Automatic cold storage material supply device

Abstract

To provide a cold insulation member automatic charging device capable of quickly and accurately charging a plate-shaped cold insulation member that is difficult to handle into a cold insulation box without relying on manual work.SOLUTION: A cold insulation member automatic charging device 111 of the present invention includes: a pair of lower edge support members 114; support member driving means 115; positioning members 117a to 117c; a pressing member 118; and a control device. Both lower edge support members 114 support a plate-like cold insulation member 11 from both sides by placing both lower edges of the plate-like cold insulation member 11 thereon. The support member driving means 115 moves both lower edge support members 114 in an approximating direction or separating direction. The positioning members 117a to 117c position the plate-like cold insulation member 11 at charging positions T1 and T2. The pressing member 118 presses the positioned plate-like cold insulation member 11 downward, and charge it into a cold insulation box 31. The control device controls operations of the support member driving means 115, positioning members 117a to 117c and pressing member 118.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic cold insulation material insertion device that inserts plate-shaped cold insulation materials such as cold insulation sheets and frozen cold insulation agents into a cold insulation box. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, ice packs and ice packs are used for transporting products such as fresh food and frozen goods. Ice packs are used to protect food inside a delivery box (ice pack). Ice packs are not particularly frozen, but are manually placed inside the delivery box and shipped. On the other hand, ice packs are frozen in a freezer, for example, while placed inside a container (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). The frozen ice packs are then manually placed inside the delivery box containing the products and shipped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-32124 A (Figs. 1 to 5, etc.) [Patent Document 2] Utility Model No. 2585816 (paragraph

[0003] , Figure 3, etc.) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, ice packs are very cold because they are handled in a frozen state. Moreover, to prevent them from melting, workers must work in a very cold environment. Furthermore, ice packs are soft and easily deformed when a worker touches them, making them very difficult to handle. Ice packs also deform when frozen, causing their shape to vary, and the ice packs inside freeze in an uneven state, causing the weight balance to vary, making them very difficult to handle.

[0005] Currently, the handling of plate-shaped cold insulation materials such as cold insulation sheets and frozen cold packs is done manually, but this is a difficult task and requires a lot of time and labor costs. Therefore, a system is required to quickly and accurately insert plate-shaped cold insulation materials, which are difficult to handle, into a specified location in a delivery box, but such a device does not currently exist. In addition, with the recent trend of increasing home delivery, there is a growing social need to perform the above tasks quickly.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its object is to provide an automatic cold insulation material insertion device that can quickly and accurately insert plate-shaped cold insulation materials, which are difficult to handle, into a cold insulation box without relying on human labor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an automatic cold storage material insertion device that inserts a plate-shaped cold storage material into a cold storage box from an upper opening of the cold storage box, comprising a pair of lower edge support members that support both lower edges of the plate-shaped cold storage material from both sides, a support member driving means that moves the pair of lower edge support members in a direction toward and away from each other, a positioning member that positions the plate-shaped cold storage material at an insertion position, a pressing member that presses the positioned plate-shaped cold storage material downward to insert it into the cold storage box, and a control device that controls the operation of the support member driving means, the positioning member and the pressing member.

[0008] Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 1, a plate-shaped cold insulation material that is difficult to handle is supported from below on both sides while being positioned to a certain extent in the lateral direction by a pair of lower edge support members provided in the cold insulation material automatic insertion device. In addition, the plate-shaped cold insulation material is automatically positioned at the insertion position by a positioning member provided in the cold insulation material automatic insertion device. Furthermore, the positioned plate-shaped cold insulation material is pressed downward by a pressing member provided in the cold insulation material automatic insertion device and is automatically inserted into the cold insulation box. This allows the plate-shaped cold insulation material that is difficult to handle to be inserted into the cold insulation box quickly and accurately without relying on human hands.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is based on claim 1, and is characterized in that the positioning member includes a stopper member arranged further back than the insertion position and further forward than the insertion position in the direction of transporting the plate-shaped cold storage material into the automatic cold storage material insertion device, and the control device waits in advance in an initial state in which the pair of lower edge support members are close to each other and the rear stopper member is operated, and when the plate-shaped cold storage material is transported to the insertion position, the control device operates the support member driving means to move the pair of lower edge support members in the separating direction and operates the pressing member to press the plate-shaped cold storage material downward.

[0010] Therefore, in the invention described in claim 2, the plate-shaped cold insulation member is brought into the insertion position in an initial state in which the pair of lower edge support members are close to each other and the rear stopper member is operated. Therefore, the plate-shaped cold insulation member is reliably supported by the lower edge support members without falling into the cold insulation box. Furthermore, when the plate-shaped cold insulation member is brought into the insertion position, the pair of lower edge support members move in the direction away from each other to release the support of the plate-shaped cold insulation member, and at almost the same time, the pressing member presses the plate-shaped cold insulation member downward. Therefore, the plate-shaped cold insulation member can be smoothly and accurately put into the cold insulation box.

[0011] The invention described in claim 3 is based on claim 2, and is characterized in that the stopper member moves up and down and can be engaged with and disengaged from a recess provided on the outer edge of the plate-shaped cold insulation member.

[0012] Therefore, in the invention described in claim 3, the stopper member engages with the recess, so that the plate-shaped cold insulation material is positioned at the insertion position without deviation. This allows the plate-shaped cold insulation material to be inserted accurately into the cold insulation box without relying on human hands.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that in any one of claims 1 to 3, the pressing members are provided in plurality so as to press multiple spaced apart points on the upper surface of one of the plate-shaped cold insulation members.

[0014] Therefore, in the invention described in claim 4, the pressing member presses a plurality of separated points on the upper surface of the plate-shaped cold insulation member, so that the pressing force of the pressing member acts evenly on the upper surface of the plate-shaped cold insulation member. This ensures that the plate-shaped cold insulation member can be pressed reliably, so that the plate-shaped cold insulation member can be inserted into the cold insulation box at an accurate position.

[0015] The invention described in claim 5 is based on any one of claims 1 to 4, and is characterized in that the plate-shaped cold insulation material is a frozen cold pack or a cold insulation sheet, and the plate-shaped cold insulation material is supported in a horizontal position above the cold insulation box transported by a cold insulation box supply line, and the plate-shaped cold insulation material is dropped into the cold insulation box while maintaining the horizontal position.

[0016] Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 5, when a cold insulation box is transported by the cold insulation box supply line, the plate-shaped cold insulation material is automatically inserted into the cold insulation box by the cold insulation material automatic insertion device. This makes it possible to insert the plate-shaped cold insulation material into the cold insulation box quickly and accurately without relying on human labor. Effect of the Invention

[0017] As described above in detail, according to the inventions recited in claims 1 to 5, plate-shaped cold insulation materials, which are difficult to handle, can be quickly and accurately inserted into a cold insulation box without relying on human hands. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the fully automatic ice pack supply system of the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2(a) is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a container (actual container) is clamped by the gripping means, and FIG. 2(b) is a schematic side view showing a state in which a container (actual container) is clamped by the gripping means. [Figure 4] 1A is a schematic side view of an ice pack removal device, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the frozen ice pack is removed from the container, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the frozen ice pack is removed from the container. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an ice pack inter-line transfer device and an automatic ice pack dispenser device, etc. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the ice pack inter-line transfer device as viewed from the starting end side. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a fully automatic cooling sheet dispensing device. [Figure 11] 4(a) and (b) are schematic cross-sectional views showing how a fully automatic cold insulation sheet dispensing device dispenses a cold insulation sheet. [Figure 12] 4(a) and (b) are schematic cross-sectional views showing how a fully automatic cold insulation sheet dispensing device dispenses a cold insulation sheet. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a fully automatic ice pack dispensing device. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are schematic plan views showing the positional relationship between the frozen ice pack and a lower edge support member, and FIG. 13C is a schematic plan view showing a delivery box into which the frozen ice pack has been placed. [Figure 16] 4(a) to 4(d) are schematic cross-sectional views showing a method of adding frozen ice packs using a fully automatic ice pack adding device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a fully automatic ice pack supply system according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1, the fully automatic ice pack supply system 1 of this embodiment is a system that puts frozen ice packs 11 taken out of a container 21 containing frozen ice packs 11 into a delivery box 31 (ice pack). The fully automatic ice pack supply system 1 is applied to a factory ice pack alignment line L1, a delivery box supply line L2 (ice pack supply line), an empty container discharge line L3, etc. The fully automatic ice pack supply system 1 also includes a de-stack transfer device 41, an empty cart fully automatic stacking device 51, an ice pack removal device 61, an ice pack alignment and conveyance device 70, an ice pack inter-line transfer device 101, an automatic ice pack sheet insertion device 121, an automatic ice pack insertion device 111, and an empty container stacking device 131.

[0021] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the de-stack transfer device 41 is a device that de-stacks the containers 21 (full containers) containing the freezing refrigerant 11 stacked on the container transport cart 141 and places them on the conveyor 62 of the refrigerant removal device 61. The container transport cart 141 in this embodiment is a full container cart (dolly cart). The de-stack transfer device 41 is equipped with a gripping means 42, a horizontal movement actuator 43, a vertical movement actuator 44, and a control device (not shown). The gripping means 42 grips the container 21 from the side and the front. Specifically, the gripping means 42 lifts the container 21 while hooking itself on the handle hole 22 (see Fig. 3(b)) of the container 21. As a result, the containers 21 are gripped one by one and two by two (see Figs. 3(a) and (b)). The gripping means 42 presses the corner portions 23 (see FIG. 3(a)) on the upper surface of the container 21 from above, thereby preventing the container 21 from tilting.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the empty cart fully automatic stacking device 51 is a device that stacks the container transport carts 141 while aligning the orientation of the wheels 142 (see Fig. 2) of the container transport carts 141 that have become empty due to the de-stacking of the containers 21. The empty cart fully automatic stacking device 51 is configured to stack the container transport carts 141 by lifting the container transport cart 141, arranging the next container transport cart 141 below the lifted container transport cart 141, and lowering the lifted container transport cart 141 in this state.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, the ice pack removal device 61 is a device for removing a plurality of frozen ice packs 11 from the container 21. The ice pack removal device 61 includes a conveyor 62 on which the container 21 is placed, a pair of holding members 63, a plurality of pressing members 64, and a control device (not shown). The pressing members 64 are usually retracted below the conveying surface of the conveyor 62, and protrude above the conveying surface when removing the frozen ice packs 11. Each pressing member 64 is configured to poke the frozen ice packs 11 attached to the bottom surface of the container 21 from below to above through the hole 24 of the container 21 while holding the container 21 with each holding member 63 so that it does not float. At this time, the ice pack removal device 61 is configured to poke the frozen ice packs 11 simultaneously with the plurality of pressing members 64. This allows the time required for the operation of removing the frozen ice packs 11 to be shortened. In addition, the pressing members 64 in this embodiment are metal pieces thinner than the width of the hole portions 24. Therefore, the ice pack removal device 61 can insert the pressing members 64 into the container 21 without contacting the inner wall surfaces of the hole portions 24.

[0024] As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the ice pack aligning and conveying device 70 has an inverting section 71, an ice pack discharge section 81, and an aligning and conveying section 91. The inverting section 71 is configured to invert the container 21 upside down (180° inverted) in a state in which the drop of the frozen ice pack 11 from the container 21 is restricted by the ice pack discharge shutter 73. Specifically, the inverting section 71 has a main body 72, an ice pack discharge shutter 73, an inverting mechanism 74, a lifting device 75, and a control device (not shown). The main body 72 has a function of holding the container 21 that has been conveyed out from the ice pack removal device 61. The ice pack discharge shutter 73 is attached to the main body 72 so as to be openable and closable, and has a function of closing the opening 25 of the container 21. The inverting mechanism 74 has a function of inverting the main body 72 upside down around the rotation shaft 76a of the motor 76. The lifting device 75 has a function of moving the upside-down main body 72 up and down. The control device of the reversing section 71 is adapted to control the movement of the main body 72. Furthermore, a fall prevention plate 77 is provided at one end of the ice pack discharge shutter 73 to prevent the frozen ice pack 11 from suddenly falling from the container 21. The ice pack aligning and conveying device 70 also includes an empty container high-speed discharge mechanism (not shown) that automatically discharges the emptied container 21 (empty container) to the empty container discharge line L3 (see FIG. 1). This makes the work easier than manually discharging the container 21 (empty container) to the empty container discharge line L3.

[0025] 5, after the removal of the frozen ice packs 11 and the inversion of the container 21 are completed, the ice pack discharge section 81 gradually opens the opening 25 of the container 21 as the ice pack outlet shutter 73 is gradually opened, thereby discharging the frozen ice packs 11. As a result, the frozen ice packs 11 are placed on the ice pack alignment line L1 in a state where they are leaning against each other and overlapping each other.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the alignment conveying section 91 conveys the frozen ice packs 11 while aligning them and eliminating the leaning and overlapping state of the frozen ice packs 11. The alignment conveying section 91 includes belt conveyors 92a, 92b, 92c, and 92d, multiple stages of leaning elimination members 93a, 93b, and 93c, flapping and overflow prevention members 94, and a control device (not shown). The belt conveyors 92a to 92d are arranged along the traveling direction F1, and form a ice pack alignment line L1. Among the belt conveyors 92a to 92d, the most upstream belt conveyor 92a has a transfer position for each frozen ice pack 11. The belt conveyor 92a can be driven in the forward and reverse directions, and first automatically controls the "falling posture" of the frozen ice packs 11. That is, the belt conveyor device 92a is controlled so that the freezing ice packs 11 are in a leaning state at the beginning of the conveyance.

[0027] Each of the anti-leaning members 93a-93c is a member that contacts and presses the frozen ice packs 11 that are piled up on top of other frozen ice packs 11 to eliminate the overlapping state. Each of the anti-leaning members 93a-93c in this embodiment has a pendulum structure that can swing in the traveling direction F1. In this case, the anti-leaning members 93a-93c swing to prevent the frozen ice packs 11 from getting caught, so that the overlapping state of the frozen ice packs 11 can be easily eliminated compared to a case where the anti-leaning members are completely fixed and do not move. In addition, since the power of the anti-leaning members 93a-93c is not required, the manufacturing cost of the alignment conveying section 91 and therefore the fully automatic ice pack supply system 1 can be reduced. In addition, each of the anti-leaning members 93a-93c is arranged downstream of the transfer position. The anti-leaning members 93a to 93c are arranged in a plurality of stages along the traveling direction F1, and the height of each of the anti-leaning members 93a to 93c gradually decreases toward the downstream side. In this manner, the frozen ice packs 11 can be reliably aligned.

[0028] 7, flapping / extension prevention members 94 are provided on both sides of the transfer position (belt conveyor device 92a) so as to be capable of appearing and disappearing by an actuator (not shown). A control device of the aligning / conveying section 91 is adapted to control the operation of the belt conveyor devices 92a to 92d and the flapping / extension prevention members 94.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the alignment conveying section 91 includes a plurality of pressing wire members 95. The pressing wire members 95 are attached to the belt conveyor device 92d so as to be movable up and down. The pressing wire members 95 are adapted to hold down both ends of the frozen ice pack 11 when the frozen ice pack 11 is conveyed. This makes it possible to prevent the frozen ice pack 11 from flapping about. As shown in FIG. 5, the alignment conveying section 91 includes a stopper mechanism 96. The stopper mechanism 96 is adapted to appear and disappear from below the belt conveyor devices 92c and 92d. The stopper mechanism 96 is adapted to protrude at a predetermined timing. In this way, the frozen ice packs 11 can be reliably aligned. The frozen ice packs 11 can be stopped by the stopper mechanism 96 and made to wait until the rear frozen ice pack 11 arrives, so that the frozen ice packs 11 can be aligned without gaps.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the ice pack inter-line transfer device 101 has two transfer lines L4 that transfer the frozen ice packs 11 from the ice pack alignment line L1 to the delivery box supply line L2 while maintaining the alignment. Each transfer line L4 is provided with a moving mechanism 103 that simultaneously reciprocates two locking parts 102 that can be locked to the frozen ice packs 11. The ice pack inter-line transfer device 101 also includes a vertical actuator 104 that moves the locking parts 102 up and down, a horizontal actuator 105 that reciprocates the locking parts 102 horizontally, and a control device (not shown) that controls the operation. The control device of the ice pack inter-line transfer device 101 controls one locking part 102 to be locked to the edge of the frozen ice pack 11 in the conveying direction (towards the delivery box supply line L2) and simultaneously controls the other locking part 102 to be conveyed in the opposite conveying direction (towards the ice pack alignment line L1) and returned.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 10 to 12, the automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121, which is an automatic cold insulation material insertion device, is a device that inserts a cold insulation sheet 122 (plate-shaped cold insulation material) into a delivery box 31 transported by a delivery box supply line L2 from an upper opening 32 of the delivery box 31. Note that the delivery box 31 contains a product S1 such as fresh food or frozen goods, and the cold insulation sheet 122 is used to keep the product S1 in the delivery box 31 cool. The automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121 also includes a pair of cold insulation sheet magazines 151. Both cold insulation sheet magazines 151 are for storing a plurality of cold insulation sheets 122 in a stacked state. Note that the cold insulation sheets 122 are supplied to the cold insulation sheet magazines 151 by an operator.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the cold insulation sheet fully automatic insertion device 121 is provided with a pair of correction guide members 152. Both correction guide members 152 are adapted to guide the cold insulation sheet 122 to the insertion position T3 (see Fig. 10 and Fig. 12(a)) while correcting the deformation (warping) of the cold insulation sheet 122. In this embodiment, the correction guide member 152 located on the upstream side (right side in Fig. 10) of the delivery box supply line L2 guides the cold insulation sheet 122 toward the downstream side (left side in Fig. 10), and the correction guide member 152 located on the downstream side of the delivery box supply line L2 guides the cold insulation sheet 122 toward the upstream side. Also, as shown in Fig. 11, the correction guide member 152 is composed of one rail 153a for pressing the center of the upper surface 122a of the cold insulation sheet 122 from above, and two rails 153b for pressing both ends of the cold insulation sheet 122 from above. The base end portion of each of the rails 153a, 153b has a curved shape in a side view (see FIG. 10).

[0033] 10, the cold insulation sheet fully automatic insertion device 121 has a first pushing member 154 and a second pushing member 155 below each cold insulation sheet magazine 151. The second pushing member 155 is disposed on the installation surface 151a of the cold insulation sheet magazine 151, and the first pushing member 154 is disposed on the upper surface 155a of the second pushing member 155. Furthermore, a step surface 154a that abuts against the edge of the cold insulation sheet 122 is formed on the upper part of the first pushing member 154. Note that both pushing members 154, 155 are configured to move toward the correction guide member 152 side to push the cold insulation sheet 122 guided by the correction guide member 152 toward the insertion position T3 side.

[0034] Moreover, the cold insulation sheet fully automatic insertion device 121 has a pair of cold insulation sheet support means 123 that supports the cold insulation sheet 122 guided by the correction guide member 152 so that the cold insulation sheet 122 is in a horizontal position above the delivery box 31. Each cold insulation sheet support means 123 has a pair of lower edge support members 124 and support member drive means 125. Both lower edge support members 124 have the function of supporting both lower edges of the cold insulation sheet 122 and supporting the cold insulation sheet 122 from both sides. Furthermore, each lower edge support member 124 has a group of rollers 126 (rolling bodies) that support the cold insulation sheet 122, and a pair of guide walls 127 (positioning members) that extend along the direction in which the cold insulation sheet 122 is carried into the cold insulation sheet fully automatic insertion device 121. Each roller 126 is disposed along the carry-in direction of the cold insulation sheet 122, with the rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the carry-in direction (horizontal in Figs. 11(b) and 12). Each roller 126 is also disposed parallel to the extension direction of the delivery box supply line L2. Both guide walls 127 are disposed parallel to each other, and guide the cold insulation sheet 122 toward the insertion position T3 (see Figs. 10 and 12(a)) while positioning it to some extent in the horizontal direction.

[0035] The support member driving means 125 is for moving the lower edge support members 124 in the approaching direction F5 (see FIG. 12(a)) and the separating direction F6 (see FIG. 12(b)). When the lower edge support members 124 move in the approaching direction F5, the rollers 126 pass through a plurality of through holes 126a (see FIG. 10) provided in the guide wall 127 and protrude toward the input position T3 (the cold insulation sheet 122 side). When the lower edge support members 124 move in the separating direction F6, the rollers 126 are inserted into the plurality of through holes 126a provided in the guide wall 127.

[0036] As shown in Figs. 10 and 12, the cold insulation sheet support means 123 is provided with four pressing members 128. Each pressing member 128 is for pressing the positioned cold insulation sheet 122 downward to insert it into the delivery box 31. Four pressing members 128 are provided to press four spaced apart points on the upper surface 122a of one cold insulation sheet 122. Note that the pressing member 128 in this embodiment is an air cylinder having a rod 128a. The rod 128a of each pressing member 128 advances and retreats in the vertical direction to press the upper surface 122a of the cold insulation sheet 122.

[0037] In this embodiment, the entire lifting unit (not shown) including the lower edge support member 124, the support member driving means 125, and the pressing member 128 can move up and down. A control device (not shown) of the cold insulation sheet support means 123 controls the operation of the support member driving means 125 and the pressing member 128. Specifically, the control device performs control to release the support of the cold insulation sheet 122 by the lower edge support member 124. As a result, the cold insulation sheet 122 falls while maintaining a horizontal attitude and is inserted into the delivery box 31. The fully automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121 of this embodiment inserts only one cold insulation sheet 122 into one delivery box 31.

[0038] As shown in Figs. 13 to 16, the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111, which is an automatic ice pack material dispenser, dispenses frozen ice packs 11 (plate-shaped ice packs) into the delivery box 31 transported by the delivery box supply line L2 through the upper opening 32 of the delivery box 31. When the delivery box 31 is transported to the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111, the product S1 and the ice pack sheet 122 are contained in the delivery box 31. The fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 also has a pair of ice pack support means 112 that support the frozen ice packs 11 transferred from the ice pack alignment line L1 so that they are in a horizontal position above the delivery box 31. The ice pack support means 112 have a structure similar to that of the ice pack sheet support means 123 of the fully automatic ice pack sheet dispenser 121. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 is provided with a delivery box fixing means 113 (ice pack fixing means) that fixes the delivery box 31 at a position below the ice pack supporting means 112.

[0039] Each ice pack support means 112 has a pair of lower edge support members 114 and a support member drive means 115 at each of the input positions T1, T2 of the frozen ice pack 11 (see Fig. 14, Fig. 15(a), (b)). Both lower edge support members 114 have the function of supporting both lower edges of the frozen ice pack 11 and supporting the frozen ice pack 11 from both sides. Each lower edge support member 114 has a group of rollers 116 (rolling elements) on which the frozen ice pack 11 is placed and supported, and a pair of guide walls 120 (positioning members) extending along the feed direction F2 of the frozen ice pack 11 to the fully automatic ice pack input device 111 (see Fig. 14, Fig. 15(a), (b)). Each roller 116 is arranged along the carrying-in direction F2 of the frozen ice pack 11, with the rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the carrying-in direction F2 (horizontal in Figures 15(a) and (b)). Each roller 116 is also arranged in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the delivery box supply line L2. Both guide walls 120 are arranged parallel to each other, and guide the frozen ice pack 11 toward the input positions T1 and T2 while positioning it to a certain extent in the horizontal direction. Although not shown, the distance between both guide walls 120 at the end on the upstream side (lower side in Figures 15(a) and (b)) gradually increases toward the upstream side.

[0040] The support member driving means 115 is for moving the lower edge support members 114 in the approaching direction F3 (see FIG. 16(a)) and the separating direction F4 (see FIG. 16(c)). When the lower edge support members 114 move in the approaching direction F3, the rollers 116 pass through a plurality of through holes 116a (see FIG. 14) provided in the guide wall 120 and protrude toward the input positions T1, T2 (the frozen ice pack 11 side) (see FIG. 15(a)). On the other hand, when the lower edge support members 114 move in the separating direction F4, the rollers 116 are recessed into the plurality of through holes 116a provided in the guide wall 120.

[0041] As shown in Figs. 13 to 16, the ice pack support means 112 includes three stopper members 117a to 117c (positioning members) and eight pressing members 118. The stopper members 117a to 117c are for positioning the frozen ice pack 11 at the input positions T1 and T2 (see Figs. 15(a) and 15(b)). In the input direction F2 of the frozen ice pack 11 (see Figs. 15(a) and 15(b)), the stopper member 117a is disposed on the back side of the input position T1, the stopper member 117b is disposed on the back side of the input position T2 and on the front side of the input position T1 (i.e., between the input position T1 and the input position T2), and the stopper member 117c is disposed on the front side of the input position T2. ​​The stopper members 117a to 117c in this embodiment are air cylinders having a rod 119. The rod 119 of each of the stopper members 117a to 117c moves up and down and can be engaged with and disengaged from a recess 12 provided on the outer edge of the frozen ice pack 11 in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] Each pressing member 118 is for pressing the frozen ice pack 11 positioned by the stopper members 117a to 117c downward to insert it into the delivery box 31. Four pressing members 118 are provided for each frozen ice pack 11 so as to press four spaced apart points on the top surface 13 of each frozen ice pack 11 (see Figs. 15(a) and 15(b)). Note that the pressing members 118 in this embodiment are air cylinders having rods 118a. The rods 118a of each pressing member 118 advance and retreat in the vertical direction to press the top surface 13 of the frozen ice pack 11.

[0043] In this embodiment, the entire lifting unit (not shown) including the lower edge support member 114, the support member driving means 115, the stopper members 117a to 117c, and the pressing member 118 can move up and down. In addition, a control device (not shown) of the ice pack support means 112 controls the operation of the support member driving means 115, the stopper members 117a to 117c, and the pressing member 118. Specifically, the control device controls the release of the support of the frozen ice pack 11 by the lower edge support member 114. As a result, the frozen ice pack 11 falls while maintaining a horizontal posture and is inserted so as to block the upper opening 32 of the delivery box 31, and is placed on the bottom surface of the step portion 33 formed in the upper opening 32. The fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 of this embodiment simultaneously dispenses two frozen ice packs 11 into one delivery box 31.

[0044] 1, the empty container stacking device 131 is a device that folds and stacks containers 21 (empty containers) that have been emptied by discharging the freezing refrigerant 11, and is provided on the empty container discharge line L3. The empty container stacking device 131 includes folding means 132 that folds the containers 21 that have been emptied immediately after the freezing refrigerant 11 has been removed, stacking means 133 (specifically, a robot or the like) that stacks the folded containers 21, and a control device (not shown) that controls the operation of the folding means 132 and the stacking device 133.

[0045] Next, an example of the operation of the fully automatic ice pack supply system 1 configured as above will be described.

[0046] First, when the container transport vehicle 141 on which the containers 21 (full containers) containing the frozen ice packs 11 are stacked is carried into the stacking and transferring device 41 (see FIG. 2), the stacking and transferring device 41 automatically stacks the containers 21 and automatically places them on the conveyor 62 of the ice pack removing device 61. Specifically, first, the control device of the stacking and transferring device 41 outputs a drive signal to the horizontal movement actuator 43 and the vertical movement actuator 44, and controls the gripping means 42 to move to a position where the two containers 21 at the top are sandwiched. Next, the control device outputs a drive signal to the gripping means 42, and controls the gripping means 42 to hook onto the handle holes 22 of the containers 21. Then, the control device outputs a drive signal to the vertical movement actuator 44, and controls the two containers 21 gripped by the gripping means 42 to move upward. Furthermore, the control device outputs a drive signal to the horizontal movement actuator 43, and controls the container 21 held by the holding means 42 to be moved onto the conveyor 62. In this state, the control device controls the holding means 42 to release the holding of the container 21, so that the container 21 is placed on the conveyor 62. Thereafter, the remaining containers 21 stacked on the container transport cart 141 are de-stacked by repeatedly performing the above-mentioned control by the control device.

[0047] The container transport cart 141 that has become empty due to the de-stack of the containers 21 is carried into the empty cart fully automatic stacking device 51 (see FIG. 1). At this time, a control device (not shown) of the empty cart fully automatic stacking device 51 controls the container transport cart 141 to be automatically lifted. Then, when the next container transport cart 141 is placed below the lifted container transport cart 141, the control device controls the lifted container transport cart 141 to be lowered. Thereafter, every time the next container transport cart 141 is carried into the empty cart fully automatic stacking device 51, the container transport carts 141 already in the empty cart fully automatic stacking device 51 are lifted and lowered repeatedly, whereby the container transport carts 141 are automatically stacked in a plurality of tiers. Then, when the stacking of the container transport carts 141 is completed, the control device controls the stacked container transport carts 141 to be automatically discharged.

[0048] Moreover, the frozen ice pack 11 is automatically removed from the container 21 on the conveyor 62 by the ice pack removal device 61 (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the multiple pressing members 64 of the ice pack removal device 61 are usually retracted below the conveying surface of the conveyor 62 (see FIG. 4(b)). Therefore, the pressing members 64 do not get in the way when the container 21 is conveyed. When removing the frozen ice pack 11, the control device outputs a drive signal to the ice pack removal device 61, and controls the pressing members 64 to poke the frozen ice pack 11 attached to the bottom surface of the container 21. At this time, the pressing members 64 are inserted into the container 21 through the hole 24 of the container 21 without coming into contact with the container 21. Therefore, the frozen ice pack 11 can be poked without giving any physical impact to the container 21 itself. Thereafter, the container 21 is automatically carried into the reversing section 71 of the ice pack aligning and conveying device 70 (see FIG. 6).

[0049] When the container 21 is carried into the reversing section 71, the control device of the reversing section 71 outputs a drive signal to the ice pack delivery shutter 73, and if the opening 25 of the container 21 is open, the control device controls the ice pack delivery shutter 73 to close the opening 25. Next, the control device outputs a drive signal to the motor 76 of the reversing mechanism 74, and controls the main body 72 and the container 21 of the reversing section 71 to be turned upside down around the rotation shaft 76a of the motor 76 (see FIG. 5). Furthermore, the control device outputs a drive signal to the lifting device 75, and controls the main body 72 and the container 21 that are turned upside down to move downward. In this way, the opening 25 of the container 21 approaches the upper surface of the belt conveyor device 92a of the alignment conveyor section 91, making it easier to align the multiple frozen ice packs 11. In addition, when the reversing section 71 rotates, interference between the main body 72 and the belt conveyor device 92a can be prevented.

[0050] Then, the control device outputs a drive signal to the ice pack outlet shutter 73, and controls the closed ice pack outlet shutter 73 to gradually open (see FIG. 5). Accordingly, the opening 25 of the container 21 gradually opens, and the multiple frozen ice packs 11 are discharged onto the belt conveyor device 92a.

[0051] Next, the control device of the alignment / transport section 91 outputs a drive signal to the belt conveyor device 92a, and controls the frozen ice packs 11 on the belt conveyor device 92a to move in the opposite direction to the forward direction F1. As a result, the frozen ice packs 11 are placed on the belt conveyor device 92a in a state where they are leaning against each other (see FIG. 5). After that, the control device of the alignment / transport section 91 outputs a drive signal to the belt conveyor devices 92a-92d, and controls the frozen ice packs 11 on the belt conveyor devices 92a-92d to move in the forward direction F1. Then, as the frozen ice packs 11 pass through the multiple stages of lean-out elimination members 93a-93c, the lean-out overlapping state of the frozen ice packs 11 is eliminated, and the frozen ice packs 11 are conveyed while being aligned.

[0052] Then, when the frozen ice pack 11 reaches the ice pack inter-line transfer device 101 at the end of the ice pack alignment line L1, the ice pack inter-line transfer device 101 automatically transfers the frozen ice pack 11 from the ice pack alignment line L1 to the delivery box supply line L2 (see FIG. 8). Specifically, the control device of the ice pack inter-line transfer device 101 outputs a drive signal to a vertical movement actuator 104 that moves one of the locking parts 102 up and down, and controls the locking part 102 to move downward and lock on the edge of the frozen ice pack 11 (see FIG. 9). Next, the control device outputs a drive signal to a horizontal actuator 105 that moves one of the locking parts 102 back and forth horizontally, and controls the locking part 102 to be locked on the edge of the frozen ice pack 11 and transported in the transport direction. At the same time, the control device outputs a drive signal to a horizontal actuator 105 that horizontally reciprocates the other locking part 102, and controls the locking part 102 to be transported in the reverse transport direction and returned. Thereafter, the operation of transporting the frozen ice pack 11 in the transport direction by the locking part 102 and the operation of transporting the locking part 102 in the reverse transport direction and returning it are repeated, so that the frozen ice pack 11 is transported while maintaining its alignment.

[0053] In addition, before the frozen ice pack 11 is put into the delivery box 31 transported by the delivery box supply line L2, the automatic ice pack inserter 121 puts the ice pack 122 into the delivery box 31. Therefore, the control device of the automatic ice pack inserter 121 first controls each of the ice pack support means 123 so that the pair of lower edge support members 124 are in a standby state close to each other.

[0054] Next, the control device controls the first protruding member 154 to move toward the correction guide member 152 under each cold-insulation sheet magazine 151. As a result, the step surface 154a of the first protruding member 154 comes into contact with the rear end edge of the cold-insulation sheet 122 in the bottom layer of the cold-insulation sheet magazine 151, and the cold-insulation sheet 122 is pressed toward the correction guide member 152. Then, the cold-insulation sheet 122 pressed by the first protruding member 154 is guided obliquely downward along the rail 153a of the correction guide member 152 (see FIG. 11(a)). At this time, the central portion of the upper surface 122a of the cold-insulation sheet 122 is pressed from above by the rail 153a, so that the warp (deformation) of the cold-insulation sheet 122 is gradually corrected. Then, when the entire cold insulation sheet 122 reaches below the first protruding member 154, the control device controls the first protruding member 154 to stop, and controls the second protruding member 155 to move toward the correction guide member 152. As a result, the tip surface 155b of the second protruding member 155 abuts against the rear end edge of the cold insulation sheet 122, and the cold insulation sheet 122 is pressed toward the insertion position T3. Then, when the cold insulation sheet 122 is carried into the insertion position T3, both ends of the cold insulation sheet 122 are supported by the pair of lower edge support members 124, so that the warp of the cold insulation sheet 122 is further corrected (see FIG. 11(b)). The second protruding member 155 stops when the tip surface 155b abuts against the fixing member 156 (see FIG. 10).

[0055] Then, when the entire cold insulation sheet 122 reaches the insertion position T3 (see FIG. 12(a)), the cold insulation sheet 122 is supported by a pair of lower edge support members 124 so as to be in a horizontal position above the delivery box 31 transported by the delivery box supply line L2 (see FIG. 12(a)). Also, when the cold insulation sheet 122 is carried in, it is guided to the insertion position T3 while contacting a pair of guide walls 127. As a result, both guide walls 127 come into contact with the outer periphery of the cold insulation sheet 122, so that the position of the cold insulation sheet 122 is prevented from shifting in a direction perpendicular to the carrying-in direction (horizontal in FIG. 12).

[0056] Next, the control device outputs a drive signal to a lifting unit (not shown) of the fully automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121, and controls the lifting unit to move downward. In this way, the cold insulation sheet 122 approaches the upper opening 32 of the delivery box 31, making it easier to insert the cold insulation sheet 122 accurately into the delivery box 31. In addition, interference between the delivery box 31 and the lower edge support member 124 can be prevented when the delivery box 31 is being transported.

[0057] Furthermore, the control device controls the operation of support member driving means 125 to move both lower edge support members 124 in the separating direction F6, and also controls the rods 128a of each pressing member 128 to advance (project) downward to press the cold insulation sheet 122 downward (see FIG. 12(b)). At this time, the control device simultaneously drives each pressing member 128 so that each rod 128a projects the same amount. As a result, the cold insulation sheet 122 is reliably pressed by each pressing member 128, so that the cold insulation sheet 122 falls while maintaining a horizontal position and is thrown into the delivery box 31, and is placed on the product S1 so as to cover the product S1 in the delivery box 31 (see FIG. 12(b)).

[0058] Thereafter, the delivery box 31 into which the cold insulation sheet 122 has been inserted is transported to the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 by the delivery box supply line L2. Then, the frozen ice pack 11 is dispensed into the delivery box 31 by the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111. The control device of the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 first performs control to make the device wait in advance in an initial state in which the pair of lower edge support members 114 are close to each other and the rod 119 of the rear stopper member 117a advances downward (see FIG. 16(a)). Then, when the frozen ice packs 11 are carried into the insertion positions T1 and T2, each frozen ice pack 11 is supported by the pair of lower edge support members 114 so as to be in a horizontal position above the delivery box 31 transported by the delivery box supply line L2 (see FIG. 16(b)). Furthermore, when each frozen ice pack 11 is carried in, it is guided to the input positions T1, T2 while contacting a pair of guide walls 120. As a result, both guide walls 120 come into contact with the outer periphery of frozen ice pack 11, preventing the frozen ice pack 11 from shifting in position in a direction perpendicular to the carrying-in direction F2 (horizontal direction in FIG. 15(a)). Furthermore, since the outer edge of rectangular plate-shaped frozen ice pack 11 is disposed approximately parallel to the inner wall surface of upper opening 32 of delivery box 31, frozen ice pack 11 is positioned to some extent in the horizontal direction.

[0059] Next, the control device controls the rods 119 of the stopper members 117b, 117c to advance downward when the frozen ice packs 11 are carried into the input positions T1, T2. As a result, the rods 119 of the stopper members 117a, 117b engage with the recesses 12 of the frozen ice packs 11 at the input position T1, and the rods 119 of the stopper members 117b, 117c engage with the recesses 12 of the frozen ice packs 11 at the input position T2, so that the frozen ice packs 11 are less likely to shift position.

[0060] Next, the control device outputs a drive signal to a lifting unit (not shown) of the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111, and controls the lifting unit to move downward. In this way, the frozen ice pack 11 approaches the upper opening 32 of the delivery box 31, making it easier to accurately dispense the frozen ice pack 11 into the delivery box 31. In addition, interference between the delivery box 31 and the lower edge support member 114 can be prevented when the delivery box 31 is being transported.

[0061] Furthermore, the control device controls the support member driving means 115 to move both lower edge support members 114 in the separating direction F4, and also controls the rods 118a of each pressing member 118 to advance (project) downward to press the frozen ice pack 11 downward (see Fig. 15(b) and Fig. 16(c)). At this time, the control device simultaneously drives each pressing member 118 so that each rod 118a projects the same amount. As a result, the frozen ice pack 11 is reliably pressed by each pressing member 118, so that the frozen ice pack 11 falls while maintaining a horizontal position and is thrown into the delivery box 31, and is placed on the bottom surface of the step portion 33 formed in the upper opening 32 so as to cover the product S1 and the cold insulation sheet 122 in the delivery box 31 (see Fig. 15(c) and Fig. 16(d)).

[0062] Furthermore, the containers 21 (empty containers) that have been emptied after the frozen ice packs 11 have been discharged by the ice pack aligning and conveying device 70 are conveyed to the empty container stacking device 131 on the empty container discharge line L3 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, when the containers 21 are conveyed to the folding means 132 of the empty container stacking device 131, the control device of the empty container stacking device 131 controls the folding of the emptied containers 21. Thereafter, the folded containers 21 are stacked by the stacking means 133 consisting of a robot or the like.

[0063] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0064] (1) In the fully automatic ice pack supply system 1 of this embodiment, the pair of lower edge support members 114 of the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 support the frozen ice pack 11, which is difficult to grasp because it deforms when frozen, from both sides below while positioning it to some extent in the horizontal direction. In addition, the stopper members 117a to 117c of the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 automatically position the frozen ice pack 11 at the insertion positions T1 and T2. Furthermore, the pressing member 118 of the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 presses the frozen ice pack 11, which has poor weight balance, downward while maintaining a horizontal position, and automatically dispenses it into the delivery box 31. This allows the frozen ice pack 11, which is difficult to handle, to be dispensed into the delivery box 31 quickly and accurately without relying on human hands.

[0065] Similarly, in this embodiment, the cold insulation sheet 122, which is flexible and easily deformed and therefore difficult to handle, is supported from below on both sides while being positioned to some extent in the lateral direction by a pair of lower edge support members 124 provided in the fully automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121. In addition, the cold insulation sheet 122 is automatically positioned at the insertion position T3 by a pair of guide walls 127 provided in the fully automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121. Furthermore, the positioned cold insulation sheet 122 is pressed downward by a pressing member 128 provided in the fully automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121 and automatically inserted into the delivery box 31. This allows the cold insulation sheet 122, which is difficult to handle, to be inserted into the delivery box 31 quickly and accurately without relying on human hands.

[0066] (2) The fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 of this embodiment dispenses two frozen ice packs 11 simultaneously into one delivery box 31, but by changing the driving mode of the stopper members 117a to 117c, it is also possible to dispense only one frozen ice pack 11 into one delivery box 31. Therefore, the method of dispensing the frozen ice packs 11 can be changed depending on the situation, such as dispensing two frozen ice packs 11 in summer and dispensing one frozen ice pack 11 in winter.

[0067] (3) In the ice pack full dosing device 111 of this embodiment, not only are the stopper members 117a and 117c disposed on the rear side of the dosing position T2, but also the stopper member 117c is disposed on the front side of the dosing position T2. ​​Therefore, by advancing the rods 119 of the stopper members 117b and 117c downward, not only can the frozen ice pack 11 at the dosing position T2 be prevented from shifting in position, but also the next frozen ice pack 11 can be prevented from being carried into the ice pack full dosing device 111.

[0068] (4) In the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 of this embodiment, the control device simultaneously drives the pressing members 118 so that the rods 118a protrude by the same amount. Also, in the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 121 of this embodiment, the control device simultaneously drives the pressing members 128 so that the rods 128a protrude by the same amount. In this case, unlike a case where a single common actuator simultaneously drives a plurality of rods 118a, 128a, the burden on each actuator (pressing members 118, 128) is reduced, and each actuator can be easily made smaller. In addition, a power transmission mechanism for simultaneously driving a plurality of rods 118a, 128a is not required, and the structure can be simplified. Furthermore, this method of individually driving each rod 118a, 128a makes it possible to finely adjust the protruding amount and protruding timing of the rods 118a, 128a as necessary.

[0069] The above embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0070] Of the three stopper members 117a to 117c of the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 of the above embodiment, the stopper member 117a arranged on the inner side of the dispenser position T1 is configured to advance the rod 119 downward in the initial state. However, the stopper member 117a may be configured to always advance the rod 119 downward. In other words, the rod 119 may not move. Also, instead of a bar-shaped member like the rod 119, a member having a different shape (for example, a plate-shaped member) may be used.

[0071] Of the three stopper members 117a to 117c possessed by the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 of the above embodiment, either the stopper member 117b arranged between the dispense positions T1 and T2 or the stopper member 117c arranged in front of the dispense position T2 may be omitted.

[0072] When the ice pack full insertion device 111 of the above embodiment inserts only one frozen ice pack 11 into one delivery box 31, the frozen ice pack 11 may be delivered to insertion position T1 or to insertion position T2. ​​When the frozen ice pack 11 is inserted into insertion position T1, the control device causes the rod 119 of the stopper member 117a to wait in the initial state in which it has advanced downward. Then, when the frozen ice pack 11 reaches insertion position T2, the control device controls the rod 119 of the stopper member 117c to advance downward, and when the frozen ice pack 11 moves from insertion position T2 to insertion position T1, the control device controls the rod 119 of the stopper member 117b to advance downward. On the other hand, when the frozen ice pack 11 is to be transported to the input position T2, the control device keeps the rod 119 of the stopper member 117b (and 117a) waiting in an initial position advanced downward, and when the frozen ice pack 11 reaches the input position T2, the control device controls the rod 119 of the stopper member 117c to advance downward.

[0073] In the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 of the above embodiment, each of the stopper members 117a to 117c positions the frozen ice pack 11 at the dispense positions T1 and T2 by advancing the rod 119 downward to engage with the recess 12 of the frozen ice pack 11, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the frozen ice pack 11 may be positioned by advancing the rod 119 sideways to abut against the outer edge of the frozen ice pack 11.

[0074] In the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 of the above embodiment, the rods 118a are raised and retracted simultaneously by driving the multiple pressing members 118 simultaneously. However, the multiple rods 118a may be provided on one common pressing member, and the rods 118a may be raised and retracted simultaneously by the single pressing member. Similarly, in the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 121 of the above embodiment, the rods 128a are raised and retracted simultaneously by driving the multiple pressing members 128 simultaneously. However, the multiple rods 128a may be provided on one common pressing member, and the rods 128a may be raised and retracted simultaneously by the single pressing member.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the stopper members 117a-117c and the pressing member 118 of the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111, and the pressing member 128 of the fully automatic ice pack sheet dispenser 121 are all single rod type air cylinders. However, the stopper members 117a-117c and the pressing members 118, 128 may be electric actuators such as motors or ball screws.

[0076] The fully automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121 of the above embodiment has two (pairs) of each of the cold insulation sheet support means 123, the cold insulation sheet magazine 151, the correction guide member 152, and the pushing members 154, 155, etc. However, the fully automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121 may have one each of the cold insulation sheet support means 123, the cold insulation sheet magazine 151, the correction guide member 152, and the pushing members 154, 155, etc., or may have three or more of each. Note that if there are more cold insulation sheet support means 123, the cold insulation sheet magazine 151, the correction guide member 152, and the pushing members 154, 155, etc., the work of inserting the cold insulation sheet 122 into multiple delivery boxes 31 can be performed simultaneously, thereby improving work efficiency. On the other hand, by reducing the number of cold insulation sheet support means 123, cold insulation sheet magazine 151, correction guide member 152, and push-out members 154, 155, etc., the manufacturing costs of the fully automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121 can be reduced and the fully automatic cold insulation sheet insertion device 121 can be made smaller.

[0077] While the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 in the above embodiment has two (a pair) ice pack support means 112, the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 may have only one ice pack support means 112, or may have three or more ice pack support means 112. If there are more ice pack support means 112, the frozen ice packs 11 can be dispensed into multiple delivery boxes 31 at the same time, improving work efficiency. On the other hand, if there are fewer ice pack support means 112, the manufacturing cost of the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 can be reduced, and the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 can be made smaller in size.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the fully automatic ice pack dispenser 111 and the fully automatic ice pack sheet dispenser 121 are provided on the delivery box supply line L2, but they do not have to be provided on the delivery box supply line L2.

[0079] Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the above-mentioned embodiments will be listed below.

[0080] (1) In any one of claims 1 to 5, the plate-shaped cold insulation material is a frozen ice pack, and the automatic cold insulation material supply device is capable of supplying only one frozen ice pack or two frozen ice packs at the same time to one cold insulation box.

[0081] (2) In any one of claims 1 to 5, the automatic cold storage material insertion device is characterized in that an entire lifting unit including the pair of lower edge support members, the support member driving means, the positioning member and the pressing member is movable up and down.

[0082] (3) The automatic cold insulation material supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a cold insulation box fixing means for fixing the cold insulation box.

[0083] (4) In the cold insulation material automatic insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the lower edge support member has a group of rolling elements on which the plate-shaped cold insulation material is placed and supported.

[0084] (5) In the cold insulation material automatic insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the support member driving means moves the pair of lower edge support members back and forth in a horizontal direction.

[0085] (6) In any one of claims 1 to 5, the plate-shaped cold-insulating material is a cold-insulating sheet, and the automatic cold-insulating material insertion device is characterized in that it includes a correction guide member that guides the cold-insulating sheet to the insertion position while correcting deformation of the cold-insulating sheet, and a push-out member that pushes the cold-insulating sheet toward the insertion position.

[0086] (7) An automatic insertion device that drops a plate-like member while maintaining a horizontal position onto a box conveyed by a box supply line and inserts the plate-like member into the box from an upper opening of the box, the automatic insertion device comprising a pair of lower edge support members that support both lower edges of the plate-like member from both sides, a support member driving means that moves the pair of lower edge support members in a direction toward and away from each other, a positioning member that positions the plate-like member at a insertion position, a pressing member that presses the positioned plate-like member downward to insert it into the box, and a control device that controls the operation of the support member driving means, the positioning member, and the pressing member. In other words, this automatic insertion device allows various plate-like members, including cold insulation materials such as ice packs and cold insulation sheets, to be inserted into the box quickly and accurately without relying on human labor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 11... Frozen ice packs as plate-shaped ice packs 12…Recess 13, 122a…Top surface of plate-shaped cold insulation member 31...Delivery box as a cooler 32…Upper opening of cooler box 111... Fully automatic cooling agent dispenser as an automatic cooling material dispenser 114, 124...Lower edge support member 115, 125...support member driving means 117a to 117c: Stopper members as positioning members 118, 128...Pressing member 120, 127... Guide wall as a positioning member 121... Fully automatic cooling sheet inserting device as an automatic cooling material inserting device 122...Cooling sheet as a plate-shaped cooling material F2…Loading direction F3, F5: Proximity direction F4,F6…Separation direction L2…Delivery box supply line as a cool box supply line T1,T2,T3…Insertion position

Claims

1. An automatic cold insulation material insertion device that inserts a plate-shaped cold insulation material into a cold insulation box from an upper opening of the cold insulation box, A pair of lower edge support members that support both lower edges of the plate-shaped cold insulation member from both sides, a support member driving means for moving the pair of lower edge support members in a direction toward and away from each other; A positioning member that positions the plate-shaped cold insulation member at an insertion position; A pressing member that presses the positioned plate-shaped cold insulation member downward and inserts it into the cold insulation box; a control device for controlling the operations of the support member driving means, the positioning member, and the pressing member; A cold insulation material automatic insertion device comprising:

2. the positioning member includes a stopper member disposed on a rear side of the insertion position and a front side of the insertion position in a direction in which the plate-shaped cold insulation material is carried into the cold insulation material automatic insertion device, The control device includes: The pair of lower edge support members are placed in a standby state in advance in which the pair of lower edge support members are close to each other and the rear stopper member is operated, When the plate-shaped cold insulation member is brought into the input position, the support member driving means is operated to move the pair of lower edge support members in a direction away from each other, and the pressing member is operated to press the plate-shaped cold insulation member downward.

2. The cold insulation material automatic supply device according to claim 1 .

3. 3. The cold insulation material automatic insertion device according to claim 2, wherein the stopper member is movable up and down and can be engaged with and disengaged from a recess provided on an outer edge of the plate-shaped cold insulation material.

4. 4. The cold insulation material automatic insertion device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the pressing members are provided so as to press a plurality of spaced apart points on the top surface of one of the plate-shaped cold insulation materials.

5. The plate-shaped cold insulation member is a frozen cold insulation material or a cold insulation sheet, The plate-shaped cold insulation member is supported in a horizontal position above the cold insulation box conveyed by the cold insulation box supply line, and the plate-shaped cold insulation member is dropped into the cold insulation box while maintaining the horizontal position.

5. The cold insulation material automatic supply device according to claim 1,

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