JP2002179003A - Method and apparatus for automatically packaging goods in box - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for packaging goods having a substantially triangular side shape in a cardboard case without producing any useless space in it, saving a packaging material and reducing both distribution cost and storage cost. SOLUTION: There is provided a method for automatically packaging goods in a box in which shutters 14a, 14b having goods supporting segments 9a, 9b staggered to each other are advanced from one opposing segment X-X above an opening of a cardboard case C having a lid flap F supplied to a predetermined position, and then one end thin walled portion 1 of each of goods G1, G2 is oppositely faced and fed onto the shutters 14a, 14b having the goods supporting segments 9a, 9b staggered to each other from the other opposing segment Y-Y above the opening of the cardboard case C and wrapped there, and then the shutters 14a, 14b are returned back to cause the goods G1, G2 on the shutters 14a, 14b to be dropped into the cardboard case C and stacked up there.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for automatically packing a product having a thin portion at one end, for example, various refilling detergents, seasonings, foodstuffs, and other products having a substantially triangular profile. The present invention relates to an automatic box packing method (hereinafter, simply referred to as “product”) and an apparatus therefor.

However, initially, the shape of the side surface is not a triangle but a simple flat shape, and a thin portion is formed at one end by gathering powdery material or the like filled therein at one end. As a result, the present invention is also effectively used for packing products having a substantially triangular side shape.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it has been difficult to automatically pack the above-mentioned products without creating a useless space in a cardboard case. However, there has been a problem that the distribution and storage costs are inevitably increased as a result of the increase in size and complexity.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has enabled automatic packaging of the above-mentioned products, and has no wasteful space in a corrugated cardboard case. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic boxing method and apparatus capable of reducing distribution and storage costs.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an automatic packing method according to the present invention, wherein one side of an upper portion of a corrugated cardboard case having a lid flap supplied at a predetermined position is opened. The shutter having the stepped product support portion is advanced from the facing portion of the cardboard case, and then one end of the product is placed on the shutter having the stepped product support portion from the other facing portion above the opening of the cardboard case. The products are fed in opposition to wrap one end thin portion of the product, and then the shutter is returned to drop and stack the product on the shutter into the cardboard case.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to equalize the thickness of the product having the thin portion at one end while the thin portion at the one end is wrapped, thereby creating a useless space. Instead, the product can be packed in a cardboard case.

[0007] That is, the product is fed from the other facing portion above the opening of the corrugated cardboard case to the shutter, with one thin portion of the product facing each other and wrapping the one thin portion of the product. The two products are packed in a box while keeping them almost flat.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the shutter of the first aspect is restored, the product on the shutter is sucked by a suction cup and is stacked downward in the cardboard case. And

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the product can be accurately supplied to a predetermined position in the cardboard case. That is, in the packaging shown in the first aspect, the shutter is returned and the product falls naturally, but according to the embodiment shown in the second aspect, the descending path of the product is By controlling, the product can be accurately supplied to a predetermined position in the cardboard case.

The lowering stroke of the suction cup is stepwise lowered, that is, the lowering stroke is gradually reduced as the products are stacked in the cardboard case.

[0011] The automatic packing apparatus of the present invention as defined in claim 3 is:
A product supply unit that abuts one end thin portion of the product and feeds the product such that the one end thin portion wraps against one of the opposing portions above the opening of the corrugated cardboard case with the lid flap opened at a predetermined position. A shutter is provided at the other opposing portion above the opening of the corrugated cardboard case so as to support the commodity sent from the commodity supply section at different levels, and is capable of freely moving forward and returning.

A third aspect of the present invention is directed to an apparatus suitable for carrying out the automatic packaging method of the first aspect, wherein an article is initially stepped over the opening of the cardboard case from the other facing part. The product is fed onto the shutter such that one thin portion of the product abuts from the one facing portion and the one thin portion wraps.

Thereafter, by returning the shutter, the commodity on the shutter can be dropped and stacked below the shutter in a cardboard case supplied in advance.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the commodity supply section and the shutter according to the third aspect, a product adsorbed on the stepwisely supported commodity is provided above the shutter, and A suction cup is provided in the corrugated cardboard case, which is lowered and raised stepwise with the return.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, as described in the second aspect, the descending path of the product is controlled, so that the product is accurately supplied to a predetermined position in the cardboard case. Can be. The lowering stroke of the suction cup is stepwise lowered as described above, that is, the lowering stroke is gradually reduced and controlled as the products are stacked in the cardboard case.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a plan view of a main part of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional front view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a shutter unit, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a boxed product, and FIG. FIG. 6 to FIG. 11 are explanatory views showing a process of packing and unpacking a cardboard case, which is convenient to use in the method and apparatus for packing goods according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 discloses a product to be packaged in the present invention, that is, a product G having a substantially triangular side shape. The product G is formed in a bag shape with a plastic sheet, and is filled with, for example, a refill shampoo or the like, and a thin portion 1 is formed at one end and a thick portion 2 is formed at the other end.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state in which the product G according to the present invention is packed in a box. The thin portion 1 of the product G is wrapped in a corrugated cardboard case C so as to face each other and a predetermined width W. , Densely packed, and no wasteful space is created.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3 denotes a first transport conveyor for the goods, which has a width for transferring the goods G1 and G2 in two rows. Next, at the front end of the first conveyor 3, there are provided second conveyors 4 a and 4 b which are divided at the center and are respectively driven outwardly, perpendicular to the first conveyor 3. Further, the second conveyors 4a, 4b are perpendicular to each other, and at a predetermined interval S,
Third transport conveyors 5a and 5b are provided.

In the figure, 6a and 6b are pushers for supplying the goods G1 and G2 supplied on the second conveyors 4a and 4b onto the third conveyors 5a and 5b, respectively. The product G is placed on the conveyors 4a and 4b.
Detecting that G1, G2 has been supplied, the cylinders 7a, 7b respectively advance and return. 8a and 8b are stoppers and guides.

In the above configuration, the goods G1, G2
Are transported in two rows by the first transport conveyor 3 with the thick portion 2 in the traveling direction. Then, the thick portions 2 of the products G1 and G2 conveyed in the two rows, respectively.
However, when the products G1 and G2 are extruded and placed on the second conveyors 4a and 4b, the thick portions 2 of the products G1 and G2 are respectively moved outward, and the entire products G1 and G2 are further
The direction is changed at a right angle, and at the same time, they are transported by the second transport conveyors 4a and 4b, respectively, and come into contact with the stopper / guides 8a and 8b, respectively.

Next, when it is detected that the goods G1 and G2 conveyed by the second conveyors 4a and 4b abut on the stopper / guides 8a and 8b, the cylinders 7a and 7b are driven. Then, the pushers 6a, 6b advance and the products G1, G2 on the second conveyors 4a, 4b are conveyed onto the third conveyors 5a, 5b.
a and 5b are supplied to the automatic packaging device P of the present invention. In the figure, 20a and 20b are the third conveyor 5
a, 5b are stoppers provided at the distal ends.

In the present invention, first, the cardboard case C which has been subjected to the bottom sticking or which has been subjected to the automatic bottom sticking molding in the transportation process is supplied to a predetermined position, that is, the automatic box packing device P of the present invention. The cardboard case C has a lid flap F previously opened.

In the present invention, one of the opposing portions XX above the opening of the cardboard case C with the lid flap C1 opened, and in the embodiment of the drawing, the opposing portions in the left-right direction in FIGS. The thin portions 1 of the products G1 and G2 abut against each other, and the thin portions 1 have the predetermined width W.
Merchandise supply units 9a and 9b for feeding the merchandise G1 and G2 so as to be wrapped are provided.

That is, the commodity supply units 9a and 9b are provided for feeding the commodities G1 and G2 conveyed to the distal ends of the third conveyors 5a and 5b to a position above the opening of the cardboard case C.

In one embodiment of the drawing, the product supply unit 9
a, 9b are rotary actuators 10a, 10b
Are supplied onto the third conveyors 5a and 5b by pushers 11a and 11b driven by the stoppers 20a and 20b, and stoppers 20 at the distal ends of the third conveyors 5a and 5b are provided.
A device is disclosed in which the products G1 and G2 locked to a and 20b are sent to an upper portion of an opening of the corrugated cardboard case C by abutting the thin portions 1 at their one ends.

That is, the pusher 1 is attached to the sliders 13a and 13b fitted on the guide rods 12a and 12b.
1a, 11b are attached, and the sliders 13a,
13b, the rotary actuators 10a, 10
b are connected to each other. However, the pushers 11a and 11b may be driven by a cylinder or another actuator.

Further, the other opposing portion YY above the opening of the cardboard case C is shown in FIG.
And a vertically movable and returnable shutter 15a, 1 that supports the products G1, G2 sent from the product supply units 9a, 9b in the vertical direction in FIG.
5b are provided.

The details are shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
That is, each of the shutters 15a and 15b is located above the horizontal plates 16 and 16 and the inclined plates 16a and 16a, the inner ends of which are wrapped with the horizontal plates 16 and 16 respectively. The cylinders 17a and 17b are configured to advance and return freely.

Further, in one embodiment of the drawings, the shutters 15a, 15b are provided above the shutters 15a, 15b.
Suction cups 18a and 18b are provided in the corrugated cardboard case C, which are sucked by the products G1 and G2 supported on the steps 15b at different levels and are stepped down and raised in the cardboard case C when the shutters 15a and 15b return.

In the figure, reference numeral 18c denotes an intake pipe,
Is a cylinder that lowers and raises the suction cups 18a and 18b. The lowering stroke of the suction cups 18a and 18b is stepwise, that is, the amount of the stacked products G1 and G2 in the cardboard case C is detected. It is done while.

That is, for example, the suction cups 18a, 18
b, a proximity switch is provided, and the suction cups 18a, 18b
The product G already packed in the lowering process
1, G2 is detected and the descent is stopped, and the descent strokes of the suction cups 18a, 18b are controlled so as not to crush the boxed and adsorbed products G1, G2.

FIG. 6 shows a cardboard case C which is convenient to use in the automatic boxing method and apparatus according to the present invention. That is, when it reaches a store, it can be used as an exhibition container as it is.

Corrugated cardboard case C shown in one embodiment of the drawings
Is basically the same as a general cardboard case as shown in FIG. That is, the side pieces 21a, 21b, the end pieces 22a, 22b, the lid side flaps 23a, 23
b, lid end face flaps 24a and 24b, bottom side face flaps 25a and 25b, and bottom end face flaps 26a and 26b. It is configured to the size to be packed.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the lid side flaps 23a and 23b and the bottom side flaps 25a and 25b are configured to overlap each other, and the lid end flaps 24a and 24b and the bottom are formed. The end face flaps 26a and 26b are configured to abut each other, so that the product pressure strength at the time of distribution and storage after the completion of the packing is achieved.

In the above configuration, for example, in the longitudinal center of one side piece 21b, lid side flap 23b and bottom side flap 25b, easy cutting parts 27a, 27b and 27c made of a special fastener or the like are previously arranged in series. Is formed.

An easily bent portion 28 formed of a perforation or the like is formed in the center of the other side piece 21a in the vertical direction, and the lid side flap 23a and the bottom side face adjacent to the other side piece 21a are formed. Cuts 29 are formed in the flaps 25a at positions corresponding to the easily bent portions 28 formed in the other side piece 21a, respectively.

The products G1 and G2 are packed in a box with the bottom attached to the cardboard case C having the above-described structure and the lid side flaps 23a and 23b and the lid end flaps 24a and 24b opened. (See Fig. 7)
Further, the lid end face flaps 24a and 24b are folded against each other, and the lid side flaps 23
The boxes 23a and 23b are sequentially stacked and folded, and the packaging is completed.

As a result, as shown in FIG.
The thin portion 1 at one end of each of G1 and G2 is wrapped by a predetermined width W, and the box is packed in a minimal corrugated cardboard case C without creating useless space. Therefore, saving of packaging materials and reduction of distribution and storage costs are achieved.

Next, when the cardboard case C is opened at a store or the like, the easy cutting portions 27a, 27b and 27c made of the special fastener and the like are removed without using a jig. See FIG. 8).

Thereafter, the side piece 21a is turned over with the side piece 21a as the bottom face (see FIG. 9), and the easy bending portion 2 formed of the perforation and the like formed at the center of the side piece 21a.
When the cardboard case C is bent upward, the corrugated cardboard case C is in a stable state in which the cardboard case C is divided into two parts, and all the commodities are in an upright and aligned state, and can be used as it is as a display container (see FIGS. 10 and 11). .

That is, since the cuts 29 are previously formed in the lid side flaps 23a and the bottom side flaps 25a, the easy cut portions 27a, 27b and 2 are formed.
By removing 7c, it is possible to easily bring the two-parting parallel state. However, the cut 29 may be an easily cut portion such as a perforation, and the easy bent portion 28 does not necessarily need to be formed.

[0043]

According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically pack a product having a substantially triangular side shape and not to create a useless space in the cardboard case.
Packaging materials can be saved, and distribution and storage costs can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a main part showing an embodiment of an automatic box for packing products according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional front view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a shutter unit.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a boxed product.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing a boxed state.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view before assembling showing an embodiment of a corrugated cardboard case which is convenient to use in the automatic box packing apparatus for commodities of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a process of packing the cardboard case of FIG. 6 into a box.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the first step of completing the packing and opening the cardboard case of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second step of opening the cardboard case of FIG. 6 after the completion of box packing.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third opening process after the boxing of the cardboard case of FIG. 6 is completed.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a completion state of opening of the corrugated cardboard case of FIG. 6 after completion of packing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Thin part 9a, 9b Commodity supply part 14a, 14b Shutter F Lid flap C Corrugated cardboard case X One facing part Y The other facing part G1, G2 Commodity

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A shutter having a stepped product support portion is advanced from one of the opposing portions above an opening of a corrugated cardboard case in which a lid flap supplied to a predetermined position is opened, and then the opening of the corrugated cardboard case is opened. From the other opposing part above the part, one end thin part of the product is sent to the shutter having the stepped product support part facing each other, the one end thin part of the product is wrapped, and then the shutter is returned. A method for automatically packing products, wherein the products on the shutter are dropped and laminated in the cardboard case. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the shutter is returned, the product on the shutter is sucked by a suction cup and is stacked down in the cardboard case. 3. An opposing portion above an opening of a corrugated cardboard case in which a lid flap supplied to a predetermined position is opened,
A product supply unit is provided for abutting the thin portion at one end of the product and feeding the product so that the thin portion at the one end wraps, and the other facing portion above the opening of the cardboard case is fed from the product supply unit, respectively. An automatic box-packing device for commodities, comprising a shutter that can advance and return freely to support the commodities at different levels. 4. A suction cup is provided above the shutter, the suction cup being attracted to the commodity supported on the step by the shutter and lowered and raised stepwise in the cardboard case when the shutter returns. 4. The automatic packaging device for commodities according to claim 3, wherein: