JP7744012B2 - Packaging machine and packaging method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging machine and packaging method using the same, which can select optimal packaging conditions for various packaged items and improve production capacity through high-speed packaging.

Various packaging machines have been proposed in the past that have a bag gripping unit that grips the packaging bag and a moving body that intermittently moves the bag gripping unit for each packaging step, filling and sealing the packaging bag with the packaged items. Examples of such machines include a rotary packaging machine (e.g., Patent No. 6458213) that intermittently moves the bag gripping unit that grips the packaging bag for each packaging step to fill and seal the packaging bag with the packaged items. There are also multi-packaging machines (e.g., Patent No. 6830573) that simultaneously move multiple bag gripping units that each grip a packaging bag intermittently for each packaging step to fill and seal the packaging bag with the packaged items. There are also track-type packaging machines (e.g., Patent No. 6364602) that intermittently move the bag gripping units that grip the packaging bag, arranged like a track, for each packaging step to fill and seal the packaging bag with the packaged items.

The above packaging machines provide optimal packaging for a variety of packaged items, but each has the following tendencies: Rotary packaging machines have limited production capacity because the bags are transported intermittently. Multi-unit packaging machines have large machine dimensions, which make them difficult to transport, and the number of components tends to increase costs. Truck-type packaging machines require large installation space and have problems with misalignment during bag transport and short machine life.

Patent No. 6458213 Patent No. 6830573 Patent No. 6364602

The objective of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine and packaging method that can save space and reduce costs, select optimal packaging conditions for various packaged items, and improve production capacity.

The above-mentioned problem is solved by a packaging machine having a bag gripping section for gripping packaging bags, a moving body that allows the bag gripping section gripping the packaging bag to move intermittently and continuously, and a packaging device loading table that is equipped with packaging devices for performing each packaging process and is operable in synchronism with the moving body and is capable of reversing its direction of operation , wherein the moving body continuously moves the bag gripping section gripping the packaging bag, and the packaging device loading table is operated in synchronism with the moving body so that the packaging device performs the packaging process, and then the direction of operation of the packaging device loading table is reversed and the table returns. a configuration in which the bag gripping section gripping the packaging bag is intermittently moved by the movable body, the packaging device loading table is operated in synchronization with the movable body, the packaging process is performed by the packaging device, and then the direction of movement of the packaging device loading table is reversed and the returning operation is repeated ; or a configuration in which the bag gripping section gripping the packaging bag is intermittently moved by the movable body , and the packaging device loading table is kept stopped while the packaging device performs the packaging process (Claim 1).

It is preferable that the packaging machine is a rotary packaging machine, the movable body and the packaging device loading table are arranged coaxially, the movable body is arranged to be rotatable in either a forward or reverse direction, and the packaging device loading table is arranged to be rotatable in either a forward or reverse direction (Claim 2). It is also preferable that the packaging device loading table is arranged above the movable body (Claim 3).

The above-mentioned problem is solved by a packaging method using a packaging machine having a bag gripping section for gripping packaging bags, a moving body that allows the bag gripping section gripping the packaging bag to move intermittently and continuously, and a packaging device loading table that is equipped with packaging devices for performing each packaging process and is operable in synchronism with the moving body and is capable of reversing its direction of operation, wherein the bag gripping section gripping the packaging bag is continuously moved by the moving body, and the packaging device loading table is operated in synchronism with the moving body to perform a packaging process by the packaging device, and then the direction of operation of the packaging device loading table is reversed and the returning operation is repeated. a second type of packaging method in which the bag gripping unit gripping the packaging bag is intermittently moved by the movable body, the packaging device loading table is operated in synchronization with the movable body, and the packaging device performs the packaging process, and then the packaging device loading table is rotated in a reverse direction and returns, repeatedly ; and a third type of packaging method in which the bag gripping unit gripping the packaging bag is intermittently moved by the movable body, and the packaging device performs the packaging process while the packaging device loading table is kept stationary, allowing selection of an optimal packaging method depending on the item to be packaged (Claim 4).The packaging machine is preferably a rotary packaging machine, and the movable body and the packaging device loading table are preferably coaxially mounted, the movable body rotatable forward or backward, and the packaging device loading table rotatable forward or backward (Claim 5).The packaging device loading table is preferably mounted above the movable body (Claim 6).

According to the packaging machine of claim 1, it is possible to save space and reduce costs, to select optimal conditions for packaging depending on various items to be packaged, and to improve production capacity.
According to the packaging machine of claim 2, it is possible to further save space and reduce costs, and also to solve the problems of positional deviation during bag conveyance and machine lifespan.
According to the packaging machine of claim 3, each packaging device can be arranged near the center of the packaging machine, that is, on the packaging device loading table, which allows for good access from outside the machine and improves maintenance.
According to the packaging method described in claim 4 , each packaging process can be performed while the bag gripping section gripping the packaging bag is moving continuously or intermittently, thereby improving production capacity through high-speed packaging.
According to the packaging method of claim 5 , it is possible to further save space and reduce costs, and also to solve the problems of misalignment during bag transport and machine lifespan.
According to the packaging method of claim 6 , each packaging device can be arranged near the center of the packaging machine, on the packaging device loading table, which allows for good access from outside the machine and improves maintenance.

1 is a front schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging machine of the present invention. 2 is a schematic reduced plan view of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1; 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a packaging process of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a packaging process of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a packaging process of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a packaging process of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a packaging process of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a packaging process of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a packaging process of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a packaging process of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an embodiment of a characteristic action of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1 (a packaging method for the packaging machine of the present invention). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an embodiment of a characteristic action of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1 (a packaging method for the packaging machine of the present invention). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an embodiment of a characteristic action of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1 (a packaging method for the packaging machine of the present invention). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an embodiment of a characteristic action of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1 (a packaging method for the packaging machine of the present invention). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an embodiment of a characteristic action of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1 (a packaging method for the packaging machine of the present invention). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an embodiment of a characteristic action of the packaging machine shown in FIG. 1 (a packaging method for the packaging machine of the present invention). FIG. 1 is a time chart for explaining an embodiment of a characteristic action of the packaging machine of the present invention (a packaging method of the packaging machine of the present invention).

This invention has realized a packaging machine P and packaging method that are space-saving and cost-effective, enable the selection of optimal packaging conditions for various packaged items, and improve production capacity, by including a bag gripping unit g for gripping packaging bags a, a movable body 11 that allows the bag gripping unit g gripping packaging bags a to move intermittently or continuously, and a packaging device loading table 13 that is equipped with packaging devices Q for performing each packaging process and can operate in sync with the movable body 11 and can reverse its operating direction.

The packaging machine of the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment shown in FIGS.
The packaging machine P of this embodiment has a bag gripping unit g for gripping packaging bags a, a movable body 11 that allows the bag gripping unit g gripping the packaging bag a to move intermittently or continuously, and a packaging device loading table 13 that is equipped with packaging devices Q (bag supply device Q1, printing device Q2, print inspection device Q3, opening device Q4, liquid filling device Q5, first sealing device Q6, second sealing device Q7, air vent device Q8, cool-sealing device Q9, external discharge device Q10, etc.) for performing each packaging process, and that can operate in synchronization with the movable body 11 and can reverse its operating direction. Each component will be described in detail below.

The packaging machine P in this embodiment is a device that opens the mouth of packaging bags a, fills them with packaged items, and seals them. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, it includes a bag feeding process (first process) in which packaging bags a are sequentially fed to the bag gripping section of the packaging section (grip pair g in this embodiment), a printing process (second process) in which expiration dates and other information are printed, a print inspection process (third process) in which a print inspection is performed, a bag top opening/bag bottom opening process (fourth process) in which the mouth and bottom of packaging bag a are opened, a filling/bottom vibration process (fifth process) in which the packaged item (e.g., a liquid item) is filled into packaging bag a and vibrations are applied to the packaged item, and a packing machine P in which the packaged item (e.g., a solid item) is filled. This equipment mass-produces packaging bags a filled with the product to be packaged by repeatedly performing 10 steps: a second filling step (step 6) in which packaging bag a is filled with the product; an air venting step (step 7) in which air is vented from inside packaging bag a; a first top sealing step (step 8) in which a decorative seal is applied horizontally near the bag opening; a second top sealing/air venting step (step 9) in which a top seal is applied horizontally near the bag opening and air is vented from inside packaging bag a; and a cooling/sealing/product discharge step (step 10) in which the top seal is cooled (sealed) and the packaging bag a containing the product to be packaged is discharged from the machine.

Note that while this embodiment is a rotary packaging machine P, the present invention can also be applied to known linear motion packaging machines, track-type packaging machines, etc.

1 or 2, in this packaging machine P, a stand 14 that rotatably supports a first rotating shaft 12 extending vertically is provided on a machine base 50, and 20 pairs of bag gripping portions (grip pairs in this embodiment) g for gripping or releasing packaging bags a are provided on a moving body (disk-shaped rotating body) 11 to which the first rotating shaft 12 is attached, and these gripping portions protrude radially at equal angular intervals from the first rotating shaft 12. In the bag supply process (first process), the packaging machine P is configured so that packaging bags a are picked up by a bag supply device Q1, one of the packaging devices Q, and the packaging bags a are supported in a vertical position suspended from the sequentially moving bag gripping portions (grip pairs) g. The packaging machine P in this embodiment is a two-machine packaging machine configured so that two bag gripping sections (grip pairs) g move sequentially at the same time so that the same packaging process is performed on two packaging bags a at the same time, but single-machine packaging machines and multiple-machine packaging machines other than two are also included in the scope of the present invention.

The moving body 11 allows the bag gripping portion g holding the packaging bag a to move intermittently or continuously, and as shown in Figure 1, is configured to be rotatable intermittently or continuously by a first drive unit 15 (a servo motor in this embodiment). Note that, while the moving body 11 in this embodiment is configured to be rotationally driven by the first drive unit 15, this is not a limitation, and the moving body may also be rotationally driven by an index table structure, for example.

The packaging device loading table 13 is provided with various packaging devices Q for performing each packaging process, and is configured to operate in synchronization with the moving body 11 and to be able to reverse its direction of operation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the packaging device loading table 13 in this embodiment is attached to the upper part of the second rotating shaft 16, which is installed so as to extend vertically within the first rotating shaft 12. The rotational drive of the second drive unit 18 (a servo motor in this embodiment) is transmitted to the packaging device loading table 13 via a first gear 17 installed at the lower part of the second rotating shaft 16, a second gear 19 fixed to the shaft of the second drive unit 18, and a transmission belt 20, allowing it to rotate forward and backward.

In this embodiment, the moving body (disk-shaped rotating body) 11 and packaging device loading table 13 are arranged coaxially, with the moving body 11 rotatable in the forward direction and the packaging device loading table 13 rotatable in the reverse direction. This configuration allows the packaging machine to be made more compact, further saving space and reducing costs. It also eliminates problems such as misalignment during bag transport and a complicated structure that shortens the machine's lifespan.

Furthermore, because the packaging device loading table 13 in this embodiment is located above the moving body 13, each packaging device Q can be placed near the center of the packaging machine, on the packaging device loading table 13, improving accessibility from outside the machine and maintenance. Also, when the packaging device loading table 13 rotates (moves) over a certain distance, the packaging device Q also rotates (moves) over a certain distance accordingly.

The packaging device Q broadly includes devices used in the packaging process, including, but not limited to, bag feeders, printers, print inspection devices, bag top opening devices, bag bottom opening devices, liquid filling devices, solid filling devices, bottom vibration devices, steam filling devices, air venting devices, sealing devices, cool sealing devices, and external discharge devices. In addition, while the bag feeder Q1 and liquid filling device Q5 are depicted in Figure 1 as being on either side of the packaging device loading table 13, they are actually attached to the packaging device loading table 13, just like the opening device Q4 and first sealing device Q6.

The packaging machine P of this embodiment is configured so that the bag gripping unit g gripping the packaging bag a is continuously moved by the moving body 11, and the packaging device loading table 13 operates in synchronization with the moving body 11. After each packaging process is performed by the packaging devices Q (bag feeder Q1, printer Q2, print inspection device Q3, opening device Q4, liquid filling device Q5, first sealing device Q6, second sealing device Q7, air vent device Q8, cool-sealing device Q9, discharge device Q10, etc.) near the location where each packaging process is performed, the packaging device loading table 13 reverses its operating direction and returns, repeating this process. This allows each packaging process to be performed while the bag gripping unit g gripping the packaging bag a is continuously moved, improving production capacity through high-speed packaging. This packaging method is the first type of packaging method selectable for the packaging machine P of this embodiment.

Specifically, in this packaging method, as shown in Figure 17, the movement of the moving body 11 is controlled to rotate continuously, and the movement of the packaging device loading table 13 is controlled to alternate between rotating synchronously in the same direction (forward) as the moving body 11 and rotating in the opposite direction (returning in the opposite direction). By repeating this movement between the moving body 11 and the packaging device loading table 13, for example, near the eighth step (the first top sealing step of horizontally sealing the bag opening), heat sealing can be performed while the packaging device loading table 13 is rotating synchronously in the same direction (forward) as the moving body 11. This allows the packaging process to be performed continuously without intermittent operation of the moving body 11, which moves the bag gripping unit g gripping the packaging bag a, thereby improving production capacity through high-speed packaging. More specifically, if the moving body 11 is moved continuously, the movement speed of the packaging bag a can be slowed down at the same production capacity as intermittent movement, which prevents the packaging bag a from shaking and the packaged items from popping out, allowing for faster movement and improving production capacity.

More specifically, in the vicinity of the eighth step (first top sealing step of horizontally decoratively sealing the vicinity of the bag opening), heat sealing is carried out sequentially as shown in Figures 11 to 16.
That is, in the state shown in Fig. 11, the packaging device loading table 13 is in a stopped state between rotating in the same direction (forward direction) as the moving body 11 and rotating in the opposite direction (returning in the opposite direction), and the paired seal bar 21 is in an open state. Next, the states shown in Figs. 12 and 13 show a state in which the packaging device loading table 13 rotates counterclockwise in the same direction (forward direction) as the moving body 11 and follows the moving body 11, during which the seal bar 21 closes, heat-sealing the packaging bags a3 and a4 simultaneously. Furthermore, the state shown in Fig. 14 shows a state in which the packaging device loading table 13 has stopped following the moving body 11 and has stopped, and the seal bar 21 is open. Then, as shown in Fig. 15, the packaging device loading table 13 rotates in the opposite direction (returning in the opposite direction). As shown in Figure 16, the packaging machine P of this embodiment performs the operations shown in Figures 11 to 15 to heat seal the packaging bags a5 and a6 that are next transported by the moving body 11, and by repeating these operations, heat sealing is performed sequentially even when the moving body 11 is continuously rotating.

In addition, the packaging machine P of this embodiment is configured so that the bag gripping unit g gripping the packaging bag a is moved intermittently by the moving body 11, and the packaging device loading table 13 operates in synchronization with the moving body 11. After the packaging process is performed by the packaging device Q (bag feeder Q1, printer Q2, print inspection device Q3, opening device Q4, liquid filling device Q5, first sealing device Q6, second sealing device Q7, air vent device Q8, cool-sealing device Q9, and external discharge device Q10, etc.), the packaging device loading table 13 reverses its movement direction and returns, repeating this operation. This allows each packaging process to be performed while the bag gripping unit g gripping the packaging bag a is moving, thereby improving production capacity through high-speed packaging. This packaging method (a packaging method in which each packaging process can be performed even during movement when the intermittent movement setting is enabled) is the second packaging method selectable by the packaging machine P of this embodiment.

Furthermore, the packaging machine P of this embodiment can control the moving body 11 to intermittently move the bag gripping unit g holding the packaging bag a, while stopping the packaging device loading table 13 and performing the packaging process at each packaging device Q (bag feeder Q1, printer Q2, print inspection device Q3, opening device Q4, liquid filling device Q5, first sealing device Q6, second sealing device Q7, air vent device Q8, cool-sealing device Q9, and discharge device Q10, etc.). This allows for standard packaging, in which the bag gripping unit g holding the packaging bag a is moved intermittently to perform each packaging process. This packaging method is the third type of packaging method selectable by the packaging machine P of this embodiment, and the packaging machine P of the present invention can select the optimal packaging method and conditions (travel speed, etc.) from these three types of packaging methods depending on the various packaged items (e.g., liquids, solids, dry foods, powders, granular materials), etc.

As described above, the packaging machine P of the present invention saves space and reduces costs, allows for optimal packaging conditions to be selected for various packaged items (liquids, solids, dry goods, powders, granules, etc.), and improves production capacity. Furthermore, each packaging device Q (bag feeder Q1, printer Q2, print inspection device Q3, opening device Q4, liquid filling device Q5, first sealing device Q6, second sealing device Q7, air vent device Q8, cool-sealing device Q9, external discharge device Q10, etc.) is installed near the center of the packaging machine P on the packaging device loading table 13, providing excellent visibility and maintainability, including for the packaging bags a, and improved durability.

Next, the packaging method of the packaging machine of the present invention will be explained. However, the packaging machine P is as described above, so its explanation will be omitted.
The packaging method of this embodiment is a packaging method using a packaging machine P having a bag gripping section g for gripping packaging bags a, a movable body 11 that allows the bag gripping section g gripping the packaging bag a to move intermittently or continuously, and packaging devices Q (bag feeding device Q1, printing device Q2, print inspection device Q3, opening device Q4, liquid filling device Q5, first sealing device Q6, second sealing device Q7, air vent device Q8, cool sealing device Q9, machine exterior discharge device Q10, etc.) for performing each packaging process, and a packaging device loading table 13 that can operate in synchronization with the movable body 11 and whose operating direction can be reversed, characterized in that the bag gripping section g gripping the packaging bag a is continuously moved by the movable body 11, and the packaging device loading table 13 is operated in synchronization with the movable body 11 so that the packaging process is performed by the packaging device Q, and then the operating direction of the packaging device loading table 13 is reversed and the returning operation is repeated. This allows each packaging step to be carried out while continuously moving the bag gripping section g gripping the packaging bag a, thereby improving production capacity through high-speed packaging.

Specifically, the bag supply process (first process) in which packaging bags a are sequentially supplied to the bag gripping section (grip pair g in this embodiment) of the packaging unit is performed by bag supply device Q1. Bag supply device Q1 has a first bag capture section 23 for capturing packaging bags a arranged on bag supply conveyor 22 one by one, and a second bag capture section 24 for receiving packaging bags a held by first bag capture section 23 and then transferring them to bag gripping section (grip pair) g. As shown in FIG. 1, bag supply device Q1 is attached to packaging device loading table 13.

The first bag capture section 23 has a rotating arm (multiple bag capture pipes) 25 that captures and rotates each packaging bag a conveyed sequentially to the downstream end by the bag supply conveyor 22 to hold it in a vertical position. Each of the rotating arms 25 has a suction cup 26 at its lower end that adsorbs the packaging bag a from above.

As shown in FIG. 3, the bag supply device Q1 uses the first bag capture unit 23 to suck up each of the packaging bags a arranged on the bag supply conveyor 22 with a suction cup 26, holding the packaging bags a in a vertical position. The second bag capture unit 24 then goes to retrieve the waiting packaging bags a, and once the retrieval is complete, the packaging device loading table 13 rotates synchronously with the continuously rotating moving body 11 for a certain period of time. During this synchronous rotation, the packaging bag a is handed over from the second bag capture unit 24 to the bag gripping unit (grip pair) g. The packaging device loading table 13 then rotates in the reverse direction (returning in the opposite direction). By repeating these operations, bags are sequentially supplied near the first process (bag supply process) while the moving body 11 is continuously rotating.

In the printing process (second process) for printing expiration dates and other information, as shown in Figure 4, as packaging bags a suspended from bag gripping sections (grip pairs) g continue to move, when a predetermined signal is detected, printing is performed by printing device Q2 attached to packaging device loading table 13 while rotating synchronously with moving body 11. Packaging device loading table 13 then rotates in the reverse direction (returning in the opposite direction), and these operations are repeated, so that printing is performed sequentially while moving body 11 continues to rotate, near the location where the second process (bag supply process) is performed.

In the print inspection process (third process) where a print inspection is performed, as shown in Figure 5, as packaging bags a supported in a suspended manner by bag gripping sections (grip pairs) g move continuously, when a predetermined signal is detected, print inspection is performed by print inspection device Q3 attached to packaging device loading table 13 while rotating synchronously with moving body 11. The packaging device loading table 13 then rotates in the reverse direction (returning in the opposite direction), and by repeating these operations, print inspections are performed sequentially while the moving body 11 continues to rotate near the third process (bag supply process).

In the top-opening/bottom-opening process (fourth process) for opening the top and bottom of packaging bag a, as shown in Figure 6, while packaging bag a, suspended from bag gripping section (grip pair) g, moves continuously, opening the top and bottom of the bag is performed by opening device Q4 attached to packaging device loading table 13 while rotating synchronously with moving body 11. After that, packaging device loading table 13 rotates in the reverse direction (returning in the opposite direction), and these operations are repeated, so that the top and bottom of the bag are opened sequentially while moving body 11 continues to rotate, near the point where the fourth process (top-opening/bottom-opening process) is performed.

In the filling and bottom vibration process (step 5) in which the packaging bag a is filled with the liquid product and vibrates the product, as shown in Figures 1 and 7, while the packaging bag a, suspended from the bag gripping section (grip pair) g, moves continuously, the liquid filling device Q5 and bottom vibration device (not shown) attached to the packaging equipment loading table 13 rotate synchronously with the moving body 11 to fill the packaging bag a with the liquid product and vibrate the product. The packaging equipment loading table 13 then rotates in the reverse direction (returning in the opposite direction), and these operations are repeated, so that filling and bottom vibration are performed sequentially while the moving body 11 continues to rotate, near the point where step 5 (filling and bottom vibration process) is performed.

In the second filling step (sixth step) of filling the packaging bag a with the packaged item (solid material), while the packaging bag a, supported in a suspended manner by the bag gripping portion (grip pair) g, continues to move, the packaged item (solid material) is filled into the packaging bag a by a solid material filling device (not shown) attached to the packaging device loading table 13 while rotating synchronously with the moving body 11. The packaging device loading table 13 then rotates in the reverse direction (returning in the opposite direction), and by repeating these operations, the second filling is carried out sequentially while the moving body 11 continues to rotate, near the sixth step (second filling step).

In the air removal process (seventh process) to remove air from packaging bag a, while packaging bag a, supported in a suspended manner by bag gripping section (grip pair) g, continues to move, air is removed from packaging bag a by an air removal device (not shown) attached to packaging device loading table 13 while rotating synchronously with moving body 11. Packaging device loading table 13 then rotates in the reverse direction (returning in the opposite direction), and these operations are repeated, so that air is removed from packaging bag a sequentially while moving body 11 continues to rotate, near the seventh process (air removal process).

In the first top sealing process (eighth process), which applies a horizontal decorative seal near the bag opening, as shown in Figure 8, while the packaging bag a suspended from the bag gripping portion (grip pair) g continues to move, the first sealing device Q6 attached to the packaging device loading table 13 applies a horizontal decorative seal near the bag opening while rotating synchronously with the moving body 11. The packaging device loading table 13 then rotates in the reverse direction (returning in the opposite direction), and these operations are repeated, so that top sealing is performed sequentially near the eighth process (first top sealing process) while the moving body 11 continues to rotate.

In the second top sealing and air purging process (step 9), which horizontally top seals the bag opening and purges air from within the packaging bag a, as shown in Figure 9, while the packaging bag a, suspended from the bag gripping section (grip pair) g, continues to move, the second sealing device Q7 attached to the packaging device loading table 13, rotating synchronously with the moving body 11, seals the bag opening horizontally, and the air purging device Q8 purges air from within the packaging bag a. The packaging device loading table 13 then rotates in the reverse direction (returning in the opposite direction), and these operations are repeated, so that, near the 9th step (second top sealing and air purging process), the top is sealed and the air is purged from within the packaging bag a while the moving body 11 continues to rotate.

In the cooling-sealing/product-discharge process (10th process), in which the top seal is cooled (sealed) and the packaging bag a containing the packaged item is discharged outside the machine, as shown in Figure 10, the packaging bag a, suspended from the bag gripping section (grip pair) g, moves continuously while the packaging bag a is cooled and sealed by the cooling-sealing device Q9 and the discharge device Q10 attached to the packaging device loading table 13, which rotates synchronously with the moving body 11, and then discharged as a product. The packaging device loading table 13 then rotates in the reverse direction (returning in the opposite direction), and these operations are repeated, so that the cooling and sealing and product discharge are sequentially performed near the location where the 10th process (cooling-sealing/product-discharge process) is performed while the moving body 11 continues to rotate.

In addition, the packaging method using the packaging machine P in this embodiment involves intermittently moving the bag gripping unit g holding the packaging bag a using the moving body 11, and operating the packaging device loading table 13 in synchronization with the moving body 11. After performing the packaging process using the packaging device Q, the direction of movement of the packaging device loading table 13 can be reversed and the return operation can be repeated. This allows each packaging process to be performed even while the bag gripping unit holding the packaging bag is moving, improving production capacity through high-speed packaging.

P Packaging machine Q Packaging device Q1 Bag feeding device Q2 Printing device Q3 Printing inspection device Q4 Opening device Q5 Liquid filling device Q6 First sealing device Q7 Second sealing device Q8 Air vent device Q9 Cooling sealing device Q10 Machine external discharge device a Packaging bag g Bag gripping section (grip pair)
11 Moving body (disk-shaped rotating body)
12 First rotating shaft 13 Packaging device loading table 14 Stand 15 First driving unit 16 Second rotating shaft 17 First gear 18 Second driving unit 19 Second gear 20 Transmission belt 21 Sealing bar 22 Bag feeding conveyor 23 First bag catching section 24 Second bag catching section 25 Rotating arm 26 Suction cup 50 Machine base

Claims (6)

a bag gripping portion for gripping the packaging bag;
a moving body that allows the bag gripping portion that grips the packaging bag to move intermittently and continuously;
A packaging machine having a packaging device loading table that is equipped with packaging devices for performing each packaging step and that is operable in synchronization with the moving body and that is capable of reversing the direction of operation,
a configuration in which the bag gripping unit gripping the packaging bag is continuously moved by the moving body, and the packaging device loading table is operated in synchronization with the moving body, and after the packaging process is performed by the packaging device, the movement direction of the packaging device loading table is reversed and the returning operation is repeated ;
a structure in which the bag gripping section gripping the packaging bag is intermittently moved by the moving body, and the packaging device loading table is operated in synchronization with the moving body, and after the packaging process is performed by the packaging device, the movement direction of the packaging device loading table is reversed and the returning operation is repeated ;
A packaging machine characterized in that it is possible to select either of the following configurations for packaging: a configuration in which the bag gripping section gripping the packaging bag is intermittently moved by the moving body, and a configuration in which the packaging device performs the packaging process while the packaging device loading table is kept stationary . The packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the packaging machine is a rotary packaging machine, the movable body and the packaging device loading table are arranged coaxially, the movable body is arranged to be rotatable in a forward or reverse direction, and the packaging device loading table is arranged to be rotatable in a forward or reverse direction. A packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packaging device loading table is provided above the moving body. a bag gripping portion for gripping the packaging bag;
a moving body that allows the bag gripping portion that grips the packaging bag to move intermittently and continuously;
A packaging method using a packaging machine having a packaging device for performing each packaging step, and a packaging device loading table that is operable in synchronization with the moving body and is reversible in its operating direction,
a first type of packaging method in which the bag gripping unit gripping the packaging bag is continuously moved by the moving body, and the packaging device loading table is operated in synchronization with the moving body, and after the packaging process is performed by the packaging device, the movement direction of the packaging device loading table is reversed and the returning operation is repeated ;
a second type of packaging method in which the bag gripping unit gripping the packaging bag is intermittently moved by the moving body, and the packaging device loading table is operated in synchronization with the moving body, and after the packaging process is performed by the packaging device, the movement direction of the packaging device loading table is reversed and the returning operation is repeated ;
A packaging method characterized in that it is possible to select one of the three methods that is most suitable depending on the item to be packaged, in which the bag gripping section that grips the packaging bag is intermittently moved by the moving body, and the packaging process is carried out by the packaging device while the packaging device loading table is kept stationary. The packaging method described in claim 4, wherein the packaging machine is a rotary packaging machine, the movable body and the packaging device loading table are arranged coaxially, the movable body is arranged to be rotatable in a forward or reverse direction, and the packaging device loading table is arranged to be rotatable in a forward or reverse direction. A packaging method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the packaging device loading table is provided above the movable body.