Packaging apparatus and packaging method

Abstract

To provide a packaging apparatus that is relatively simply configured and can stably wrap a cylindrical object with a packaging sheet.SOLUTION: A packaging apparatus 1 comprises: a frame 110; slide pieces 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d and four or more aggregate parts 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d fixed movably thereto and having aggregate plates; a drive unit 130 for moving any of the aggregate parts; and a pushing part 150. The aggregate plates are inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the aggregate parts, and when one of the aggregate parts is moved, the other aggregate parts are pushed from the aggregate plates of the neighboring aggregate parts and moved in different directions, allowing the aggregate plates to move to the first state and the second state where the volume of the aggregate area is small, moving the aggregate parts from the first state to the second state, aggregating a packaging sheet 410 into the aggregation area, and moving the pushing parts so as to push the packaging sheet into the aggregation area, to pack a cylindrical object 400 with the packaging sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging apparatus and a packaging method for packaging a cylindrical object with a packaging sheet.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a cylindrical object obtained by winding a long strip-shaped functional film, a metal plate, a paper material, etc. in a roll shape has been packaged with a protective packaging sheet. Here, packaging a cylindrical object means covering the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical object and the end face of the cylindrical object, also called an ear portion, with a packaging sheet. At this time, by winding the packaging sheet around the outer periphery of the cylindrical object, the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical object can be easily packaged. However, it is not easy to evenly gather and package the packaging sheet protruding from the end face of the cylindrical object along the end face in order to cover the end face of the cylindrical object. When such work is performed manually, there is a large difference in the finished quality between skilled workers and those who are not, and not only is there a difference in appearance, but there may also be a difference in the protective effect and quality of the cylindrical object.

[0003] On the other hand, an apparatus for automating the work of packaging such a cylindrical object with a packaging sheet has been studied. For example, Patent Documents 1, Patent Documents 2, Patent Documents 3, and Patent Documents 4 can be cited. All of them have features in the apparatus configuration of the portion for evenly gathering the packaging sheet protruding from the end face of the cylindrical object along the end face. Patent Document 1 disposes a folding roll inclined by an angle of π / n in the feeding direction of the packaging material around the intersection of the radiation passing through the center of the side end face of the cylindrical object and the outer peripheral line of the same cylindrical object, and ear-folds so that the folds of the ear-folding are folded radially. Patent Document 2 is a packaging apparatus in which a cylindrical body obtained by winding a sheet-shaped long object around a core tube is covered with a packaging material, the entire packaging material is constricted at both end portions of the core tube, and this constricted portion is fixed. It includes an annular frame having an opening larger in diameter than the cylindrical side end portion of the packaging material in the covered state, and a plurality of shutter blades swingably supported on the annular frame.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes a wire coil packaging method in which the outer surface of the wire coil is covered with a packaging sheet, and the excess portion of the sheet in the direction of the coil end face is folded into the inner cylinder of the coil. When folding the excess portion of the sheet in the direction of the coil end face into the inner cylinder of the coil, the relative position of the wire coil and the excess portion is shifted in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, Patent Document 4 describes a post-processing method for the end face of a cylindrical article, in which a packaging sheet body S having a predetermined margin Sa is wrapped around the end face of a cylindrical article A, and then the periphery of the hollow core D is heat-sealed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-134825 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-87917 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-270516 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-58615 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] These devices all aim to evenly gather the packaging sheet that protrudes from the end face of a cylindrical object so that it follows the end face. As a result, the device configuration and operation are complex, making it time-consuming to adjust the conditions, and there is a risk of unstable packaging quality due to variations in the condition of the packaging sheet.

[0007] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a packaging device and packaging method that can stably package packaging sheets onto cylindrical objects with a relatively simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first configuration of the packaging device for packaging cylindrical objects with a packaging sheet according to this embodiment comprises a frame, at least four aggregation parts provided at the frame, each having a slide piece fixed to the frame so as to be movable along a predetermined direction along a first plane and an aggregation plate fixed to the slide piece and extending in a direction intersecting the first plane, a drive unit for moving any of the aggregation parts in the predetermined direction, and a push unit that is movable along a direction intersecting the first plane, wherein in a plan view from the direction normal to the first plane, the aggregation plate of each aggregation part is provided at an inclination with respect to the direction of movement of the aggregation part, and when any of the aggregation parts moves, the other aggregation parts move adjacent to When the contacting agglomerating part is pushed from the agglomerating plate, it moves along a direction different from the direction of the push, and the space area surrounded by each of the agglomerating plates becomes the agglomerating region, the agglomerating plate can move between a first state and a second state in which the volume of the agglomerating region is smaller than that of the first state, and when a cylindrical object covered with a packaging sheet is placed in a position where its side surface is along the first plane and at least a part of the holes on the side surface overlaps with the agglomerating region, the drive unit moves the agglomerating part to change from the first state to the second state, agglomerating the excess of the packaging sheet into the agglomerating region, and moves the push-in part toward the inside of the holes to push in the agglomerated packaging sheet.

[0009] In another embodiment of this invention, a second configuration of a packaging device for packaging a cylindrical object with a packaging sheet is that, in the first configuration described above, the frame, the aggregation parts provided at least four times on the frame, the drive unit, and the pressing unit may each be provided in pairs on both end faces of the cylindrical object in which it is placed.

[0010] A third configuration of a packaging device for packaging a cylindrical object with a packaging sheet, according to another embodiment of this invention, is that in the first or second configuration described above, the pressing portion further comprises a suction portion at its tip, and the suction portion can suck air from the area surrounded by the packaging sheet before, during, or after moving the pressing portion to press the packaging sheet, which is concentrated towards the inside of the hole, into place.

[0011] A fourth configuration of a packaging device for packaging cylindrical objects with a packaging sheet, according to another embodiment of this implementation, is that in any of the first to third configurations described above, the aggregation plate of each aggregation part may be inclined at an angle of 30° or more and 60° or less with respect to the direction of movement of the aggregation part, in a plan view from the normal direction of the first plane.

[0012] In another embodiment of this invention, a fifth configuration of a packaging device for packaging a cylindrical object with a packaging sheet is such that, in any of the first to fourth configurations described above, the contour of the aggregation region may follow a polygon in a plan view from the normal direction of the first plane.

[0013] A sixth configuration of the method for packaging a cylindrical object using any of the first to fifth configurations described above, according to this embodiment, comprises the steps of: positioning a cylindrical object covered with a packaging sheet so that its side surface aligns with the first plane and the holes on the side surface overlap with the aggregation area; moving the aggregation part to change from the first state to the second state to aggregate the excess portion of the packaging sheet into the aggregation area; and moving the push-in part toward the inside of the holes to push in the aggregated packaging sheet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this embodiment, a packaging device and packaging method can be provided that can stably package cylindrical objects with packaging sheets using a relatively simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view for explaining an example of a packaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a front view showing the configuration of the packaging device in a state where the volume of the aggregation region is large. [Figure 3] It is a schematic perspective view showing the first packaging unit in a state where the volume of the aggregation region is small. [Figure 4] It is a front view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing the configuration of the packaging device in a state where the volume of the aggregation region is small. [Figure 5] It is a schematic view showing the first aggregation part. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the change in the aggregation region. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the first aggregation part near the aggregation region. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a schematic side view for explaining the operation of the pushing-in part. [Figure 10] It is a schematic side view for explaining the operation of the pushing-in part according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an operation flow chart of the packaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a schematic perspective view for explaining an example of a packaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a schematic perspective view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing the first packaging unit in a state where the volume of the aggregation region is small. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the first aggregation part near the aggregation region. [Figure 15] It is an operation flow chart of the packaging device according to the first packaging method of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is an operation flow chart of the packaging device according to the third packaging method of the third embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings and other materials, an example of a packaging apparatus and packaging method for packaging a cylindrical object with a packaging sheet according to the present disclosure will be described. However, the packaging apparatus and other materials according to the present disclosure are not limited to the apparatus and methods of the embodiments described below.

[0017] The following figures are schematic representations. Therefore, the size, shape, and thickness of each layer in the cross-sectional view are exaggerated as appropriate to facilitate understanding. In addition, hatching indicating the cross-section of members is omitted as appropriate in each figure. The numerical values ​​such as dimensions and material names of each member described herein are examples of embodiments and are not limiting; they can be selected and used as appropriate. In this specification, terms that specify shape and geometric conditions, such as parallel, orthogonal, and perpendicular, are used not only in their strict sense but also to include substantially the same state. Furthermore, for the sake of explanation, terms such as "above" or "below" may be used in explanations, but the vertical direction may be reversed, and the same applies to the left-right direction.

[0018] 1. First Embodiment A first embodiment of a packaging device for packaging cylindrical objects with a packaging sheet according to the present disclosure will be described. For the convenience of describing the packaging device, an XYZ coordinate system will be established. In the packaging device 1, the Z axis is provided along the vertical direction. The X axis is provided perpendicular to the Z axis and parallel to the end face when the cylindrical object is placed in a predetermined position, and the Y axis is provided along the axial direction of the axial hole of the cylindrical object, i.e., perpendicular to the end face. The X, Y, and Z axes are substantially perpendicular to each other. The direction from the first packaging unit 10 to the second packaging unit 20 of the packaging device 1 along the Y axis is defined as the +Y direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the -Y direction. Furthermore, when viewing the first packaging unit 10 from the front, the direction from left to right along the X axis is defined as the +X direction, the opposite direction is defined as the -X direction, the vertically upward direction is defined as the +Z direction, and the vertically downward direction is defined as the -Z direction.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the packaging device 1 comprises a first packaging unit 10 and a second packaging unit 20, which are positioned to sandwich a cylindrical object 400 placed on a mounting table 30 from both the -Y direction side and the +Y direction side. Furthermore, the packaging device 1 is provided with a push-in section 150 on the outside of the first packaging unit 10, i.e., on the -Y direction side, and a push-in section 250 on the outside of the second packaging unit 20, i.e., on the +Y direction side.

[0020] Cylindrical objects 400 refer to all articles with a cylindrical outer shape and a borehole, in which functional films, resin films, metal plates, paper materials, etc., are wound in a roll around a paper tube, resin tube, metal tube, etc. There are no particular restrictions on the size of cylindrical objects 400, but generally the diameter of the cylinder is between 200 mm and 500 mm, and the width between the ends of the cylinder (height when the cylinder is standing) is between 200 mm and 500 mm.

[0021] Cylindrical objects 400 are susceptible to external impacts, foreign matter adhesion, and temperature and humidity changes during transport and storage if the product, such as film or paper material, is exposed on its outermost surface. Therefore, to prevent product deterioration during transport and storage, it is necessary to package them with a resin or paper packaging sheet 410. Typically, a thin resin film with a thickness of 5.0 μm or more and 50.0 μm or less, to which a metal such as aluminum has been vapor-deposited, is used as the packaging sheet 410 for packaging functional films.

[0022] The first packaging unit 10 and the second packaging unit 20, which constitute the packaging device 1, have the function of converging the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from the end face side of the cylindrical object 400, i.e., the -Y direction side and the +Y direction side, toward the hole 401, which is the axial hole of the cylindrical object 400. In this embodiment, the components of the first packaging unit 10 and the second packaging unit 20 are arranged so as to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the XZ plane, and the frames at the lower ends of both packaging units are connected to each other.

[0023] The details of the configuration of the first packaging unit 10 will be described later, but as shown in Figure 2, the first packaging unit 10 comprises a frame 110 which is a roughly rectangular outer frame, and four aggregation parts 120 which are slidable along the extension direction of the frame on each of the four sides of the frame 110. The aggregation parts 120 include a first aggregation part 120a which is fixed to the end of the frame 110 on the +Z direction side so as to be slidable in the X direction, and a second aggregation part 120b which is fixed to the end of the frame 110 on the +X direction side so as to be slidable in the Z direction. Furthermore, the aggregation parts 120 include a third aggregation part 120c which is fixed to the end of the frame 110 on the -Z direction side so as to be slidable in the X direction, and a fourth aggregation part 120d which is fixed to the end of the frame 110 on the -X direction side so as to be slidable in the Z direction. In this embodiment, each aggregation part 120 has a substantially identical configuration.

[0024] A drive unit 130 for moving the first aggregation part 120a in the direction along the X axis is positioned at the +Z direction end of the frame 110 of the first packaging unit 10. In addition, in a plan view from the -Y direction, an aggregation plate 121 having a planar portion is positioned on the side of each aggregation part 120 facing the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b). Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show the configuration of the first aggregation part 120a, but the other aggregation parts have a similar configuration.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the aggregation plate 121 is positioned at an angle with respect to the direction of movement of the aggregation part 120 that supports the aggregation plate 121. For example, taking the first aggregation part 120a as an example, the aggregation plate 121 is tilted 45° counterclockwise from the X-axis with respect to the X-axis, which is the direction of movement. The same applies to the other aggregation parts 120. The first aggregation part 120a, pushed in the +X direction by the drive unit 130, moves toward the +X direction and, via the aggregation plate 121, pushes the adjacent second aggregation part 120b in a direction rotated 45° clockwise from the +X direction toward the -Z direction. However, since the second aggregation part 120b can only move along the Z-axis direction, it moves toward the -Z direction.

[0026] In this way, the first aggregation part 120a, which has moved in the +X direction, moves the adjacent second aggregation part 120b toward the -Z direction, causing the third aggregation part 120c and the fourth aggregation part 120d to move in a chain reaction. Specifically, the second aggregation part 120b moves toward the -Z direction and, via the aggregation plate 121, pushes the adjacent third aggregation part 120c in a direction rotated 45° clockwise from the -Z direction toward the -X direction. However, since the third aggregation part 120c can only move along the X-axis direction, it moves toward the -X direction. Furthermore, the third aggregation part 120c moves toward the -X direction and, via the aggregation plate 121, pushes the adjacent fourth aggregation part 120d in a direction rotated 45° clockwise from the -X direction toward the +Z direction. However, since the fourth aggregation part 120d can only move along the Z-axis direction, it moves toward the +Z direction.

[0027] As a result, each aggregating part 120 transitions from the state shown in Figure 2 to the state shown in Figure 4. That is, when the first aggregating part 120a is pushed in the +X direction by the drive unit 130, the second aggregating part 120b moves in the -Z direction, the third aggregating part 120c moves in the -X direction, and the fourth aggregating part 120d moves in the +Z direction. In other words, when any aggregating part 120 moves, the other aggregating parts 120 are pushed by the aggregating plates 121 of adjacent aggregating parts 120, causing them to move in a direction different from the direction of the push. When the spatial region surrounded by each aggregating plate 121 is considered an aggregating region, the aggregating region SP1 shown in Figure 2, before the first aggregating part 120a is pushed in the +X direction by the drive unit 130, changes to the aggregating region SP2 shown in Figure 5 after the first aggregating part 120a is pushed in the +X direction. SP2 has a smaller volume of aggregating region compared to SP1.

[0028] Here, suppose a cylindrical object 400 covered with a packaging sheet 410 is positioned such that its side surface aligns with the XZ plane and at least a portion of the holes 401 on the side surface overlaps with the aggregation region. In this case, the packaging device 1 can move each aggregation part 120 so that the aggregation region changes from a first state where it is SP1 to a second state where it is SP2, thereby aggregating the excess packaging sheet 410 into the aggregation region.

[0029] On the other hand, the pushing section 150, as will be explained in detail later, is equipped with a pushing drive unit 152 which has a cylinder 152a that houses a shaft 152b, and the shaft 152b is configured to move from the outside to the inside of the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400. As a result, the pushing drive unit 152 can move to push the packaging sheet 410, which has been assembled by the aforementioned assembly parts 120, into the inside of the hole 401. As a result, the packaging device 1 can package the cylindrical object 400 with the packaging sheet 410.

[0030] As described above, by using the packaging device 1 of the first embodiment, the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from the end face of the cylindrical object 400 can be evenly gathered along the end face with relatively easy ease. Furthermore, the device configuration and operation are relatively simple, the conditions can be easily adjusted, and it is less affected by variations in the condition of the packaging sheet 410, resulting in relatively stable packaging quality. In other words, by using the packaging device 1, packaging of the packaging sheet 410 onto the cylindrical object 400 can be performed stably with a relatively simple configuration. The details of the configuration of the packaging device 1 will be described below.

[0031] [a] Configuration of the packaging device As described above, the packaging device 1 comprises a first packaging unit 10 and a second packaging unit 20 arranged to sandwich a cylindrical object 400 placed on a mounting table 30 from both the -Y direction side and the +Y direction side. Furthermore, the packaging device 1 is provided with a pressing section 150 on the outside of the first packaging unit 10, i.e., on the -Y direction side, and a pressing section 250 on the outside of the second packaging unit 20, i.e., on the +Y direction side. The mounting table 30 is not included in the packaging device 1, but the mounting table 30 itself may be integrally configured as the packaging device 1, or it may be arranged separately.

[0032] The first packaging unit 10 and the second packaging unit 20 may have their components arranged so as to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the XZ plane, and the first packaging unit 10 and the second packaging unit 20 may have substantially identical configurations and be substantially rotationally symmetrical by 180° around an axis along the Z axis. In the latter configuration, the configurations of the first packaging unit 10 and the second packaging unit 20 are substantially identical, which simplifies design and the securing of spare parts.

[0033] On the other hand, the first packaging unit 10 and the second packaging unit 20 are connected at the lower frames of both units, but the connection point is not limited to this, and they may also be connected at the upper or left and right frames, and the two packaging units may be arranged completely separately. Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the first packaging unit 10 and the second packaging unit 20 are provided, and there are two push-in sections 150 and 250, but it is also possible to have a configuration that provides only one of the packaging units and push-in sections.

[0034] In this case, after packaging one end face of the cylindrical object 400 placed on the mounting table 30 by consolidating the packaging sheet 410 and pushing it into the hole 401, the mounting table 30 is rotated 180° with respect to the axis along the Z-axis. Then, the packaging of the cylindrical object 400 can be completed by performing the same packaging procedure on the other end face of the cylindrical object 400, consolidating the packaging sheet 410 and pushing it into the hole 401. By configuring the packaging device 1 to have a single packaging unit and a pushing section, the device configuration is simplified, making design easier and reducing equipment costs.

[0035] [i] frame The first packaging unit 10 and the second packaging unit 20 each include frames 110 and 210, which are roughly rectangular frame-shaped structures aligned with the XZ plane. Taking the frame 110 of the first packaging unit 10 as an example, the frame 110 is made up of metal or resin members whose cross-section is circular, elliptical, square, polygonal, C-shaped, U-shaped, H-shaped, etc. Guide rails (not shown) are provided on the inward-facing surfaces of the four sides of the frame 110, and sliding pieces 140 of the aggregation part 120 are slidably attached along the extending direction of the guide rails.

[0036] Specifically, a guide rail is provided in the X-axis direction at the +Z end of frame 110, and the first slide piece 140a of the first aggregation part 120a is slidably fixed to it. A guide rail is provided in the Z-axis direction at the +X end of frame 110, and the second slide piece 140b of the second aggregation part 120b is slidably fixed to it. Furthermore, a guide rail is provided in the X-axis direction at the -Z end of frame 110, and the third slide piece 140c of the third aggregation part 120c is slidably fixed to it. In addition, a guide rail is provided in the Z-axis direction at the -X end of frame 110, and the fourth slide piece 140d of the fourth aggregation part 120d is slidably fixed to it.

[0037] The guide rails and sliding pieces 140 formed on the four sides of the frame 110 can be configured to slide against each other, and for example, linear guides that enable low-friction sliding via ball bearings can be used.

[0038] At the end of the frame 110 on the +Z direction side, in addition to the guide rail, a drive unit 130 is arranged. The drive unit 130 generates an external force that moves the first aggregating part 120a in a direction along the X axis, and can be, for example, an electric cylinder, a single-axis robot, or an air cylinder. An electric cylinder or a single-axis robot converts the power of a motor into linear motion using a ball screw or the like, and moves a rod parallel to a linear guide or the like by a predetermined distance. As will be described later, from the viewpoint of adjusting the volume of the aggregating area, it is preferable to use an electric cylinder or a single-axis robot as the drive unit 130, which allows for easy adjustment of the distance the drive unit 130 moves the first aggregating part 120a.

[0039] The frame 210 of the second packaging unit 20 has the same configuration as the frame 110 described above. Specifically, in addition to the guide rail, a drive unit 230 is arranged at the +Z end of the frame 210. A guide rail is provided at the +Z end of the frame 210 in the X-axis direction, and the first slide piece 240a of the first aggregation part 220a is slidably fixed to it. A guide rail is provided at the +X end of the frame 210 in the Z-axis direction, and the second slide piece 240b of the second aggregation part 220b is slidably fixed to it. In addition, although not shown in the figures, the third slide piece 240c of the third aggregation part 220c, which corresponds to the third slide piece 140c of the third aggregation part 120c described above, and the fourth slide piece 240d of the fourth aggregation part 220d, which corresponds to the fourth slide piece 140d of the fourth aggregation part 120d, are similarly provided.

[0040] [ii] Integrated parts The aggregation parts 120 are slidably fixed to the inward-facing surfaces of each of the four sides of the frame 110 via slide pieces 140. The aggregation parts 120 have the function of consolidating the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that extends from the end face of the cylindrical object 400 towards the frame 110, which is wrapped around the outer circumference of the cylindrical object 400, near the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400. The configuration of the aggregation parts 120 is shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b). Figure 5(a) is a perspective view of the first aggregation part 120a, and Figure 5(b) is a plan view. All four aggregation parts 120 have substantially the same configuration. The first aggregation part 120a includes a first slide piece 140a, an aggregation plate 121 and a reinforcing frame 122, and a joining plate 123 that fixes the aggregation plate 121 and the reinforcing frame 122 to the first slide piece 140a. When the first slide piece 140a is positioned along the X-axis, the aggregation plate 121 is fixed at a predetermined angle counterclockwise relative to the first slide piece 140a.

[0041] In this embodiment, in the first aggregation part 120a, the aggregation plate 121 is inclined 45° counterclockwise from the X-axis, which is the direction of movement, and the other aggregation parts 120 have a similar inclination. The angle of inclination refers to the acute angle among the angles made with respect to the direction of movement. However, it is preferable that the aggregation plate 121 of each aggregation part 120 is provided at an inclination of 30° or more and 60° or less with respect to the direction of movement of the aggregation part 120.

[0042] If the angle is less than 30°, the reduction rate of the area of ​​the aggregation region with respect to the movement distance of the first aggregation part 120a in the +X direction when viewed from above becomes small, making it difficult to effectively change the aggregation region. Conversely, if the angle exceeds 60°, the reduction rate of the area of ​​the aggregation region with respect to the movement distance of the first aggregation part 120a in the +X direction becomes large, making it difficult to fine-tune the changes in the aggregation region. In contrast, if the angle is between 30° and 60°, the aggregation region can be effectively changed, and fine-tuning of the changes in the aggregation region due to differences in product type, etc., becomes easy.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the four aggregation plates 121 form an aggregation region SP1, which is a spatial area, on the central side of the first packaging unit 10 when viewed from the -Y direction in a plan view. The aggregation region SP1 is surrounded by the four aggregation plates 121 and is formed to be a substantially closed planar shape in that plan view, and is a spatial area having depth in the Y-axis direction. Each aggregation plate 121 has a surface on the central side of the first packaging unit 10 that is composed of a planar portion along the Y axis. The aggregation region SP1 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped enclosed by the surfaces of each aggregation plate 121 and a plane along the XZ plane that passes through the end faces on the +Y and -Y directions of each aggregation plate 121. However, the shape of the aggregation region SP1 is not limited to this shape, and may form any other arbitrary three-dimensional shape.

[0044] The aggregation region SP1 is preferably a region that, when viewed from the -Y direction in a plan view, generally covers the entire end face of the cylindrical object, considering that the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that extends beyond the end face of the cylindrical object 400, which is wound along the outer circumference of the cylindrical object 400, is aggregated toward the vicinity of the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400. In other words, it is preferable that the aggregation region SP1 is formed to encompass the outer circumference circle formed by the cylindrical object 400. By setting the aggregation region SP1 in this way, the excess packaging sheet 410 can be effectively aggregated when the aggregation region is narrowed by the movement of each aggregation part 120.

[0045] The aggregation plate 121 is made of a metal or resin material whose surface forming the aggregation region SP1 when viewed from above is flat. As will be described later, the aggregation plate 121 needs to have the durability to withstand the rebound load from the packaging sheet 410 when the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes into the aggregation region SP1 is compressed and aggregated.

[0046] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the positions of each aggregating part 120 in the state before the drive unit 130 is driven, i.e., when the first aggregating part 120a is in its initial position on the -X side. In contrast, Figure 4 is a plan view corresponding to Figure 2, showing the positions of each aggregating part 120 in the state after the drive unit 130 is driven, i.e., when the first aggregating part 120a is in its terminal position on the +X side. Furthermore, the part of Figure 1 relating to the first packaging unit 10 is a perspective view showing the state when the first aggregating part 120a is in its initial position on the -X side, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the state when the first aggregating part 120a is in its terminal position on the +X side. Note that Figure 3 omits the second packaging unit 20.

[0047] When the first aggregation part 120a is in its initial position on the -X side, the second aggregation part 120b, the third aggregation part 120c, and the fourth aggregation part 120d are also positioned in their initial positions on the +Z side, the +X side, and the -Z side, respectively. Similarly, when the first aggregation part 120a is in its terminal position on the +X side, the second aggregation part 120b, the third aggregation part 120c, and the fourth aggregation part 120d are also positioned in their terminal positions on the -Z side, the -X side, and the +Z side, respectively.

[0048] As the first aggregating part 120a moves from its initial position on the -X side to its terminal position on the +X side, as shown in Figure 2, the aggregating plate 121 of the first aggregating part 120a comes into contact with the second aggregating part 120b along an inclined plane that is inclined counterclockwise with respect to the X axis. At this time, since the first aggregating part 120a moves on the +X side, the aggregating plate 121 of the first aggregating part 120a pushes the second aggregating part 120b in a direction perpendicular to the inclined plane. That is, an external force acts on the second aggregating part 120b in a direction rotated 45° clockwise from the +X direction to the -Z direction. However, since the second sliding piece 140b of the second aggregating part 120b can only move in the direction along the Z axis relative to the frame 110, the second aggregating part 120b moves from its initial position on the +Z side to its terminal position on the -Z side.

[0049] The relative positional relationship, transmission of external forces, and movement of the first and second aggregation parts 120a and 120b also apply to the second and third aggregation parts 120c, and the third and fourth aggregation parts 120d. As a result, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the drive unit 130 moves from its pre-drive state to its post-drive state, that is, the first aggregation part 120a moves from its initial position on the -X side to its terminal position on the +X side. At this time, the second aggregation part 120b, the third aggregation part 120c, and the fourth aggregation part 120d also move from their initial positions on the +Z, +X, and -Z sides, respectively, to their terminal positions on the -Z, -X, and +Z sides.

[0050] When each aggregating part 120 is in its initial position, the aggregating region is SP1, and when each aggregating part 120 is in its terminal position, the aggregating region is SP2. In this case, the volume of SP2 is smaller than the volume of SP1. In other words, the area of ​​the aggregating region SP2 when viewed from the -Y direction is smaller than the area of ​​SP1. The volume of the aggregating region SP2 can be changed by adjusting the terminal position of each aggregating part 120, that is, by adjusting the stroke of the drive unit 130 during operation. For example, the stroke of the drive unit 130 during operation may be set so that the volume of the aggregating region SP2 differs for each item, taking into account the size of the cylindrical object 400, the size, thickness, stiffness, etc. of the packaging sheet 410. The stroke of the drive unit 130 during operation may be automatically adjusted for each product type by a program, or it may be mechanically adjusted manually using gauges, blocks, screws, etc.

[0051] Here, we will briefly explain the relationship between the amount of movement of each aggregation part 120 and the change in the aggregation area. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the amount of movement of the aggregation part 120 and the change in the aggregation area, corresponding to Figures 2 and 4. The configuration of each aggregation part 120 is substantially the same, and for each aggregation part 120, the inclination angle on the acute side of the aggregation plate 121 with respect to its direction of movement is assumed to be θ(°). In this embodiment, θ is 45°. The amounts of movement (distance traveled) from the initial position to the terminal position of the first aggregation part 120a, second aggregation part 120b, third aggregation part 120c, and fourth aggregation part 120d are denoted as da, db, dc, and dd, respectively. In addition, the lengths of one side of the substantially rectangular aggregation area SP1 formed by the first aggregation part 120a, second aggregation part 120b, third aggregation part 120c, and fourth aggregation part 120d at their initial positions in a plan view along the Y axis are denoted as sa1, sb1, sc1, and sd1, respectively. Furthermore, the lengths of the sides of the aggregated region SP2 at the terminal position are denoted as sa2, sb2, sc2, and sd2, respectively.

[0052] In Figure 6, when the first aggregation part 120a, the second aggregation part 120b, the third aggregation part 120c, and the fourth aggregation part 120d are in their initial positions, the edges forming one side of the aggregation region SP1 of each aggregation plate 121 are denoted as La1, Lb1, Lc1, and Ld1, respectively. Similarly, when the first aggregation part 120a, the second aggregation part 120b, the third aggregation part 120c, and the fourth aggregation part 120d are in their terminal positions, the edges forming one side of the aggregation region SP2 of each aggregation plate 121 are denoted as La2, Lb2, Lc2, and Ld2, respectively.

[0053] Here, assume that the length sb1 of the side of the second aggregation part 120b of SP1 along the aggregation plate 121 changes to the length sb2 of the side of the second aggregation part 120b of SP2 along the aggregation plate 121. In this case, sb2 is shorter than sb1 by da × COS(90°-45°), i.e., da / √2, which is the component of the displacement amount da of the first aggregation part 120a in the direction of side Lb1, and dc × COS(90°-45°), i.e., dc / √2, which is the component of the displacement amount dc of the third aggregation part 120c in the direction of side Lb1. If da=db=dc=dd=d, then sb2=sb1-√2×d. Similarly, sc2=sc1-√2×d, sd2=sd1-√2×d, and sa2=sa1-√2×d.

[0054] Next, the details of the configuration near the contact points between each aggregation part 120 will be explained. Figure 7(a) is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the configuration near the aggregation region SP2, and Figures 7(b) and 7(c) are cross-sectional views taken from the -X direction of a plane that cuts the area near the aggregation plate 121 along the YZ plane, illustrating the width of the aggregation plate 121 in the direction along the Y axis. Figure 8 is a further enlarged view of part A in Figure 7(a). As shown in Figures 7(a) and 8, for example, near the boundary between the fourth aggregation part 120d and the first aggregation part 120a, grooves 124 and projections 125 that can slide while fitting together are provided at the +Y and -Y ends of both aggregation plates 121, respectively.

[0055] Specifically, the +Y and -Y ends of the aggregation plate 121 of the fourth aggregation part 120d are provided with grooves 124 that extend in the plane direction of the aggregation plate 121, which is substantially perpendicular to the Y axis. On the other hand, the +Y and -Y ends of the aggregation plate 121 of the first aggregation part 120a are provided with projections 125 that fit into the grooves 124 of the aggregation plate 121 of the fourth aggregation part 120d. Furthermore, this configuration of the fourth aggregation part 120d and the first aggregation part 120a is similarly provided between the first aggregation part 120a and the second aggregation part 120b, the second aggregation part 120b and the third aggregation part 120c, and the third aggregation part 120c and the fourth aggregation part 120d.

[0056] In this way, the facing aggregation parts 120 are equipped with grooves 124 and protrusions 125 that allow them to fit together and slide, thereby reducing external loads such as displacement and deformation of the aggregation plate 121 due to the movement of each aggregation part 120, and frictional forces associated with the movement, allowing for smooth changes in the volume of the aggregation area.

[0057] Furthermore, Figures 7(b) and 7(c) show the difference in the aggregation effect of the packaging sheet 410 depending on the width of the aggregation plate 121 in the depth direction, i.e., along the Y-axis direction. That is, as shown in Figure 7(b), when the aggregation plate 121 has a predetermined width along the Y-axis direction corresponding to the amount of excess packaging sheet 410 overflowing, the excess packaging sheet 410 is stored between the opposing aggregation plates 121. As a result, the pushing of the packaging sheet 410 towards the inside of the hole 401 by the pushing part from the -Y direction side, as described later, can be done smoothly. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7(c), when the width of the aggregation plate 121 along the Y-axis direction is significantly narrow, the excess packaging sheet 410 may not be able to be stored between the opposing aggregation plates and may overflow to the outside. As a result, the pushing of the packaging sheet 410 towards the inside of the hole 401 by the pushing part from the -Y direction side may not be able to be done properly.

[0058] The width of the aggregation plate 121 along the axial hole direction of the cylindrical object 400, i.e., the Y-axis direction, is preferably between 100 mm and 200 mm, although this depends on the size of the cylindrical object 400 and the size of the packaging sheet 410 used. This range allows for appropriate aggregation of excess material in accordance with the overhang of the end face of the cylindrical object 400, even if the packaging sheet is slightly larger, and enables effective pushing into the hole 401.

[0059] Furthermore, the configuration of the aggregation parts 120 of the first packaging unit 10 described above, namely the configuration of the first aggregation part 120a, second aggregation part 120b, third aggregation part 120c, and fourth aggregation part 120d, is the same as the configuration of the aggregation parts 220 of the second packaging unit 20. That is, the configuration of the first aggregation part 220a, second aggregation part 220b, third aggregation part 220c, and fourth aggregation part 220d is similar to the configuration of the first aggregation part 120a, second aggregation part 120b, third aggregation part 120c, and fourth aggregation part 120d.

[0060] [iii] Push-in part The push-in section 150 is a part that has the function of pushing the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from the end face side of the cylindrical object 400, which has been aggregated by the aggregation part 120, into the hole 401, which is the axial hole of the cylindrical object 400. In this way, by pushing the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from the end face side into the hole 401, there is no need to separately fix the packaging sheet 410 on the end face side with adhesive or the like to prevent it from unpacking naturally, and the cylindrical object 400 can be easily packaged with the packaging sheet 410.

[0061] As shown in Figure 1, the pressing section is provided as a pair: a pressing section 150 located on the -Y direction side of the first packaging unit 10, and a pressing section 250 located on the +Y direction side of the second packaging unit 20. However, as mentioned above, when the packaging device 1 does not have a second packaging unit 20, only the pressing section 150 may be provided. Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are schematic side views illustrating the configuration and operation of the pressing section 150. The pressing section 250 has a similar configuration. In Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the packaging sheet 410 is schematically shown as a schematic cross-sectional view for ease of understanding.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9(a), the push-in section 150 has a configuration in which a push-in drive section 152 having a shaft 152b and a cylinder 152a is supported by a housing 151. In the initial state, the shaft 152b is inserted into the cylindrical cylinder 152a. On the other hand, in the push-in state, as shown in Figure 9(b), the push-in drive section 152 has the shaft 152b protruding a predetermined length from the tip of the cylinder 152a in the +Y direction. As a result, the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that has been previously concentrated near the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400 by the consolidation part 120 is pushed into the hole 401 by the action of the protruding shaft 152b.

[0063] The push-in drive unit 152 can be, for example, an electric cylinder, a single-axis robot, or an air cylinder. It is preferable to use an electric cylinder or a single-axis robot for the push-in drive unit 152, as these allow for easy adjustment of the stroke, in order to set an appropriate push-in stroke according to the size and type of cylindrical object 400 or packaging sheet 410.

[0064] [b] Method for packaging cylindrical objects using a packaging device Next, a method for properly packaging a cylindrical object 400 with a packaging sheet 410 using the packaging device 1 described above will be explained based on Figures 1 to 9 and Figure 11, which is an operation flow diagram of the packaging device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0065] First, prepare the cylindrical object 400 and the packaging sheet 410, and wrap the packaging sheet 410 around the outer circumference of the cylindrical object 400 (step S501 in Figure 11). The cylindrical object 400 in this state may be placed on the mounting table 30, for example, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the mounting table 30 may be equipped with multiple freely rotatable rollers at its bottom, allowing the mounted cylindrical object 400 to rotate around its axial hole. With such a configuration, the process of wrapping the packaging sheet 410 around the outer circumference while rotating the mounted cylindrical object 400 by hand can be easily performed.

[0066] Next, it is confirmed that the excess packaging sheet 410 protruding from both ends of the cylindrical object 400 fits within the aggregation region SP1 formed by the aggregation plates 121 and 221 of the aggregation parts 120 and 220 of the first packaging unit 10 and the second packaging unit 20. Then, each aggregation part 120 and 220 is moved from its initial position to its end position. Specifically, for the first packaging unit 10, the first aggregation part 120a is moved from its initial position to its end position by driving the drive unit 130. In conjunction with this, the second aggregation part 120b, the third aggregation part 120c, and the fourth aggregation part 120d also move from their initial positions to their end positions. As a result, the aggregation region SP1 is reduced to an aggregation region SP2 with a smaller volume (step S502).

[0067] Similarly, the second packaging unit 20 is also operated by the drive unit 230, which moves each aggregating part 220 from its initial position to its terminal position. As a result, the aggregating region SP1 is reduced to an aggregating region SP2 with a smaller volume.

[0068] As described above, the first packaging unit 10 uses the aggregation part 120 to aggregate the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from the -Y direction end of the cylindrical object 400 from aggregation area SP1 to SP2. Meanwhile, the second packaging unit 20 uses the aggregation part 220 to aggregate the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from the +Y direction end of the cylindrical object 400 from aggregation area SP1 to SP2. In this state, the first packaging unit 10 moves the shaft 152b of the push-in part 150 toward the +Y direction, i.e., toward the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400, and pushes the aggregated packaging sheet 410 into the hole 401. Almost simultaneously, the second packaging unit 20 moves the shaft 252b of the push-in part 250 toward the -Y direction, i.e., toward the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400, and pushes the aggregated packaging sheet 410 into the hole 401 (step S503).

[0069] As a result, the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from both ends of the cylindrical object 400 is properly stored and secured in the holes 401, and the object is properly packaged while suppressing problems such as the packaging sheet 410 being unpacked unintentionally.

[0070] [c] Packaging device of the first embodiment As described above, the packaging device 1 of the first embodiment comprises a frame 110 and aggregation parts 120 provided at at least four locations. Each aggregation part 120 has a slide piece 140 fixed to the frame 110 so as to be movable along each predetermined direction along a first plane which can be exemplified as the XZ plane, and an aggregation plate 121 fixed to the slide piece 140 and extending in a direction intersecting the first plane. The packaging device 1 further comprises a drive unit 130 for moving any of the aggregation parts 120 in a predetermined direction, and a push unit 150 that is movable along a direction intersecting the first plane. In a plan view from the direction normal to the first plane, the aggregation plate 121 of each aggregation part 120 is provided at an inclination with respect to the direction of movement of the aggregation part 120.

[0071] Furthermore, when any of the aggregating parts 120 moves, the other aggregating parts 120 move in a direction different from the direction of the push, due to being pushed by the aggregating plate 121 of the adjacent aggregating part 120. Also, when the spatial region surrounded by each aggregating plate 121 is called the aggregating region, the aggregating plate 121 can move between a first state and a second state in which the volume of the aggregating region is smaller than that of the first state. The first state can be exemplified as a state in which each aggregating part 120 is in its initial position, and the second state can be exemplified as a state in which each aggregating part 120 is in its terminal position.

[0072] Assume that a cylindrical object 400 covered with a packaging sheet 410 is positioned such that its side surface aligns with a first plane and at least a portion of the holes 401 on the side surface overlaps with the aggregation area. At that time, the aggregation part 120 is moved to change from the first state to the second state to aggregate the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 into the aggregation area, and the pressing part 150 is moved toward the inside of the holes 401 to press in the aggregated packaging sheet 410. In this way, the cylindrical object 400 can be properly packaged with the packaging sheet 410.

[0073] By using the packaging device 1 of the first embodiment, the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from the end face of the cylindrical object 400 can be evenly gathered along the end face with relatively easy ease. Furthermore, the device configuration and operation are relatively simple, the conditions can be easily adjusted, and it is less affected by variations in the condition of the packaging sheet 410, resulting in relatively stable packaging quality. In other words, by using the packaging device 1, packaging of the packaging sheet 410 onto the cylindrical object 400 can be performed stably with a relatively simple configuration.

[0074] 2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the packaging apparatus for packaging cylindrical objects with a packaging sheet according to the present disclosure will be described. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the first packaging unit 11 of the second embodiment, corresponding to a portion of the first packaging unit 10 in Figure 1. Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the first packaging unit 11 of the second embodiment, corresponding to Figure 3. In other words, Figure 12 shows the initial position of each aggregation part 120, forming an aggregation region SP3 with a relatively large volume, while Figure 13 shows the terminal position of each aggregation part 120, forming an aggregation region SP4 with a relatively small volume. Figure 14 is an enlarged view illustrating the details of the configuration near the aggregation region in Figure 12.

[0075] The difference between the packaging device of the second embodiment and the packaging device 1 of the first embodiment is that, when viewed from the -Y direction in a plan view, the shape of the aggregation region formed by each aggregation part 120 of the first packaging unit 11 is not approximately square, but approximately octagonal. That is, the end of the aggregation plate 121 of the first aggregation part 120e that abuts against the fourth aggregation part 120h is provided with a first adjuster 126e having a surface that intersects with the aggregation plate 121 of the first aggregation part 120e and the fourth aggregation part 120h.

[0076] Furthermore, a second adjuster 126f is provided at the end of the second aggregation part 120f that abuts against the first aggregation part 120e of the aggregation plate 121, having a surface that intersects with the surfaces of the aggregation plates 121 of the second aggregation part 120f and the first aggregation part 120e. Also, a third adjuster 126g is provided at the end of the third aggregation part 120g that abuts against the second aggregation part 120f of the aggregation plate 121, having a surface that intersects with the surfaces of the aggregation plates 121 of the third aggregation part 120g and the second aggregation part 120f. Moreover, a fourth adjuster 126h is provided at the end of the fourth aggregation part 120h that abuts against the third aggregation part 120g of the aggregation plate 121, having a surface that intersects with the aggregation plates 121 of the fourth aggregation part 120h and the third aggregation part 120g. These adjusters 126 may be detachably provided or fixed in a non-detachable manner. Furthermore, the adjuster 126 can be made of any material, such as metal or resin.

[0077] With such an adjustment device 126 provided, the contour shape of the aggregation region formed by each aggregation part 120 of the first packaging unit 11, when viewed from the -Y direction in plan view, becomes approximately octagonal. However, the contour shape of the aggregation region formed by each aggregation part 120 is not limited to approximately octagonal, and may be a shape that follows a polygon with five or more sides, or it may have a partially arc shape with rounded corners. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the push-in part 150 evenly pushing the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from the end face side of the cylindrical object 400 into the hole 401, it is advantageous that the contour shape of the aggregation region when viewed from the axial hole direction in plan view approximates the circular shape of the hole 401. In other words, it is preferable that the contour shape of the aggregation region follows a regular polygon.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a fitting structure of grooves 124 and projections 125, as described in Figure 8 of the first embodiment, is provided for each aggregating part 120, these structures are hidden by the adjuster 126. That is, the parts of each aggregating part 120 where the grooves 124 and projections 125 are fitted are covered by the adjuster 126. For this reason, although grease may be applied to the projections 125 of each aggregating part 120 to improve sliding performance with the grooves 124, this part is not exposed, so contamination of the cylindrical object 400 by grease adhering to the packaging sheet 410 can be suppressed. In addition, if multiple sizes of the adjuster 126 are prepared and can be replaced for each type, the volume of the aggregating area and the shape in plan view can be easily changed without changing the amount of movement of the drive unit 130.

[0079] 3. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the packaging device for packaging cylindrical objects with a packaging sheet according to the present disclosure will be described. Figure 10 is a side view showing the push-in section 155 of the packaging device of the third embodiment, which corresponds to the push-in section 150 of the first packaging unit 10 in Figure 9.

[0080] The packaging device of the third embodiment differs from the packaging device 1 of the first embodiment in the following ways. Specifically, the pushing portion 155 not only pushes the excess portion of the aggregated packaging sheet 410 into the hole 401 by moving the shaft 152b in the axial direction of the shaft hole, i.e., the +Y direction, but can also suck air from inside the packaging sheet 410. A suction hole 156 is provided at the tip of the shaft 152b, and the sucked air G can be discharged to the outside through the cavity 153 inside the shaft 152b and the cylinder 152a. In Figure 10, one suction hole 156 is provided at the tip of the shaft 152b, but it is not limited to this, and one or more suction holes 156 may be provided at the tip or on the side of the shaft 152b.

[0081] The packaging sheet 410 covering the outer circumference of the cylindrical object 400 may expand if air remains inside when the end face of the cylindrical object 400 is completely covered. If the pressing part pushes the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 into the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400 in this state, the packaging sheet 410 may not adhere tightly to the outer surface of the cylindrical object 400 due to the remaining air, and may expand and become larger. Therefore, if the cylindrical object 400 is grasped and transported or stored, the packaging sheet 410 may deform, burst, or be damaged.

[0082] However, in this embodiment, the air G inside the packaging sheet 410 covering the outer circumference of the cylindrical object 400 can be properly sucked out through the suction hole 156 provided in the shaft 152b and discharged to the outside via the suction section 154. The suction section 154 can use a commercially available motor such as a vacuum motor, and by connecting an air tube to it and routing it through the cavity 153 of the shaft 152b, a push-in section 155 that can easily suck out air can be formed. As a result, the push-in section 155 can properly suck out the air G inside the packaging sheet 410 and discharge it to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the packaging sheet 410 from expanding and becoming larger due to not adhering tightly to the outer surface of the cylindrical object 400, and to prevent the packaging sheet 410 from deforming, rupturing, or being damaged during transport or storage by gripping the cylindrical object 400.

[0083] Since there are several possible variations in the movement of the shaft 152b of the push-in section 155 and the timing of suction, the method of packaging cylindrical objects using the packaging device in this embodiment will be explained based on the operation flow diagrams in Figures 15 and 16, taking these variations into account. Furthermore, the device configuration other than the push-in section 155 is the same as in the first or second embodiment.

[0084] [a] First packaging method First, as the first packaging method, a cylindrical object 400 and a packaging sheet 410 are prepared, and the packaging sheet 410 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the cylindrical object 400 (step S521 in Figure 15). The cylindrical object 400 in this state may be placed on the mounting table 30. Next, it is confirmed that the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from both ends of the cylindrical object 400 fits within the aggregation region SP1 formed by the aggregation plates 121 and 221 of the aggregation parts 120 and 220 of the first packaging unit 10 and the second packaging unit 20. Then, the drive unit 130 moves each aggregation part 120 and 220 from the initial position to the terminal position. As a result, the aggregation region SP1 is reduced to an aggregation region SP2 with a smaller volume (step S522).

[0085] Similarly, the second packaging unit 20 is also operated by the drive unit 230, which moves each aggregating part 220 from its initial position to its terminal position. As a result, the aggregating region SP1 is reduced to an aggregating region SP2 with a smaller volume.

[0086] As described above, the first packaging unit 10 uses the aggregation part 120 to aggregate the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from the -Y direction end of the cylindrical object 400 from aggregation area SP1 to SP2. The second packaging unit 20 is done in the same manner. In this state, the first packaging unit 10 moves the shaft 152b of the push-in part 155 toward the +Y direction, i.e., toward the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400, and pushes the aggregated packaging sheet 410 into the hole 401. The second packaging unit 20 is done in the same manner. (Step S523).

[0087] Here, after the shaft 152b of the pushing section 155 has finished moving toward the +Y direction, that is, toward the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400, air is sucked in from the tip of the shaft 152b, and the air inside the packaging sheet 410 is discharged through the suction section 154. (Step S524).

[0088] As a result, the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 that protrudes from both ends of the cylindrical object 400 is properly stored in the holes 401, and the object is properly packaged while suppressing problems such as the packaging sheet 410 unpacking unintentionally. In addition, since some of the air remaining inside the packaging sheet 410 can be discharged to the outside, the packaging sheet 410 does not adhere tightly to the outer surface of the cylindrical object 400, preventing it from bulging and becoming larger, and preventing the packaging sheet 410 from deforming, bursting, or being damaged during transport or storage of the cylindrical object 400 by gripping it.

[0089] [b] Second packaging method Next, the second packaging method is basically the same as the first method, but the suction operation in step S524 is performed before or during the movement of the shaft 152b of the push-in part 155 toward the hole 401 in step S523. By starting the suction operation before or during the movement of the shaft 152b in this way, the pushing operation of the shaft 152b into the hole 401 can be performed more smoothly. When the shaft 152b pushes the excess portion of the packaging sheet 410 into the hole 401, a reaction force is generated on the shaft 152b due to the air resistance of the sealed internal air, making it easier to prevent the shaft 152b from moving into the hole 401.

[0090] In contrast, by performing a suction action before or during the movement of the shaft 152b toward the hole 401 in the -Y direction, air resistance is reduced, making it easier to push the shaft 152b into the hole 401.

[0091] [c] Third packaging method Next, a third packaging method will be explained with reference to Figure 16. First, a cylindrical object 400 and a packaging sheet 410 are prepared, and the packaging sheet 410 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the cylindrical object 400 (step S541 in Figure 16). Then, each aggregation part 120 and 220 is moved from its initial position to its terminal position, and the aggregation region SP1 is reduced to an aggregation region SP2 with a smaller volume (step S542).

[0092] Next, the first packaging unit 10 moves the shaft 152b of the push-in section 155 toward the +Y direction, i.e., toward the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400, to a first position which is an intermediate position before reaching the final position, and pushes the aggregated packaging sheet 410 into the hole 401. The second packaging unit 20 is done in the same way. (Step S543).

[0093] At this point, with the shaft 152b of the push-in section 155 having completed its movement to the first position, air is sucked in from the tip of the shaft 152b, and the air inside the packaging sheet 410 is discharged through the suction section 154. (Step S544).

[0094] Next, the first packaging unit 10 moves the shaft 152b of the push-in section 155 further toward the depth direction of the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400 to the final second position, and pushes the aggregated packaging sheet 410 further into the hole 401. The second packaging unit 20 is done in the same way. (Step S545).

[0095] As a result, in addition to the effects of the first method, some of the excess packaging sheet 410 is pushed into the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400 to a moderate extent, and then the air accumulated inside the packaging sheet 410 can be effectively sucked out. Then, with the air resistance sufficiently reduced, the remaining excess packaging sheet 410 can be smoothly and completely pushed into the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400.

[0096] If the shaft 152b is pushed into the hole 401 with suction already started from the beginning, the suction efficiency will decrease because the packaging sheet 410 is not sealed, and the packaging sheet 410 itself may be sucked in, making it difficult to properly push the packaging sheet 410 into the hole 401. However, with this method, a portion of the packaging sheet 410 can be pushed into the hole 401, the air trapped inside that has been sealed will be sucked out to reduce air resistance, and then the remaining portion can be pushed in. This further improves the efficiency of pushing the packaging sheet 410 in and the quality of the packaging.

[0097] The first speed v1 is defined as the speed at which the shaft 152b of the push-in part 155 is moved to a first position facing the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400. The second speed v2 is defined as the speed at which the shaft 152b is moved to a second position, which is further in depth than the first position facing the hole 401 of the cylindrical object 400. The amount of movement (distance) of the shaft 152b of the push-in part 155 from its initial position to the first position is defined as Ds1, and the amount of movement (distance) of the shaft 152b from the first position to the second position is defined as Ds2.

[0098] In this case, it is preferable to make v2 larger than v1. This is because after the air has been drawn in, the shaft 152b can be stably pushed into the hole 401. It is also preferable to make Ds2 larger than Ds1. This is for the same reasons as above. It is even preferable to satisfy both the above speed conditions and displacement conditions. This is because the efficiency of pushing the shaft 152b into the hole 401 after the air has been drawn in can be maximized.

[0099] In the packaging devices of each embodiment and modification of this disclosure, the description has been based on a configuration comprising a pair of substantially identical first and second packaging units, but it goes without saying that the configuration may also be applied to only one side. In this case, after the packing and pressing of the packaging sheet on one end face of the cylindrical object is performed, the cylindrical object is rotated 180° around an axis along the vertical direction, and the packing and pressing of the packaging sheet on the other end face of the cylindrical object is performed.

[0100] Furthermore, although the packaging apparatus of this disclosure has been described based on a configuration in which the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit each have four aggregation parts, the number of aggregation parts may be five. In this case, the frame may be approximately pentagonal instead of approximately square, and the direction of movement of each aggregation part may be arranged to intersect with the direction of movement of that aggregation part at 72° instead of 90°. Also, the number of aggregation parts may be six, in which case the frame may be approximately hexagonal, and the direction of movement of each aggregation part may be arranged to intersect with the direction of movement of that aggregation part at 60°. In other words, the number of aggregation parts provided in the first packaging unit and the second packaging unit may be four or more. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1 Packaging equipment 10, 11 First Packaging Unit 20 Second Packaging Unit 30 Mounting platform 110 frames 120 Integrated Parts 120a, 120e First Integrated Parts 120b, 120f Second Integrated Parts 120c, 120g Third integrated part 120d, 120h 4th Integrated Parts 121, 121a Aggregation Plate 122 Reinforcement Frame 123 Joining plate 124 Groove 125 Protrusion 126 Adjustment tool 126e 1st adjustment tool 126f 2nd adjustment tool 126g 3rd adjustment tool 126h 4th adjustment tool 130 Drive unit 140 slides 140a First slide 140b Second slide 140c Third slide 140d, 4th slide 150, 155 Push-in section 151 cabinets 152 Push-in drive unit 152a Cylinder 152b shaft 153 Cavity 154 Suction part 156 Suction hole 210 frames 220 Integrated Parts 220a First Integrated Part 220b Second Integrated Part 220c Third Integrated Part 220d 4th Integrated Parts 230 Drive unit 240 slide pieces 240a First slide 240b Second slide 240c Third slide 240d, 4th slide 250 Push-in section 251 cabinets 252 Push-in drive unit 252b shaft 400 Cylindrical object 401 hole 410 Packaging Sheets

Claims

1. Frame and, At least four aggregation parts are provided, each having a slide piece fixed to the frame so as to be movable along each predetermined direction along the first plane, and an aggregation plate fixed to the slide piece and extending in a direction intersecting the first plane. A drive unit for moving any of the aforementioned aggregation parts in the predetermined direction, It comprises a push-in portion that is movable along a direction intersecting the first plane, In a plan view from the normal direction of the first plane, the aggregation plate of each aggregation part is provided at an inclination with respect to the direction of movement of the aggregation part. When any of the aforementioned aggregation parts move, the other aggregation parts are pushed by the aggregation plate of the adjacent aggregation part, causing them to move in a direction different from the direction of the push. When the spatial region surrounded by each of the aforementioned aggregation plates is defined as the aggregation region, the aggregation plates can move between a first state and a second state in which the volume of the aggregation region is smaller than that of the first state. When a cylindrical object covered with a packaging sheet is placed in a position where its side surface aligns with the first plane and at least a portion of the holes on the side surface overlaps with the aggregation region, A packaging device in which the drive unit moves the aggregation part from a first state to a second state to aggregate the excess portion of the packaging sheet into the aggregation area, and moves the push-in part toward the inside of the hole to push in the aggregated packaging sheet, thereby enabling the cylindrical object to be packaged with the packaging sheet.

2. The aforementioned frame and, The aforementioned integration part is provided at least four locations on the frame, The drive unit and, The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion and the packing portion are provided in pairs on both end faces of the cylindrical object in which the packing portion is placed.

3. The aforementioned pushing portion is further equipped with a suction portion at its tip, The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suction portion can suck air from the area surrounded by the packaging sheet before, during, or after moving the pressing portion to press the packaging sheet, which is concentrated towards the inside of the hole.

4. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in a plan view from the normal direction of the first plane, the aggregation plate of each aggregation part is provided at an inclination of 30° or more and 60° or less with respect to the direction of movement of the aggregation part.

5. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in a plan view from the normal direction of the first plane, the contour of the aggregation region follows a polygon.

6. The steps include: positioning a cylindrical object covered with a packaging sheet so that its side surface aligns with the first plane and the holes in the side surface overlap with the aggregation region; The steps include moving the aggregation part from the first state to the second state to aggregate the excess portion of the packaging sheet into the aggregation area, A method for packaging a cylindrical object using a packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the step of moving the pressing portion toward the inside of the hole to press the packaging sheet which has been brought together.

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