Box sealing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a box sealing device capable of automatically or semi-automatically sticking a tape to a box by folding back an end of the tape without complicating a structure.SOLUTION: (A) The tape dispensing device 11 has (a) a tape feeding mechanism 6 equipped with a guide roller for reforming having a flange part at least at one end part, (b) an upstream side mechanism 7 equipped with an upstream side roller for pressing and sticking the adhesive tape 3 to the upper lid flap on the upper side of the Mukaigawa in the conveying direction of the box 2 and a cutter for cutting the adhesive tape 3, and (c) a downstream side mechanism 8 for further pressing and sticking the adhesive tape 3. (B) A tape supply mechanism 6 folds back one side end of the adhesive tape 3 fed from a tape holder to an adhesive surface side by a guide roller for reforming and guides it to an upstream side mechanism 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a box sealing device that seals boxes with adhesive tape and that is equipped with a tape dispenser that supplies tape and applies and presses the tape onto boxes. [Background technology]

[0002] In factories, logistics centers, and other locations that ship various products, boxes are sealed after they have been placed in them. For example, in a sealing device that performs the sealing work and is incorporated into an automatic packaging machine that is installed on a shipping line and that automatically or semi-automatically performs everything from assembling boxes to filling them with the items, folding in the flaps, sealing them with tape, and attaching labels, the direction in which a box filled with contents is advanced (the box conveying direction) is the same as the direction in which adhesive tape is applied to seal the top lid flap, and the adhesive tape is applied to seal the top lid flap as the box advances.

[0003] When sealing the top lid flap with adhesive tape, in the case of a thick box (for example, a box with a thickness of 70 mm or more: referred to in this application as a "thick box"), as the box is moved from the rear side in the direction of travel (the entrance side of the box) to the front side (the exit side of the box), i.e., from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction, the box is allowed to enter with a certain length (for example, about 50 mm) of adhesive tape hanging down so that the front end of the adhesive tape can be attached to the side part of the box on the front side in the direction of travel (downstream side in the conveying direction), and the adhesive tape is attached to the side part (front end face) on the downstream side in the conveying direction, and then to the top part, and further, the adhesive tape is cut and attached with an adhesive tape cutter at a certain length (for example, about 50 mm) from the rear end of the top part so that the rear end of the adhesive tape can be attached to the side part (rear end face) on the rear side (upstream side in the conveying direction).

[0004] In recent years, mail-order sales and person-to-person transactions have increased, and the convenience of mailing packages to individual homes has made postal delivery a popular method of delivery due to its cost savings, prevention of redelivery, and convenience. Given that the standard thickness for non-standard mail is 30 mm or less, and the standard thickness for major delivery companies' postal delivery services is 25 mm or less, thin boxes with thicknesses of approximately 25 mm or less have become increasingly popular in recent years. Thin boxes with a top flap closure are 10 mm or more thick. In this application, a thin box is defined as a box with a thickness of 10 mm to 35 mm. Furthermore, while boxes known as size 60 delivery boxes or delivery boxes are generally approximately 70 mm thick, a thick box is defined as a box with a thickness of more than 35 mm but not exceeding 240 mm.

[0005] When sealing thin boxes with a thickness of around 25mm or 30mm, automatic application of both ends of the adhesive tape to the side of the box is required with precision when sealing the top flap with adhesive tape, and even if the adhesive tape can be applied to the side, the length of the part applied to the side is short, making it easy to peel off, and problems such as the tape peeling off due to vibrations during transport are likely to occur. Therefore, it is necessary for both ends of the adhesive tape to reach not only the side but also the back.

[0006] However, when adhering adhesive tape to seal the top lid flap while moving the box forward, there was a problem in that it was difficult to attach both ends of the adhesive tape that seals the top lid flap to the back of the box because the tape would hang down to the bottom of the box.

[0007] To address this problem, the applicant has developed a thin box sealing device that can accommodate thin boxes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0008] This device can easily, quickly, and neatly seal an unsealed box containing contents by applying sealing tape from the top lid to the bottom, and is compact and highly convenient. Further demands have arisen for a device that makes it easier for recipients to peel off the tape. There has also been a demand for the above-mentioned thin box sealing device to also seal home delivery boxes that are thicker than thin boxes.

[0009] As a method for attaching the tape to a box with the end of the tape folded over to make it easier to peel off, there is a method of folding the tape using a process of three or more stages using multiple blocks (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7373881 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4303998 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6408852 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] However, conventional tape cutters such as those shown in Patent Document 2 are handheld and are specialized for tapes of a fixed width, and cannot be applied to automatic or semi-automatic tape application devices that can be incorporated into automatic packaging machines, etc., and the increased number of parts makes the structure more complex, resulting in cost and malfunction issues. Also, packaging machines such as those shown in Patent Document 3 cannot seal boxes, and there is a risk of dust getting on them because the adhesive side is facing up, and they also require an increased number of parts, a more complex structure, increased cost, and maintenance issues.

[0012] Furthermore, in the thin box sealing device shown in Patent Document 1, the end of the tape is not folded back, and when it is set to accommodate the height of a thick box, even if the box has the same width, simply adjusting the height with the height adjustment handle creates the problem that the rollers may crush or lift the box when the thin box is passed through. Also, when changing the tape, the tape dispenser is tilted 90 degrees to pass the tape through, which is a problem because the tape dispenser is heavy and makes the operation difficult.

[0013] The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and its first object is to provide a box sealing device that can automatically or semi-automatically affix tape to a box by folding back the end of the tape without complicating the structure.

[0014] A second object of the present invention is to provide a box sealing device that can automatically or semi-automatically apply tape to both thin boxes and thick boxes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] A first aspect of the present invention is a box sealing device comprising: a conveying means for placing and conveying a box; and a tape dispenser above the conveying means for sealing an upper lid flap of the box with adhesive tape, The tape dispenser comprises: a tape supply mechanism including a guide roller for forming the tape, the guide roller having a flange at at least one end; an upstream mechanism including an upstream roller that presses the adhesive tape onto the top flap on the upstream side of the box in the conveying direction and affixes the adhesive tape to the top flap, and a cutter that cuts the adhesive tape; a downstream mechanism for applying the adhesive tape while further pressing the adhesive tape, The tape supply mechanism folds one side end of the adhesive tape fed from the tape holder back onto the adhesive surface side by the forming guide roller and guides it to the upstream mechanism.

[0016] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the end of the tape can be folded back and the tape can be applied to the box automatically or semi-automatically without complicating the structure.

[0017] The tape supply mechanism further includes a feed guide roller arm that rotatably holds a feed guide roller that feeds the adhesive tape from the tape holder so that the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape faces outward, a set-up guide roller arm that rotatably holds the set-up guide roller is provided on the delivery guide roller arm facing outward, the shaping guide roller has a width adjustment function for adjusting the width of the shaft by moving the position of the flange, It is preferable that the angle formed between the adhesive tape fed to the setting guide roller and the feeding guide roller arm is 14 degrees or more and 18 degrees or less. With this configuration, adjustment can be made in a short time, and the width of the folded portion can be easily changed.

[0018] Furthermore, the downstream mechanism a downstream rear roller that presses the adhesive tape applied by the upstream roller downstream in the conveying direction of the box; a downstream rear roller arm having a downstream rear roller arm fixed shaft at one end and the downstream rear roller swingably attached to the other end; a downstream front roller having a length such that a leading end thereof is located below the conveying surface before the box is conveyed and a leading end thereof is always located upstream of the fixed support shaft of the downstream rear roller arm, the downstream front roller pressing the adhesive tape from bottom to top on the front end side of the box downstream in the conveying direction of the box, and pressing the top surface of the box after the downstream rear roller has pressed the adhesive tape; a downstream front roller arm having a downstream front roller arm fixed shaft at one end and the downstream front roller swingably attached to the other end; an inter-support shaft connecting rod that links the movement of the downstream rear roller arm and the movement of the downstream front roller arm; and Preferably, the length from the fixed shaft of the downstream front roller arm to the tip of the downstream front roller is substantially the same as the length from the fixed shaft of the downstream rear roller arm to the front of the downstream rear roller. With this configuration, furthermore, tape can be applied automatically or semi-automatically to both thin boxes and thick boxes.

[0019] It is also preferable that the downstream front roller has a smaller diameter than the downstream rear roller, that the downstream front roller arm is provided with an auxiliary roller for the downstream front roller parallel to the downstream front roller, and that a belt is provided surrounding the downstream front roller and the auxiliary roller for the downstream front roller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, as a first effect, tape can be applied to boxes automatically or semi-automatically by folding back the end of the tape without complicating the structure. Furthermore, as a second effect, tape can be applied automatically or semi-automatically to both thin and thick boxes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a box sealing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a tape dispenser of the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a partial schematic view showing the configuration of an upstream mechanism and a downstream mechanism of a box sealing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between an upstream mechanism and a downstream mechanism of the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state before a box is conveyed. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship in a state where top surface pasting is being performed only by the upstream mechanism of the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the upstream mechanism and the downstream mechanism of the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state where top surface pasting is being performed. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship in a state where top surface pasting is being performed only by the downstream side mechanism of the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship in a state where top surface pasting is being performed only by the downstream front roller of the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship in a state where back surface pasting is being performed in the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a fixing plate of the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a main part of a box sealing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Below, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically explained using examples with reference to the accompanying drawings regarding the box sealing device of the present invention and a box sealing device using the same, but the present invention is not limited to these. [Example]

[0023] (composition) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a box sealing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The box sealing device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a device for transporting and sealing boxes 2, which are objects to be sealed, and is equipped with a box sealing device 11, which is a tape applicator. The box sealing device 11 serves to supply tape and apply the tape to boxes.

[0024] The box sealing device 1 may be one of the component devices that can be incorporated into a multi-function device that automatically or semi-automatically performs processes from setting the box materials to assembling, packaging, and labeling. The multi-function device into which the box sealing device 1 is incorporated may be a multi-function device that includes, for example, device parts for setting the box materials, device parts for assembling the box materials into boxes, device parts for putting products into boxes, device parts for closing the top lids of the boxes, the box sealing device parts of this embodiment as device parts for the box sealing process, and device parts for the labeling process, which can be arranged in this order. Note that these device parts may be devices that perform multiple processes with a single device part.

[0025] Alternatively, the box sealing device of this embodiment may be one in which a person manually places a box with its top lid closed on the box sealing device, or one in which a person manually picks up a box that has been sealed by the box sealing device.

[0026] The box sealing device 1 includes conveying rollers 12 arranged to carry and transport boxes 2, and a tape dispenser 11 installed above the conveying rollers 12. The device also includes a photoelectric sensor (not shown) that detects when an object to be sealed passes a predetermined position on the tape dispenser 11, belt-type conveying guides 14 installed on both sides of the conveying rollers 12 to control the direction and speed of travel of the boxes 2, an induction motor 18 that provides power to move the conveying guides 14, a height adjustment handle 17 for adjusting the height of the tape dispenser 11 to match the height of the boxes 2 to be sealed, and a width adjustment handle 16 for adjusting the distance between the conveying guides 14 to match the width of the boxes 2 to be sealed. The top surfaces of the conveying rollers 12 are conveying surfaces 19. The conveying rollers 12 are cylindrical rotating bodies with their longitudinal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and many of them are arranged horizontally in the conveying direction. No power is supplied to the conveying rollers 12; they only rotate and do not move. The box 2 slides on the surface of the transport roller 12 while moving in the transport direction.

[0027] The conveying rollers 12 are a conveying means for placing and conveying the boxes 2 with the contents placed therein and the top lid flaps closed. The tape dispenser 11 seals the top lid flaps 25 of the boxes 2 above the conveying rollers 12 with adhesive tape 3. In this embodiment, an opening narrower than the width of the boxes 2 is provided on the conveying surface 19 directly below the tape dispenser 11.

[0028] A photoelectric sensor (not shown) detects the passage of the box 2 on the upstream side in the conveying direction (the box entrance side), and a photoelectric sensor detects the passage of the box 2 on the downstream side in the conveying direction (the box exit side). As box 2 flows in the conveying direction, the state changes from one in which the box is not detected by either the upstream or downstream photoelectric sensors (State 1) to one in which the front end of the box has passed the detection point of the upstream photoelectric sensor but has not yet passed the detection point of the downstream photoelectric sensor, and the box is detected only by the upstream photoelectric sensor (State 2), then to a state in which the front end of the box has passed the detection point of the downstream photoelectric sensor and the rear end of the box is upstream of the detection point of the upstream photoelectric sensor, and the box is detected by the upstream and downstream photoelectric sensors (State 3), and then to a state in which the rear end of the box is downstream of the detection point of the upstream photoelectric sensor, but the rear end of the box has not yet passed the detection point of the downstream photoelectric sensor, and box 2 is detected only by the downstream photoelectric sensor (State 4), before returning to State 1.

[0029] The multiple transport rollers 12, some of which are located below the tape dispenser 11, are short and arranged on both sides, with an opening 15 in the center. A tape application assistance mechanism 4 is provided in the opening 15. Of the transport rollers 12, the first one on the front side of the opening 15 in the transport direction is a front end back surface tape application / transport roller 121. Like the other transport rollers 12, the front end back surface tape application / transport roller 121 only rotates and does not move. The upper surface of the transport roller 12 forms a transport surface 19 along which the box 2 slides.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a tape dispenser of a box sealing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, the front frame 93 is shown with a dotted line, and the interior is shown transparently, in order to explain the internal mechanism. The tape dispenser 11 includes a tape supply mechanism 6, an upstream mechanism 7, and a downstream mechanism 8. In Figure 2, the adhesive tape 3 in the upstream mechanism 7 is not shown.

[0031] The tape supply mechanism 6 has a setting guide roller 62 having flanges 621a, 621b at both ends. In the present application, the setting guide roller 62 is provided at both ends, but it may be provided at only one end.

[0032] The upstream mechanism 7 has an upstream roller 71 and a cutter 73, and is a mechanism for applying and cutting the adhesive tape 3. The upstream roller 71 is used to apply the adhesive tape 3 to the top surface and front end surface of the box 2, and applies the adhesive tape 3 while pressing it against the top cover flap 25 on the upstream side of the box 2 in the conveyance direction. The cutter 73 cuts the adhesive tape 3. The downstream mechanism 8 is a mechanism for applying and pressing the adhesive tape 3, and applies the adhesive tape 3 applied and cut by the upstream mechanism 7 to the box 2 while further pressing it. The tape holder 96 holds the adhesive tape 3 in a rolled state, and the tape supply mechanism 6 continuously supplies the adhesive tape 3 to the upstream mechanism 7 by folding back one side of the adhesive tape 3 fed from the tape holder 96 with the setting guide roller 62 toward the adhesive side and guiding and feeding it to the upstream mechanism 7.

[0033] The non-adhesive surface 322 of the adhesive tape 3 comes into contact with the surface side of the feed-out guide roller 61, which is in contact with the surface of the adhesive tape 3 wound around the tape holder 96, and the adhesive tape 3 slides from top to bottom from the feed-out guide roller 61 to the pre-setting guide roller 62, which is provided in parallel to the feed-out guide roller 61. The feed-out guide roller 61 is provided at the tip of a feed-out guide roller arm 65, which is a tape arm.

[0034] The flanges 621a and 621b of the shaping guide roller 62 are located on both the left and right ends and have a larger radius than the shaft 622, creating a step at the boundary between the flanges 621 and the shaft 622. The width of the shaft 622 is preferably narrower than the adhesive tape 3. One side end of the adhesive tape 3 fed from the tape holder 11, which holds the tape in a rolled state, comes into contact with the flange 621a of the shaping guide roller 62, and the end of the adhesive tape 3 on the contacting side is folded back onto the adhesive side by the shaping guide roller 62. The folded back portion, the folded back portion 323, has non-adhesive surfaces on both sides and serves as a gripping portion that allows the user to insert their fingertips between the box and the adhesive tape after it has been attached to the box. On the other hand, the unfolded portion is the adhesive surface 321, which becomes the attachment portion 324 that is attached to the box. With this configuration, boxes 2 to which adhesive tape 3 has been applied by the box sealing device 1 are tightly sealed without requiring extra time or effort during sealing, and the number of parts is not significantly increased, making it easier to peel off the adhesive tape 3 by hand, thereby improving convenience. There is no need to gradually shape the tape using multiple parts, and it can be done in one step using only the shape-setting guide roller 62, making it less prone to malfunctions and easier to maintain. Whether the tape is wide or narrow, or whether the gripping portion is made thicker or thinner, it can be done simply by adjusting the position where it contacts the flange 621 when installing the adhesive tape, making tape replacement and preparation easier and reducing work time.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the setting guide roller 62 has a width adjustment function that adjusts the width of the shaft 622 by moving the positions of the flanges 621a, b. The width adjustment function is achieved by fitting the ring-shaped flange 621, which has a threaded groove on the inside, into the threaded grooves on the surface of both ends of the shaft 622 and turning it to set it in the appropriate position. This function allows adjustment to match the width of the adhesive tape in a short time and also makes it easy to change the width of the folded-back portion 323 while the adhesive tape is still attached. If the adjustment function is not required, the flange and shaft may be integrated. The setting guide roller 62 is also provided in the middle of the feeding guide roller arm 65.

[0036] In this embodiment, the tape supply mechanism 6 also has a feed guide roller arm 65, which is a tape arm that rotatably holds the feed guide roller 61 that feeds the adhesive tape 3 from the tape holder 96 so that the adhesive side of the adhesive tape 3 faces outward. A shape-setting guide roller arm 623 that rotatably holds the shape-setting guide roller 62 is provided on the feed guide roller arm 65 facing outward. The angle formed between the adhesive tape 3 fed to the shape-setting guide roller 62 and the feed guide roller arm 65 is 15 degrees in this embodiment, but is not limited to this. To stably form the folded portion 323, the angle is preferably 14 degrees or more and 18 degrees or less.

[0037] A release guide roller 63 with an uneven surface provides excellent slip and release properties below the tape supply mechanism 6. The adhesive tape 3 that has passed through the setting guide roller 62 and has the folded portion 323 passes through the release guide roller 63 with the adhesive surface facing the roller, and then passes through the application supply guide roller 64 provided below that with the adhesive surface facing outward, and is guided to the upstream mechanism 7, where it is dropped into the opening 15 provided in the conveying surface before passing through the box 2.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a partial schematic diagram showing the configurations of the upstream mechanism and downstream mechanism of the box sealing device of Example 1 of the present invention. The upstream mechanism 7 includes an upstream roller 71 that presses and applies adhesive tape 3 to the top lid flap 25 on the upstream side of the box 2 in the conveyance direction (on the left side as viewed in FIG. 3 ), and a cutter 73 that cuts the adhesive tape 3. The downstream mechanism 8 includes a downstream rear roller 81 that presses the adhesive tape 3 applied by the upstream roller 71 on the downstream side of the box 2 in the conveyance direction (on the right side as viewed in FIG. 3 ), and a downstream front roller 83 that presses the adhesive tape 3 from bottom to top against the front end side of the box 2 on the downstream side of the conveyance direction and presses the adhesive tape 3 against the top surface of the box 2 behind the downstream rear roller 81 on the downstream side of the box 2 in the conveyance direction. The downstream rear roller 81 is also referred to as a rear roll, and the downstream front roller 83 is also referred to as a front roll. The downstream mechanism 7 further includes a downstream rear roller arm 82, a downstream front roller arm 84, and an inter-support shaft connecting rod 86. The downstream rear roller arm 82 has a downstream rear roller arm fixed shaft 821 at one end, and a downstream rear roller 81 swingably attached to the other end. The downstream rear roller 81 is a roller for pressing the tape on the top surface and rear end corners. The downstream front roller arm 84 has a downstream front roller arm fixed shaft 841 at one end, and a downstream front roller 83 swingably attached to the other end. The downstream front roller 83 is a roller for pressing the tape on the top surface, front end surface, and rear end surface. The length from the downstream front roller arm fixed shaft 841 to the tip of the downstream front roller 83 is approximately the same as the length from the downstream rear roller arm fixed shaft 821 to the point just before the downstream rear roller 81. The downstream front roller 83 has a smaller diameter than the downstream rear roller 81.

[0039] The delivery guide roller arm 65 is connected to the rear frame 92 by a connecting spring 94a, and the upstream spring mechanism 74 is connected to the rear frame 92 by a connecting spring 94b. The upstream roller arm 72, which links the cutter 73 and the upstream roller 71, is connected to the upstream spring mechanism 74 and swings around an upstream roller arm support shaft 75 fixed to the rear frame 92.

[0040] The downstream-side rear roller arm interlocking support shaft 822 is a shaft connected to the rear frame 92 at a right angle, and serves as a shaft that supports two downstream-side rear roller arms 82 and two inter-shaft connecting rods 86 sandwiched between them. The two downstream-side rear roller arms 82 are supported at their bases by a downstream-side rear roller arm fixed support shaft 821 that is fixed between the rear frame 92 and the front frame 93, and a downstream-side rear roller arm interlocking support shaft 822 that is parallel to the downstream-side rear roller arm fixed support shaft 821, and hold the downstream-side rear roller 81 at their tips. By rising above the top surface of the box, the downstream-side rear roller 81 swings up and down around the downstream-side rear roller arm fixed support shaft 821 as an axis.

[0041] The tip of each inter-shaft connecting rod 86 is forked, supporting a downstream front roller arm slide support shaft 842 that slides within it. The downstream front roller arm slide support shaft 842 and the downstream rear roller arm interlocking support shaft 822 are connected by an inter-shaft connecting spring 85, and in a steady state, are located at the base of the fork of the inter-shaft connecting rod 86. The two downstream front roller arms 84 hold the downstream front roller arm slide support shaft 842 and the downstream front roller arm fixed support shaft 821 at their base sides. The downstream front roller arms 84 are fixed by the downstream front roller arm fixed support shaft 821 at their base sides, and hold the downstream front roller 83 at their tips. When the downstream front roller 83 is pushed downstream, the downstream front roller arm slide support shaft 842 slides upstream within the inter-shaft connecting rod 86. The connecting and holding mechanism 9 has a fixed plate 91, a rear frame 92, a front frame 93, and baseboards 95a and 95b. The rear frame 92 and the front frame 93 are connected by the baseboards 95a and 95b. The baseboard 95b also penetrates the fixed plate 91 and supports both.

[0042] The actions of the upstream mechanism and the downstream mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0043] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the upstream mechanism and downstream mechanism of the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention before the box is conveyed. The downstream front roller 83 is not yet in operation.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the hanging adhesive tape 3 is positioned in front of the front end of the box 2 before the box is transported. As the box 2 is transported, the upstream roller 71 presses the adhesive side of the adhesive tape 3 against the front end surface of the box 2. The upstream roller 71 then moves from the bottom to the top of the box 2, applying pressure while sticking the tape. As the box 2 is transported, the state shown in Figure 4 changes to the states shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, and the adhesive tape is stuck to the box 2. After one box is ejected, the system returns to the steady state shown in Figure 4.

[0045] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship when top surface lamination is being performed using only the upstream mechanism of the box sealing device in Example 1 of the present invention. The positions of the downstream mechanism 8 are the same as those in Figure 4. The upstream roller 71 and cutter 73 are located on the top surface of the box 2, and as the box 2 is transported downstream, the upstream roller 71 presses and affixes the adhesive tape 3 to the top surface of the top lid flap 25. The cutter 73 is not yet operating. The adhesive tape 3 hangs down 50 mm below the bottom edge of the front end surface.

[0046] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the upstream mechanism and downstream mechanism of the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention while the tape is being applied to the top surface. The positions of the upstream mechanism 7 are the same as those in FIG. 5. The downstream rear roller 81 is located on the top surface of the box 2, and as the box 2 is transported downstream, the downstream rear roller 81 presses the adhesive tape 3 against the top surface of the top lid flap 25, further applying the tape. The cutter 73 is not yet activated.

[0047] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship during top surface lamination using only the downstream mechanism of the box sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The upstream roller 71 moves downward along the rear end surface of the box 2, returning to the state it was in before the box was transported. The cutter 73 cuts the adhesive tape 3 to a predetermined length from the rear end of the box 2. The tape holder 96 side of the cut adhesive tape 3 hangs upstream of the upstream roller 71. The box 2 side of the cut adhesive tape 3 hangs toward the rear end surface of the box 2. The upstream roller 71 presses the adhesive tape 3 against the top surface of the top lid flap 25 to be affixed, and the downstream rear roller 81 of the downstream mechanism presses the tape against the top surface to more firmly adhere it.

[0048] Before this stage, the downstream front roller 83 is positioned below the box 2 at the front end thereof. In this state, the downstream rear roller 81 and downstream front roller 83 are on the upper surface of the box 2, and the downstream rear roller arm 82 and downstream front roller arm 84 intersect. The inter-shaft connecting rod 86 functions to link the movement of the downstream rear roller arm 82 with the movement of the downstream front roller arm 84. The downstream front roller arm 84 has a length such that the center axis of the downstream front roller 83 is always located upstream of the downstream rear roller arm fixed shaft 821. In this embodiment, the length of the downstream rear roller arm 82 from the downstream rear roller arm fixed shaft 821 to the center of the downstream rear roller 81 is 123.79 mm, and the length to the base of the downstream rear roller 81 is 106.29 mm. The downstream front roller arm 84 has a length of 93.95 mm from the downstream front roller arm fixed shaft 841 to the center of the downstream front roller 83, and a length of 106.45 mm to the tip of the downstream front roller 83. Therefore, whether a thin box or a thick box is being handled, there is no risk of the rollers crushing the box or hitting and damaging other components. The downstream front roller 83 has a smaller diameter than the downstream rear roller 81. In this embodiment, the downstream front roller 83 has a diameter of 25 mm, and the downstream rear roller 81 has a diameter of 35 mm, with a diameter ratio of 7:5. The downstream front roller 83 is lightweight and easy to operate, and will not hit the downstream rear roller arm fixed shaft 821 even when it is on the top surface of a thick box. The downstream rear roller 81 is heavy, and can exert a high crimping force over a wide area by utilizing its own weight.

[0049] The downstream rear roller 81 supported by the downstream rear roller arm 82 is positioned lower than the downstream front roller arm fixed support shaft 841, and the downstream front roller 83 supported by the downstream front roller arm 84 is also positioned lower than the downstream rear roller arm fixed support shaft 821, so that neither roller collides with the other's fixed support shaft.

[0050] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship when the top surface is being applied using only the downstream front roller of the box sealing device in Example 1 of the present invention. The cutter 73 returns to the steady state shown in Figure 4. The downstream rear roller 81 moves down along the rear end surface of the box 2, returning to the steady state shown in Figure 4. The downstream front roller 83 is on the top surface of the box 2 and presses the applied adhesive tape 3 to further apply it.

[0051] 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship during backside tape application in the box sealing device of Example 1 of the present invention. Both the upstream mechanism 7 and the downstream mechanism 8 return to the steady state shown in FIG. 4. The backside of the box is taped by the tape application support mechanism 4 provided below the conveying means, and the adhesive tape application work is completed.

[0052] With this configuration, tape can be applied automatically or semi-automatically to both thin and thick boxes.

[0053] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the fixing plate of the box sealing device of Example 1 of the present invention. The tape holder 96 at the top of the tape dispenser 11 is not integrated with the lower frame but is connected to the rear frame 92 by a columnar fixing plate 91, which allows it to be easily separated and removed, thereby realizing weight reduction. Therefore, the weight of the front frame 93 side, which was previously necessary for balance, can be reduced, and the weight and cost of the entire tape dispenser 11 can be reduced.

[0054] In this embodiment, the transport means for the box 2 is a roller conveyor on which a plurality of transport rollers 12 are arranged, and the transport roller 12 downstream of the opening 15 in the transport direction is a front end back surface tape application and transport roller 121 that functions as a front end back surface tape application means, but the end downstream of the opening 15 in the transport direction may not be a front end back surface tape application and transport roller 121 but may be a simple plate or a belt conveyor, or may be a loading platform for the next process device at the end of the box sealing device.

[0055] {effect} According to this embodiment, as a first effect, tape can be applied to boxes automatically or semi-automatically by folding back the end of the tape without complicating the structure. Furthermore, as a second effect, tape can be applied automatically or semi-automatically to both thin and thick boxes. Whether it is a thick or thin box, the task of applying easy-to-peel folded sealing tape and sealing it can be easily, quickly, and neatly performed with a single machine. In addition, there is no need to worry about the box being crushed or the tape not being applied sufficiently. The working time and the machine adjustment time are shortened, which also reduces working costs. In addition, it is excellent in terms of weight, durability, and cost.

[0056] Furthermore, because the box sealing device of this embodiment is compact, it can be installed in post offices, parcel collection points, etc. Since it can seal a large number of boxes quickly and neatly compared to sealing each box individually, it is highly convenient to be able to easily seal thin box packages at collection points, especially in the case of shipments between individuals, which have been increasing rapidly in recent years, and in the case of shipments from companies that do not have sealing devices in their factories. [Example]

[0057] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the main components of a box sealing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The box sealing device 1' of this embodiment is similar to the box sealing device of the first embodiment, except that a downstream front roller auxiliary roller 844 is provided parallel to the downstream front roller 83 at the middle of the downstream front roller arm 84, and a urethane belt 845 surrounds and covers the downstream front roller 83 and the downstream front roller auxiliary roller 844. The belt 845 is a circular, stretchable, contractible belt with a circumference of 175 mm. The width of the belt 845 is 48 mm in this embodiment, but is not limited thereto. The width of the belt 845 is preferably as wide as possible within the width of the downstream front roller arm 84, but does not extend beyond the downstream front roller 83. The thickness of the belt 845 is 1.4 mm in this embodiment, but is not limited thereto and is preferably 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm.

[0058] In the box sealing device 1' of this embodiment, the belt 845 serves as a buffer between the box 2 and the downstream front roller arm 84 or downstream front roller 83. In the box sealing device 1 of Example 1, if the box 2 is a thin box with a thickness of 25 mm or less, tape can be applied automatically or semi-automatically, but very rarely, two small marks, each about 1 mm across the width of the downstream front roller arm, may be left on the tape sealing the corners at the leading edge of the box. While this does not seriously damage the box, it may impair its aesthetic appearance. The downstream front roller arm 84 is L-shaped with its middle portion protruding downstream, and therefore almost never hits the box even without the belt. However, it rarely hits a thin box with a thickness of 25 mm or less. However, in this embodiment, the belt 845 is closer to the box than the downstream front roller arm 84. Therefore, in the box sealing device 1' of this embodiment, the downstream front roller 83 and the downstream front roller arm 84 do not come into direct contact with the box 2, but the belt 845 and the box 2 come into contact, and since the contact area is larger than that of the box sealing device 1 of embodiment 1, there is no need to worry about marks being left on the box.

[0059] 5, adhesive tape 3 hangs down 50 mm below the lower end of the front end surface, and when the state transitions to the state shown in Fig. 6 and downstream front roller 83 presses against the front end surface, downstream front roller 83 traces the top surface of the leading edge of box 2 from the underside like a seesaw, but in the box sealing device 1 of Example 1, if box 2 is a thin box with a thickness of 25 mm or less, the front end surface may lift up and downstream front roller 83 may lift up box 2. In the box sealing device 1' of this example, belt 845 covers downstream front roller 83, increasing the contact area, so the force pressing box 2 downward is large and there is no risk of box 2 lifting up.

[0060] Therefore, even if box 2 is a thin box with a thickness of 25 mm or less, downstream front roller arm 84 and downstream front roller 83 do not come into direct contact with it, so the downstream front roller arm does not leave streaks on box 2, and it is possible to prevent box 2 from being lifted up due to the downstream front roller arm coming into contact with box 2. Because box 2 does not lift up, adhesive tape can be applied neatly even to thin boxes.

[0061] {effect} According to this embodiment, similar to the box sealing device of embodiment 1, the end of the tape can be folded back and tape can be applied to the box automatically or semi-automatically without complicating the structure, tape can be applied automatically or semi-automatically to both thin and thick boxes, and the box can be prevented from being scratched or from lifting up, preventing the adhesive tape from being applied cleanly.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 box sealing device 11 Tape Dispenser 12 Conveyor roller 121 Front end backside tape attaching and transport roller 14 Transport guide 15 Opening 16 Width adjustment handle 17 Height adjustment handle 18 Induction Motor 19 Conveying surface 2 boxes 25 Top flap 3 adhesive tape 321 Adhesive surface 322 Non-adhesive surface 323 Turning section 4. Tape application support mechanism 6 Tape supply mechanism 61 Delivery guide roller 62 Guide roller for setting curl 621a, b Tsuba 622 Shaft 623 Guide roller arm for shaping 63 Release guide roller 64 Adhesive supply guide roller 65 Outlet guide roller arm 7 Upstream mechanism 71 Upstream roller 72 Upstream roller arm 73 Cutter 74 Upstream spring mechanism 75 Upstream roller arm support shaft 8 Downstream mechanism 81 downstream rear roller 82 downstream rear roller arm 821 Downstream rear roller arm fixing shaft 822 Downstream rear roller arm interlocking support shaft 83 Downstream front roller 84 Downstream front roller arm 841 Downstream front roller arm fixing shaft 842 Downstream front roller arm slide support shaft 844 Auxiliary roller for downstream front roller 845 Belt 85 Shaft connecting spring 86 Connecting rod between support shafts 9 Connection retention mechanism 91 Fixed plate 92 rear frame 93 Previous Frame 94a, 94b Connecting spring 95a, 95b baseboard 96 Tape Holder

Claims

1. A box sealing device comprising: a conveying means for placing and conveying a box; and a tape dispenser above the conveying means for sealing an upper lid flap of the box with adhesive tape, The tape dispenser comprises: a tape supply mechanism including a guide roller for forming the tape, the guide roller having a flange at at least one end; an upstream mechanism including an upstream roller that presses the adhesive tape onto the top flap on the upstream side of the box in the conveying direction and affixes the adhesive tape to the top flap, and a cutter that cuts the adhesive tape; a downstream mechanism for applying the adhesive tape while further pressing the adhesive tape, The box sealing device is characterized in that the tape supply mechanism folds one side end of the adhesive tape fed from the tape holder back to the adhesive surface side by the forming guide roller and guides it to the upstream mechanism.

2. the tape supply mechanism has a feed guide roller arm that rotatably holds a feed guide roller that feeds the adhesive tape from the tape holder so that the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape faces outward, a set-up guide roller arm that rotatably holds the set-up guide roller is provided on the delivery guide roller arm facing outward, the shaping guide roller has a width adjustment function for adjusting the width of the shaft by moving the position of the flange, 2. The box sealing device according to claim 1, wherein an angle formed between the adhesive tape fed to the forming guide roller and the feeding guide roller arm is between 14 degrees and 18 degrees.

3. The downstream mechanism is a downstream rear roller that presses the adhesive tape applied by the upstream roller downstream in the conveying direction of the box; a downstream rear roller arm having a downstream rear roller arm fixed shaft at one end and the downstream rear roller swingably attached to the other end; a downstream front roller having a length such that a leading end thereof is located below the conveying surface before the box is conveyed and a leading end thereof is always located upstream of the fixed support shaft of the downstream rear roller arm, the downstream front roller pressing the adhesive tape from bottom to top on the front end side of the box downstream in the conveying direction of the box, and pressing the top surface of the box after the downstream rear roller has pressed the adhesive tape; a downstream front roller arm having a downstream front roller arm fixed shaft at one end and the downstream front roller swingably attached to the other end; an inter-support shaft connecting rod that links the movement of the downstream rear roller arm and the movement of the downstream front roller arm; and 3. A box sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the length from the downstream front roller arm fixed shaft to the tip of the downstream front roller is approximately the same as the length from the downstream rear roller arm fixed shaft to just before the downstream rear roller.

4. The downstream front roller has a smaller diameter than the downstream rear roller, the downstream front roller arm is provided with an auxiliary roller for the downstream front roller parallel to the downstream front roller, and a belt is provided surrounding the downstream front roller and the auxiliary roller for the downstream front roller.

Images