Cross-deployment device and cross-deployment method

Abstract

To provide a cross expansion device and a cross expansion method which can expand an empty box in a short time.SOLUTION: A cross expansion device 1 described in the present disclosure is provided with: frames 11 that provide a space 12 on which an empty box 70 not yet expanded is placed; a plurality of stress concentration members 20 that expand a plurality of corner parts 74 of the empty box 70; a plurality of movable parts 30 respectively attached to the plurality of stress concentration members 20; and a power transmission part 40 that transmits power for moving the stress concentration members 20 through the movable parts 30. The stress concentration members 20 positioned on the space 12 contact the inside of the empty box 70, from an opening side of the empty box 70 to place the empty box 70 thereon. The power transmission part 40 transmits, to the stress concentration members 20, power for moving the stress concentration members 20 so that the stress concentration members 20 contact the corner parts 74. Further, the power transmission part 40 transmits, to the stress concentration members 20, power for moving the stress concentration members 20 so that the corner parts 74 are expanded when the stress concentration members 20 tear away the corner parts 74.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cross unfolding device and a cross unfolding method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, when an operator performs an operation of unfolding a rectangular parallelepiped box in a cross shape and stacking it flat, the sides constituting the three-dimensional object are cut with hand tools such as scissors and cutters and then stacked, which is time-consuming. Also, when such an operation is performed by an automatic machine, it is common to put it into a large crusher on the premise of crushing it as it is.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a cardboard box unpacking system for automatically unpacking a cardboard box and putting it into a tray. In the cardboard box unpacking system of Patent Document 1, it is not possible to perform cross unfolding in one operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Generally, in a mass production line, general-purpose reusable boxes are used for logistics so that cardboard and the like do not generate as waste materials. However, when packing batteries, due to various reasons such as the size of the battery as a product and maritime transport rules, it arrives at the factory in a state of being packed in cardboard. Packing members such as cardboard are generally "soft bodies without accuracy guarantee", and as described above, unpacking and waste material processing may be premised on manual work in some cases. Therefore, the operation of unfolding cardboard in a cross shape is an operation that is positioned in the middle between logistics and the mass production line, and productivity improvement by an automatic machine (robot) has not been considered in the first place. Thus, it has taken a long time to unfold an empty box into a cross shape.

[0006] This disclosure is made to solve such problems and aims to provide a cross-unfolding device and method that can unfold an empty box in a short amount of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A cross-folding device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a cross-folding device for an empty box, comprising: a mounting frame that provides a mounting space for placing the open empty box before unfolding; a plurality of stress concentration members that unfold a plurality of corners where the inner sides of the empty box intersect; a plurality of movable parts attached to each of the plurality of stress concentration members; and a power transmission unit that transmits power to move the stress concentration members via the movable parts, wherein the stress concentration members located in the mounting space above place the empty box by contacting the inside of the empty box from the opening side of the empty box; the power transmission unit transmits power to the stress concentration members to move the stress concentration members so that they contact the corners; and further, the power transmission unit transmits power to the stress concentration members to move the stress concentration members so that they unfold the corners by splitting and spreading the corners.

[0008] In the cross-shaped unfolding device described above, the power transmission unit transmits power to the stress concentration members to move the stress concentration members so that each of the stress concentration members splits open the corners of the empty box from the inside outwards, and the multiple stress concentration members may simultaneously unfold the corners while centering the empty box, which is floating relative to the aforementioned mounting frame, relative to the aforementioned mounting space.

[0009] The above-described cross-shaped unfolding device further includes a side retainer that contacts the outer side surface of the empty box, and the side retainer is positioned near the destination where the stress concentration member moves while unfolding the corner, and may be fixed or movable.

[0010] In the cross-shaped unfolding device described above, the side retainer may have a non-slip surface applied to the surface that contacts the empty box.

[0011] A cross-unfolding method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a cross-unfolding device for an empty box, comprising: a mounting frame that provides a mounting space for placing the open empty box before unfolding; a plurality of stress concentration members that unfold a plurality of corners where the inner sides of the empty box intersect; a plurality of movable parts attached to the plurality of stress concentration members; and a power transmission unit that transmits power to move the stress concentration members via the movable parts, wherein the stress concentration members located in the mounting space are brought into contact with the inner side of the empty box from the opening side of the empty box. The method comprises the steps of placing the empty box on the stress concentration member and transmitting the power to move the stress concentration member to the stress concentration member, wherein in the step of transmitting the power to move the stress concentration member to the stress concentration member, the power is transmitted to the stress concentration member to move the stress concentration member so that it comes into contact with the corner, and further, the power is transmitted to the stress concentration member to move the stress concentration member so that it tears and widens the corner, thereby unfolding the corner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] This disclosure provides a cross-shaped unfolding device and method that can unfold an empty box in a short amount of time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating the mounting platform in the cross-shaped deployment device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the cross-deployment device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the cross-deployment device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the cross-deployment device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5]This flowchart illustrates a cross-deployment method using the cross-deployment device according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The specific configuration of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description illustrates preferred embodiments of the disclosure, and the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are necessarily essential as means to solve the problem. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations have been omitted as necessary.

[0015] <Embodiment 1> A cross-deployment device according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting base 10 in the cross-deployment device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views illustrating the configuration of the cross-deployment device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the cross-deployment device 1 according to Embodiment 1. In Figures 1 to 4, some reference numerals have been omitted to avoid making the figures cluttered. In Figure 1, the stress concentration member 20, movable part 30, power transmission part 40, and side retainer 60 are omitted. In Figures 2 to 4, only one side retainer 60 is shown.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the cross-shaped unfolding device 1 comprises a mounting base 10, multiple stress concentration members 20, multiple movable parts 30, a power transmission unit 40, an operating lever 50, and multiple side clamps 60. The cross-shaped unfolding device 1 unfolds the empty boxes 70 in a cross shape and stacks the unfolded empty boxes 70. Here, for the convenience of explaining the cross-shaped unfolding device 1, we introduce the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The Z-axis direction is defined as the vertical direction, and the XY plane is defined as the horizontal plane.

[0017] <empty box> The empty box 70 includes, for example, a lid in a cardboard box for transporting large lithium batteries. Specifically, the empty box 70 includes a rectangular parallelepiped lid including waste cardboard packaging the batteries procured from overseas. Note that the empty box 70 may be a general cardboard box or the like as long as it can be deployed by the stress concentration member 20. The empty box 70 has an opening 71 before deployment. The inner surface facing the opening 71 in the empty box 70 is called the bottom surface 72. The inner surface connected to the bottom surface 72 is called the side surface 73. For example, the empty box 70 has one opening 71, one bottom surface 72, and four side surfaces 73. The portion including the line where the side surfaces 73 inside the empty box 70 intersect is called the corner portion 74. The empty box 70 includes a plurality of corner portions 74. For example, the empty box 70 includes four corner portions 74.

[0018] <Placement table> The placement table 10 has a frame 11 adapted to the shape of the empty box 70 as viewed from above. For example, it has a frame 11 assembled in a rectangular parallelepiped or cubic shape. A space 12 is formed between the rectangular frames 11 as viewed from above the placement table 10. At the corners of the upper rectangular frame 11, the stress concentration member 20 and the movable member 30 are arranged.

[0019] The opened empty box 70 before deployment is placed on the space 12. When the empty box 70 is placed on the space 12, the stress concentration member 20 is positioned in the space 12 to place the empty box 70. Also, when the empty box 70 is placed on the space 12, the empty box 70 is placed from the opening 71 side. Specifically, the empty box 70 is placed with the opening 71 facing the -Z axis direction and the outer bottom surface of the empty box 70 facing the +Z axis direction. Thus, the stress concentration member 20 positioned in the space 12 contacts the inside of the empty box 70 from the opening 71 side of the empty box 70 to place the empty box 70. In this way, the frame 11 of the placement table 10 provides a space 12 for placing the opened empty box 70 before deployment.

[0020] The frame 11 may be referred to as a placement frame, and the space 12 may be referred to as a placement space. The unfolded empty box 70 with the corner 74 falls into the space 12. A receiving base 13 for the unfolded empty box 70 is arranged between the frames 11 at the lower part of the placement table 10.

[0021] <Stress concentration member> The plurality of stress concentration members 20 are respectively arranged at the four corners of the upper frame 11 arranged around the space 12. The stress concentration member 20 can move in the direction in which the bisector of the corner of the upper frame 11 extends. As shown in FIG. 4 , the direction in which the bisector along which the stress concentration member 20 moves extends is called the moving direction R. The direction toward the inside of the frame 11 in the moving direction R is called the inner direction. On the other hand, the direction toward the outside of the frame 11 in the moving direction R is called the outer direction. The outer direction may also be called the +R axis direction, and the inner direction may also be called the -R axis direction. FIG. 4 shows the stress concentration member 20 at one corner, but the stress concentration members 20 at the other corners also have their respective moving directions R. [[ID=]7]

[0022] The stress concentration member 20 guides the unfolding of the empty box 70. Specifically, for example, the stress concentration member 2 starts to form a cut at the corner 74 of the empty box 70. The plurality of stress concentration members 20 respectively unfold the plurality of corners 74 where the side surfaces 73 inside the empty box 70 intersect. The stress concentration member 20 may include a blade portion 21 having a portion extending in a plane including the moving direction R and the Z-axis direction in which the corner 74 extends. For example, the blade portion 21 has a blade (also called a cutting edge) 22, a peak 23, and a tip 24.

[0023] \ The peak 23 extends in the moving direction R. The peak 23 may have a portion parallel to the XY plane orthogonal to the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the peak 23 can be used as a seating surface for placing the bottom surface 72 of the empty box 70. The end portion of the peak 23 in the outer direction is the tip 24. The tip 24 connects the peak 23 and the blade 22.

[0024] The blade 22 has a downward component. The blade 22 is inclined in the reverse direction. Specifically, the blade 22 may be inclined inward from the tip 24. The blade 22 has a reverse slope that protrudes outward more towards the top. When the empty box 70 is placed on the stress concentration member 20 in space 12, the blade 22 protrudes towards the corner 74 as it approaches the bottom surface 72 of the empty box 70. Furthermore, the distance between the blade 22 and the corner 74 may be shorter as it approaches the bottom surface 72 of the empty box 70. This prevents the empty box 70 from lifting up during the cutting process by the stress concentration member 20 and prevents the stress concentration member 20 from being unable to cut into the corner 74.

[0025] If the blade 22 has a taper that protrudes outward towards the bottom, the empty box 70 may float upward when the stress concentration member 20 moves outward during unfolding. Even if the empty box 70 has high rigidity, it will deform under the load of unfolding, and as a result, the empty box 70 may escape upward during processing. In this embodiment, since the blade 22 has a reverse slope, the tip 24 can be inserted into the corner 74, and the empty box 70 can be held down by the processing load.

[0026] The stress concentration member 20 slides along the direction of movement R by the movable part 30. When the empty box 70 is placed in the space 12 before unfolding, the stress concentration member 20 is located in the space 12. Thus, the stress concentration member 20 supports the empty box 70 before unfolding. The empty box 70 may be supported at four points by the stress concentration member 20. The empty box 70 can be said to be in a floating state relative to the frame 11 of the mounting base 10.

[0027] Another way to unfold the empty box 70 is to press and secure it from above and below near its center. However, with this method of pressing and securing from above and below, the upper press structurally interferes when setting the empty box 70. The lower press prevents the empty box 70 from being dropped after the unfolding process. In contrast, this embodiment puts the empty box 70 in a floating state, so there is no interference when setting it, and after the unfolding process, the empty box 70 can be dropped directly onto the support base 13.

[0028] The stress concentration members 20 move in a direction that pushes outward from the inside to the outside of the empty box 70. As a result, multiple stress concentration members 20 can center the floating empty box 70 and simultaneously unfold multiple corners 74. Generally, the empty box 70 is lightweight yet has high strength and rigidity, so the resistance of the stress concentration members 20 sliding to the corners 74 while the empty box 70 remains floating is smaller than the resistance of the stress concentration members 20 unfolding the corners 74. Therefore, all stress concentration members 20 move outward in a balanced manner, and the unfolding of the corners 74 begins only after all stress concentration members 20 have moved to the corners 74 in a harmonious manner. In this way, multiple stress concentration members 20 can center the floating empty box 70 relative to the frame 11 relative to the space 12 and simultaneously unfold multiple corners 74.

[0029] After all the stress concentration members 20 have reached the corners 74, each stress concentration member 20 moves outward. As a result, the stress concentration members 20 unfold (cut) the corners 74 of the empty box 70. In this way, the multiple stress concentration members 20 unfold the corners 74 of the empty box 70 from the inside outward.

[0030] <Movable part> Multiple movable parts 30 are each attached to multiple stress concentration members 20. The movable parts 30, along with the stress concentration members 20, are positioned at the four corners of the upper frame 11 which is arranged around the space 12. The movable parts 30 transmit power transmitted via the power transmission unit 40 to the stress concentration members 20.

[0031] <Power transmission section> The power transmission unit 40 transmits power to move the stress concentration member 20 via the movable part 30. Specifically, the power transmission unit 40 transmits power to move the stress concentration member 20 so that it comes into contact with the corner portion 74. Furthermore, the power transmission unit 40 transmits power to move the stress concentration member 20 so that the stress concentration member 20 expands the corner portion 74 by splitting it open. The power transmission unit 40 transmits power to move the stress concentration member 20 so that each of the multiple stress concentration member 20 splits open multiple corner portions 74 from the inside to the outside of the empty box 70.

[0032] The power transmission unit 40 includes, for example, a gear 41, a shaft 42, and a weight 43. The power transmission unit 40 may further include other components. The gear 41 is attached to the shaft 42. The gear 41 transmits power input by the operating lever 50 to the shaft 42 and the movable part 30. By rotating in one direction, the gear 41 transmits power to the stress concentration member 20 via the movable part 30 to cause the corner portion 74 of the stress concentration member 20 to unfold. In this way, the power transmission unit 40 can realize a series of operating processes in a single operation by connecting the unfolding of the empty box 70 with the same power transmission structure.

[0033] The shaft 42 is, for example, a rod extending along the frame 11, and may have multiple gears 41 attached to it. The shaft 42 transmits power input to a given gear 41 to other gears 41.

[0034] The weight 43 is attached to the gear 41 via the gear 41 or shaft 42. The weight 43 rises, for example, when power is input from the operating lever 50 of the robot 80, causing the gear 41 to rotate in one direction. After the empty box 70 is unfolded and power input to the operating lever 50 is removed, the weight 43 descends, causing the gear 41 to rotate in the opposite direction. This causes the weight 43 to return the stress concentration member 20 to the position in the space 12.

[0035] Specifically, for example, when the robot 80 releases the operating lever 50, the weight 43, which was raised by the power transmitted by the operating lever 50, descends. As the weight 43 descends, the stress concentration member 20 moves inward and is positioned in the space 12. This positions the stress concentration member 20 in the location where the next empty box 70 will be placed. The side retainer 60 is positioned to serve as a guide for loading the next empty box 70. In this way, the descending of the weight 43 allows each component of the cross-shaped unfolding device 1 to be returned to its original position.

[0036] <Operating lever> The operating lever 50 is the control unit that inputs power to unfold the empty box 70 in a cross shape. For example, after the robot 80 places the empty box 70 in space 12, it operates the operating lever 50 to input power. This causes the cross-unfolding device 1 to begin unfolding the empty box 70 in a cross shape.

[0037] In general equipment design, devices that operate independently for each function can reduce problems, but require a long processing time. The cross-shaped unfolding device 1 of this embodiment has a power transmission unit 40, which allows the unfolding of the corners 74 of the empty box 70 to be done in a single action. In other words, the cross-shaped unfolding device 1 is operated by the robot 80 operating the operating lever 50 to unfold the empty box 70 and drop the unfolded empty box 70. Therefore, the cross-shaped unfolding device 1 does not require a power source by utilizing the operation of the operating lever 50 and the weight (mechanism) of the weight 43. As a result, unfolding can be done in a short time and problems can be reduced.

[0038] <Side support> The side retainer 60 may be attached to the frame 11. When the empty box 70 is placed in the space 12 before unfolding, the side retainer 60 has a shape that opens outward towards the top. The side retainer 60 may contact the outer side of the empty box 70 when it is placed in the space 12 before unfolding. This allows it to function as a guide for the empty box 70 when it is set in the space 12.

[0039] The side retainer 60 may have an anti-slip treatment applied to the surface that contacts the empty box 70. The anti-slip treatment includes, for example, spike processing and knurling. It is preferable that the side retainer 60 be positioned near the destination where the stress concentration member 20 moves as it unfolds the corner 74 of the empty box 70.

[0040] If there is no side retainer 60 and the resistance to unfolding the multiple corners 74 of the empty box 70 varies extremely, the unfolding of multiple corners 74 may not be completed simultaneously. In some cases, the unfolding of one corner 74 may be completed before the unfolding of another corner 74 with high resistance is finished. This reduces the pressure applied by the stress concentration member 20 to the unfolded corner 74, and the unfolded corner 74 may remain unprocessed. In this case, the stress concentration member 20 will only drag the empty box 70 without being able to unfold the unfolded corner 74.

[0041] In this embodiment, since there is a side retainer 60, even if the resistance of the unfolding process of multiple corners 74 varies greatly, the stress concentration member 20 at the corner 74 where the unfolding process has been completed can push forward through the completed corner 74 and move outward. The stress concentration member 20 at the corner 74 where the unfolding process has not been completed restricts the movement area of ​​the empty box 70 by pressing the corner 74 against the side retainer 60. Therefore, the stress concentration member 20 continues to unfold the corner 74, and the unfolding process can be completed.

[0042] Thus, since the cross-shaped unfolding device 1 has side clamps 60, it can absorb variations in the processing resistance of the empty box 70 and suppress the remaining unprocessed material due to load release at all corners 74. In this case, it is desirable that the contact surface of the side clamps 60 also functions as an anti-slip surface to prevent the empty box 70 from slipping. Furthermore, the closer the side clamps 60 are to the stress concentration member 20, the greater the effect can be achieved.

[0043] The side retainer 60 may be movable with the frame 11 as the axis of rotation. For example, the side retainer 60 may be rotatable so as to drop the unfolded empty box 70 onto the receiving base 13 of the empty box 70 located below.

[0044] After unfolding, the empty box 70 may experience variations in its falling posture and trajectory due to accidental snagging or other factors. The three-dimensional rigidity of the empty box 70 is significantly reduced after unfolding. Therefore, when inserting the empty box 70, the side retainer 60, which functions as a guide, is connected to the gear 41 and rotated in sync with the unfolding process. This causes the empty box 70 to fall onto the receiving base 13 by pressing down on it from above after unfolding. Thus, in this embodiment, the cross-shaped unfolding device 1 not only allows the side retainer 60 to function as a guide when inserting the empty box 70, but also as a restraint for the empty box 70 during unfolding and as an assist for the empty box 70 to fall onto the receiving base 13 after unfolding.

[0045] <Safety cover> The stress concentration member 20 may include a safety cover 25 in addition to the blade portion 21 having the blade 22. The safety cover 25 houses the blade 22. The upper part of the safety cover 25 extends in the direction of movement R. The upper part of the safety cover 25 may have a portion parallel to the XY plane perpendicular to the Z axis. This allows the upper part of the safety cover 25 to serve as a seating surface on which the bottom surface 72 of the empty box 70 is placed. In other words, the safety cover 25 supports the empty box 70 on its upper part. The safety cover 25 moves the empty box 70, which is floating relative to the frame 11, while centering it relative to the space 12.

[0046] Of the stress concentration members 20, the safety cover 25 is attached to the movable part 30 via a spring 26. Of the stress concentration members 20, the blade portion 21 having the blade 22 is directly attached to the movable part 30. Therefore, the power transmission unit 40 transmits the power to move the safety cover 25 to the safety cover 25 via the spring 26 and the movable part 30. The power transmission unit 40 also transmits the power to move the blade 22 to the blade 22 via the movable part 30.

[0047] The power transmission unit 40 transmits power to the safety cover 25 to move the safety cover 25 so that the safety cover 25 housing the blade 22 comes into contact with the corner 74. Furthermore, the power transmission unit 40 transmits power to the blade 22 so that the blade 22 is exposed from the safety cover 25 that is in contact with the corner 74, and the blade 22 tears and widens the corner 74, thereby unfolding the corner 74.

[0048] <Cross expansion method> Next, a cross-deployment method using the cross-deployment device 1 will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a cross-deployment method using the cross-deployment device 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in step S10 of Figure 5, the robot 80 sets the empty box 70. Specifically, the robot 80 sets the empty box 70 and places the empty box 70 by bringing the stress concentration member 20 located in space 12 into contact with the inside of the empty box 70 from the opening 71 side of the empty box 70.

[0049] Next, as shown in step S20, the robot 80 operates the operating lever 50 and transmits power to move the stress concentration member 20 via the power transmission unit 40. In step S20, power is transmitted to the stress concentration member 20 to move it so that it comes into contact with the corner 74. Furthermore, power is transmitted to the stress concentration member 20 to move it so that it tears and widens the corner 74, thereby unfolding the corner 74.

[0050] Specifically, step S20 includes operating the control lever (step S21), moving the stress concentration member 20 (step S22), centering while holding down the empty box 70 (step S23), unfolding the four corners 74 (step S24), assisting the drop (step S25), and dropping the unfolded empty box (step S26).

[0051] Next, as shown in step S30, the robot 80 returns the cross-unfolding device 1 to its original position by releasing the operating lever 50. For example, by releasing the operating lever 50, the weight 43, which was raised by the power transmitted by the operating lever 50, descends. As the weight 43 descends, the stress concentration member 20 moves inward and is positioned to support the next empty box 70. The side retainer 60 is positioned to serve as a guide for loading the next empty box 70.

[0052] Specifically, step S30 includes releasing the operating lever 50 (step S31) and returning the weight 43 to its original position by lowering it (step S32).

[0053] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the cross-shaped unfolding device 1 moves the stress concentration members 20 by power transmitted via the power transmission unit 40. As a result, the multiple stress concentration members 20 unfold from the inside of the empty box 70 outwards (+R axis direction) at the corners 74. Therefore, the empty box 70 can be unfolded into a cross shape in a short time.

[0054] Furthermore, the cross-shaped unfolding device 1 of this embodiment operates by power input from the operating lever 50. For example, by setting an empty box 70, such as a three-dimensional lid, that the robot 80 has lifted during the unpacking process into this device and performing a simple operation using only the operating lever 50, the cross-shaped unfolding device 1 can drop the empty box 70 in a cross-shaped unfolded form. Thus, the robot 80 can process it quickly and stably.

[0055] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure includes appropriate modifications that do not impair its purpose and advantages, and is not limited by the above embodiments. Furthermore, the configurations in Embodiments 1 and 2 may be combined as appropriate. In addition, the following matters are also within the scope of the technical concept of this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1 Cross deployment device 10 Mounting platform; 11 Frame; 12 Space; 13 Support stand 20 Stress concentration member; 21 Blade section; 22 Blade; 23 Ridge; 24 Tip; 25 Safety cover 26 Springs 30 Moving parts 40 Power transmission unit; 41 Gear; 42 Shaft; 43 Weight 50 Operating levers 60 Side retainer 70 Empty box; 71 Opening; 72 Bottom; 73 Side; 74 Corner 80 robots

Claims

1. It is a cross-shaped unfolding device for empty boxes, A frame that provides a space for placing the open empty box before unfolding, Multiple stress concentration members that extend at multiple corners where the sides of the inner surface of the empty box intersect, Multiple movable parts attached to each of the multiple stress concentration members, A power transmission unit that transmits power to move the stress concentration member via the movable part, Equipped with, When the empty box is placed in the aforementioned storage space formed between the frames, the stress concentration member located in the aforementioned storage space contacts the inside of the empty box from the opening side of the empty box, thereby supporting the empty box, and thus the empty box is placed in the aforementioned storage space. The power transmission unit transmits power to the stress concentration member to move the stress concentration member so that it contacts the corner, and further transmits power to the stress concentration member to move the stress concentration member so that it tears and widens the corner, thereby unfolding the corner. Cross deployment device.

2. The power transmission unit transmits power to the stress concentration members such that each of the stress concentration members moves the stress concentration members so that each of the stress concentration members splits open at multiple corners from the inside to the outside of the empty box. The cross-deployment device according to claim 1.

3. The empty box is further provided with side retainers that contact the outer side surfaces, The aforementioned side retainer is The stress concentration member is positioned near the destination where the corner portion moves while unfolding. It is fixed or movable. The cross-deployment device according to claim 1.

4. The side retainer has a surface that contacts the empty box, and the empty box is treated with an anti-slip finish. The cross-deployment device according to claim 3.

5. A method of cross-unfolding an empty box using a cross-unfolding device, The cross-deployment device is A frame that provides a space for placing the open empty box before unfolding, Multiple stress concentration members that extend at multiple corners where the sides of the inner surface of the empty box intersect, Multiple movable parts attached to each of the multiple stress concentration members, A power transmission unit that transmits power to move the stress concentration member via the movable part, Includes, When the empty box is placed in the aforementioned storage space formed between the frames, the stress concentration member located in the aforementioned storage space is brought into contact with the inside of the empty box from the opening side of the empty box, thereby placing the empty box on the stress concentration member, and thus the empty box is placed in the aforementioned storage space. The steps include transmitting the power to move the stress concentration member to the stress concentration member, Equipped with, In the step of transmitting the power to move the stress concentration member to the stress concentration member, A cross-shaped unfolding method comprising transmitting power to the stress-concentrating member to move the stress-concentrating member so that it contacts the corner, and further transmitting power to the stress-concentrating member to move the stress-concentrating member so that it unfolds the corner by splitting and widening the corner.

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