Supply device

Abstract

To provide a supply device capable of estimating a total amount of a plurality of cardboard sheets in a stacked state at a low coat.SOLUTION: A supply device 10S is configured to supply a cardboard sheet Z up to a supply position SP toward a box-making device 12 configured to open a folded cardboard sheet Z to make a box. The supply device 10S includes a measurement part 80 and a control part 40. The measurement part 80 measures a weight of a plurality of cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state. The control part 40 estimates a total amount of the plurality of cardboard sheets Z in the stacked state. The control part 40 estimates the total amount of the plurality of cardboard sheets Z in the stacked state according to a value measured by the measurement part 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2019-147582), a device that performs box making, box packing, and sealing is known. Such a device is considered to be equipped with a supply device that supplies multiple stacked cardboard sheets to a box making section. The supply device may include a photoelectric sensor for detecting the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] If an expensive sensor is used as the photoelectric sensor included in the supply device, this may lead to an increase in the manufacturing costs of the supply device.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive feeding device that can estimate the total amount of multiple stacked cardboard sheets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A supplying device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a supplying device that supplies cardboard sheets to a supplying position to a carton making device that opens folded cardboard sheets and makes a carton. The supplying device includes a weighing unit and a control unit. The weighing unit weighs the weight of multiple cardboard sheets in a stacked state. The control unit estimates the total amount of multiple cardboard sheets in a stacked state. The control unit estimates the total amount of multiple cardboard sheets in a stacked state based on the value weighed by the weighing unit.

[0006] In the supplying device according to the first aspect, the control unit estimates the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets based on the value measured by the measuring unit. Therefore, in the supplying device according to the second aspect, the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets can be estimated with an inexpensive configuration.

[0007] A supplying device according to a second aspect is the supplying device according to the first aspect, in which the control unit performs a process related to automatic or manual replenishment of cardboard sheets based on the estimated total amount of the plurality of cardboard sheets.

[0008] The supply device according to the second aspect performs a process for manually replenishing cardboard sheets when the total amount of cardboard sheets is less than a predetermined value, for example.

[0009] In the supplying device according to the second aspect, the operator of the supplying device does not need to monitor the supplying device more than necessary. Therefore, in the supplying device according to the third aspect, the operator's work is reduced.

[0010] A supply device according to a third aspect is the supply device according to the second aspect, further comprising a notification unit. The notification unit notifies information prompting the user to replenish cardboard sheets. The control unit performs a process of causing the notification unit to make the notification as a process.

[0011] In the supplying device according to the third aspect, the operator of the supplying device does not need to monitor the supplying device more than necessary. Therefore, in the supplying device according to the fourth aspect, the operator's work is reduced.

[0012] A supplying device according to a fourth aspect is the supplying device according to the second aspect, wherein the control unit performs, as the process, a process of transmitting a signal to cause the supplying device to automatically replenish cardboard sheets.

[0013] In the supply device according to the fourth aspect, the control unit performs a process for transmitting a signal to the supply device to automatically replenish cardboard sheets as a process related to automatic or manual replenishment of cardboard sheets. According to this configuration, cardboard sheets are automatically replenished in the supply device. Therefore, in the supply device according to the fifth aspect, the work of the operator is reduced.

[0014] A supplying device according to a fifth aspect is the supplying device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the stacked cardboard sheets are placed on the conveying surface in a state inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, and the stacked cardboard sheets are conveyed with the bottom ends of the sheets in contact with the conveying surface.

[0015] According to this configuration, the kinetic friction force is more accurately reflected in the value related to the driving force of the driving unit, so that the feeding device according to this embodiment can estimate the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets with even greater accuracy. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The feeding device according to the present invention can estimate the total amount of a plurality of stacked cardboard sheets with an inexpensive configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a packing system equipped with a feeding device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a packing system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the flow of cardboard boxes and products in the packing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a cartoning system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a supply device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a supply device. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a flow of operations performed in a supplying step. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a supply device according to a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a packing system equipped with a supply device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a feeding device according to the prior art; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, a supply device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters and duplicated description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0019] Note that the following embodiments are specific examples and do not limit the technical scope, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0020] In the following description, for convenience, terms such as up, down, front, rear, left, and right may be used to describe positional relationships and orientations. Unless otherwise specified, the directions indicated by these terms follow the directions of arrows shown in the drawings.

[0021] Furthermore, in the following description, expressions such as parallel, orthogonal, vertical, horizontal, plumb, etc. may be used, but these expressions are not limited to cases where the relationship is parallel, orthogonal, vertical, horizontal, plumb, etc. in the strict sense, and include cases where the relationship is substantially parallel, orthogonal, vertical, horizontal, plumb, etc., as long as the results obtained do not change significantly.

[0022] (1) Overall structure FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a packing system 1 equipped with a supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The packing system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for forming a cardboard box B from a cardboard sheet Z and packing a certain number of products G into the formed cardboard box B. Although not limited thereto, the packing system 1 according to this embodiment packs a maximum of 10 cardboard boxes B per minute. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the operation of each part of the packing system 1 is controlled by a controller 40 (corresponding to a control unit described in the claims).

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a packing system 1 equipped with a supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the flow of cardboard boxes B and products G in the packing system 1.

[0024] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the boxing system 1 packs a certain number of bagged products (products G) such as snack foods, etc., into a cardboard box B in an aligned manner and in multiple layers.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the boxing system 1, a cardboard handling area DHA and a product handling area GHA are connected in a state where they can be separated and independent from each other. The cardboard handling area DHA includes three processes, namely, a supply process P1, a box making process P2, and a boxing process P4. The product handling area GHA includes a process such as a product alignment process P3.

[0026] That is, in the packing system 1, the cardboard handling area DHA and the product handling area GHA are connected, so that four processes, namely, the supply process P1, the box making process P2, the product alignment process P3, and the packing process P4, are linked together.

[0027] The supply process P1 is a process of conveying the cardboard sheet Z to a predetermined supply position SP, and is constituted by a supply device 10.

[0028] The box making process P2 is a process in which cardboard sheets Z are assembled into a cardboard box B and transported to a packing position, and is composed of a box making section 12 (corresponding to the box making device described in the claims), a first position change section 13 and a box downward transport section 14.

[0029] The product alignment process P3 is a process in which products G supplied from an upstream process are brought to a predetermined position, a certain number of products G are aligned so that adjacent products partially overlap each other, and then transported to the packing position, and is composed of a product entrance section 21, a product alignment section 22, and a product insertion section 23.

[0030] The packing process P4 is a process in which a certain number of products G that have been aligned in the product alignment process P3 are packed into a cardboard box B transported from the box making process P2, the box is closed, and the box is transported to the box discharge position, and is composed of a product receiving section 31, a second position change section 32, and a sealing section 33.

[0031] The box making process P2, the product arranging process P3 and the box packing process P4 are well known processes and therefore will not be described here. The supply process P1 will be described in detail below.

[0032] (2) Operation of each part in the supply process P1 The supplying process P1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. As described above, the supplying process P1 is a process of supplying the cardboard sheet Z to a predetermined supply position SP. The supplying process P1 is realized by the supplying device 10 operating under the control of the controller 40 (see Fig. 1).

[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the packing system 1 equipped with the supply device 10. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the frame 20 of the packing system 1 is partially omitted in order to facilitate understanding of the description. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of cardboard sheets Z are placed in an overlapping state on the conveying section 50 of the supply device 10. More specifically, a plurality of cardboard sheets Z, each of which stands with its sheet surface ZS (outer surface of the cardboard sheet Z) inclined relative to the horizontal plane, are placed in an overlapping state on the conveying section 50. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower ends of each of the cardboard sheets Z constituting the plurality of cardboard sheets Z in an overlapping state are in contact with the conveying surface 53a. In short, a plurality of cardboard sheets Z in an overlapping state are vertically placed in a forward-leaning position on the conveying section 50. In this embodiment, a plurality of cardboard sheets Z in an overlapping state vertically placed in a forward-leaning position may be referred to as a "multiple cardboard sheets Z in an overlapping state."

[0034] 5, the supplying device 10 includes a conveying unit 50, a driving unit 60, and a notification unit 70. In the supplying device 10, the driving unit 60 drives the conveying unit 50, whereby a plurality of stacked cardboard sheets Z are conveyed.

[0035] (2-1) Conveyor unit 50 The transport unit 50 is a conveyor that transports a plurality of stacked cardboard sheets Z to a supply position SP. The transport unit 50 according to this embodiment also serves as a storage unit for storing the cardboard sheets Z to be supplied to the packing system 1.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the conveying section 50 is a belt conveyor including a driving roller 51, a driven roller 52, and an endless belt 53. The belt 53 is wound around the driving roller 51 and the driven roller 52. The driving roller 51 rotates when driven by the driving section 60. The driving roller 51 rotates to drive the belt 53. The belt 53 is driven to convey a plurality of cardboard sheets Z placed on the conveying surface 53a of the belt 53. The conveying section 50 conveys the plurality of cardboard sheets Z in the conveying direction D1 (see the arrows in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). In the conveying direction D1, there is an inclined surface 111 (see FIG. 5). The inclined surface 111 is a surface (a surface inclined toward the front) that is inclined with respect to a vertical plane as shown in FIG. 5 and is disposed forward as it approaches the upper side. The movement of the plurality of cardboard sheets Z in the conveying direction D1 is regulated by the inclined surface 111. Therefore, when belt 53 is driven and a conveying force acts on the lower portions of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in conveying direction D1, the multiple cardboard sheets Z overlap each other on conveying surface 53a. At this time, several cardboard sheets Z located at the front end of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z in conveying direction D1 reach supply position SP (see the area surrounded by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5). The several cardboard sheets Z that have reached supply position SP are sent to box making unit 12 by sheet moving unit 118.

[0037] (2-1-1) Seat moving part 118 The sheet moving section 118 of the boxing system 1 will be described. The sheet moving section 118 is a device that takes out one cardboard sheet Z from among the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state stored in the conveying section 50, and supplies the single cardboard sheet Z to the box making section 12 (see FIG. 3). For example, the sheet moving section 118 adsorbs the cardboard sheet Z stored in the conveying section 50 with a suction cup (not shown), and sends the cardboard sheet Z to the box making section 12 by moving the suction cup in the adsorbed state. Specifically, the sheet moving section 118 holds the cardboard sheet Z that is at the front in the conveying direction D1 among the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state stored in the conveying section 50, and sends it to the box making section 12 located at the upper front.

[0038] For ease of explanation, the cardboard sheet Z located at the front end in the conveying direction D1 among the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z may be referred to as the "leading cardboard sheet ZT." Also, below, the operation of sending one cardboard sheet Z to the box making unit 12, which is performed by the sheet moving unit 118, may be referred to as the "sending operation."

[0039] As described above, in the packing system 1 according to this embodiment, a maximum of 10 cardboard boxes B are packed per minute. In other words, the packing system 1 can be set to operate at a setting of "10 boxes / minute." When the packing system 1 is set to operate at a setting of "10 boxes / minute," the sheet moving unit 118 sends one cardboard sheet Z to the box making unit 12 every six seconds.

[0040] In the supply process P1 according to the present embodiment, the conveying section 50 conveys a plurality of stacked cardboard sheets Z in the conveying direction D1 every time the sheet moving section 118 performs the sending operation three times. Details will be described later.

[0041] (2-2) Driving unit 60 The drive unit 60 according to the present embodiment is a motor that drives the conveyance unit 50. When the drive unit 60 drives the conveyance unit 50, the cardboard sheet Z is conveyed to the supply position SP.

[0042] The drive unit 60 according to this embodiment performs intermittent operation in the supply process P1. Specifically, the drive unit 60 drives the conveying unit 50 for one second every time the sheet moving unit 118 performs the sending operation three times. In other words, the drive unit 60 stops driving the conveying unit 50 while the sheet moving unit 118 is performing the sending operation (for example, 18 seconds), and drives the conveying unit 50 for one second when the sheet moving unit 118 sends out the third cardboard sheet Z.

[0043] By the drive unit 60 performing the intermittent operation as described above, the lower portions of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z move toward the conveying direction D1 by the thickness of the number of cardboard sheets Z sent out by the sheet moving unit 118 (see (a) and (b) of FIG. 6). As a result, the leading cardboard sheet ZT abuts against the inclined surface 111 (see (b) of FIG. 6). At this time, the drive unit 60 performs an idling operation. The idling operation is an operation in which the drive unit 60 drives the conveying unit 50 with the leading cardboard sheet ZT abutting against the inclined surface 111. In the idling operation, the drive roller 51, the driven roller 52, and the belt 53 rotate idly with the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z placed on the conveying surface 53a. In summary, the drive unit 60 according to this embodiment moves the lower portions of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z in the conveying direction D1 and performs an idling operation in one second.

[0044] The operation in the supply process P1 of the packing system 1 continues until the controller 40 estimates that the total amount (remaining amount) of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z placed on the conveying surface 53a is less than a predetermined value. A method for estimating the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z by the controller 40 will be described later. When the controller 40 estimates that the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z is less than a predetermined value, it causes the notification unit 70 to issue a notification.

[0045] (2-3) Notification unit 70 The notification unit 70 according to the present embodiment is a liquid crystal display 71 capable of displaying various information related to the supply device 10 (see FIG. 4). However, the configuration of the notification unit 70 is not limited to the liquid crystal display 71, and may be an LED lamp, a speaker, or the like. The liquid crystal display 71 as the notification unit 70 is electrically connected to the controller 40 by wire or wirelessly. This allows the liquid crystal display 71 to transmit and receive signals and various information to and from the controller 40. When a predetermined signal is sent from the controller 40, the liquid crystal display 71 notifies the operator of the supply device 10 of information urging the operator to replenish the cardboard sheets Z. For example, the liquid crystal display 71 displays a warning message indicating that the cardboard sheets Z need to be replenished as information urging the operator to replenish the cardboard sheets Z.

[0046] (3) Controller 40 The configuration of the controller 40 according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 40 controls the operation of each part constituting the packing system 1 including the supply device 10. The controller 40 is electrically connected to each part of the packing system 1 by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to transmit and receive control signals, information, and the like. The controller 40 is realized by a computer. The controller 40 includes a control arithmetic unit and a storage device. The control arithmetic unit may be a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control arithmetic unit reads a program stored in the storage device and performs a predetermined arithmetic process according to the program. Furthermore, the control arithmetic unit may write a calculation result to the storage device or read information stored in the storage device according to the program. The storage device may be a memory such as a ROM or a RAM. The storage device stores a program for controlling the operation of each part of the packing system 1, a communication protocol used when the packing system 1 communicates with other devices, and the like. The storage device also stores a predetermined relational expression indicating the relationship between a value related to the driving force of the drive unit 60 and the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows functional blocks realized by the control arithmetic device. As shown in Fig. 1, the controller 40 has a function as a total amount estimation unit 41. The controller 40 performs a process related to manual replenishment of the cardboard sheets Z based on the total amount of the cardboard sheets Z estimated by the function of the total amount estimation unit 41. For example, the controller 40 performs a process of causing the notification unit 70 to notify information encouraging the replenishment of the cardboard sheets Z.

[0049] (3-1) Total amount estimation unit 41 The total amount estimating unit 41 is a functional unit that estimates the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state based on a value related to the driving force of the driving unit 60.

[0050] The inventor of the present application has found that the value related to the driving force of the drive unit 60 is correlated with the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state placed on the conveying surface 53a of the conveying unit 50. In other words, the inventor of the present application has found that a predetermined relational expression holds between the value related to the driving force of the drive unit 60 and the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state. From this, the inventor of the present application has found that the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state can be estimated based on the value related to the driving force of the drive unit 60. This will be described in detail below.

[0051] (3-2) Method for estimating the number of stacked cardboard sheets Z In the following description, it is assumed that the dynamic friction coefficient between the belt 53 of the conveying unit 50 and the cardboard sheet Z is the same. In addition, a torque value is used here as a value related to the driving force of the driving unit 60 (such as a motor). As described above, the controller 40 is electrically connected to each unit constituting the packing system 1 by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to send and receive control signals, information, and the like. Therefore, the controller 40 can obtain the torque value from the driving unit 60.

[0052] As already mentioned, the supply device 10 has a conveying section 50. When the conveying section 50 carrying the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z is operated at a constant speed, the kinetic friction force R that the conveying section 50 receives changes depending on the normal force N. The magnitude of the normal force N is considered to change depending on the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z placed on the conveying section 50. This is because the weight of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z changes depending on the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z. From this, when the conveying section 50 is driven while keeping the conveying speed constant, the kinetic friction force R is considered to change depending on the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z. Specifically, if the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z increases, the kinetic friction force R increases, and if the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z decreases, the kinetic friction force R decreases. The change in the kinetic friction force R is reflected in the value related to the driving force of the driving section 60 (here, the torque value). In particular, since the bottom ends of the stacked cardboard sheets Z according to this embodiment are in contact with the conveying surface 53a, the kinetic friction force R is accurately reflected in the torque value.

[0053] Thus, there is a correlation between the torque value and the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z. Therefore, the total amount estimation unit 41 can estimate the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z by inputting the torque value acquired by the controller 40 into a predetermined estimation formula stored in the storage device. Specifically, the total amount estimation unit 41 can estimate the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z within an error range of about ±5 sheets.

[0054] In order to estimate the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z, it is preferable to obtain a torque value that more accurately reflects the kinetic friction force R. For this reason, it is preferable for the controller 40 to obtain a torque value when the machine is running idly.

[0055] (4) Overall operation in supply process P1 (4-1) The overall operation performed in the supply process P1 of the packing system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. The packing system 1 equipped with the supply device 10 performs the supply process P1 in the flow shown in steps S1 to S11 in Fig. 7. However, the flow of the operation shown in Fig. 7 is only an example and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the order of the steps can be changed as long as there is no contradiction, some steps can be executed in parallel with other steps, or other steps can be newly added.

[0056] (4-2) In step S1, a plurality of stacked cardboard sheets Z are placed on the conveying surface 53a by an operator. For example, the plurality of stacked cardboard sheets Z are placed on the conveying surface 53a in a position such that they are leaned against the inclined surface 111 (as shown in FIG. 6(a)).

[0057] In step S2, the stacked cardboard sheets Z are conveyed in the conveying direction D1 by the conveying unit 50. As a result, the leading cardboard sheet ZT comes into contact with the inclined surface 111 (see FIG. 6(b)). At this time, several cardboard sheets Z located at the leading portion of the stacked cardboard sheets Z reach the supply position SP.

[0058] In step S3, idling operation is performed.

[0059] In step S4, the sheet moving section 118 starts the sending operation.

[0060] In step S5, a plurality of (three here) cardboard sheets Z are sent to the box making unit 12 by the sending operation of the sheet moving unit 118. As a result, the stacked cardboard sheets Z are inclined so as to approach a horizontal position with respect to the conveying surface 53a. That is, the stacked cardboard sheets Z take the same position as in step S1.

[0061] In step S6, the drive unit 60 drives the conveying unit 50. As a result, the leading cardboard sheet ZT comes into contact with the inclined surface 111. At this time, the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state take the same posture as in step S2.

[0062] In step S7, idling operation is performed.

[0063] In step S8, the controller 40 estimates the total amount of the stacked cardboard sheets Z. In step S8, if the total amount of the stacked cardboard sheets Z is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the operation in the supply process P1 returns to step S4. In step S8, if the total amount of the stacked cardboard sheets Z is less than a predetermined value, the operation in the supply process P1 proceeds to step S9.

[0064] In step S9, the notification unit 70 notifies the operator of the supply device 10 of information urging the operator to replenish the cardboard sheets Z.

[0065] In step S10, the operator replenishes the cardboard sheets Z. When the controller 40 detects in step S10 that the cardboard sheets Z have been replenished, the operation in the supply process P1 returns to step S2.

[0066] In this manner, the packing system 1 equipped with the supplying device 10 performs the supplying process P1. The above operation continues until an operator inputs an operation stop command to the supplying device 10 or the packing system 1. Alternatively, the above operation continues until the number of cardboard sheets Z supplied to the packing system 1 reaches a target supply number that is stored in advance in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage device.

[0067] (5) Features Conventionally, as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is known a machine that performs box making, box packing, and sealing. Such a machine is considered to be equipped with a supply device that supplies a plurality of stacked cardboard sheets to a box making section. The supply device may include a photoelectric sensor for detecting the total amount of the plurality of stacked cardboard sheets.

[0068] If an expensive sensor is used as the photoelectric sensor included in the supply device, this may lead to an increase in the manufacturing costs of the supply device.

[0069] Alternatively, it is conceivable to detect the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets in a stacked state using an inexpensive photoelectric sensor. For example, it is conceivable to detect the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets in a stacked state using a configuration as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a boxing system 1X including a supply device 10X according to the prior art. The supply device 10X includes a first sensor 91 and a second sensor 92 as photoelectric sensors. When the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 are both in a light-shielding state, the supply device 10X detects that the total amount of the cardboard sheets Z is large. When the first sensor 91 is in a light-emitting state and the second sensor 92 is in a light-shielding state, the supply device 10X detects that the total amount of the cardboard sheets Z is small. When the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 are both in a light-emitting state, the supply device 10X detects that the total amount of the cardboard sheets Z is very small. However, the configuration of the supply device 10X only allows the remaining amount of the cardboard sheets Z to be detected in stages. For this reason, it is difficult for the supply device 10X to perform an operation such as prompting (notifying) the operator at an appropriate time to replenish the cardboard sheets Z. In this regard, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy by increasing the number of photoelectric sensors installed, but such a measure may lead to an increase in the manufacturing cost of the supply device.

[0070] (5-1) The supply device 10 according to this embodiment supplies the cardboard sheet Z to a supply position SP to a box making device 12 that opens and makes a box from the folded cardboard sheet Z. The supply device 10 includes a conveying section 50, a driving section 60, and a control section 40. The conveying section 50 conveys the cardboard sheet Z to the supply position SP in a state where the cardboard sheet Z is stacked. The driving section 60 drives the conveying section 50. The controller 40 as a control section estimates the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state on the conveying surface 53a of the conveying section 50. The controller 40 acquires a value related to the driving force of the driving section 60 while the driving section 60 is driving the conveying section 50, and estimates the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state based on the acquired value.

[0071] In the supply device 10 according to this embodiment, the controller 40 estimates the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state based on a value related to the driving force of the drive unit 60. In this manner, the supply device 10 according to this embodiment estimates the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state without using a sensor. Therefore, the supply device 10 according to this embodiment can estimate the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state with an inexpensive configuration.

[0072] Furthermore, in the supply device 10 according to the present embodiment, the controller 40 can estimate the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state with higher accuracy than in the case where an inexpensive photoelectric sensor is used.

[0073] (5-2) In the supply device 10 according to the present embodiment, the controller 40 performs processing related to manual replenishment of the cardboard sheets Z based on the estimated total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z.

[0074] For example, when the total amount of cardboard sheets Z is less than a predetermined value, the supplying device 10 performs a process related to manual replenishment of cardboard sheets Z. With this configuration, the operator of the supplying device 10 does not need to monitor the supplying device 10 more than necessary. Therefore, the supplying device 10 according to this embodiment reduces the workload of the operator.

[0075] (5-3) The supply device 10 according to the present embodiment further includes a notification unit 70. The notification unit 70 notifies information that prompts replenishing of cardboard sheets Z. The controller 40 performs a process of causing the notification unit 70 to perform a notification as a process.

[0076] According to this configuration, the operator of the supplying device 10 does not need to monitor the supplying device 10 more than necessary.

[0077] As described above, in the supply device 10 according to the present embodiment, the controller 40 can estimate the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z with greater accuracy than when an inexpensive photoelectric sensor is used. Therefore, the supply device 10 according to the present embodiment can notify the replenishment of the cardboard sheets Z with greater accuracy. Therefore, the supply device 10 according to the present embodiment reduces the workload of the operator.

[0078] As described above, the supply device 10 according to this embodiment can estimate the total amount of cardboard sheets Z within an error range of about ±5 sheets. Therefore, the supply device 10 according to this embodiment can notify the operator of specific information such as "how many more cardboard sheets Z need to be replenished." The operator who is notified of this information can prepare an appropriate number of cardboard sheets Z. This further reduces the operator's workload.

[0079] (5-4) In the supply device 10 of this embodiment, the controller 40 estimates the total amount of multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z based on a relational equation between a value related to the driving force of the drive unit 60 and the total amount of multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z.

[0080] Here, the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z is estimated based on an easily obtainable value such as the torque value of the drive unit 60 as a value related to the driving force of the drive unit 60. In other words, the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z is estimated based on a value that can be obtained without using a special sensor or the like. Therefore, an increase in the manufacturing cost of the supply device 10 is suppressed.

[0081] (5-5) In the supply device 10 according to the present embodiment, the stacked cardboard sheets Z are placed on the conveying surface 53a in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The stacked cardboard sheets Z are conveyed with the bottom ends of the stacked cardboard sheets Z in contact with the conveying surface 53a.

[0082] According to this configuration, the kinetic friction force R is more accurately reflected in the value related to the driving force of the driving unit 60. Therefore, in the supply device 10 according to this embodiment, the total amount estimating unit 41 can estimate the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state with even greater accuracy.

[0083] (6) Variations The above embodiment can be modified as appropriate as shown in the following modified examples. Each modified example may be applied in combination with other modified examples to the extent that no contradiction occurs. Note that the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to those of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0084] (6-1) Variation 1A In the above embodiment, the control unit 40 has been described as performing a process related to manual replenishment of the cardboard sheets Z based on the estimated total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z. However, the configuration of the controller 40 according to the present invention is not limited to this, and the controller 40 may, for example, perform a process related to an automatic replenishment operation of the cardboard sheets Z.

[0085] The supplying device 10 according to the modified example 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The supplying device 10 according to this modified example includes a sheet supplying device 200 in addition to the configuration of the supplying device 10 described in the above embodiment. However, the sheet supplying device 200 may be included in the packing system 1.

[0086] The sheet supplying device 200 shown in Fig. 8 is a device that supplies cardboard sheets Z in a batch to the conveying section 50. The sheet supplying device 200 is installed adjacent to the rear of the conveying section 50 (see Fig. 8). The sheet supplying device 200 receives from the outside a plurality of cardboard sheets Z that are laid down with their sheet surfaces ZS aligned horizontally, changes the posture of the cardboard sheets Z to an upright state, and supplies the cardboard sheets Z to the supplying device 10. The cardboard sheets Z are supplied to the sheet supplying device 200 by, for example, a conveyor or an unmanned guided vehicle (not shown).

[0087] In the supply device 10 according to this modified example, the controller 40 performs processing related to the automatic replenishing operation of the cardboard sheets Z based on the estimated total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z. More specifically, when the estimated total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z is less than a predetermined value, the controller 40 transmits a control signal to the sheet supply device 200. The sheet supply device 200 that receives the control signal supplies the cardboard sheets Z to the supply device 10.

[0088] In the supplying device 10 according to this modified example, the work of the operator is further reduced.

[0089] (6-2) Variation 1B Although the description has been omitted in the above embodiment, it is considered that there is a machine difference in the supply device 10. For example, it is considered that the tension of the belt 53 of the supply device 10 used in a certain factory differs from the tension of the belt 53 of the supply device 10 used in another factory. Such a machine difference may affect the torque value of the drive unit 60, and may affect the accuracy of the estimation by the total amount estimation unit 41. For this reason, it is desirable to perform a trial run before starting the operation of the supply device 10. In the trial run, it is preferable to measure the torque value when the conveying unit 50 is driven without placing multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state, and the torque value when the conveying unit 50 is driven with multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state. By acquiring various data related to the torque value in the trial run, the controller 40 can calculate a default value of the torque value of the supply device 10. It is preferable that the total amount estimation unit 41 estimates the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state by referring to the default value.

[0090] In the supply device 10 according to this modified example, the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0091] (6-3) Variation 1C Although not described in the above embodiment, the transport section 50 preferably includes a pusher 114 (see FIG. 8).

[0092] The pusher 114 is a member that maintains the posture of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z stored in the conveying section 50 (preventing the cardboard sheets Z from falling backwards). The pusher 114 presses down the rearmost cardboard sheet Z stored in the conveying section 50. A forward force is applied to the pusher 114 by a force application mechanism (not shown).

[0093] Although not limited to a specific type, in this modification, the force applying mechanism is a servo motor. In this modification, the controller 40 controls the force applying mechanism (servo motor) so that the force applied by the pusher 114 to the cardboard sheet Z is a predetermined constant value. In this modification, by using a servo motor as the force applying mechanism, the controller 40 can detect the position of the pusher 114 pressing the cardboard sheet Z based on a signal from the servo motor. By detecting the position of the pusher 114 pressing the cardboard sheet Z, the controller 40 can detect the position of the rearmost cardboard sheet Z pressed by the pusher 114.

[0094] The information on the position of the pusher 114 can be used to estimate the total amount of the cardboard sheets Z stored in the conveying unit 50. For example, the total amount estimation unit 41 of the controller 40 according to this modified example may refer to the information on the position of the pusher 114 in addition to the torque value.

[0095] In the supply device 10 according to this modified example, the total amount of the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0096] When the pusher position is not detected using a force applying mechanism, the force applying mechanism may be, for example, an elastic body such as a spring.

[0097] (6-4) Variation 1D In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a plurality of overlapping cardboard sheets Z are vertically placed on the conveying surface 53a. However, the position of the cardboard sheets Z is not limited to this. For example, the cardboard sheets Z may be stacked flat on the conveying surface 53a.

[0098] (6-5) Variation 1E In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a predetermined relational expression indicating the relationship between the value related to the driving force of the drive unit 60 and the total amount of multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state is stored in the storage device. However, the information stored in the storage device is not limited to this. For example, the storage device may store a table indicating the correspondence between the value related to the driving force of the drive unit 60 and the total amount of multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state for each type of cardboard sheet Z.

[0099] <Second embodiment> (7) Configuration of the supply device 10S Next, a supplying device 10S according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, only the configuration different from the first embodiment will be described, and the other description will be omitted.

[0100] (7-1)Measuring part 80 The supply device 10S according to this embodiment includes a weighing section 80 (see FIG. 9). The weighing section 80 weighs the weight of the conveying section 50 when no cardboard sheet Z is placed on it, and stores the weight. When a cardboard sheet Z is placed on the conveying section 50, the weighing section 80 weighs the sum of the weight of the conveying section 50 and the weight of the cardboard sheet Z. Hereinafter, the "sum of the weight of the conveying section 50 and the weight of the cardboard sheet Z" may be referred to as the total weight. When a cardboard sheet Z is placed on the conveying section 50, the weighing section 80 can weigh the weight of the cardboard sheet Z by subtracting the weight of the conveying section 50 when no cardboard sheet Z is placed on it from the total weight.

[0101] (7-2) Controller 40S The weight of each of the cardboard sheets Z is stored for each type of the cardboard sheets Z in the storage device of the controller 40S according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, before the operator starts the operation of the supply device 10S, the operator inputs the type of the cardboard sheets Z to be used in the current operation to the controller 40S. The controller 40S that receives the input checks the weight of each of the cardboard sheets Z to be used in the current operation by referring to the storage device. The total amount estimation unit 41S estimates how many cardboard sheets Z are included in the multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state placed on the conveying unit 50 based on the weight of each of the cardboard sheets Z to be used in the current operation and the value measured by the weighing unit 80. For example, when the weight of each of the cardboard sheets Z to be used in the current operation is 1 kg and the weight of the cardboard sheets Z measured by the weighing unit 80 is 30 kg, the total amount estimation unit 41 can estimate that 30 cardboard sheets Z are placed on the conveying unit 50.

[0102] (8) Features The supply device according to this embodiment is a supply device 10S that supplies cardboard sheets Z to a supply position SP to a box making device 12 that opens and makes a box out of folded cardboard sheets Z. The supply device includes a weighing section 80 and a control section 40. The weighing section 80 weighs the weight of multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state. The control section 40 estimates the total amount of multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state. The control section 40 estimates the total amount of multiple cardboard sheets Z in a stacked state based on the value weighed by the weighing section 80.

[0103] In the supply device 10S according to the present embodiment, the control unit 40 estimates the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z based on the value measured by the measuring unit 80. Therefore, in the supply device 10S according to the present embodiment, the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z can be estimated with an inexpensive configuration.

[0104] (9) Variation 2A Although not described in the above embodiment, the weighing unit 80 may be configured to continuously weigh for a predetermined period of time or more, or to continuously weigh for a predetermined number of times or more, and calculate an average weight value. The average weight value may then be used to estimate the total weight of the stacked cardboard sheets Z.

[0105] The packing system 1S may be vibrating during operation. This is because the various devices mounted on the packing system 1 are constantly operating in each process P1, P2, P3, and P4 executed by the packing system 1S. The vibrations occurring in the packing system 1S may affect the weighing by the weighing unit 80. In the supply device 10S according to this modified example, the average weighing value is used to estimate the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z. With this configuration, the total amount of the multiple stacked cardboard sheets Z can be estimated using a numerical value in which the effects of vibration are suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Packing System 10, 10S supply device 12 Box making equipment (case making department) 40 Control unit (controller) 50 Conveyor 53a Conveying surface 60 Drive unit 70 Notification Department 80 Measuring part Z Cardboard Sheet SP supply position [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0107] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-147582 A

Claims

1. A supply device supplies a folded cardboard sheet to a supply position for a box-making device that opens the folded cardboard sheet and makes a box, A weighing unit that weighs the weight of the plurality of cardboard sheets in a stacked state; A control unit that estimates a total amount of the plurality of stacked cardboard sheets; Equipped with The control unit estimates a total weight of the plurality of stacked cardboard sheets based on the value measured by the measuring unit. Feeding device.

2. The control unit performs a process for automatic or manual replenishment of the cardboard sheets based on the estimated total amount of the plurality of cardboard sheets.

2. The delivery device of claim 1.

3. a notification unit that notifies information encouraging the refilling of the cardboard sheets; Further equipped with The control unit performs a process of causing the notification unit to perform a notification as the process.

3. The feeding device of claim 2.

4. The control unit performs, as the process, a process of transmitting a signal to the supply device to automatically replenish the cardboard sheets.

3. The feeding device of claim 2.

5. The plurality of cardboard sheets in a stacked state are placed on the conveying surface in a state inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, and the plurality of cardboard sheets in a stacked state are conveyed with the lower ends of the plurality of cardboard sheets in contact with the conveying surface. A supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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