Container supply device and container assembly system

Abstract

To provide a container supply device which supplies a predetermined number of folding-form containers toward a supply destination from any number of container groups.SOLUTION: A container supply device includes: a device body; a lifting device; a carrying-out device; and a control part. The lifting device includes: a lifting tool which has engagement pieces which are engaged with parts to be engaged on opposing sides of a top frame with respect to the container on the N+1 stage from the bottom of the container group introduced into an arrangement space, and a support piece for supporting a bottom wall of the container on the N+1 stage; and traction means which is constituted so as to lift the container on the N+1 and above from the bottom of the container group to predetermined height in a state of being folded, by pulling the lifting tool upward in the height direction, while maintaining the state where the support piece supports the bottom wall and the engagement pieces are engaged with the parts to be engaged. The carrying-out device lifts one or a plurality of containers on the N+1 stage and above, and then carries out the remaining N pieces of containers from the arrangement space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container supply device for supplying one or more containers to a destination from a group of a plurality of stacked foldable containers, and a container assembling system including the container supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, foldable containers (see Figs. 27 to 29) that transform from a folded state in which the walls of the housing are folded up like plates into a box-like housing have been used to store and transport goods. These foldable containers can be folded and stacked when not in use to save space, and can be easily assembled and folded without using screws or the like, so they are used for various purposes such as factory lines. Various trial and error efforts have been made to quickly and easily assemble large quantities of foldable containers.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a container assembly system consisting of an automatic assembly machine and a conveying device for folding containers. In the following paragraphs, the reference number of Patent Document 1 is shown in parentheses. Generally, a large number of folding containers (1) are stored as container groups in which a plurality of containers are folded and stacked. In the container assembly system, the container groups are directly carried into the automatic assembly machine (11) by a carry-in device (9). This carry-in device (9) carries the containers by a large number of conveying rollers (13). The carried-in container groups are assembled one by one by the automatic assembly machine (11). Specifically, in the automatic assembly machine (11), both sides of the folded and stacked containers (1) are carried in the left direction in the figure by the carry-in device (9), and then held and sent downward by the lower feed device (29), and the container at the bottom end is roughly extended by the weight of the side plates, etc. Then, the push device (54) pushes the first side plate (3) from the inside to fully extend it. In this state, the container (1) is transported by the conveyor belt (57), and then the opening device (67) is inserted to push the second side plate (4) and open the container (1). In this way, the container (1) is assembled. In the opening device (67), a pair of rotating arms (73) is provided at the tip of a rod (71) of a cylinder (69) provided in the upper direction, and a roller (75) is attached to the tip of each rotating arm (73). The pair of rotating arms (73) are provided with a stopper to prevent the mutual angle from becoming smaller than a predetermined angle, and are usually closed at this predetermined angle by the weight of the roller (75) and the rotating arm (73). In addition, when the roller (75) comes into contact with the bottom plate (5) of the container (1), the rotating arm (73) is freely rotated in a direction to increase the angle. The roller (75) and the rotating arm (73) are arranged at a position where they can enter the container by the cylinder (69). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-2227 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a conventional container assembly system such as that described in Patent Document 1, a group of a predetermined number of containers is carried into an automatic assembly machine (hereinafter referred to as a container assembly device) to assemble the containers. However, when an operator feeds containers into the container assembly device, it is necessary to prepare a group of containers to be fed, which is composed of a predetermined number of containers according to the capacity of the container assembly device, by, for example, subdividing (or sorting) a group of containers in a shipping state. Then, the container assembly device assembles the containers by feeding the group of containers to be fed into the container assembly device. Such a task of subdividing containers to be fed into the container assembly device can be a heavy workload for the operator, which is a problem. Therefore, in order to reduce the workload, the inventors have set an object to provide a container supply device that can subdivide (or carry out as a group of subdivided containers) a predetermined number of containers to be fed from a group of containers in which many containers are stacked in a shipping state to a supply destination.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a container supply device that can supply a predetermined number of folded containers from a group of containers with any number of tiers to a destination, and a container assembly system equipped with the container supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A container supplying device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a container supplying device for supplying foldable containers, which can be transformed between a folded shape and a box shape, to a supply destination in a predetermined supply number N while the containers are in the folded shape, the container supplying device comprising: the container comprises a bottom wall, a top frame having an opening on the inside and placed on the bottom wall in the folded configuration; a pair of first side walls whose upper and lower edges are pivotally connected to horizontal sides of the bottom wall and the top frame, respectively, and having hinge portions that allow the first side walls to bend freely only inward between the upper and lower edges; a pair of second side walls whose upper edges are pivotally connected to vertical sides of the top frame and have free ends at their lower edges, and which are folded so that their inner surfaces face upward through the opening of the top frame in the folded configuration; and engaged portions provided on opposing sides of the top frame, and which are configured such that when the container transforms from the folded configuration to the box configuration, the first side walls pass through an intermediate configuration in which they extend linearly, and the second side walls are pressed outward and fitted to the first side walls and / or the bottom wall, The container supply device includes: a device main body defining an arrangement space therein for arranging a group of containers in which a plurality of containers in a folded form are stacked in any number M of stages, which may be two or more stages; A lifting device provided for the device body, The lifting device is a hoisting device having an engaging piece that engages with the engaged portion on each of the opposing sides of the top frame for a container in the (N+1)th tier from the bottom of the group of containers introduced into the arrangement space, and a supporting piece that supports the bottom wall of the container in the (N+1)th tier; a towing means configured to tow the lifting tool upward in the height direction while maintaining a state in which the support piece supports the bottom wall and the engagement piece is engaged with the engaged portion, thereby lifting one or more containers in the (N+1)th or higher tier from below the group of containers to a predetermined height position while maintaining the folded configuration; a carrying-out device for carrying out the remaining N containers from the arrangement space to a destination after the one or more containers on the N+1th stage or higher are lifted by the lifting device; A control unit for controlling an operation of the container supply device; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0008] According to one embodiment of the container supply device of the present invention, the lifting device engages the engaging piece and the support piece of the lifting device with the engaged portion and the bottom wall outer surface of the (N+1)th tier container from the bottom of the container group consisting of containers stacked in any number M of tiers in the folded form introduced into the arrangement space, respectively, and pulls the lifting device upward in the height direction, thereby lifting one or more containers in the (N+1)th tier or higher from the bottom to a predetermined height position while in the folded form. Then, after the lifting device lifts one or more containers in the (N+1)th tier or higher, the unloading device can unload N containers in the (N+1)th tier or lower that are left in the arrangement space from the arrangement space to the supply destination. In other words, the container supply device of the present invention makes it possible to supply a predetermined supply number N of containers from an arbitrary number M of container groups to the supply destination by dividing them into smaller containers.

[0009] A further form of the container supply device of the present invention is characterized in that the lifting device is displaceable between a retracted position in which it does not interfere with the container in the arrangement space and an engageable position in which it protrudes from the retracted position and can engage with the engageable portion and the bottom wall, respectively.

[0010] A further aspect of the present invention provides a container supplying apparatus comprising: The lifting device is a lifting body having a holding part for holding the hanging tool and supported by the device body so as to be movable up and down in a height direction; and a lifting means for moving the lifting body to a predetermined height, The method is characterized in that after the lifting means moves the lifting body to a height at which the N+1th container can be lifted, the lifting tool is displaced from the retracted position to the engageable position.

[0011] A further aspect of the present invention provides a container supplying apparatus comprising: The traction means is A traction belt connected to the sling and extending in the height direction; a traction drum capable of winding and unwinding the traction belt; a traction motor that rotates the traction drum; The tension of the towing belt generated by winding up the towing belt by the towing drum displaces the hoisting device from the retracted position to the engageable position, and when the tension of the towing belt is released by letting out the towing belt by the towing drum, the hoisting device returns from the engageable position to the retracted position.

[0012] A further form of the container supply device of the present invention is characterized in that the engaging piece is provided on the holding portion of the lifting body, arranged on a guide path that slopes diagonally upward toward the opposing engaged portion, and is lifted upward in the height direction by the towing belt while simultaneously sliding diagonally upward from the retracted position to the engageable position.

[0013] A further aspect of the container supplying device of the present invention is characterized in that, when the tension of the towing belt is released, the hoisting tool returns from the engageable position to the retracted position by its own weight.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the container supply device of the present invention, the hoisting tool is constantly biased toward the retracted position by an elastic body provided in the holding portion, When the tension of the towing belt is released, the sling returns from the engageable position to the retracted position by the elastic force of the elastic body.

[0015] A further aspect of the present invention provides a container supplying apparatus comprising: The lifting means is A lifting belt connected to the lifting body and extending in a height direction; a lifting drum capable of winding and unwinding the lifting belt; a lifting motor that rotates the lifting drum; The device body is characterized in that a lift rail is provided on the device body for guiding the lift body's vertical movement.

[0016] A further form of the container supply device of the present invention is characterized in that the towing belt and the lifting belt are integrally formed as a single belt body, one end of the belt body is connected to the towing drum, and the other end of the belt body is connected to the lifting drum.

[0017] A further aspect of the present invention provides a container supplying apparatus comprising: an introduction path provided adjacent to the upstream side of the arrangement space for feeding the container group of M stages into the arrangement space; The system further comprises a conveying path connected to the downstream side of the arrangement space for conveying the N containers conveyed out of the arrangement space by the unloading device to a destination.

[0018] A further aspect of the present invention provides a container supplying apparatus comprising: the lifting device is controlled to move one or more containers on the second or higher tier from the bottom to a predetermined height position while maintaining the folded configuration; The lifting device is configured to lift one or more containers on the second or higher level, and then remove the bottom container remaining in the placement space.

[0019] A further aspect of the present invention provides a container supplying apparatus comprising: A container supply device; a container assembling device for automatically assembling one or more containers; a conveyor device connecting the container supply device and the container assembly device for transporting the one or more containers from the container supply device to the container assembly device; The method is characterized in that N containers sequentially conveyed out from the container supply device are sequentially fed into the container assembling device, and the one or more containers are continuously assembled into a box shape by the container assembling device. Effect of the Invention

[0020] The container supply device of the present invention makes it possible to sequentially supply a predetermined supply number N of containers from a container group having an arbitrary number M of tiers to a supply destination while dividing the containers into smaller portions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the container supply device of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the container supply device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container supply device of FIG. 1 . [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a lifting body of the container supply device of FIG. 1 as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic perspective view of the lifting body of FIG. 5 as seen from below. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the lifting body of FIG. 5 . [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of the lifting body shown in FIG. 7 along line A-A. [Figure 9] 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the suspender protrudes from the holder in the lifting body of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing a band body consisting of a lifting belt and a towing belt of the container supply device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged partial view thereof. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the container supplying device of the embodiment in an initial stage. [Figure 12] 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the container supplying device of FIG. 11 in a first operation stage in which the lifting body has moved to a predetermined height position. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the container supplying device of FIG. 12 in a second operation stage in which the lifting body is at a predetermined height position and the hoisting tool has been displaced to an engageable position. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a container group in which a plurality of containers are stacked is arranged in an arrangement space. [Figure 15]15 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the hoisting tools and the container group in the container supply device of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a first step in which the lifting body is raised relative to a group of containers in the arrangement space in the container supply device of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a second step in which the engagement piece and the support piece are displaced from the retracted position to the engageable position in the container supply device of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a third step of lifting containers above the Nth container in the container supply device of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth step of transporting the Nth or smaller containers remaining on the conveying rollers in the arrangement space out of the arrangement space in the container supplying device of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth step of lowering the (N+1)th or higher lifted container in the container supply device of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a sixth step of displacing the engagement piece and the support piece from the engageable position to the retracted position in the container supply device of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a container assembling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a container assembling system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a container assembling system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a container supplying device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 26 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the hoisting tool is displaced from the retracted position to the engageable position in the container supplying device of FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a box form of a foldable container as illustrated in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 27 in the middle of being deformed. [Figure 29]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 27 in a folded configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes of the figures referred to in the following description are conceptual or schematic diagrams for explaining preferred shapes, and the dimensional ratios do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios in the drawings. In addition, the up, down, left, and right directions may be interpreted as being mutually interchangeable.

[0023] The container supply device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is used for supplying a predetermined number N of foldable containers, which can be transformed between a folded form and a box form, to a supply destination in the folded form. Specific supply destinations include, for example, a container assembly workshop and a container assembly device. The container supply device 100 according to this embodiment is automatically driven by power supplied from a power source (not shown), and enables a user to carry out a predetermined number N of containers to the outside by operating a control panel (not shown) or the like. Here, the foldable container is generally used for transportation, and is exemplified as the container 10 in Figs. 27 to 29 without being limited thereto. The foldable container that is the subject of the present invention is not limited to the form of the container 10. For example, the container may have a lid.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 27, the box-shaped container 10 includes a rectangular plate-shaped bottom wall 11, a top frame 12 disposed opposite the bottom wall 11 and having an opening on the inside, a pair of first side walls 13 facing each other between the horizontal side of the bottom wall 11 and the horizontal side of the top frame 12, and a pair of second side walls 14 facing each other between the vertical side of the bottom wall 11 and the vertical side of the top frame 12. Two recessed engaged portions 17 forming handles are formed on each of the opposing horizontal sides (or vertical sides) of the top frame 12. The container 10 is mutually transformable from a housing-like box form opening upward as shown in Fig. 27, through a form in the middle of transformation as shown in Fig. 28, to a folded form in which the container 10 is folded over like a plate as shown in Fig. 29. As shown in FIG. 28, the pair of first side walls 13 have their upper and lower edges pivotally connected to the horizontal side of the bottom wall 11 and the horizontal side of the top frame 12, respectively, and have hinge portions 13a that allow them to bend freely only inward between their upper and lower edges. Also, as shown in FIG. 28, the pair of second side walls 14 have their upper edges pivotally connected to the vertical side of the top frame 12, and have free ends at their lower edges. Also, fitting portions 15 that fit into the side edges of the pair of first side walls 13 and the vertical side of the bottom wall 11 are provided on both side edges and the lower edge of the second side walls 14. Note that in FIG. 28, when the first side walls 13 are partially bent, the second side walls 14 abut against the upper edges of the first side walls 13, and therefore the second side walls 14 do not pivot toward the bottom wall 11.

[0025] In the box-shaped container 10 in Fig. 27, the pair of second side walls 14 are fixed to at least one of the straight first side wall 13 and the bottom wall 11, thereby maintaining the container 10 in a box shape. In the folded container 10 in Fig. 29, the top frame 12 is placed on the bottom wall 11. Inside the opening of the top frame 12, the pair of first side walls 13 are folded inwardly in a dogleg shape via the hinge portions 13a, and above the folded first side walls 13, the pair of second side walls 14 are folded in such a way that their inner surfaces face upward from the opening of the top frame 12. When the top frame 12 is lifted, the first side wall 13 is transformed from a bent state to a straight intermediate state by gravity as shown in Figures 27 to 29, and then the second side wall 14 is pressed outward to be fitted to the first side wall 13 and / or the bottom wall 11 via the fitting portion 15, thereby transforming the container 10 from the folded state to a box state. Note that multiple containers 10 can be stacked in multiple tiers in either the folded state or the box state.

[0026] The configuration of a container supplying device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the container supplying device 100. Fig. 2 is a front view of the container supplying device 100. Fig. 3 is a side view of the container supplying device 100. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the container supplying device 100. Figs. 1 to 4 show the container supplying device 100 in an initial stage.

[0027] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the container supply device 100 of this embodiment includes a device main body 101 that defines an arrangement space 103 inside in which a group of containers in which a plurality of containers 10 in a folded form are stacked in any number M of stages of two or more are arranged, a lifting device 130 provided for the arrangement space 103, and a carrying device 150 for carrying out a predetermined supply number N of containers 10 arranged in the arrangement space 103 to the outside. Although not shown, the container supply device 100 may also include a power supply unit that receives power from a power source, a control unit (processor) that controls the operation of each component of the container supply device 100, and a control panel for inputting instructions from a user. That is, the container supply device 100 of this embodiment is configured to carry out a predetermined supply number N of containers 10 in a folded form from the arrangement space 103 out of the group of containers in the number M (≧N) of stages that have been input into the arrangement space 103, and to supply them to a destination. The number of supplies N can be set by the user via an operation panel, and can take any value between 1 and M depending on the requirements of the supply destination. Each of the components constituting the container supply device 100 will be described below.

[0028] The device main body 101 is made of a rectangular frame 102 extending in the length, width and height directions. An arrangement space 103 for arranging a container group consisting of a plurality of folded containers 10 is formed inside the frame 102. Four lifting rails 105 extend in the height direction as part of the frame 102 at the four corners of the arrangement space 103. The arrangement space 103 has an area in which one container 10 can be arranged in a plan view, and has a height in which a container group consisting of M (two or more) folded containers 10 can be arranged in a front view.

[0029] The unloading device 150 is provided at the bottom of the arrangement space 103 and configured to unload one or more containers 10 arranged in the arrangement space 103 to the outside. The unloading device 150 includes unloading rollers 151 on which the container 10 is placed. The unloading rollers 151 are rotatably driven by the control unit, so that the one or more containers 10 can be sent out and unloaded to the outside of the arrangement space 103 at an appropriate timing. An introduction path 161 for introducing a group of containers into the arrangement space 103 may be optionally provided adjacent to the upstream side of the unloading device 150. In addition, an unloading path 162 for unloading the one or more unloaded containers 10 to a container assembly device or a conveyor that is a supply destination of the unloading device 150 may be optionally provided adjacent to the downstream side of the unloading device 150.

[0030] The lifting device 130 is configured to hold (hang) the top frame 12 of one container 10 in the arrangement space 103 and lift one or more containers 10 upward in the height direction. The lifting device 130 includes a lifting body 131 that is held by the lifting rail 105 and moves up and down in the height direction along the lifting rail 105, a lifting tool 133 that is held by the lifting body 131 and is configured to lift the container 10 introduced into the arrangement space 103 while maintaining the folded shape, a lifting means 136 that moves the lifting body 131 to a predetermined height, and a pulling means 137 that pulls the support piece 135 and the engagement piece 134 upward in the height direction. The lifting tool 133 has an engagement piece 134 that engages with the engaged parts 17 on the opposing sides of the top frame 12, and a support piece 135 that supports the bottom wall 11 of the container 10. That is, the lifting device 130 is configured to lift the container 10 in the folded state upward in the height direction with the engaging piece 134 and the supporting piece 135 of the lifting tool 133 engaged with the engaged portion 17 and the bottom wall 11, respectively. Here, the engaging piece 134 and the supporting piece 135 are integrally connected.

[0031] The configuration of the lifting body 131 will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 5 to 9. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the lifting body 131 as viewed from above. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the lifting body 131 as viewed from below. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the lifting body 131. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA showing the holding portion 132 of the lifting body 131. Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing the operation of the engagement piece 134 protruding from the holding portion 132.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, the lifting body 131 has a rectangular frame shape composed of a pair of first frames 131a in the front-rear direction and a pair of second frames 131b in the left-right direction when viewed from the front. The lifting body 131 is arranged inside the four lifting rails 105 and is configured to be supported so as to be slidable in the height direction along the lifting rails 105. In particular, both ends of the first frame 131a in the front-rear direction of the lifting body 131 are slidably held by the two lifting rails 105 in the front-rear direction. A lifting belt 136a of the lifting means 136 is connected (wound) to the lifting body 131 via a connected part 131c.

[0033] A hoist 133 is held on each of the first frames 131a of the lifting body 131 so as to be able to face the horizontal side of the container 10 in the folded state. As shown in FIG. 8, the hoist 133 includes plate-shaped (one or more) engagement pieces 134 and (one or more) support pieces 135 so as to be able to support the horizontal sides of the top frame 12 and the bottom wall 11. The engagement piece 134 is made of a claw-shaped plate that can be hooked and latched from below on the concave engaged portion 17 at its tip. In this embodiment, two engagement pieces 134 are provided so as to be able to face two engaged portions 17 at two locations on the horizontal side of the top frame 12 of the container 10, respectively. A support piece 135 is integrally connected to the base end of each engagement piece 134. The support piece 135 is a plate or hook that protrudes toward the arrangement space 103 and has a horizontal support surface facing upward for supporting the outer surface (or lower surface) of the bottom wall 11 of the container 10. The engagement piece 134 and the support piece 135 are integrally connected to form an integrated hanger 133, so that the engagement piece 134 and the support piece 135 can operate in conjunction with each other.

[0034] The suspending tool 133 is provided with a towed part 133a that is movably held relative to the first frame 131a. The towed part 133a is an elongated body that extends along the longitudinal direction of the first frame 131a. The towed part 133a is configured to be towed upward by a towing belt 137a of the towing means 137. The towed part 133a acts to move the suspending tool 133 from the retracted position to the engageable position by the action of the towing belt 137a. The engaging piece 134 and the supporting piece 135 are connected to each other via the towed part 133a, which is an elongated body, so as to be interlocked with each other.

[0035] Each hoisting tool 133 (the engagement piece 134 and the support piece 135) is movably held by a holding portion 132 formed on a first frame 131a of the lifting body 131 in a state where it is prevented from coming off. The hoisting tool 133 is configured to be displaceable between a retracted position where the hoisting tool 133 does not interfere with the container 10 (in the arrangement space 103) and an engageable position where the hoisting tool 133 protrudes from the retracted position into the arrangement space 103 and can engage with the container 10. Here, the tip of the engagement piece 134 protrudes toward the arrangement space 103 more than the tip of the support piece 135. In other words, the position where the engagement piece 134 is accommodated in the holding portion 132 constitutes the retracted position, and the position where a part of the engagement piece 134 protrudes so as to enter the arrangement space 103 constitutes the engageable position. 9, the abutted portion 133b of the suspender 133 engages with the retaining portion 132a of the holding portion 132 at the engageable position, thereby being locked. The holding portion 132 is formed with a guide path 132b that slopes obliquely upward toward the opposing engaged portion 17. The engaging piece 134 is disposed on the guide path 132b, and the sliding direction of the engaging piece 134 is guided by the guide path 132b. Then, in accordance with the sliding of the engaging piece 134, the supporting piece 135 slides toward the arrangement space 103 while maintaining the support surface horizontal.

[0036] The lifting means 136 is configured to move the lifting body 131 in a predetermined height direction. The lifting means 136 includes a flexible lifting belt 136a that is connected (wound) to the lifting body 131 and extends in the height direction, a lifting drum 136b that can wind and unwind the lifting belt 136a, and a lifting motor 136c that rotates the lifting drum 136b. In this embodiment, the tip sides of the four lifting belts 136a are respectively connected (or wound) to the four connected parts 131c of the lifting body 131, and the base ends are respectively connected to the four lifting drums 136b. Then, one lifting motor 136c is connected to the four lifting drums 136b via gears so as to rotate each of the lifting drums 136b in the same operation (winding or unwinding) and at the same rotation speed. That is, the control unit drives the lift motor 136c to rotate the lift drum 136b in the winding direction, thereby lifting the lift body 131 along the lift rail 105, and on the other hand, rotates the lift drum 136b in the unwinding direction, thereby lowering the lift body 131 along the lift rail 105.

[0037] The towing means 137 is configured to hoist the container 10 in the folded state to a predetermined height position by towing the hoist 133 (an assembly of the engagement pieces 134 and the support pieces 135) upward in the height direction. The towing means 137 includes a flexible towing belt 137a connected (wound) to the hoist 133 and extending in the height direction, a towing drum 137b capable of winding and unwinding the towing belt 137a, and a towing motor 137c that rotates and drives the towing drum 137b. In this embodiment, the tip ends of the four towing belts 137a are connected (or wound) to four locations of the towed part 133a of the hoist 133, respectively, and the base ends thereof are connected to the four towing drums 137b, respectively. In addition, one traction motor 137c is connected to the four traction drums 137b via gears so as to rotate each of the traction drums 137b in the same operation (winding or letting out) and at the same rotation speed. Then, the tension of the traction belt 137a generated by winding the traction belt 137a by the traction drum 137b displaces the hoisting tool 133 from the retracted position to the engageable position, and the container 10 engaged with the hoisting tool 133 can be lifted to a predetermined height. In addition, when the tension of the traction belt 137a is released by letting out the traction belt 137a by the traction drum 137b, the hoisting tool 133 can return from the engageable position to the retracted position.

[0038] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the lifting belt 136a and the pulling belt 137a are integrally formed as one belt body 138, one end of the belt body 138 is connected to the pulling drum 137b, and the other end of the belt body 138 is connected to the lifting drum 136b. The belt body 138 also extends downward from the pulling drum 137b in the vertical direction, and its lower end side is wound around the pulled part 133a of the hoist 133 from below. Next, the belt body 138 extends from the pulled part 133a and is wound around the shaft-shaped connected part 131c of the lifting body 131 from below. The belt body 138 also extends upward from the connected part 131c in the vertical direction, and its upper end is connected to the lifting drum 136b. As shown in Fig. 8, when the suspending tool 133 is in the retracted position, the towed part 133a is located below the connected part 131c, whereas when the suspending tool 133 is in the engageable position, the towed part 133a is located above the connected part 131c. Here, when the control unit drives only the lifting means 136 and the lifting belt 136a is wound around the lifting drum 136b, the lifting belt 136a acts on the connected part 131c, and the lifting body 131 can be moved upward in the height direction while maintaining the suspending tool 133 in the retracted position. In addition, when the control unit drives the traction means 137 and the traction belt 137a is wound around the traction drum 137b, the tension generated in the traction belt 137a acts on the towed part 133a, and the suspending tool 133 can be displaced from the retracted position to the engageable position. Furthermore, the control unit can control the lifting means 136 and / or the traction means 137 to move the lifting body 131 vertically upward and downward while maintaining the hanging device 133 in an engageable position with tension being generated in the traction belt 137a.

[0039] Next, a series of lifting operations of the lifting device 130 in the container supplying device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 13. Fig. 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the container supplying device 100 in the initial stage. Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the container supplying device 100 in a first operation stage in which the lifting body 131 has moved to a predetermined height position. Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the container supplying device 100 in a second operation stage in which the lifting body 131 is at a predetermined height position and the lifting tool 133 has been displaced to an engageable position.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 11, in the container supplying device 100, in the initial stage, the lifting body 131 is located at the bottom of the arrangement space 103. At this time, the lifting body 131 is located below the upper surface of the discharge rollers 151 to prevent interference with the container 10 being carried into the arrangement space 103. In addition, the hoisting tool 133 is disposed at the retracted position. From this initial stage, the control unit drives the lifting means 136 (without driving the traction means 137 to wind up) and when the lifting belt 136a is wound up around the lifting drum 136b, the lifting body 131 moves upward while maintaining the hoisting tool 133 at the retracted position, and stops at the first height position.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 12, in the first operation stage, the container supply device 100 supports the lifting body 131 at a predetermined height in a state in which the lifting tool 133 is disposed at a retracted position so as not to protrude into the arrangement space 103. The first height position of the lifting body 131 is determined based on the set supply number N. Specifically, the first height position of the lifting body 131 is determined to be a position where, when the lifting tool 133 is displaced to an engageable position with respect to the N+1th container 10 from the bottom of the container group introduced into the arrangement space 103, the engagement piece 134 can engage with the respective engaged parts 17 on the opposing sides of the top frame 12, and the support piece 135 can support the bottom wall 11 of the N+1th container 10. This first height position may be calculated by the control unit based on the height dimension of the container 10 in the folded form, or may be determined based on detection of the height position of the N+1th container 10 from the bottom using a sensor.

[0042] From this first stage, the control unit drives the towing means 137 (without winding the lifting means 136), and when the towing belt 137a is wound around the towing drum 137b, the towed part 133a is pulled with the generation of tension, and the hoist 133 is displaced from the retreated position to the engageable position. As shown in FIG. 13, in the container supply device 100, in the second operation stage, the lifting body 131 is at a predetermined height position, and the engagement piece 134 and the support piece 135 protrude toward the arrangement space 103. When the lifting means 136 and / or the towing means 137 are continuously driven to wind from this second operation stage, the lifting body 131 starts moving upward while the hoist 133 maintains the engageable position. Thereafter, in the third operation stage, the lifting body 131 moves to a second height position where it does not interfere with the Nth container 10, and stops. This completes a series of lifting operations.

[0043] To return the container supply device 100 from the third operation stage to the initial stage, the lifting means 136 and the pulling means 137 may be driven in the sending direction to unwind the belt body 138. When the tension of the pulling belt 137a is released, the hoist 133 returns from the engageable position to the retracted position by its own weight (or gravity).

[0044] Next, a method of dividing N containers 10 from a container group in which M levels of folded containers 10 are stacked and transporting them to a destination using the container supply device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 21. In this embodiment, M is 12 and N is 1, but these can be arbitrarily set by an operator as necessary. In each drawing, the depiction of the container 10 is simplified for the convenience of explanation.

[0045] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the container supplying device 100 in which the containers 10 in the folded form are stacked in a plurality of tiers and arranged in the arrangement space 103. First, as shown in FIG. 14, a container group of M tiers consisting of M containers 10 in the folded form is introduced onto the discharge rollers 151 in the arrangement space 103. Since the number of tiers is arbitrary, the container group of M tiers may be left in the shipping state. In this embodiment, the container group of M tiers may be automatically introduced into the arrangement space 103 via the introduction path 161. Alternatively, the container supplying device 100 may be configured so that the container group can be arranged in the arrangement space 103 while being placed on a dolly (not shown).

[0046] 15, the lifting body 131 is disposed at the bottom of the arrangement space 103, below the upper surface of the discharge rollers 151. This prevents interference between the container group and the lifting body 131 when the container group is introduced. At this time, each hoisting tool 133 is disposed in a retracted position, and positioned outside the arrangement space 103. In addition, because the lifting body 131 is placed on the bottom of the arrangement space 103, no tension (although there is no slack) is generated in the belt body 138 (the lifting belt 136a and the towing belt 137a).

[0047] Then, the container supply device 100 starts operating in response to a user operation or detection of a group of containers by a sensor, etc. The user can arbitrarily input and set the number N of containers 10 to be supplied via the control panel.

[0048] In the first step, the control unit drives the lifting motor 136c of the lifting means 136, and the lifting drum 136b starts winding up the lifting belt 136a. Tension is generated in the lifting belt 136a, and the lifting body 131 starts to rise. At this time, the traction means 137 does not perform winding drive, and tension is not generated in the traction belt 137a. This makes it possible to raise the lifting body 131 while maintaining the hoisting tool 133 in the retracted position without displacing it to the engageable position. Then, the lifting body 131 moves to a first height at which the hoisting tool 133 can engage with the (N+1)th (second) container 10 from the bottom of the container group, and then the lifting means 136 stops. This first height may be detected by a sensor, or may be calculated based on the set number of supplies N. At this time, as shown in Figure 16, the tip of the engagement piece 134 of the lifting device 133 faces the engaged portion 17 of the top frame 12 of the N+1th (second) tier container 10, and the tip of the support piece 135 is positioned diagonally below the underside of the bottom wall 11.

[0049] Next, the control unit drives the traction motor 137c of the traction means 137, and the traction drum 137b starts winding up the traction belt 137a. Tension is generated in the traction belt 137a, and the hoist 133 slides obliquely upward relative to the lifting body 131 so as to protrude toward the arrangement space 103. As shown in FIG. 17, the hoist 133 is displaced to the engageable position, the upper surface of the engagement piece 134 engages with the lower surface of the engaged part 17, and the upper surface of the support piece 135 engages with the lower surface of the bottom wall 11. Then, with tension being generated in the traction belt 137a, the traction motor 137c is further driven to wind up, and the lifting body 131 moves upward with the hoist 133 and the container 10 engaged, so that the hoist 133 lifts the container 10. At this time, preferably, the lifting means 136 is not driven to wind up.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 18, all (MN) containers 10 from the N+1th (second) level and above are lifted up together from below the group of containers. At this time, the support pieces 135 rest on the bottom wall 11, so that when the engagement pieces 134 lift the top frame 12, the first side wall 13 of the container 10 is prevented from extending via the hinge parts 13a and deforming into a box shape (or intermediate shape). The lifting body 131 rises until the bottom surfaces of the lifted containers 10 and the bottom surface of the lifting body 131 are positioned at least higher than the top surfaces of the remaining N (one) containers 10. After the lifting body 131 moves to the second height, the towing means 137 stops. This second height may be detected by a sensor or calculated based on the set number of supplies N.

[0051] 19, after hoisting MN (11) containers 10 on the (N+1)th stage (second stage) or higher by the lifting device 130, the control unit drives the carrying-out device 150 to carry out the N (1) containers 10 remaining on the carrying-out rollers 151 of the arrangement space 103 from the arrangement space 103 to the outside toward the supply destination. The N (1) container 10 leaves the arrangement space 103 and moves to the carrying-out path 162, and is finally transported to the supply destination such as a container assembly device.

[0052] After the control unit detects by a sensor or the like that N (1) containers 10 are no longer present in the arrangement space 103, the control unit drives the towing means 137 to send out, and sends out the towing belt 137a while maintaining the tension of the towing belt 137a, thereby lowering the lifting body 131 while suspending MN (11) containers 10 by the hoist 133. At this time, preferably, the lifting means 136 is not driven to send out. Then, as shown in FIG. 20, MN (11) containers 10 are placed on the discharge rollers 151. In this state, both the lifting means 136 and the towing means 137 are driven in the sending direction to release or loosen the tension of the towing belt 137a, and as shown in FIG. 21, the lifting body 131 is moved to the bottom of the arrangement space 103 while the hoist 133 is moved by its own weight to the retreat position, and the container supply device 100 returns to its initial form.

[0053] By repeating the above steps, the container supplying device 100 can automatically divide the container group of M tiers into N containers 10 and sequentially and continuously carry out the containers 10 N at a time to the destination. The number of tiers M of the container group decreases as the container supplying device 100 repeats the operation. When it is detected that the number of tiers M of the container group arranged in the arrangement space 103 is the same as the supply number N, the container supplying device 100 drives the carry-out device 150 without driving the lifting device 130, and carries out the container group of the number of tiers M (=N) from the arrangement space 103 to the outside as it is. When it is detected that the number of tiers M (e.g., M=0) of the container group arranged in the arrangement space 103 is smaller than the supply number N, the operation of the container supplying device 100 may be stopped and the user may be notified of the completion of the operation.

[0054] The container supply device 100 of this embodiment can be used in combination with any container assembling device to configure a container assembling system that can automatically assemble the containers 10. Some examples of the container assembling system will be described below.

[0055] FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram showing a container assembling system 1000 of the first embodiment incorporating the container supply device 100 of the present embodiment. The container assembling system 1000 includes the container supply device 100, a container assembling device 1001 for automatically assembling one or more containers 10, and a conveyor device 1002 for connecting the container supply device 100 and the container assembling device 1001 and transporting one or more containers 10 from the container supply device 100 to the container assembling device 1001. As shown in FIG. 22, in the container assembling system 1000, N containers 10 sequentially delivered from the container supply device 100 are sequentially fed into the container assembling device 1001 via the conveyor device 1002, and the container assembling device 1001 successively assembles the multiple containers 10 into a box shape. The container assembling device 1001 may be capable of assembling the containers 10 one by one, or may be capable of assembling multiple (e.g., N) containers 10 simultaneously.

[0056] Fig. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing a container assembling system 1000' of the second embodiment. The container assembling system 1000' includes a container supplying device 100, three container assembling devices 1001A-C for automatically assembling one or more containers 10, and three conveyor devices 1002A-C for respectively connecting the container supplying device 100 and the three container assembling devices 1001A-C and transporting one or more containers 10 from the container supplying device 100 to each of the container assembling devices 1001. As shown in Fig. 23, in the container assembling system 1000', the container supplying device 100 may be configured to supply a different supply number N (=1 to 3) of containers 10 to each of the different container assembling devices 1001A-C.

[0057] FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram showing a container assembling system 1000" of the third embodiment. The container assembling system 1000" includes a container supply device 100, three container assembling devices 1001 for automatically assembling one or more containers 10, and a conveyor device 1002 for connecting the container supply device 100 and each of the three container assembling devices 1001 and for branching and transporting one or more containers 10 from the container supply device 100 to each container assembling device 1001. As shown in FIG. 24, in the container assembling system 1000", N containers divided and carried out from the container supply device 100 can be sequentially fed into different container assembling devices 1001 via branching points of the conveyor device 1002.

[0058] The following describes the operation and effects of the container supplying device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] According to the container supply device 100 of this embodiment, the lifting device 130 can lift one or more containers 10 in the N+1th or higher tier from the bottom in the folded form (i.e., without being deformed into a box form) to a predetermined height position by pulling the lifting device 133 upward in the height direction while engaging the engagement piece 134 and the support piece 135 of the lifting tool 133 with the engaged portion 17 and the outer surface of the bottom wall 11 of the container 10 in the N+1th or higher tier from the bottom of the container group consisting of the containers 10 stacked in any number M of tiers in the folded form introduced into the arrangement space 103. Then, after the lifting device 130 lifts one or more containers 10 in the N+1th or higher tier, the carrying-out device 150 can carry out the N containers 10 in the Nth or lower tier remaining in the arrangement space 103 from the arrangement space 103 to the supply destination. That is, the container supply device 100 of this embodiment makes it possible to divide a predetermined supply number N of containers 10 from a container group having an arbitrary number M of layers and supply them sequentially or continuously to a supply destination.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various embodiments and modifications may be made within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0061] (1) The container supply device of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the engaging piece of the lifting device is configured to engage with the engaged portion of the horizontal side of the top frame of the container, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to engage with the engaged portion formed on the vertical side of the top frame of the container. Also, the engaged portion is formed at two places on the side of the top frame of the container, and two engaging pieces are formed for each first frame of the lifting body corresponding to this, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the engaged portion may be provided at one place on the side of the top frame of the container, or may be provided at three or more places. Also, the entire side of the top frame may be the engaged portion, and one or more engaging pieces may be provided to engage with any place of the engaged portion.

[0062] (2) The container supply device of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the hoisting tool is configured to return from the engageable position to the retracted position by its own weight when the tension of the traction belt is released, but the present invention is not limited to this. Figs. 25 and 26 show a container supply device 200 of another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 25, in the container supply device 200, the hoisting tool 233 is constantly biased to the retracted position by an elastic body (spring) 239 provided in the holding part 232. As shown in Fig. 26, when the traction belt 237a is wound by the driving of the traction means 237 and tension is generated in the traction belt 237a, the hoisting tool 233 is displaced from the retracted position to the engageable position against the elastic force of the elastic body 239. Then, when the tension of the traction belt 237a is released, the hoisting tool 233 can be returned from the engageable position to the retracted position by the elastic return force of the elastic body 239 (without using gravity). That is, in the present invention, by using an elastic body or the like, it becomes possible to set the displacement direction of the sling not only in a displacement direction including a vertical component due to gravity, but also in a horizontal direction or the like.

[0063] (3) The container supply device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the container supply device is configured to lift a container by sliding the lifting body on the lifting rail and moving the lifting tool in the height direction together with the lifting body by being pulled by the belt body, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the belt body and the lifting rail may be omitted from the container supply device. In such a case, the lifting tool may be driven to move in the height direction by, for example, a motor or the like. Also, the lifting tool may be driven to move from the retracted position to the engageable position by, for example, a motor, a cylinder, or the like.

[0064] (4) The container supply device of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the engaging piece is configured to be engaged with the engaged portion as a plate-shaped hook, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the engaged portion may be a hole or a recess, and the engaging piece may be a pin or a protrusion. The engaging piece may be configured to pinch and grip the top frame. The support piece has a horizontal support surface facing upward, and is configured to support the outer surface of the bottom wall of the container with the support surface, but the present invention is not limited to this. The support piece may take any form as long as it can support the bottom wall, and may be configured to support the bottom wall by pinching it from both sides, for example.

[0065] (5) The container supply device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In the above embodiment, the container supply device is configured to be automatically driven, but may be configured to be manually operated by a user by adding an operating lever and a handle.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications, and may be embodied in various forms within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10 Container 11 Bottom wall 12 Top Frame 13 First side wall 13a Hinge part 14 Second side wall 15 Fitting part 17 Engaged part 100 Container supply device 101 Device body 102 Frames 103 Placement space 105 Lifting rail 130 Lifting equipment 131 Lifting body 131a 1st frame 131b 2nd frame 131c Connected part 132 Holding part 132a Stopper 132b Guideway 133 Lifting equipment 133a Towed part 133b Abutted part 134 Engagement piece 135 Support piece 136 Lifting means 136a Lifting belt 136b Lifting drum 136c Lifting motor 137 Traction means 137a Towing belt 137b Traction drum 137c Traction motor 138 Belt body 239 Elastic Body 150 Unloading device 151 Delivery roller 161 Introductory path 162 Export path 1000 Container Assembly System 1001 Container assembly equipment 1002 Conveyor equipment

Claims

1. A container supplying device for supplying a foldable container, which can be mutually transformed into a folded shape and a box shape, to a supply destination in a predetermined supply number N while the container is in the folded shape, comprising: the container comprises a bottom wall, a top frame having an opening on the inside and placed on the bottom wall in the folded configuration; a pair of first side walls whose upper and lower edges are pivotally connected to horizontal sides of the bottom wall and the top frame, respectively, and having hinge portions that allow the first side walls to bend freely only inward between the upper and lower edges; a pair of second side walls whose upper edges are pivotally connected to vertical sides of the top frame and have free ends at their lower edges, and which are folded so that their inner surfaces face upward through the opening of the top frame in the folded configuration; and engaged portions provided on opposing sides of the top frame, and when the container is transformed from the folded configuration to the box configuration, the first side walls pass through an intermediate configuration in which they extend linearly, and the second side walls are pressed outward and fitted to the first side walls and / or the bottom wall, The container supply device includes: an apparatus main body defining an arrangement space therein for arranging a group of containers in which a plurality of containers in a folded form are stacked in any number M of stages, which may be two or more stages; A lifting device provided for the device body, The lifting device is a hoisting device having an engaging piece that engages with the engaged portion on each of the opposing sides of the top frame for a container in the (N+1)th tier from the bottom of the group of containers introduced into the arrangement space, and a supporting piece that supports the bottom wall of the container in the (N+1)th tier; a towing means configured to tow the lifting tool upward in the height direction while maintaining a state in which the support piece supports the bottom wall and the engagement piece is engaged with the engaged portion, thereby lifting one or more containers in the (N+1)th or higher tier from below the group of containers to a predetermined height position while maintaining the folded configuration; a carrying-out device for carrying out the remaining N containers from the arrangement space to a destination after the one or more containers on the N+1th stage or higher are lifted by the lifting device; A control unit for controlling an operation of the container supply device; A container supplying device comprising:

2. The container supply device described in claim 1, characterized in that the lifting device is displaceable between a retracted position in which it does not interfere with the container in the arrangement space and an engageable position in which it protrudes from the retracted position and can engage with the engageable portion and the bottom wall, respectively.

3. The lifting device is a lifting body having a holding part for holding the hanging tool and supported by the device body so as to be movable up and down in a height direction; and a lifting means for moving the lifting body to a predetermined height, A container supply device as described in claim 2, characterized in that after the lifting means moves the lifting body to a height at which the N+1th container can be lifted, the lifting tool is displaced from the retracted position to the engageable position.

4. The traction means is A traction belt connected to the sling and extending in the height direction; a traction drum capable of winding and unwinding the traction belt; a traction motor that rotates the traction drum; The container supply device described in claim 3, characterized in that the tension of the towing belt generated by winding up the towing belt by the towing drum displaces the hoisting device from the retracted position to the engageable position, and when the tension of the towing belt is released by letting out the towing belt by the towing drum, the hoisting device returns from the engageable position to the retracted position.

5. The container supply device described in claim 4, characterized in that the engaging piece is provided on the holding portion of the lifting body, arranged on a guide path that slopes diagonally upward toward the opposing engaged portion, and is lifted upward in the height direction by the traction belt while simultaneously sliding diagonally upward from the retracted position to the engageable position.

6. The container supply device according to claim 5, wherein the hoisting tool returns from the engageable position to the retracted position by its own weight when the tension of the towing belt is released.

7. The sling is constantly biased to the retracted position by an elastic body provided in the holding portion, 5. The container supply device according to claim 4, wherein the hoisting tool returns from the engageable position to the retracted position by the elastic force of the elastic body when the tension of the towing belt is released.

8. The lifting means is A lifting belt connected to the lifting body and extending in a height direction; a lifting drum capable of winding and unwinding the lifting belt; a lifting motor that rotates the lifting drum; 5. The container supply device according to claim 4, wherein the device body is provided with a lift rail for guiding the lift body's vertical movement.

9. The container supply device according to claim 8, characterized in that the towing belt and the lifting belt are integrally formed as a single belt body, one end of the belt body is connected to the towing drum, and the other end of the belt body is connected to the lifting drum.

10. an introduction path provided adjacent to the upstream side of the arrangement space for feeding the container group of M stages into the arrangement space; A container supply device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a conveying path connected to the downstream side of the arrangement space for transporting the N containers that have been transported outside the arrangement space by the unloading device to a destination.

11. the lifting device is controlled to move one or more containers on the second or higher tier from the bottom to a predetermined height position while maintaining the folded configuration; A container supply device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lifting device is configured to lift one or more containers on the second or higher level, and then remove the lowest level container remaining in the arrangement space.

12. A container supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a container assembly device for automatically assembling one or more containers; a conveyor device connecting the container supply device and the container assembly device for transporting the one or more containers from the container supply device to the container assembly device; A container assembling system characterized in that N containers sequentially transported from the container supply device are sequentially fed into the container assembling device, and the one or more containers are continuously assembled into a box shape by the container assembling device.

Images