Method and device for assembling packing box

Abstract

Provided is a method for assembling a packing box having a box part and a lid part, wherein a lock fixation that is formed between the box part and the lid part by inserting an engaging part provided in the box part or the lid part into a part to be engaged provided in the other of the box part and the lid part is executed by an actuator. The method comprises: a setting step for setting a guide member for guiding the engaging part to the part to be engaged on the part to be engaged; a guide step for guiding the engaging part to the part to be engaged by moving the engaging part along the guide member; and an insertion step for inserting the engaging part into the part to be engaged.

Description

Packaging box assembly method and assembly device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for assembling a packaging box.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an assembling device for corrugated cardboard trays in which insertion pieces connected to the outside of corner pieces provided at both ends of an inner panel are inserted into insertion holes along insertion guides.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-083495

[0004] The present disclosure provides a packaging box assembly method and assembly apparatus that automates the locking process in the packaging box.

[0005] A method for assembling a packaging box according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for assembling a packaging box having a box portion and a lid portion, in which a lock formed between the box portion and the lid portion by inserting a locking portion provided on one of the box portion or the lid portion into a lockable portion provided on the other of the box portion or the lid portion is performed by an actuator, the method comprising: an arrangement step of arranging a guide member on the lockable portion to guide the locking portion; a guiding step of guiding the locking portion to the lockable portion by moving the locking portion along the guide member; and an insertion step of inserting the locking portion into the lockable portion.

[0006] A packaging box assembly device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an assembly device for a packaging box having a box portion and a lid portion, in which a lock is formed between the box portion and the lid portion by inserting a locking portion provided on one of the box portion or the lid portion into a lockable portion provided on the other of the box portion or the lid portion, the packaging box assembly device comprising: a guide member that guides the locking portion to the lockable portion; a positioning actuator that positions the guide member on the lockable portion; a guide actuator that moves the locking portion along the guide member to guide the locking portion to the lockable portion; and an insertion actuator that inserts the locking portion into the lockable portion.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the locking process in the packaging box can be automated.

[0008] 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of an assembly device for a packaging box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a plan view of the packaging box shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a view explaining the movement of the first actuator in the assembly device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a view explaining the preparatory step by the first actuator shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a view explaining the movement of the second actuator in the assembly device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a view explaining the folding step by the second actuator in the assembly device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a view explaining the folding step by the third actuator in the assembly device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a view explaining the placement step by the fourth actuator in the assembly device shown in FIG. 1; 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a guide step by a seventh actuator in the assembly device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates an insertion step by a seventh actuator in the assembly device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates an insertion step by an eighth actuator in the assembly device shown in FIG. 1. Schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a preparatory step in the assembly method for a packaging box. Schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a folding step in the assembly method for a packaging box. Schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a folding step in the assembly method for a packaging box. Schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a placement step in the assembly method for a packaging box. Schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a guide step in the assembly method for a packaging box. Schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an insertion step in the assembly method for a packaging box. Flowchart of the assembly method for a packaging box.

[0009] (Knowledge, etc., that forms the basis of the present disclosure) For various products, including electrical products such as notebook computers (laptop PCs), packaging boxes are used to store the products in a packaged state. The packaging box has a box portion and a lid portion that covers the box portion, and may be equipped with a locking mechanism for locking the lid portion to the box portion when closed. The locking mechanism is formed, for example, by inserting a tongue-shaped engaging portion provided on the box portion into an engaged portion provided on the lid portion.

[0010] In the assembly process of packaging boxes, the locking process of inserting the locking part into the locked part is performed manually by a worker, but there is a demand for automation using machines. However, because the locking part extends from the box part through the fold and has an L-shaped bend from the base, the locking part has no rigidity. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain the locking part in a certain shape, and it is difficult to accurately position and insert the locking part into the locked part, which is a factor that hinders automation using machines.

[0011] Therefore, the present inventors have discovered a method and apparatus for assembling a packaging box that automates the locking process in the packaging box, and have arrived at the following invention.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, hereinafter, identical or corresponding elements throughout the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings schematically illustrate each component for ease of understanding. Furthermore, components of a packaging box and an assembly device that are not directly related to the explanation will be omitted from the drawings as appropriate.

[0013] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] [1-1. Configuration] As shown in Fig. 1, the assembly device 1 is used in the assembly work of packaging boxes 5 for packaging and storing various products, including electrical products such as notebook computers (laptop PCs). The assembly device 1 is particularly used in the assembly work of packaging boxes 5 having locking fastening formed by inserting locking pieces 8 into locking slits 9, as shown in Figs.

[0015] 1, the assembly apparatus 1 includes a stand 2, a table 3, and a plurality of actuators 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80. A packaging box 5 to be used for forming a lock is placed on the table 3. The packaging box 5 placed on the table 3 is held by holding members 15 arranged at the four corners of the packaging box 5.

[0016] The multiple actuators 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 installed on the pedestal 2 are devices that perform mechanical operations by combining a power source and mechanical parts, and execute various steps when assembling the packaging box 5. The multiple actuators 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 are installed on the pedestal 2.

[0017] The assembly device 1 has a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the multiple actuators 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80. The control unit includes, for example, a memory that stores a program and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In the control unit, the processor executes the program stored in the memory. That is, the control unit includes one or more processors and a memory that stores instructions to be executed by the one or more processors. Details of each of the actuators 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 will be described later.

[0018] The packaging box 5 is made of paper or plastic, for example, a cardboard box with a hollow structure. As a result, the board of the packaging box 5 has a hollow structure, making it lightweight and strong. Therefore, the packaging box 5 can be made lightweight, have high thermal insulation properties, be easily processed, and be impact resistant.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2 , the packaging box 5 has a box portion 6 and a lid portion 7. The box portion 6 has a first side portion 6a, a second side portion 6b, a third side portion 6c, and a fourth side portion 6d (shown in FIG. 3 and elsewhere) connected via side fold lines, and a bottom portion 6g extending from a certain side via a bottom fold line. The first side portion 6a and the fourth side portion 6d face each other, and the second side portion 6b and the third side portion 6c face each other. The first side portion 6a has a locking piece 8 as a locking portion. The locking piece 8 is provided on the first side portion 6a, for example, and extends from the first side portion 6a via a fold line 8a.

[0020] The lid portion 7 extends from the fourth side portion 6d via a lid portion fold line (not shown). The lid portion 7 is configured to be able to assume a closed state in which it covers the opening of the box portion 6 and an open state in which it does not cover the opening of the box portion 6. As shown in FIG. 14 , the lid portion 7 has a lid flap 7a that is bent and connected in an L-shape via a flap fold line 7b. The lid flap 7a has a tongue-like shape and serves as a locking portion for securing the first lock. A locking gap 6j is formed between the first side portion 6a and inner flaps (not shown) provided on each of the second side portion 6b and the third side portion 6c. The locking gap 6j has an opening width and length sufficient to receive the lid flap 7a and locks the inserted lid flap 7a. The locking gap 6j serves as a locking portion for securing the first lock.

[0021] A locking slit 9 is formed along the flap folding line 7b. The locking slit 9 functions as a locked portion for fixing the second lock. The locking slit 9 has an opening width and length that allows it to receive the locking piece 8 serving as the locking portion for fixing the second lock, and locks the inserted locking piece 8.

[0022] The first actuator 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. FIG.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the assembly device 1 has a first actuator 10 that functions to move the locking piece 8 away from the first side 6a of the box portion 6 in preparation for bending the locking piece 8. The first actuator 10 is disposed on the side of the fourth side 6d and the lid portion 7. The first actuator 10 has a first cylinder 11, a first piston rod 12, and a first movable part 13. The first cylinder 11 drives the first piston rod 12 to move forward and backward along the lid portion 7. The forward movement is movement from the fourth side 6d toward the first side 6a, and the backward movement is movement from the first side 6a toward the fourth side 6d. The first movable part 13 connected to the first piston rod 12 is configured to move linearly to come into contact with or move away from the locking piece 8.

[0024] The second actuator 20 and the third actuator 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 7. FIG.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 5 , 6 , and 7 , the assembly device 1 includes a second actuator 20 that cooperates with the third actuator 30 to fold the locking piece 8 at a bending portion 8b located midway along the length of the locking piece 8 (from the fold 8a toward the locking tip 8d). That is, the second actuator 20 functions as a folding actuator. The second actuator 20 is disposed on the first side 6a side and on the lid 7 side. The second actuator 20 includes a second cylinder 21, a second piston rod 22, and a second movable portion 23. The second cylinder 21 drives the second piston rod 22 to move forward and backward along the first side 6a. The forward movement is movement from the lid 7 toward the bottom 6g, and the backward movement is movement from the bottom 6g toward the lid 7. The second movable portion 23 connected to the second piston rod 22 is configured to move linearly to contact or move away from the locking piece 8. In addition, the second movable part 23 is configured so as not to interfere with the first movable part 13 .

[0026] As shown in FIG. 7 , the assembly device 1 includes a third actuator 30 that cooperates with the second actuator 20 to bend the locking piece 8 at a bending portion 8b located midway along the length of the locking piece 8. That is, the third actuator 30 functions as a bending actuator. The third actuator 30 is disposed on the first side portion 6a side and the bottom portion 6g side. The third actuator 30 includes a third cylinder 31, a third piston rod 32, and a third movable portion 33. The third cylinder 31 drives the third piston rod 32 to move forward and backward along the first side portion 6a. The forward movement is movement from the bottom portion 6g toward the lid portion 7, and the backward movement is movement from the lid portion 7 toward the bottom portion 6g. The third movable portion 33 connected to the third piston rod 32 is configured to move linearly to contact or move away from the locking piece 8. The third movable portion 33 is also configured not to interfere with the second movable portion 23.

[0027] The fourth actuator 40 and the fifth actuator 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 8 and 9. FIG.

[0028] 1, 8, and 9, the assembly device 1 has a fourth actuator 40 and a fifth actuator 50 that function to position a guide member 90, which guides the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8 into the locking slit 9, in the locking slit 9. That is, the fourth actuator 40 and the fifth actuator 50 function as positioning actuators. The fourth actuator 40 and the fifth actuator 50 are positioned on the side of the first side portion 6a and the side of the cover portion 7.

[0029] The fourth actuator 40 has a motor 41 and a support rod 42. The motor 41 linearly drives the support rod 42 to move forward and backward along the first side portion 6a. Forward movement is movement from the lid portion 7 toward the bottom portion 6g, and backward movement is movement from the bottom portion 6g toward the lid portion 7. The fifth actuator 50 is supported by a stay 43 connected to the support rod 42 of the fourth actuator 40. The fifth actuator 50 connected to the support rod 42 moves linearly along the first side portion 6a.

[0030] The fifth actuator 50 has a motor 51, a support rod 52, and a guide mounting portion 53. The motor 51 linearly drives the support rod 52 to move forward and backward along the lid portion 7. Forward movement is movement from the first side portion 6a toward the fourth side portion 6d, and backward movement is movement from the fourth side portion 6d toward the first side portion 6a. The guide mounting portion 53 connected to the support rod 52 moves linearly.

[0031] A guide member 90 is attached to the guide mounting portion 53. The guide member 90 is a thin plate having a size and rigidity that allows it to be inserted into the locking slit 9 provided in the lid portion 7. The guide member 90 has a guide portion 91 and a support portion 92. The guide portion 91 is configured to guide the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8 in an abutting state. The support portion 92 extends from the guide portion 91 and is bent in a crank shape so as to retreat to the opposite side of the locking tip 8d. In other words, the guide portion 91 is configured not to interfere with the third movable portion 33.

[0032] The sixth actuator 60 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10 , the assembly device 1 includes a sixth actuator 60 that bends the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8 at an acute angle so that the locking tip 8d is guided in abutting contact with the guide member 90. The sixth actuator 60 is attached integrally to the third movable part 33. The sixth actuator 60 includes a sixth cylinder 61, a sixth piston rod 62, and a sixth movable part 63. The sixth cylinder 61 drives the sixth piston rod 62 to move forward and backward toward the first side part 6a. The forward movement is movement toward the first side part 6a, and the backward movement is movement away from the first side part 6a. The sixth movable part 63 connected to the sixth piston rod 62 is configured to move linearly to contact or move away from the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8.

[0034] The seventh actuator 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 11 and 12.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 11 , and 12 , the assembly device 1 includes a seventh actuator 70 that guides the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8 into the locking slit 9 by moving the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8 along a guide member 90 while in contact with the guide member 90. That is, the seventh actuator 70 functions as a guide actuator. The seventh actuator 70 is disposed on the side of the first side portion 6a and the bottom portion 6g. The seventh actuator 70 includes a seventh cylinder 71, a seventh piston rod 72, and a seventh movable portion 73. The seventh cylinder 71 drives the seventh piston rod 72 to move forward and backward along the first side portion 6a. The forward movement is movement from the bottom portion 6g toward the lid portion 7, and the backward movement is movement from the lid portion 7 toward the bottom 6g. The seventh movable portion 73 connected to the seventh piston rod 72 is configured to move linearly to contact or move away from the base portion 8c of the locking piece 8. The seventh movable portion 73 is disposed closer to the first side portion 6 a than the third movable portion 33 .

[0036] The eighth actuator 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 13 and 18.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 13 , and 18 , the assembly device 1 has an eighth actuator 80 that functions to insert the locking tip 8 d of the locking piece 8 into the locking slit 9. That is, the eighth actuator 80 functions as an insertion actuator. The eighth actuator 80 is disposed on the side of the first side portion 6 a and the side of the cover portion 7. The eighth actuator 80 has an eighth cylinder 81, an eighth piston rod 82, and an eighth movable part 83. The eighth cylinder 81 drives the eighth piston rod 82 to move forward and backward relative to the first side portion 6 a. The forward movement is movement toward the first side portion 6 a, and the backward movement is movement away from the first side portion 6 a. The eighth movable part 83 connected to the eighth piston rod 82 is configured to move linearly to contact or move away from the locking piece 8.

[0038] [1-2. Operation] [1-2-1. Preparatory Operation] FIG. 3 shows a state in which the first piston rod 12 is in the retracted position and the first movable part 13 is separated from the locking piece 8. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the first piston rod 12 is in the advanced position and the first movable part 13 abuts against the locking piece 8 and then presses the locking piece 8 away from the first side 6a of the box part 6. As shown in FIG. 14, the locking piece 8 is connected to the first side 6a via the fold 8a, and therefore the pressing force A of the first movable part 13 causes the locking piece 8 to rotate around the fold 8a. Because the locking piece 8 smoothly moves away from the box part 6, unnecessary deformation of the locking piece 8 can be suppressed before the folding step. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15A, the locking piece 8 extends obliquely at a certain inclination angle relative to the first side 6a.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a state in which the second piston rod 22 is in the retracted position and the second movable part 23 is separated from the locking piece 8. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the second piston rod 22 is in the advanced position and the second movable part 23 abuts against the locking piece 8 and then rotates the locking piece 8. Because the locking piece 8 is connected to the first side portion 6a via the fold 8a, the pressing force of the second movable part 23 causes the locking piece 8 to further rotate around the fold 8a. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 15B , the locking piece 8 is inclined at a larger angle relative to the first side portion 6a and extends, for example, approximately perpendicular to the first side portion 6a. Then, the first piston rod 12 moves to the retracted position, and the first movable part 13 is separated from the locking piece 8.

[0040] [1-2-2. Bending Operation of the Locking Pieces] Figure 7 shows a state in which the second piston rod 22 and the third piston rod 32 are in the advanced position, the second movable portion 23 is in contact with the base portion 8c of the locking piece 8, the third movable portion 33 is in contact with the locking tip portion 8d of the locking piece 8, and the third piston rod 32 is further advanced. A bent portion 8b extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is formed midway along the longitudinal direction of the locking piece 8. As shown in Figures 7 and 15B, a pressing force B (a force substantially perpendicular to the locking piece 8) of the third movable portion 33 is applied to the locking piece 8. As a result, the locking piece 8 is bent along the bent portion 8b. The locking tip portion 8d of the locking piece 8 is deformed along the second movable portion 23 and bent relative to the base portion 8c. The locking tip portion 8d is bent, for example, at an angle of 90 degrees to form an L-shape relative to the base portion 8c.

[0041] 8 shows a state in which the support rod 42 is in the retracted position and the guide member 90 is spaced apart from the locking slit 9. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the support rod 42 and the support rod 52 are in the advanced position and the guide portion 91 of the guide member 90 is inserted into the locking slit 9 after being positioned in the locking slit 9. As shown in FIG. 16, the guide portion 91 of the guide member 90 is inserted into the locking slit 9 by an insertion force C of the guide member 90. Note that the locking slit 9 into which the guide portion 91 is inserted has a gap on the side of the locking piece 8 into which the locking piece 8 can be inserted.

[0042] 10 shows a state in which the sixth piston rod 62 is in the forward position and the sixth movable part 63 presses against the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8 after contacting the locking tip 8d. The locking piece 8 is bent into an L-shape at the bent part 8b, but the pressing force of the sixth movable part 63 causes the locking tip 8d to rotate around the bent part 8b. As a result, the angle between the locking tip 8d and the base part 8c of the locking piece 8 (the bending angle of the locking tip 8d) is bent at an acute angle. The bending angle of the locking tip 8d is, for example, 45 degrees.

[0043] [1-2-5. Guiding operation of the tip portion by the guide member] Fig. 11 shows a state in which the seventh piston rod 72 is at a midway position in its forward movement, and the seventh movable part 73 is moving while abutting against the base part 8c of the locking piece 8. Fig. 12 shows a state in which the seventh piston rod 72 is at a position further forward than the midway position in Fig. 11, and the locking tip part 8d of the locking piece 8 is partially inserted into the locking slit 9.

[0044] The pressing force D of the seventh movable portion 73 causes the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8 to move in contact with the guide portion 91 of the guide member 90 and be guided into the locking slit 9. As a result, as shown in Fig. 17, the locking tip 8d is partially inserted into the locking slit 9. When the guiding operation of the locking tip 8d relative to the locking slit 9 is performed, as shown in Fig. 12, the guide mounting portion 53 moves to the retracted position, and then the support rod 42 moves to the retracted position. As a result, the guide member 90 is positioned in a retracted position away from the packaging box 5.

[0045] 13 shows a state in which the eighth piston rod 82 is in the forward position and the eighth movable part 83 presses the locking piece 8 after contacting it. Because the locking piece 8 is connected to the first side part 6a via the fold 8a, the pressing force E of the eighth movable part 83 causes the locking piece 8 to rotate around the fold 8a as the rotation center. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8, which was partially inserted into the locking slit 9, is completely inserted into the locking slit 9.

[0046] [1-2-7. Summary of Assembly Operations] A method for assembling the packaging box 5 using the assembly device 1 configured as above will be generally described with reference to FIG.

[0047] In Figure 19, in a packaging box 5 having a box portion 6 and a lid portion 7, the locking process of forming a lock between the box portion 6 and the lid portion 7 begins by inserting the locking piece 8 provided on the box portion 6 into the locking slit 9 provided on the lid portion 7 (step S1).

[0048] In step S2, a step of positioning and holding the packaging box 5 placed on the table 3 of the assembly device 1 is executed using the holding member 15 of the assembly device 1.

[0049] In step S3, a preparatory step is executed in which preparations are made for bending the locking pieces 8 using the first actuator 10 of the assembly device 1.

[0050] In step S4, a bending step is executed in which the second actuator 20 and the third actuator 30 of the assembly device 1 are used to bend the locking piece 8 at the bending portion 8b in the longitudinal direction of the locking piece 8.

[0051] In step S5, a placement step is performed in which a guide member 90 that guides the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8 into the locking slit 9 is placed in the locking slit 9 using the fourth actuator 40 and the fifth actuator 50 of the assembly device 1.

[0052] In step S6, a guide step is performed in which the sixth actuator 60 and the seventh actuator 70 of the assembly device 1 are used to move the engaging tip 8d of the engaging piece 8 along the guide member 90, thereby guiding the engaging tip 8d of the engaging piece 8 into the engaging slit 9.

[0053] In step S7, an insertion step is performed in which the eighth actuator 80 of the assembly device 1 is used to insert the locking tip 8d of the locking piece 8 into the locking slit 9.

[0054] Then, in step S8, the locking process for forming the lock between the box part 6 and the lid part 7 is completed.

[0055] [1-3. Effects] As described above, the assembly method of this embodiment is a method for assembling a packaging box 5 having a box portion 6 and a lid portion 7. A lock formed between the box portion 6 and the lid portion 7 is executed by an actuator by inserting a locking portion 8 (7a) provided on one of the box portion 6 or the lid portion 7 into a locked portion 9 (6j) provided on the other of the box portion 6 or the lid portion 7. The assembly method for the packaging box 5 includes an arrangement step, a guiding step, and an insertion step. In the arrangement step, a guide member 90 that guides the locking portion 8 (7a) to the locked portion 9 (6j) is arranged on the locked portion 9 (6j). In the guiding step, the locking portion 8 (7a) is guided to the locked portion 9 (6j) by moving the locking portion 8 along the guide member 90. In the insertion step, the locking portion 8 (7a) is inserted into the locked portion 9 (6j).

[0056] As a result, the locking portion 8 (7a) is guided to the locked portion 9 (6j) while moving along the guide member 90, and the locking portion 8 (7a) is easily and stably inserted into the locked portion 9 (6j). Therefore, the locking process in the packaging box 5 can be automated.

[0057] As in this embodiment, the locking portion 8 may be provided on the box portion 6 and the locked portion 9 may be provided on the lid portion 7 .

[0058] As a result, after forming a first lock by inserting the locking portion 7a of the lid portion 7 into the locked portion 6j of the box portion 6, it is possible to form a second lock by inserting the locking portion 8 of the box portion 6 into the locked portion 9 of the lid portion 7. Therefore, double locking in the packaging box 5 can be easily achieved.

[0059] As in this embodiment, a bending step may be further provided in which the locking portion 8 is bent at a bending portion 8b provided midway along the length of the locking portion 8.

[0060] This allows the shape of the locking portion 8 to be adjusted, thereby stabilizing the guiding operation of the tip end 8d of the locking portion 8 relative to the locked portion 9.

[0061] As in this embodiment, in the placing step, the guide member 90 may be inserted into the locked portion 9 (6j).

[0062] This stabilizes the positioning of the guide member 90 relative to the locked portion 9 (6j), thereby guiding the locking portion 8 (7a) to the locked portion 9 (6j) easily and reliably.

[0063] As in this embodiment, a preparatory step may be provided before the folding step in which the locking portion 8 is rotated around the fold 8a formed at the boundary between the box portion 6 and the locking portion 8 as the rotation center.

[0064] This allows the locking portion 8 to smoothly separate from the box portion 6. This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary deformation of the locking portion 8 before the folding step.

[0065] As in this embodiment, the guide member 90 may have a guide portion 91 that guides the locking portion 8 (7a), and a support portion 92 that extends from the guide portion 91 and is bent so as to retreat to the opposite side of the locking portion 8 (7a).

[0066] As a result, a space is formed on the side of the locking portion 8 (7a) of the support portion 92. This makes it possible to prevent the support portion 92 of the guide member 90 from interfering with other components during the assembly process.

[0067] As in this embodiment, the packaging box 5 may be a cardboard box having a hollow structure.

[0068] As a result, the board of the packaging box 5 has a hollow structure, which makes it lightweight and strong, thereby enabling the packaging box 5 to be lightweight, highly insulating, easy to process, and impact resistant.

[0069] The assembly device 1 of this embodiment is an assembly device for a packaging box 5 having a box portion 6 and a lid portion 7. A lock is formed between the box portion 6 and the lid portion 7 by inserting a locking portion 8 (7a) provided on one of the box portion 6 or the lid portion 7 into a locked portion 9 (6j) provided on the other of the box portion 6 or the lid portion 7. The assembly device 1 for the packaging box 5 includes a guide member 90 that guides the locking portion 8 (7a) to the locked portion 9 (6j), positioning actuators 40, 50 that position the guide member 90 on the locked portion 9 (6j), a guide actuator 70 that moves the locking portion 8 (7a) along the guide member 90 to guide the locking portion 8 (7a) to the locked portion 9 (6j), and an insertion actuator 80 that inserts the locking portion 8 (7a) into the locked portion 9 (6j).

[0070] As a result, in the assembly device 1, the locking portion 8 (7a) is guided to the locked portion 9 (6j) while moving along the guide member 90, so that the locking portion 8 (7a) is easily and stably inserted into the locked portion 9 (6j). Therefore, the locking process in the packaging box 5 can be automated.

[0071] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the packaging box 5 is locked and fixed in a manner (second locking) in which the locking piece 8 (locking portion) provided on the box portion 6 is inserted into the locking slit 9 (locked portion) provided on the lid portion 7. However, the packaging box 5 may also be locked and fixed in a manner (first locking) in which the lid flap 7a (locking portion) provided on the lid portion 7 is inserted into the locking gap 6j (locked portion) provided on the box portion 6. Note that, since the lid flap 7a is usually used in a state in which it extends like a flat plate, when the lid flap 7a of the lid portion 7 is inserted into the locking gap 6j of the box portion 6, the above-mentioned preparation step and folding step are omitted.

[0073] In the above embodiment, a cardboard box having a hollow structure is exemplified as the packaging box 5, but a plate-shaped box having a solid structure may also be used.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the guide member 90 is disposed relative to the locked portion 9 (6j) by inserting the guide member 90 into the locked portion 9 (6j), but the guide portion 91 of the guide member 90 may be disposed near the locked portion 9 (6j). In this case, the guide surface of the guide portion 91 of the guide member 90 is configured to be flush with the inner surface of the lid portion 7 or to be positioned more inward than the inner surface of the lid portion 7. With this configuration, the locking portion 8 (7a) is smoothly guided into the locked portion 9 (6j), and there is no need to consider the thickness of the guide portion 91, allowing the opening width of the locked portion 9 (6j) to be effectively utilized.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the locking and fixing of the packing box 5 for packing an electric product such as a laptop PC has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to packing other products.

[0076] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For this purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided. Therefore, the components described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the above technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0077] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0078] (Summary of the embodiment) (1) The method for assembling a packaging box of the present disclosure is a method for assembling a packaging box having a box portion and a lid portion, in which a lock formed between the box portion and the lid portion by inserting a locking portion provided on one of the box portion or the lid portion into a lockable portion provided on the other of the box portion or the lid portion is performed by an actuator, the method for assembling a packaging box includes an arrangement step of arranging a guide member that guides the locking portion into the lockable portion, a guiding step of moving the locking portion along the guide member to guide the locking portion to the lockable portion, and an insertion step of inserting the locking portion into the lockable portion.

[0079] (2) In the assembly method of (1), the locking portion may be provided on the box portion, and the locked portion may be provided on the lid portion.

[0080] (3) The assembly method of (2) may further include a folding step of folding the engaging portion at a folding portion provided midway along the length of the engaging portion.

[0081] (4) In the assembly method according to any one of (1) to (3), the arranging step may include inserting the guide member into the locked portion.

[0082] (5) In the assembly method of (3) or (4), a preparatory step may be provided before the folding step in which the locking portion is rotated around the fold formed at the boundary between the box portion and the locking portion as the rotation center.

[0083] (6) In any one of the assembly methods (1) to (5), the guide member may have a guide portion that guides the locking portion, and a support portion that extends from the guide portion and is bent so as to retreat to the opposite side of the locking portion.

[0084] (7) In the assembly method of any one of (1) to (6), the packaging box may be a cardboard box having a hollow structure.

[0085] (8) The packaging box assembly device of the present disclosure is an assembly device for a packaging box having a box portion and a lid portion, in which a lock is formed between the box portion and the lid portion by inserting a locking portion provided on one of the box portion or the lid portion into a lockable portion provided on the other of the box portion or the lid portion, and the packaging box assembly device includes a guide member that guides the locking portion to the lockable portion, a positioning actuator that positions the guide member on the lockable portion, a guide actuator that moves the locking portion along the guide member to guide the locking portion to the lockable portion, and an insertion actuator that inserts the locking portion into the lockable portion.

[0086] The present disclosure is applicable to the assembly of packaging boxes for storing various products, including electrical products, in a packaged state.

[0087] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Assembly device 2...Stand 3...Table 5...Packing box 6...Box portion 6a...First side portion 6b...Second side portion 6c...Third side portion 6d...Fourth side portion 6g...Bottom portion 6j...Latching gap (locked portion) 7...Lid portion 7a...Lid flap (locking portion) 7b...Flap fold line 8...Latching piece (locking portion) 8a...Fold line 8b...Bent portion 8c...Base portion 8d...Latching tip portion (tip portion) 9...Latching slit (locked portion) 10...First actuator 11...First cylinder 12...First piston rod 13...First movable portion 15...Retaining member 20...Second actuator 21...Second cylinder 22...Second piston rod 23...Second movable portion 30...Third actuator 31...Third cylinder 32...Third piston rod 33...Third movable part 40...Fourth actuator (positioning actuator) 41...Motor 42...Support rod 43...Stay 50...Fifth actuator (positioning actuator) 51...Motor 52...Support rod 53...Guide mounting part 60...Sixth actuator 61...Sixth cylinder 62...Sixth piston rod 63...Sixth movable part 70...Seventh actuator (guide actuator) 71...Seventh cylinder 72...Seventh piston rod 73...Seventh movable part 80...Eighth actuator (insertion actuator) 81...Eighth cylinder 82...Eighth piston rod 83...Eighth movable part 90...Guide member 91...Guide part 92...Support part A...Pressing force of first movable part B...Pressing force of third movable part C...Insertion force of guide member D...Pressing force of seventh movable part E...Pressing force of eighth movable part

Claims

1. A method for assembling a packaging box having a box portion and a lid portion, in which a lock formed between the box portion and the lid portion by inserting a locking portion provided on one of the box portion or the lid portion into a locked portion provided on the other of the box portion or the lid portion is performed by an actuator, the method comprising: an arrangement step of arranging a guide member on the locked portion to guide the locking portion; a guiding step of guiding the locking portion to the locked portion by moving the locking portion along the guide member; and an insertion step of inserting the locking portion into the locked portion.

2. The assembly method according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is provided on the box portion and the locked portion is provided on the lid portion.

3. The assembly method according to claim 2, further comprising a folding step of folding said engaging portion at a folding portion provided midway along the longitudinal direction of said engaging portion.

4. The assembly method according to claim 1, wherein in said positioning step, said guide member is inserted into said engaged portion.

5. An assembly method according to claim 3, further comprising a preparatory step of rotating the engaging portion around a crease formed at the boundary between the box portion and the engaging portion, prior to the folding step.

6. An assembly method according to claim 1, wherein said guide member has a guide portion that guides said engaging portion, and a support portion that extends from said guide portion and is bent so as to retreat to the opposite side of said engaging portion.

7. The assembly method according to claim 1, wherein the packaging box is a cardboard box having a hollow structure.

8. An apparatus for assembling a packaging box having a box portion and a lid portion, in which a lock is formed between the box portion and the lid portion by inserting a locking portion provided on one of the box portion or the lid portion into a locked portion provided on the other of the box portion or the lid portion, the apparatus comprising: a guide member for guiding the locking portion to the locked portion; a positioning actuator for positioning the guide member on the locked portion; a guide actuator for guiding the locking portion to the locked portion by moving the locking portion along the guide member; and an insertion actuator for inserting the locking portion into the locked portion.

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