Box packing device and flap folding method

Abstract

This packaging device provides a boxing machine that can neatly fold the flaps of body-sealed cartons for pillow box cartons. [Configuration] The upper flap folding device 27 includes a block member 51 that can contact the upper flap 5, a second cylinder 52 that moves the block member up and down toward the upper flap, and a third cylinder 53 that moves the block member forward and backward toward the body-covered carton. The block member has a front surface 51a that is curved according to the curve of the first fold line 7a, and a thick bottom surface 51b that is a curved surface that is convex downward in the center in the width direction, with a groove 51c provided in the center of the bottom surface 51b in the width direction. As a result, the block member can first contact and press a part of the upper flap that is laterally offset from the center in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a boxing device and a flap folding method.

Background Art

[0002] There are various types of boxes for storing products, and one of them is a pillow box carton (sometimes referred to as a "pillow case"). As shown in Fig. 1(a), this pillow box carton 1 has a body part 2 for storing products, where the side edges of the upper surface part 3 and the lower surface part 4 are connected, and both non-connected ends of the upper surface part 3 and the lower surface part 4 are open. The first folding line 7a, which is the boundary of the connection part with the upper flap 5 connected to both ends of the upper surface part 3 on the opening side, and the second folding line 7b, which is the boundary of the connection part with the lower flap 6 connected to both ends of the lower surface part 4 on the opening side, are curved. In the state of being manufactured and assembled, the surface of the box is curved according to the curve, and it has a pillow-like form with the central side in the width direction bulging up and down.

[0003] Fig. 1(b) is a developed view (carton blanks) of the pillow box carton 1. In the illustrated example, a glue margin piece 8 is provided on one side edge of the upper surface part 3. Then, by folding the side edges at the boundary between the upper surface part 3 and the lower surface part 4 and attaching the glue margin piece 8 to the lower surface part 4, the folded body-attached carton (setup carton) 10 shown in Fig. 1(c) is formed.

[0004] Also, the pillow box carton 1 has, for example, a type in which a side surface part 9 is arranged between the upper surface part 3 and the lower surface part 4 and is configured to be connected via the side surface part 9, as shown in the developed view in Fig. 2. In this case as well, the connection parts between the upper surface part 3 and the upper flap 5 and between the lower surface part 4 and the lower flap 6 are curved. In the manufactured state, the body part 2 is formed in a pillow-like shape with the upper surface part 3 and the lower surface part 4 bulging at the center in the width direction.

[0005] As a packing device for storing products in the aforementioned pillow box carton 1, there is, for example, the device disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a device that takes out one body-type carton 10 at a time as shown in Figure 1(c), forms a body 2 in which the upper part 3 and lower part 4 are curved and bulging relative to each other, supplies products into the body 2, then performs a packing process by folding the lower flap 6 from the second fold line 7b and raising it, and folding the upper flap 5 from the first fold line 7a and lowering it. Each of the above processes is performed by intermittently transporting the body-type carton 10 and performing predetermined processes during pauses. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-114939 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] For example, when folding the upper flap 5, the upper surface 3 and the upper flap 5 are curved in a convex shape in the width direction, so the center of the upper flap 5 is at the highest point, and the left and right sides are at lower positions. Therefore, when folding the flap, the folding member is pressed against the center of the upper flap 5, and if the curvature of the base end of the flap is small, the flap may get unintended creases (scratches), wrinkles, or the corners of the carton may peel off when the flap is folded.

[0008] The location and direction of scratches and other damage are unpredictable, and depending on how they occur, the product may be considered defective. In particular, when folding the front side, scratches are more likely to occur because it is already curved, and scratches are noticeable from the outside, which is undesirable.

[0009] The problems described above are presented as independent issues, and the present invention is not necessarily required to solve all of them; it is sufficient if at least one problem is solved. Furthermore, the invention intends to obtain rights for the configuration that solves this problem independently through divisional applications, amendments, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a boxing device that (1) has a first surface and a second surface that constitute a body portion for storing products, wherein at least a portion of the first surface and the second surface overlap when folded, and both side edges of the first surface and the second surface are connected directly or via the side portion, and when the first surface and the second surface are separated and open, they are curved so that the center in the width direction is the furthest apart, and the first surface has first flaps at both ends that are not connected to the second surface, and the second surface has second flaps at both ends that are not connected to the first surface, and in the open state, the first flap curves along the first surface, and the boundary between the first surface and the first flap and the boundary between the second surface and the second flap are curved, and the product is stored in a body-bound carton. A boxing apparatus comprising: a conveying device for intermittently conveying the body-bound carton; a carton opening device positioned in the temporary stopping area of ​​the conveying device for opening the folded body-bound carton; a product supply device for supplying the product into the body portion from the open portion of the body-bound carton; a second flap folding device for folding the second flap from the boundary portion with the second surface portion; and a first flap folding device for folding the first flap from the boundary portion with the first surface portion, wherein the first flap folding device comprises a folding member that can contact the first flap and a drive mechanism for moving the folding member back and forth toward the first flap, and the folding member is configured to first contact and press a portion of the curved first flap that is laterally offset from the central portion in the width direction.

[0011] In this way, the bending member avoids the central part of the first flap where the reaction force is large when pressed in the width direction, and first contacts and presses a part of the first flap that is shifted laterally from the central part in the width direction where the reaction force is relatively small. As a result, the first flap is folded smoothly. When the first flap is folded cleanly at the start of the folding process, the adjacent parts also fold accordingly from the predetermined parts, and the entire first flap folds cleanly from the boundary with the first surface.

[0012] In this embodiment, the first surface corresponds to the top surface 3. In this embodiment, the second surface corresponds to the bottom surface 4. In this embodiment, the first flap corresponds to the upper flap 5. In this embodiment, the second flap corresponds to the lower flap 6. Note that the above correspondences are just examples, and they may be reversed, and the orientation during box manufacturing is not limited to up and down. Also, there may be one or more initial contact points. If there are multiple contact points, there may be three or more, not just two. In the case of multiple contact points, it is preferable to have at least one initial contact point on both sides in the width direction.

[0013] (2) The bending member may have portions that contact both sides in the width direction of the central portion of the first flap. In this way, it is possible to bend it from both sides in the width direction, which is easier to bend, and the central portion in the width direction, which has a large reaction force, is subjected to bending forces from both sides, and guided by these forces, it can bend neatly.

[0014] (3) The bending member comprises a block member, and the first surface of the block member facing the first flap is a curved surface that protrudes towards the center along the width direction of the first flap, and the first surface has a recess in the center in the width direction. In this way, since the center in the width direction of the first surface has a groove, the first surface can initially contact a position laterally offset from the center in the width direction of the first flap. Furthermore, the bending member can make surface contact with the first flap and bend it firmly. In this embodiment, the first surface corresponds to the bottom surface 51b, and the recess corresponds to the groove 51c.

[0015] (4) The drive mechanism has a function to move the block member forward and backward toward the fuselage, and the second surface of the block member facing the fuselage may be a curved surface corresponding to the curved boundary between the first surface and the first flap. In this way, the second surface of the block member can press the folded first flap toward the fuselage. In this embodiment, the second surface corresponds to the front surface 51a.

[0016] (5) The bending member is preferably formed so as not to contact the central portion of the first flap. In this way, the central portion is not pressed directly, and the bending is guided by the bending of the portion offset from the center.

[0017] (6) The bending member is preferably configured to include a block member, wherein the first surface of the block member facing the first flap starts pressing from a portion shifted from the center of the first flap in the width direction toward one end, and acts toward the other end to bend the first flap.

[0018] In this way, the bending of the first flap begins from one end in the width direction, reducing the curvature of the portion that bends in the width direction, allowing for a gentler bend. This makes it possible to bend the first flap without damaging it, even if the curvature of the boundary between the first flap and the first surface is greater.

[0019] (7) The drive mechanism has a function to move the block member forward and backward toward the fuselage, and the second surface of the block member facing the fuselage may be a curved surface corresponding to the curved boundary between the first surface and the first flap. In this way, the second surface of the block member can press the folded first flap toward the fuselage. In this embodiment, the second surface corresponds to the front surface 51a.

[0020] (8) The flap folding method according to the present invention has a first surface portion and a second surface portion that constitute a body portion for storing a product. The first surface portion and the second surface portion at least partially overlap in a folded state, and both side edges of the first surface portion and the second surface portion are connected directly or via a side surface portion. In an open state where the first surface portion and the second surface portion are separated, the central portion in the width direction is curved so as to be the most separated. At both ends of the first surface portion that are not connected to the second surface portion, there are first flaps, and at both ends of the second surface portion that are not connected to the first surface portion, there are second flaps. In the open state, the first flap curves along the first surface portion, and the boundary between the first surface portion and the first flap and the boundary between the second surface portion and the second flap are curved. In the method of folding the first flap in a body-attached carton, a member that moves back and forth toward the first flap by a drive mechanism is used. The member that moves forward pushes a portion shifted from the center in the width direction of the curved first flap toward one end side. As the member moves forward, the first flap is deformed such that the portion being pushed in becomes a valley and the portion connected to the portion becomes a peak, and the peak portion moves toward the other end to fold the first flap.

[0021] In the embodiment, the member corresponds to a single rod-shaped member, but the shape is arbitrary and various shapes can be used.

[0022] Also, the configurations shown in (1) to (7) described above can be combined as appropriate. Based on the combined configuration, it is preferable to combine the components described in the embodiments and the drawings.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, for example, the flap of a body-attached carton for a pillow box carton can be neatly folded.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of a pillow box carton. [Figure 2] It is a figure showing another aspect of a pillow box carton. [Figure 3] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the boxing device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view (part 1) showing a conveying device 22, a lower flap raising device 26, an upper flap tipping device 27, etc. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view (part 2) showing a conveying device 22, a lower flap raising device 26, an upper flap tipping device 27, etc. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view (part 3) showing a conveying device 22, a lower flap raising device 26, an upper flap tipping device 27, etc. [Figure 7] It is a plan view thereof. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing a conveying device 22, an upper flap tipping device 27, etc. [Figure 9] It is a side view showing a conveying device 22, an upper flap tipping device 27, etc. [Figure 10] It is a figure for explaining the operation. [Figure 11] It is a figure for explaining the operation. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing a block member 51. [Figure 13] It is a figure for explaining the operation. [Figure 14] It is a figure showing the state of the upper flap 5 where bending is started by the block member 51. [Figure 15] It is a figure showing another aspect of a pillow box carton. [Figure 16] It is a figure for explaining the third fold line 7c. [Figure 17] It is a figure showing the state during the process of tipping the upper flap using a pillow box carton provided with the third fold line 7c. ​​​​​​​

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto, and various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a schematic overview of a preferred embodiment of the boxing apparatus according to the present invention, and Figures 4 onwards show the main components. In addition, the body-sealed carton 10 to be processed by the boxing apparatus 20 of this embodiment has gussets and has a configuration in which a side portion 9 is provided between the top portion 3 and the bottom portion 4, as shown in Figure 2.

[0027] The boxing apparatus 20 of this embodiment includes a carton stocker 21 for temporarily storing folded body-sealed cartons 10 in an accumulated state, a conveying device 22 for intermittently conveying the body-sealed cartons 10 taken out of the carton stocker 21, a carton supply device 23 for taking out the body-sealed cartons 10 one by one from the front of the carton stocker 21 and supplying them to the conveying device 22 located below, and various devices for performing various processing on the body-sealed cartons 10 during conveyance, arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying device 22.

[0028] The body-bound carton 10 to be processed is a gusseted type, as shown in the unfolded diagram in Figure 2. When folded, as shown in Figure 3, the bottom portion 4 and one side portion 9 are positioned at the rear of the body-bound carton 10, which are arranged front to back in an upright position, and the carton is set in the carton stocker 21.

[0029] The various devices arranged along this transport direction are, for example, placed in a processing stage where the body-filled cartons 10, which are intermittently transported by the transport device 22, are temporarily stopped. This processing stage includes, in order from the upstream side along the transport direction, a carton opening stage A (carton opening device 24) that opens the folded body-filled cartons 10, a product supply stage B that supplies products 25 into the body-filled cartons 10 with the body section 2 bulging, a lower flap raising stage C (lower flap raising device 26) that folds the lower flap 6 (an example of a second flap) at the second fold line 7b on the base end side to raise it, and an upper flap lowering stage D (upper flap lowering device 27) that folds the upper flap 5 (an example of a first flap) downward at the first fold line 7a on the base end side to lower it. Although specific devices are not shown in Figure 3, each stage is equipped with a processing device for performing the processing that is carried out at that stage. For example, the devices disclosed in Patent Document 1 may be used for each of these processing devices.

[0030] The conveying device 22 conveys the cylindrical body-bound carton 10, opened by the carton opening device 24, in a lateral position, that is, with the openings at both ends in the longitudinal direction positioned to the left and right. As shown in Figure 4, the structure comprises a plurality of sprockets 31 positioned at the front and rear ends and predetermined positions in the conveying direction on both the left and right sides in the conveying direction, an endless chain 32 stretched across the sprockets 31, and front fingers 33 and rear fingers 34 attached to the endless chain 32 at predetermined pitches. The distance between the pair of front fingers 33 and rear fingers 34 is set to a length corresponding to the width of the body-bound carton 10 when opened by the carton opening device 24. The pair of front fingers 33 and rear fingers 34 grip and hold both sides of the body portion 2 of the body-bound carton 10 from the front and rear in the conveying direction, and then convey it. Furthermore, for example, a differential mechanism may be configured to allow the carton holding distance between the front fingers 33 and the rear fingers 34 to be changed when the size of the body-bound carton 10 is changed.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the carton supply device 23 includes a first suction cup portion 38 positioned on the tip side of the arm member 36 via a mounting member 37. This first suction cup portion 38 reciprocates between a first position in which it suction and holds the leading body-bound carton 10 in the carton stocker 21, and a second position in which the suction surface of the first suction cup portion 38 faces downward at a predetermined position above the supply position of the conveying device 22, due to the movement of the arm member 36 and the mounting member 37. As a result, when the first suction cup portion 38 is in the first position, it suction and holds one body-bound carton 10. Furthermore, the carton supply device 23 moves the first suction cup portion 38 to the second position in that state. As a result, the body-bound carton 10 held by the first suction cup portion 38 waits in a horizontal position at a predetermined distance above the supply position of the conveying device 22. In Figure 3, the first suction cup portion 38 is shown in the first position along with the arm member 36 and the mounting member 37, and the first suction cup portion 38 and the mounting member 37 are also shown in the same drawing in the intermediate position leading up to the second position.

[0032] The carton opening device 24 includes a second suction cup portion 39 that sucks on the lower surface portion 4 of the body-bound carton 10 which is being sucked on by the first suction cup portion 38 in a second position, a third suction cup portion 40 that replaces the first suction cup portion 38 and sucks on the upper surface portion 3 of the body-bound carton 10 in a second position, and a moving mechanism that moves the second suction cup portion 39 and the third suction cup portion 40 along a predetermined trajectory. This moving mechanism is configured, for example, so that the second suction cup portion 39 moves up and down in the vertical direction, and the third suction cup portion 40 moves downward before the third suction cup portion 40 while sucking and holding the upper surface portion 3, thereby increasing the distance between the second suction cup portion 39 and the third suction cup portion 40, causing the upper surface portion 3 and the lower surface portion 4 to change into a curved and bulging shape, and further, positioning the body-bound carton 10 between the front finger 33 and the rear finger 34 in this bulging position. Furthermore, the distance between the second suction cup portion 39 and the third suction cup portion 40 may be increased by moving them at different speeds, or by stopping one of them.

[0033] Then, the second suction cup portion 39 and the third suction cup portion 40 move apart to a distance greater than the reference distance, narrowing the width of the body portion 2 (the front-to-back length in the conveying direction of the conveying device 22) to less than the distance between the front finger 33 and the rear finger 34, and while maintaining this narrowed state, the second suction cup portion 39 and the third suction cup portion 40 descend. As a result, the body-bound carton 10 is positioned in the space between the front finger 33 and the rear finger 34 without interfering with them. While positioned in that space, the second suction cup portion 39 and the third suction cup portion 40 move closer to each other. As a result, the width of the body-bound carton 10 is widened, and it is controlled to fit into the notches 33a and 34a of the front finger 33 and the rear finger 34, respectively. After this, the second suction cup portion 39 and the third suction cup portion 40 release their suction. As a result, the body section 2 expands, and the body-bound carton 10, with both ends open, is supported by the front fingers 33 and rear fingers 34. When the second suction cup section 39 and the third suction cup section 40 detach from and retract from the body-bound carton 10, the body-bound carton 10 is intermittently conveyed by the conveying device 22. Figure 3 also shows multiple states of the second suction cup section 39, the third suction cup section 40, and the mechanism that drives them, all depicted in the same drawing.

[0034] Product supply stage B is where a product supply device (not shown) is located. This product supply device may include, for example, a chute guide that forms a path for guiding the product 25 into the body portion 2 of the body-bound carton 10, and a pusher member that pushes the product 25 into the body portion 2.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the lower flap raising device 26, located on the lower flap raising stage C, is positioned on both the left and right sides of the transport path for the body-bound carton 10 and performs the process of raising the two lower flaps 6. This lower flap raising device 26 includes, for example, a flat plate-shaped member 41 whose leading edge has a curved shape corresponding to the curve of the second fold line 7b, and a drive mechanism 42 that raises and lowers the flat plate-shaped member 41. The flat plate-shaped member 41 is configured to move up and down in accordance with the reciprocating motion of the drive mechanism 42, so that the flat plate-shaped member 41 contacts the lower flap 6 and lifts it. Furthermore, the leading edge of the flat plate-shaped member 41 is configured to contact and lift the flap not directly next to the second fold line 7b, but slightly to the outside. In addition, it is preferable that the movement of the flat plate-shaped member 41 be configured to move in a straight upward direction. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a linkage mechanism or the like to allow the body-covered carton 10 to gradually rise towards the body section 2, or to install a horizontally extending cylinder so that the flat plate-shaped member 41, once it reaches the upper position, moves forward and backward toward the body section 2.

[0036] As the flat plate-shaped member moves upward, the lower flap 6 is raised at its open end by the leading edge of the flat plate-shaped member, and finally the lower flap 6 stands upright at a 90-degree angle. At this time, the connection portion with the lower bottom surface portion 4 curves along the second fold line 7b, and consequently, the upright lower flap 6 also becomes a curved surface with its widthwise central portion sloping inward.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 to 11, the upper flap lowering device 27 is positioned on both the left and right sides of the transport path for the body-covered carton 10 and performs the process of lowering the two upper flaps 5. This upper flap lowering device 27 includes a block member 51 (an example of a "bending member") that contacts the surface of the upper flap 5 and pushes it down, a second cylinder 52 for moving the block member 51 up and down, and a third cylinder 53 for moving the block member 51 forward and backward toward the body-covered carton 10. The second cylinder 52 is positioned facing upward, and the second cylinder rod 52a is configured to reciprocate in the vertical direction. A movable base plate 55 is attached to the tip of the second cylinder rod 52a, and the third cylinder 53 is connected to the upper surface of the movable base plate 55. The third cylinder 53 has its third cylinder rod 53a positioned toward the transport device 22, and is positioned so that its third cylinder rod 53a can reciprocate in a horizontal plane toward the transport device 22. Then, the block member 51 is attached to the tip of the third cylinder rod 53a via a connecting member 56.

[0038] In this manner, when the second cylinder 52 operates and the second cylinder rod 52a moves back and forth, the block member 51 moves up and down in conjunction with the third cylinder 53 (see Figure 10, etc.). Also, when the third cylinder 53 operates and the third cylinder rod 53a moves, the block member 51 moves forward and backward toward the body-covered carton 10 (see Figure 11).

[0039] The block member 51 first makes contact with the upper flap 5 at a position laterally offset from the center in the width direction, thereby biasing the upper flap 5 downward. In this embodiment, it is configured to make contact with predetermined positions on both sides offset in the width direction. The block member 51 has a front surface 51a that is curved according to the curve of the first fold line 7a, and a thick lower surface 51b that is a curved surface that is convex downward in the center in the width direction, with a groove 51c provided in the center of the lower surface 51b in the width direction. The groove 51c is configured to face the central part of the upper flap 5 in the width direction (the short side direction of the upper surface 3).

[0040] As a result, when the block member 51 moves downward (see Figure 10(a)), the groove 51c faces the central part of the upper flap 5 in the width direction (the curved uppermost part), so the part of the lower surface 51b adjacent to the groove 51c first comes into contact with the upper flap 5 (see Figure 10(b)). At this time, the central part of the upper flap 5 is located within the space of the groove 51c, and this central part does not come into contact with the lower surface 51b of the block member 51. The block member 51 moves further downward from this state. Then, the lower surface 51b, which does not have a groove 51c, biases the part of the upper flap 5 that is in contact downward. Consequently, the contact area of ​​the lower surface 51b of the block member 51 with the upper flap 5 increases, and the open end of the upper flap 5 moves downward, centered on the base end. The central part of the upper flap 5 in the width direction is curved in an upward convex shape, and the first fold line 7a is a curve that points inward. Because the distance to the open end is long and there is distance to both the left and right ends in the width direction, there is a lot of resistance when biased downward, resulting in a stiff feeling. Therefore, if it is forcibly biased downward, there is a risk of fold lines (lines) appearing in unexpected places. On the other hand, as in this embodiment, the part offset from the center has a shorter distance from the first fold line 7a to the open end and is close to the free parts on both the left and right sides, so there is little resistance when biased downward.

[0041] As the block member 51 moves further downward, the lower surface 51b of the block member 51 pushes downward on both the left and right sides of the upper flap 5, which are offset from the center and have less resistance. Consequently, both the left and right sides of the upper flap 5 smoothly fold along the first fold line 7a. The central part of the upper flap 5 also folds along the first fold line 7a, following the folding of the left and right sides. Therefore, when the block member 51 finally reaches the lower position, the upper flap 5 is neatly folded along the first fold line 7a, and no creases or lines are formed on the surface of the upper flap 5.

[0042] When the block member 51 reaches the lower position, the second cylinder 52 stops moving and the third cylinder 53 moves forward (see Figure 11(a)). As the third cylinder 53 moves, the block member 51 moves forward toward the body-covered carton 10.

[0043] As a result, the front surface 51a of the block member 51 comes into contact with the upper flap 5 which is folded downwards, and is pushed toward the body portion 2 of the body-bound carton 10. The front surface 51a is a surface that is curved in the width direction with the center protruding forward, and since its curved surface follows the shape of the first fold line 7a, the upper flap 5 becomes a curved surface that follows the first fold line 7a. The upper flap 5 also comes into contact with the lower flap 6 which is located behind it.

[0044] Furthermore, if a pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to the surface of the lower flap 6 at a predetermined position upstream of the upper flap tilting stage D, the force of the upper flap 5 being pushed in by the front surface 51a of the block member 51, combined with the reaction force of the lower flap 6 (the force that tries to tilt it outward), will cause the upper flap 5 and the lower flap 6 to adhere to each other.

[0045] Subsequently, the third cylinder 53 performs a double action, causing the block member 51 to retract and separate from the body-covered carton 10 (see Figure 11(b)). This forms a pillow box carton 1 with a gusset. The product is stored inside the body section 2, which bulges vertically in the width direction, completing the boxing process. After this, the second cylinder 52 performs a forward action, moving the block member 51 upward and waiting to be tilted against the upper flap 5 of the next body-covered carton 10.

[0046] In the embodiment described above, the third cylinder 53 moves forward after the second cylinder 52 has finished its double-action and the block member 51 has reached the lowered position, causing the block member 51 to move forward. However, the third cylinder 53 may start moving forward midway through the downward movement, causing the block member 51 to move forward toward the body-covered carton 10 while continuing to move downward.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and later, the upper flap lowering stage D may be configured such that a support base 65 for supporting the body portion 2 is positioned vertically between endless chains 32 arranged on the left and right sides. The upper surface of this support base 65 is curved to match the lower surface 4 of the body portion 2, and is configured to be raised and lowered by a fifth cylinder 66. When the support base 65 is in the lowered position, its upper surface is located below the conveying surface of the body-covered carton 10, and when the support base 65 is in the raised position, it is able to support the lower surface 4 of the body portion 2. As a result, while the conveying device 22 is conveying the body-covered carton 10, the support base 65 waits in the lowered position, and when the body-covered carton 10 reaches the upper flap lowering stage D and the conveying device 22 temporarily stops, the support base 65 rises, and its upper surface contacts and supports the lower surface 4 of the body-covered carton 10.

[0048] Subsequently, as described above, when the block member 51 moves downward and biases the upper flap 5 to fold downward, the support base 65 supports the body 2, allowing the upper flap 5 to fold smoothly.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the upper flap lowering stage D has an upper restraining guide 67 positioned at a predetermined location above the transport path, capable of restraining the vicinity of both long sides of the upper surface 3 of the body-covered carton 10 on the support base 65. This upper restraining guide 67 is raised and lowered by a sixth cylinder 68. When the upper restraining guide 67 is in the raised position, it is positioned so as not to contact the body-covered carton 10 during transport, and when the upper restraining guide 67 is in the lowered position, it is able to support the upper surface 3 and side surface 9 near the long sides of the body 2. As a result, while the transport device 22 is transporting the body-covered carton 10, the upper restraining guide 67 waits in the raised position, and when the body-covered carton 10 reaches the upper flap lowering stage D and the transport device 22 temporarily stops, the upper restraining guide 67 lowers and restrains the upper surface 3 and side surface 9 near the long sides of the body-covered carton 10 from above. This prevents deformation of the fuselage 2 even when the biasing force transmitted to the fuselage 2 is transmitted when the block member 51 biases the upper flap 5 downward. In addition, by folding the flap while the fuselage-covered carton 10 is straightened by the support base 65 and the upper restraining guide 67, the flap can be folded neatly.

[0050] Figure 12 shows another embodiment of the block member 51 used in the upper flap lowering device 27, which is a key part of the box packing device according to the present invention. This block member 51 is similar to the block member 51 described above in that its lower surface 51b is a curved surface that is convex downwards, but it does not have a groove 51c, and the position of its lowest point is shifted to one side in the left-right direction. The front surface 51a has a curved shape that corresponds to the curve of the first fold line 7a.

[0051] In this configuration, as shown in Figures 13(a-1) and (b-1), the body-bound carton 10, which is intermittently transported by the conveying device and stops at the position of the upper flap lowering device 27, has its lower flap 6 lifted to close the opening of the body-bound carton 10, and the upper flap 5 is positioned on the same plane as the top surface 3 and below the block member 51. In Figure 13, (a) shows a side view and (b) shows a top view.

[0052] Next, as the block member 51 moves downward due to the drive of the second cylinder 52, the lower surface 51b of the block member 51 comes into contact with the upper flap 5, as shown in Figures 13(a-2) and (b-2), biasing the contact point downward. At this time, because the lowest end position of the lower surface 51b of the block member 51 is shifted to the edge rather than the center, the upper flap 5 first comes into contact with the block member 51 at a position closer to the edge than the center, and is pushed downward.

[0053] As described above, the portion of the upper flap 5 that is offset from the center in the width direction offers less resistance when biased downwards compared to the central portion, and therefore folds neatly along the shape of the lower surface 51b.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, when the central part of the upper flap 5 in the width direction is biased downward, the upper flap 5 deforms into a roughly M-shaped "peak-valley-peak" configuration, resulting in a large curvature at the three peaks. In contrast, as in this embodiment, when the end of the upper flap 5 is pressed, the upper flap 5 deforms into a "valley-peak" configuration, for example, like a sine wave, resulting in two peaks and a smaller curvature at each peak. Therefore, the reaction force received from the upper flap 5 is smaller, making it less likely to cause damage and allowing for a cleaner fold.

[0055] Then, as the block member 51 descends further, and as shown in Figures 13(a-3) and (b-3), when the lower surface 51b of the block member 51 is positioned below the open end of the upper flap 5, the upper flap 5 bends downward at a 90-degree angle with respect to the first fold line 7a, and the upper flap 5 becomes a curved surface with its central part in the width direction moving inward. Also, at an appropriate timing during this descent, the third cylinder 53 operates and the block member 51 moves forward toward the body-covered carton 10, causing the upper flap 5 to be pushed by the front surface 51a of the block member 51, resulting in a smooth curved surface.

[0056] Furthermore, since the other configurations and effects are the same as those of the embodiments described above, a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0057] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the boxing process was performed on a body-sealed carton 10 for pillow box cartons with gussets, but the boxing process may also be performed on a body-sealed carton 10 for pillow box cartons without gussets, as shown in Figure 1.

[0058] Furthermore, the body-sealed carton 10 to be boxed may have multiple third fold lines 7c extending radially from the base end to the open end of each flap on the upper flap 5 and the lower flap 6, as shown in Figure 15. In the illustrated example, four third fold lines 7c are provided on each flap. The four third fold lines 7c are arranged radially from the center point O of the arc on the open end side, as shown in Figure 16(a), that is, the extensions of the four third fold lines 7c intersect at the aforementioned center point O.

[0059] Furthermore, a roughly semicircular notch 6a is formed in the widthwise central portion of the open end of the lower flap 6. This notch 6a is sized to allow a user to insert their finger. The user then uses this notch 6a to insert their finger and tilt the folded lower flap 6 to open the opening of the pillow box carton 1.

[0060] As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 16(b), the third fold line 7c is formed such that the outer side is concave and the inner side is convex. The entire surface has a shape in which a linear groove is formed on the outer side and a linear projection is formed on the inner side. When pressure is applied, this third fold line 7c becomes more flexible than other parts and bends easily, and when a biasing force is applied to the flap in the vertical direction, it folds neatly along the linear groove and linear projection.

[0061] Furthermore, the upper portion 3, lower portion 4, upper flap 5, and lower flap 6 described above may be formed integrally, for example, by punching out a single sheet of paper material. During this punching process, it is preferable to form the third fold line 7c by pressing.

[0062] Furthermore, the connection portion between the upper portion 3 and the lower portion 4, and the connection portion between the upper portion 3 and the adhesive tab 8, should also be formed by press forming a linear groove or projection, similar to the third fold line 7c.

[0063] Then, the sheet piece in the unfolded state shown in Figure 15(a), formed by die-cutting, is folded in a mountain fold at the connection point between the upper part 3 and the lower part 4 so that the inner surfaces of the upper part 3 and the lower part 4 are in contact or close together, and the connection point between the upper part 3 and the adhesive tab 8 is folded in a mountain fold so that the adhesive tab 8 is in contact with the inner surface of the lower part 4, and the lower part 4 and the adhesive tab 8 are bonded together with adhesive 8a that has been applied to a predetermined part of the adhesive tab 8. This forms a folded body-bound carton 10 as shown in Figure 15(b). In the state of the body-bound carton 10, the upper flap 5 and the lower flap 6 are in contact with each other in an opposing state.

[0064] The body-bound carton 10 with the above configuration is subjected to predetermined processing sequentially at each stage of the boxing device 20 shown in each embodiment described above, thereby forming a pillow box carton containing the products. The third fold line 7c is more easily bent than other parts of the upper flap 5, so for example, when the block member 51 contacts the upper flap 5 and biases it downward to bend the upper flap 5 in the upper flap tilting device 27, it bends along the third fold line 7c (see Figure 17). The position of the bend is known in advance, and in this example it is in a straight line, so it does not look bad. Therefore, it is possible to prevent it from bending in an unexpected or strange direction, such as diagonally, and becoming damaged.

[0065] Furthermore, in the embodiment using the block member 51 shown in Figure 12, for example, as shown in Figure 17, the two third fold lines 7c on the side that contacts the lower surface 51b become valley folds, while the two third fold lines 7c on the opposite side remain as they are or become mountain folds. In this case as well, the bending points are the radial parts where the third fold lines 7c are provided, which helps to prevent unexpected bending and damage.

[0066] Furthermore, if a third fold line 7c is provided on the lower flap 6, for example, when the lower flap lifting device 26 lifts the open end of the lower flap 6 and performs the folding process, even if a bending force is applied in an unexpected direction, it will be folded in a straight line at the third fold line 7c, similar to the folding process of the upper flap 5 described above, so it can be bent neatly.

[0067] In the illustrated example, four third fold lines 7c are provided on each flap, but this is not the only option; the number of lines can be arbitrary, such as providing six on each flap.

[0068] Furthermore, the block members and each fold line are not limited to those that form linear grooves, but may also be perforations, for example.

[0069] Furthermore, in each embodiment, a block member 51 of a predetermined shape is used, and it is ultimately made to contact the upper flap 5 with the surface and press against it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a rod-shaped member may be used, for example. For example, one or more rod-shaped members may be prepared and positioned so as to be able to contact the upper flap 5 at a position laterally offset from the center of the upper flap 5 in the width direction, and the upper flap 5 may be made to be able to move up and down by a drive mechanism such as a cylinder. As the rod-shaped member moves downward, it pushes and biases a predetermined part of the opposing upper flap 5 downward. Due to this biasing force, the upper flap 5 starts to fold from a place other than the central part that the rod-shaped member contacts, and can be neatly folded along the first fold line 7a as described above. The rod-shaped member may be pressed against the flap in a point-like manner by holding the rod-shaped member upright, or it may be pressed against the flap in a linear manner by laying the rod-shaped member on its side.

[0070] Furthermore, in the case of a configuration using a single rod-shaped member, it contacts a portion of the upper flap 5 that is laterally shifted from the center in the width direction to one end, and biases and pushes down that contacted portion. Also, as shown in Figure 18, the contact portion P1 that the rod-shaped member contacts should be near the tip, away from the first fold line 7a. When the rod-shaped member moves downward, it is pushed down from the contact portion P1 and its surrounding area. At this time, as described above, the portion that is shifted from the center in the width direction of the upper flap 5 has less resistance when biased downward compared to the center portion, so it folds down smoothly, and coupled with the fact that the distance from the contact portion P1 to the first fold line 7a is shorter than that of the center portion, it folds at the first fold line 7a without folding or creasing between the contact portion P1 and the first fold line 7a.

[0071] As the rod-shaped member moves further downward, the contact point P1 also moves downward, and consequently, the surrounding area connected to the contact point P1 also moves downward, and the range of the descending surrounding area expands. At this time, since it is pressed at a single point on one side, when viewed from the side, it roughly resembles a sine wave as shown in Figure 14(b), and the curvature of each part becomes smaller overall, making it easier to bend.

[0072] Furthermore, observing the progression from the start of bending, when the contact point P1 is pushed and moves downward, both sides move downward with a delay, creating a trough at the contact point P1, with both sides becoming upward-sloping surfaces. The peak of the sine wave then gradually moves to the opposite side as the contact point P1 descends. Moreover, the upper flap 5 is arc-shaped on the side of the first fold line 7a and the opposite end, and the length between the two is longer at the central part than at the left and right ends (L1 > L2). Therefore, as shown in Figure 18, in a plan view, the ridge R connecting the peaks of the peaks extends at an angle to the width direction and moves toward the opposite end in this angled state. Because the ridge extends at an angle and moves toward the opposite side in this state, the upper flap 5 becomes more prone to bending at the part of the first fold line 7a.

[0073] Furthermore, the movement direction of the rod-shaped member is not limited to reciprocating vertically; for example, it may be configured to move downwards while simultaneously moving to the central part of the upper flap 5 to bend the upper flap 5.

[0074] When the center of the upper flap 5, which bulges vertically in the width direction, is pressed and bent, the force is distributed most evenly, and the entire flap receives the pressing force. As a result, the upper flap 5 exhibits maximum strength, making it difficult to bend. In contrast to this, each of the above-mentioned practical As explained in the section on installation methods, when the upper flap 5 is pressed at a point offset from its center, an uneven force is applied to a portion of the upper flap 5 that bulges vertically in the width direction, resulting in localized stress concentration. This reduces the overall strength of the upper flap 5 that bulges vertically in the width direction, allowing the flap to be folded neatly.

[0075] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the conveying device 22 intermittently conveys the body-bound carton 10 in a horizontal position and performs predetermined processing at each stage. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the conveying position and direction are arbitrary, for example, the body-bound carton 10 can be conveyed upright with the openings positioned vertically.

[0076] Although the various aspects of the present invention have been described above using embodiments, it should be noted that these embodiments and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but rather to aid in understanding the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations and manufacturing methods explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the various aspects of the present invention disclosed herein. While the configurations for which patent protection is sought are specified in the appended claims, it should be noted that even configurations not currently specified in the claims may be claimed in the future. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1: Pillow box carton 2: Torso 3:Top part 4: Bottom part 5: Upper flap 6: Lower flap 7a: First fold line 7b: Second fold line 7c: Third fold line 10: Body-bound carton 20: Packing machine 21: Carton Stocker 22: Conveying device 23: Carton supply device 24: Carton opening device 25: Product 26: Lower flap raising device 27: Upper flap lowering device 33: Front finger 34: Rear finger 51: Block member 51a:Front 51b: Bottom surface 51c: Concave groove 52: Second cylinder 52a: Second cylinder rod 53: Third cylinder 53a: Third cylinder rod

Claims

1. It has a first surface and a second surface that constitute the body part for housing the product, The first and second surfaces overlap at least partially when folded, and their side edges are connected directly or via their sides. When the first and second surfaces are separated and open, they are curved such that their central parts in the width direction are the furthest apart. The first surface portion has first flaps at both ends that are not connected to the second surface portion. The second surface portion has second flaps at both ends that are not connected to the first surface portion. In the open state, the first flap is curved along the first surface. A boxing device for storing the product in a body-bound carton in which the boundary between the first surface and the first flap and the boundary between the second surface and the second flap are curved, A conveying device for intermittently conveying the aforementioned body-bound cartons, The conveying device comprises a carton opening device, which opens the folded body-covered carton, which is positioned in the temporary stopping area of ​​the conveying device; a product supply device, which supplies the product into the body section from the open portion of the body-covered carton; a second flap folding device, which folds the second flap from the boundary portion with the second surface section; and a first flap folding device, which folds the first flap from the boundary portion with the first surface section. The first flap bending device comprises a bending member that can contact the first flap, and a drive mechanism that moves the bending member forward and backward toward the first flap. The box-packing device is configured such that the bending member first contacts and presses a portion of the curved first flap that is laterally offset from the central portion in the width direction.

2. The box-packing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bending member has portions that contact both sides in the width direction of the central portion of the first flap.

3. The aforementioned bending member comprises a block member, The box-packing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first surface of the block member facing the first flap is a curved surface that protrudes towards the center along the width direction of the first flap, and has a recess in the center of the first surface in the width direction.

4. The drive mechanism has a function to move the block member forward and backward toward the fuselage, The box-packing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second surface of the block member facing the body portion is a curved surface corresponding to the curved boundary between the first surface portion and the first flap.

5. The box packing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bending member is formed in a non-contact manner with the central portion of the first flap.

6. The aforementioned bending member comprises a block member, The box-packing device according to claim 1, wherein the first surface of the block member facing the first flap is configured to start pressing from a portion shifted from the center in the width direction of the first flap toward one end, and to apply the bending member toward the other end to bend the first flap.

7. The drive mechanism has a function to move the block member forward and backward toward the fuselage, The box-packing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second surface of the block member facing the body portion is a curved surface corresponding to the curved boundary between the first surface portion and the first flap.

8. It has a first surface and a second surface that constitute the body part for housing the product, The first and second surfaces overlap at least partially when folded, and their side edges are connected directly or via their sides. When the first and second surfaces are separated and open, they are curved such that their central parts in the width direction are the furthest apart. The first surface portion has first flaps at both ends that are not connected to the second surface portion. The second surface portion has second flaps at both ends that are not connected to the first surface portion. In the open state, the first flap is curved along the first surface. A method for folding the first flap in a body-bound carton, wherein the boundary between the first surface and the first flap and the boundary between the second surface and the second flap are curved, Using a member that moves forward and backward toward the first flap by a drive mechanism, The member, which moves forward at a portion of the curved first flap that is shifted from the center in the width direction toward one end, pushes, A flap folding method comprising the first flap deforming as the member moves forward, such that the portion is pushed in and becomes a valley, and the portion connected to the portion becomes a peak, and the peak portion moves toward the other end to fold the first flap.

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