Unpacking device and unpacking method

Abstract

To provide an unpacking device and an unpacking method with which, when unpacking a box with flaps fixed with an adhesive, damages to the content in the box can be reduced.SOLUTION: An unpacking device unpacks a cardboard box 10 which includes an inner flap 12 and an outer flap 11 connected to the side face and folded at the ridge line to cover the inner flap 12 that are fixed to each other with an adhesive 13 applied on an adhesive area 13A. The unpacking device cuts a first path L1 that runs from one corner of the inner flap 12 to another corner and cuts a second path L2 that runs from one corner of another inner flap 12 to another corner. The first path L1 passes through a cutting area between the tip of the inner flap 12 and an adhesive area 12B on which the adhesive 13 is applied, and the second path L2 passes through a cutting area 12B between the tip of the inner flap 12 and the adhesive area 13A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an unpacking device and an unpacking method, and more particularly to an unpacking device and an unpacking method for unpacking a box having inner and outer flaps fixed to each other by an adhesive. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a cardboard box opening system capable of opening cardboard boxes in which the butt joints of the outer flaps are glued together with adhesive tape has been known (Patent Document 1). In the cardboard box opening system, a cutter device cuts the adhesive tape on the bottom of a cardboard box carried by a conveyor, and a bottom opening device opens the bottom outer flaps, causing the contents of the cardboard box to fall onto a tray.

[0003] Because the tray is located directly beneath the cartons, the contents of the cartons can be automatically transferred to the tray, offering significant advantages in efficiency, cost and system space compared to manual unpacking.

[0004] Additionally, an unpacking system and method for unpacking a box having flaps are known (Patent Document 2). The unpacking system cuts the adjacent areas where the flaps are close to each other while the flaps are closed, opens each flap by 90° or more, and cuts the base ends of the flaps along the side of the box, thereby unpacking the box. Since the flaps are cut while open by 90° or more, the flaps can be cut reliably. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6647369 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-46228 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the cardboard box unpacking system described in Patent Document 1, the adhesive tape on the bottom is cut by a cutter device, so there is a risk that the cutting blade may damage the contents when cutting. Since cardboard boxes that contain bags containing powders, viscous fluids, liquids, etc. can leak out and deteriorate even with even a slight scratch, the damage caused by the damage to the contents is great.

[0007] If the outer and inner flaps are fixed with an adhesive such as hot melt instead of adhesive tape, the package cannot be opened by cutting only the adhesive tape. In this case, the side of the box is cut into a U-shape when viewed from above with a cutter, and the top is lifted by suction with a robot arm to open it and remove the contents. With this method, the cutter may damage the contents when cutting the side of the box.

[0008] Specifically, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, when opening a cardboard box 10 in which outer flaps 11 are fixed to inner flaps 12 by adhesive 13, the side of the cardboard box 10 is cut into an approximately U-shape as viewed from above by cutting part 103. At this time, in order to ensure a reliable cut, the protruding amount of cutting blade 131 is set to be longer than the thickness of the cardboard box 10. If the contents 20 are filled into every corner of the cardboard box 10, there has been a problem in that the cutting blade 131 comes into contact with the contents 20 and the bag is damaged, as shown by the star marks in the partially enlarged view of Figure 15.

[0009] The unpacking system described in Patent Document 2 is premised on unpacking cardboard boxes secured with adhesive tape, and therefore has difficulty dealing with cardboard boxes whose outer and inner flaps are secured with adhesive. Since various sealed cardboard boxes are continuously fed, an unpacking device capable of unpacking any type of cardboard box has been desired.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an unpacking device and an unpacking method for opening a box having flaps fixed with adhesive, which can reduce damage to the contents of the box. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an unpacking device for opening a box in which an inner flap having a first inner flap and a second inner flap and an outer flap covering the inner flap are fixed to each other by adhesive applied to an adhesive area, the unpacking device having a cutting section for cutting a first cutting line which is a corner of the box body and extends from one corner of the first inner flap to the other corner, and a second cutting line which is a corner of the box body and extends from one corner of the second inner flap to the other corner, on a flap surface closed by the outer flap and the inner flap, and a removal section for opening the outer flap, the first inner flap, and the second inner flap to remove the contents of the box body, wherein the first cutting line avoids the adhesive area and passes through a cutting area between the tip of the first inner flap and the adhesive area where the adhesive is applied, and the second cutting line avoids the adhesive area and passes through a cutting area between the tip of the second inner flap and the adhesive area.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an unpacking device for unpacking a box in which an inner flap and an outer flap connected to a side surface, folded at a first ridge line and a second ridge line to cover the inner flap, are fixed to each other by adhesive applied to an adhesive region, the unpacking device having a cutting unit for cutting the first ridge line of the outer flap a first predetermined distance from a first corner of the box body, cutting to the second ridge line in a direction intersecting the first ridge line, cutting along the second ridge line to a second corner of the box body, cutting the first ridge line a second predetermined distance from a third corner located opposite to the first corner on the first ridge line, cutting to the second ridge line in a direction intersecting the first ridge line, and cutting along the second ridge line to a fourth corner located opposite to the second corner on the second ridge line, and a removal unit for opening the outer flap and the inner flap to remove contents of the box body, The present invention provides an unpacking device, wherein the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are shorter than a length of the inner flap in a direction of the first ridge line.

[0013] The term "cutting the ridgeline" used here includes cutting the entire width of the area directly above the ridgeline on the flap surface, as well as cutting the entire width of the area several millimeters away from the ridgeline.

[0014] It is also preferable that the cutting portion further has a cutting blade for cutting the box body, a contact portion that contacts the flap surface when the first ridge and the second ridge are cut with the cutting blade, and a cushioning portion that contracts when the contact portion contacts the flap surface to absorb impact.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the cutting portion has a cutting blade for cutting the box body, and the amount of protrusion of the cutting blade from the abutment portion is longer than the thickness of the outer flap and shorter than the sum of the thickness of the outer flap and the thickness of the inner flap.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for opening a box in which an inner flap having a first inner flap and a second inner flap, and an outer flap covering the inner flap, are fixed to each other by adhesive applied to an adhesive area, the method comprising the steps of: cutting a first cutting line, which is a corner of the box body and extends from one corner of the first inner flap to another corner, on a flap surface closed by the outer flap and the inner flap; cutting a second cutting line, which is a corner of the box body and extends from one corner of the second inner flap to another corner; and opening the outer flap, the first inner flap, and the second inner flap to remove contents of the box body, wherein the first cutting line avoids the adhesive area and passes through a cutting area between a tip of the first inner flap and the adhesive area where the adhesive is applied, and the second cutting line avoids the adhesive area and passes through a cutting area between the tip of the second inner flap and the adhesive area.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for opening a box in which an inner flap and an outer flap connected to a side surface, folded at a first ridge line and a second ridge line to cover the inner flap, are fixed to each other by adhesive applied to an adhesive region, the method including the steps of: cutting the first ridge line of the outer flap a first predetermined distance from a first corner of the box body on a flap surface closed by the outer flap and the inner flap, cutting the first ridge line of the outer flap in a direction intersecting the first ridge line to the second ridge line, and cutting a first cutting line on the second ridge line to a second corner of the box body; The present invention provides an unpacking method comprising the steps of: cutting the first ridge line a second predetermined distance from a third corner located opposite the first corner on the first ridge line, cutting in a direction intersecting the first ridge line to the second ridge line, and cutting a second cutting line along the second ridge line to a fourth corner located opposite the second corner on the second ridge line; and opening the outer flap and the inner flap to remove the contents of the box, wherein the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are shorter than the length of the inner flap in the direction of the first ridge line. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to this configuration, the first cutting line avoids the adhesive region and passes through the cutting region between the tip of the first inner flap and the adhesive region, and the second cutting line avoids the adhesive region and passes through the cutting region between the tip of the second inner flap and the adhesive region, so that the cutting part always cuts the region where the inner flap and the outer flap overlap. This makes it possible to prevent the cutting part from damaging the contents of the box. In addition, since the first cutting line and the second cutting line pass through the cutting region, the box can be opened while the inner flap and the outer flap are fixed with adhesive. Furthermore, since the cutting part is a corner of the box and starts from one corner of the inner flap and reaches the other corner, a smooth unpacking operation can be performed without interfering with the outer flap when the inner flap opens. In addition, since the removal part removes the contents of the box, the contents can be removed without being damaged by the cutting part in the unpacking device.

[0019] According to this configuration, the first and second cutting lines extend in the crossing direction of the ridge line by a distance shorter than the length of the inner flap, so that the cutting part always cuts the area where the inner flap and the outer flap overlap. This makes it possible to prevent the cutting part from damaging the contents of the box. In addition, since the first and second cutting lines are shorter than the length of the inner flap, the box can be opened while the inner flap and the outer flap are fixed with adhesive. Furthermore, since the cutting part is the first corner of the box and passes through the cutting line that starts from one corner of the inner flap and reaches the other corner, the inner flap can be opened smoothly without interfering with the outer flap. In addition, since the removal part removes the contents of the box, the contents can be removed without being damaged by the cutting part in the unpacking device.

[0020] With this configuration, since the cutting portion has an abutment portion, it is possible to prevent the cutting blade from penetrating the box deeper than the abutment portion. Also, since the cutting portion has a buffer portion for absorbing the impact when the abutment portion abuts against the flap surface, the buffer portion contracts when the abutment portion abuts against the box, thereby absorbing the impact to the box.

[0021] With this configuration, the protruding amount of the cutting blade is longer than the thickness of the outer flap but shorter than the combined thickness of the outer flap and the inner flap, so that the cutting blade does not come into contact with the contents when the abutting portion abuts against the flap surface, thereby preventing damage to the contents by the cutting blade when cutting at the cutting portion.

[0022] According to the above-mentioned invention, it is possible to provide an unpacking device and an unpacking method for opening a box having flaps fixed with adhesive, which can reduce damage to the contents of the box. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an unpacking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a cardboard box having outer and inner flaps fixed with an adhesive, which is opened by the unpacking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are plan views showing a method for cutting cardboard by the unpacking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a cutting area, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the relationship with FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which cardboard boxes are unpacked by an unpacking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 3 of the unpacking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the unpacking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention taken along line BB' in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the contents of a cardboard box that has been inverted by a rotating part of the unpacking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention fall. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the cardboard is pressed by a pressing part of the unpacking device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, causing the contents to fall. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a method for cutting cardboard sheets by an unpacking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which cardboard boxes are unpacked by an unpacking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which the contents of the unpacking device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention are being removed by a suction unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a cardboard box is being removed by a suction part of the unpacking device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a method for cutting cardboard sheets by an unpacking device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which cardboard boxes are unpacked by an unpacking device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a side of a cardboard box cut by a conventional unpacking device. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a cardboard box being cut by a conventional unpacking device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] An unpacking device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. As shown in the drawings, up, down, front, back, left and right directions are defined. The unpacking device 1 removes the contents 20 by cutting the flap surface 10A, which is the top surface on which the outer flap 11 and inner flap 12 of the cardboard box 10 in which the contents 20 are packed, and rotating the cardboard box 10.

[0025] The unpacking device 1 is mainly composed of a cutting unit 3 that is detachably attached to the tip of a robot arm 2, a rotating unit 4 that clamps and flips the cardboard box 10, a clamping unit 5 that holds the cardboard box 10 that has been cut by the cutting unit 3, and a conveyor 6 that transports the cardboard box 10.

[0026] The cardboard box 10 that can be opened by the unpacking device 1 has an outer flap 11 and an inner flap 12 shown in FIG. 2 fixed by an adhesive 13 such as hot melt. The outer flap 11 is folded at a ridge 11A that is a connection part between the outer flap 11 and the side and extends in the front-rear direction to cover the inner flap 12. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the inner flap 12 has a tip portion 12A located on the inside in the front-rear direction, and each tip portion 12A is arranged at a distance in the front-rear direction. The distance between the tip portions 12A is set arbitrarily according to the shape of the cardboard box 10, so the tip portions 12A may abut each other. One of the two inner flaps 12 is an example of the first inner flap of the present invention, and the other is an example of the second inner flap of the present invention. The first corner of the first flap is one of the left and right corners where one inner flap 12 and the side are connected, and the other corner of the first flap is the other of the left and right corners where one inner flap 12 and the side are connected. One corner of the second flap is either one of the left or right corners where the other inner flap 12 and the side surface are connected, and the other corner of the second flap is the other of the left or right corners where the other inner flap 12 and the side surface are connected.

[0027] The adhesive 13 is applied to the upper surface of the inner flap 12 within the range of the adhesive region 13A indicated by the dotted line, and fixes the outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12 together. In other words, the adhesive region 13A is the range covering the four corners of the area where the adhesive 13 is applied. The adhesive 13 is applied approximately near the center of the inner flap 12 to prevent it from spilling out of the inner flap 12. In the inner flap 12, a diagonal cut region 12B surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3(a) is defined between the adhesive region 13A and the tip 12A. The cut region 12B is the region surrounded by the inner end of the adhesive region 13A, the inner tip of the inner flap 12, and the left and right ridges 11A.

[0028] The cardboard 10 is an example of a box according to the present invention, but is not limited thereto and may be applied to boxes made of other materials such as resin, wood, ceramic, etc. In this embodiment, the contents 20 packed in the cardboard 10 are fluid, powder, granular, viscous food, feed, and materials placed in an inner bag, but are not limited thereto and may be any other contents.

[0029] A control panel (not shown) is connected to the robot arm 2, and the cardboard box 10 is photographed by a 3D camera (not shown), and the shape, material, etc. of the cardboard box 10 are identified by AI image analysis. This information is input from the control panel to the robot arm 2, and the cardboard box 10 is opened based on this information. A cutting unit 3 is provided at the tip of the robot arm 2, as shown in a partially enlarged view of FIG. 5. The cutting unit 3 includes a cutting blade 31, a contact portion 32 that contacts the flap surface 10A of the cardboard box 10, a buffer portion 33, and a support portion 34.

[0030] The amount of protrusion of the cutting blade 31 from the abutment portion 32 can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism (not shown). The amount of protrusion of the cutting blade 31 may be automatically adjusted based on information on the cardboard 10 from the control panel. In this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the cutting blade 31 from the abutment portion 32 is set to be longer than the thickness of the outer flap 11 and shorter than the total thickness of the outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12. The buffer portion 33 is expandable in the vertical direction as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5, and its lower end is connected to the abutment portion 32 and its upper end is fixed to the support portion 34. The buffer portion 33 contracts when the abutment portion 32 abuts against the cardboard 10 to cushion the impact and prevent the cutting blade 31 from excessively penetrating the cardboard 10. The buffer portion 33 uses a suspension mechanism using a metal spring, but is not limited thereto. An air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a damper, or the like may be used, and any mechanism having elasticity may be used. The support portion 34 connects the robot arm 2 and the cutting portion 3.

[0031] The rotating unit 4 has a pair of rotating arms 41 that hold the cardboard box 10 by clamping it from the left and right directions and rotate it 180°. The rotating arms 41 clamp the cardboard box 10 based on information about the shape of the cardboard box 10 from the control panel and move to the drop position R, and rotate the cardboard box 10 180° as shown in Fig. 6. A case 42 for containing the contents 20 is disposed at the drop position R. The mechanism for turning over the cardboard box 10 is not limited to this, and any rotating mechanism can be used.

[0032] The clamping unit 5 is composed of a first moving unit 51 and a second moving unit 52 which are movable in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 1, at the cutting position where the cardboard box 10 is opened by the cutting unit 3 of the robot arm 2, the cardboard box 10 is clamped between the first moving unit 51 and the second moving unit 52, and the position of the cardboard box 10 is fixed at a predetermined position. The positions of the first moving unit 51 and the second moving unit 52, in other words, the shape of the cardboard box 10, are determined based on input information from a control panel.

[0033] The conveyor 6 transports the cardboard boxes 10 at a desired speed to a cutting position of the robot arm 2 and from the cutting position to the rotating unit 4. The conveyor 6 is formed with an opening 6a through which the contents 20 fall.

[0034] Next, the process in which the unpacking device 1 unpacks the cardboard box 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0035] The cardboard box 10 transported by the conveyor 6 is clamped and fixed in the left-right direction by the first moving unit 51 and the second moving unit 52 at the cutting position of the robot arm 2. At this time, the positions of the first moving unit 51 and the second moving unit 52 are determined based on information regarding the shape of the cardboard box 10, which is input in advance from the control panel.

[0036] As shown by the dashed line in Fig. 3, the cutting unit 3 cuts the left ridge 11A forward from the left rear corner to a position just before the tip 12A, then cuts through the cutting area 12B between the adhesive area 13A and the tip 12A in the front-rear direction in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ridge 11A toward the right until it reaches the right ridge 11A, and cuts the right ridge 11A to the right rear corner. In other words, the cutting unit 3 cuts the flap surface 10A in a substantially U-shape along the first cutting line L1 from the left rear corner, which is the corner of the cardboard 10 and the connection part of the inner flap 12, to the right rear corner. The left rear corner is an example of the first corner of the present invention, and the right rear corner is an example of the second corner of the present invention.

[0037] Next, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 3, the cutting unit 3 cuts the left ridge 11A backward from the left front corner to a position in front of the tip 12A, cuts through the cutting area 12B between the adhesive area 13A and the tip 12A in the front-rear direction in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ridge 11A toward the right until it reaches the right ridge 11A, and cuts the right ridge 11A to the right front corner. In other words, the cutting unit 3 cuts the flap surface 10A in a substantially U-shape along the second cutting line L2 from the left front corner, which is the corner of the cardboard 10 and the connection part of the inner flap 12, to the right front corner. The left front corner is an example of the third corner of the present invention, and the right front corner is an example of the fourth corner of the present invention.

[0038] The order of cutting and the position of the corners where cutting starts are not limited to this, and can be any order. When the cutting part 3 cuts on the ridge line 11A, it does not have to be the corner position of the ridge line 11A, but may be a position several mm off from the ridge line 11A as long as it is on the flap surface 10A. However, if it is too far away from the ridge line 11A, the outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12 will get caught on the contents 20 when the contents 20 are taken out, so the distance between the first cutting line L1 or the second cutting line L2 and the ridge line 11A is preferably within 10 mm. The circle in FIG. 3(b) indicates the position of the cutting part 3 in the cross-sectional views of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In addition, the first cutting line L1 and the second cutting line L2 are in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ridge line 11A when passing through the cutting region 12B, but are not limited to this and may be in a direction intersecting the ridge line 11A, and may be a straight line or a curved line.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows the state when the cutting part 3 cuts the cardboard 10 along the ridge line 11A. The protruding amount of the cutting blade 31 is longer than the thickness of the outer flap 11 and shorter than the sum of the thickness of the outer flap 11 and the thickness of the inner flap 12, so the blade tip does not protrude below the inner flap 12. As shown in the partial enlarged view on the left side of FIG. 5, the tip of the cutting blade 31 does not protrude from the inner flap 12. This makes it possible to cut the outer flap 11 while preventing the cutting blade 31 from contacting the contents 20 of the cardboard 10. As shown in the partial enlarged view on the right side of FIG. 5, even if the position of the inner flap 12 is shifted and the cutting blade 31 is located at a position where the inner flap 12 is not present below the outer flap 11, a flap space 12a is formed between the outer flap 11 and the contents 20 by the thickness of the inner flap 12, so that the cutting blade 31 that penetrates the outer flap 11 is located in the flap space 12a. This creates a space between the contents 20 and the cutting blade 31, making it possible to prevent damage to the contents 20.

[0040] 6 shows the state in which the cutting unit 3 is cutting the cutting area 12B. Since the cutting blade 31 is longer than the thickness of the outer flap 11 and shorter than the sum of the thicknesses of the outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12, the tip of the blade does not protrude below the inner flap 12. As shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 6, the tip of the cutting blade 31 does not protrude from the inner flap 12. This makes it possible to cut the outer flap 11 while preventing the cutting blade 31 from coming into contact with the contents 20 of the cardboard box 10.

[0041] 4 shows an unpacked state in which the flap surface 10A is cut along the dashed lines in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) and the outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12 are fixed with adhesive 13. The outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12 are cut into two inner flaps 12 and two left and right flaps 14 and then unpacked. The outer flap 11 is unpacked with a part of it fixed to the upper surface of the inner flap 12, and the shaded area in FIG. 3(b) corresponds to the step area 12C shaded in FIG. 4. The step area 12C is the area of ​​the step between the outer flap 11 fixed to the inner flap 12 after cutting and the area of ​​the inner flap 12 where the outer flap 11 is not present.

[0042] The left and right flaps 14 are substantially rectangular and part of the outer flap 11, and correspond to the colored areas in Fig. 3(b). The first cutting line L1 and the second cutting line L2 pass through the cutting area 12B while avoiding overlap with the adhesive area 13A, so that the inner flap 12 can be opened while remaining attached to the outer flap 11. When opening the cardboard box 10, first the left and right flaps 14 are opened, and then the inner flap 12 is opened, so that the step area 12C does not get caught on the left and right flaps 14 and the opening can be performed smoothly.

[0043] In this embodiment, the flap surface 10A is located on the top surface, but if the flap surface 10A is located on the side or bottom surface, the cardboard box 10 is rotated so that the flap surface 10A is on the top surface in a stage prior to the robot arm 2. This makes it possible to open the cardboard box 10 regardless of the position of the flap surface 10A.

[0044] The conveyor 6 transports the cardboard box 10, whose flap surface 10A has been cut by the cutting unit 3 using the robot arm 2, to the rotating unit 4. As shown in Fig. 1, when the cardboard box 10 reaches the gripping position H, the rotating arm 41 clamps the cardboard box 10 from the left and right and moves to the drop position R while lifting it up, and rotates the cardboard box 10 by 180°.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 6, when the cardboard box 10 is rotated 180°, the gravity of the contents 20 pushes the outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12 open, and the contents 20 drop into the case 42. In detail, since the flap surface 10A is cut into a substantially U-shape, the step area 12C pushes the left and right flaps 14, opening both the left and right flaps 14, and then the inner flap 12 opens, causing the contents 20 to drop into the case 42. Note that a new conveyor may be provided in place of the case 42, and the cardboard box 10 with the flap surface 10A cut off may be transported to another location to remove the contents 20.

[0046] According to this configuration, the first cutting line L1 avoids the adhesive region 13A and passes through the cutting region 12B between the tip 12A of the inner flap 12 and the adhesive region 13A, and the second cutting line L2 avoids the adhesive region 13A and passes through the cutting region 12B between the tip 12A of the inner flap 12 and the adhesive region 13A, so that the cutting section 3 always cuts the region where the inner flap 12 and the outer flap 11 overlap. This makes it possible to prevent the cutting section 3 from damaging the contents 20 of the cardboard box 10. In addition, since the first cutting line L1 and the second cutting line L2 pass through the cutting region 12B, the cardboard box 10 can be opened while the inner flap 12 and the outer flap 11 are fixed with the adhesive 13. Furthermore, since the cutting section 3 is a corner of the cardboard box 10 and starts from one corner of the inner flap 12 and reaches the other corner, a smooth opening operation can be performed without interfering with the outer flap 11 when the inner flap 12 opens. Furthermore, since the rotating section 4 removes the contents 20 from the cardboard boxes 10, the cutting section 3 in the unpacking device 1 can remove the contents 20 without damaging them.

[0047] According to this configuration, the first cutting line L1 and the second cutting line L2 extend in the intersecting direction of the ridge line 11A by a distance shorter than the length of the inner flap 12, so that the cutting unit 3 always cuts the area where the inner flap 12 and the outer flap 11 overlap. This makes it possible to prevent the cutting unit 3 from damaging the contents 20 of the cardboard box 10. In addition, since the first cutting line L1 and the second cutting line L2 are shorter than the length of the inner flap 12, the cardboard box 10 can be opened while the inner flap 12 and the outer flap 11 are fixed with the adhesive 13. Furthermore, since the cutting unit 3 starts from the left rear corner of the cardboard box 10 and reaches the right rear corner, the inner flap 12 does not interfere with the outer flap 11 when opening, allowing for a smooth unpacking operation. In addition, since the rotating unit 4 reverses the cardboard box 10 to take out the contents 20, the cutting unit 3 in the unpacking device 1 can take out the contents 20 without damaging them.

[0048] With this configuration, the cutting unit 3 has the abutment portion 32, so that it is possible to prevent the cutting blade 31 from penetrating deeper into the cardboard 10 than the abutment portion 32. Also, the cutting unit 3 is provided with a buffer portion 33 that buffers the impact when the abutment portion 32 abuts against the flap surface 10A, so that the buffer portion 33 contracts when the abutment portion 32 abuts against the cardboard 10, thereby mitigating the impact on the cardboard 10.

[0049] According to this configuration, the protruding amount of the cutting blade 31 is longer than the thickness of the outer flap 11 and shorter than the total thickness of the outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12, so that the cutting blade 31 does not come into contact with the contents 20 when the abutting portion 32 abuts against the flap surface 10A. This makes it possible to prevent the contents 20 from being damaged by the cutting blade 31 when cutting with the cutting portion 3.

[0050] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] The unpacking device 201 according to the second embodiment has a pressing unit 240 that presses the back surface 210A, which is the surface opposite to the flap surface 10A of the cardboard box 10. The rotating unit 4 rotates the cardboard box 10, whose flap surface 10A has been cut into an approximately U-shape by the robot arm 2, by 90 degrees and positions the cut flap surface 10A as a side surface. Furthermore, the cutting unit 3 cuts the back surface 210A into an approximately U-shape similar to the flap surface 10A, and fixes it with a clamping unit (not shown).

[0052] The cardboard 10 fixed by the clamping unit has the back surface 210A pressed by the pressing unit 240, and the contents 20 are pushed and dropped into the case 42 as indicated by the arrow in the figure. Depending on the weight and shape of the cardboard 10 or the contents 20, the flap surface 10A may be pressed and opened by the weight of the contents 20 without being pressed by the pressing unit 240, and the contents may drop into the case 42. In this case, the extrusion process by the pressing unit 240 is not necessary. The process of cutting the back surface 210A into an approximately U-shape by the cutting unit 3 may be omitted. In this case, the pressing unit 240 breaks through the back surface 210A, and the contents 20 are pressed and taken out.

[0053] According to this configuration, the rotating section 4 rotates the cardboard box 10 by 90°, and then the pressing section 240 presses the back surface 210A, so that the contents 20 can be reliably removed from the cardboard box 10.

[0054] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the flap surface 10A is cut into a substantially U-shape by the first cutting line L1 and the second cutting line L2 as shown in Fig. 3, but in the third embodiment, the flap surface 10A is cut into a substantially trapezoidal shape along the first cutting line L301 and the second cutting line L302. Specifically, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 9, the cutting section 3 cuts forward from the left rear corner to a position in front of the tip 12A so as to incline diagonally in the front-right direction while avoiding the adhesive region 13A, cuts through the cutting region 12B between the adhesive region 13A and the tip 12A in the front-rear direction in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ridge line 11A to the right side to a position in front of the right ridge line 11A, and cuts diagonally in the rear right direction toward the right rear corner while avoiding the adhesive region 13A. When cutting the flap surface 10A diagonally in the front-right direction and diagonally in the rear-right direction, the inclination angle is set so as not to enter the adhesive region 13A. In other words, the cutting section 3 cuts the flap surface 10A into a substantially trapezoidal shape along the first cutting line L301 from the left rear corner, which is the connection portion of the inner flap 12, to the right rear corner.

[0056] Next, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 9, the cutting unit 3 cuts forward from the left front corner to a position in front of the tip 12A so as to incline diagonally to the right while avoiding the adhesive region 13A, cuts through the cutting region 12B between the adhesive region 13A and the tip 12A in the front-rear direction to the right in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ridge line 11A to a position in front of the right ridge line 11A, and cuts diagonally to the right front corner while avoiding the adhesive region 13A. When cutting the flap surface 10A in the diagonal front right direction and in the diagonal rear right direction, the inclination angle is set so as not to enter the adhesive region 13A. In other words, the cutting unit 3 cuts the flap surface 10A into a substantially trapezoidal shape along the second cutting line L302 from the left front corner to the right front corner, which is the connection part of the inner flap 12.

[0057] Fig. 10 shows an opened state in which the flap surface 10A is cut along the dashed line in Fig. 9 and the outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12 are fixed with adhesive 13. The outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12 are cut into two inner flaps 12 and two left and right flaps 314 and opened. The outer flap 11 is opened with a part of it fixed to the upper surface of the inner flap 12, and the area shown by hatching in Fig. 3 corresponds to the step area 312C shown by hatching in Fig. 4.

[0058] The left and right flaps 14 have a shape that protrudes in a roughly rectangular shape at the center and extends diagonally in the front-rear direction, are part of the outer flap 11, and correspond to the colored areas in Fig. 9. The first cutting line L301 and the second cutting line L302 pass through the cutting area 12B while avoiding overlap with the adhesive area 13A, so that the inner flap 12 can be opened while remaining attached to the outer flap 11. When opening the cardboard box 10, first the left and right flaps 14 are opened, and then the inner flap 12 is opened, so that the step area 312C does not get caught on the left and right flaps 314 and smooth operation is possible.

[0059] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] The unpacking device 401 according to the fourth embodiment is not provided with a rotating unit 4 and a clamping unit 5, and opens the top surface of the cardboard box 10 and removes the contents 20 by suction. The unpacking device 401 is provided with a suction unit 410 for sucking the contents 20. After the flap surface 10A is cut by the robot arm 2, the outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12 fixed to the outer flap 11 are sucked and opened by a suction unit (not shown). The suction unit 410 removes the contents 20 from the cardboard box 10 by suction and places it in a predetermined place. Instead of the suction unit, the outer flap 11 may be opened by inserting a plate or the like.

[0061] According to such a configuration, it is possible to remove the contents 20 from the cut cardboard box 10 with a simple configuration without providing the rotating unit 4 and the clamping unit 5.

[0062] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] The unpacking device 501 according to the fifth embodiment sucks the top surface of the cardboard box 10 rotated 180° by the rotating unit 4 and takes out the contents 20. The unpacking device 501 is equipped with a box suction unit 510 for sucking the cardboard box 10. After the flap surface 10A is cut by the robot arm 2, the cardboard box 10 is rotated 180° by the rotating unit 4 so that the flap surface 10A becomes the underside. After being transported to a predetermined position by the conveyor 6, the box suction unit 510 sucks the top surface of the cardboard box 10 and lifts the cardboard box 10 upward, whereby the outer flap 11 and inner flap 12 open due to the weight of the contents 20, and the contents 20 are placed on the conveyor 6.

[0064] With this configuration, the contents 20 of the cardboard boxes 10 after cutting can be removed with a simple configuration. In addition, since the contents 20 are placed on the conveyor 6, they can proceed to the next process continuously.

[0065] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] In the sixth embodiment, the cutting method of the first embodiment and the cutting method of the third embodiment are combined. As shown in FIG. 13, in the sixth embodiment, one of the inner flaps 12 of the flap surface 10A is cut into a substantially trapezoidal shape along a first cutting line L601, and the other inner flap 12 is cut into a substantially U-shape along a second cutting line L602. Specifically, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 13, the cutting section 3 cuts forward from the left rear corner to a position in front of the tip 12A so as to incline diagonally in the front-right direction while avoiding the adhesive region 13A, cuts through the cutting region 12B between the adhesive region 13A and the tip 12A in the front-rear direction in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ridge line 11A to the right side to a position in front of the right ridge line 11A, and cuts diagonally in the rear-right direction toward the right rear corner while avoiding the adhesive region 13A. When cutting the flap surface 10A diagonally in the front-right direction and diagonally in the rear-right direction, the inclination angle is set so as not to enter the adhesive region 13A. In other words, the cutting section 3 cuts the flap surface 10A into a substantially trapezoidal shape along the first cutting line L601 from the left rear corner, which is the connection portion of the inner flap 12, to the right rear corner.

[0067] Next, the cutting unit 3 cuts the left ridge 11A backward from the left front corner to a position in front of the tip 12A, passes through the cutting area 12B between the adhesive area 13A and the tip 12A in the front-rear direction, cuts toward the right in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ridge 11A until it reaches the right ridge 11A, and cuts the right ridge 11A to the right front corner, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 13. In other words, the cutting unit 3 cuts the flap surface 10A in a substantially U-shape along the second cutting line L602 from one corner of the front end, which is the connection part of the inner flap 12, to the other corner.

[0068] Fig. 14 shows an opened state in which the flap surface 10A is cut along the dashed line in Fig. 13 and the outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12 are fixed with adhesive 13. The outer flap 11 and the inner flap 12 are cut into two inner flaps 12 and two left and right flaps 614 and opened. The outer flap 11 is opened with a part of it fixed to the upper surface of the inner flap 12, and the area shown by hatching in Fig. 3 corresponds to the step area 612C shown by hatching in Fig. 4.

[0069] The left and right flaps 614 are part of the outer flap 11 and correspond to the colored areas in Fig. 13, with the center protruding into a roughly rectangular shape and both ends extending obliquely backward. The first cutting line L601 and the second cutting line L602 pass through the cutting area 12B while avoiding overlap with the adhesive area 13A, so that the inner flap 12 can be opened while remaining attached to the outer flap 11. When opening the cardboard box 10, first the left and right flaps 14 are opened, and then the inner flap 12 is opened, so that the step area 612C does not get caught on the left and right flaps 14 and the smooth operation can be performed.

[0070] The unpacking device and unpacking method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention described in the claims.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the cardboard 10 is rotated by the rotating unit 4 to cause the contents 20 to fall, but this is not limited thereto. To facilitate the contents 20 falling from the cardboard 10, a part of the surface opposite the flap surface 10A may be cut or cut into an approximately U-shape to remove air. In this case, too, it is desirable that the cutting blade 31 is positioned in the separation space 20a as shown by the third cutting line L3 and separated from the contents 20.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the cutting unit 3 is provided on the robot arm 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by combining an actuator such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, the cutting unit may perform the operation of the embodiment to open cardboard boxes, thereby forming an unpacking device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1, 201 Unpacking device 2. Robot Arm 3 Cut section 4 Rotating section 5 Clamping part 6 Conveyor 10. Cardboard 10A Flap surface 11 Outer flap 11A Ridgeline 12 Inner flap 12A tip 12B cutting area 12C Step Area 13. Glue 13A Adhesion area 14 Left and right flaps 31 Cutting blade 32 Contact part 33 Buffer section L1, L301, L601 1st cutting line L2, L302, L602 2nd cutting line

Claims

1. An unpacking device for unpacking a box in which an inner flap having a first inner flap and a second inner flap and an outer flap covering the inner flap are fixed to each other by an adhesive applied to an adhesive region, a cutting portion for cutting a first cutting line that is a corner of the box body and extends from one corner of the first inner flap to another corner of the first inner flap, and for cutting a second cutting line that is a corner of the box body and extends from one corner of the second inner flap to another corner of the second inner flap, in a flap surface that is closed by the outer flap and the inner flap; a removal section for removing the contents of the box by opening the outer flap, the first inner flap, and the second inner flap, the first cutting line avoids the adhesive region and passes through a cutting region between the tip of the first inner flap and the adhesive region to which the adhesive is applied; The unpacking device is characterized in that the second cutting line avoids the adhesive area and passes through a cutting area between the tip of the second inner flap and the adhesive area.

2. An unpacking device for unpacking a box in which an inner flap and an outer flap that is connected to a side surface, is folded at a first ridge line and a second ridge line, and covers the inner flap, are fixed to each other by an adhesive applied to an adhesive region, In the flap surface closed by the outer flap and the inner flap, cutting the first edge line of the outer flap a first predetermined distance from a first corner of the box body, cutting the first edge line in a direction intersecting the first edge line to the second edge line, and cutting a first cutting line on the second edge line to a second corner of the box body; a cutting section that cuts the first ridgeline a second predetermined distance from a third corner located on the first ridgeline opposite to the first corner, cuts the first ridgeline in a direction intersecting the first ridgeline to the second ridgeline, and cuts a second cutting line on the second ridgeline to a fourth corner located on the second ridgeline opposite to the second corner; and a removal section for removing the contents of the box by opening the outer flap and the inner flap, The unpacking device, characterized in that the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are shorter than the length of the inner flap in the direction of the first ridge line.

3. The unpacking device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cutting unit further has a cutting blade for cutting the box body, a contact portion that contacts the flap surface when the cutting blade cuts the ridge line, and a cushioning portion that contracts when the contact portion contacts the flap surface to absorb impact.

4. the cutting unit has a cutting blade for cutting the box body, The unpacking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the amount of protrusion of the cutting blade from the abutment portion of the cutting blade is longer than the thickness of the outer flap and shorter than the sum of the thickness of the outer flap and the thickness of the inner flap.

5. A method for opening a box in which an inner flap having a first inner flap and a second inner flap and an outer flap covering the inner flap are fixed to each other by an adhesive applied to an adhesive region, comprising: cutting a first cutting line at a corner of the box body, the first cutting line extending from one corner of the first inner flap to another corner of the first inner flap, on a flap surface closed by the outer flap and the inner flap; cutting a second cutting line at a corner of the box body from one corner of the second inner flap to another corner; and opening the outer flap and the first and second inner flaps to remove the contents of the box. the first cutting line avoids the adhesive region and passes through a cutting region between the tip of the first inner flap and the adhesive region to which the adhesive is applied; A method for opening a package, characterized in that the second cutting line avoids the adhesive area and passes through a cutting area between the tip of the second inner flap and the adhesive area.

6. A method for opening a box in which an inner flap and an outer flap that is connected to a side surface and folded at a first ridge line and a second ridge line to cover the inner flap are fixed to each other by an adhesive applied to an adhesive region, the method comprising the steps of: In the flap surface closed by the outer flap and the inner flap, cutting the first edge line of the outer flap from a first corner of the box body a first predetermined distance, cutting the first edge line in a direction intersecting the first edge line to the second edge line, and cutting a first cutting line on the second edge line to a second corner of the box body; cutting the first ridge line a second predetermined distance from a third corner located on the first ridge line opposite to the first corner, cutting the first ridge line in a direction intersecting the first ridge line to the second ridge line, and cutting a second cutting line on the second ridge line to a fourth corner located on the second ridge line opposite to the second corner; and opening the outer flap and the inner flap to remove the contents of the box. The unpacking method, wherein the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are shorter than a length of the inner flap in a direction of the first ridge line.

Images