JP7052991B2 - Product processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a commodity processing apparatus.

The manufacture of goods includes processing steps such as packaging or foreign matter inspection. The processing step is executed by the commodity processing apparatus. For example, the packaging process is performed by a bag-making packaging machine, which is an aspect of a product processing device. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-191901) refers to printing a serial number on a packaging material in a bag making and packaging machine.

Identifying individual products by serial number is complicated. The worker bears the burden of determining where the serial number is printed on the product and then reading the serial number visually or with a reading device.

An object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of individual identification.

The product processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a printing unit that prints information on the printing surface of the product and a processing unit that processes the product. The printed surface is the outer surface of the product, the packaging of the product, or the label of the product. The printing unit prints a plurality of the same individual identification information on the printing surface.

According to this configuration, a plurality of the same individual identification information is printed on the printed surface. Therefore, the probability that the reading device recognizes the individual identification information is increased, and the efficiency of individual identification is improved.

The product processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention has at least a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface in the product processing apparatus according to the first aspect. The printing unit prints a plurality of the same individual identification information on each of the first side and the second side.

According to this configuration, a plurality of the same individual identification information is printed on each of the first surface and the second surface. Therefore, individual identification is possible regardless of whether the reading device reads the first surface or the second surface.

The product processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention has substantially no gap between a plurality of individual identification information adjacent to each other on the printed surface in the product processing apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect.

According to this configuration, there is no gap between adjacent individual identification information. Therefore, the probability that the reading device recognizes the individual identification information is further increased, and the efficiency of individual identification is improved.

In the product processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the product processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the printing unit has a plurality of the same printing units in 20% or more of the area of the printed surface. The individual identification information is printed.

According to this configuration, the individual identification information is printed on 20% or more of the area of the printed surface. Therefore, it is easy for the reading device to read the individual identification information.

In the product processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the product processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the printing unit prints a plurality of the same individual identification information on 50% or more of the area of the printed surface.

According to this configuration, the individual identification information is printed on 50% or more of the area of the printed surface. Therefore, it is easier for the reading device to read the individual identification information.

The product processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the product processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and the printing unit prints a plurality of the same individual identification information in the form of a digital watermark. do.

According to this configuration, the individual identification information is printed in the form of a digital watermark. Therefore, there is little risk of bothering consumers and the like who do not require individual identification information.

The product processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the product processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and the packaging is a box or a packaging film.

According to this configuration, the packaging is a box, a bag, or the like. Therefore, the efficiency of individual identification is improved for products packaged in boxes, bags, or the like.

The commodities processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the commodities processing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and the commodities are foods.

According to this composition, the goods are food. Therefore, the efficiency of individual identification of foods is improved.

The product processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention further includes an information acquisition unit that reads at least one of a plurality of the same individual identification information in the product processing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. Be prepared.

According to this configuration, the product processing device further includes an information acquisition unit. Therefore, the content of the process can be confirmed based on the individual identification information read by the information acquisition unit.

In the product processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the product processing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the processing unit is a packaging unit for packaging the product, and the product is a good product. Includes at least one inspection unit, which inspects the product.

According to this configuration, the processing unit includes either a packaging unit or an inspection unit. Therefore, individual identification can be performed in the process of packaging or inspecting the product.

According to the product processing apparatus according to the present invention, the efficiency of individual identification is improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first surface S1 of a product P packaged with a film F. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second surface S2 of the product P packaged with the film F. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a repetitive symbol PT of the film F set in the product processing apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the product processing device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a film F on which the individual identification information I is printed. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a film cylinder FT. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a film cylinder FT. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the camera 201. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a barcode reader 202. FIG. 8C is a diagram showing a wearable terminal 203. FIG. 8D is a diagram showing a keyboard 204. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a film F'with individual identification information printed by the product processing apparatus 20 according to the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a product P'including a tray TR. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a product processing device 90 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an unwrapped product P ”. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a product processing device 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the product processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The specific configuration of the product processing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the invention.

<First Embodiment>
(1) Product P packaged in film F
1 and 2 are appearances of the product P processed by the product processing apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The product P is packaged by the packaging film F. The articles packaged in the film F are diverse, such as food. The foods referred to here also include pharmaceutical products. The film F forms the bag B. FIG. 1 shows the first surface S1 of the bag B, and FIG. 2 shows the second surface S2 of the bag B. The second surface S2 is located on the opposite side of the first surface S1. The bag B has a vertical seal portion XL on the side of the second surface S2. The bag B has horizontal seal portions XT on two opposite sides.

Individual identification information I, which will be described later, is printed on the printed surface Q of the product P. The printing surface Q in the present embodiment means an area in the packaging film F where information is printed by the printing unit 23 described later.

(2) Film F
FIG. 3 shows a film F for packaging the product P. The film F extends long in the vertical direction L and has a constant width extending in the horizontal direction T perpendicular to the vertical direction L. On the film F, a pattern PT corresponding to one bag B is repeatedly printed for each dimension D. That is, the compartment Z1, the compartment Z2, the compartment Z3, and the compartment Z4 each have a symbol PT and are used to form one bag B. When the film F is finally processed into a bag B, the dimension D is the distance between the upper side and the lower side of the bag B, or the distance between the left side and the right side of the bag B, depending on the design of the bag B.

Each compartment has a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first area A1 is a portion corresponding to the first surface S1 of the bag B. The second area A2 is a portion corresponding to the second surface S2 of the bag B.

The symbol PT includes the reference mark M. The reference mark M is intended to be read by the photoelectric sensor 29 described later. The reference mark M may be in either the first area A1 or the second area A2.

The design PT includes a line or shape that defines the printed surface Q. The printed surface Q is located in both the first area A1 and the second area A2. Instead of this, the printed surface Q may be located in either the first area A1 or the second area A2.

(3) Product processing device 20
FIG. 4 shows a product processing apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The product processing device 20 is configured as a bag making and packaging machine. The product processing apparatus 20 performs a process of manufacturing the product P by packaging the article in the bag B formed of the film F.

The product processing device 20 includes a roll holding unit 21, a transport mechanism 22, a printing unit 23, a printing inspection unit 24, a former 25, a vertical sealing mechanism 26, a horizontal sealing mechanism 27, a cutting mechanism 28, and a photoelectric sensor 29.

(3-1) Roll holding portion 21
The roll holding portion 21 holds the film roll FR. The film roll FR has a core material and a film F wrapped around the core material.

(3-2) Transport mechanism 22
The transport mechanism 22 transports the film F taken out from the roll holding portion 21. The transport mechanism 22 has a plurality of rollers, a pull-down belt 22a, a discharge conveyor 22b, and the like without reference numerals.

(3-3) Printing unit 23
The printing unit 23 prints the individual identification information I on the printing surface Q of the film F being conveyed. The printing unit 23 includes, for example, a thermal print head. FIG. 5 shows a film F on which the individual identification information I is printed by the printing unit 23.

Each bag B has different individual identification information I. A plurality of the same individual identification information Is are printed in the first area A1 of one bag B. A plurality of the same individual identification information Is are printed in the second area A2 of one bag B. The plurality of individual identification information I printed in the first area A1 of one bag B and the plurality of individual identification information I printed in the second area A2 of the same bag B are the same.

The individual identification information I is printed in the form of an optically readable code such as a bar code, a two-dimensional bar code, or a dot code. Adjacent individual identification information I is arranged substantially without gaps. The ratio of the area occupied by the individual identification information I on the printed surface Q is 20% or more, preferably 50% or more.

The individual identification information I may be a number. Further, the individual identification information I printed on the printed surface Q included in each of the repetitive symbol PTs may be consecutive numbers. For example, the individual identification information I printed on the printed surface Q of the compartment Z1, the compartment Z2, the compartment Z3, and the compartment Z4 is incremented by 1 in this order.

It is preferable that the printing unit 23 prints not only the individual identification information I printed in the form of the code but also the numerical or character notation of the individual identification information I. Further, the printing unit 23 may print predetermined information such as a manufacturing date on the printing surface Q of the film F in the form of characters.

(3-4) Printing Inspection Department 24
Returning to FIG. 4, the print inspection unit 24 includes a camera. The print inspection unit 24 inspects whether or not the predetermined information printed by the print unit 23 is printed on the film F in the correct manner.

(3-5) Packaging section (3-5-1) Former 25
The former 25 is for rolling the film F conveyed in a flat state and superimposing the two vertical sides of the film F. The former 25 has a tubular member. The internal space of this tubular member is used as a filling path for filling the bag B formed of the film F with the article to be packaged.

(3-5-2) Vertical seal mechanism 26
The vertical sealing mechanism 26 fixes the two vertical sides of the film F superposed by the former 25. The vertical seal mechanism 26 has a heater. The heat generated by the heater temporarily softens the overlapping portion of the film F, so that the film F is fixed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, a vertical seal portion XL is formed on the film F, and a film cylinder FT having a cylinder shape is produced.

(3-5-3) Horizontal seal mechanism 27
Returning to FIG. 4, the horizontal sealing mechanism 27 fixes two opposing portions in the film cylinder FT. The lateral seal mechanism 27 has a first member 27a and a second member 27b that face each other via a transport path. The first member 27a and the second member 27b can be brought close to each other or separated from each other by a motor (not shown). When the first member 27a and the second member 27b approach each other, the facing portions of the film cylinder FT come into contact with each other. Both the first member 27a and the second member 27b have a heater. The heat generated by the heater temporarily softens the contact portion of the film cylinder FT, so that the film is fixed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, a horizontal seal portion XT is formed on the film cylinder FT. Each time the operation of the lateral sealing mechanism 27 is completed, the film cylinder FT is filled with an article for one bag through the internal space of the former 25.

(3-5-4) Cutting mechanism 28
Returning to FIG. 4, the cutting mechanism 28 is provided in the horizontal sealing mechanism 27. The cutting mechanism 28 has a blade 28a and a receiving portion 28b. The blade 28a is provided on the first member 27a and can be extended and retracted. The receiving portion 28b is provided on the second member 27b and can receive the extended blade 28a. In the cutting operation of the cutting mechanism 28, the blade 28a extends toward the receiving portion 28b. As a result, the individual product P is separated. As shown in FIG. 7, the cutting position CP for cutting by the cutting mechanism 28 is located in the lateral seal portion XT.

(3-6) Photoelectric sensor 29
Returning to FIG. 4, the photoelectric sensor 29 is for reading the reference mark M provided on the film F. The output signal of the photoelectric sensor 29 is used to determine the operation timing of the horizontal sealing mechanism 27 and the cutting mechanism 28.

(4) Reading device Various reading devices can be considered for reading the individual identification information I. For example, the reading device may be the camera 201 shown in FIG. 8A. Alternatively, the reading device may be the barcode reader 202 shown in FIG. 8B. Alternatively, the reading device may be a wearable terminal 203 such as the smart glasses shown in FIG. 8C. These reading devices have, for example, an image processing unit that extracts a code from an image. The image processing unit is composed of software or hardware.

Further, in case the reading by the reading device fails, the reading device may also have a keyboard 204 for inputting the individual identification information I represented by numbers or characters as shown in FIG. 8D.

These reading devices may be configured as an information acquisition unit that is a part of the product processing device 20.

(5) Features (5-1)
A plurality of the same individual identification information Is are printed on the printed surface Q. Therefore, the probability that the reading device recognizes the individual identification information I is increased, so that the efficiency of individual identification is improved.

(5-2)
A plurality of the same individual identification information Is are printed on each of the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. Therefore, when the reading device reads either the first surface S1 or the second surface S2, individual identification is possible.

(5-3)
There is no gap between adjacent individual identification information I. Therefore, the probability that the reading device recognizes the individual identification information I is further increased, so that the efficiency of individual identification is improved.

(5-4)
Individual identification information I is printed on 20% or more or 50% or more of the area of the printed surface Q. Therefore, it is easy for the reading device to read the individual identification information I.

(5-5)
Product P is a food product. Therefore, the efficiency of individual identification of foods is improved.

(5-6)
The product processing device 20 may further include an information acquisition unit. In this case, the content of the process can be confirmed based on the individual identification information I read by the information acquisition unit.

(6) Modification example The modification of the above-described embodiment will be described below. A plurality of modification examples may be combined.

(6-1) Packaging In the above embodiment, the product P is packaged by the bag B formed from the film F. Alternatively, the packaging of the product P may be a box made of paper, resin, or other material. The outer surface of the box is the printed surface. The above-mentioned individual identification information I is printed on the printed surface.

According to this configuration, the packaging is a box. Therefore, the efficiency of individual identification is improved for the products packaged in the box.

(6-2) Printing mode of individual identification information I The printing mode of individual identification information I may be a digital watermark that cannot be visually recognized by humans, instead of a barcode, a two-dimensional bar code, a dot code, or the like.

FIG. 9 shows a packaging film F'according to a modified example. The film F'is set in the product processing apparatus 20 in the same manner as the film F. The content printed on the print surface Q consists of pictures, photographs, characters, figures, etc. that can be recognized by human vision. The individual identification information ID is included in the print content in the gradation of pixels or some other form. The individual identification information ID does not have to be recognizable by human vision. One notation of the individual identification information ID is, for example, a square having a side of 1 cm. Not limited to those described above, any specifications for digital watermarking can be adopted.

Adjacent individual identification information IDs are arranged substantially without gaps. The ratio of the area occupied by the individual identification information ID on the printed surface Q is 20% or more, preferably 50% or more.

According to this configuration, there is little risk of bothering consumers and the like who do not need the individual identification information I.

<Second Embodiment>
(1) Product P'including tray TR
FIG. 10 is an appearance of the product P'processed by the product processing device 90 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The product P'is an article placed on a tray TR and wrapped in a wrap W (so-called plastic wrap). Goods are diverse, such as food. The foods referred to here also include pharmaceutical products. A label LB is attached to the lap W.

The individual identification information I is printed on the printed surface Q'of the product P'. The printed surface Q'in the present embodiment means the label LB.

(2) Product processing device 90
FIG. 11 shows a product processing device 90 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The product processing device 90 is configured as a label sticking device. The product processing device 90 prints the label LB and performs a process of attaching the label LB to the product P'. The product processing device 90 includes a housing 91, a transport mechanism 92, a printing unit 93, a peeling unit 94, a sticking head 95, and a mounting unit 96.

(2-1) Transport mechanism 92
The transport mechanism 92 is a mechanism for transporting the label LB in the transport direction X along the transport path FP. The transport path FP starts from the label roll 97 and reaches the sticking head 95 via the printing unit 93.

The unpeeled tape drawn from the label roll 97 is a tape-shaped mount 98 on which a large number of label LBs are attached. The back surface of the label LB is a glue surface coated with glue, which is attached to the mount 98.

(2-2) Printing unit 93
The printing unit 93 prints the individual identification information I on the label LB which is the printing surface Q'of the product P'. FIG. 10 shows a label LB on which the individual identification information I is printed by the printing unit 93.

Each label LB has a different individual identification information I. A plurality of the same individual identification information I is printed on one label LB.

The individual identification information I is printed in the form of an optically readable code such as a bar code, a two-dimensional bar code, or a dot code. Adjacent individual identification information I is arranged substantially without gaps. The ratio of the area occupied by the individual identification information I on the printed surface Q is 20% or more, preferably 50% or more.

Other matters concerning the individual identification information I are the same as those in the first embodiment. The same applies to the reading device corresponding to the individual identification information I as in the first embodiment.

Further, the printing unit 93 may print information such as the price, weight, and expiration date of the product P'on the label LB in the form of characters.

(2-3) Peeling part 94
The peeling portion 94 peels the label LB from the unpeeled tape to separate the label LB from the mount 98, and is composed of, for example, a plate or shaft having an edge or a roller having a small diameter.

(2-4) Sticking head 95
The sticking head 95 can suck and hold the label LB by sucking air. The sticking head 95 can also blow the label LB toward the product P'and stick it by injecting air. The sticking head 95 is, for example, an air nozzle device connected to a solenoid valve connected to both a vacuum pump and an air source.

(2-5) Mounting unit 96
The mounting unit 96 is for placing the product P'to which the label LB is attached. The mounting portion 96 is, for example, a position directly below the sticking head 95 on a belt conveyor. The belt conveyor may have a measuring unit for measuring the weight of the product P'.

(3) Basic operation The transport mechanism 92 transports the unpeeled tape drawn from the label roll 97 along the transport path FP. Next, the unpeeled tape is printed with the individual identification information I by the printing unit 93. After that, the peeling portion 94 separates the label LB from the mount 98. The label LB is sent to the sticking head 95.

The sticking head 95 sucks the label LB by sucking air, and waits until the product P'is placed on the mounting portion 96. After that, when the product P'reaches the mounting portion 96, the sticking head 95 blows the label LB toward the product P'by injecting air. As a result, the label LB is attached to the product P'.

(4) Features A plurality of individual identification information I is printed on the label LB affixed to the product P'including the tray TR. Therefore, the efficiency of individual identification of the product P'including the tray TR is improved.

(5) Modification Example A modification of the first embodiment may be applied to this embodiment. For example, the individual identification information I printed on the label LB may be printed in the form of a digital watermark.

<Third Embodiment>
(1) Unwrapped product P "
FIG. 12 is an appearance of the product P "processed by the product processing apparatus 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The product P" is an unpackaged article. Goods are diverse, such as food. The foods referred to here also include pharmaceutical products. The article is, for example, a fruit.

The individual identification information I is printed on the printed surface Q of the product P. The printed surface Q "in the present embodiment means the outer surface of the product P".

(2) Product processing device 90
FIG. 13 shows a product processing apparatus 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The product processing device 30 is configured as an X-ray foreign matter inspection machine. The product processing device 30 irradiates the product P "with X-rays and detects foreign substances such as pests from the transmitted light, thereby performing a process of determining whether the product P" is a good product or a defective product. The product processing device 30 includes a housing 31, a transport mechanism 32, an X-ray light source 35, an X-ray line sensor 36, and a printing unit 37.

The transport mechanism 32 transports the product P "from the inlet 33 to the discharge port 34 in the transport direction X. The X-ray light source 35 irradiates the product P" with X-rays. The X-ray line sensor 36 detects the X-rays transmitted through the product P. The output of the X-ray line sensor 36 is transmitted to an image processing unit (not shown) and used to determine the presence or absence of foreign matter.

The printing unit 37 prints the individual identification information I on the outer surface of the product P "printing surface Q". The ink used for printing is preferably edible. The individual identification information I is different for each product P ". A plurality of the same individual identification information I is printed on one product P".

The individual identification information I is printed in the form of an optically readable code such as a bar code, a two-dimensional bar code, or a dot code. Adjacent individual identification information I is arranged substantially without gaps. The ratio of the area occupied by the individual identification information I on the printed surface Q is 20% or more, preferably 50% or more.

Other matters concerning the individual identification information I are the same as those in the first embodiment. The same applies to the reading device corresponding to the individual identification information I as in the first embodiment.

(3) Features A plurality of individual identification information I is printed on the outer surface of the product P ". Therefore, the efficiency of individual identification of the product P" is improved.

(4) Modification Example A modification of the first embodiment may be applied to this embodiment. For example, the individual identification information I printed on the print surface Q of the product P may be printed in the form of a digital watermark.

20: Product processing device 21: Roll holding unit 22: Conveying mechanism 23: Printing unit 24: Printing inspection unit 25: Former 26: Vertical sealing mechanism 27: Horizontal sealing mechanism 28: Cutting mechanism 30: Product processing device 35: X-ray light source 36: X-ray line sensor 37: Printing unit 90: Product processing device 93: Printing unit 95: Sticking head F, F': Film I: Individual identification information LB: Label P, P', P ": Product Q, Q' , Q ": Printed surface

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-191901

Claims (9)

A printing unit that prints information on the printed surface of the product,
A processing unit that processes the product and
Equipped with
The printed surface is the outer surface of the product, the packaging of the product, or the label of the product.
The printing unit prints a plurality of the same individual identification information on the printing surface, and prints the same individual identification information.
The processing unit
The packaging section that wraps the product,
Inspection department that inspects whether the product is non-defective
A label affixing part for affixing the label to the product,
Commodity processing equipment, including at least one of. The printed surface has at least a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface.
The printing unit prints a plurality of the same individual identification information on each of the first surface and the second surface.
The product processing apparatus according to claim 1. There is no gap between the plurality of individual identification information adjacent to each other on the printed surface.
The product processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The printing unit prints a plurality of the same individual identification information on 20% or more of the area of the printing surface.
The product processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The printing unit prints a plurality of the same individual identification information on 50% or more of the area of the printing surface.
The product processing apparatus according to claim 4. The printing unit prints a plurality of the same individual identification information in the form of a digital watermark.
The product processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The wrapping is a box or a wrapping film.
The product processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The product is a food product.
The product processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. An information acquisition unit that reads at least one of the same individual identification information.
Further prepare,
The product processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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