U.S. patent application number 10/511051 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for packaging material roll, packing machine using the roll, and commercial goods processing system with the machine.
Invention is credited to Iwasaki, Yoshio, Kono, Katsuaki, Nakagawa, Yukio, Ohtani, Takafumi.
Application Number | 20050198920 10/511051 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31711678 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050198920 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakagawa, Yukio ; et
al. |
September 15, 2005 |
Packaging material roll, packing machine using the roll, and
commercial goods processing system with the machine
Abstract
A packaging condition for packaging a product using a film roll
is stored in a recording medium, and the packaging condition is
read by a recording medium reading device in a rotator of a support
shaft. In this case, an operator can set an optimum packaging
condition at the time of exchange of packaging rolls regardless of
his/her skill. Therefore, even an unskilled operator would not set
an erroneous packaging condition which may result in additional
time loss and film loss.
Inventors: |
Nakagawa, Yukio; (Shiga,
JP) ; Ohtani, Takafumi; (Shiga, JP) ; Iwasaki,
Yoshio; (Shiga, JP) ; Kono, Katsuaki; (Shiga,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STAAS & HALSEY LLP
SUITE 700
1201 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
31711678 |
Appl. No.: |
10/511051 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
July 25, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP03/09447 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/64 ;
53/168 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 75/182 20130101;
B65B 41/18 20130101; B65B 57/00 20130101; B65H 2553/43 20130101;
B65B 9/00 20130101; B65B 41/12 20130101; B65B 2210/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/064 ;
053/168 |
International
Class: |
B65B 057/02; B65B
001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 7, 2002 |
JP |
2002230280 |
Claims
1. A roll of packaging material comprising: a wound strip of
packaging material for use in packaging a product; and a recording
medium provided on said wound strip of packaging material, and
readably recording packaging related information.
2. The roll of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein
said packaging related information includes a packaging condition
for packaging the product using said strip of packaging
material.
3. The roll of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein
said packaging related information includes information related to
a material of said strip of packaging material.
4. The roll of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein
said packaging related information includes information related to
the fabrication of said strip of packaging material.
5. The roll of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein
said packaging related information includes a packaging material
identifier for identifying said strip of packaging material.
6. The roll of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein
said packaging related information includes a product identifier
for identifying said product to be packaged.
7. The roll of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein
said recording medium includes a non-contact recording medium
readable in a non-contact fashion.
8. The roll of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein
said recording medium includes a contact recording medium readable
in a contact fashion.
9. The roll of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein
said wound strip of packaging material has a hollow core, said
recording medium being provided near the hollow core of said strip
of packaging material.
10. The roll of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein
said recording medium is provided at an end of or near an end of
the outermost periphery of said wound strip of packaging
material.
11. The roll of packaging material according to claim 1, wherein
said recording medium is provided on a sheet-like member that
affixes an end of the outermost periphery of said wound strip of
packaging material.
12. A roll of packaging material comprising: a wound strip of
packaging material for use in packaging a product; and an
identification medium provided on said wound strip of packaging
material for identifying packaging related information.
13. The roll of packaging material according to claim 12, wherein
said identification medium is a metal representing said packaging
related information on the basis of a state of the metal contained
in said roll of packaging material.
14. A packaging machine for packaging a product using a roll of
packaging material comprising a recording medium that readably
records packaging related information, the packaging machine
comprising: a reading device that reads the packaging related
information recorded in said recording medium; and a packaging unit
that packages the product using said roll of packaging material
based on the packaging related information read by said reading
device.
15. The packaging machine according to claim 14, wherein said
packaging related information includes a packaging condition for
packaging the product, said reading device reads the packaging
condition recorded in said recording medium for packaging the
product, and said packaging unit packages the product according to
the packaging condition read by said reading device.
16. The packaging machine according to claim 14, wherein said
packaging related information includes a packaging material
identifier for identifying said roll of packaging material, the
packaging machine further comprising a storage device that stores
beforehand other packaging related information for each packaging
material identifier, said reading device reading the packaging
material identifier recorded in said recording medium, said
packaging unit selecting the other packaging related information
stored beforehand in said storage device corresponding to the
packaging material identifier read by said reading device to
package the product.
17. The packaging machine according to claim 14, wherein said
packaging related information includes a product identifier for
identifying a product to be packaged, the packaging machine further
comprising a storage device that stores beforehand other packaging
related information for each product identifier, said reading
device reading the product identifier recorded in said recording
medium, said packaging unit selecting the other packaging related
information stored beforehand in said storage device corresponding
to the product identifier read by said reading device to package
the product.
18. The packaging machine according to claim 14, wherein said
reading device includes a non-contact reading device capable of
reading contents of said recording medium in a non-contact
fashion.
19. The packaging machine according to claim 14, wherein said
reading device includes a contact reading device capable of reading
contents of said recording medium in a contact fashion.
20. A packaging machine for packaging a product using a roll of
packaging material comprising an identification medium for
identifying packaging related information, the packaging machine
comprising: a reading device that reads the packaging related
information from said identification medium; and a packaging unit
that packages the product using said roll of packaging material
based on the packaging related information read by said reading
device.
21. A product handling system comprising: a packaging machine that
packages a product using a roll of packaging material having a
recording medium that readably records a product identifier for
identifying the product to be packaged; a handling device that
operates together with said packaging machine to handle the
product; an operating condition recording device that associates
beforehand product identifiers with operating conditions of said
handling device for recording; and a communication device, said
packaging machine comprising: a reading device that reads a product
identifier stored in said recording medium; a storage device that
stores beforehand packaging related information for each product
identifier; and a packaging unit that selects the packaging related
information stored beforehand in said storage device corresponding
to the product identifier read by said reading device to package
the product, said communication device selecting an operating
condition recorded in said recording medium corresponding to the
product identifier read by said reading device to supply the
selected operating condition to said handling device, said handling
device operating based on the operating condition supplied from
said communication device.
22. The product handling system according to claim 21, wherein said
handling device supplies said packaging machine with a history of
operations based on said operating condition as history
information, said packaging machine making said recording medium
record said history information.
23. A product handling system comprising: a packaging machine that
packages a product using a roll of packaging material having an
identification medium for identifying a product identifier of a
product to be packaged; a handling device that operates together
with said packaging machine to handle the product; an operating
condition recording device that associates beforehand product
identifiers with operating conditions of said handling device for
recording; and a communication device, said packaging machine
comprising: a reading device that reads a product identifier from
said identification medium; a storage device that stores beforehand
packaging related information for each product identifier; and a
packaging unit that selects the packaging related information
stored beforehand in said storage device based on the product
identifier read by said reading device to package the product, said
communication device selecting the operating condition recorded in
said identification medium corresponding to the product identifier
read by said reading device to supply the selected operating
condition to said handling device, said handling device operating
based on the operating condition supplied from said communication
device.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a roll of packaging
material mainly for use in packaging a product to be mass produced,
a packaging machine that performs packaging using the roll of
packaging material, and a product handling system comprising the
packaging machine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A bag forming and packaging machine is conventionally a
sanitary and labor-saving machine without requiring much human
effort in handling packaging material. There are two types for this
bag forming and packaging machine, i.e., a horizontal pillow type
bag forming and packaging machine and a vertical pillow type bag
forming and packaging machine.
[0003] As for the horizontal pillow type bag forming and packaging
machine, pieces to be packaged are horizontally supplied into the
machine, and pillow type (pillow-shaped) bags are horizontally
produced, while the supplied pieces to be packaged are packaged
into the bags.
[0004] As for the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging
machine, on the other hand, pieces to be packaged are vertically
supplied by means of gravity, and pillow type (pillow-shaped) bags
are vertically produced, while the supplied pieces to be packaged
are packaged into the bags.
[0005] The horizontal and vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging machines, being capable of producing bags with a film
roll wound with a film of long length while successively packaging
pieces to be packaged (products), are mainly used for products to
be mass produced.
[0006] In recent years, however, enterprises and the like
manufacturing the products are demanding a speed increase in the
bag forming and packaging machine for improved productivity, along
with shortened downtime during which the manufacture of products is
stopped. In other words, for the purpose of improving the total
productivity, the enterprises wish for further improvement in
productivity, not merely by increasing the speed of the bag forming
and packaging machine but also by shortening the downtime during
which the product manufacture is always stopped for a given
condition.
[0007] The downtime in the bag forming and packaging machine
occurs, for example, during an exchange of film rolls, the
packaging material, or setting of packaging conditions. More
specifically, in order to exchange film rolls, the operator mounts
a new film roll in the bag forming and packaging machine, brings
the machine into actual operation, and finds out optimum packaging
conditions. Then, the operator manually inputs the found packaging
conditions to the bag forming and packaging machine to make advance
registration. After that, the operator operates the bag forming and
packaging machine to manufacture products according to the
registered packaging conditions.
[0008] In this manner, the conventional bag forming and packaging
machine requires a great deal of time in exchanging film rolls and
setting packaging conditions. Moreover, the loss of films used for
finding out optimum conditions in exchanging film rolls and setting
packaging conditions greatly depend on the skill of the operator:
in the case of an unskilled operator, additional loss of time and
film loss are produced if he finds out erroneous packaging
conditions.
[0009] In addition to shortened downtime, the enterprises desire to
know the result of a total production increase in real time for
clearly establishing guidelines for the next production.
[0010] A product handling system using the conventional bag forming
and packaging machine, however, does not allow them to know the
production result in real time. For example, with the conventional
product handling system, the operator writes down in a daily report
or the like the number of products (packaging number) he produced
by operating the bag forming and packaging machine, number of
defective pieces, operating time and the like. For this reason,
problems such as delay in communicating the production result and
errors in the written information are occurring.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a roll
of packaging material with which the shortening of downtime is
easily achieved, and real-time production management is
provided.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
packaging machine with which the shortening of downtime is easily
achieved, and real-time production management is provided.
[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a product handling system using the packaging machine with which
the shortening of downtime is easily achieved, and real-time
production management is provided.
[0014] A roll of packaging material according to one aspect of the
present invention comprises: a wound strip of packaging material
for use in packaging a product; and a recording medium provided on
the wound strip of packaging material, and readably recording
packaging related information.
[0015] In the roll of packaging material according to the
invention, the recording medium is provided on the wound strip of
packaging material for use in packaging the product. This recording
medium contains the packaging related information readably
recorded.
[0016] In this case, since the packaging related information is
recorded in the recording medium of the roll of packaging material,
optimum packaging related information can be set in a short time at
the time of exchange of rolls of packaging material, regardless of
the operators skill. This prevents an unskilled operator from
setting erroneous information and producing additional time loss
and packaging material loss.
[0017] The packaging related information may include a packaging
condition for packaging the product using the strip of packaging
material.
[0018] In this case, since the packaging condition is recorded in
the recording medium of the roll of packaging material, an optimum
packaging condition can be set in a short time at the time of
exchange of rolls of packaging material regardless of the operators
skill. This prevents an unskilled operator from setting an
erroneous packaging condition and producing additional time loss
and packaging material loss.
[0019] The packaging related information may include information
related to a material of the strip of packaging material.
[0020] In this case, since the information related to the material
of the strip of packaging material is recorded in the recording
medium of the roll of packaging material, the details of packaging
related information can be set in a short time at the time of
exchange of rolls of packaging material according to the
information related to the material of the packaging material,
regardless of the operators skill. This prevents an unskilled
operator from setting erroneous information and producing
additional time loss and packaging material loss.
[0021] The packaging related information may include information
related to the fabrication of the strip of packaging material.
[0022] In this case, since the information related to the
fabrication of the strip of packaging material is recorded in the
recording medium of the roll of packaging material, the details of
packaging related information can be set in a short time at the
time of exchange of rolls of packaging material according to the
information related to the fabrication of the packaging material,
regardless of the operators skill. This prevents an unskilled
operator from setting erroneous information and producing
additional time loss and packaging material loss.
[0023] The packaging related information may include a packaging
material identifier for identifying the strip of packaging
material.
[0024] In this case, since the packaging material identifier is
recorded in the recording medium of the roll of packaging material,
the strip of packaging material can be identified by the packaging
material identifier at the time of exchange of rolls of packaging
material. The packaging related information can thus be set based
on the packaging material identifier. The operator can thus set
optimum packaging related information in a short time regardless of
his skill. This prevents an unskilled operator from setting
erroneous information and producing additional time loss and
packaging material loss.
[0025] The packaging related information may include a product
identifier for identifying the product to be packaged.
[0026] In this case, since the product identifier is recorded in
the recording medium of the roll of packaging material, a product
to be packaged is made known by the product identifier at the time
of exchange of rolls of packaging material. The packaging related
information can thus be set based on the product identifier. The
operator can thus set optimum packaging related information in a
short time regardless of his skill. This prevents an unskilled
operator from setting erroneous information and producing
additional time loss and packaging material loss.
[0027] The recording medium may include a non-contact recording
medium readable in a non-contact fashion.
[0028] In this case, the packaging related information is readably
recorded in the recording medium in a non-contact fashion. This
makes it possible to easily read the packaging related information
without contacting the recording medium of the roll of packaging
material.
[0029] The recording medium may include a contact recording medium
readable in a contact fashion.
[0030] In this case, the packaging related information is readably
recorded in the recording medium in a contact fashion. This makes
it possible to reliably read the packaging related information by
contacting the recording medium of the roll of packaging
material.
[0031] The wound strip of packaging material may have a hollow
core, the recording medium being provided near the hollow core of
the strip of packaging material.
[0032] In this case, the recording medium is provided near the
hollow core of the wound strip of packaging material. Accordingly,
when a reading device is provided on a support shaft of the roll of
packaging material provided in the packaging machine, recorded
contents of the recording medium can easily be read by inserting
the hollow core of the roll of packaging material into the support
shaft at the time of exchange of rolls of packaging material.
[0033] The recording medium may be provided at an end of or near an
end of the outermost periphery of the wound strip of packaging
material.
[0034] In this case, since the recording medium is provided at an
end of or near an end of the outermost periphery of the wound strip
of packaging material, the recorded contents can be easily read
with the reading device at the time of exchange of rolls of
packaging material.
[0035] The recording medium may be provided on a sheet-like member
that affixes an end of the outermost periphery of the wound strip
of packaging material.
[0036] In this case, since the recording medium is provided on the
sheet-like member that affixes an end of the outermost periphery of
the wound strip of packaging material, the recorded contents can be
easily read with the reading device at the time of exchange of
rolls of packaging material.
[0037] A roll of packaging material according to another aspect of
the present invention comprises: a wound strip of packaging
material for use in packaging a product; and an identification
medium provided on the wound strip of packaging material for
identifying packaging related information.
[0038] The roll of packaging material according to the invention is
wound with the strip of packaging material for use in packaging the
product, the wound strip of packaging material being provided with
the identification medium for identifying the packaging related
information.
[0039] In this case, since the information related to
product-packaging is identified by the identification medium
provided on the wound strip of packaging material, the operator is
not required to input the information related to product-packaging
at the time of exchange of rolls of packaging material. This
prevents wasteful time loss due to an erroneous setting condition
made by the operator, and the like.
[0040] The identification medium may be a metal representing the
packaging related information on the basis of a state of the metal
in the roll of packaging material.
[0041] In this case, since the contained metal represents the
packaging related information, the packaging related information
can be easily read with the reading device at the time of exchange
of rolls of packaging material.
[0042] A packaging machine according to still another aspect of the
present invention for packaging a product using a roll of packaging
material comprising a recording medium that readably records
packaging related information, comprises: a reading device that
reads the packaging related information recorded in the recording
medium; and a packaging unit that packages the product using the
roll of packaging material based on the packaging related
information read by the reading device.
[0043] In the packaging machine according to the invention, the
packaging related information recorded in the recording medium of
the roll of packaging material is read by the reading device, and
the product is packaged by the packaging unit according to the read
information.
[0044] In this case, since the packaging related information
recorded in the recording medium of the roll of packaging material
is read by the reading device, optimum packaging related
information can be set in a short time at the time of exchange of
rolls of packaging material, regardless of the operators skill.
This prevents an unskilled operator from setting erroneous
information and producing additional time loss and packaging
material loss.
[0045] The packaging related information may include a packaging
condition for packaging the product, the reading device may read
the packaging condition recorded in the recording medium for
packaging the product, and the packaging unit may package the
product according to the packaging condition read by the reading
device.
[0046] In this case, since the packaging condition recorded in the
recording medium of the roll of packaging material is read by the
reading device, an optimum packaging condition can be set in a
short time at the time of exchange of rolls of packaging material,
regardless of the operators skill. This prevents an unskilled
operator from setting erroneous information and producing
additional time loss and packaging material loss.
[0047] The packaging related information may include a packaging
material identifier for identifying the roll of packaging material,
the packaging machine further comprising a storage device that
stores beforehand other packaging related information for each
packaging material identifier, the reading device reading the
packaging material identifier recorded in the recording medium, the
packaging unit selecting the other packaging related information
stored beforehand in the storage device corresponding to the
packaging material identifier read by the reading device to package
the product.
[0048] In this case, since the packaging related identifier
recorded in the recording medium of the roll of packaging material
is read by the reading device, optimum other packaging related
information stored beforehand in the storage device can be set
according to the packaging material identifier in a short time at
the time of exchange of rolls of packaging material, regardless of
the operators skill. This prevents an unskilled operator from
setting erroneous information and producing additional time loss
and packaging material loss.
[0049] The packaging related information may include a product
identifier for identifying a product to be packaged, the packaging
machine further comprising a storage device that stores beforehand
other packaging related information for each product identifier,
the reading device reading the product identifier recorded in the
recording medium, the packaging unit selecting the other packaging
related information stored beforehand in the storage device
corresponding to the product identifier read by the reading device
to package the product.
[0050] In this case, since the product identifier recorded in the
recording medium of the roll of packaging material is read by the
reading device, optimum other packaging related information stored
beforehand in the storage device can be set according the product
identifier in a short time at the time of exchange of rolls of
packaging material, regardless of the operators skill. This
prevents an unskilled operator from setting erroneous information
and producing additional time loss and packaging material loss.
[0051] The reading device may include a non-contact reading device
capable of reading contents of the recording medium in a
non-contact fashion.
[0052] In this case, contents of the recording medium can be easily
read by the reading device in a non-contact fashion.
[0053] The reading device may include a contact reading device
capable of reading contents of the recording medium in a contact
fashion.
[0054] In this case, contents of the recording medium can be
reliably read by the reading device in a contact fashion.
[0055] A packaging machine according to yet another aspect of the
present invention for packaging a product using a roll of packaging
material comprising an identification medium for identifying
packaging related information, comprises: a reading device that
reads the packaging related information from the identification
medium; and a packaging unit that packages the product using the
roll of packaging material based on the packaging related
information read by the reading device.
[0056] In the packaging machine according to the invention, the
packaging related information is read from the identification
medium by the reading device, and the product is packaged by the
packaging unit using the roll of packaging material based on the
packaging related information read by the reading device.
[0057] In this case, since the packaging related information
recorded in the identification medium is read by the reading
device, optimum other packaging related information stored
beforehand in the storage device can be set in a short time
according to the packaging related information, regardless of the
operators skill. This prevents an unskilled operator from setting
erroneous information and producing additional time loss and
packaging material loss.
[0058] A product handling system according to still another aspect
of the present invention comprises: a packaging machine that
packages a product using a roll of packaging material having a
recording medium that readably records a product identifier for
identifying the product to be packaged; a handling device that
operates together with the packaging machine to handle the product;
an operating condition recording device that associates beforehand
product identifiers with operating conditions of the handling
device for recording; and a communication device, the packaging
machine comprising: a reading device that reads a product
identifier stored in the recording medium; a storage device that
stores beforehand packaging related information for each product
identifier; and a packaging unit that selects the packaging related
information stored beforehand in the storage device corresponding
to the product identifier read by the reading device to package the
product, the communication device selecting an operating condition
recorded in the recording medium corresponding to the product
identifier read by the reading device to supply the selected
operating condition to the handling device, the handling device
operating based on the operating condition supplied from the
communication device.
[0059] In the product handling system according to the invention,
the product identifier for identifying the product to be packaged
is readably recorded in the recording medium of the roll of
packaging material. In addition, the packaging related information
for each product identifier is stored beforehand in the storage
device of the packaging machine. Moreover, the product identifiers
and the operating conditions of the handling device are associated
with each other beforehand by the operating condition recording
device and recorded.
[0060] This packaging machine packages the product using the roll
of packaging material with the recording medium. The product
identifier recorded in the recording medium of the roll of
packaging material is read by the reading device, and the packaging
related information stored beforehand in the storage device is
selected by the packaging unit based on the read product
identifier. Then, an operating condition recorded in the recording
medium is selected by the communication device according to the
product identifier, and the selected operating condition is
supplied to the handling device operating together with the
packaging machine. The handling device handles the product based on
the operating condition supplied from the communication device.
[0061] In this case, the operator does not need to input a setting
condition to the handling device handling the product by operating
together with the packaging machine. This prevents wasteful time
loss due to an erroneous setting condition made by the operator,
and the like.
[0062] The handling device may supply the packaging machine with a
history of operations based on the operating condition as history
information, the packaging machine making the recording medium
record the history information.
[0063] In this case, the handling device supplies the packaging
machine with the history of operations according to the operating
condition as the history information, and the packaging machine
makes the recording medium record the history information. This
enables the manager to grasp in real time the history information,
such as the number of products (packaging number) he produced by
operating the packaging machine, number of defective pieces, and
operating time, and also to make plans for improving productivity,
and easily pursue the causes of troubles.
[0064] The manager can also prevent problems such as delay in
communicating the production result or errors in recited
information.
[0065] A product handling system according to yet another aspect of
the present invention comprises: a packaging machine that packages
a product using a roll of packaging material having an
identification medium for identifying a product identifier of a
product to be packaged; a handling device that operates together
with the packaging machine to handle the product; an operating
condition recording device that associates beforehand product
identifiers with operating conditions of the handling device for
recording; and a communication device, the packaging machine
comprising: a reading device that reads a product identifier from
the identification medium; a storage device that stores beforehand
packaging related information for each product identifier; and a
packaging unit that selects the packaging related information
stored beforehand in the storage device based on the product
identifier read by the reading device to package the product, the
communication device selecting an operating condition recorded in
the identification medium corresponding to the product identifier
read by the reading device to supply the selected operating
condition to the handling device, the handling device operating
based on the operating conditions supplied from the communication
device.
[0066] In the product handling system according to the invention,
the product identifier for identifying the product to be packaged
is provided so that it can be read from the identification medium
of the roll of packaging material. In addition, the packaging
related information for each product identifier is stored
beforehand in the storage device of the packaging machine.
Moreover, the product identifiers and the operating conditions of
the handling device are associated beforehand with each other by
the operating condition recording device and recorded.
[0067] This packaging machine packages the product using the roll
of packaging material with the identification medium. The product
identifier is read from the identification medium of the roll of
packaging material by the reading device, and the packaging related
information stored beforehand in the storage device is selected by
the packaging unit based on the read product identifier. Then, an
operating condition recorded in the identification medium
corresponding to the product identifier is selected by the
communication device, and the selected operating condition is
supplied to the handling device operating together with the
packaging machine. The handling device handles the product based on
the operating condition supplied from the communication device.
[0068] In this case, the operator does not need to input a setting
condition to the handling device handling the product by operating
together with the packaging machine. This prevents wasteful time
loss due to an erroneous setting condition made by the operator,
and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0069] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a product handling system
comprising a bag forming and packaging machine according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the product
handling system of FIG. 1;
[0071] FIG. 3 is an elevation view showing the details of the belt
conveyor, weighing unit, and bag forming and packaging unit of FIG.
1;
[0072] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing bag forming and
packaging by the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging
apparatus;
[0073] FIGS. 5a to 5g are diagrams showing the details of the film
roll and the housing unit of the vertical pillow type bag forming
and packaging apparatus housing the film roll;
[0074] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing manufacturing steps of
the film roll;
[0075] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of the
computer provided inside the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus of the bag forming and packaging unit of FIG.
1;
[0076] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the parameters
recorded in the recording medium of the film roll;
[0077] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the computer
of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus
using the film roll shown in FIG. 7;
[0078] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing parameters related to a bag
forming and packaging program recorded in the recording medium of
the film roll and the computer of the vertical pillow type bag
forming and packaging apparatus;
[0079] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the computer
of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus in
the bag forming and packaging unit, using the film roll shown in
FIG. 10;
[0080] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of parameters
related to a bag forming and packaging program recorded in the
recording medium of the film roll and the computer of the vertical
pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus;
[0081] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the computer
of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus,
using the film roll shown in FIG. 12;
[0082] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of parameters
related to a bag forming and packaging program recorded in the
recording medium of the film roll;
[0083] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the computer
of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus,
using the film roll shown in FIG. 14; and
[0084] FIGS. 16a and 16b are diagrams showing other examples of the
film roll having the recording medium attached thereon.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0085] Description will, hereinafter, be made of a film roll as an
example of a roll of packaging material according to the present
invention, a bag forming and packaging machine using the film roll,
and a product handling system comprising the bag forming and
packaging machine.
[0086] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a product handling system
comprising a bag forming and packaging machine according to an
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram
showing an example of the product handling system of FIG. 1.
[0087] The product handling system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes
a manufacturing unit 10 for pieces to be packaged, a weighing unit
11, a bag forming and packaging unit 12, an inspector 13, a case
packer (cardboard caser) 14, a labeling unit 15, and belt conveyors
16, 17.
[0088] A film roll 100 is mounted in the bag forming and packaging
unit 12. The inspector 13 includes a weight checker 13a, a seal
checker 13b, a metal detector 13c, and an X-ray inspector 13d.
[0089] The manufacturing unit 10 manufactures pieces to be packaged
(contents of products). The pieces to be packaged manufactured by
the manufacturing unit 10 are transported by the belt conveyor 17
to the weighing unit 11. The transported pieces to be packaged are
sorted according to each certain weight by the weighing unit 11.
The weighing unit 11 will later be detailed.
[0090] The pieces to be packaged thus sorted are supplied to the
bag forming and packaging unit 12. The bag forming and packaging
unit 12 produces bags using the mounted film roll 100, and packages
the pieces sorted according to each certain weight into the bags.
The bag forming and packaging unit 12 will later be described.
[0091] The pieces packaged in the bags are subsequently transported
to the inspector 13. The inspector 13 performs given inspections of
the pieces packaged in the bags, with each function of the weight
checker 13a, seal checker 13b, metal detector 13c, and X-ray
inspector 13d in the inspector 13.
[0092] The weight checker 13a, for example, measures the weight of
each bag containing the pieces packaged to inspect if the bag
containing the pieces packaged satisfies a given weight, the seal
checker 13b inspects if a seal (binding margin) of the bag
containing the pieces packaged is completely bonded, the metal
detector 13c inspects if any contaminants such as metal pieces are
present in the bag containing the pieces packaged, and the X-ray
inspector 13d inspects with X-rays if any impurities are included
in the bag containing the pieces packaged.
[0093] After the given inspections by the inspector 13, the bags
containing the pieces packaged are transported by the belt conveyor
16 to the case packer (cardboard caser) 14. The bags containing the
pieces packaged will hereinafter be called the products.
[0094] A given number of products are stored in each given vessel
(for example, cardboard box) with the function of the case packer
14. Vessels storing the products are then transported to the
labeling unit 15. The labeling unit 15 affixes a given label to
each vessel storing the products. The label recites, for example,
where to deliver the products, expiration, and transportation
related information. Vessels storing the products are subsequently
transported to a delivery step to be delivered to a client
according to the information recited on each label.
[0095] Now refer to FIG. 3 which is an elevation view showing the
details of the belt conveyor 17, weighing unit 11, and bag forming
and packaging unit 12 of FIG. 1.
[0096] The weighing unit 11 shown in FIG. 3 is composed of a
weighing apparatus 200. The weighing apparatus 200 has a plurality
of meters (hereinafter called weighing hoppers) 220, a plurality of
combination vessels (hereinafter called combination hoppers) 230,
and a collection unit 240.
[0097] The bag forming and packaging unit 12 shown in FIG. 3, on
the other hand, is composed of a vertical pillow type bag forming
and packaging apparatus 300. The vertical pillow type bag forming
and packaging apparatus 300 has a computer 1 (FIG. 7). The computer
1 will later be detailed.
[0098] A support shaft 301 in the vertical pillow type bag forming
and packaging apparatus 300 carries a film roll 100. The support
shaft 301 and the film roll 100 will later be described. The
vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300 is
supported by a frame 60, and above the vertical pillow type bag
forming and packaging apparatus 300 is provided the belt conveyor
17 and the weighing apparatus 200.
[0099] The pieces to be packaged are initially supplied into the
weighing apparatus 200 of the weighing unit 11 by the belt conveyor
17. The weighing apparatus 200 performs combination weighing of
pieces to be packaged with each function of the plurality of
weighing hoppers 220 and the plurality of combination hoppers 230
to sort them according to each certain weight. The pieces to be
packaged thus sorted are then supplied through the collection unit
240 to a collection chute 22 of the vertical pillow type bag
forming and packaging apparatus 300 in the bag forming and
packaging unit 12.
[0100] In the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging
apparatus 300 of the bag forming and packaging unit 12, a film is
supplied from the film roll 100 through a plurality of guides 30 to
a lower part of the collection chute 22.
[0101] Now refer to FIG. 4 which is a perspective view showing bag
forming and packaging by the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 4, the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300 includes a sailor 17, a cylinder 18, a
vertical sealing mechanism (sealing jaw) 19, a pair of pull-down
belts 20, a horizontal sealing mechanism (sealing jaw) 21, and a
collection chute 22.
[0103] In the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging
apparatus 300, the film passes through a gap between the sailor 17
and the cylinder 18 to be formed into a tubular shape. The
tubular-formed film is transported by the pair of pull-down belts
20 between the cylinder 18 and the pair of pull-down belts 20 so
that both side edges of the film overlapped by the vertical sealing
mechanism 19 are vertically bonded. This vertically bonded portion
is also called a center seal.
[0104] The vertically bonded tubular film is then horizontally
bonded by the horizontal sealing mechanism 21, and simultaneously,
the pieces to be packaged pass through the inside of the collection
chute 22 and cylinder 18 to be packaged in the tubular film. Then,
the film containing the pieces packaged is transported by the pair
of pull-down belts 20, horizontally bonded and cut by the
horizontal sealing mechanism 21, which results in the production of
a bag 25 containing the pieces sealed.
[0105] FIGS. 5a to 5b are diagrams showing the details the film
roll 100 and a housing unit 310 of the vertical pillow type bag
forming and packaging apparatus 300 that houses the film roll.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 5a, the housing unit 310 is mainly composed
of a stop plate 311 and a columnar support shaft 301.
[0107] FIG. 5a shows a state before the film roll 100 is mounted
around the support shaft 301, FIG. 5b shows a cross section of the
film roll 100 and the support shaft 301 immediately after the film
roll 100 has been mounted around the support shaft 100, and FIG. 5c
shows a cross section of the film roll 100 and the support shaft
301 with the film roll of FIG. 5b being held by the support shaft
301.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 5b, a paper tube (hollow core) 101 of the
film roll 100 is fitted into the support shaft 301 of the vertical
pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300.
[0109] Next, as shown in FIG. 5c, a holder 304 for holding the film
roll 100 projects outwardly from the support shaft 301 to abut the
inside face of the film roll 100, thereby holding the film roll
100.
[0110] Description is now made of a technique of a recording medium
reading device 302 of the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300, for reading packaging related information
from the recording medium 110 of FIG. 5a and FIGS. 5d to 5f or from
an identification medium 111 carried by the film roll 100. While
five techniques (first to five techniques) are described below as
the techniques for reading packaging related information, any of
the techniques may be adopted in the bag forming and packaging
device 300. The recording medium reading device 302 reads recorded
contents of the recording medium 110 carried by the film roll 100,
and the identification medium reading device 305 is located in the
housing unit 310 that houses the film roll 100 so that it may read
recorded contents of the identification medium 111 provided on the
film roll 110. For this reason, the following description will
mainly be given of the structure of the housing unit 310 with
reference to drawings.
[0111] Note that the recording medium 110 has packaging related
information recorded, and the identification medium 111 includes
identifying information which enables identification of the
packaging related information.
[0112] (First Technique)
[0113] Firstly, a first technique for reading packaging related
information will be described. FIG. 5a is a diagram showing the
structure of a housing unit 310 and a film roll 100 using the first
technique.
[0114] The support shaft 301 in the housing unit 310 is provided
with a rotator 303 capable of rotating independently in a
circumferential direction of the support shaft 301. The rotator 303
is provided with a tag reader 302a as a recording medium reading
device 302. A plurality of holders 304 serving as members for
holding the film roll 100 are also provided on the surface
corresponding to the circumference of the support shaft. Instead of
the rotator 303, the support shaft 301 may be provided so that it
can rotate around its center axis relative to the stop plate
311.
[0115] A plate-like ID (identifier) tag (hereinafter, "plate-like
tag") 110a is, on the other hand, attached as the recording medium
110 on the inside surface of the paper tube 101 of the film roll
100. The plate-like tag 110a is composed of an antenna and an IC
(Integrated Circuit) chip, for example, and is an information
storage medium capable of electromagnetically storing data. The
plate-like tag 110a of this embodiment records packaging related
information (packaging conditions, information related to film
material, information related to film processing, an identifier for
film identification, an identifier for identification of products
to be packaged, and others). This plate-like tag 110a is attached
as a final step in fabrication steps (described below) of the film
roll 100 with the packaging related information being recorded
beforehand.
[0116] The tag reader 302a is capable of reading the data recorded
in this plate-like tag 110a in a non-contact fashion through a
resonance phenomenon of radio waves. When the tag reader 302a reads
data from the plate-like tag 110a, a radio wave of a given
frequency is transmitted from the tag reader 302a. The resonance
phenomenon occurs on the plate-like tag 110a which has received
this radio wave of a given frequency, so that a radio wave is
transmitted back from the plate-like tag 110a. The tag reader 302a
can read the data by receiving this radio wave transmitted back
from the plate-like tag 110a.
[0117] At the time of mounting of the film roll 100 to the housing
unit 310, the film roll 100 is moved so that its paper tube 101 may
be fitted into the support shaft 301. When the film roll 100 abuts
the stop plate 311 with its axial position being defined, the
plurality of holders 304 project outwardly from the surface
corresponding to the circumference of the support shaft 301 so as
to abut the inside surface of the paper tube 101 of the film roll
100. This allows the film roll 100 to be held by the support shaft
301.
[0118] The distance between the tag reader 302a and the plate-like
tag 110a, with the film roll 100 being in a held state, is such
that the radio waves transmitted from them are reachable to each
other. The tag reader 302a is therefore capable of detecting the
plate-like tag 110a and reading the data recorded in the plate-like
tag 110a. The data read from the tag reader 302a is transmitted to
the computer 1.
[0119] In this manner, according to this technique, a recording
medium 110 is attached on the film roll 100, and the plate-like tag
110a which electromagnetically stores data is adopted as the
storage medium 110, allowing the packaging related information to
be easily read from the recording medium 110 attached on the film
roll 100.
[0120] Moreover, since the data is read through the radio waves in
a non-contact fashion, the data can be accurately read even if the
located positions of the tag reader 302a and the plate-like tag
110a do not precisely correspond with each other. Problems such as
reading errors due to print blur or surface contamination may also
be prevented.
[0121] In addition, since the tag reader 302a is located on the
support shaft 301, there is no need to provide a special member on
which the recording medium reading device 302 is located, allowing
the bag forming and packaging device 300 to be smaller in size.
[0122] Furthermore, since the plate-like tag 110a is located on the
paper tube 101 of the film roll 100, even when the film roll 100
has been partly used, the paper tube 101 can read the packaging
related information without any influence.
[0123] Note that this plate-like tag 110a may be embedded into the
paper tube 101 in such a manner that it is not exposed to the
surface of the paper tube 101 of the film roll 100. By weaving
plate-like tags 110a into a strip of original paper at the time of
stacking the strip of original paper for the fabrication of paper
tubes 101, it is possible to embed a plate-like tag 110a into each
paper tube 101. Because the tag reader 302a reads data through
radio waves in a non-contact fashion, it can accurately read the
data recorded in the plate-like tag 110a with the plate-like tag
110a being embedded into the paper tube 101. In this manner, the
plate-like tag 110a is not exposed to the inside surface of the
paper tube 101, which prevents contact of the recording medium 110
with the support shaft 301, avoiding problems of physical
damage.
[0124] (Second Technique)
[0125] Next, a second technique for reading packaging related
information will be described. FIG. 5d is a diagram showing the
structure of a housing unit 310 and a film roll 100 using the
second technique. Since the structure and function of the housing
unit 310 are almost similar to those used in the first technique
described above, description will be focused on differences between
them.
[0126] In this technique, a rod-like ID (identifier) tag
(hereinafter, "a rod-like tag") 110b is adopted as the recording
medium 110. While having a different shape, the rod-like tag 110b
has in principle a similar structure and function to the plate-like
tag 110a in the aforementioned first technique. The rod-like tag
110b has packaging related information recorded, as with the
structure and function used in the first technique.
[0127] On the other hand, the tag reader 302b, the recording medium
reading device 302 in this technique, is similar to the
aforementioned tag reader 302a in structure and located position.
This allows the packaging related information to be easily read
from the recording medium 110 attached on the film roll 100,
similarly in the first technique.
[0128] The rod-like tag 110b is attached as a final step in
fabrication steps (described below) of the film roll 100 with the
packaging related information being recorded beforehand. At this
time, a hole having almost an identical diameter to that of the
rod-like tag 10b is formed on a side of the paper tube 101, the
rod-like tag 110b being inserted into the formed hole. The rod-like
tag 10b is thus located in the paper tube 101 in an embedded state
so as not to be exposed to the surface of the paper tube 101 of the
film roll 100. Consequently, the recording medium 110 would not
come into contact with the support shaft 301 and the like, which
prevents problems of physical damage.
Third Embodiment
[0129] A third technique for reading packaging related information
will now be described. FIG. 5e is a diagram showing the structure
of a housing unit 310 and a film roll 100 using the third
technique. Description below will be focused on differences between
this technique and the first technique.
[0130] In this technique, a ring-like ID (identifier) tag
(hereinafter, "a ring-like tag") 110c having a round opening is
adopted. While having a different shape, the ring-like tag 110c is
in principle similar in structure and function to that of the
aforementioned plate-like tag 110a or the rod-like tag 110b.
[0131] The diameter of the opening of the ring-like tag 110c
coincides with the inside diameter of the paper tube 101, and the
outside diameter of the ring-like tag 110c coincides with the
outside diameter of the paper tube 101. The ring-like tag 110c is
attached on the side of the paper tube 101 in contact with the stop
plate 311. The ring-like tag 110c is attached as a final step in
fabrication steps (described below) of the film roll 100 with the
packaging related information being recorded beforehand.
[0132] On the other hand, the tag reader 302c, the recording medium
reading device 302 in this technique, is located not on the support
shaft 301 but on the stop plate 311. More specifically, the tag
reader 302c is located in such a position that it may come into
contact with the paper tube 101 when the film roll 100 is mounted.
As the tag reader 302c, a similar one to the aforementioned tag
reader 302a may be adopted.
[0133] In such a structure, the distance between the tag reader
302c and the ring-like tag 110c, with the film roll 100 being in a
held state, is such that the radio waves transmitted from them are
reachable to each other. Therefore, the packaging related
information can be easily read from the recording medium 110
attached on the film roll 100, as with the first technique.
[0134] Attachment of the ring-like tag 110c in this technique may
be done very easy, simply by attaching it on the side of the paper
tube 101. Moreover, because the tag reader 302c is located on the
stop plate 311, there is no need to provide a special member on
which the recording medium reading device 302 is located, which
enables the bag forming and packaging device 300 to be smaller in
size.
[0135] Note that the ring-like tag 110c may be provided not only on
one side of the paper tube 101 but also on both sides thereof. This
enables reading of the packaging related information in a bag
forming and packaging device where the support shaft 301 is located
in the opposite direction to FIG. 5e, thereby enhancing the
flexibility of the film roll 100.
[0136] (Fourth Technique)
[0137] A fourth technique for reading packaging related information
will now be described. FIG. 5f is a diagram showing the structure
of a housing unit 310 and a film roll 100 using the fourth
technique. Following description will be focused on differences
between this technique and the first technique.
[0138] In this technique, a label 110d with printed barcode is
adopted as the recording medium 110. This label 110d is attached
inside the paper tube 101 of the film roll 100. Contents to be
encoded as the barcode are packaging related information. The label
110d is attached as a final step in fabrication steps (described
below) of the film roll 100 with such barcode printed with a
ultraviolet ink.
[0139] In this technique, a barcode reader 302d is provided on the
surface corresponding to the circumference of a rotator 303 as a
recording medium reading device 302. The barcode reader 302d
comprises an irradiator 303d directing ultraviolet rays and a
reader 304d reading the barcode.
[0140] When a film roll 100 is mounted and held around the support
shaft 301, the barcode reader 302d reads the barcode on the label
110d. At this time, the rotator 303 is initially rotated
independently from the support shaft 301. Simultaneously, the
irradiator 303d of the barcode reader 302d directs ultraviolet
rays, causing the reader 304d to scan the inside face of the paper
tube 101. When the label 110d with printed barcode is present
during this scanning, the contents of the barcode are reflected by
the ultraviolet rays for detection of the label 110d, and the
reflected contents of the barcode are read by the reader 304d. The
read contents of the barcode are transmitted to the computer 1.
[0141] In such a manner, the information can be read in a
non-contact fashion from the recording medium 110 attached on the
film roll 100.
[0142] Note that the contents to be printed on the label 110d may
be any other information related to packaging, without limited to
barcode. Two-dimensional codes such as QR (Quick Response) codes or
symbols according to given rules, for example may be used. In
addition, the printed contents such as barcode may be printed
directly on the paper tube 101 of the film roll 100, instead of the
label 110d.
[0143] (Fifth Technique)
[0144] A fifth technique for reading packaging related information
will now be described. FIG. 5g is a diagram showing the structure
of a housing unit 310 and a film roll 100 using the fifth
technique. Description below will be focused on differences between
this technique and the first technique.
[0145] In this technique, metal powder 111a is contained in the
paper tube 101, functioning as an identification medium 111. The
metal powder 111a is included in an adhesive applied to a strip of
original paper at the time of fabricating the paper tube 101, so
that it may be contained in the entire paper tube 101. The amount
of the metal powder 111a per unit volume to be contained in the
paper tube 101 is varied depending on the packaging related
information. In other words, the paper tube 101 contains the amount
of the metal powder 111a corresponding to the packaging related
information.
[0146] As for the identification medium reading device 305 in this
technique, on the other hand, a metal sensor 305a is adopted. This
metal sensor 305a is capable of magnetically detecting the metal
powder 111a contained in the paper tube 101 in a non-contact
fashion, and also comprises a transmitting coil 303e and a
receiving coil 304e along with a transmitter and a sensor of which
illustration is omitted. The transmitting coil 303e and the
receiving coil 304e are coaxially formed, located on the support
shaft 301 as with the tag reader 302a in the aforementioned first
technique.
[0147] When the metal sensor 305a detects the metal powder 111a in
the paper tube 101, alternating current is supplied to the
receiving coil 303e from the transmitter, which causes the
transmitting coil 303e to generate an alternating magnetic field in
its neighborhood space. This alternating magnetic field induces
electromotive force in the receiving coil 304, resulting in the
generation of alternating current. The generated alternating
current is transmitted to the sensor which measures a value of the
alternating current (alternating current value). The measured
alternating current value is transmitted to the computer 1 as a
signal.
[0148] With the film roll 100 being mounted and held around the
support shaft 301, the metal powder 111a is present in the space
near the transmitting coil 303 and the receiving coil 304e. With
the metal powder present in the space near the transmitting coil
303e and the receiving coil 304e, a disturbance occurs in the
alternating magnetic field generated from the transmitting coil
303e. This causes variations in the alternating current value to be
measured by the sensor. The metal powder 111a in the paper tube 101
of the film roll 100 is thus detected.
[0149] Note that this alternating current value also corresponds to
the amount of the metal powder 111a per unit volume contained in
the paper tube 101. The amount of the metal powder 111a contained
in the paper tube 101 corresponds to the packaging related
information, as mentioned above. Therefore, the packaging related
information can be read based on this alternating current
value.
[0150] The packaging related information is identified by the
computer 1 based on the alternating current value transmitted from
the metal sensor 305a. The storage device 506 in the computer 1 has
a table stored beforehand in which the packaging related
information and alternating current values are associated with each
other. In reading the packaging related information, the computer 1
refers to this table based on the alternating current value.
[0151] Metal to be employed as the metal powder 111a may be a
magnetic metal such as iron or a ferrite stainless steel or a
non-magnetic metal such as aluminum or an austenitic stainless
steel. In either case, its presence in the space near the
transmitting coil 303e causes a disturbance in the alternating
current magnetic field which can be detected as the metal powder
111a. Note, however, that where the material of the film is mainly
composed of a non-magnetic metal such as VMPET (aluminum-evaporated
polyethylene terephthalate), the use of a non-magnetic metal as the
metal powder 111a makes it difficult to magnetically detect the
metal powder 111a only. In order to detect the metal powder 111a
without the influence of the film material, it is therefore
preferred to use a magnetic metal as the metal powder 111a.
[0152] In this manner, the packaging related information can be
easily read from the identification medium 111 attached on the film
roll 100.
[0153] In addition, because the metal powder 111a is adopted as the
identification medium 111, identification of the type of the film
roll 100 can be accomplished at a relatively lower cost than using
an ID tag or the like. Furthermore, problems such as reading errors
due to print blur or surface contamination may be avoided.
[0154] In this technique, the metal powder 111a can be magnetically
detected in a non-contact fashion with the metal powder 111a being
contained in the entire paper tube 101. Therefore, the located
position of the transmitting coil 303e and the receiving coil 304e
is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5g, but may be any other
position in which they can detect the metal powder 111a in the
paper tube 101. For example, the transmitting coil 303e and the
receiving coil 304e may be located on the stop plate 311, as with
the tag reader 302c in the aforementioned third technique.
[0155] In this technique, the metal powder 111a is contained as the
identification medium 111 in the paper tube 101; however, instead
of the metal powder 111a, a foil composed of a metal or the like
may be contained. In other words, any other metal representing the
packaging related information while being contained in the film
roll 100 may be adopted as the identification medium 111.
[0156] Now refer to FIG. 6 which is a schematic diagram showing
manufacturing steps of the film roll 100.
[0157] FIG. 6(a) shows manufacturing steps of films themselves of
the film roll 100, and FIG. 6(b) shows steps of fabricating the
film manufactured in FIG. 6(a) under given conditions before
conversion.
[0158] Firstly, in the manufacturing steps of films themselves
shown in FIG. 6(a), diverse films are produced according to their
materials, compositions, thicknesses, and the like.
[0159] Among the materials of manufactured films are CPP
(non-oriented polypropylene film), OPP (bi-oriented polypropylene
film), PET (polyethylene terephthalate film), VMPET
(aluminum-evaporated polyethylene terephthalate film), and PE
(polyethylene film); besides there are various film compositions
such as two-layered, three-layered, and five-layered film
compositions depending on their use and the like, each of which
varying in thickness and the like.
[0160] Next, a film manufactured in the manufacturing steps of
films themselves of FIG. 6(a) are supplied to the fabrication steps
shown in FIG. 6(b).
[0161] Firstly, a given print is made on part of the film supplied
to FIG. 6(b), which is to be the surface of a given product. The
printed film has anti-ultraviolet films and the like laminated
thereon (laminate bonding) for preventing discoloration due to
ultraviolet rays and the like. The laminated film is then wound
around a paper material called a paper tube for each certain length
(a length of 700 to 1000 m, for example).
[0162] The printed and laminated film is subsequently slit (cut)
according to its fabrication procedures and slit conditions.
[0163] The film normally has a width of approximately 1000 mm, for
example, and therefore in the fabrication steps of FIG. 6(b), it is
divided or cut (slit) at each 30 mm as the width for an actual
product. In addition, in the fabrication steps, a fabrication
condition and the like are recorded in the recording medium 110,
and the recorded recording medium 110 is attached on the hollow
core of the film roll 100.
[0164] Note that the recording medium 110 may be attached on the
hollow core of the film roll 100 beforehand to record a fabrication
condition and the like.
[0165] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of the
computer 1 provided inside the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300 of the bag forming and packaging unit 12 of
FIG. 1.
[0166] The computer 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 500,
an input/output device 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM
(Random Access Memory) 503, a recoding medium reading device 302,
and an external recording device 506.
[0167] The input/output device 501 transmits and receives
information among other devices. The other devices here include the
weighing unit 11 and inspector 13 of the product handling system
shown in FIG. 1, weight checker 13a, seal checker 13b, metal
detector 13c, X-ray inspector 13d, case packer (cardboard caser)
14, labeling unit 15, belt conveyors 16, 17, and the host computer
(not shown) of the product handling system.
[0168] A system program is stored in the ROM 502. The recording
medium reading device 302 reads and writes data to and from the
recording medium 110. Parameters related to a bag forming and
packaging program are recorded as data in the recording medium
110.
[0169] The external storage device 506, which is composed of a hard
disc or the like, stores the bag forming and packaging program
along with the parameters related to the bag forming and packaging
program read from the recording medium 110. This bag forming and
packaging program will later be detailed. The CPU 500 executes the
bag forming and packaging program on the RAM 503 using the
parameters stored in the external storage device 506. Then, the CPU
500 transmits a production result of the products produced and
packaged using the bag forming and packaging program to the host
computer (not shown) through the input/output device 501, as will
be described later.
[0170] Note that the bag forming and packaging program may be
downloaded onto the external storage device 506 through a
communication medium such as a communication line for execution on
the RAM 503.
[0171] Now refer to FIG. 8 which is a diagram showing an example of
the parameters recorded in the recording medium 110 of the film
roll 100.
[0172] FIG. 8(a) shows a product reservation list among the
parameters recorded in the recording medium 110, and FIG. 8 (b)
shows packaging conditions among the parameters recorded in the
recording medium 110.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the product reservation list recorded
in the recording medium 110 includes product identification NO.
(product identification number), product name, bag length, bag
width, number of products to be produced, film NO. (film number),
and the like.
[0174] As shown in FIG. 8(b), on the other hand, the packaging
conditions recorded in the recording medium 110 include film NO.
(film number), film feed, seal time, seal temperature (not shown),
seal pressure (not shown), bag length (not shown), bag width (not
shown), material thickness (not shown), manufacturing speed (not
shown), product brand (not shown), and fabrication condition.
[0175] In other words, the product reservation list includes all
the necessary parameters for the manufacture of given products, and
the packaging conditions include all the necessary parameters for
the operation of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging
apparatus 300.
[0176] An operator takes out packaging conditions for the vertical
pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300 using the film
roll 100 having a given fabrication condition beforehand, and
records the packaging conditions corresponding to each fabrication
condition in the recording medium 110 of the film roll 100. The
fabrication condition includes film material name, film
composition, film thickness, film manufacturer name, fabrication
converter name, fabrication procedures, fabrication line,
fabrication time, laminate method, laminate procedures, laminate
machine name, laminate time, laminate tension value, laminate
temperature, slit conditions (left end, right end, center, etc.),
aging conditions (temperature and time), fabrication manager,
inspecting person, used adhesive manufacturer name, used adhesive
grade, bonding speed, bonding drying temperature, amount of applied
adhesive, print ink type, presence/absence of special color,
presence/absence of a mixture ratio, used ink manufacturer name,
used ink grade, product brand, product name, content, film
unwinding direction, special fabrication condition, and various
barrier properties of oxygen, water vapor, etc.
[0177] The bag forming and packaging program will subsequently be
described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
computer 1 of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging
apparatus 300 using the film roll 100 shown in FIG. 8.
[0178] As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 1 initially instructs the
support shaft 301 of the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300 to mount a film roll 100 around the support
shaft 301 (Step S11). The operator fits a given film roll 100 into
the support shaft 301 of the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300 according to the instruction from the
computer 1.
[0179] The computer 1 of the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300 subsequently instructs the recording medium
reading device 302 provided in the rotator 303 to read parameters
recorded in the recording medium 110 of the film roll 100 (Step
S12).
[0180] The computer 1 extracts a product reservation list and
packaging conditions included in the read parameters to make the
setting of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging
apparatus 300 based on the extracted product reservation list and
packaging conditions (Step S13).
[0181] The computer 1 of the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300 in the bag forming and packaging unit 12,
subsequently instructs the operator to start the bag forming and
packaging operation (Step S14). The operator starts the bag forming
and packaging operation according to the instruction.
[0182] Then, the computer 1 determines whether or not the film of
the film roll 100 remains (Step S15). For example, the computer 1
determines whether or not the film of the film roll 100 remains, by
multiplying the current number of products that have been produced
and packaged and the bag width, to compare the initial amount of
the film of the film roll 100 and a multiplication result.
[0183] When determining that the film of the film roll 100 have run
out, the computer 1 notifies the host computer via the input/output
device 501 of FIG. 7 to use another film roll 100 (Step S16), and
also returns to Step S11 to repeat the processes of Steps S11 to
S15.
[0184] When, on the other hand, determining that the film of the
film roll 100 remains, the computer 1 determines whether or not an
abnormality is occurring (Step S17). When determining that an
abnormality is occurring, the computer 1 instructs the operator to
perform a given process for the abnormality (Step S18). Then, the
computer 1 adds the abnormality information into the recording
medium 110 for storage (Step S19).
[0185] When, on the other hand, determining that there is no
abnormality, the computer 1 determines whether or not a designated
amount of products have been produced (Step S20). Here, the
computer 1 compares the number of products to be produced stored in
the product reservation list among the parameters related to the
bag forming and packaging program and the current number of
products that have been produced to determine if the designated
amount of products have been produced. When determining that the
designated amount of products have not been produced, the computer
1 returns to Step S15 to repeat the processes of Steps S15 to
S20.
[0186] When, on the other hand, determining that the designated
amount of products have been produced, the computer 1 finishes the
operation.
[0187] As described above, since in this embodiment the packaging
conditions are recorded in the recording medium 110 attached on
each film roll 100, optimum packaging conditions can be set in a
short time at the time of exchange of film rolls 100, regardless of
the skill of the operator. This prevents an unskilled operator from
setting erroneous packaging conditions and producing additional
time loss and film loss.
[0188] Furthermore, in the above product handling system, the
number of products produced (packaging number) by the operator
operating the bag forming and packaging device, rejected pieces,
operating time and the like can be transmitted momentarily to the
host computer from the CPU 500 via the input/output device 501. As
a result, it is possible to prevent delay in communicating the
product result or errors in recited information and the like, which
enables the manager to know the production result in real time.
[0189] In this embodiment, the recording medium 110, plate-like tag
110a, rod-like ID tag 110b, ring-like ID tag 110c, label 110d
correspond to a recording medium, the metal powder 111a corresponds
to an identification medium, the recording medium reading device
302 and identification medium reading device 305 correspond to a
reading device, the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging
apparatus 300 corresponds to a packaging unit and a packaging
machine, the RAM 503 and external recording device 506 correspond
to a storage device, the manufacturing unit 10 for pieces to be
packaged, weighing unit 11, bag forming and packaging unit 12,
inspector 13, case packer 14, labeling unit 15, and belt conveyors
16, 17 correspond to a handling device.
[0190] In this embodiment, communication among other devices is
enabled via the input/output device 501; however, the invention is
not limited as such, and a DeviceNet Connection using other
optional devices such as a network controller may be used or a
packet communication via the telephone line or the like may be
used.
[0191] In addition, in this embodiment the film roll has been
described as an example of a roll of packaging material; however,
the invention is not limited as such, and may similarly be
applicable to a roll of packaging material wound with other kind of
strip of packaging material for use in packaging products.
[0192] The recording medium 110 may be provided, for example on a
roll of packaging material wound with a tape-shaped member called
banner (JP 2002-8008 A) as a packaging material. The banner here
refers to a tape-shaped member with a print of commercial
advertisement or gift coupon thereon, which is attached on the
outer surface of a bag.
[0193] The recording medium 110 may alternatively be provided on a
roll of packaging material wound with a chuck tape (JP 6-32305 A)
as a packaging material. The chuck tape here refers to a pair of
strips of tapes integrated in mutual engagement, which is provided
on an opening/closing portion of a bag.
[0194] The recording medium 110 may alternatively be provided on a
roll of packaging material wound with a strip of tape attached on a
notch of a bag so that it can be opened/sealed and re-opened/sealed
(JP 11-255205 A), as a packaging material.
[0195] The recording medium 110 may also be provided on a roll of
packaging material wound with a display carrier strip to which a
plurality of packages are removably attached (JP 9-508879 A), as a
packaging material.
[0196] Moreover, in this embodiment, the recording medium 110 is
attached on the hollow core of the film roll 100; however, the
invention is not limited as such, and the recording medium 110 may
be embedded into the hollow core of the film roll 100.
[0197] Although the above-described embodiment has discussed a case
in which the recording medium 110 is used on the hollow core of the
film roll 100, the identification medium 111 may alternatively be
used on the hollow core of the film roll 100 without being limited
the case herein.
[0198] (Another Example of Bag Forming and Packaging Program)
[0199] Another example of the bag forming and packaging program
will now be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing parameters
related to a bag forming and packaging program which are recorded
in the recording medium 110 of the film roll 100 and the computer 1
of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus
300.
[0200] FIG. 10(a) shows a film identification number NO. (film
identification number) and a fabrication condition which are
parameters related to the bag forming and packaging program
recorded in the recording medium 110, and FIG. 10(b) shows
packaging conditions among the parameters related to the bag
forming and packaging program recorded beforehand in the computer 1
of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus
300.
[0201] The film identification NO. recorded in the recording medium
110 shown in FIG. 10(a) is associated with the fabrication
condition at the time of fabrication to be recorded. This film
identification NO. is assigned to each film roll 100.
[0202] The operator finds packaging conditions of the vertical
pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300 beforehand
using the film roll 100 with each fabrication condition, to store
the packaging conditions for the film roll 100 of each fabrication
condition into the ROM (Read Only Memory) 502 in the computer 1 of
the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus
300.
[0203] Another example of the bag forming and packaging program
will subsequently be described.
[0204] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the computer
1 of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus
300 in the bag forming and packaging unit 12, using the film roll
100 shown in FIG. 10.
[0205] The operation of the computer 1 shown in FIG. 11 differs
from that shown in FIG. 9 as follows.
[0206] As shown in FIG. 11, the computer 1 of the vertical pillow
type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300 instructs the
recording medium reading device 302 provided in the rotator 303 to
read the film identification No. recorded in the recording medium
110 of the film roll 100 (Step S12a).
[0207] The computer 1 associates the read film identification NO.
with packaging conditions having the corresponding film
identification NO. (Step S12b). In other words, the computer 1 of
the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300
compares a plurality of film identification NOs. in the packaging
conditions recorded beforehand and the read film identification
NO., thereby selecting the corresponding packaging conditions to
associate them with each other. Where the film identification NO.
"5", for example, is recorded in the recording medium 110 shown in
FIG. 10, the computer 1 associates it with the packaging conditions
having the film NO. "5" recorded beforehand in the vertical pillow
type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300.
[0208] The computer 1 makes the setting of the vertical pillow type
bag forming and packaging apparatus 300 based on the packaging
conditions included in the parameters related to the bag forming
and packaging program (Step S13).
[0209] As described above, since in this embodiment the film roll
identifier is recorded in the recording medium 110 attached on each
film roll 100, optimum packaging conditions which are associated
beforehand with the film roll identifier can be set in a short time
at the time of exchange of film rolls 100, regardless of the skill
of the operator. This prevents an unskilled operator from setting
erroneous packaging conditions and producing additional time loss
and film loss.
[0210] Furthermore, in the above product handling system, the
number of products produced (packaging number) by the operator
operating the bag forming and packaging device, rejected pieces,
operating time and the like can be transmitted momentarily to the
host computer from the CPU 500 via the input/output device 501. As
a result, it is possible to prevent delay in communicating the
product result or errors in recited information and the like, which
enables the manager to know the production result in real time.
[0211] In this embodiment, the recording medium 110 corresponds to
a first storage device, the recording medium reading device 302
corresponds to a reading device, the vertical pillow type bag
forming and packaging apparatus 300 corresponds to a packaging unit
and a packaging machine, the RAM 503 and the external recording
device 506 correspond to a storage device, the manufacturing unit
10 for pieces to be packaged, weighing unit 11, bag forming and
packaging unit 12, inspector 13, case packer 14, labeling unit 15,
and belt conveyors 16, 17 correspond to a handling device.
[0212] Although the use of the recording medium 110 has been
discussed in the above-described example, the identification medium
111 may also be used without limited to the recording medium
110.
[0213] (Another Example of Bag Forming and Packaging Program)
[0214] Another example of the bag forming and packaging program
will now be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing parameters
related to a bag forming and packaging program recorded in the
recording medium 110 of the film roll 100 and the computer 1 of the
vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300.
[0215] FIG. 12(a) shows a product identification number NO.
(product identification number) and a fabrication condition which
are parameters related to the bag forming and packaging program
recorded in the recording medium 110, and FIG. 12(b) shows
packaging conditions among parameters related to the bag forming
and packaging program recorded beforehand in the computer 1 of the
vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300.
[0216] The product identification NO. recorded in the recording
medium 110 shown in FIG. 12(a) is associated with the fabrication
condition at the time of fabrication to be recorded. This product
identification NO. is assigned to each product to be produced.
[0217] The operator finds packaging conditions of the vertical
pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300 beforehand
using the film roll 100 with each fabrication condition, to store
the packaging conditions and the product reservation list for the
film roll 100 of each fabrication condition into the ROM (Read Only
Memory) 502 in the computer 1 of the vertical pillow type bag
forming and packaging apparatus 300.
[0218] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the computer
1 of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus
300, using the film roll 100 shown in FIG. 12. The operation of the
computer 1 shown in FIG. 13 differs from that shown in FIG. 9 or
FIG. 11 as follows.
[0219] As shown in FIG. 13, the computer 1 of the vertical pillow
type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300 instructs the
recording medium reading device 302 provided in the rotator 303 to
read the product identification NO. recorded in the recording
medium 110 of the film roll 100 (Step S12c).
[0220] The computer 1 associates the read product identification
NO. with a product reservation list having the corresponding
product identification NO. (Step S12d). Then, the computer 1
associates the film identification NO. of the associated product
reservation list with packaging conditions having the corresponding
film identification NO. (Step S12e). In other words, the computer 1
of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300
compares the read product identification NO. and product
identification NOs. in a plurality of product reservation lists
recorded beforehand, for selection of the corresponding product
reservation list to associate them with each other. Then, the
computer 1 selects the packaging conditions having the film
identification NO. corresponding to that included in the associated
product reservation list to associate them with each other.
[0221] When the product identification NO. "001", for example, is
recorded in the recording medium 110 shown in FIG. 12, the computer
1 associates it with the product reservation list having the
product identification NO. "001" from the product reservation lists
recorded beforehand in the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300. The computer 1 subsequently associates the
film identification NO. "5" of the product reservation list having
the product identification NO. "001" with the packaging conditions
of the film identification NO. "5" from the packaging conditions
recorded beforehand in the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300.
[0222] The computer 1 makes the setting of the vertical pillow type
bag forming and packaging apparatus 300 based on the packaging
conditions included in the parameters related to the bag forming
and packaging program (Step S13).
[0223] As described above, since in this embodiment the product
identifier is stored in the recording medium 110 attached on each
film roll 100, optimum packaging conditions associated beforehand
with the product identifier can be set in a short time at the time
of exchange of film rolls 100, regardless of the skill of the
operator. This prevents an unskilled operator from setting
erroneous packaging conditions and producing additional time loss
and film loss.
[0224] Furthermore, in the above product handling system, the
number of products produced (packaging number) by the operator
operating the bag forming and packaging device, rejected pieces,
operating time and the like can be transmitted momentarily to the
host computer from the CPU 500 via the input/output device 501. As
a result, it is possible to prevent delay in communicating the
product result or errors in recited information and the like, which
enables the manager to know the production result in real time.
[0225] In this embodiment, the recording medium 110 corresponds to
a recording medium, the recording medium reading device 302
corresponds to a reading device, the vertical pillow type bag
forming and packaging apparatus 300 corresponds to a packaging unit
and a packaging machine, the RAM 503 and the external recording
device 506 correspond to a storage device, the manufacturing unit
10 for pieces to be packaged, weighing unit 11, bag forming and
packaging unit 12, inspector 13, case packer 14, labeling unit 15,
and belt conveyors 16, 17 correspond to a handling device.
[0226] Although the use of the recording medium 110 has been
discussed in the above-described example, the identification medium
111 may also be used without limited to the recording medium
110.
[0227] (Another Example of Bag Forming and Packaging Program)
[0228] Another example of the bag forming and packaging program
will now be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example
of parameters related to a bag forming and packaging program
recorded in the recording medium 110 of the film roll 100. The
parameters related to the bag forming and packaging program shown
in FIG. 14 differ from those shown in FIG. 8 as follows.
[0229] FIG. 14(a) shows a product reservation list among the
parameters related to the bag forming and packaging program
recorded in the recording medium 110, FIG. 14(b) shows packaging
conditions among the parameters related to the bag forming and
packaging program recorded in the recording medium 110, and FIG.
14(c) shows peripheral device instruction information including
setting conditions for the peripheral devices recorded in the
recording medium 110.
[0230] As shown in FIG. 14(c), the peripheral device instruction
information recorded in the recording medium 110 include such
information as weighing device information for the weighing
apparatus 200 in the weighing unit 11, weight check information for
the weight checker 13a in the inspector 13, seal check information
(not shown) for the seal checker 13a in the inspector 13, metal
detection information (not shown) for the metal detector 13b in the
inspector 13, X-ray inspection information (not shown) for the
X-ray inspector 13c in the inspector 13, operation information (not
shown) for the belt conveyors 16, 17, case packing information for
the case packer 14, and labeling information for the labeling unit
15.
[0231] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the computer
1 of the vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus
300, using the film roll 100 shown in FIG. 14. The operation of the
computer 1 shown in FIG. 14 differs from that shown in FIG. 9 as
follows.
[0232] The computer 1 of the vertical pillow type bag forming and
packaging apparatus 300 instructs the recording medium reading
device 302 provided in the rotator 303 to read the parameters
related to the bag forming and packaging program and the peripheral
device instruction information recorded in the recording medium 110
of the film roll 100 (Step S12f).
[0233] The computer 1 transmits the read peripheral device
instruction information to the peripheral devices (Step S12g). The
computer 1 subsequently extracts a product reservation list and
packaging conditions included in the read parameters related to the
bag forming and packaging program to make the setting of the
vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300 based
on the extracted product reservation list and packaging conditions
(Step S13).
[0234] As described above, in this embodiment the operator is not
required to input such setting conditions as the weighing device
information for one or more production devices such as the weighing
apparatus 200 in the weighing unit 11 which produce products
together with the bag forming and packaging machine. This prevents
wasteful time losses due to errors in the setting conditions made
by the operator and the like.
[0235] Moreover, since the record can be made of abnormality
information on the bag forming and packaging device, the manager is
able to grasp a trouble occurring situation, and also to easily
pursue the cause of a trouble.
[0236] Furthermore, in the above product handling system, the
number of products produced (packaging number) by the operator
operating the bag forming and packaging device, rejected pieces,
operating time and the like can be transmitted momentarily to the
host computer from the CPU 500 via the input/output device 501. As
a result, it is possible to prevent delay in communicating the
product result or errors in recited information and the like, which
enables the manager to know the production result in real time.
[0237] In this embodiment, the recording medium 110 corresponds to
a recording medium, the recording medium reading device 302
corresponds to a reading device, the vertical pillow type bag
forming and packaging apparatus 300 corresponds to a packaging unit
and a packaging machine, the RAM 503 and the external recording
device 506 correspond to a storage device, the manufacturing unit
10 for pieces to be packaged, weighing unit 11, bag forming and
packaging unit 12, inspector 13, case packer 14, labeling unit 15,
and belt conveyors 16, 17 correspond to a handling device.
[0238] Although the use of the recording medium 110 has been
discussed in the above-described example, the identification medium
111 may also be used without limited to the recording medium
110.
[0239] (Another Example of Film Roll)
[0240] FIGS. 16(a) and (b) show another example of a film roll 100
having a recording medium 110 attached thereon.
[0241] Referring to FIG. 16(a), the recording medium 110 is
attached near an end of the outermost periphery of the film roll
100a. In this case, data recorded in this recording medium 110 is
read by the recording medium reading device 302 provided in the
vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300.
Alternatively, at the time of exchange of a used film roll 100a for
a new one, the operator may read the data recorded in the recording
medium 110 using the recording medium reading device 302.
[0242] Now referring to FIG. 16b, the recording medium 110 is
attached on, for example a tape for affixing an end of the
outermost periphery of the film roll 100b onto the film roll 10b.
In this case, the data recorded in this recording medium 110 is
read by the recording medium reading device 302 provided in the
vertical pillow type bag forming and packaging apparatus 300.
Alternatively, at the time of exchange of a used film roll 100b for
a new one, the operator may read the data recorded in the recording
medium 110 using the recording medium reading device 302.
[0243] Although in FIG. 16a and FIG. 16b the recording medium 110
is being attached on the film roll, the invention is not limited as
such, and the recording medium 110 may be printed on a film roll or
may be printed on, for example, an affixing tape. In addition, as
for the recording medium 110, the plate-like tag 110a, rod-like ID
tag 10b, ring-like ID tag 110c, label 110d used in the first to
five techniques may instead be used. Instead of the recording
medium 110, the identification medium 111 may be used. The metal
powder 111a, for example, may be used as the identification medium
111. In this embodiment, the recording medium 110 corresponds to a
recording medium and a sheet-like member.
* * * * *