Packaging method and packaging apparatus

Abstract

A packaging method includes the steps of: introducing a content into an accommodation space inside a bag through a mouth portion of the bag in a suspended state; determining whether the content protrudes to an outside of the bag through the mouth portion of the bag accommodating the content; and evaluating a condition of the bag accommodating the content according to a result of determining whether the content protrudes to an outside of the bag.

1 . A packaging method including the steps of:
 introducing a content into an accommodation space inside a bag through a mouth portion of the bag in a suspended state;   determining whether the content protrudes to an outside of the bag through the mouth portion of the bag accommodating the content; and   
       evaluating a condition of the bag accommodating the content according to a result of determining whether the content protrudes to an outside of the bag. 
     
     
         2 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 , including the step of sealing the mouth portion of the bag accommodating the content,
 wherein it is determined, according to a result of evaluating a condition of the bag accommodating the content, whether to perform the step of sealing the mouth portion of the bag.   
     
     
         3 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 ,
 wherein the bag is conveyed intermittently, and   wherein it is determined, during a period of the bag being moving intermittently, whether the content protrudes to an outside of the bag through the mouth portion of the bag.   
     
     
         4 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the content contains a solid material only. 
     
     
         5 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a content determination device that determines whether the content protrudes to an outside of the bag through the mouth portion of the bag accommodating the content, is positioned higher than the bag. 
     
     
         6 . The packaging method as defined in  claim 1 ,
 wherein it is determined by a first determination device whether the content protrudes to an outside of the bag through the mouth portion of the bag,   wherein the content positioned inside the bag in vicinity to the mouth portion is determined by a second determination device, and   wherein a condition of the bag accommodating the content is evaluated according to determination results of the first determination device and the second determination device.   
     
     
         7 . A packaging apparatus comprising:
 a bag conveyance device that conveys a bag in a suspended state;   a bag supply device that supplies the bag to the bag conveyance device;   a content introduction device that introduces a content into an accommodation space inside the bag through a mouth portion of the bag in a suspended state;   a content determination device that determines whether the content protrudes to an outside of the bag through the mouth portion of the bag accommodating the content; and   
       an evaluation device that evaluates a condition of the bag accommodating the content according to a determination result of the content determination device. 
     
     
         8 . The packaging apparatus as defined in  claim 7 , comprising:
 a sealing device that seals the mouth portion of the bag accommodating the content; and   
       a sealing control device that controls the sealing device,
 wherein when an evaluation result of the evaluation device shows that a condition of the bag accommodating the content is defective, the sealing control device controls the sealing device in such a manner that the mouth portion of the bag is not sealed. 
 
     
     
         9 . The packaging apparatus as defined in  claim 7 ,
 wherein the bag conveyance device includes a bag support unit that moves intermittently along an endless track together with the bag while supporting the bag in a suspended state, and   wherein the content determination device determines, during a period of the bag being moving intermittently, whether the content protrudes to an outside of the bag through the mouth portion of the bag.   
     
     
         10 . The packaging apparatus as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the content includes a plurality of solid materials. 
     
     
         11 . The packaging apparatus as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the content determination device is positioned higher than the bag.