-stretch motor M3 for driving the film transfer mechanism 12B.
Pre-stretch motor M3 drive circuit 93 before controlling
Driving the pre-stretch motor M4 driving circuit 94 for controlling the pre-stretch motor M4 after driving the film transfer mechanism 12A, the motor M5 driving circuit 95 for controlling the motor M5 for driving the left and right folding plates 72 and 73, and driving the rear folding plate 74 A motor M6 drive circuit 96 for controlling the motor M6
Motor M that controls motor M7 that drives pusher 76
7 drive circuit 97, motor M8 for driving carry-in conveyor 4
Is connected to a motor M8 driving circuit 98 which controls the motors M1 to M9 according to a command from the I / O port 85. The motors M2 to M8 are pulse motors (stepping motors).

A rotary encoder 86 is connected to an elevator cam shaft (not shown) driven by a motor M 1 for the elevator 5.
The pulses generated in step 6 are counted, and each operating section is controlled based on the count value of the pulses.

Sensors S1, S2, and S3 are connected to the I / O port 85 via a sensor drive circuit 87.
From the detection signals of these sensors S1, S2, S3, the size data of the packaged object 2 is input. That is, the sensor S1
From the width W of the package 2 and from the sensor S2 the package 2
And the height h of the packaged object 2 is input from the sensor S3. The sensor S2 corresponds to the depth dimension detection sensor 49b shown in FIG. The sensor S1 includes a positioning mechanism 42
Corresponds. The sensor S3 is a height dimension detection sensor 49a.
Corresponding to

FIG. 22 shows a left and right fold, a rear fold,
Time indicating the operation timing of front folding (extrusion of the packaged object 2 by the pusher 76), rear stretching (movement of the film transport mechanism 12A), front stretching (movement of the film transport mechanism 12B), film feed, and elevation of the elevator 5. This is a table (when processing 36 packages 2 per minute). In FIG. 22, the count value is the count value of the pulse generated by the rotary encoder 86 (see FIG. 21), and the rotation angle is the rotation angle of the elevator 5 elevating cam.

That is, in the packaging machine 1, in the first half of the packaging cycle shown in FIG.
12B, a predetermined length of the film 6 is pulled out and cut, and centering (transfer to a predetermined position) of the cut predetermined length film 6 is performed (film feed). Will be The pre-stretch of the film 6 is performed by separating the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B in the width direction of the film 6, respectively. Also, during this time,
Carrying in and positioning of the article to be packaged 2 on the elevator head 5b are performed. Then, in the latter half of the packaging cycle (the count value is 50 to 100), the lift of the packaged object 2 by the elevator 5 and the left and right folding plates 72 and 73 and the rear folding plate 7 are performed.
4. The package 2 is packed by the discharge pusher 76. Further, the elevator 5 is lowered during the packaging.

After the elevator 5 is lifted, the film transport mechanism 1 starts moving immediately before reaching the elevator ascending position 5a.
Loosening of the rear stretch of the film 6 by 2A (movement of the film transport mechanism 12A in the direction of the elevator ascending position 5a) is started. Both film transport mechanisms 12A, 12B
Stretched film 6 stretched between,
The rear stretch is relaxed (following the upward movement by the packaged object 2 on the ascending elevator 5 to move the film transport mechanism 12A toward the elevator ascending position 5a). This can prevent inconveniences such as breakage due to a large load acting on the film 6. However, at this time, the tension acting on the film 6 is hardly changed.

At about the same time when the elevator 5 reaches the elevator ascending position 5a and stops, the left and right folding, the rear folding, and the front stretch loosening (the film transport mechanism 1) are performed.
2B is moved toward the elevator ascending position 5a)
And start. At this time, the back side stretch is continuously released. At this time, since the stretch is loosened on both the front and rear sides, inconveniences such as breakage due to a large load acting on the film 6 can be reliably prevented.

FIG. 23 is a view showing a packaged object 2 by this packaging machine 1.
2 shows the packaging process. First, in a first step 21, a packaged object 2 (product) is loaded into the loading conveyor 4, and the loaded packaged product 2 is transferred to the loading conveyor 4 or the internal conveyor 4.
By 8, it is transported onto the elevator 5 that is moving down and waiting. In the second step 22, the size of the package 2 is detected in the process of transporting the package 2 by the internal conveyor 48. The size of the package 2 to be detected includes the width dimension W.
(Dimension in the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction of the film 6 in the packaging unit 7; dimension in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction by the internal conveyor 48), depth dimension t (direction along the stretching direction of the film 6 in the packaging unit 7) The dimensions of the internal conveyor 48
In the direction along the transport direction) and a height dimension h. These detected size data are used in the third step 23 to determine the packaging control data. The packaging control data determined in the third step 23 includes the film 6
, The pre-stretch amount of the film 6 drawn into the packaging unit 7, the pre-stretch return timing, the pre-stretch return amount, the timing of releasing the clamp of the film 6 by the film transport mechanisms 12A and 12B (pressing plates 12d to
12h descent timing).

In the fourth step 24, in accordance with the size data of the article to be packaged 2 detected in the second step 22,
The operation mode of the packaging machine 1 is determined, and the packaging of the article to be packaged 2 is executed according to the determined operation mode (fifth step 2).
5). After the completion of the fifth step 25, the process returns to the first step 21, and the first to fifth steps 21 to 25 are similarly executed for the packaging of the next packaged article 2.

The packaging machine 1 has two operation modes, high speed (H) and low speed (L). In a fourth step 24, the size of the packaged object 2 is compared with a preset reference size. The operation mode is switched by the operation mode, and when the operation mode is switched, the reference size is also changed. Moreover, the reference size t1 for switching the operation mode from the low speed to the high speed and the reference size t2 for switching the operation mode from the high speed to the low speed are different from each other. Here, in the packaging machine 1 of the present embodiment, the size of the packaged object 2 to be compared with the reference sizes t1 and t2 is the depth dimension t. Depth dimension t of package 2
Is large, the amount of pre-stretching becomes large, and the time required for the pre-stretching operation also becomes long, and accordingly, the pitch (the number of times of carry-in per unit time) of the paved object 2 into the elevator 5 and the packing unit 7 Each operation of the packaging machine 1 such as the drawing pitch of the film 6 (the number of times of drawing per unit time) is also adjusted, and the packing process is performed in the low speed mode. Conversely, if the depth dimension t of the article to be packaged 2 is small, the time required for pre-stretching and pre-stretch-back is shortened, and the packaging process is performed in the high-speed mode.

For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the reference size t1 for switching the operation mode from the high-speed mode to the low-speed mode is 170 mm, and the reference size for switching the operation mode from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode. t2 is 16
When it is set to 0 mm, while operating in the low-speed mode, when the packaged object 2 having a depth dimension t smaller than the reference size t2 is carried into the packaging machine 1 and detected by the depth dimension detection sensor 49b, the processing speed is reduced. Switch to high-speed mode,
When a packaged object having a depth dimension t larger than the reference size t1 serving as a reference for switching from the high-speed mode to the low-speed mode is carried into the apparatus, the processing speed is switched to the low-speed mode.

FIG. 25 shows the aforementioned reference size t1 = 170.
It is a flowchart which shows selection of a use operation mode when mm, t2 = 160mm is set. In FIG. 25, if it is confirmed in step 51 that the high-speed mode (“H mode” in FIG. 25) is selected, step 5
In step 2, the data of the depth dimension t of the next packaged object 2 is compared with the reference size t1 = 170 mm.
If the depth t is not larger than 170 mm (“NO” in FIG. 25), the packaging in the high-speed mode is continued. The mode is switched to “L mode” in FIG. 25), and packaging is performed. When the high speed mode is not selected in step 51 ("NO" in FIG. 25; at this time, the low speed mode is selected), in step 54, the depth dimension t is compared with 160 mm (reference size t2). When the reference size t2 is larger than 160 mm (FIG. 25)
Middle “NO”), the packaging in the low-speed mode is maintained and 1
If it is smaller than 60 mm ("YES" in FIG. 25), a high-speed mode (H mode) is selected in step 55, and packaging is performed in this high-speed mode. In the initial state at the time of starting the packaging, it is preferable to set the high-speed mode in which the packaging ability is high.

Here, since the reference size t2 for switching from the low speed mode to the high speed mode is smaller than the reference size t1 for switching from the high speed mode to the low speed mode, the operation mode is temporarily changed from the low speed mode to the high speed mode. Is switched, the mode switching from the high-speed mode to the low-speed mode is not performed even if the subsequent size t of the packaged object 2 is slightly larger than the reference size t2.
Once switching from high-speed mode to low-speed mode,
Even if the subsequent depth size t of the packaged object 2 is slightly smaller than the reference size t1, the mode switching from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode is not performed. As a result, the number of mode switching due to the detection error of the sensor decreases. For this reason, the resetting time and the restarting time of the entire packaging machine 1 required at the time of mode switching can be minimized, and the time required for packaging all the objects to be packaged 2 can be reduced.

In the packaging machine 1, the size (depth dimension t) of the packaged object 2 packaged after switching the operation mode is stored, and the current operation mode is appropriate based on the stored contents. It has a function of determining whether or not it is not appropriate and switching the operation mode when it is determined that it is not appropriate. That is, when operating in the high-speed mode, if the size t of the article 2 to be packaged next is, for example, 172 mm, the operation mode is switched to the low-speed mode because the reference size t1 exceeds 170 mm. After that, the depth size t is equal to the reference size t2 = 160 mm.
Until a smaller packaged object 2 is detected, the operation mode is not switched, and the low-speed mode is maintained.

However, the depth size t of the packaged object 2 packed after the switching of the operation mode is stored, and the reference size t1 for switching from the high-speed mode to the low-speed mode, for example, 168, 165, 167,. 170m
When the packaged object 2 having the depth size t of m or less is continuously wrapped a predetermined number of times (for example, five times), it is determined that the current operation mode is not appropriate, and the operation mode is switched to the high-speed mode. Similarly, immediately after switching from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode, when the packaged object 2 having the depth dimension t of 160 mm or more as the reference size t2 when switching from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode is continuously wrapped a predetermined number of times, It determines that the current operation mode is not appropriate, and switches the operation mode to the low-speed mode. The reason for this configuration is that the depth size t (172 mm in the above example) when the operation mode is switched is a detection error by the sensor. Even if the reference size t1 is actually 170 mm or less, the reference size t1
= 170 mm or more is likely to be erroneously detected, so that even if the operation mode is temporarily switched to an invalid operation mode due to a detection error by the sensor, the operation mode can be automatically changed to the correct operation mode. is there.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is applied to the packaging machine 1 having the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 25, and the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 25 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified. Become In this embodiment,
While the size of the package 2 to be packaged after the switching of the operation mode continuously satisfies the predetermined condition set corresponding to the size of the package 2 at the time of switching the operation mode, the operation mode is not changed. Switching is regulated.

The predetermined condition is, for example, the depth t of the packaged object 2 to be packaged after switching the operation mode.
And the depth dimension t ′ of the packaged object 2 at the time of switching the operation mode is | tt ′ |
.Ltoreq.P, and switching of the operation mode is restricted while continuously satisfying this relationship. That is, | tt ′ | is a dimensional difference (mm) between the depth dimension t of the packaged object 2 to be packaged and the depth dimension t ′ of the packaged object 2 when the operation mode is switched. Dimensional difference between dimensions t and t 'is small, | tt' | ≤P
While continuously satisfying the relationship, the switching of the operation mode is regulated, and when the relationship is no longer satisfied,
The operation mode is switched based on a comparison with a preset reference size, or the operation mode is selected based on another reference such as a new constant P being set. Further, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, it is also possible to determine whether or not the operation mode has been switched according to, for example, the flowchart shown in FIG. 25 of the first embodiment.

For example, in FIG. 26, a constant P = 5 (mm) is set for the depth dimension t '= 172 mm of the packaged object 2 when the operation mode is switched. At this time, after the switching, for example, the depth dimension t of the packaged object 2 detected by the depth dimension detection sensor 49b or the like is | tt '|
If the relationship of 5 is satisfied, the operation mode at the time of switching (low-speed mode in FIG. 26) is maintained irrespective of comparison with the reference value t0 = 170 mm set as the switching reference of the operation mode. That is, after the switching of the operation mode, all the packages 2 that fall within the range of the depth dimension t ′ ± 5 mm at the time of the switching are subjected to the packaging process according to the operation mode at the time of the switching.

FIG. 27 shows a reference size t0 = 170 mm (depth dimension) and a constant P
9 is a flowchart showing mode switching when = 5 (mm) is set. First, in step 61, it is determined whether the mode switching condition is based on | tt ′ | ≦ P. If the mode switching based on | tt ′ | ≦ P is performed, the process proceeds to step 62. Therefore, the depth dimension t of the package 2 at the time of mode switching and the depth dimension t of the package 2 are | tt 'with respect to a predetermined constant P.
It is determined whether the relationship of | ≦ P is satisfied. Here, the transition from step 61 to step 62 requires the existence of data of the depth dimension t at the time of mode switching. In FIG. 27, J = 1 is a condition for mode switching based on | tt ′ | ≦ P, and J = 0 is a reference size t0.
= 170 mm and a mode switching condition based on a comparison between the measured depth t of the packaged object 2.

When | tt ′ | ≦ P is satisfied in step 62, the operation mode at the time of mode switching is maintained, and the article to be packaged 2 is wrapped in this operation mode.
When | tt ′ | ≦ P is not satisfied, step 6
At 3, the mode switching condition J = 0 is selected, and the routine proceeds to step 64. When the mode switching condition J = 1 is not selected in step 61, step 64
When the currently selected operation mode is the high-speed mode (“H mode” in FIG. 27), the reference size t0 = 170 mm is compared with the measured depth t of the package 2 in step 65. , T is 170 mm or more, the operation mode is changed to the low speed mode (“L” in FIG. 27) in step 66.
Mode)), and in step 67, mode switching under the condition J = 1 is set, and packaging in the low-speed mode is executed.

If it is determined in step 64 that the currently selected operation mode is not high speed, in step 68, the measured depth t of the packaged object 2 is set to the reference size t0 = 170 mm.
If t is less than t0, the mode is switched to the high-speed mode (“H mode” in FIG. 27) in step 69, and the mode is switched by the condition J = 1 in step 67. Perform packaging by. In step 68, when t exceeds t0, the packaging of the article to be packaged 2 is executed in the low-speed mode. When the mode is switched to the high-speed mode, | t
If −t ′ | ≦ P is satisfied, the packaging of the article to be packaged 2 is executed in the high-speed mode.

As described above, in the present embodiment, | tt ′
When | ≦ P is satisfied, the operation mode at the time of mode switching is maintained. When | tt ′ | ≦ P is not satisfied, the mode is compared with the reference size t0. If the mode switching is performed, the switching condition J = 1 is set again. Then, when the switching condition J = 1 is set,
As long as | tt ′ | ≦ P is satisfied, the operation mode at the time of mode switching is maintained irrespective of the reference size t0. Restart time, etc. (dead time)
Is reduced. For this reason, especially when many packages 2 having the same depth dimension t are packaged, the packaging time can be significantly reduced. In the present embodiment,
If the constant P is increased, the measurement error of the depth dimension t of the packaged object 2 can be absorbed, the mode switching frequency can be reduced, and the packaging time can be shortened. The packaging in the optimal operation mode corresponding to the depth dimension t of 2 is possible, and the packaging quality and the like can be adjusted by the set value of the constant P.

Also, in the case of the second embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the depth size t of the packaged object 2 wrapped after switching the operation mode is stored, and based on the stored contents. It has a function of determining whether or not the current operation mode is appropriate, and switching the operation mode if it is determined that the current operation mode is not appropriate. For example, when operating in the high-speed mode, if the depth size t of the packaged object 2 to be packaged next is, for example, 172 mm, the reference size t
Since 0 is 170 mm or more, the operation mode is switched to the low-speed mode. Thereafter, assuming that P = 5, the operation mode is not switched until the packaged object 2 smaller than the depth size t = 168 mm is wrapped. However, the depth size t of the packaged object 2 packaged after the switching of the operation mode is stored, and the reference size t0 = 1.
A depth size t of 70 mm or less is, for example, 168, 1
When a predetermined number of times (for example, five times) continues as in 69, 169,..., It is determined that the current operation mode is not appropriate, and the operation mode is switched to the high-speed mode. This is the same even when switching from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode. In the packaging machine configured as described above, even if the operation mode is temporarily switched to an invalid operation mode due to a detection error by the sensor, as described in the first embodiment, the operation mode is changed to the correct operation mode.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The packaging machine of the present embodiment is shown in FIGS.
5 is applied to the packaging machine having the configuration described in FIG. 5, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 25 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be simplified.

In this embodiment, when a plurality of the same packages 2 are successively packaged, whether or not to switch the operation mode is selected based on the size data obtained for the specific package 2.

FIG. 28 shows a case in which measurement data (an example of the depth direction t) of the packaged object 2 to be packed first is grasped as size data and the operation mode is set. It is a flowchart shown. In FIG. 28, in step 100, if the packages 2 to be packaged are the first packages 2 to be packaged in the same operation mode, first, in step 101, the operation mode switching reference size (FIG. 28, 170 mm is exemplified), and if the measured depth t of the packaged object 2 is larger than the reference size, the packaging is executed in the low speed mode (“L mode” in FIG. 28) selected in step 102. If the measured depth t of the packaged object 2 is smaller than the reference size, the high-speed mode selected in step 103 (FIG. 28)
Middle "H mode"). Step 1
At 00, if the package 2 is not the first package to be packed, the operation mode set at the time of packaging the first package 2 is applied unconditionally and packaging is performed.

The present embodiment has a function of storing the operation mode at the time of the first packaging for each type of the package 2 and performing the packaging of the package 2 after the next according to the stored operation mode. It is also possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the operation mode at the time of the first packaging of the product (package 2) is stored for each type of the package 2 in the product file storing the label print data. Then, in the packaging of the product for the second and subsequent times, that is, when the operation mode is stored when data is read from the product file, packaging is performed according to the read operation mode.

In this embodiment, the operation mode is set based on the size data of the packaged object 2 to be packed first. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any one of the second, third,. It is also possible to set the operation mode with the object 2 as the object of grasping the size data. For example, FIG.
When there are a plurality of packages 2 to be conveyed to the elevator 5 by the internal conveyor 48 shown in (2) between the elevator 5 and the depth dimension detection sensor 49b, the package 2 to be packed first is packed by the elevator 5. Before being raised to the section 7, the depth dimension of the package 2 downstream from the package 2 in the transport direction is determined by the depth dimension detection sensor 49b.
, And this can be used as size data. At this time, the first packaged object 2
Are packaged in the operation mode selected based on the size data detected by the depth dimension detection sensor 49b.

In each of the above embodiments, the film 6
Has described an application example to a stretch film wrapping machine that wraps an article 2 to be wrapped, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various wrapping machines having an operation mode switching function. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the operation mode is set or switched according to the depth dimension of the packaged object 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation mode is set or switched. As the size data of the target packaged item, a width dimension, a height dimension, and the like of the packaged item can be adopted. When corresponding to the height dimension, the fact that the pre-stretch amount of the film changes in accordance with the height dimension, and the pre-stretch time changes accordingly, is taken into consideration in switching the operation mode. When changing the operation mode, the change in the amount of the film drawn into the packaging portion corresponding to the width and the change in the time required for drawing the film in accordance with the width are taken into consideration. The detection of the size data of the packaged object is not limited to the sensor, and various configurations such as a television camera can be adopted.

[0072]

As described above, according to the packaging machine of the first aspect, the operation mode is switched according to the result of comparing the size of the packaged object with the preset reference size. Is switched, the reference size is also changed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of switching the operation mode due to an error in detection of the size of the packaged object by the sensor, and to reduce the dead time associated with the switching of the operation mode. And the packaging time can be shortened. Further, since frequent switching of the operation mode is prevented, especially in the case of packaging the same packaged object, high packaging capacity can be obtained by reduction of the wasted time. In addition, when the frequent switching of the operation mode is prevented, the effect that the malfunction and the normal operation can be easily determined can be obtained.

According to the packaging machine of the present invention, the reference size when switching the operation mode from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode and the reference size when the operation mode is switched from the high-speed mode to the low-speed mode. Are different from each other, it is possible to reduce the frequency of switching the operation mode due to an error in detection of the size of the packaged object by the sensor, and it is possible to greatly reduce the waste time associated with switching the operation mode and shorten the packaging time. it can. Further, since frequent switching of the operation mode is prevented, especially in the case of packaging the same packaged object, high packaging capacity can be obtained by reduction of the wasted time.

According to the packaging machine of the third aspect, the reference size when switching the operation mode from the low-speed operation to the high-speed operation is larger than the reference size when the operation mode is switched from the high-speed operation to the low-speed operation. Is small, it is possible to reduce the frequency of operation mode switching caused by the detection error of the size of the packaged object by the sensor, and it is possible to greatly reduce the waste time associated with the operation mode switching and shorten the packaging time. . Further, since frequent switching of the operation mode is prevented, especially in the case of packaging the same packaged object, high packaging capacity can be obtained by reduction of the wasted time.

According to the packaging machine of the fourth aspect, even if the operation mode is switched to an incorrect operation mode due to a detection error of the size of the packaged object by the sensor, the operation mode is automatically set to the correct operation mode based on the size data thereafter. This has the effect of being able to be switched dynamically.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the size of the packaged object is automatically detected by the sensor during the conveyance, the reduction of the packaging processing capacity due to the error of the size of the packaged object is prevented. it can.

According to the packaging machine of the sixth aspect, the size of the article to be packaged after the switching of the operation mode is determined by a predetermined condition set in accordance with the size of the article to be packaged when the operation mode is switched. Since the switching of the operation mode is restricted while the condition is continuously satisfied, the frequency of the operation mode switching caused by the detection error of the size of the packaged object by the sensor can be reduced, and the dead time associated with the operation mode switching can be reduced. And the packaging time can be shortened.
Further, since frequent switching of the operation mode is prevented, especially in the case of packaging the same packaged object, high packaging capacity can be obtained by reduction of the wasted time.

According to the packaging machine of the present invention, the size t of the package to be packaged after the switching of the operation mode and the size t ′ of the package at the time of the switching of the operation mode are set to a predetermined constant P. While the relation of | tt ′ | ≦ P is continuously satisfied, the switching of the operation mode is restricted, so that the frequency of switching the operation mode due to the detection error of the size of the packaged object by the sensor is reduced. As a result, it is possible to greatly reduce waste time associated with switching operation modes and shorten packaging time. Further, since frequent switching of the operation mode is prevented, especially in the case of packaging the same packaged object, high packaging capacity can be obtained by reduction of the wasted time.

According to the packaging machine of the present invention, the constant P is set corresponding to the operation mode before switching, and the constant P is different between the operation modes having different processing speeds. Depending on the value, for example, it is possible to easily switch to either the low-speed or high-speed operation mode, or to increase the switching frequency to improve the packaging quality, and to adjust the properties such as the shape and hardness of the packaged object. And
It becomes possible to set the switching tendency of the operation mode according to the target packaging time or the like.

According to the packaging machine of the ninth aspect, even when the operation mode is switched to an incorrect operation mode due to a detection error of the size of the packaged object by the sensor, the operation mode is automatically set to the correct operation mode based on the size data thereafter. This has the effect of being able to be switched dynamically.

According to the packaging machine of the tenth aspect, when a plurality of the same packaged items are successively packaged, the presence or absence of the switching of the operation mode is selected based on the size data grasped for the specific packaged product. In addition, the frequency of switching operation modes due to the detection error of the size of the packaged object by the sensor can be reduced, and the waste time associated with the switching of operation modes can be significantly reduced, and the packaging time can be reduced. Further, since frequent switching of the operation mode is prevented, especially in the case of packaging the same packaged object, high packaging capacity can be obtained by reduction of the wasted time.

According to the packaging machine of the eleventh aspect, when the size data of the first packaged object is grasped, and it is determined whether or not the operation mode is switched, the same packaged object is processed in the same operation mode. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of switching operation modes due to an error in detection of the size of the article to be packaged by the sensor, and it is possible to greatly reduce waste time associated with switching operation modes and shorten packaging time.
Further, since frequent switching of the operation mode is prevented, especially in the case of packaging the same packaged object, high packaging capacity can be obtained by reduction of the wasted time.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the operation mode when the first wrapping is performed is stored for each type of the wrapped object, and the wrapping of the next and subsequent wrapped objects is performed based on the stored operation mode. Is performed, it is possible to reduce the frequency of switching the operation mode due to the detection error of the size of the article to be packaged by the sensor, and it is possible to greatly reduce the waste time associated with the switching of the operation mode and shorten the packaging time. . Also,
By preventing frequent switching of the operation mode, particularly in the case of packaging of the same packaged object, high packaging capacity can be obtained by reduction of wasted time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing a stretch film packaging machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a packaging section of the stretch film packaging machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a carry-in conveyor of the stretch film packaging machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the operation of the carry-in conveyor of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an internal conveyor provided in the stretch film packaging machine of FIG.

6 is a view showing the operation of the internal conveyor of FIG. 5, and is a perspective view showing an initial stage of transport of an article to be packaged.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the internal conveyor of FIG. 5 and showing the loading of an article to be packaged onto an elevator.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an elevator provided in the stretch film packaging machine of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the drawing of a film into a packaging unit provided in the stretch film packaging machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the loading of an article to be packaged into a packaging section when the elevator is lifted.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing left and right folding of a film into an article to be packaged.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the back folding of the film into the packaged object.

FIG. 13 shows a left and right folding plate, a rear folding plate,
It is a perspective view which shows a front folding plate.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing front folding of a film into a packaged object.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a film storage section and a film holding mechanism provided in the stretch film packaging machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a side view showing a film holding mechanism,
(A) shows the initial state, (b) shows the drawing of the film into the film receiving port, and (c) shows the drawing back after drawing the film.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state where the film is held by the film holding mechanism of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the drawing of the film drawn out to the film receiving port into the packaging portion.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a cut of the film drawn into the packaging unit.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state where the drawing of the film is completed.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit provided in the stretch film packaging machine of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a time table of the operation of the stretch film packaging machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the stretch film packaging machine of FIG.

FIG. 24 is a view showing the operation of the stretch film packaging machine of FIG. 1, and shows a relationship between a reference size for mode switching and an operation mode.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing mode switching of the stretch film packaging machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a reference size for switching operation modes and an operation mode of the stretch film packaging machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation mode switching of the stretch film packaging machine of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing operation mode switching of the stretch film packaging machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a conceptual diagram of a product file stored in the stretch film packaging machine of FIG. 28.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Packaging machine (stretch film wrapping machine), 2 ... Article to be packaged, 49a ... Sensor (height dimension detection sensor), 49b ...
Sensor (depth dimension detection sensor).

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method for detecting a size of an article to be packaged and changing a plurality of operation modes set for each processing speed from a low-speed mode to a high-speed mode or from a high-speed mode to a low-speed mode corresponding to the detected size. In the packaging machine configured to be automatically switchable to the one, each operation mode is switched by a result of comparing the size of the packaged object against a preset reference size, and when the operation mode is switched, A packaging machine characterized in that the reference size is also changed. 2. A reference size for switching the operation mode from a low-speed operation mode to a high-speed operation mode and a reference size for switching the operation mode from a high-speed operation mode to a low-speed operation mode. The packaging machine according to claim 1. 3. A reference size when switching the operation mode from a low-speed operation mode to a high-speed operation mode is smaller than a reference size when switching the operation mode from a high-speed operation mode to a low-speed operation mode. Item 4. The packaging machine according to Item 2. 4. The size of a plurality of packages to be packaged after switching the operation mode is stored, and based on the stored contents, it is determined whether or not the current operation mode is valid, and it is determined that the current operation mode is not valid. 4. The packaging machine according to claim 2, wherein the operation mode is switched in the case. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the packaged object is automatically detected by a sensor during conveyance.
4. The packaging machine according to any one of 4. 6. A plurality of operation modes set for each processing speed corresponding to the detected size are detected from a low-speed operation mode to a high-speed operation mode or from a high-speed operation mode to a low-speed operation mode corresponding to the detected size. In a packaging machine that is configured to be automatically switchable to a single product, the size of the package to be packaged after switching the operation mode is determined by a predetermined condition set according to the size of the package at the time of switching the operation mode. While continuously satisfying
A packaging machine characterized by restricting operation mode switching. 7. The size t of the article to be packaged after the switching of the operation mode and the size t ′ of the article to be packaged at the time of the switching of the operation mode are | t−t ′ | ≦ P 7. The packaging machine according to claim 6, wherein the switching of the operation mode is restricted while continuously satisfying the relationship (1). 8. The packaging machine according to claim 7, wherein the constant P is set corresponding to an operation mode before switching, and the constant P is different between operation modes having different processing speeds. 9. After the switching of the operation mode, the sizes of the plurality of wrapped articles to be packaged are stored, and based on the stored contents, it is determined whether or not the current operation mode is valid. The packaging machine according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein when it is determined that the operation mode is changed, the operation mode is switched. 10. A size of an object to be packaged is detected, and a plurality of operation modes set for each processing speed corresponding to the detected size are changed from a low speed mode to a high speed mode, or from a high speed mode to a low speed mode. In the packaging machine configured to be able to automatically switch to the one to be packed, when packaging the same packaged item continuously, select whether to switch the operation mode based on the size data grasped for the specific packaged item. A packaging machine characterized by that: 11. The packaging machine according to claim 10, wherein the specific packaged item is a packaged item to be packed first. 12. An operation mode when the first packaging is performed for each type of the packaged object, and packaging of the next and subsequent packaged items is performed according to the stored operation mode. The packaging machine according to any one of claims 10 to 11.