Packaging device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a packaging device capable of forming a proper horizontal folding line on a wall part of a cylindrical body. [Solution] A packaging device 2 changes the height of the packaging box 1 according to the height of a stored object 90, when packaging the stored object 90 in the packaging box 1, which is provided with a cylindrical body 1W, the floor section of which is closed. A packaging device 2 equipped with a height measurement part for measuring the height of a stored object 90 stored inside a cylindrical body 1, the top-surface opening section 1U of which is open, and a line-making part 31 for forming a third folding line on base walls 10, 11 of the cylindrical body 1W on the basis of the measurement results from the height measurement part, and partitioning the base walls 10, 11 into side walls and upper flaps 16, 18, wherein the line-making part 31 includes roller parts 43, 53 for forming the third folding line by sandwiching the base walls 10, 11 of the cylindrical body 1W therebetween, and moving in a horizontal direction while rolling across both the front and rear surfaces of the base walls 10, 11.

Description

packaging equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging device that changes the height of a packaging box depending on the height of an item to be contained.

[0002] A caser capable of packaging items of different heights in the same type of cardboard box is known (see Patent Document 1). This caser uses a conveyor to intermittently transport a semi-assembled cardboard box with its top open, while a sensor detects the maximum height of the product inside the cardboard box. Based on the height detected by the sensor, first and second creasing means form creases at the boundaries between the side walls and the flaps of the cardboard box. The first and second creasing means have a convex member pressed against the back surface of the side wall, etc., and a concave member pressed against the front surface of the side wall, etc., and the convex member and the concave member sandwich the side wall, etc., to form the crease.

[0003] JP 2015-36307 A

[0004] In the above-described caser, the convex and concave members are elongated in the horizontal direction to match the dimensions of the cardboard box in order to form creases across the entire horizontal area (left-right and front-back directions) of the cardboard box. To form creases across the entire horizontal area of ​​the side of the cardboard box at once, the convex and concave members must be pressed against the side with equal force along the length. However, with the convex and concave members elongated in the horizontal direction, the pressure is sometimes stronger or weaker in some areas, resulting in inconsistent crease depth across the horizontal direction, which can make it difficult to form proper creases. Furthermore, if the dimensions of the cardboard box (the area of ​​the bottom surface (footprint)) are changed, the convex and concave members must be replaced with ones that match the dimensions of the cardboard box. This replacement process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the caser must be stopped for the replacement process, resulting in reduced productivity.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a packaging device capable of forming appropriate horizontal fold lines in the wall portion of a cylindrical body.

[0006] The present invention is a packaging device that changes the height of a packaging box having a cylindrical body with a closed bottom in accordance with the height of an item to be packaged in the packaging box, and includes a height measuring unit that measures the height of the item contained inside the cylindrical body with the top opening open, and a creasing unit that forms horizontal fold lines in the wall of the cylindrical body based on the measurement results of the height measuring unit and divides the wall into side walls and an upper flap, and the creasing unit includes a roller unit that clamps the wall of the cylindrical body and moves horizontally while rolling on both the front and back sides of the wall to form the horizontal fold lines.

[0007] In this case, the creasing section may have a first creasing section including the roller section that forms the horizontal fold lines on a pair of wall sections that face each other in a first direction when viewed from above the cylindrical body, and a second creasing section that includes the roller section that forms the horizontal fold lines on a pair of wall sections that face each other in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from above the cylindrical body.

[0008] In this case, the roller section may include a pair of outer rollers arranged side by side at intervals in the horizontal direction along the horizontal fold line, which rotate around an axis while being pressed against the surface of the wall section, and an inner roller arranged opposite the pair of outer rollers, which rotates around an axis while being pressed against the back surface of the wall section.

[0009] In this case, the inner roller may be disposed so as to face the outer roller at a position shifted downward relative to the outer roller.

[0010] According to the present invention, a packaging device is provided that can form appropriate horizontal fold lines in the wall of a cylindrical body.

[0011] 1 is a side view schematically showing a packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a blank for a packaging box according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a temporarily assembled state of a packaging box according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing a creasing unit of a packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the creasing unit of a packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing a dividing unit of a packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the dividing unit of a packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a packaging box according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a third fold line has been formed; FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a dividing process by a packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the dividing process by a packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention has been completed; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which the dividing process by a packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention has been completed; FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a sealed state (maximum height) of a packaging box according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that Fr, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings indicate front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom. The front-to-back, left-to-right, and top-to-bottom directions are perpendicular to one another. Terms indicating directions and positions are used in this specification, but these terms are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms indicating directions and positions are based on the directions and positions when the packaging device is in use.

[0013] A packaging device 2 and a packaging box 1 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a side view schematically showing the packaging device 2. Figure 2 is a plan view showing a blank 1A of the packaging box 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the packaging box 1 in a temporarily assembled state.

[0014] The packaging device 2 is a device for packaging contents 90 in a packaging box 1. When packaging contents 90 in one type of packaging box 1, the packaging device 2 has a function of changing the height of the packaging box 1 according to the height of the contents 90. In other words, the packaging device 2 can package (pack) contents 90 of different heights in one type of packaging box 1. Note that the packaging device 2 can also package contents 90 in two or more types of packaging boxes 1 with different bottom (or top) areas (footprints) while changing the height of each packaging box 1.

[0015] [Packaging Box] First, a packaging box 1 formed by a packaging device 2 will be described. The packaging box 1 is formed from a blank 1A shown in FIG. 2. The blank 1A is formed by punching out a single cardboard sheet using a die or the like. The cardboard sheet is, for example, a double-sided cardboard sheet in which a front liner 9B (surface) and a back liner 9C (back) are bonded to a corrugated core 9A. In this specification, the direction parallel to the core 9A of the cardboard sheet is referred to as the "corrugation direction," and the direction perpendicular to the corrugation direction is referred to as the "flow direction." In the drawings, "X" indicates the "corrugation direction," and "Y" indicates the "flow direction."

[0016] [Blank] As shown in Figure 2, the blank 1A has a pair of first foundation walls 10, a pair of second foundation walls 11, a pair of lower inner flaps 13, and a pair of lower outer flaps 14. Note that the pair of first foundation walls 10 have substantially the same shape, and therefore, in this specification, one first foundation wall 10 will be mainly described. For the same reason, in this specification, one second foundation wall 11, one lower inner flap 13, and one lower outer flap 14 will mainly be described. In addition, in this specification, when the first foundation wall 10 and the second foundation wall 11 are collectively described, they may be simply referred to as "foundation walls 10, 11."

[0017] <First foundation wall, second foundation wall> The first foundation wall 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with the long side in the step direction. The second foundation wall 11 has the same dimension in the step direction as the first foundation wall 10 and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with the long side in the flow direction. A pair of first foundation walls 10 and a pair of second foundation walls 11 are arranged alternately in the flow direction and connected via bent portions 21. A joint piece 12 is connected to one end of the second foundation wall 11 in the flow direction via the bent portion 21. As will be described in detail later, the pair of first foundation walls 10 and the pair of second foundation walls 11 are connected in an annular shape via the joint pieces 12 to form a cylindrical body 1W (see FIG. 3).

[0018] (Notch Portions) Notches 20 are cut out from one end (upper end) to the other in the step direction at the corners of the foundation walls 10, 11 at both ends in the flow direction and at the boundary (bend 21) between the first foundation wall 10 and the second foundation wall 11. The notches 20 are recessed in a generally V-shape (approximately triangular shape) that gradually narrows from one end (upper end) to the other (lower end) in the step direction. The notches 20 formed in the corners of the foundation walls 10, 11 at both ends in the flow direction have a shape that is roughly half the shape of the other notches 20, and will have roughly the same shape as the other notches 20 when the cylindrical body 1W is formed.

[0019] (Bent Section) The bent section 21 has a first fold line L1 formed on the other side (lower) of the corrugation direction and a break assist line 22 formed on one side (upper) of the corrugation direction. The first fold line L1 and the break assist line 22 are aligned in the same straight line along the corrugation direction. The break assist line 22 is formed slightly longer in the corrugation direction than the first fold line L1. The first fold line L1 is, for example, a general-purpose crease formed by crushing the cardboard sheet in the thickness direction from the back liner 9C side. The break assist line 22 is, for example, a perforation formed by alternating cuts 23A, 24A and seams 23B, 24B. The cuts 23A, 24A are formed linearly through the cardboard sheet in the thickness direction, and the seams 23B, 24B are the spaces between adjacent cuts 23A, 24A (areas without cuts 23A, 24A).

[0020] (Fracture assist line) The fracture assist line 22 has a first fracture line 23 and a second fracture line 24. The first fracture line 23 and the second fracture line 24 are formed to have approximately the same length in the step direction. The first fracture line 23 is formed from the upper end of the foundation walls 10, 11 (more precisely, the lowermost part of the cutout portion 20) to approximately the center of the entire length of the fracture assist line 22. A cut 23A formed at the uppermost part of the first fracture line 23 is connected to the lowermost part of the cutout portion 20. The second fracture line 24 is formed from the lower end of the first fracture line 23 to the upper end of the first fold line L1. The second fracture line 24 is formed to be more difficult to fracture than the first fracture line 23. Specifically, the cut 24A of the second break line 24 is shorter than the cut 23A of the first break line 23, and the seam 24B of the second break line 24 is longer than the seam 23B of the first break line 23. As will be described in detail later, the lower end position of the first break line 23 (the upper end position of the second break line 24) corresponds to the maximum height (H1) of the packaging box 1 after sealing, and the lower end position of the second break line 24 (the upper end position of the first fold line L1) corresponds to the minimum height (H2) of the packaging box 1 after sealing.

[0021] <Lower Inner Flap, Lower Outer Flap> The lower inner flap 13 is connected to the other end (lower end) of the first foundation wall 10 in the step direction via a second fold line L2 (e.g., a general-purpose crease). The lower inner flap 13 has approximately the same dimension in the flow direction as the first foundation wall 10 and is formed in a generally rectangular shape with its long side in the flow direction. The dimension in the step direction (extension dimension) of the lower inner flap 13 is approximately half the dimension in the flow direction of the first foundation wall 10. The lower outer flap 14 is connected to the other end (lower end) of the second foundation wall 11 in the step direction via a second fold line L2. The lower outer flap 14 has approximately the same dimension in the flow direction as the second foundation wall 11 and is formed in a generally rectangular shape with its long side in the flow direction. The dimension in the step direction (extension dimension) of the lower outer flap 14 is the same as the extension dimension of the lower inner flap 13.

[0022] Although the first fold line L1 and the second fold line L2 are general-purpose creases, they are not limited to this and may be any structure for folding the cardboard sheet in the desired direction, such as a lead crease with perforations formed on a general-purpose crease.

[0023] [Initial State of Packaging Box] Although not shown in the drawings, the packaging box 1 is formed by folding flat from the blank 1A. Specifically, the first base wall 10 and the second base wall 11 located on both sides of the blank 1A in the flow direction are folded inward by approximately 180 degrees along the folding portion 21, and the joining piece 12 is adhered to the back surface (back liner 9C) of the first base wall 10 on the opposite side. This brings the packaging box 1 into its initial double-folded state.

[0024] [Temporary Assembly of Packaging Box] The packaging box 1 in the initial state is temporarily assembled to accommodate the contents 90 and to be packaged (sealed) by the packaging device 2. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the packaging box 1 in the initial state is raised so that the pair of first foundation walls 10 and the pair of second foundation walls 11 are approximately perpendicular to each other. The pair of first foundation walls 10 and the pair of second foundation walls 11 form a substantially rectangular cylindrical body 1W with open upper and lower end faces.

[0025] Next, the lower inner flap 13 is folded inward at approximately a right angle along the second fold line L2, and then the lower outer flap 14 is folded inward at approximately a right angle along the second fold line L2. The pair of lower inner flaps 13 are spaced apart at their leading edges, and the pair of lower outer flaps 14 are layered on the surfaces of the pair of lower inner flaps 13 with their leading edges butted together. Adhesive tape T is attached to the butted portion of the pair of lower outer flaps 14. The lower inner flap 13 and the lower outer flap 14 form the bottom that closes the bottom surface of the cylindrical body 1W.

[0026] The packaging box 1 is thus temporarily assembled. In the temporarily assembled packaging box 1, the bottom of the cylindrical body 1W is closed, a top opening 1U is opened on the top surface of the cylindrical body 1W, and the foundation walls 10, 11 are connected by a bent portion 21. The notch 20 is recessed at the corner of the top opening 1U of the cylindrical body 1W so that it narrows downward. The fracture assist line 22 weakens the upper portion of the vertical ridge line (the boundary between the first foundation wall 10 and the second foundation wall 11) of the cylindrical body 1W whose bottom is closed. The first fracture line 23 is formed between the corner of the top opening 1U of the cylindrical body 1W (more precisely, the bottom of the notch 20) and the position that will be the maximum height (H1) of the packaging box 1 after sealing. The second fracture line 24 is formed between the lower end of the first fracture line 23 and the position that will be the minimum height (H2) of the packaging box 1 after sealing. The temporarily assembled packaging box 1 (cylindrical body 1W) contains an item 90, and the packaging box 1 containing the item 90 is introduced into the packaging device 2 (see FIG. 1).

[0027] [Packaging Device] Next, details of the packaging device 2 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 4 to 7. Figure 4 is a plan view schematically showing the creasing section 31. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of the creasing section 31. Figure 6 is a plan view schematically showing the dividing section 32. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a portion of the dividing section 32.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1 , the packaging device 2 includes a height measurement unit 30, a creasing unit 31, a separating unit 32, a folding unit 33, and a sealing unit 34. The packaging device 2 also includes a conveyor 35 that intermittently transports the packaging box 1. The packaging device 2 also includes a control unit 36 ​​that appropriately controls the units 30-34 and the conveyor 35. The height measurement unit 30, the creasing unit 31, the separating unit 32, the folding unit 33, and the sealing unit 34 are arranged in a line in this order from upstream to downstream in the conveyance direction of the packaging box 1. The conveyor 35 is installed throughout the entire area of ​​the height measurement unit 30, the creasing unit 31, the separating unit 32, the folding unit 33, and the sealing unit 34. In this specification, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the upstream and downstream of the conveyance direction of the packaging box 1.

[0029] <Height Measuring Unit> As shown in FIG. 1 , the height measuring unit 30 measures the height of an item 90 contained inside the cylindrical body 1W (temporarily assembled packaging box 1) with the top opening 1U open. The height measuring unit 30 has a laser light source 30A that emits a band-shaped laser beam toward the item 90 and a light receiving element 30B that receives the light reflected from the surface of the item 90, and measures the height (shape) of the item 90 using the principle of light sectioning. The height measuring unit 30 is electrically connected to the control unit 36 ​​and is driven and controlled by the control unit 36. Light reception information from the light receiving element 30B (measurement results of the height measuring unit 30) is transmitted to the control unit 36.

[0030] <Creasing Unit> The creasing unit 31 forms a third fold line L3 (horizontal fold line) in the foundation walls 10, 11 (wall portions) of the cylindrical body 1W according to the height of the contained item 90 (see FIG. 8 described later). The creasing unit 31 has a first creasing unit 40 that forms the third fold line L3 in a pair of first foundation walls 10 that form the short side sides of the top opening 1U, and a second creasing unit 50 that forms the third fold line L3 in a pair of second foundation walls 11 (wall portions) that form the long side sides of the top opening 1U. The second creasing unit 50 is located downstream of the first creasing unit 40 (see FIG. 1).

[0031] 1 , the first creasing unit 40 has two pairs of first arms 41, a first drive unit 42, and a pair of first roller units 43. Note that the two pairs of first arms 41 provided corresponding to one first foundation wall 10 have substantially the same structure, and therefore this specification will mainly describe one pair of first arms 41. Note that the pair of first roller units 43 have substantially the same structure, and therefore this specification will mainly describe one first roller unit 43.

[0032] (First Arm, First Drive Unit) Each of the pair of first arms 41 is suspended substantially vertically from the first drive unit 42. The pair of first arms 41 are arranged substantially parallel to each other with a gap in the front-rear direction (conveying direction). The first drive unit 42 raises and lowers the two pairs of first arms 41 as a whole and moves them in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction (the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction). The first drive unit 42 also moves the pair of first arms 41 closer to and apart from each other. The first drive unit 42 is electrically connected to the control unit 36 ​​and is driven and controlled by the control unit 36. As will be described in detail later, when the first drive unit 42 lowers the pair of first arms 41 toward the temporarily assembled packaging box 1, the first foundation wall 10 relatively enters between the pair of first arms 41, and the pair of first arms 41 face each other with the first foundation wall 10 between them.

[0033] (First Roller Unit) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first roller unit 43 includes a pair of first outer rollers 44 and a first inner roller 45. The first outer roller 44 and the first inner roller 45 are formed in a generally cylindrical (approximately disc-shaped) shape. The pair of first outer rollers 44 are attached via a first bracket 46 to the lower end of the outer first arm 41 of a pair of first arms 41 that sandwich the first foundation wall 10. The pair of first outer rollers 44 are arranged side by side with a gap in the left-right direction (the horizontal direction along the third fold line L3) and are supported by the first bracket 46 to be rotatable about their axes. The first inner roller 45 is attached via the first bracket 46 to the lower end of the inner first arm 41 of the pair of first arms 41 that sandwich the first foundation wall 10. The first inner roller 45 is disposed opposite the pair of first outer rollers 44 and is supported by the first bracket 46 to be rotatable about its axis.

[0034] <Second creasing unit> As shown in FIG. 1 , the second creasing unit 50 has two pairs of second arms 51, a second drive unit 52, and a pair of second roller units 53. Because the two pairs of second arms 51 provided corresponding to one second foundation wall 11 have substantially the same structure, this specification will mainly describe one pair of second arms 51. Because the pair of second roller units 53 have substantially the same structure, this specification will mainly describe one second roller unit 53. Furthermore, FIG. 1 illustrates only the left second arm 51 and the left second roller unit 53. Because the second roller units 53 and the like have substantially the same structure as the first roller units 43 and the like, the second roller units 53 and the like will be described with reference to FIG. 5 , which was used to describe the first roller units 43 and the like.

[0035] (Second Arm, Second Drive Unit) The pair of second arms 51 are each suspended substantially vertically from the second drive unit 52. The pair of second arms 51 are arranged substantially parallel to each other with a gap between them in the left-right direction. The second drive unit 52 raises and lowers the two pairs of second arms 51 as a whole and moves them in the front-back and left-right directions. The second drive unit 52 also moves the pair of second arms 51 closer to and apart from each other. The second drive unit 52 is electrically connected to the control unit 36 ​​and is drive-controlled by the control unit 36. As will be described in detail later, when the second drive unit 52 lowers the pair of second arms 51 toward the temporarily assembled packaging box 1, the second foundation wall 11 relatively enters between the pair of second arms 51, and the pair of second arms 51 face each other with the second foundation wall 11 between them.

[0036] (Second Roller Unit) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the second roller unit 53 includes a pair of second outer rollers 54 and a second inner roller 55. The second outer rollers 54 and the second inner roller 55 are formed in a generally cylindrical (approximately disc-like) shape. The pair of second outer rollers 54 are attached via a second bracket 56 to the lower end of the outer second arm 51 of a pair of second arms 51 that sandwich the second foundation wall 11. The pair of second outer rollers 54 are arranged side by side with a gap in the front-to-rear direction (the horizontal direction along the third fold line L3) and are supported by the second bracket 56 to be rotatable about their axes. The second inner roller 55 is attached via the second bracket 56 to the lower end of the inner second arm 51 of the pair of second arms 51 that sandwich the second foundation wall 11. The second inner roller 55 is disposed opposite the pair of second outer rollers 54 and is supported by the second bracket 56 to be rotatable about its axis.

[0037] 4 and 5, the first roller unit 43 and the second roller unit 53 will be described in detail. In this specification, when the first roller unit 43 and the second roller unit 53 are collectively described, they are simply referred to as "roller units 43, 53." When the first outer roller 44 and the second outer roller 54 are collectively described, they are simply referred to as "outer rollers 44, 54." When the first inner roller 45 and the second inner roller 55 are collectively described, they are simply referred to as "inner rollers 45, 55."

[0038] The outer rollers 44, 54 and the inner rollers 45, 55 are made of metal, such as carbon steel, and are all formed to the same shape. The outer rollers 44, 54 and the inner rollers 45, 55 are formed to be approximately circular disk-shaped with a diameter of 20 mm. The outer rollers 44, 54 and the inner rollers 45, 55 each have a portion that protrudes radially outward in an approximately trapezoidal shape. The spacing (center distance) between the pair of first outer rollers 44 and the spacing (center distance) between the pair of second outer rollers 54 are the same as the diameter, approximately 20 mm. The diameters of the outer rollers 44, 54 and the inner rollers 45, 55 are preferably set in the range of 5 mm to 60 mm. The spacing between the pair of outer rollers 44, 54 may be changed to match the diameters of the pair of outer rollers 44, 54. The outer rollers 44, 54 and the inner rollers 45, 55 may also have different diameters.

[0039] The inner rollers 45, 55 are disposed opposite the outer rollers 44, 54 at a position offset downward relative to the outer rollers 44, 54. Specifically, the inner rollers 45, 55 (center of thickness) are disposed at a position offset approximately 2 mm downward relative to the outer rollers 44, 54 (center of thickness). The amount of offset between the inner rollers 45, 55 and the outer rollers 44, 54 may be set, for example, in the range of 0 mm to 6 mm (the thickness of the protruding portions of the inner rollers 45, 55, etc.).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4 , the roller units 43, 53 of the creasing unit 31 sandwich the foundation walls 10, 11 of the cylindrical body 1W and roll on both the front and back surfaces of the foundation walls 10, 11 while moving laterally (see the thick arrows in FIG. 4 ) to form the third fold line L3. The first roller unit 43 forms the third fold line L3 in a pair of first foundation walls 10 that face each other in the front-to-back direction (first direction) when viewed from above the cylindrical body 1W. The second roller unit 53 forms the third fold line L3 in a pair of second foundation walls 11 that face each other in the left-to-right direction (second direction perpendicular to the first direction) when viewed from above the cylindrical body 1W. The outer rollers 44, 54 rotate around their axes while their protruding portions are pressed against the surfaces of the foundation walls 10, 11. The inner rollers 45, 55 rotate around their axes while their protruding portions are pressed against the back surfaces of the foundation walls 10, 11. The inner rollers 45, 55 are positioned so as to contact the pair of outer rollers 44, 54 across the foundation walls 10, 11. The third fold line L3 is a line that crushes (depresses) the foundation walls 10, 11 (corrugated cardboard sheets) in the thickness direction from the front and back surfaces. Specifically, the depression in the back surface (back liner 9C) of the foundation walls 10, 11 is located slightly lower than the depression in the front surface (front liner 9B) of the foundation walls 10, 11.

[0041] As will be described in detail later, the first foundation wall 10 is divided into a first side wall 15 and an upper inner flap 16 by a third fold line L3, and the second foundation wall 11 is divided into a second side wall 17 and an upper outer flap 18 by the third fold line L3 (see FIG. 8 , which will be described later). The pair of first side walls 15 and the pair of second side walls 17 are alternately connected via at least the first fold line L1. The pair of upper inner flaps 16 and the pair of upper outer flaps 18 are alternately connected via a break assist line 22 (at least a first break line 23). In this specification, the first side wall 15 and the second side wall 17 are sometimes referred to collectively as "side walls 15, 17," and the upper inner flaps 16 and the upper outer flaps 18 are sometimes referred to collectively as "upper flaps 16, 18."

[0042] <Separating Unit> The separating unit 32 makes cuts along the break assist lines 22 from the four corners of the top opening 1U of the temporarily assembled packaging box 1 to the cylindrical body 1W. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 , the separating unit 32 has four separating arms 61, a separating drive unit 62, four blades 63, and eight guide rollers 64. Note that the four separating arms 61 and the four blades 63 are provided corresponding to the four corners of the top opening 1U, and therefore, this specification will mainly describe one separating arm 61 and one blade 63 corresponding to one corner. Also, the eight guide rollers 64 are provided corresponding to the four corners of the top opening 1U, and therefore, this specification will mainly describe two guide rollers 64 corresponding to one corner.

[0043] (Separating Arm, Separating Drive Unit) As shown in FIG. 1 , the separating arm 61 is suspended substantially vertically from the separating drive unit 62. The four separating arms 61 are arranged to face the outside of the four corners of the top opening 1U when viewed from above (see FIG. 6 ). The separating drive unit 62 raises and lowers the four separating arms 61 as a whole and moves them in a direction (radial direction RD) along a line that bisects the corners (substantially right angles) of the cylindrical body 1W when viewed from above. The separating drive unit 62 is electrically connected to the control unit 36 ​​and is driven and controlled by the control unit 36. The "radial direction RD" refers to a direction inclined at approximately 45 degrees with respect to the first foundation wall 10 and the second foundation wall 11 of the packaging box 1 (cylindrical body 1W) when viewed from above (see FIG. 6 ).

[0044] (Blades) As shown in Figures 6 and 7 , one end of each blade 63 is fixed to the cutting arm 61. The blade 63 is made of a synthetic resin, such as monomer cast nylon, and is formed into a roughly rectangular plate shape with a thickness of approximately 5 mm. That is, the blade 63 is formed into a blunt plate shape. Here, the term "blunt" refers to a state (state) in which the blade 63 is so blunt that it cannot cut (or move while cutting) cardboard sheets (the material constituting the packaging box 1). The four blades 63 are inclined along the radial direction RD when viewed from above (see Figure 6 ) and are inclined downward from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical body 1W when viewed from the side (front and side) (see Figure 7 ). That is, the four blades 63 extend diagonally downward from the four cutting arms 61 toward the inside. A pulling-out assist surface 63A is formed at the tip of each blade 63 by cutting off the upper corners, resulting in a roughly vertical surface (see Figure 7 ). The blade 63 has a tapered portion 63B formed at its lower edge, which gradually becomes thinner toward the lower end (packaging box 1) (see FIG. 7). The tip (lower end) of the tapered portion 63B is not sharp and has a slight thickness. The blade 63 is inclined with the tapered portion 63B facing downward (toward the packaging box 1).

[0045] As will be described in detail later, the separating unit 32 separates the upper flaps 16, 18, which are connected via the tear assist line 22, along the tear assist line 22 by lowering the blade 63 pressed against the corner of the top opening 1U of the cylindrical body 1W to the third fold line L3. In this specification, "breaking" means to tear a cohesive object, specifically, to break (tear) the seams 23B, 24B of the tear assist line 22. "Separating" means to cut and separate a cohesive object, specifically, to tear (tear) the cardboard sheet (the upper flaps 16, 18). In other words, in this specification, "breaking" and "separating" do not mean cutting (moving while cutting) the cardboard sheet with a sharp blade or the like, but rather mean tearing a cohesive object while locally destroying it.

[0046] (Guide Rollers) As shown in Figures 6 and 7 , two guide rollers 64 are attached to the lower part of the cutting arm 61 via roller arms 65. The guide rollers 64 are supported by the roller arms 65 to be rotatable about their axes at positions below the blade 63. The guide rollers 64 are made of a synthetic resin such as monomer cast nylon and are formed in a substantially cylindrical (disk-like) shape. The two guide rollers 64 are supported so that their rotation axes are perpendicular to each other. During the process of lowering the blade 63, the two guide rollers 64 rotate while contacting the surfaces of the upper flaps 16, 18 connected via the break assist line 22 (see Figure 6 ).

[0047] 1 , the folding unit 33 has a pair of inner folding arms 70 that fold the pair of upper inner flaps 16 along the third fold line L3, an outer folding arm 71 that folds one of the pair of upper outer flaps 18 along the third fold line L3, and a folding drive unit 72 that drives the inner folding arm 70 and the outer folding arm 71. The folding drive unit 72 is electrically connected to the control unit 36 ​​and is drive-controlled by the control unit 36.

[0048] <Sealing Unit> The sealing unit 34 has a sealing folding arm 80 that folds the other of the pair of upper outer flaps 18 along the third fold line L3, an adhering unit 81 that applies adhesive tape T to fix the other upper outer flap 18 to one upper outer flap 18, and a sealing drive unit 82 that drives the sealing folding arm 80 and the adhering unit 81. The sealing drive unit 82 is electrically connected to the control unit 36 ​​and is driven and controlled by the control unit 36.

[0049] <Conveyor> The conveyor 35 has multiple rollers (not shown) arranged side by side in the conveying direction. Each roller is supported by a frame (not shown) so that it can rotate around its axis. Each roller is connected to a drive source such as an electric motor via a drive transmission mechanism such as a gear or belt (neither of which is shown). As each roller is driven to rotate around its axis, the packaging box 1 moves downstream in the conveying direction. The conveyor 35 also has multiple positioning holders (not shown) that hold the conveyed packaging box 1 in predetermined positions set so that the operations of each of the sections 30 to 34 are performed appropriately. The drive source and the positioning holders are electrically connected to the control section 36 and are drive-controlled by the control section 36.

[0050] <Control Unit> The control unit 36 ​​includes a memory unit that stores programs, data, etc.; a calculation processing unit that executes calculations according to the programs, etc.; and a communication unit that is communicatively connected to each of the units 30-34 and the conveyor 35. The memory unit, calculation processing unit, and communication unit are electrically connected to each other and are configured to be able to communicate with each other. The memory unit includes a storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), and the calculation processing unit includes a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 36 ​​may also include an operation terminal (not shown) through which an operator can input various operations and check output results from the control unit 36. The memory unit may also pre-store data on the dimensions (length, width, height, etc.) of the temporarily assembled packaging box 1 and various parameters required for control. The control unit may also be implemented by a logic circuit (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit or the like, instead of a CPU.

[0051] Actuators such as electric motors, servo motors, linear motors, solenoids, and piston-cylinders can be used as the first drive unit 42, second drive unit 52, cutting drive unit 62, folding drive unit 72, and sealing drive unit 82. The first drive unit 42, second drive unit 52, cutting drive unit 62, folding drive unit 72, and sealing drive unit 82 may include a drive transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a gear or pulley (belt) that transmits the power of the actuator to the driven object. The drive units 42, 52, 62, 72, and 82 and the control unit 36 ​​are connected to a power supply (not shown).

[0052] [Operation of packaging device] Next, the operation of the packaging device 2 (method of sealing the packaging box 1) will be described with reference to Figures 1, 4, 6, and 8 to 13. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the packaging box 1 on which the third fold line L3 has been formed. Figure 9 is a side view illustrating the dividing process. Figure 10 is a side view showing the state after the dividing process has been completed. Figure 11 is a plan view showing the state after the dividing process has been completed. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the packaging box 1 in a sealed state (maximum height (H1)). Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the packaging box 1 in a sealed state (minimum height (H2)).

[0053] First, the worker places the contents 90 in the temporarily assembled packaging box 1, places it at the most upstream part of the conveyor 35, and operates the control unit 36 ​​to activate the packaging device 2.

[0054] <Height Measurement Process> The conveyor 35 transports the packaging box 1 to the height measurement unit 30, where the packaging box 1 is held (temporarily stopped) by a positioning and holding unit. As shown in FIG. 1 , the height measurement unit 30 emits laser light from a laser light source 30A toward the contents 90 in the packaging box 1, and receives the light reflected from the surface of the contents 90 with a light receiving element 30B (height measurement process). The light reception data (measurement results of the height measurement unit 30) from the light receiving element 30B is transmitted to the control unit 36, which calculates the height (H3) of the contents 90 in the packaging box 1 based on the measurement results of the height measurement unit 30 (see FIG. 8 ). When multiple contents 90 of different heights are contained in the packaging box 1, the height (H3) of the tallest contents 90 is calculated as the height of the contents 90. The control unit 36 ​​also calculates the distance (H4) from the upper end of the cylindrical body 1W (foundation walls 10, 11) of the packaging box 1 to the top of the contents 90 (height (H0) of the foundation walls 10, 11 - height (H3) of the contents 90) (see FIG. 8), and calculates the amount of descent of each arm 41, 51, 61 based on this distance (H4). The amount of descent of each arm 41, 51, 61 is set to be slightly higher than the height (H3) of the contents 90 so that the roller units 43, 53 and the blade 63 do not interfere with the contents 90. The amount of descent of each arm 41, 51, 61 may be calculated, for example, as the drive time of each drive unit 42, 52, 62 or the rotation angle of the output shaft.

[0055] <Creasing process> After measuring the height of the contents 90, the creasing unit 31 forms a third fold line L3 on the foundation walls 10, 11 of the cylindrical body 1W based on the measurement results of the height measuring unit 30, and divides the foundation walls 10, 11 into side walls 15, 17 and upper flaps 16, 18 (crisping process).

[0056] Specifically, the conveyor 35 transports the packaging box 1 to the first creasing unit 40, where the packaging box 1 is held by the positioning and holding unit. The two pairs of first arms 41 (first roller units 43) of the first creasing unit 40 are disposed, for example, above the right ends of the pair of first base walls 10 of the packaging box 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 4 ). The first driving unit 42 of the first creasing unit 40 lowers the two pairs of first arms 41 (first outer rollers 44, first inner rollers 45) by a calculated lowering amount. The first base wall 10 of the packaging box 1 enters relatively between the pair of descending first arms 41. Next, the first driving unit 42 moves the pair of first arms 41 in a direction approaching each other, sandwiching the first base wall 10 between the pair of first outer rollers 44 and first inner rollers 45 (see FIG. 4 ). Next, the first driving unit 42 moves the pair of first arms 41 (first roller units 43) substantially horizontally from right to left (see the thick arrows in FIG. 4 ) while keeping the first foundation wall 10 sandwiched between the pair of first outer rollers 44 and first inner rollers 45. As a result, a third fold line L3 that separates the first side wall 15 and the upper inner flap 16 is formed in the first foundation wall 10 (see FIG. 8 ). After the third fold line L3 is formed, the first driving unit 42 returns (raises) the first arms 41 (first outer rollers 44 and first inner rollers 45) to their initial positions.

[0057] Next, the conveyor 35 transports the packaging box 1 to the second creasing unit 50, where the packaging box 1 is held by the positioning and holding unit. The two pairs of second arms 51 (second roller units 53) of the second creasing unit 50 are disposed, for example, above the rear ends (upstream ends) of the pair of second base walls 11 of the packaging box 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 4 ). The second driving unit 52 of the second creasing unit 50 lowers the two pairs of second arms 51 by the calculated lowering amount. The second base wall 11 of the packaging box 1 enters relatively between the pair of descending second arms 51. Next, the second driving unit 52 moves the pair of second arms 51 in a direction approaching each other, sandwiching the second base wall 11 between the pair of second outer rollers 54 and second inner rollers 55 (see FIG. 4 ). Next, the second driving unit 52 moves the pair of second arms 51 (second roller units 53) substantially horizontally from rear to front while keeping the second foundation wall 11 sandwiched between the pair of second outer rollers 54 and second inner rollers 55 (see the thick arrows in FIG. 4 ). As a result, a third fold line L3 that separates the second side wall 17 and the upper outer flap 18 is formed in the second foundation wall 11 (see FIG. 8 ). After the third fold line L3 is formed, the second driving unit 52 returns (raises) the second arms 51 (second outer rollers 54 and second inner rollers 55) to their initial positions.

[0058] In FIG. 8 , as an example, the third fold line L3 is formed at approximately the same height as the boundary between the first break line 23 and the second break line 24, corresponding to the maximum height (H1) of the sealed packaging box 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The third fold line L3 may be formed horizontally (in the left-right and front-back directions) in a range above the upper end of the first fold line L1 and below the lower end of the first break line 23. In other words, the third fold line L3 may be formed perpendicular to the second break line 24. The third fold line L3 is formed in the foundation walls 10, 11 in a range from both lateral ends (folded portions 21) to the radii of the outer rollers 44, 54 and the inner rollers 45, 55. In other words, there are small areas near both lateral ends (in the left-right and front-back directions) of the foundation walls 10, 11 where the third fold line L3 is not formed. The area where the third folding line L3 is not formed becomes smaller as the diameters (radii) of the outer rollers 44, 54 and the inner rollers 45, 55 become smaller.

[0059] <Dividing Step> After the third fold lines L3 are formed in the foundation walls 10, 11, the dividing unit 32 makes a cut in the upper rectangular portion of the cylindrical body 1W based on the measurement results of the height measuring unit 30 (dividing step).

[0060] Specifically, the conveyor 35 transports the packaging box 1 to the separating unit 32, where the packaging box 1 is held by the positioning and holding unit. The four separating arms 61 of the separating unit 32 are positioned outside the four corners of the top opening 1U of the packaging box 1 when viewed from above (see FIG. 6 ). The separating drive unit 62 of the separating unit 32 lowers the four separating arms 61 (e.g., blades 63) by a calculated amount. Even if the blades 63 are slightly misaligned with the corners of the top opening 1U, the blades 63 descend toward the break assist line 22 while being guided by (sliding against) the notches 20 in the cylindrical body 1W (see FIG. 9 ). The blades 63 descending along the notches 20 bite into the slits 23A of the first break line 23 connected to the notches 20. A tapered portion 63B is formed on the lower edge of the blades 63, making it easier for the blades 63 to bite into the slits 23A. The blade 63 descends to the position where the third fold line L3 is formed while breaking the seam 23B (24B) of the break assist line 22. The blade 63 is maintained in an inclined position and descends while sandwiching the upper flaps 16, 18 between itself and two guide rollers 64 (see FIGS. 6 and 9). The two guide rollers 64 support the upper flaps 16, 18 that have been separated by the blade 63 and are attempting to open outward.

[0061] 10 and 11 , the separating unit 32 (separating drive unit 62) lowers the blade 63 while maintaining the inclined position, and then moves the blade 63 substantially horizontally while maintaining the inclined position so as to withdraw it outward (in the radial direction RD) from the cylindrical body 1W. Because the blade 63 has a withdrawal assist surface 63A that is substantially parallel to the fractured fracture assist line 22, the amount of movement in the withdrawal direction (outward in the radial direction RD) can be reduced compared to when the blade 63 is simply a rectangular plate. Once the blade 63 is withdrawn outward from the cylindrical body 1W, the separating drive unit 62 returns (raises) the separating arm 61 (blade 63, etc.) to its initial position.

[0062] As described above, the blade 63 of the dividing section 32 descends from the corner of the top opening 1U of the cylindrical body 1W to the third fold line L3 (horizontal fold line), thereby dividing the top flaps 16, 18, which are connected via the tear assist line 22, along the tear assist line 22. In this embodiment, the lower end position of the first tear line 23 corresponds to the maximum height (H1) of the sealed packaging box 1. Therefore, regardless of the height of the packaging box 1 (contents 90), the blade 63 always tears at least the entire first tear line 23 of the tear assist lines 22. When the height of the packaging box 1 (contents 90) is low (small), the blade 63 tears part or all of the second tear line 24 in addition to the first tear line 23. When the packaging box 1 reaches the minimum height (H2), the entire tear assist line 22 is broken, and the side walls 15, 17 are connected only by the first fold line L1. On the other hand, in a packaging box 1 having a height other than the minimum height (H2), part or all of the second break line 24 is left unbroken, so that the side walls 15, 17 are connected to the first fold line L1 by at least part of the second break line 24.

[0063] <Folding Process> After separating the upper flaps 16, 18, the conveyor 35 transports the packaging box 1 to the folding unit 33, where the packaging box 1 is held by the positioning and holding unit. The folding unit 33 folds the upper flaps 16, 18 separated by the separating unit 32 toward the inside of the cylindrical body 1W along the third fold line L3 (horizontal fold line) (folding process). The folding drive unit 72 of the folding unit 33 rotates the pair of inner folding arms 70 to fold the pair of upper inner flaps 16 along the third fold line L3, and then rotates the outer folding arm 71 to fold one (e.g., the left) upper outer flap 18 along the third fold line L3 (see FIG. 1). One upper outer flap 18 is superimposed on the surface of the pair of upper inner flaps 16 (see FIG. 12 or 13).

[0064] <Sealing Process> After folding the pair of upper inner flaps 16 and one of the upper outer flaps 18, the conveyor 35 transports the packaging box 1 to the sealing unit 34, where the packaging box 1 is held by the positioning and holding unit. The sealing unit 34 seals the packaging box 1 (sealing process). The sealing drive unit 82 of the sealing unit 34 rotates the sealing folding arm 80 to fold the other upper outer flap 18 along the third fold line L3 (see FIG. 1). Here, when the sealed packaging box 1 reaches its maximum height (H1), the pair of upper outer flaps 18 separated along the first break line 23 will have their tips butted against each other (see FIG. 12). On the other hand, in the packaging box 1 having a height excluding the maximum height (H2) (for example, the minimum height (H2)), the leading end side of the other upper outer flap 18 overlaps the surface of one upper outer flap 18 (see FIG. 13). The adhering portion 81 of the sealing portion 34 adheres the adhesive tape T along the butted portion of the pair of upper outer flaps 18 (see FIG. 12), or adheres the adhesive tape T along the leading end of the other upper outer flap 18 (see FIG. 13).

[0065] As a result, the top opening 1U of the cylindrical body 1W is closed, and the packaging box 1 is sealed (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0066] In the packaging device 2 according to the present embodiment described above, the roller units 43, 53 of the creasing unit 31 are configured to sandwich the foundation walls 10, 11 of the cylindrical body 1W and move while rolling on both the front and back sides of the foundation walls 10, 11 to form the third fold line L3. With this configuration, the roller units 43, 53 move laterally (left-right and front-back) while slightly digging into both the front and back sides of the foundation walls 10, 11, thereby forming the third fold line L3 with a substantially constant amount of depression across the entire lateral direction (the entire range of movement of the roller units 43, 53). In other words, an appropriate third fold line L3 can be formed on the foundation walls 10, 11 of the cylindrical body 1W. Furthermore, by changing (adjusting) the lateral movement amount (movement distance) of the roller units 43, 53, it is possible to flexibly accommodate changes in the dimensions (bottom area (footprint)) of the packaging box 1. This eliminates the need for component replacement, allowing the packaging device 2 to continue packaging operations even when the dimensions of the packaging box 1 are changed (improving productivity). The worker may change (adjust) the amount of movement of the roller units 43 and 53 by operating the operation terminal of the control unit 36 ​​.

[0067] Furthermore, in the packaging device 2 according to this embodiment, a pair of outer rollers 44, 54 are disposed on the outside of the cylindrical body 1W, and a single inner roller 45, 55 is disposed on the inside of the cylindrical body 1W. The inner roller 45, 55 faces the pair of outer rollers 44, 54, sandwiching the foundation walls 10, 11 between them. With this configuration, even if one of the pair of outer rollers 44, 54 is positioned as close as possible to the corner (vertical ridge) of the cylindrical body 1W, the inner roller 45, 55 can be positioned near the corner (vertical ridge) without interfering with the corner (vertical ridge). This allows the third fold line L3 to be formed near both ends of the foundation walls 10, 11 in the lateral direction (left-right and front-back directions). In other words, the area of ​​the foundation walls 10, 11 where the third fold line L3 is not formed can be reduced. Furthermore, because the inner rollers 45, 55 face each other between a pair of outer rollers 44, 54, the foundation walls 10, 11 can be securely sandwiched in a stable manner compared to when the foundation walls 10, 11 are sandwiched between a single roller (not shown) on both sides, allowing a reliable third fold line L3 to be formed on the foundation walls 10, 11. Furthermore, during the process of forming the third fold line L3, the outer rollers 44, 54 located downstream in the movement direction form the third fold line L3 on the surface of the foundation walls 10, 11, and then the outer rollers 44, 54 located upstream in the movement direction move over the already formed third fold line L3. In other words, the outer rollers 44, 54 move twice over the same portion of the surface of the foundation walls 10, 11 (excluding both ends in the movement direction), allowing a reliable third fold line L3 to be formed on the surface of the foundation walls 10, 11. As a result, the upper flaps 16, 18 can be properly folded at the position where the third fold line L3 is formed.

[0068] Furthermore, in the packaging device 2 according to this embodiment, the inner rollers 45, 55 are configured to be positioned slightly lower than the outer rollers 44, 54. With this configuration, the recesses (third fold lines L3) on the back surfaces of the foundation walls 10, 11 are formed slightly lower than the recesses (third fold lines L3) on the front surfaces of the foundation walls 10, 11, making it easier to fold the upper flaps 16, 18 inward of the cylindrical body 1W.

[0069] In the packaging box 1 according to the present embodiment, the tear assist lines 22 are so-called perforations, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tear assist lines 22 may be zippers with a series of spaced apart, or half-cut lines that cut about halfway down the thickness of the cardboard sheet from the back surface (neither of which are shown).

[0070] Furthermore, in the packaging box 1 according to the present embodiment, the cut 24A of the second break line 24 is shorter than the cut 23A of the first break line 23, and the seam 24B of the second break line 24 is longer than the seam 23B of the first break line 23, so that the second break line 24 is more difficult to break than the first break line 23. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cut 23A and the cut 24A may be the same length, and the seam 24B of the second break line 24 may be longer than the seam 23B of the first break line 23 (not shown). Alternatively, for example, the seam 23B and the seam 24B may be the same length, and the cut 24A of the second break line 24 may be shorter than the cut 23A of the first break line 23 (not shown).

[0071] In addition, in the packaging box 1 according to the present embodiment, the break assist line 22 has the first break line 23 and the second break line 24, and the second break line 24 is set to be more difficult to break than the first break line 23, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the break assist line 22 may be formed so that the ease of breaking is approximately constant throughout (not shown). Furthermore, although the cut 23A formed at the top of the break assist line 22 (first break line 23) is connected to the bottom of the notch 20, this is not limiting and the cut 23A may be separated from the bottom of the notch 20 (not shown).

[0072] In addition, in the packaging box 1 according to the present embodiment, the cutout portion 20 is recessed in a substantially V-shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cutout portion 20 may be recessed in a substantially U-shape or a substantially rectangular shape (not shown). Furthermore, the cutout portion 20 may be omitted (not shown).

[0073] In addition, in the packaging box 1 according to the present embodiment, the lower inner flap 13 and the lower outer flap 14 are folded over to form the bottom, and the tips of the pair of lower outer flaps 14 are butted together, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tips of the pair of lower outer flaps 14 may be spaced apart (not shown). Also, for example, the bottom of the packaging box 1 may be a so-called one-touch bottom or a so-called insular bottom (not shown).

[0074] Furthermore, in the packaging box 1 according to the present embodiment, the upper portion of the vertical ridge line of the cylindrical body 1W is weakened by the break assist line 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the break assist line 22 may be omitted, and the fold portion 21 may be formed only by the first fold line L1 (not shown). In other words, the vertical ridge line of the cylindrical body 1W (the boundary between the first foundation wall 10 and the second foundation wall 11) may be considered to be weakened by being folded at the first fold line L1.

[0075] In the packaging device 2 according to the present embodiment, the second creasing unit 50 is disposed downstream of the first creasing unit 40, but this is not limiting and the second creasing unit 50 may be disposed upstream of the first creasing unit 40 (not shown). That is, in the creasing step, the third fold line L3 may be formed in the second base wall 11, and then the third fold line L3 may be formed in the first base wall 10. Furthermore, the creasing unit 31 may be configured such that the first creasing unit 40 and the second creasing unit 50 are integrated together, and the third fold line L3 is formed simultaneously on all four side surfaces of the cylindrical body 1W (not shown).

[0076] Furthermore, in the packaging device 2 according to the present embodiment, one inner roller 45, 55 of the creasing unit 31 is configured to face between a pair of outer rollers 44, 54, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the outer rollers 44, 54 may be combined into one, with one inner roller 45, 55 facing one outer roller 44, 54 (not shown). Alternatively, for example, the inner rollers 45, 55 may be paired, with the pair of outer rollers 44, 54 facing the pair of inner rollers 45, 55 (not shown). Alternatively, for example, the outer rollers 44, 54 may be combined into one, with the inner rollers 45, 55 paired, with the one outer roller 44, 54 facing between the pair of inner rollers 45, 55 (not shown).

[0077] In addition, in the packaging device 2 according to the present embodiment, the inner rollers 45, 55 are slightly shifted downward relative to the outer rollers 44, 54, but the present invention is not limited to this. The inner rollers 45, 55 may be disposed to face the outer rollers 44, 54 at the same height (not shown).

[0078] Furthermore, in the packaging device 2 (crisping unit 31) according to this embodiment, the third fold line L3 is formed so as to be perpendicular to the second break line 24 in a range from the upper end of the first fold line L1 to the lower end of the first break line 23, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the third fold line L3 may be formed horizontally (in the left-right and front-to-back directions) in a range from the upper end of the first fold line L1 to the upper end of the first break line 23 (not shown). In other words, the third fold line L3 may be formed so as to be perpendicular to the first break line 23. In this case, the leading ends of the pair of upper outer flaps 18 will be spaced apart from each other (not shown).

[0079] Furthermore, in the packaging device 2 according to the present embodiment, the blades 63 of the dividing unit 32 are inclined, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the four blades 63 may be in a position perpendicular to the first foundation wall 10 or perpendicular to the second foundation wall 11 when viewed from above (not shown). Furthermore, for example, the blades 63 may be in a substantially horizontal position when viewed from the side (front and side) (not shown).

[0080] Furthermore, in the packaging device 2 according to this embodiment, the tapered portion 63B is formed on the lower edge of the blade 63 of the dividing section 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pair of tapered portions 63B may be formed on both the upper and lower edges of the blade 63 (not shown). In this way, if the lower tapered portion 63B becomes worn, the blade 63 can be turned upside down so that the upper tapered portion 63B faces downward, eliminating the need to replace the blade 63 with a new one. Alternatively, the tapered portion 63B may be omitted, and the blade 63 may be formed as a plate of approximately uniform thickness (not shown).

[0081] In addition, in the packaging device 2 according to the present embodiment, the blade 63 of the dividing section 32 is formed with the pull-out assist surface 63A, but this is not limiting, and the pull-out assist surface 63A may be omitted (not shown). Also, the guide roller 64 of the dividing section 32 may be omitted.

[0082] In addition, in the packaging device 2 according to the present embodiment, the sealing unit 34 seals the packaging box 1 using adhesive tape T, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pair of upper outer flaps 18 may be adhered to a pair of upper inner flaps 16 via an adhesive, or the other upper outer flap 18 may be adhered to one upper outer flap 18 via an adhesive (not shown).

[0083] Furthermore, although the packaging device 2 according to this embodiment is provided with the folding unit 33 and the sealing unit 34, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if an operator performs the sealing work manually, such as by closing the upper flaps 16, 18 and applying the adhesive tape T, the folding unit 33 and the sealing unit 34 may be omitted (not shown).

[0084] Furthermore, in the packaging device 2 according to the present embodiment, the height measurement unit 30, the creasing unit 31, the dividing unit 32, the folding unit 33, and the sealing unit 34 are fixedly provided, and the packaging box 1 is transported by the conveyor 35; however, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a packaging device according to a modified example may omit the conveyor 35, and the packaging box 1 may be fixedly disposed (not moved), and may include a movement mechanism (not shown) that moves each of the units 30 to 34. That is, in the packaging device according to the modified example, a fixed base (not shown) for fixing the packaging box 1 may be provided, and the movement mechanism may intermittently move each of the units 30 to 34 onto the packaging box 1 fixed to the fixed base.

[0085] Although the packaging box 1 according to the present embodiment is formed from a double-sided corrugated cardboard sheet made of paper, the present invention is not limited to this. The packaging box 1 may be formed from a foldable material such as single-sided corrugated cardboard, double-sided corrugated cardboard, triple-sided corrugated cardboard, single paper (cardboard), or a synthetic resin plate.

[0086] The above embodiment is merely an example of the packaging device according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The present invention may be modified, substituted, or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical concept, and the claims include all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical concept.

[0087] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Packaging box 1U Top opening 1W Cylinder 2 Packaging device 10 First foundation wall (wall portion) 11 Second foundation wall (wall portion) 15 First side wall (side wall) 16 Upper inner flap (upper flap) 17 Second side wall (side wall) 18 Upper outer flap (upper flap) 30 Height measuring unit 31 Crisping unit 40 First creasing unit 43 First roller unit (roller unit) 44 First outer roller (outer roller) 45 First inner roller (inner roller) 50 Second creasing unit 53 Second roller unit (roller unit) 54 Second outer roller (outer roller) 55 Second inner roller (inner roller) 90 Contents L3 Third fold line (horizontal fold line)

Claims

1. A packaging device (2) for packaging contents (90) in a packaging box (1) having a cylindrical body (1W) with a closed bottom, and changing the height of the packaging box depending on the height of the contents, comprising: a height measuring unit (30) for measuring the height of the contents contained inside the cylindrical body with a top opening (1U) open; and a creasing unit (31) for forming horizontal fold lines (L3) in walls (10, 11) of the cylindrical body based on the measurement results of the height measuring unit and dividing the walls into side walls (15, 17) and an upper flap (16, 18), wherein the creasing unit includes roller units (43, 53) for sandwiching the walls of the cylindrical body and moving laterally while rolling on both the front and back sides of the walls to form the horizontal fold lines.

2. The packaging device described in claim 1, characterized in that the creasing section has a first creasing section (40) including the roller section (43) that forms the horizontal fold lines in a pair of the wall sections (10) that face each other in a first direction when viewed from above the cylindrical body, and a second creasing section (50) that includes the roller section (53) that forms the horizontal fold lines in a pair of the wall sections (11) that face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from above the cylindrical body.

3. The packaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the roller section comprises: a pair of outer rollers (44, 54) arranged side by side at a distance from each other in the horizontal direction along the horizontal fold line and rotating about an axis while being pressed against the surface of the wall section; and an inner roller (45, 55) arranged opposite the pair of outer rollers and rotating about an axis while being pressed against the back surface of the wall section.

4. The packaging device according to claim 3, wherein the inner roller is disposed so as to face the outer roller at a position offset downwardly from the outer roller.

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