Container assembly device and container assembly arm

Abstract

The present invention provides a container assembly device that enables the assembly of a foldable container from a folded state to a box state. [Solution] The container assembly device comprises a device body, a container assembly arm, and a control unit. The container assembly arm comprises an arm body, a lifting device configured to lift the top frame of a folded container 10 upward in the Z-axis direction, and a pressing device that operates to press a pair of second side plates 14 from the inside out against the container whose top frame has been lifted. The lifting device comprises movable bodies 112 that are supported at both ends of the arm body so as to be able to move relative to each other along the X-axis direction and face the outer surface of the vertical side of the container. At both ends of the movable body on the Y-axis side, a pair of engaging pieces 113 are provided, which are configured to enter engaging recesses when the movable body moves to the forward position and to engage with the upper surface of the engaging recesses in the Z-axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container assembling device for assembling a folding container that can be mutually deformed between a folded form and a box form, and a container assembling arm.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to store and transport articles, a folding container that can be deformed from a folded form in which the walls of the housing are folded in a plate shape to a box shape of the housing has been used. This folding container can save space by folding and stacking it when not in use, and can be easily assembled and folded without using screws or the like, so it is used in various applications such as factory lines. And various trials and errors have been made to quickly and easily assemble the folding container.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a container assembly device for automatically assembling a foldable container. In the following paragraph, reference numerals of Patent Document 1 are shown in parentheses. The container assembly device (100) comprises a device body (101) that defines a placement space (103) for arranging containers (10) inside, and engaging pieces (134) that engage with the respective engaging portions (17) on opposite sides of the top frame (12) of the foldable container (10) introduced into the placement space (103), and lifts the top frame (12) upward in the height direction with the engaging pieces (134) and the engaging portions (17) engaged. The system includes a lifting device (130) configured to transform the container (10) from a folded form to an intermediate form, and a pressing device (150) that operates to press a pair of second side walls (14) from the inside out to fit the second side walls (14) against the first side wall (13) and / or bottom wall (11) of the container (10) in the intermediate form, which has been lifted by the lifting device (130) by its top frame (12). The engaging piece (134) is a claw-shaped plate that can hook onto the concave engaged portion (17) of the container (10) from below. The engaging piece (134) is configured to be displaceable between a retracted position in which the engaging piece (134) does not interfere with the container (10) and an engageable position in which it can protrude from the retracted position into the placement space (103) and engage with the engaged portion (17). Then, the engaging piece (134) slips under the top frame (12) of the container (10) and hooks onto the engaged part (17). While in this engaged state, the engaging piece (134) is further pulled upward by the string-like body (135), and as the lifting body (131) rises, the top frame (12) of the uppermost container (10) is lifted up. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-55295 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The container assembly device described in Patent Document 1 enables the simple and rapid assembly of one or more containers. However, a problem with conventional container assembly devices is that they do not support the assembly of lidded containers 10 equipped with a pair of lids 15, 15 that close the opening of the top frame 12, as illustrated in Figures 23 and 24. Specifically, when assembling a foldable lidded container 10, it is necessary to rotate the pair of lids 15 to the outside of the top frame 12 to open the opening in order to press the second side plate 14 from the inside with a pressing body, as shown in Figure 23(b). On the other hand, when the opening of the top frame 12 of a foldable lidded container 10 is opened, the lids 15 cover the engagement recess 17 from the outside, so with conventional container assembly devices, it is not possible to insert the engagement piece into the engagement recess 17 and engage it. Therefore, the inventor set forth the objective of enabling the automatic assembly of foldable lidded containers.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a container assembly device and a container assembly arm that enable the assembly of a foldable container from a folded state to a box state, regardless of whether it has a lid or not. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (Composition 1) One embodiment of the present invention is a container assembly device for assembling a foldable container that transforms between a folded form and a box form, The aforementioned container is A rectangular base plate having a horizontal side extending in the X-axis direction and a vertical side extending in the Y-axis direction, A top frame having an opening on the inside and placed on the bottom plate in the folded form, A pair of first side plates, each having a hinge portion that allows them to be freely bent inward only between the upper and lower edges, and to be rotatably connected to the horizontal or vertical edges of the base plate and the top frame, respectively, A pair of second side plates, each having a rotatable upper edge connected to the vertical or horizontal edge of the top frame and a free end at its lower edge, are folded in such a way that their inner surfaces face upward from the opening of the top frame in the folded state. The top frame is provided with engaging recesses recessed at predetermined X-axis positions on the outer surfaces of each horizontal side of the top frame, and is configured such that when it transforms from the folded form to the box form, the first side plate extends straight through an intermediate form, and the second side plate is pressed outward and fitted to the first side plate and / or the bottom plate. The container assembly apparatus is A device body that defines an internal arrangement space for arranging the aforementioned container, wherein the arrangement space has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis in the height direction perpendicular to the X-axis-Y-axis plane, A container assembly arm that is driven to move up and down in the Z-axis direction within the aforementioned arrangement space, The container assembly apparatus comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the container assembly apparatus, The aforementioned container assembly arm is The arm body extends longitudinally inward and outward along the X-axis, A lifting device configured to lift the top frame upward in the Z-axis direction relative to the folded container introduced into the aforementioned space, The container, whose top frame has been lifted by the lifting device, is equipped with a pressing device that operates to press the pair of second side plates from the inside out through the opening in the top frame so that the second side plates are fitted to the first side plates and / or the bottom plate. The lifting device comprises a movable body that extends longitudinally along the Y-axis, is supported by the arm body so as to be movable relative to the X-axis, and is configured to face the outer surface of the vertical side of the folded container introduced into the placement space. The movable body is configured to move relative to itself along the X-axis from a retracted position spaced outward in the X-axis direction from the container to a forward position closer to the container in the X-axis direction. Each of the aforementioned movable bodies is provided with a pair of engaging pieces on both ends on the outer side in the Y-axis direction, configured to enter the engaging recess when the movable body moves to the forward position, and to engage with the upper surface of the engaging recess in the Z-axis direction.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the container assembly apparatus of the present invention, an engaging piece supported by a movable body is moved along the outer surface of the horizontal side of the top frame extending in the X direction to an engaging recess that opens outward in the Y direction of a folded container placed in the arrangement space. When the movable body moves to the forward position, the engaging piece enters the engaging recess, and the engaging piece and the upper surface of the engaging recess can be engaged in the Z direction. In particular, when assembling a foldable container with a lid in which a pair of lids are open, the lids cover the engaging recess from the outside in the Y direction. However, by passing the engaging piece through the gap between the lid and the outer surface of the top frame in the X direction, the engaging piece enters the engaging recess and engages with its upper surface in the Z direction, making it possible to lift the container by the lifting device. The lifted container is assembled into a box shape by the operation of a pressing device. Therefore, the container assembly apparatus of the present invention makes it possible to assemble foldable containers with or without lids.

[0009] (Configuration 2) A further embodiment of the present invention is a container assembly apparatus of configuration 1, wherein each engaging piece comprises a shank portion extending inward in the X-axis direction toward the arrangement space, and an engaging projection protruding inward in the Y-axis direction at the tip of the shank portion. The engaging projection has an engaging surface that faces upward in the Z-axis direction so as to engage with the upper surface of the engaging recess. The shank portion is pivotally supported on the arm body via a pivot shaft, The pair of engaging pieces are characterized in that they rotate only in a direction that separates them from each other outward in the Y-axis direction.

[0010] (Composition 3) A further embodiment of the present invention is a container assembly apparatus of configuration 2, characterized in that the pair of engaging pieces, when the arm body moves forward, come into contact with the outer surface of the container in the arrangement space, elastically rotate outward in the Y-axis direction, and then elastically return to enter the engaging recess.

[0011] (Composition 4) A further embodiment of the present invention is a container assembly apparatus of configuration 3, characterized in that the engaging projection has a first working surface that is inclined or curved to face inward in the X-axis direction and inward in the Y-axis direction, and the first working surface acts on the outer surface of the container when the movable body moves inward in the X-axis direction from the retracted position to the forward position, causing the engaging piece to rotate outward in the Y-axis direction.

[0012] (Composition 5) A further embodiment of the present invention is a container assembly apparatus of configuration 4, characterized in that the engaging projection has a second working surface that is inclined or curved to face outward in the X-axis direction and inward in the Y-axis direction, and the second working surface acts on the inner surface of the engaging recess when the movable body moves outward in the X-axis direction from the forward position to the backward position, causing the engaging piece to rotate outward in the Y-axis direction.

[0013] (Composition 6) A further embodiment of the present invention is a container assembly apparatus according to configuration 5, wherein the pressing device comprises a pair of rotating bodies that rotate vertically downward on the X-axis-Z-axis plane, and a pressing body formed on the tip side of each of the rotating bodies that presses the pair of second side plates from the inside out, and the pair of rotating bodies are pivotally supported by pivot shafts arranged at both ends of the arm body on the outer side in the X-axis direction.

[0014] (Composition 7) A further form of the container assembling device of the present invention is the container assembling device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, wherein the container further includes a pair of lid bodies pivotally supported at upper end edges of opposite lateral sides of the top frame so as to be able to open and close the opening. In a state where the container in the folded form is placed in the placement space and the opening of the top frame is opened, the pair of lid bodies hang down outside the lateral sides of the top frame, and a gap is formed between the lid bodies and the outer surface of the top frame. In order to assemble the container in the folded form, when the movable body moves inward in the X-axis direction from the retracted position toward the advanced position, each engaging piece can reach the engaging recess through the gap, and after the container is assembled, when the movable body moves outward in the X-axis direction from the advanced position toward the retracted position, each engaging piece can disengage from the engaging recess and be disengaged outside the gap.

[0015] (Configuration 8) A further form of the container assembling device of the present invention is the container assembling device according to Configuration 7, further comprising a lid opening device configured to rotate the pair of lid bodies so as to open the opening of the top frame when the container in the folded form with the opening of the top frame closed by the pair of lid bodies is placed in the placement space.

[0016] (Configuration 9) A further form of the container assembling device of the present invention is the container assembling device according to Configuration 8, wherein a conveying unit for conveying the container in and out of the placement space is provided on the placement surface of the placement space.

[0017] (Configuration 10) A container assembling arm according to one form of the present invention is a container assembling arm for assembling a folding type container that mutually transforms between a folded form and a box form, and the container includes a rectangular bottom plate having a lateral side extending in the X-axis direction and a longitudinal side extending in the Y-axis direction, and A top frame having an opening on the inside and placed on the bottom plate in the folded form, A pair of first side plates, each having a hinge portion that allows them to be freely bent inward between the upper and lower edges, and to be rotatably connected to the horizontal or vertical edges of the base plate and the top frame, respectively, A pair of second side plates, each having a rotatable upper edge connected to the vertical or horizontal edge of the top frame and a free end at its lower edge, are folded in such a way that their inner surfaces face upward from the opening of the top frame in the folded state. The top frame is provided with engaging recesses recessed at predetermined X-axis positions on the outer surfaces of each horizontal side of the top frame, and is configured such that when it transforms from the folded form to the box form, the first side plate extends straight through an intermediate form, and the second side plate is pressed outward and fitted to the first side plate and / or the bottom plate. The aforementioned container assembly arm is An arm body that extends longitudinally inward and outward in the X-axis direction and is driven to move up and down in the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the X-axis-Y-axis plane, A movable body that extends longitudinally along the Y-axis, is supported by the arm body so as to be movable relative to it along the X-axis, and is configured to face the outer surface of the vertical side of the folded container placed at a predetermined position, The movable body is configured to move relative to itself along the X-axis from a retracted position spaced outward in the X-axis direction from the container to a forward position closer to the container in the X-axis direction. Each of the aforementioned movable bodies is provided with a pair of engaging pieces on both ends of its outer side in the Y-axis direction, configured to enter the engaging recess when the movable body moves to the forward position, and to engage with the upper surface of the engaging recess in the Z-axis direction. A pair of rotating bodies are pivotally supported by pivot axes located at both ends of the arm body on the outer side in the X-axis direction, and rotate vertically downward in the X-axis-Z-axis plane, Each of the aforementioned rotating bodies is formed on the tip side and comprises a pair of pressing bodies that press the pair of second side plates from the inside out, With respect to the folded container, the engaging piece engages with the upper surface of the engaging recess, the top frame is lifted upward in the Z-axis direction to deform the container from the folded state to the intermediate state, and the rotating motion of the rotating body causes the pair of pressing bodies to press the pair of second side plates from the inside to the outside through the opening of the top frame so that the second side plates are fitted to the first side plates and / or the bottom plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The container assembly apparatus of the present invention enables the automatic assembly of foldable containers, whether or not they have lids. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of a container assembly apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A partially enlarged perspective view of the container assembly apparatus as seen from one side in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A partially enlarged perspective view of the container assembly apparatus shown in Figure 1, viewed from the other side. [Figure 4] Front view of the container assembly device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a plan view of the container assembly device. [Figure 6] Left side view of the container assembly device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] A schematic perspective view of the container assembly arm shown in Figure 1, viewed from above. [Figure 8] A schematic perspective view of the container assembly arm as seen from below in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 7 shows a front view of the container assembly arm. [Figure 10] Figure 7 is a plan view of the container assembly arm. [Figure 11] Figure 7 shows a bottom view of the container assembly arm. [Figure 12] Figure 7 shows a side view of the container assembly arm. [Figure 13] Figure 10 shows a close-up view of the engagement piece of the container assembly arm. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram showing the operation of the lifting device for the container assembly arm in Figure 7. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram showing the operation of the pressing device of the container assembly arm in Figure 7. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram showing a first step in assembling a foldable container in a container assembly apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and showing the folded container placed in the space. [Figure 17] This figure shows a second step in assembling a foldable container in a container assembly apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates the state in which the lid of the foldable container is opened. [Figure 18] This figure shows a third step in assembling a foldable container in a container assembly apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the container assembly arm in a lowered position. [Figure 19] This figure shows a fourth step in assembling a foldable container in a container assembly apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates the step of driving the lifting device of the container assembly arm to move the movable body from a retracted position to a forward position. [Figure 20] This figure shows a fifth step in assembling a foldable container in a container assembly apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates the step of driving a lifting device for the container assembly arm to move the engaging piece into the engaging recess. [Figure 21] This figure shows a sixth step in assembling a foldable container in a container assembly apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the state in which the container is lifted by a container assembly arm and assembled by a pressing device. [Figure 22] This figure shows a sixth step in assembling a foldable container in a container assembly apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the state in which the lifting device of the container assembly arm is driven to disengage the engaging piece from the engaging recess. [Figure 23] (a) a folded form with the lid closing the opening, and (b) a schematic perspective view of the folded form with the opening closing, of a foldable container as illustrated in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24]Figure 23 shows the folded container in (a) a partially deformed state and (b) a boxed state, perspective views. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes in the drawings referenced in the following description are conceptual or schematic diagrams for illustrating preferred shapes, and the dimensional ratios, etc., do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensional ratios. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the up, down, left, and right directions may be interpreted interchangeably.

[0021] The container assembly device 100 of this embodiment is used for assembling a foldable container that can transform between a folded form and a box form. Furthermore, the container assembly device 100 of this embodiment is automatically driven by power supplied by a power source (not shown), and enables the automatic assembly of containers by operation of a control panel or the like by the user.Here, the foldable container is commonly used for transportation and the like, but it is not intended to be a limitation and is exemplified as the container 10 with a lid shown in Figures 23 and 24.The foldable container targeted by the present invention is not limited to the form of container 10.For example, the first side plate and the second side plate may be swapped vertically and horizontally.

[0022] First, the foldable container 10 with a lid will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. The container 10 is transformable between a folded form with the opening closed by the lid 15 (see Figure 23(a)) and a housing-like box form with the lid 15 open (Figure 24(b)). As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the container 10 comprises a rectangular plate-shaped bottom plate 11, a top frame 12 positioned opposite the bottom plate 11 and having an opening on the inside, a pair of first side plates 13 facing each other between the horizontal sides (long sides) of the bottom plate 11 and the horizontal sides of the top frame 12, and a pair of second side plates 14 facing each other between the vertical sides (short sides) of the bottom plate 11 and the vertical sides (short sides) of the top frame 12. A pair of lids 15 are pivotally supported on the top frame 12. Each lid 15 is pivotally hinged to the upper edge of each horizontal side of the top frame 12. The pair of lids 15 are configured to open and close the opening of the top frame 12 in both the box form and the folded form. Furthermore, on the outer surfaces of each of the opposing horizontal sides of the top frame 12 of the container 10, there are recessed engagement recesses 17 which serve as handles. In this embodiment, there are two engagement recesses 17 on the outer surfaces of each horizontal side of the top frame 12. A trapezoidal cutout handle 18 is provided approximately in the center (one location) of each of the opposing vertical sides of the top frame 12. The pair of first side plates 13 have their upper and lower edges rotatably connected to the horizontal sides of the bottom plate 11 and the horizontal sides of the top frame 12, respectively, and have hinge portions 13a that allow them to bend freely inward only between the upper and lower edges. The pair of second side plates 14 have their upper edges rotatably connected to the vertical sides of the top frame 12 and have free ends at their lower edges. Furthermore, the edges on both sides and the bottom edge of the second side plate 14 are provided with fitting portions that fit onto the side edges of the pair of first side plates 13 and the vertical edges of the bottom plate 11. Note that if the first side plate 13 is partially bent, the second side plate 14 will come into contact with the upper edge of the first side plate 13, and therefore the second side plate 14 will not rotate toward the bottom plate 11.

[0023] In the box-shaped container 10 shown in Figure 24(b), the container 10 maintains its box shape by having a pair of second side plates 14 fixed to at least one of the straight first side plates 13 and the bottom plate 11. The lid 15 hangs completely from the top frame 12 and folds over the outer surface of the first side plates 13. On the other hand, in the folded container 10 shown in Figures 23(a) and (b), the top frame 12 is placed on the bottom plate 11. Inside the opening of the top frame 12, the pair of first side plates 13 are bent inward in a "V" shape via the hinge portion 13a and folded, and above the folded first side plates 13, the pair of second side plates 14 are folded so that their inner surfaces face upward from the opening of the top frame 12 with the lid 15 open. As shown in Figure 23(b), in the folded container 10 with the lid 15 open, the pair of lids 15 abut the floor at their tips and are inclined relative to the outer surface of the top frame 12. At this time, the lids 15 cover the engagement recess 17 from the outside, but a gap is formed between the lids 15 and the outer surface of the side of the top frame 12. When the top frame 12 is lifted from this configuration, as shown in Figure 24(a), gravity causes the first side plate 13 to deform into an intermediate configuration where it extends straight from a bent state. Subsequently, the second side plate 14 is pressed outward and fitted to the first side plate 13 and / or bottom plate 11 via the fitting portion, thereby transforming the container 10 into the box configuration shown in Figure 24(b). Note that the container 10 can be stacked in multiple layers in the height direction, whether in the folded configuration or the box configuration.

[0024] The configuration of the container assembly apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of the container assembly apparatus 100. Figures 2 and 3 are partially enlarged perspective views of the container assembly apparatus 100. Figure 4 is a front view of the container assembly apparatus 100. Figure 5 is a top view of the container assembly apparatus 100. Figure 6 is a left side view of the container assembly apparatus 100. Figures 1 to 6 show the initial configuration of the container assembly apparatus 100.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the container assembly device 100 comprises a main body 101 that defines an arrangement space 103 for arranging containers 10 inside, a container assembly arm 110 provided for the arrangement space 103, and a control unit (processor) that controls the operation of each component of the container assembly device 100. The container assembly device 100 may also include a power supply unit (not shown) that receives power from a power source, and a control panel 107 for receiving instructions from the user.

[0026] The main body of the device 101 consists of a rectangular frame 102 extending in the X-axis (horizontal), Y-axis (vertical), and Z-axis (height) directions. An arrangement space 103 for arranging the container 10 is formed inside the frame 102. The arrangement space 103 is a space having mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. The X-axis-Y-axis plane, which has the X-axis and Y-axis in its plane, forms a horizontal plane, and the Z-axis direction represents a vertical (height) direction perpendicular to the X-axis-Y-axis plane. In this embodiment, the horizontal sides of the container 10 are arranged along the X-axis direction of the arrangement space 103, and the vertical sides of the container 10 are arranged along the Y-axis direction. In other words, the arrangement space 103 accommodates the container 10 such that the horizontal sides of the bottom plate 11 and top frame 12 of the container 10 extend in the X-axis direction within the arrangement space 103, and the vertical sides extend in the Y-axis direction within the arrangement space 103. In this embodiment, the arrangement space 103 has an area that allows for the placement of one container 10 in a plan view, and a height that allows for the placement of at least one box-shaped (or intermediate-shaped) container 10 in a front view.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the main body of the device 101 is provided with a lifting device 105 for driving the container assembly arm 110 up and down in the Z-axis direction (height direction) within the installation space 103. The lifting device 105 is a rail or support extending in the Z-axis direction. The lifting device 105 can drive the container assembly arm 110 up and down by a general drive means such as a belt or motor (not shown).

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the main body of the device 101 is provided with a lid opening device 106 that operates to open the lid 15 of the folded container 10 placed in the placement space 103. The lid opening device 106, although its detailed operation is not shown, comprises a pair of pivot pieces 106a. Each of the pair of pivot pieces 106a rotates upward around a pivot axis 106b, and the claws at their tips contact the edge of the lid 15 from below, thereby opening the lid 15. The lid opening device 106 is driven to move closer to and further away from the placement space 103 along the X-axis. When the folded container 10 with its opening closed by the lid 15 is placed in the placement space 103, the control unit moves the lid opening device 106 inward along the X-axis so that it is close to the placement space 103 (the outer surface of the vertical side of the container 10), and then drives the pair of pivot pieces 106a to rotate. After opening the lid 15 of the container 10, the control unit moves the lid opening device 106 outward in the X-axis direction so that it is separated from the placement space 103, returning it to its initial configuration.

[0029] Furthermore, the main body of the device 101 is provided with a transport unit 108 for transporting the container 10 in and out of the placement space 103. This transport unit 108 consists of transport rollers that constitute the mounting surface of the placement space 103 and is rotationally controlled by the control unit. The transport unit 108 moves the container 10 in the Y-axis direction and, using position sensors provided on the frame 102, can accurately stop the container 10 at a predetermined placement position (or assembly position) within the placement space 103.

[0030] The container assembly arm 110 is controlled by a lifting device 105 to move in the Z-axis direction within the arrangement space 103 and to perform the lifting and pressing operations of the folded container 10 introduced into the arrangement space 103 in a coordinated manner. The configuration and operation of the container assembly arm 110 will be described below with reference to Figures 7 to 15. Figures 7 and 8 are schematic perspective views of the container assembly arm 110 from above and below. Figure 9 is a front view of the container assembly arm 110. Figure 10 is a plan view of the container assembly arm 110. Figure 11 is a bottom view of the container assembly arm 110. Figure 12 is a side view of the container assembly arm 110. Figure 13 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the engaging piece 113 of the container assembly arm 110. Figures 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the container assembly arm 110.

[0031] The container assembly arm 110 comprises an arm body 111 extending longitudinally inward and outward along the X-axis, a lifting device configured to lift the top frame 12 upward along the Z-axis to transform the folded container 10 introduced into the placement space 103 from a folded state to an intermediate state, and a pressing device that operates to press a pair of second side plates 14 from the inside to the outside through the opening in the top frame 12 so that the second side plates 14 are fitted to the first side plates 13 and / or bottom plate 11 of the intermediate state container 10 with the top frame 12 lifted by the lifting device.

[0032] More specifically, the container assembly arm 110 comprises a pair of movable bodies 112 connected to both ends of the arm body 111 in the X-axis direction and extending longitudinally inward and outward in the Y-axis direction, a pair of rotating bodies 116 rotatably supported at both ends of the arm body 111 in the X-axis direction, and a pair of pressing bodies 117 formed on the tip side of the rotating bodies 116 and pressing a pair of second side plates 14 from the inside out.

[0033] Each movable body 112 is made of a straight bar material. Furthermore, a pair of movable bodies 112 extend parallel to the Y-axis in a plan view and are positioned facing each other in the X-axis direction outside the arrangement space 103. In other words, the pair of movable bodies 112 are positioned to face the outer surface of the vertical edge of the folded container 10 introduced into the arrangement space 103. The pair of movable bodies 112 are each supported at both ends of the arm body 111 so as to be able to move relative to each other along the X-axis. In this embodiment, the pair of movable bodies 112 are connected to an air cylinder and are movable in and out along the X-axis in accordance with the extension and retraction operation of the air cylinder. That is, as shown in Figure 14, each movable body 112 is configured to move relative to each other along the X-axis from a retracted position spaced outward in the X-axis direction from the container 10 (arrangement space 103) to a forward position closer to the container 10 in the X-axis direction. The pair of movable bodies 112 are controlled to perform the same operation.

[0034] Furthermore, each movable body 112 is provided with a pair of engaging pieces 113 on both ends on the outer side in the Y-axis direction. These pieces are configured to enter the engaging recess 17 of the folded container 10 (introduced into the placement space 103) when the movable body 112 moves to the forward position, and to engage (or engage) with the upper surface of the engaging recess 17 in the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 13, each engaging piece 113 is formed in a claw shape. Specifically, each engaging piece 113 comprises a shank portion 114 extending inward in the X-axis direction toward the placement space 103, and an engaging projection 115 protruding inward in the Y-axis direction from the tip of the shank portion 114. Here, the shape and dimensions of the shank portion 114 and the engaging projection 115 are designed to correspond to the position and size of the engaging recess 17 in the container 10.

[0035] The engaging piece 113 is rotatably supported at the base end of the shank portion 114 via a pivot shaft 114a on the tip portion of the movable body 112. The shank portion 114 is biased by an elastic member (not shown) located inside the movable body 112 so that it naturally assumes an initial position approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the movable body 112. As shown in Figure 13, when an outward force in the Y-axis direction is applied to the engaging piece 113, the engaging piece 113 operates to rotate only in a direction that separates them from each other in the Y-axis direction, against the elastic force. On the other hand, when the outward force in the Y-axis direction on the engaging piece 113 is released, it returns to the initial position due to the elastic restorative force. As will be described later, the pair of engaging pieces 113 can operate to enter the engaging recess 17 by elastically rotating outward in the Y-axis direction and elastically returning when the arm body 111 moves forward and comes into contact with the outer surface of the container 10 in the arrangement space 103.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the engaging piece 113 has an L-shape centered on the pivot axis 114a and further includes a rotation restricting portion 114b that extends in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the shank portion 114. The rotation restricting portion 114b has a flat front surface (contact surface) facing inward in the X-axis direction. The rotation restricting portion 114b is configured to contact the side surface of the top frame 12 on the front side of the movable body 112 when the movable body 112 moves to the forward position. As will be described later, when the rotation restricting portion 114b is in contact with the side surface of the top frame 12, the engaging piece 113 is prevented from rotating outward, and the engaging piece 113 is prevented from disengaging from the engaging recess 17.

[0037] Furthermore, each engaging projection 115 is a roughly triangular projection in plan view that protrudes inward in the Y-axis direction from the tip of each shank portion 114. In other words, a pair of engaging projections 115 face each other so as to sandwich the arrangement space 103 (container 10) in the Y-axis direction. Each engaging projection 115 has an engaging surface 115a that faces upward in the Z-axis direction to engage with the upper surface of the engaging recess 17. The engaging projection 115 also has a first working surface 115b formed on its tip side, which is inclined (or may be curved) to face inward in the X-axis direction and inward in the Y-axis direction. The first working surface 115b acts on the outer surface of the container 10 when the movable body 112 moves inward in the X-axis direction from the retracted position to the forward position, and is configured to rotate the engaging piece 113 outward in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the first working surface 115b receives a force from the tip side in the X-axis direction and converts that force into an outward force in the Y-axis direction, thereby causing the engaging piece 113 to rotate outward in the Y-axis direction. On the other hand, the engaging projection 115 has a second working surface 115c that is inclined (or may be curved) toward the outward direction in the X-axis direction and the inward direction in the Y-axis direction, closer to the base end than the first working surface 115b. The second working surface 115c acts on the inner surface of the engaging recess 17 when the movable body 112 moves outward in the X-axis direction from the forward position to the retracted position, causing the engaging piece 113 to rotate outward in the Y-axis direction. The second working surface 115c receives a force from the base end side in the X-axis direction and converts that force into an outward force in the Y-axis direction, thereby causing the engaging piece 113 to rotate outward in the Y-axis direction. In this invention, the engaging piece may be driven to rotate by power. In this case, the first and second working surfaces may be omitted.

[0038] A pair of rotating bodies 116 are pivotally supported at both ends of the arm body 111 via pivot shafts 116a. Each rotating body 116 consists of an arm member bent in a roughly L-shape. As shown in Figure 15, the pair of rotating bodies 116 are driven and controlled to rotate vertically downward on the X-axis-Z-axis plane and from the inside to the outside in the X-axis direction at a predetermined timing. In addition, a pressing body 117 is provided at the tip of each rotating body 116, which presses a pair of second side plates 14 from the inside to the outside in the X-axis direction as the rotating body 116 rotates inward and outward. The pressing body 117 is formed as a roller made of an elastic material such as rubber. The pressing body 117 is configured to roll on the surface of the second side plates 14 while pressing them. This makes the assembly operation of the container 10 smooth.

[0039] In other words, in this embodiment, the lifting device and the pressing device are integrally provided with respect to the container assembly arm 110 (arm body 111). The lifting device comprises a pair of movable bodies 112, each having a pair of engaging pieces 113, so as to be able to lift the container 10 in its folded form. The pressing device comprises a rotating body 116 and a pressing body 117 that are driven to rotate in a predetermined direction so as to be able to press a pair of second side plates 14 of the container 10. The control unit drives the lifting device and the pressing device in conjunction, making it possible to transform the container 10 from its folded form to its box form.

[0040] Next, with reference to Figures 16 to 22, the process of assembling a container 10 with a lid in a closed and folded state using the container assembly apparatus 100 of one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each figure, the depiction of the container 10 and the like will be simplified for ease of explanation. Also, although the assembly process of a container 10 with a lid will be described here, it goes without saying that the container assembly apparatus 100 of this embodiment can similarly assemble a container without a lid.

[0041] The user can operate the control panel 107 to issue instructions to the container assembly device 100 for loading the container 10 into the placement space 103 and starting assembly. The control unit controls a series of components, enabling the automatic assembly of the container 10 with a lid.

[0042] Figure 16 shows a configuration in which a folded container 10 is placed in the arrangement space 103 of the container assembly device 100. As shown in Figure 16, the folded container 10 is placed in a predetermined position in the arrangement space 103. The container 10 is introduced into the arrangement space 103 so that its vertical sides are aligned in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the container 10 can be transported to the predetermined arrangement position in the arrangement space 103 by the operation of the transport unit 108. The control unit detects, using a sensor or the like, that the container 10 has been placed in the arrangement position in the arrangement space 103 and controls the transport unit 108 to stop. In this invention, the transport unit may be omitted, or a mounting platform may be provided instead of the transport unit.

[0043] The position of container 10 in the X-axis-Y-axis plane was determined as follows: In the X-axis and Y-axis directions, the center position of container 10 coincides with the center position of container assembly arm 110. In this case, in the X-axis direction, the pair of movable bodies 112 are located outside the arrangement space 103 (i.e., outside container 10). In the Y-axis direction, a portion of the pair of engaging pieces 113 of each movable body 112 is positioned to overlap with the outer surface of container 10, and the outer surface of the top frame 12 of container 10 is positioned inward in the Y-axis direction from the outer edge of the pair of engaging pieces 113.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figure 17, the lid release device 106 (see Figure 3) is driven to flip up the pair of lids 15 of the container 10, opening the top frame 12. Specifically, the lid release device 106 moves forward in the X-axis direction, and with the claw at the tip of the rotating piece 106a inserted below the lids 15, the rotating piece 106a rotates upward around the pivot axis 106b. As a result, the pair of lids 15 rotate upward, opening the top frame 12. After that, the lid release device 106 retracts outward in the X-axis direction, returning to its initial position. As a result, the opening of the container 10 is opened, and the pair of lids 15 are positioned to hang down outward in the Y-axis direction of the top frame 12. At this time, the leading edges of the pair of lids 15 are supported on the mounting surface of the transport unit 108, so that the lids 15 cover the engagement recess 17 from the outside in the Y-axis direction, but a gap is formed between the lids 15 and the outer surface of the container 10 that is open in the X-axis direction.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 18, the container assembly arm 110 is lowered along the Z-axis direction by the lifting device 105. The container assembly arm 110 then moves to a predetermined height position in the Z-axis direction and stops so that the pair of movable bodies 112 face the outer surfaces of the top frame 12 of the container 10. The amount of movement of the container assembly arm 110 in the Z-axis direction can be controlled by sensors or the like.

[0046] Then, as shown in Figure 19, the control unit drives the lifting device. It moves the pair of movable bodies 112 from a retracted position to a forward position along the X-axis. As the movable bodies 112 move forward, the tips of the engaging pieces 113 rotate so that they contact the outer surface of the container 10 and open outwards. Specifically, as shown in Figure 20(a), the first working surface 115b of the engaging projection 115 contacts the outer surface of the container 10, and as the movable body 112 moves further forward, the first working surface 115b receives a force in the X-axis direction. The first working surface 115b converts this force into an outward force in the Y-axis direction, causing the engaging piece 113 to elastically rotate outwards in the Y-axis direction, the engaging projection 115 rides up onto the outer surface of the side edge of the container 10, and each engaging piece 113 enters the gap between the lid 15 and the outer surface of the container 10. As the movable body 112 moves further forward, the engaging piece 113 reaches the engaging recess 17. Then, as shown in Figure 20(b), the engaging piece 113 elastically returns to its original position, causing the engaging projection 115 to enter the engaging recess 17. The movable body 112 then moves forward until the front surface of the rotation restricting portion 114b of the engaging piece 113 contacts the side surface of the top frame 12 in the X-axis direction. In this forward position, the rotation restricting portion 114b is locked to the side surface of the top frame 12, preventing the engaging piece 113 from rotating outward and the engaging projection 115 from disengaging from the engaging recess 17. In other words, the four engaging pieces 113 are securely inserted into the four engaging recesses 17 without disengaging, allowing the container 10 to be lifted stably. Thus, the four engaging pieces 113 are inserted into the four engaging recesses 17 of the container 10 almost simultaneously, making it possible to lift the container 10 with the container assembly arm 110.

[0047] Next, when the container assembly arm 110 is raised along the Z-axis, the upper surface (engagement surface 115a) of the engagement projection 115 of each engagement piece 113 engages with the upper surface of each engagement recess 17. While maintaining this engaged state, the container assembly arm 110 is raised vertically, lifting the top frame 12 of the container 10 upward and transforming the container 10 into an intermediate form. At this time, the pair of first side plates 13 rotate via the hinge portion 13a and deform into a straight shape, and then the pair of second side plates 14 rotate downward under their own weight. In conjunction with the rotation of the pair of second side plates 14, the control unit drives the pressing device. As shown in Figure 21, the pair of rotating bodies 116 rotate downward and outward on the X-axis-Z-axis plane, and the pair of pressing bodies 117 press the inner surfaces of the pair of second side plates 14 outward. As a result, the pair of second side plates 14 of the container 10 are simultaneously pressed from the inside to the outside, and the pair of second side plates 14 are fitted against the first side plate 13 and / or bottom plate 11. After the pressing operation is completed, the control unit returns the pressing device to its initial position.

[0048] Next, the control unit moves the pair of movable bodies 112 from the forward position to the retracted position toward the outward direction in the X-axis direction. As the movable bodies 112 retract, the engaging piece 113 rotates so as to contact the inner surface of the engaging recess 17 and open outward. Specifically, as shown in Figure 22(a), the second working surface 115c of the engaging projection 115 contacts the inner surface of the engaging recess 17, and as the movable body 112 retracts further, the second working surface 115c receives a force in the X-axis direction. The second working surface 115c converts this force into an outward force in the Y-axis direction, causing the engaging piece 113 to elastically rotate outward in the Y-axis direction, and the engaging projection 115 disengages from the engaging recess 17 and rides up onto the outer surface of the side of the container 10. As the movable body 112 retracts further, each engaging piece 113 moves out through the gap between the lid 15 and the outer surface of the container 10, and as shown in Figure 22(b), the engaging pieces 113 elastically return to their original position, causing the pair of movable bodies 112 to return to their initial form. As a result, the pair of lids 15 hang completely to the sides, and the container 10 can be assembled into a box shape as shown in Figure 24(b).

[0049] Although not shown in the diagram, transport rails may be provided upstream and / or downstream of the transport unit 108. By installing transport rails, it becomes possible to automatically assemble the containers 10 that have been sent along the upstream transport path, send them to the downstream transport path, and transport the assembled containers 10 sequentially to a predetermined destination (for example, a workshop).

[0050] The following describes the operation and effects of a container assembly apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] According to the container assembly apparatus 100 of this embodiment, an engaging piece 113 supported by a movable body 112 is moved along the outer surface of the horizontal side of the top frame 12 extending in the X direction to engage with an engaging recess 17 that opens outward in the Y direction of the folded container 10 placed in the arrangement space 103. When the movable body 112 moves to the forward position, the engaging piece 113 enters the engaging recess 17, making it possible to engage the engaging piece 113 with the upper surface of the engaging recess 17 in the Z direction. In particular, when assembling a foldable container 10 with a lid in which the pair of lids 15 are open, the lids 15 cover the engaging recess 17 from the outside in the Y direction. By passing the engaging piece 113 through the gap between the lids 15 and the outer surface of the top frame 12 in the X direction, the engaging piece 113 enters the engaging recess 17 and engages with its upper surface in the Z direction, making it possible to lift the container 10 by the lifting device. The lifted container 10 is assembled into a box shape by the operation of the pressing device. Therefore, the container assembly device 100 of this embodiment makes it possible to assemble a foldable container 10, whether or not it has a lid.

[0052] (modified version) The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the engaging pieces 113 of a pair of movable bodies 112 are configured to engage with engaging recesses 17 formed at two locations in the X-axis direction of the container 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the engaging pieces may lift a handle 18 provided at one location on one side of the container 10, using the handle as the engaging recess. Also, in the above embodiments, the container assembly arm is provided with a pair of movable bodies corresponding to the two engaging recesses 17 in the X-axis direction, but if there is only one engaging recess, there may be only one movable body.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments or modifications described above, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10 containers 11 Bottom plate 12 Top frame 13 1st side plate 13a Hinge section 14 Second side plate 15 Lid plate 17 Engaging recess 18 Handle 100 Container Assembly Equipment 101 Main unit of the device 102 frames 103 Placement space 105 Lifting device 106 Lid opening device 106a Rotating piece 106b Rotary shaft 107 Control Panel 108 Conveying Section 110 Container Assembly Arm 111 Arm body 112 Movable body 113 Engaging piece 114 Shank section 114a Rotary shaft 114b Rotation restricting unit 115 Engagement protrusion 115a Engagement surface 115b 1st working surface 115c Second working surface 116 Rotating Body 116a Rotary shaft 117 Pressing body

Claims

1. A container assembly device for assembling a foldable container that transforms between a folded form and a box form, The aforementioned container is A rectangular base plate having a horizontal side extending in the X-axis direction and a vertical side extending in the Y-axis direction, A top frame having an opening on the inside and placed on the bottom plate in the folded form, A pair of first side plates, each having a hinge portion that allows them to be freely bent inward only between the upper and lower edges, and to be rotatably connected to the horizontal or vertical edges of the base plate and the top frame, respectively, A pair of second side plates, each having a rotatable upper edge connected to the vertical or horizontal edge of the top frame and a free end at its lower edge, are folded in such a way that their inner surfaces face upward from the opening of the top frame in the folded state. The top frame is provided with engaging recesses recessed at predetermined X-axis positions on the outer surfaces of each horizontal side of the top frame, and is configured such that when it transforms from the folded form to the box form, the first side plate extends straight through an intermediate form, and the second side plate is pressed outward and fitted to the first side plate and / or the bottom plate. The container assembly apparatus is A device body that defines an internal arrangement space for arranging the aforementioned container, wherein the arrangement space has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis in the height direction perpendicular to the X-Y-axis plane, A container assembly arm that is driven to move up and down in the Z-axis direction within the aforementioned arrangement space, The container assembly apparatus comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the container assembly apparatus, The aforementioned container assembly arm is The arm body extends longitudinally inward and outward along the X-axis, A lifting device configured to lift the top frame of the folded container introduced into the aforementioned space upwards in the Z-axis direction, The system includes a pressing device that operates to press the pair of second side plates from the inside to the outside through the opening in the top frame of the container, so that the second side plates are fitted to the first side plates and / or the bottom plate, with respect to the container whose top frame has been lifted by the lifting device, The lifting device comprises a movable body that extends longitudinally along the Y-axis, is supported by the arm body so as to be movable relative to the X-axis, and is configured to face the outer surface of the vertical side of the folded container introduced into the placement space. The movable body is configured to move relative to itself along the X-axis from a retracted position spaced outward in the X-axis direction from the container to a forward position closer to the container in the X-axis direction. A container assembly apparatus characterized in that each of the movable bodies is provided with a pair of engaging pieces on both ends on the outer side in the Y-axis direction, such that when the movable body moves to the forward position, it enters the engaging recess and can engage with the upper surface of the engaging recess in the Z-axis direction.

2. Each of the aforementioned engaging pieces comprises a shank portion extending inward in the X-axis direction toward the arrangement space, and an engaging projection protruding inward in the Y-axis direction at the tip of the shank portion. The engaging projection has an engaging surface that faces upward in the Z-axis direction so as to engage with the upper surface of the engaging recess. The shank portion is pivotally supported on the arm body via a pivot shaft, The container assembly apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pair of engaging pieces rotate only in a direction that separates them from each other outward in the Y-axis direction.

3. The container assembly apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the pair of engaging pieces, when the arm body moves forward, come into contact with the outer surface of the container in the arrangement space, elastically rotate outward in the Y-axis direction, and then elastically return to enter the engaging recess.

4. The container assembly apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the engaging projection has a first working surface that is inclined or curved to face inward in the X-axis direction and inward in the Y-axis direction, and the first working surface acts on the outer surface of the container when the movable body moves inward in the X-axis direction from the retracted position to the forward position, causing the engaging piece to rotate outward in the Y-axis direction.

5. The container assembly apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the engaging projection has a second working surface that is inclined or curved to face outward in the X-axis direction and inward in the Y-axis direction, and the second working surface acts on the inner surface of the engaging recess when the movable body moves outward in the X-axis direction from the forward position to the retracted position, causing the engaging piece to rotate outward in the Y-axis direction.

6. The container assembly apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pressing device comprises a pair of rotating bodies that rotate vertically downward on the X-axis-Z-axis plane, and a pressing body formed on the tip side of each of the rotating bodies that presses the pair of second side plates from the inside out, and the pair of rotating bodies are pivotally supported by pivot shafts arranged at both ends of the arm body on the outer side in the X-axis direction.

7. The container further comprises a pair of lids pivotally supported on the upper edges of the opposing horizontal sides of the top frame so as to be able to open and close the opening. With the folded container placed in the arrangement space and the opening of the top frame open, the pair of lids hang down from the outside of the side edges of the top frame, and a gap is formed between the lids and the outer surface of the top frame. In order to assemble the container in its folded form, when the movable body moves inward in the X-axis direction from the retracted position toward the forward position, each of the engaging pieces is able to reach the engaging recess through the gap, and The container assembly apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, after the assembly of the container, when the movable body moves outward in the X-axis direction from the forward position to the retracted position, each of the engaging pieces can disengage from the engaging recess and disengage to the outside of the gap.

8. The container assembly apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a lid opening device configured to rotate the pair of lids to open the opening of the top frame when the folded container, in which the opening of the top frame is closed by the pair of lids, is placed in the placement space.

9. The container assembly apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that a transport section for transporting the container to and from the inside of the placement space is provided on the mounting surface of the placement space.

10. A container assembly arm for assembling a foldable container that transforms between a folded form and a box form, The aforementioned container is A rectangular base plate having a horizontal side extending in the X-axis direction and a vertical side extending in the Y-axis direction, A top frame having an opening on the inside and placed on the bottom plate in the folded form, A pair of first side plates, each having a hinge portion that allows them to be freely bent inward between the upper and lower edges, and to be rotatably connected to the horizontal or vertical edges of the base plate and the top frame, respectively, A pair of second side plates, each having a rotatable upper edge connected to the vertical or horizontal edge of the top frame and a free end at its lower edge, are folded in such a way that their inner surfaces face upward from the opening of the top frame in the folded state. The top frame is provided with engaging recesses recessed at predetermined X-axis positions on the outer surfaces of each horizontal side of the top frame, and is configured such that when it transforms from the folded form to the box form, the first side plate extends straight through an intermediate form, and the second side plate is pressed outward and fitted to the first side plate and / or the bottom plate. An arm body that extends longitudinally inward and outward in the X-axis direction and is driven to move up and down in the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the X-axis-Y-axis plane, A movable body that extends longitudinally along the Y-axis, is supported by the arm body so as to be movable relative to the X-axis, and is configured to face the outer surface of the vertical side of the folded container placed at a predetermined position, The movable body is configured to move relative to itself along the X-axis from a retracted position spaced outward in the X-axis direction from the container to a forward position closer to the container in the X-axis direction. Each of the aforementioned movable bodies is provided with a pair of engaging pieces on both ends of its outer side in the Y-axis direction, such that when the movable body moves to the forward position, it enters the engaging recess and engages with the upper surface of the engaging recess in the Z-axis direction. A pair of rotating bodies are pivotally supported by pivot shafts located at both ends of the arm body on the outer side in the X-axis direction, and rotate vertically downward in the X-axis-Z-axis plane, Each of the aforementioned rotating bodies is formed on its tip side and comprises a pair of pressing bodies that press the pair of second side plates from the inside out, A container assembly arm characterized in that, with respect to the folded container, the engaging piece engages with the upper surface of the engaging recess, the top frame is lifted upward in the Z-axis direction to deform the container from the folded state to the intermediate state, and the rotating motion of the rotating body presses the pair of pressing bodies from the inside to the outside through the opening of the top frame so that the second side plates are fitted to the first side plates and / or the bottom plate.

Images