Sleeve separation device and sleeve separation method

Abstract

To provide a sleeve separation device and a sleeve separation method that improves work efficiency by automating the separation of sleeves without a curled part from a stack with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A sleeve separation device 100 includes a first pressing part 20 that presses the outer periphery of a wide-diameter end part 3a of a first sleeve 3-1, and a second pressing part 30 that presses the outer periphery of a wide-diameter end part 3a of a second sleeve 3-2 that is superimposed on the first sleeve 3-1. In a stack state of the first sleeve 3-1 deformed by the first pressing part 20 and the second sleeve 3-2 deformed by the second pressing part 30, when the wide-diameter end part 3a of the second sleeve 3-2 is cut along a perpendicular face to an axial direction of a sleeve 3, a first cut shape of the first sleeve 3-1 and a second cut shape of the second sleeve 3-2 are similar in shape, forming a gap between the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2, and the first sleeve 3-1 is separated from the stack.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleeve separating device and a sleeve separating method for separating a sleeve from a stack of a plurality of sleeves. [Background technology]

[0002] During the container manufacturing process, when separating one sleeve from a stack of multiple sleeves, if the sleeve has a curled portion bent outward at the opening, the sleeve is separated by using the curled portion, for example, by hooking a fingernail on the curled portion.

[0003] When separating sleeves without curled portions from a stack, if the sleeve has a bottom, a suction cup is attached to the bottom to separate the sleeves, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Alternatively, an operator manually separates the sleeves one by one. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-338805 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the sleeve is separated using the method described in Patent Document 1, the post-separation work process becomes complicated due to the use of suction cups. Furthermore, when separating a bottomless sleeve, an operator has no choice but to separate it manually. In particular, in a composite container formed by wrapping a sleeve around a cup containing food, to attach the sleeve, it is necessary to manually remove the sleeves one by one from the stack and attach them to the heat-treated cup. Manual sleeve separation is inefficient and does not allow automation of the final process of the composite container, so automation has been desired.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and aims to provide a sleeve separation device and a sleeve separation method that improve work efficiency by automating the separation of sleeves without curled portions from a stack with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A sleeve separating device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: A sleeve separating device that separates a sleeve from a stack formed by stacking a plurality of tapered sleeves without curled portions, a first pressing portion that presses an outer periphery of an end portion on the wide diameter side of a first sleeve that is the first sleeve on the wide diameter side of the stacked sleeves; a second pressing portion that presses an outer periphery of an end portion on a wide diameter side of a second sleeve that is overlapped with the first sleeve, when the first sleeve deformed by being pressed by the first pressing portion and the second sleeve deformed by being pressed by the second pressing portion are overlapped, and the second sleeve is cut at the end of the wide diameter side of the second sleeve along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve, a first cut shape of the first sleeve and a second cut shape of the second sleeve are similar in shape, A gap is formed between the first sleeve deformed into the first cutting shape and the second sleeve deformed into the second cutting shape, and the first sleeve is separated from the stack.

[0008] The first pressing portion includes a pair of first pressing pieces arranged opposite to each other, and applies a pressing force to the first sleeve by moving the pair of first pressing pieces in a direction to contact the outer periphery of the first sleeve. This may also be the case.

[0009] The second pressing portion includes a pair of second pressing pieces arranged opposite to each other, and applies a pressing force to the second sleeve by moving the pair of second pressing pieces in a direction of contacting the outer periphery of the second sleeve. This may also be the case.

[0010] The sleeve is cylindrically formed, and the first cutting shape and the second cutting shape are elliptical. This may also be the case.

[0011] a pair of first gripping portions are formed at opposing ends of the pair of first pressing pieces, the pair of first gripping portions being formed in an arc shape in top view, and the diameter dimension of the arc being larger than the maximum outer diameter dimension of the sleeve; This may also be the case.

[0012] A pair of second gripping portions are formed at opposing ends of the pair of second pressing pieces, and the pair of second gripping portions have stepped portions that support the wide-diameter end of the second sleeve. This may also be the case.

[0013] Further provided is a support portion that supports the first sleeve, the support portion releases support of the first sleeve when the first pressing portion presses the first sleeve, When the first sleeve is separated, the second sleeve is supported. This may also be the case.

[0014] The sleeve is a sleeve that is attached to the outer periphery of the body of the container body of a composite container formed from the container body and the sleeve. This may also be the case.

[0015] A sleeve separation method according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: A sleeve separation method for separating a sleeve from a stack formed by stacking a plurality of tapered sleeves without curled portions, the method comprising: a first deformation step of deforming a first sleeve on the wide diameter side of the stacked sleeves by pressing an outer periphery of an end portion on the wide diameter side of the first sleeve; a second deformation step of deforming the second sleeve by pressing an outer periphery of an end portion on a wide diameter side of the second sleeve overlapped on the first sleeve; a separation process in which, with the deformed second sleeve stacked on top of the deformed first sleeve, a space is formed between the deformed first sleeve and the deformed second sleeve in a cross section cut at the wide-diameter end of the second sleeve along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve, and the first sleeve is separated from the stack.

[0016] the stack is formed by stacked sleeves, In the first deformation step, a pressing force is applied to the first sleeve located at the bottom to deform the first sleeve; In the second deformation step, a pressing force is applied to the second sleeve located second from the bottom to deform the second sleeve, In the separating step, the first sleeve is separated by dropping the first sleeve. This may also be the case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sleeve separating device and a sleeve separating method that improve the efficiency of the work by automating the separation of sleeves without curled portions from a stack with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a composite container used in an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows the appearance of the composite container and a partial cross section taken along line AA, and (b) is an exploded oblique view of the composite container. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the appearance of a stack formed by stacking sleeves used in this embodiment and a partial cross section taken along line BB. [Figure 3] FIG. 1(a) is a conceptual diagram of a sleeve separating device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is an enlarged view of the part enclosed by the dotted line in FIG. [Figure 4]1A, 1B, and 1C show a sleeve separating device according to the present embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a top view, FIG. 1B is a front view, and FIG. 1C is a side view. [Figure 5] 1(a) to 1(d) are diagrams illustrating the principle of sleeve separation. [Figure 6] 10(a) to 10(f) are diagrams showing the steps of a sleeve separation method. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a sleeve separation method. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B show a modified example, in which FIG. 10A is a top view of a second pressing portion, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a usage form of the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of a container manufacturing apparatus and a container manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art may adopt embodiments in which each or all of the elements are replaced with equivalents, and these embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0020] (Embodiment) A sleeve separating device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the figures, the installation surface side of the sleeve separating device is referred to as the downward direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the upward direction. The direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, in which the first pressing unit and the second pressing unit are installed, is referred to as the left-right direction. The direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the left-right direction is referred to as the front-rear direction. These terms are used to describe this embodiment, and do not limit the directions when the embodiment of the present invention is actually used. Furthermore, these terms should not be used to limit the technical scope described in the claims.

[0021] The sleeve separating device and sleeve separating method described in this embodiment are a device and a method for separating sleeves one by one from a stack of multiple sleeves without curled portions.

[0022] <Sleeve used in sleeve separation device> The sleeve used in this embodiment is used, for example, as a part of a composite container, and the composite container will first be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1(a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the composite container taken along line AA, with the left half being a cross-sectional view and the right half being an external view.

[0023] The composite container 1 comprises a container body 2 molded from plastic and a paper sleeve 3 that covers the outer periphery of the container body 2.

[0024] The container body 2 comprises a cylindrical body 4 and a bottom 5 that closes the underside of the body 4. The body 4 has a tapered shape that expands in diameter from the bottom 5 towards the opening. The peripheral edge of the opening of the body 4 comprises a flange 6 that protrudes outward, and a recess 7 that is recessed inward is formed on the outer periphery of the body 4 near the bottom 5. In the composite container manufacturing process, food or the like is placed inside the container body 2, the opening is sealed with a plastic film or the like, and the container body 2 is heated for sterilization.

[0025] The sleeve 3 is tapered and widens toward one end and is wrapped around the container body 2. The sleeve 3 is cylindrical and open at both ends. The wide-diameter end of the sleeve 3 is called the first end 3a, and the opposite end is called the second end 3b. The sleeve 3 is formed by rolling a sheet into a cylindrical shape and adhering it with an adhesive portion 3c. The second end 3b of the sleeve 3 has a curled portion 8 wound inward. When the sleeve 3 is wrapped around the container body 2, the curled portion 8 fits into the recess 7 of the container 2, securing the sleeve 3 to the container 2. The surface of the sleeve 3 is laminated, allowing information about the product stored in the composite container 1 to be easily printed.

[0026] Next, the state in which multiple sleeves 3 are stacked will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of multiple stacked sleeves 3 taken along line BB, with the left half being a cross-sectional view and the right half being an external view. Because the sleeves 3 have curled portions 8, when multiple sleeves 3 are stacked, they are offset by a height h corresponding to the thickness of the curled portions 8. The stacked sleeves 3 are set in a sleeve separating device with the first end 3a on the wide diameter side facing downward.

[0027] <Sleeve separation device> A conceptual diagram of a sleeve separating device according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3(a) shows the overall configuration of the sleeve separating device, and (b) is an enlarged view of the portion enclosed by the dotted line in (a). The sleeve separating device 100 comprises a support unit 10, a first pressing unit 20, a second pressing unit 30, lifting and lowering means 40, and a control unit 50. The members constituting the support unit 10, the first pressing unit 20, the second pressing unit 30, and the lifting and lowering means 40 are molded from stainless steel.

[0028] When the stacked sleeves 3 are set in the sleeve separating device 100, the support portion 10 supports the first end portion 3a of the first sleeve 3-1, which is the bottom sleeve.

[0029] The first pressing unit 20 and the second pressing unit 30 are members that press the outer periphery of the first end 3a of the stacked sleeves 3, with the first pressing unit 20 pressing the outer periphery of the first end 3a of the first sleeve 3-1, which is the bottommost of the stacked sleeves 3, and the second pressing unit 30 pressing the outer periphery of the first end 3a of the second sleeve 3-2, which is the second-lowest of the stacked sleeves 3. The first pressing unit 20 and the second pressing unit 30 are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, with the first pressing unit 20 on the bottom and the second pressing unit 30 on top.

[0030] The support unit 10 is connected to a first actuator 12 shown in Figure 4(a) and is moved in the front and back directions of the page by the first actuator 12. The first pressing unit 20 is connected to a second actuator 21 and is moved in the direction to support and release the support of the sleeve 3. The second pressing unit 30 is connected to a third actuator 31 and is moved in the direction to support and release the support of the sleeve 3.

[0031] The lifting means 40 is a means for moving the first pressing part 20 up and down, and moves the mounting table 41 up and down by a fourth actuator 42 .

[0032] The control unit 50 is composed of a processing device such as a processor. The control unit 50 operates according to a program stored in a read only memory (ROM) (not shown) and controls the operation of the first actuator 12, the second actuator 21, the third actuator 31, and the fourth actuator 42. Various actuators such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor can be used as the actuators.

[0033] Next, the detailed structure of the sleeve separating device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 4(a) is a top view of the sleeve separating device, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a side view. Note that Figure 4(b) omits one of the stopper pieces and related members.

[0034] When a plurality of stacked sleeves 3 are set in the sleeve separating device 100, the support part 10 supports the first end part 3a of the first sleeve 3-1, which is the lowest one. The support part 10 has a pair of opposing stopper pieces 10a, 10a. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the pair of stopper pieces 10a, 10a are arranged opposite each other across the set sleeve 3 in a top view so as to support the first end part a of the set sleeve 3, which is indicated by the dotted line.

[0035] The pair of stopper pieces 10a, 10a are moved back and forth by a first actuator 12 to a position that supports the sleeve 3 and a position that releases support. The position that supports the sleeve 3 is called the "closed position" and is shown by a solid line in Figures 4(a) and (c). The position that releases support for the sleeve 3 is called the "open position" and is shown by an imaginary dashed double-dashed line in Figures 4(a) and (c).

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4(c), each stopper piece 10a is formed in an L-shape in side view and includes a bottom portion 10a1 and a side portion 10a2. The bottom portion 10a1 supports the sleeve 3. The side portion 10a2 is attached to a support plate 11. The support plate 11 is moved back and forth by a first actuator 12. When the support plate 11 advances (closed position), the bottom portion 10a1 supports the sleeve 3, and when the support plate 11 retreats (open position), it releases support for the sleeve 3. The support portion 10, the support plate 11, and the first actuator 12 are fixed to a first support column 13. In addition, a sensor 14, such as an infrared sensor, is attached to the bottom portion 10a1 to detect when the sleeve 3 is placed on the bottom portion 10a1.

[0037] The first pressing portion 20 and the second pressing portion 30 are formed in the same shape and are arranged vertically with a predetermined gap between them. The first pressing portion 20 is arranged below the second pressing portion 30 and, as shown in Figures 3 and 4(a), is formed from a pair of opposing first pressing pieces 20a, 20a and arranged opposite each other across the set sleeve 3 when viewed from above. The pair of first pressing pieces 20a, 20a are arranged in a position rotated 90 degrees from the position of the pair of stopper pieces 10a, 10a.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4(b), each first pressing piece 20a is formed in an inverted L-shape when viewed from the front. Each first pressing piece 20a has a bottom surface portion 20a1 and a side surface portion 20a2. As shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 4(a), the bottom surface portion 20a1 has arc-shaped first gripping portions 20c, 20c formed on opposing sides. These arc-shaped first gripping portions 20c, 20c grip the outer periphery of the first end portion 3a of the bottommost first sleeve 3-1 of the stacked sleeves 3, applying an inward pressing force to the first sleeve 3-1.

[0039] The side surface portion 20a2 of the first pressing portion 20 is connected to the second actuator 21, and is moved left and right by the second actuator 21 in the direction of gripping the sleeve 3 and the direction of releasing the grip. The position where it is moved in the direction of gripping the sleeve 3 is called the "closed position" and is shown by a solid line in Figures 4(a) and (b). The position where it is moved in the direction of releasing the grip of the sleeve 3 is called the "open position" and is shown by an imaginary dashed double-dashed line in Figures 4(a) and (b). The first pressing portion 20 and the second actuator 21 are fixed to a second support column 22.

[0040] The second pressing portion 30 is formed by a pair of second pressing pieces 30a, 30a, which are arranged opposite each other across the set sleeve 3 when viewed from above, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4(a). Each second pressing piece 30a is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the front, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4(b). Each second pressing piece 30a has a bottom surface portion 30a1 and a side surface portion 30a2. As shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 4(a), the bottom surface portion 30a1 has arc-shaped second gripping portions 30c, 30c formed on opposing sides. These arc-shaped second gripping portions 30c, 30c grip the outer periphery of the first end portion 3a of the second sleeve 3-2 from the bottom of the stacked sleeves 3, applying a pressing force inward toward the second sleeve 3-2.

[0041] The side surface portion 30a2 of the second pressing portion 30 is connected to the third actuator 31, and is moved in the left - right direction by the third actuator 31, moving in the direction of gripping the sleeve 3 and the direction of releasing the gripping. The position moved in the direction of gripping the sleeve 3 is called the "closed position" and is shown by a solid line in Fig. 4(b). The position moved in the direction of releasing the gripping of the sleeve 3 is called the "open position" and is shown by an imaginary two - dotted line in Fig. 4(b).

[0042] From the arrangement relationship among the support portion 10, the first pressing portion 20, and the second pressing portion 30, the set sleeve 3 is supported in the front - rear direction by the support portion 10 and is gripped in the left - right direction by the first pressing portion 20 and the second pressing portion 30.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 4(b) and 4(c), the lifting means 40 includes a mounting table 41 and a fourth actuator 42. On the mounting table 41, the first pressing portion 20 and the second actuator 21 are placed. When the mounting table 41 is moved up and down by the fourth actuator 42, the first pressing portion 20 and the second actuator 21 move up and down. In Figs. 4(b) and 4(c), the raised state is shown by a solid line and the lowered state is shown by an imaginary two - dotted line. In Fig. 4(c), the second actuator 21 is omitted.

[0044] It is preferable to set a predetermined dimensional relationship between the first gripping portions 20c, 20c, the second gripping portions 30c, 30c, and the outer diameter of the sleeve 3 in order to accurately hold the sleeve 3. Let the maximum outer diameter of the sleeve 3 (the outer diameter of the first end portion 3a) be D1, the diameter dimension of the first gripping portions 20c, 20c be D2, and the diameter dimension of the second gripping portions 30c, 30c be D3. Then, it is preferable that they are in the relationship of D1 < D2 ≤ D3. For example, when the maximum outer diameter of the sleeve 3 is 83 mm, the diameter dimension of the first gripping portions 20c, 20c is 84 mm, and the diameter dimension of the second gripping portions 30c, 30c is 84 - 86 mm.<​​By designing the dimensions in this manner, the first gripping portions 20c, 20c can tightly grip the outer periphery of the first sleeve 3-1, and the second gripping portions 30c, 30c can tightly grip the outer periphery of the second sleeve 3-2.

[0046] <Sleeve separation principle> The principle by which the sleeve 3 is separated in the sleeve separating device 100 having such a structure will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Figs. 5(a) to 5(d) show the state in which the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2 are stacked, with the lower drawing in each figure being a side view of the stacked state and the upper drawing being a cross-sectional view of the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2 cut along line CC, which is the position of the first end 3a of the second sleeve 3-2.

[0047] When the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2 are stacked, a difference in diameter occurs between the two sleeves at line CC, as shown in FIG. 5(a). This difference in diameter occurs because the sleeve 3 has a tapered shape and is tall. The greater the taper angle of the sleeve 3 and the greater the height of the sleeve, the greater the diameter difference. In this embodiment, the stacked sleeves 3 are placed on the support 10 with the first end 3a of the first sleeve 3-1 positioned downward.

[0048] In FIG. 5(b), if the horizontal direction is defined as the X direction and the direction perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction, when a force is applied from the state of FIG. 5(a) to the overlapping portion of the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2 from the Y direction as indicated by arrows Y and Y, the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2 deform in the X direction. The degree of deformation is greater for the outer second sleeve 3-2, and a gap is formed between the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the sleeves 3 are separated by focusing on the difference in the degree of deformation between the inner and outer sleeves.

[0049] FIG. 5(c) is a diagram in which the positional relationship between X and Y is rotated 90 degrees. In FIG. 5(c), the first end 3a of the outer second sleeve 3-2 is pressed inward in the Y-axis direction, as indicated by arrows Y and Y. The second sleeve 3-2 is deformed in the X-axis direction and assumes an elliptical shape. In this state, when the first end 3a of the first sleeve 3-1 is pressed inward in the Y-axis direction, as indicated by arrows Y' and Y', the first sleeve 3-1 is deformed in the X-axis direction and assumes an elliptical shape, as shown in FIG. 5(d). The outer second sleeve 3-2 is deformed more greatly, and the deformed first sleeve 3-1 and second sleeve 3-2 assume similar elliptical shapes. Because the elliptical shape of the first sleeve 3-1 is smaller than that of the second sleeve 3-2, a gap is formed between the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2. In this state, by moving the first sleeve 3-1 downward, the first sleeve 3-1 can be easily separated from the stack. In this embodiment, the support part 10 is retracted in the state shown in Fig. 5(d), and when the gripping of the first gripping parts 20c, 20c is released, the first sleeve 3-1 falls downward and can be separated.

[0050] <How to separate the sleeve> A method for separating one sleeve 3 from a stack using the sleeve separating device 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 5-7.

[0051] First, as shown in FIG. 6(a), a stack of multiple sleeves 3 is set on the support unit 10 with the first end 3a of the first sleeve 3-1 facing downward (step 1: S101). The support unit 10 has been moved in advance to a position (closed position) for supporting the sleeve 3. The pair of first pressing pieces 20a, 20a of the first pressing unit 20 and the pair of second pressing pieces 30a, 30a of the second pressing unit 30 are retracted to the open position. This position of the support unit 10, the first pressing unit 20, and the second pressing unit 30 is referred to as the initial position. When setting the sleeve 3, a hopper or the like may be used to center the sleeve 3 in the middle of the pair of stopper pieces 10a, 10a.

[0052] Here, the cut shape of the first sleeve 3-1 formed by overlapping the first sleeve 3-1 with the second sleeve 3-2 and cutting the first end 3a on the wide diameter side of the second sleeve 3-2 along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve 3 is referred to as the first cut shape, and the cut shape of the second sleeve 3-2 is referred to as the second cut shape. In FIG. 5, the first cut shape is indicated as 3-1CS, and the second cut shape is indicated as 3-2CS. In the initial position, the first cut shape 3-1CS and the second cut shape 3-2CS are circular.

[0053] When the operation of the sleeve separating device 100 is started, the control unit 50 simultaneously operates the second actuator 21 and the third actuator 31. When the second actuator 21 operates, it moves the pair of first pressing pieces 20a, 20a to the closed position, as shown in FIG. 6(b), and grips the first end 3a of the first sleeve 3-1 from the left and right. When the third actuator 31 operates, it moves the pair of second pressing pieces 30a, 30a to the closed position, and grips the first end 3a of the second sleeve 3-2 from the left and right. The pair of first gripping portions 20c, 20c press the first end 3a of the first sleeve 3-1, causing the first sleeve 3-1 to deform (first deformation process), and the pair of second gripping portions 30c, 30c press the second end 3b of the second sleeve 3-2, causing the second sleeve 3-2 to deform (second deformation process).

[0054] The control unit 50 then operates the first actuator 12 to retract the support unit 10 and move it to the open position, as shown in FIG. 6(c) (Step 2: S102). At this time, the first cut shape 3-1CS of the first sleeve 3-1 and the second cut shape 3-2CS of the second sleeve 3-2 are similar ellipses, as shown in FIG. 5(d). A uniform gap is created between the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2. In this state, the control unit 50 uses the lifting means 40 to lower the first pressing unit 20 gripping the first sleeve 3-1. As the first pressing unit 20 descends, the first sleeve 3-1 is separated from the stack, as shown in FIG. 6(d) (Separation step: Step 3: S103).

[0055] Then, the control unit 50 operates the second actuator 21 to move the pair of first pressing pieces 20a, 20a to the open position. As a result, the first gripping portions 20c, 20c release the grip of the first sleeve 3-1, and the first sleeve 3-1 falls downward, as shown in Fig. 6(e) (Step 4: S104). The second sleeve 3-2 is gripped by the pair of second pressing pieces 30a, 30a.

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit 50 operates the first actuator 12 to move the support unit 10 to the closed position, and the support unit 10 supports the second sleeve 3-2, as shown in Fig. 6(f). The control unit 50 also operates the fourth actuator 42 to raise the mounting table 41 and raise the first pressing unit 20 on the mounting table 41 to its initial position, and operates the third actuator 31 to move the second pressing unit 30 to its initial position, which is the open position.

[0057] In this way, the support part 10, the first pressing part 20, and the second pressing part 30 return to their initial positions and are arranged in the positional relationship shown in Figure 6(a). In this state, if the sensor 14 detects that the sleeve 3 is on the support part 10, it is determined that all the sleeves 3 have not been separated (step 5: S105: NO), and the operations from step 1 to step 4 are repeated again. If the sensor 14 detects that the sleeve 3 is not on the support part 10, it is determined that all the sleeves have been separated (step 5: S105: YES), and the operation of separating the sleeves 3 is terminated.

[0058] (Variation) In this embodiment, the second gripping portions 30c, 30c are described as being formed in an arc shape, but the arc shape may be further improved. Fig. 8 shows only one of the second pressing pieces 30a, and the other pressing piece is omitted.

[0059] 8(a) is a top view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 8. As shown in the figure, a step 30d is formed on the second gripping portion 30c of the second pressing piece 30a. This step 30d presses the lower portion of the first end 3a of the second sleeve 3-2. Due to the presence of this step 30d, when separating the first sleeve 3-1, the second sleeve 3-2 stacked on top of the first sleeve 3-1 can be held without being separated simultaneously with the first sleeve 3-1, as shown in FIG.

[0060] In this manner, according to this modification, by providing the step portion 30d on the second grip portion 30c, it is possible to reliably separate only the first sleeve 3-1.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the first cut shape 3-1CS formed by pressing the first sleeve 3-1 with the first pressing unit 20 and the second cut shape 3-2CS formed by pressing the second sleeve 3-2 with the second pressing unit 30 can be formed into similar oval shapes. This forms a space between the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2, making it possible to easily separate the first sleeve 3-1.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the pair of first gripping portions 20c, 20c can apply a uniform force to the outer periphery of the first sleeve 3-1, and the first sleeve 3-1 can be deformed into a desired shape.

[0063] According to this embodiment, a pair of second gripping portions 30c, 30c can apply uniform force to the outer periphery of the second sleeve 3-2, deforming it into the desired shape, and in cooperation with the first gripping portion 20c, can easily form a second cutting shape 3-2CS that is similar to the first cutting shape 3-1CS.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the sleeve 3 is formed into a cylindrical shape, so that the first pressing portion 20 and the second pressing portion 30 can change the circular cross section into a desired elliptical shape, thereby easily forming an even gap between the sleeves 3.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the opposing portions of the pair of first gripping portions 20c, 20c are formed in an arc shape, and the diameter dimension of the arc is formed to be larger than the maximum outer diameter dimension of the sleeve 3, thereby allowing an even pressing force to be applied to the first sleeve 3-1.

[0066] According to this embodiment, since the step portions 30d are formed on the pair of second gripping portions 30c, 30c, misfeeding of the second sleeve 3-2 can be prevented.

[0067] According to this embodiment, since the support part 10 that supports the first sleeve 3-1 is provided, the sleeve 3 can be continuously separated by moving the support part 10 to the open position or the closed position.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the sleeve 3 is used in the composite container 1, and by automating the removal of the sleeve 3 in the manufacturing process of the composite container 1, the efficiency of the manufacturing process can be improved.

[0069] According to this embodiment, a stack of multiple sleeves is set vertically in the sleeve separation device 100, so that the first sleeve 3-1 can be recovered by allowing it to fall naturally after being separated, thereby simplifying the operational flow of the device.

[0070] In this embodiment, the side surface portion 10a2 of the support portion 10 is connected to the support plate 11, but the side surface portion 10a2 may be connected directly to the first actuator 12.

[0071] In this embodiment, it has been described that the opposing portions of the first gripping portion 20c and the second gripping portion 30c are both arc-shaped, but the shape is not limited to an arc, and gripping portions of various shapes, such as a square, can be used depending on the sleeve to be gripped.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first cutting shape 3-1CS and the second cutting shape 3-2CS are described as being deformed into an elliptical shape, but they may be deformed into any shape as long as they can be formed into similar shapes.

[0073] In this embodiment, it has been described that the stack is set on the support part 10 with the first end 3a of the sleeve 3 facing downwards, and is stacked vertically. However, instead of setting it vertically, the stack may be set in a horizontal position.

[0074] In this embodiment, the sleeve 3 is described as having a cylindrical shape, but the shape is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and the present invention can be applied to any sleeve as long as the sleeve is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the control unit 50 has been described as simultaneously operating the second actuator 21 and the third actuator 31 when pressing the sleeve 3, but they may also be operated separately. They may also be operated separately, with the first pressing unit 20 and the second pressing unit 30 pressing the first sleeve 3-1 and the second sleeve 3-2 in order.

[0076] In this embodiment, a tapered sleeve with both ends open has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a container-shaped sleeve in which one opening is closed by a bottom plate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0077] The present invention can be used in a sleeve separating device and a sleeve separating method for separating a sleeve from a stack of a plurality of sleeves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 Composite containers 2 Container body 3 Sleeve 3a First end 3b Second end 3c Adhesive part 4. Torso 5 Bottom 6 Flange 7. Recess 8 Curl section 10 Support part 10a Stopper piece 10a1 Bottom part 10a2 side part 11 Support plate 12 First Actuator 13 First Pillar 14 Sensors 20 First pressing portion 20a First pressing piece 20a1 Bottom part 20a2 Side part 20c First gripping portion 21 Second Actuator 22 Second Pillar 30 second pressing portion 30a Second pressing piece 30a1 Bottom part 30a2 side part 30c second gripping portion 30d stepped section 31 Third Actuator 40 Lifting means 41 Mounting table 42 Fourth Actuator 50 control section 100 Sleeve Separator

Claims

1. A sleeve separating device that separates a sleeve from a stack formed by stacking a plurality of tapered sleeves without curled portions, a first pressing portion that presses an outer periphery of an end portion on the wide diameter side of a first sleeve that is an initial sleeve on the wide diameter side of the stacked sleeves; a second pressing portion that presses an outer periphery of an end portion on a wide diameter side of a second sleeve that is overlapped with the first sleeve, when the first sleeve deformed by being pressed by the first pressing portion and the second sleeve deformed by being pressed by the second pressing portion are overlapped and the second sleeve is cut at the end of the second sleeve on the wide diameter side along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve, a first cut shape of the first sleeve and a second cut shape of the second sleeve are similar in shape, a gap is formed between the first sleeve deformed into the first cutting shape and the second sleeve deformed into the second cutting shape, and the first sleeve is separated from the stack; Sleeve separation device.

2. the first pressing portion includes a pair of first pressing pieces arranged opposite to each other, and the pair of first pressing pieces move in a direction to contact the outer periphery of the first sleeve, thereby applying a pressing force to the first sleeve; The sleeve separating device according to claim 1 .

3. the second pressing portion includes a pair of second pressing pieces arranged opposite to each other, and applies a pressing force to the second sleeve by the pair of second pressing pieces moving in a direction in which they come into contact with the outer periphery of the second sleeve; The sleeve separating device according to claim 2 .

4. The sleeve is cylindrically formed, and the first cutting shape and the second cutting shape are elliptical. The sleeve separating device according to claim 1 .

5. a pair of first gripping portions are formed at opposing ends of the pair of first pressing pieces, the pair of first gripping portions being formed in an arc shape in top view, and the diameter dimension of the arc being larger than the maximum outer diameter dimension of the sleeve; The sleeve separating device according to claim 2 .

6. a pair of second gripping portions are formed at opposing ends of the pair of second pressing pieces, and the pair of second gripping portions have stepped portions that support the wide-diameter end of the second sleeve; The sleeve separating device according to claim 3 .

7. a support portion that supports the first sleeve, the support portion releases support for the first sleeve when the first pressing portion presses the first sleeve, supporting the second sleeve when the first sleeve is separated; The sleeve separating device according to claim 1 .

8. The sleeve is a sleeve that is attached to the outer periphery of the body of the container body of a composite container formed from the container body and the sleeve. The sleeve separating device according to claim 1 .

9. A sleeve separation method for separating a sleeve from a stack formed by stacking a plurality of tapered sleeves without curled portions, the method comprising: a first deformation step of deforming a first sleeve on the larger diameter side of the stacked sleeves by pressing an outer periphery of an end portion on the larger diameter side of the first sleeve; a second deformation step of deforming the second sleeve by pressing an outer periphery of an end portion on a wide diameter side of the second sleeve overlapped on the first sleeve; a separating step of separating the first sleeve from the stack, with the deformed second sleeve overlapping the deformed first sleeve, so that a space is formed between the deformed first sleeve and the deformed second sleeve in a cross section cut along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve at the end of the second sleeve on the wide diameter side. Sleeve separation method.

10. the stack is formed by stacked sleeves, In the first deformation step, a pressing force is applied to the first sleeve located at the bottom to deform the first sleeve; In the second deformation step, a pressing force is applied to the second sleeve located second from the bottom to deform the second sleeve, In the separating step, the first sleeve is separated by dropping the first sleeve. The sleeve separation method according to claim 9.

Images