WO2025033119A1 - Packaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a packaging device for sequentially packaging a plurality of objects to be packaged conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side in a conveyance direction. The packaging device comprises: an object-to-be-packaged supply part for sequentially supplying objects to be packaged; a bag-making part for making a cylindrical bag of a film by abutting both edge parts in the width direction of the film against each other so as to wrap each of the objects to be packaged being sequentially supplied by the object-to-be-packaged supply part; a first seal part for sealing both edge parts in the width direction of the film that have been abutted against each other by the bag-making part; a second seal part provided separately on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the first seal part and which seals a part to be sealed between the objects to be packaged adjacent to each other with respect to the film; and a foreign object detector that detects a foreign object inside the film. The foreign object detector is disposed between the first seal part and the second seal part in the conveyance direction.

Description

Packaging Equipment

The present invention relates to a packaging device that sequentially packages transported items.

As a packaging device, for example, a packaging device such as that described in Patent Document 1 is known. The packaging device in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a foreign object detector. The foreign object detector detects whether any foreign object is present in the packaging bag along with the packaged item. In the packaging device in Patent Document 1, the foreign object detector is provided downstream of the top seal section.

JP 2006-298384 A

In the packaging device of Patent Document 1, the foreign object detector is installed downstream of the top seal section. In other words, the foreign object detector is installed downstream of a conventional packaging device. This increases the overall length of the packaging device. On the other hand, it is desirable to be able to install the packaging device in a smaller space. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent the overall length of the packaging device from increasing.

The present invention aims to provide a packaging device that can prevent the overall length of the packaging device from increasing when a foreign object detector is installed in the packaging device, and that can detect foreign objects with high accuracy.

One aspect of the present invention is a packaging device that sequentially packages a plurality of packaged items transported from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction. This packaging device includes a packaged item supply section, a bag making section, a first sealing section, a second sealing section, and a foreign object detector. The packaged item supply section sequentially supplies the packaged items. The bag making section butts both widthwise edge portions together to make a tubular bag of film so as to encase each of the packaged items sequentially supplied by the packaged item supply section. The first sealing section seals both widthwise edge portions of the film butted together in the bag making section. The second sealing section is provided downstream in the conveying direction from the first sealing section and seals the sealed portions between the packaged items adjacent to each other relative to the film. The foreign object detector detects foreign objects in the film. This foreign object detector is disposed between the first sealing section and the second sealing section in the conveying direction.

According to one aspect of the present invention, by arranging a foreign object detector between the first and second sealing sections, it is possible to prevent the overall length of the packaging device from becoming too long.

According to the present invention, when a foreign object detector is incorporated into a packaging device, it is possible to prevent the overall length of the packaging device from increasing, and it is possible to detect foreign objects with high accuracy.

The above objects, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the packaging device of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the packaging device of FIG. 1 . 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a drive determination process executed by a control device of the packaging device of FIG. 1 .

The packaging device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings mentioned above. Note that the concept of direction used in the following description is used for convenience in the description and does not limit the orientation of the configuration of the invention to that direction. Furthermore, the packaging device 1 described below is merely one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and additions, deletions, and modifications are possible within the scope of the spirit of the invention.

<Packaging Equipment>
The packaging device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 sequentially packages a plurality of packaged items 2 conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction. The packaging device 1 is, for example, a horizontal regular pillow packaging device. More specifically, the packaging device 1 sequentially packages a plurality of packaged items 2 conveyed in a conveying direction, which is one of the horizontal directions, in a pillow bag 3. In this embodiment, the packaging device 1 individually packages the packaged items 2, such as food and goods, in the pillow bag 3. In the packaging device 1, the packaged items 2 packaged in the pillow bag 3 are not limited to one item, and may be a collection of multiple items. In other words, the pillow bag 3 may contain multiple items. The packaging device 1 mainly includes a film supplying machine 11, a packaged item supplying machine 12, a bag making machine 13, a center sealing unit 14, a foreign object detector 15, and a top sealing unit 16. The packaging device 1 also includes a center conveyor 17, a carry-out conveyor 18, and a control device 19. Incidentally, the center conveyor 17 does not necessarily have to be provided.

<Film supply machine>
The film supplying machine 11 supplies the film 4 for packaging the packaged article 2 to the bag former 13, which will be described later in detail. The film supplying machine 11 includes, for example, a film roll 21 and a feed roller 22. The film roll 21 is formed by winding a strip-shaped film 4 around a core material 21a. The feed roller 22 supplies the film 4 unwound from the film roll 21 to the bag former 13. More specifically, the feed roller 22 is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown). As a result, the feed roller 22 supplies the film 4 to the bag former 13.

<Packaged item supply machine>
The packaged item supplying machine 12, which is an example of a packaged item supplying section, sequentially supplies the packaged items 2 to the bag former 13. To explain in more detail, the packaged items 2 are sequentially placed on the packaged item supplying machine 12 at a predetermined timing. The packaged item supplying machine 12 then conveys the placed packaged items 2 in the conveying direction and supplies them to the bag former 13. The packaged item supplying machine 12 is, for example, a belt conveyor.

<Bag making machine>
The bag former 13, which is an example of a bag making section, butts both widthwise edge portions 4a of the film 4 against each other to make a cylindrical bag of the film 4 so as to wrap each of the packaged items 2 sequentially supplied by the packaged item supplying machine 12, as shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, the film 4 passes through the bag former 13 from the film supplying machine 11 and is sent to the center seal section 14 arranged downstream of the bag former 13 in the conveying direction. The bag former 13 makes a cylindrical bag of the film 4 as the film 4 passes through the bag former 13. In this embodiment, the bag former 13 bends both widthwise edge portions 4a of the film 4 passing through downward to roll the film 4. Furthermore, the bag former 13 puts both widthwise edge portions 4a of the rolled film 4 on the lower side thereof into the slit 13a and butts them against each other. As a result, the film 4 is made into a cylindrical bag with both widthwise edge portions 4a hanging downward. At this time, each of the packaged items 2 sequentially supplied by the packaged item supplying machine 12 is fed into the film 4 being formed into a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the bag former 13 rolls up the film 4 so as to encase the packaged items 2 being fed, forming a cylindrical bag.

<Center seal>
The center seal section 14, which is an example of a first seal section, seals both widthwise edge portions 4a of the film 4 that have been butted together in the bag former 13. More specifically, the center seal section 14 heats and presses both widthwise edge portions 4a of the hanging film 4 as shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, the center seal section 14 sandwiches and heats both widthwise edge portions 4a from both sides in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This causes both widthwise edge portions 4a to be heat-sealed to each other. Note that each of the widthwise edge portions 4a may be configured to be pressed together by an adhesive or the like, as long as they are sealed to each other.

More specifically, the center seal section 14 includes a receiving plate 25 and multiple press roller mechanisms 26, 27. The receiving plate 25 allows the packaged items 2 wrapped in the tubular film 4 to flow downstream in the conveying direction on the receiving plate 25. The receiving plate 25 also has a slit 25a. The slit 25a extends in the conveying direction on the receiving plate 25 and is disposed to correspond to the slit 13a of the bag former 13. In this embodiment, both widthwise edge portions 4a are inserted into the slit 25a so as to be handed over from the slit 13a. When the tubular film 4 flows over the receiving plate 25 together with the packaged items 2, the widthwise edge portions 4a flow downstream in the conveying direction with their hanging portions 4b protruding from the slit 25a.

The multiple press roller mechanisms 26, 27 seal the widthwise edge portions 4a by pressing the widthwise edge portions 4a against each other. In this embodiment, the center seal section 14 includes two press roller mechanisms 26, 27. The two press roller mechanisms 26, 27 are spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction of the receiving plate 25 and arranged below the receiving plate 25. More specifically, the press roller mechanisms 26, 27 each have a pair of roller portions 26a, 27a. Each of the pair of roller portions 26a, 27a is arranged apart in the width direction to sandwich the slit 25a in a plan view, and pressurizes and clamps the hanging portion 4b. In addition, the pair of roller portions 26a, 27a is heated by a heater (not shown), and heats and presses the hanging portion 4b when clamping it. As a result, the hanging portion 4b is sealed and a center seal 4d is formed in the cylindrical film 4. Furthermore, the pair of rollers 26a, 27a are each provided with a drive motor 26b, 27b. Each of the pair of rollers 26a, 27a is rotated around an axis extending in the height direction by the drive motor 26b, 27b. As a result, the center seal 4d is sent downstream in the conveying direction by each of the pair of rollers 26a, 27a, that is, the cylindrical film 4 is sent downstream in the conveying direction. In this embodiment, the height direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction and the width direction.

<Foreign object detector>
The foreign object detector 15 detects foreign objects (in this embodiment, objects other than the packaged object 2 to be packaged) containing metal in the film 4. The detection method of the foreign object detector is appropriately selected from a coaxial type or opposing type, a magnetization type, a magnetic bias type magnetic field method, and the like. The coaxial type or opposing type is a method of detecting foreign objects by detecting an electromagnetic field generated in a transmission coil with a receiving coil. The magnetization type is a method of detecting foreign objects by detecting a magnetic field generated from a magnetized foreign object by magnetization when the magnetized foreign object approaches a coil. The magnetic bias type magnetic field method is a method of detecting foreign objects by detecting a change in the magnetic field generated by a magnet when the foreign object approaches with a coil. In this embodiment, the foreign object detector 15 is a metal detector using a magnetic bias type magnetic field method (for example, manufactured by Shinto Kogyo Co., Ltd.). Note that the magnetic bias type magnetic field method metal detector can have one gate for inspecting foreign objects. In addition, the magnetic bias type magnetic field method metal detector can omit the drive power supply for the sensor module. Therefore, a metal detector using the magnetic bias type magnetic field line method can further prevent the overall length of the packaging device from increasing, compared to other types of foreign object detectors, and can reliably detect foreign objects.

The foreign object detector 15 is disposed between the center seal section 14 and the top seal section 16, which will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the foreign object detector 15 is disposed between the center seal section 14 and the center conveyor 17, which will be described in detail later. The packaged items 2 are sent to the foreign object detector 15 from the center seal section 14 together with the cylindrical film 4. The foreign object detector 15 switches its detection function on and off at a predetermined timing when each packaged item 2 passes through. That is, the foreign object detector 15 turns its detection function on as the packaged item 2 begins to pass through, and turns its detection function off when the packaged item 2 passes by. Therefore, the detection function is turned off between adjacent packaged items 2. Since there is only the cylindrical film 4 between adjacent packaged items 2, there is a possibility of false detection due to noise caused by external disturbances. The foreign object detector 15 suppresses the occurrence of false detection by turning off the detection function between adjacent packaged items 2. As described above, the foreign object detector 15 receives the packaged item 2 together with the cylindrical film 4 from the center seal section 14. Therefore, the timing at which the packaged item 2 passes through the foreign object detector 15 is predetermined, making it easy to turn the detection function on and off. The foreign object detector 15, which operates in this manner, includes a conveying path 31, a pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33, a sensor frame 34, and an anti-vibration mechanism 35.

The conveying path 31 is interposed between the center seal section 14 and the center conveyor 17. The conveying path 31 receives the packaged item 2 sent from the center seal section 14 together with the tubular film 4. At this time, the center seal 4d hanging down from the slit 25a is folded in one or the other width direction and placed on the conveying path 31. The packaged item 2 is then caused to flow downstream in the conveying direction along the conveying path 31 together with the tubular film 4. The packaged item 2 is then transferred from the conveying path 31 to the center conveyor 17.

Each of the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 has a magnet and a coil (both not shown). The pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 are arranged at a distance from each other across the transport path 31. In this embodiment, the magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 are arranged at a distance from each other in the vertical direction across the transport path 31. However, the magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 are not necessarily limited to the arrangement described above, and may be arranged at a distance from each other in the width direction.

Furthermore, the foreign object detector 15 does not necessarily need to include two magnetic bias sensors 32, 33, and may have only one magnetic bias sensor. In this case, the magnetic bias sensor is disposed, for example, above or below the conveying path 31. One magnetic bias sensor may be configured by disposing a magnet on one side, above or below the conveying path 31, and disposing a coil on the other side, above or below the conveying path 31.

The magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 have a magnetic bias function that amplifies the magnetism of foreign objects. In addition, the magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 have a detection function that detects the presence or absence of foreign objects by changes in the magnetic field lines caused by the passage of the foreign object. In other words, the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 amplify the magnetism of foreign objects passing between them, and detect the foreign object by changes in the magnetic field lines caused by the amplified magnetism.

The sensor frame 34 connects the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33. The sensor frame 34 has high rigidity, and allows the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 to move vertically and horizontally as a unit. The vibration isolation mechanism 35 suppresses vibrations transmitted from each seal portion 14, 16 to the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33. To explain in more detail, the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 are provided on the frame (not shown) of the packaging device 1 via the vibration isolation mechanism 35. The vibration isolation mechanism 35 is composed of vibration isolation rubber, dampers, etc., and suppresses vibrations generated in various parts of the packaging device 1 from being transmitted from the frame to each of the magnetic bias sensors 32, 33.

<Center conveyor>
The center conveyor 17, which is an example of the first conveyor, is disposed between the center seal 14 and the top seal section 16, which will be described later in detail, in the conveying direction. In this embodiment, the center conveyor 17 is disposed between the foreign object detector 15 and the top seal section 16. The center conveyor 17 conveys the packaged item 2, which is to be packaged in the film 4 sealed by the center seal section 14, together with the film 4 to the top seal section 16. In more detail, the packaged item 2, which is sent from the center seal section 14 to the center conveyor 17 after passing through the foreign object detector 15, is placed on the conveying surface 17b of the center conveyor 17 together with the cylindrical film 4. The center conveyor 17 conveys the packaged item 2 placed on the conveying surface 17b toward the top seal section 16 together with the cylindrical film 4. In this embodiment, the center conveyor 17 is, for example, a belt conveyor. The center conveyor 17 conveys the packaged item 2 downstream in the conveying direction by moving the conveying surface 17b, which is the outer peripheral surface of the belt 17a, by a driving motor (not shown). The center conveyor 17 is not limited to a belt conveyor, but may be a roller conveyor.

<Top seal part>
The top seal section 16, which is an example of the second seal section, is provided downstream of the center seal section 14 in the conveying direction and separated from the center seal section 14. More specifically, the top seal section 16 is disposed separated from the center seal section 14 so that the center conveyor 17 can be disposed between the top seal section 16 and the center seal section 14. As a result, the film 4 sealed by the center seal section 14 is conveyed to the top seal section 16 by the center conveyor 17 together with the packaged article 2 to be packaged, as described above. The top seal section 16 is also disposed upstream in the conveying direction of the discharge conveyor 18, which will be described later in detail. More specifically, the top seal section 16 is disposed so as to span the downstream portion of the center conveyor 17 in the conveying direction and the upstream portion of the discharge conveyor 18 in the conveying direction in the conveying direction (see FIG. 2).

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the top seal unit 16 seals the sealed portion 4c between the adjacent packaged items 2 in the cylindrical film 4. In more detail, the packaged items 2 are arranged in the cylindrical film 4 at intervals in the conveying direction. The top seal unit 16 seals the sealed portion 4c located on the upstream and downstream sides of the conveying direction of each packaged item 2 that is conveyed sequentially. In more detail, the top seal unit 16 seals the sealed portion 4c when transferring the packaged items 2 from the center conveyor 17 to the discharge conveyor 18. In addition, the top seal unit 16 cuts the cylindrical film 4 so as to divide the sealed portion 4c into the upstream and downstream sides in the conveying direction when sealing. This forms a pillow bag 3 made of the film 4 and individually packages and seals the packaged items 2. In other words, a package 5 in which the packaged items 2 are individually packaged in the pillow bag 3 is manufactured.

To explain in more detail, the top seal section 16 is, for example, a box motion type sealing mechanism, and includes an upper sealer 36, a lower sealer 37, and a drive mechanism 38. The top seal section 16 may be a rotary type sealing mechanism or another type of sealing mechanism. The upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 are arranged vertically spaced apart, sandwiching the two conveyors 17, 18. To explain in more detail, the upper sealer 36 is located above the conveying surfaces 17b of the two conveyors 17, and the lower sealer 37 is located below the conveying surfaces 17b. Furthermore, the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 are configured to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction so as to approach and move away from each other.

Explaining in more detail, the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 revolve counterclockwise and clockwise in sync with each other (i.e., perform box motion). The upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 are close to each other in the gap between the conveyors 17, 18. The upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 repeatedly move away from and come into contact with each other as they revolve. Each of the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 also has a built-in heater (not shown) and is heated by the heater. Therefore, the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 are close to each other and sandwich the film 4 between them, thereby sealing the sealed portion 4c of the film 4. The distance between the sealed portions 4c can be adjusted by controlling the revolution speed of each of the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37. After being sealed, the cylindrical film 4 and the packaged item 2 pass between the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 as they separate. This allows the cylindrical film 4 and the packaged item 2 to be transferred from the center conveyor 17 to the discharge conveyor 18.

The upper sealer 36 is also provided with a cutting blade (not shown). When sealing, the blade cuts the sealed portion 4c of the film 4 so as to separate it into an upstream portion and a downstream portion in the conveying direction. This produces the package 5. The cutting blade may be provided on the lower sealer 37, or may be provided separately from the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37.

The drive mechanism 38 drives the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 to move up and down. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 38 includes, for example, an electric motor (not shown). The drive mechanism 38 drives the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 to revolve using the electric motor. This allows the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 to move closer to and away from each other. Also, by bringing them closer together, the cylindrical film 4 is sealed as described above, and by moving them away from each other, the packaged item 2 can pass between the two sealers 36, 37.

<Transport Conveyor>
The discharge conveyor 18, which is an example of the second conveyor, conveys the package 5 consisting of the film 4 sealed by the top seal unit 16 and the packaged item 2 packaged therein downstream in the conveying direction. More specifically, the discharge conveyor 18 is disposed downstream in the conveying direction of the center conveyor 17 with a gap therebetween. The gap is smaller than the outer dimensions of the packaged item 2 and larger than the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37. Therefore, the discharge conveyor 18 receives the packaged item 2 and the cylindrical film 4 conveyed by the center conveyor 17 on the conveying surface 18b and sends them downstream in the conveying direction. Then, by sending them, the discharge conveyor 18 can seal the sealed portion 4c of the film 4 downstream in the conveying direction of the packaged item 2 by the top seal unit 16. Then, the discharge conveyor 18 conveys the package 5 produced by sealing downstream in the conveying direction. In this embodiment, the discharge conveyor 18 is, for example, a belt conveyor. The discharge conveyor 18 rotates the belt 18a by a drive motor (not shown), thereby moving the conveying surface 18b, which is the outer circumferential surface of the belt 18a. This allows the discharge conveyor 18 to send the packaged goods 2 and the packages 5 wrapped in the film 4 downstream in the conveying direction of the top seal section 16. The discharge conveyor 18 is not limited to a belt conveyor, and may be a roller conveyor.

<Control device>
The control device 19 controls the operations of the various components 11, 12, 14, 16 to 18. As a result, the control device 19 packages the sequentially supplied packaged items 2 with the film 4, as described below, to produce packages 5. The control device 19 also acquires the detection results detected by the foreign object detector 15. The control device 19 stops the movement of the top seal unit 16 based on the acquired detection results. As a result, continuous packages 6 are produced in which some sealed portions 4c are neither sealed nor cut.

<About the operation of the packaging machine>
The packaging device 1 operates as follows to produce a package 5. The operation of the packaging device 1 will be described below along with the flow of the packaged items 2. The main controller of each of the components 11, 12, 14, 16-18 of the packaging device 1 is a control device 19. The control device 19 controls the operation speed of each of the components 11, 12, 14, 16-18 in accordance with the conveying speed of the film 4 and the packaged items 2.

In the packaging device 1, the control device 19 controls the operation of the film supplying machine 11 to supply the film 4 to the bag maker 13 as shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, the control device 19 drives the feed roller 22 to unwind the film 4 from the film roll 21 and send it to the bag maker 13. The control device 19 also controls the operation of the packaged item supplying machine 12 to sequentially supply multiple packaged items 2 to the bag maker 13.

In the bag former 13, the film 4 supplied from the film supply machine 11 passes through the bag former 13 and is made into a cylindrical bag. At this time, the film 4 is made into a cylindrical bag with both widthwise edge portions 4a hanging downward in the bag former 13. In addition, the packaged items 2 sent in succession by the packaged item supply machine 12 are fed into the cylindrical film 4, and the bag former 13 rolls the film 4 to wrap the packaged items 2 and makes a cylindrical bag.

The center seal section 14 pulls in both widthwise edge portions 4a of the film 4, thereby pulling in the tubular film 4 made into a bag by the bag maker 13. To explain in more detail, in the center seal section 14, the hanging portion 4b of the film 4 is clamped by a pair of roller portions 26a, 27a of each press roller mechanism 26, 27. The control device 19 rotates the pair of roller portions 26a, 27a to send the hanging portion 4b downstream in the conveying direction. This causes the film 4 to be pulled from the bag maker 13 into the center seal section 14.

The pair of rollers 26a, 27a are heated by a heater (not shown). Therefore, the pair of rollers 26a, 27a clamp the hanging portion 4b of the film 4 while applying pressure, thereby welding both widthwise edge portions 4a to each other. By welding both widthwise edge portions 4a to each other in this manner, the film 4 is formed with a center seal 4d. The film 4 is sent out by the rollers 26a, 27a toward the conveying path 31 of the foreign object detector 15. The film 4 is then placed on the conveying path 31 with the center seal 4d folded to one side in the width direction along the way.

In the foreign object detector 15, the cylindrical film 4 flows downstream in the conveying direction along the conveying path 31 together with the packaged item 2. At that time, the cylindrical film 4 and packaged item 2 pass between a pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33. The foreign object detector 15 turns on the detection function at a predetermined timing when the packaged item 2 starts to pass between the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33, and turns off the detection function when the packaged item 2 has passed. In this way, the foreign object detector 15 detects the presence or absence of a foreign object in the cylindrical film 4. In more detail, the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 amplify the magnetism of the passing object (i.e., the film 4, the packaged item 2, and the foreign object) during detection. In the case of the film 4 and packaged item 2 made of a non-magnetic material, even if the magnetism is amplified, the change in the magnetic field lines between the magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 is small. Therefore, even if the film 4 and packaged item 2 pass between the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33, they are not detected as a foreign object. On the other hand, when a foreign object made of a magnetic material (e.g., iron, stainless steel, etc.) passes through the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33, the magnetism of the foreign object is amplified, causing a large change in the magnetic field between the magnetic bias sensors 32, 33. The magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 detect such a change in the magnetic field, thereby detecting that a foreign object has passed between the magnetic bias sensors 32, 33 (i.e., that a foreign object is present). The detection result thus detected is output from the foreign object detector 15 to the control device 19. After the packaged item 2 wrapped in the cylindrical film 4 passes through the pair of magnetic bias sensors 32, 33, the foreign object detector 15 turns off the detection function. After that, the packaged item 2 wrapped in the cylindrical film 4 flows toward the center conveyor 17 on the conveying path 31, and is eventually placed on the conveying surface 17b of the center conveyor 17.

The center conveyor 17 sends the packaged item 2 placed on the conveying surface 17b toward the top seal section 16 together with the tubular film 4. To explain in more detail, the control device 19 drives the belt 17a using a drive motor (not shown) of the center conveyor 17. As a result, the packaged item 2 placed on the conveying surface 17b is sent to the top seal section 16 together with the tubular film 4.

The sealed portion 4c of the tubular film 4 between adjacent packaged items 2 is sent to the top seal unit 16 at the specified timing described above. The top seal unit 16 seals and then cuts the sealed portion 4c sent to it. That is, the top seal unit 16 forms a top seal 4e between adjacent packaged items 2 and then cuts it. To explain in more detail, the control device 19 controls the movement of the drive mechanism 38 of the top seal unit 16 to bring the upper sealer 36 and lower sealer 37 close to each other at a specified timing. As a result, the sealed portion 4c is sealed and cut by the upper sealer 36 and lower sealer 37.

To explain in more detail, the control device 19 operates the top seal section 16 in the following manner in accordance with the detection result of the foreign object detector 15 while continuing to move the two conveyors 17, 18. That is, when the control device 19 acquires the detection result of the foreign object detector 15, it executes the drive determination process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 3. Once the drive determination process is executed, the process proceeds to step S1. In step S1, which is the determination process, the control device 19 determines whether or not a foreign object is present based on the detection result of the foreign object detector 15. If it is determined that no foreign object is present, the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if it is determined that a foreign object is present, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S2, which is the driving step, the control device 19 seals and cuts the sealed portion 4c on the downstream side of the packaged item 2 in the conveying direction by the top seal unit 16. More specifically, the control device 19 drives the drive mechanism 38. As a result, the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 approach each other, and the sealed portion 4c on the downstream side of the packaged item 2 in the conveying direction is sealed and cut. When the sealed portion 4c is sealed, the process returns to step S1. Then, the drive determination process is repeated until the packaging operation by the packaging device 1 is completed. After that, the upper sealer 36 and the lower sealer 37 move away from each other, and the cylindrical film 4 passes between the sealers 36 and 37. Then, the same drive determination process is performed on the sealed portion 4c on the upstream side of the conveying direction, and the packaged item 5 is produced by sealing and cutting it. The formed packaged item 5 is carried out by the carry-out conveyor 18.

In step S3, which is a drive stopping step, the control device 19 stops the sealing operation of the top seal unit 16 to seal the film 4. More specifically, the control device 19 stops the sealing operation of the top seal unit 16 on the downstream side of the detected foreign object in the conveying direction. In this embodiment, the control device 19 stops the sealing operation of the top seal unit 16 so that the sealed portion 4c downstream of the detected foreign object in the conveying direction and immediately adjacent to the foreign object is not sealed or cut. The control device 19 calculates the position of the sealed portion 4c that is not sealed or cut based on the conveying speed of the center conveyor 17, and stops the sealing operation of the top seal unit 16 based on the calculated position. Thereafter, when the sealed portion 4c passes through the top seal unit 16 (more specifically, the gap between the conveyors 17 and 18), the control device 19 returns to step S1 to resume the sealing operation of the top seal unit 16. If it is determined again that no foreign object has been detected, the process proceeds to step S2 and the sealing operation is resumed, and the sealed portion 4c further upstream in the conveying direction than the unsealed sealed portion 4c is sealed. This forms a package 6 in which adjacent packaged items 2 are placed in one pillow bag 3 (i.e., a package in which two packaged items 2 are continuously wrapped). The package 6 is conveyed out in this state by the conveyor 18. This makes it easy to distinguish the package 6 that contains a foreign object from the other packages 5.

Furthermore, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the control device 19 obtains detection results regarding the presence or absence of foreign objects from the foreign object detector 15. This allows the manufacturing device 19 to detect the occurrence of foreign object contamination in the packaging process, which is one step in the manufacturing process from manufacturing products from raw materials to packaging, wrapping, and shipping. This makes it possible to improve traceability in the manufacturing process.

In the packaging device 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the foreign object detector 15 is disposed between the center seal section 14 and the top seal section 16, which are disposed apart from each other in the conveying direction. The two seal sections 14, 16 are conventionally disposed apart from each other. Therefore, by disposing the foreign object detector 15 between the center seal section 14 and the top seal section 16, it is possible to prevent the overall length of the packaging device 1 from increasing. In addition, the film 4 is formed into a cylindrical shape by sealing both widthwise edge portions 4a downstream of the center seal section 14, so that it is difficult for foreign objects to enter the film 4. Therefore, by disposing the foreign object detector 15 between the center seal section 14 and the top seal section 16, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the film 4 after it has passed through the foreign object detector 15. Therefore, foreign objects in the film 4 can be reliably detected.

Furthermore, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the foreign object detector 15 is provided between the center seal section 14 and the center conveyor 17 in the conveying direction. Therefore, the foreign object detector 15 can be positioned away from the top seal section 16, which makes it possible to prevent the foreign object detector 15 from being affected by the top seal section 16 when detecting a foreign object. In this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the metal parts that make up the top seal section 16 from affecting changes in the magnetic field lines. This makes it possible to more reliably detect foreign objects.

Furthermore, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the foreign object detector 15 is a magnetic bias type magnetic field line type metal detector. A magnetic bias type magnetic field line type metal detector can inspect only one gate. Furthermore, a magnetic bias type magnetic field line type metal detector can omit the drive power supply for the sensor module. This allows the packaging device 1 to be made more compact and foreign objects to be detected more reliably. Furthermore, a foreign object detection function can be installed in the packaging device with a simple configuration, improving maintainability.

Furthermore, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the foreign object detector 15 has a vibration isolation mechanism 35 that suppresses vibrations transmitted from each sealing portion 14, 16. This prevents the foreign object detector 15 from vibrating. This allows the foreign object detector 15 to detect foreign objects more accurately.

Furthermore, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, when the foreign object detector 15 detects a foreign object, the control device 19 stops the operation of the top seal unit 16. This makes it easier to find packages 5 containing foreign objects, and prevents packages 5 containing foreign objects from being mixed with other packages 5.

Furthermore, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, when the foreign object detector 15 detects a foreign object, the control device 19 stops the sealing operation of the top seal section 16 downstream in the conveying direction of the detected foreign object while moving the center conveyor 17 and the discharge conveyor 18. This forms a package 6 containing an adjacent packaged item 2. Therefore, it is easy to distinguish a package 6 that contains a foreign object from other packages 5.

Furthermore, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, after the foreign object detector 15 detects a foreign object and stops the sealing operation of the top seal unit 16, the control device 19 resumes the sealing operation of the top seal unit 16. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the packaging operation from being stopped every time the foreign object detector 15 detects a foreign object, thereby preventing a decrease in yield.

<Other embodiments>
The packaging device 1 of this embodiment is a normal pillow packaging machine, but may be an inverted pillow packaging machine. Furthermore, the packaging device 1 of this embodiment 1 is a horizontal pillow type packaging device, but may be a vertical pillow type packaging device. In this case, the conveying direction is the up-down direction. Furthermore, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the first sealing section may be a side sealing section that butts and seals both widthwise edge portions 4a of the film 4 on one or the other widthwise side (i.e., seals the side of the packaging bag). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the foreign object detector 15 is disposed between the center seal section 14 and the center conveyor 17, but may be disposed on the center conveyor 17, or may be disposed between the center seal section 14 and the top seal section 16.

In the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the position of the sealed portion 4c that is not sealed or cut is downstream of the conveying direction of the foreign object, but it may be upstream of the conveying direction of the foreign object or on both sides of the conveying direction. The position of the sealed portion 4c that is not sealed or cut may be multiple positions, not just immediately adjacent to the foreign object. Furthermore, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, when a foreign object is detected, the sealing operation of the top seal unit 16 is temporarily stopped, but the sealing operation of the top seal unit 16 may be completely stopped (for example, until the operator operates it again). Furthermore, when a foreign object is detected, the sealing operation of the top seal unit 16 does not necessarily have to be stopped. In this case, it is preferable to provide an exclusion device that excludes packages containing foreign objects from the discharge conveyor 18.

In addition, in the packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a packaged item position detection sensor may be provided between the center seal section 14 and the foreign object detector 15. The packaged item position detection sensor detects the position of the packaged item 2 packaged in the tubular film 4. The control device 19 switches the foreign object detector 15 on and off based on the detected position of the packaged item 2. This allows the foreign object detector 15 to detect foreign objects more reliably. The control device 19 also detects whether the packaged item 2 is located in the sealed portion 4c (i.e., whether it is misaligned) based on the detected position of the packaged item 2. If the packaged item 2 is misaligned, the control device 19 stops the movement of the top seal section 16. This prevents the packaged item 2 from being crushed by the top seal. In this way, in the packaging device 1, the foreign object detector 15 and the top seal section 16 can share the same packaged item position detection sensor. For example, if the foreign object detector 15 is located downstream of the top seal section 16, the positions of the sealed and cut packages 6 will vary, so a packaged item position detection sensor is required for each foreign object detector 15 and top seal section 16. As described above, in the packaging device 1, the foreign object detector 15 and the top seal section 16 can share the same packaged item position detection sensor, so the number of parts in the packaging device 1 can be reduced.

[Additional Notes]
The present invention can also be expressed as follows.

The packaging device in the first aspect is a packaging device that sequentially packages a plurality of packaged items transported from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction, and includes a packaged item supply unit that sequentially supplies the packaged items, a bag making unit that butts both widthwise edge portions together to make a tubular bag of film so as to encase each of the packaged items sequentially supplied by the packaged item supply unit, a first sealing unit that seals both widthwise edge portions of the film that are butted together in the bag making unit, a second sealing unit that is provided downstream in the conveying direction of the first sealing unit and seals sealed portions between the packaged items that are adjacent to each other in the film, and a foreign object detector that detects foreign objects in the film, and the foreign object detector is disposed between the first sealing unit and the second sealing unit in the conveying direction.

In accordance with the above aspect, the foreign object detector is disposed between the first and second sealing sections, which are disposed apart from each other in the conveying direction. Therefore, the two sealing sections are conventionally disposed apart from each other. Therefore, by disposing the foreign object detector between the first and second sealing sections, it is possible to prevent the overall length of the packaging device from increasing. In addition, since the film is tubular with both edges sealed downstream of the first sealing section, it is difficult for foreign objects to enter the film. Therefore, by disposing the foreign object detector between the first and second sealing sections, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the film after it has passed through the foreign object detector. Therefore, foreign objects in the film can be reliably detected.

The packaging device in the second aspect is the packaging device in the first aspect, further comprising a first conveyor that is disposed between the first sealing section and the second sealing section and transports the packaged item to be packaged in the film sealed in the first sealing section together with the film to the second sealing section, and the foreign object detector is provided between the first sealing section and the first conveyor in the transport direction.

In accordance with the above aspect, the foreign object detector is provided between the first sealing portion and the first conveyor in the conveying direction. Therefore, the foreign object detector can be positioned away from the second sealing portion, so that the foreign object detector can be prevented from being affected by the second sealing portion when detecting a foreign object. This allows for more reliable detection of foreign objects.

In a third aspect, the packaging device is the packaging device of the second or third aspect, and the foreign object detector is a metal detector using a magnetic bias type magnetic field line method.

In accordance with the above aspects, a magnetic bias type magnetic field line metal detector can inspect only one gate. Also, a magnetic bias type magnetic field line metal detector can omit the power supply for the sensor module. This allows the packaging device to be made more compact and more reliably detects metal foreign objects. Also, a foreign object detection function can be installed in the packaging device with a simple configuration, improving maintainability.

In a fourth aspect, the packaging device is the packaging device of any one of the first to third aspects, in which the foreign object detector has a vibration isolation mechanism that suppresses vibrations transmitted from each sealing portion.

In accordance with the above aspect, the foreign object detector has a vibration-proofing mechanism that suppresses vibrations transmitted from each seal portion. This prevents the foreign object detector from vibrating. This allows the foreign object detector to detect foreign objects more accurately.

The packaging device in the fifth aspect is the packaging device in any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a control device that controls the sealing operation of the second sealing unit to seal the film, and the control device stops the sealing operation of the second sealing unit when the foreign object detector detects a foreign object.

In accordance with the above aspect, when the foreign object detector detects a foreign object, the control device stops the operation of the second sealing unit. This makes it easier to find packaging bags that contain foreign objects and prevents them from becoming mixed up with other packages.

The packaging device in the sixth aspect is the packaging device in the fifth aspect, further comprising a first conveyor that transports the packaged item packaged in the film sealed by the first sealing section together with the film to the second sealing section, and a second conveyor that transports the packaged item packaged in the film sealed by the second sealing section to the downstream side of the second sealing section, and when the foreign object detector detects a foreign object, the control device stops the sealing operation of the second sealing section at least on the upstream side or downstream side of the transport direction of the detected foreign object while continuing to move the first conveyor and the second conveyor.

In accordance with the above aspect, when the foreign object detector detects a foreign object, the control device stops the sealing operation of the second seal section at least on the upstream side or downstream side of the conveying direction of the detected foreign object while moving the first conveyor and the second conveyor. This forms a package containing an adjacent packaged item. Therefore, it is easy to distinguish packages that contain foreign objects from other packages.

In a seventh aspect, the packaging device is the packaging device of the sixth aspect, and the control device resumes the sealing operation of the second sealing section after the foreign object detector detects a foreign object and stops the sealing operation of the second sealing section.

In accordance with the above aspect, the control device restarts the sealing operation of the second sealing unit after the foreign object detector detects a foreign object and stops the sealing operation of the second sealing unit. This prevents the packaging operation from being stopped every time the foreign object detector detects a foreign object, resulting in a decrease in yield.

From the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure. Details of the structure and/or function thereof may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

1 Packaging device 2 Item to be packaged 4 Film 4a Both edges in the width direction 4c Portion to be sealed 12 Item to be packaged supply machine (item to be packaged supply unit)
13 Bag making machine (bag making department)
14 Center seal portion (first seal portion)
15 Foreign object detector 16 Top seal section (second seal section)
17 Center conveyor (first conveyor)
18. Discharge conveyor (second conveyor)
19 Control device 35 Anti-vibration mechanism

Claims (7)

A packaging device that sequentially packages a plurality of items to be packaged that are conveyed from an upstream side to a downstream side in a conveying direction,
A packaged article supplying section that sequentially supplies the packaged articles;
a bag making section that butts both widthwise edge portions of the film together to make a tubular bag so as to wrap each of the objects to be packaged that are sequentially supplied by the object to be packaged supply section;
a first sealing section that seals both widthwise edge portions of the film that have been butted together in the bag making section;
A second seal section is provided downstream of the first seal section in the conveying direction and separates therefrom, and seals a sealed portion between the adjacent packaged articles relative to the film;
a foreign object detector for detecting foreign objects present in the film,
A packaging apparatus, wherein the foreign object detector is disposed between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion in a conveying direction. The method further includes a first conveyor that is disposed between the first sealing section and the second sealing section and that conveys the packaged item to be packaged in the film sealed at the first sealing section together with the film to the second sealing section;
The packaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the foreign object detector is provided between the first sealing unit and the first conveyor in the conveying direction. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the foreign object detector is a metal detector using a magnetic bias magnetic field. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the foreign object detector has a vibration-proofing mechanism that suppresses vibrations transmitted from each sealing portion. The device further includes a control device that controls a sealing operation of the second sealing unit to seal the film,
The packaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device stops the sealing operation of the second sealing unit when the foreign object detector detects a foreign object. A first conveyor that conveys the article to be packaged in the film sealed at the first sealing section together with the film to the second sealing section;
A second conveyor that conveys the packaged item packaged in the film sealed by the second sealing unit to the downstream side of the second sealing unit,
The packaging device described in claim 5, wherein when the foreign object detector detects a foreign object, the control device continues to move the first conveyor and the second conveyor while stopping the sealing operation of the second seal section on at least one of the upstream and downstream sides of the detected foreign object in the conveying direction. The packaging device according to claim 6 , wherein the control device restarts the sealing operation of the second sealing unit after the foreign object detector detects a foreign object and stops the sealing operation of the second sealing unit.

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