Cup equipped with holding frame, apparatus for manufacturing holding frame, and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

This assembly apparatus is provided with a sheet base (20), a cup base (30), an assembly base (40), a conveying means (50) for conveying a sheet and a cup, and an assembly means (60) for assembling a cup equipped with a holding frame from the sheet and the cup. A holding frame sheet on the sheet base (20) and the cup on the cup base (30) are conveyed to the assembly base (40) by the conveying means (50) and are superposed. From this state, the bottom part of the holding frame sheet is pushed downward together with the cup by a hammer 62 of the assembly means (60) and is automatically assembled to the cup equipped with a holding frame.

Description

Manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a holding frame and a holding frame, and a manufacturing method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a cup with a holding frame, which comprises one or more cups and a holding frame for holding the cups, and a manufacturing apparatus for assembling the holding frame capable of holding the cups. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method of a cup with a holding frame using the apparatus.

[0002] Cups for storing food such as prepared dishes and side dishes are known, and are made by pressing film, paper, or the like, and have a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that rises from the bottom wall. Patent Document 1 also discloses a holder frame for holding a plurality of such cups.

[0003] The holding frame is formed by deforming a single sheet of sheet material with score lines. The sheet material is divided by a plurality of score lines into outer frame sections arranged side by side vertically and horizontally, a bottom section surrounded by the outer frame sections, and leg sections connecting the outer frame section and the bottom section. Each of the leg sections extends along the periphery of the bottom section, with one longitudinal end connected to the outer frame section and the other longitudinal end connected to the bottom section.

[0004] When the bottom of the horizontally supported holding frame sheet is pressed below the outer frame, each leg bends downward at the boundary with the outer frame, resulting in a three-dimensional deformation with multiple legs rising from the bottom located below toward the outer frame located above. Cups are held in the storage space thus formed between the bottom and the legs. The cups containing food are then packaged in a packaging bag or the like, with multiple cups held in the holding frame, and sold.

[0005] Patent No. 4988387

[0006] When forming such a holder frame sheet into a holder frame, it is possible to manually deform the frame, but this is extremely time-consuming and carries a high risk of deformation defects. If the holder frame is deformed improperly, the completed frame may not be able to hold the cups, or the cups may be held at an angle, causing them to fall out or break during transport. Furthermore, placing cups into each storage space of the formed holder frame is also time-consuming. While it is possible to hold cups in the storage space of the holder frame by overlapping the bottom of the cup with the bottom of the holder frame sheet and manually pushing both bottoms downward at the same time, this still requires holding each cup in the frame one by one, which is extremely time-consuming.

[0007] In this case, one method is to create and use a jig to assist in the manual process of holding the cups in the holder frame (also referred to as "assembly" in this specification), but as long as it is done manually, it is unavoidable that a certain amount of time is required when assembling a large number of cups with holder frames, etc. Therefore, there is a demand for automation of the process of forming the holder frame sheet and the process of placing the cups in the storage space of the formed holder frame.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing a cup with a holding frame, which is capable of automating the assembly of a cup with a holding frame.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the manufacturing apparatus for cups with retaining frames of the invention is configured to include a sheet base on which a sheet for the retaining frame is placed, a cup base on which multiple cups are placed in parallel, an assembly base on which the multiple cups are stacked with the sheet for the retaining frame on top and the sheet for the retaining frame on the bottom, a sheet transport means for transporting the sheet for the retaining frame placed on the sheet base to the assembly base, a cup transport means for transporting each of the cups placed on the cup base to the assembly base, and an assembly means capable of assembling the cups and sheet for the retaining frame stacked on the assembly base into cups with retaining frames. The frame sheet is made of a single sheet having a plurality of score lines or easy break lines formed therein, and is partitioned by the score lines or easy break lines into an outer frame, a plurality of parallel bottoms surrounded by the outer frame, and legs connecting the outer frame and each bottom, the legs extending along the periphery of each bottom and having one longitudinal end connected to the outer frame and the other longitudinal end connected to each bottom, and the cup has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upright from the bottom wall. Furthermore, the assembly table is capable of stacking the plurality of cups on the bottoms of the frame sheet, and the assembly means lowers the bottoms of the frame sheet together with the cups and deforms each of the legs downward at the boundary with the outer frame to form a frame, and the cups are held in a storage space defined by the bottoms and legs, thereby enabling assembly into a framed cup.

[0010] Alternatively, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the manufacturing apparatus for cups with retaining frames of the invention is configured to include a sheet base on which a sheet for a retaining frame is placed, a cup base on which a single cup is placed, an assembly base on which the sheets for the retaining frame are stacked with the cup on top and the sheet for the retaining frame on the bottom, a sheet transport means for transporting the sheet for the retaining frame placed on the sheet base to the assembly base, a cup transport means for transporting the cup placed on the cup base to the assembly base, and an assembly means capable of assembling the cup and sheet for the retaining frame stacked on the assembly base into a cup with a retaining frame. The frame sheet is made of a single sheet having a plurality of score lines or easy break lines formed therein, and is partitioned by the score lines or easy break lines into an outer frame, a single bottom surrounded by the outer frame, and legs connecting the outer frame and each bottom, the legs extending along the periphery of the bottom and having one longitudinal end connected to the outer frame and the other longitudinal end connected to the bottom, the cup having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upright from the bottom wall. Furthermore, the assembly table is capable of stacking the cup on top of the frame sheet, and the assembly means lowers the bottom of the frame sheet together with the cup and deforms each of the legs downward at the boundary with the frame to form a frame, allowing assembly to a cup with a frame, with the cup held in a storage space defined by the bottom and legs.

[0011] By configuring in this way, assembly becomes much easier than assembling cups with holding frames by hand or using auxiliary jigs, and mass assembly becomes possible. In addition, in the assembling device of the present invention, by not placing a cup on the cup stand or by not operating the cup conveying means, it is also possible to form a cup into a cup holding frame by itself without placing the cup on the holding frame sheet on the assembly stand.

[0012] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the present invention, the sheet base, the cup base, and the assembly base may be arranged side by side in an I-shape when viewed from above, or may be arranged side by side in an L-shape when viewed from above.

[0013] By configuring the assembly device in this manner, the layout can be made more diverse and flexible to suit the installation location, space, shape, etc. of the assembly device, or in combination with other devices such as devices for filling cups with food or other contents, and devices for supplying holding frame sheets and cups to sheet stands and cup stands, thereby making the entire process more efficient.

[0014] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the present invention, the sheet transport means can be configured to have a suction mechanism capable of suctioning the holding frame sheet on the sheet table, and a suction release mechanism that detaches the suctioned holding frame sheet from the suction mechanism on the assembly table. Similarly, the cup transport means can be configured to have a suction mechanism capable of suctioning the cup on the cup table, and a suction release mechanism that detaches the suctioned cup from the suction mechanism on the pre-assembly table.

[0015] By configuring in this manner, the sheet for the holding frame can be transported between the sheet base and the assembly base, and the cup can be transported between the cup base and the assembly base easily and accurately by suction using the suction mechanism and release of suction using the suction release mechanism, thereby improving efficiency.

[0016] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with retaining frames according to the invention, the assembly means can have a hammer that corresponds one-to-one to a plurality of cups among the cups and retaining frame sheets stacked on the assembly table, and a cylinder mechanism that can raise and lower the hammer on the assembly table, and the hammer can be configured to press the bottom of the retaining frame sheet downward along with the bottom of the cup when it descends, thereby assembling the cups with retaining frames.

[0017] With this configuration, the assembly work can be completed easily and accurately by using a hammer to press the bottom of the holding frame sheet placed on the assembly table together with the bottom of the cup placed on top of it, thereby improving efficiency.

[0018] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with retaining frames according to the invention, the hammers are fixed to the heads, and a configuration can be adopted in which multiple types of heads with different hammer sizes, numbers, and spacing between adjacent hammers can be attached and detached to the assembly means.

[0019] By configuring it in this manner, assembly can be easily carried out by appropriately replacing the head to suit multiple types of retaining frame sheets with different storage space sizes, numbers, and spacing, thereby improving efficiency.

[0020] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the invention, a rail mechanism is installed between erected poles and connects the sheet base, the cup base, and the assembly base, and the sheet conveying means and the cup conveying means can be configured as a common conveying means that can move along the rail mechanism.

[0021] With this configuration, one conveying means can be used both as the sheet conveying means and the cup conveying means, which simplifies the structure of the assembly device, makes malfunctions less likely to occur, and allows for miniaturization.

[0022] In the manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a holding frame according to the present invention, the assembling means may be configured to be integrally formed with the common conveying means.

[0023] By configuring it in this manner, the structure of the assembly device can be further simplified, and the transportation and assembly of the retaining frame sheet and cup can be performed as a single operation, thereby making the assembly work more efficient and further reducing the size of the assembly device.

[0024] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the invention, the assembly means includes a hammer that corresponds one-to-one to a plurality of cups among the cups and holding frame sheets stacked on the assembly table, and a cylinder mechanism that can raise and lower the hammer on the assembly table, and the transport means includes an adsorption mechanism that can adsorb the holding frame sheet on the sheet table and the cup on the cup table, and an adsorption release mechanism that separates the adsorbed holding frame sheet from the adsorption mechanism on the assembly table and the adsorbed cup from the pre-assembly table, and the adsorption mechanism and the adsorption release mechanism can be configured to be concentrically arranged on the underside of the hammer.

[0025] When the assembly means is integrated with a common conveying means, this configuration is preferable because it allows for easy and accurate conveyance by suction using the suction mechanism and separation using the suction release mechanism, and also allows for easy and accurate assembly by pressing the bottom of the holder frame sheet together with the bottom of the cup placed on top of it with a hammer. By integrating the suction mechanism and suction release mechanism concentrically on the hammer, the assembly device can be further made smaller.

[0026] In the manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a holding frame according to the present invention, the suction mechanism may be a suction cup equipped with a suction mechanism, and the suction release mechanism may be a suction stop or air injection mechanism.

[0027] With this configuration, the holding frame sheet and the cup can be smoothly sucked and released with a simple structure.

[0028] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the invention, the assembly means can be configured as an adsorption mechanism that can adsorb to the back surface of the bottom of the holding frame sheet when the cup and holding frame sheet are stacked on the assembly table, and can pull the bottom into the interior of the assembly table.

[0029] With this configuration, the assembly means can be built into the assembly table, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the assembly device.

[0030] In the manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a holding frame according to the present invention, the sheet stand can have a configuration including a base and a frame fixed onto the base and positioning the four corners of the holding frame sheet.

[0031] With this configuration, the holding frame sheet can be held on the seat base without shifting with a simple structure, making assembly defects less likely to occur and further improving efficiency.

[0032] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the invention, the frame can be divided into a plurality of guide segments, and the guide segments can be fixed to the base at a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other.

[0033] By configuring it in this manner, the fixing position of the frame can be adjusted appropriately to suit multiple types of holding frame sheets with different storage space sizes, numbers, and spacing, making it easier to hold the holding frame sheets on the seat base so that they do not shift, thereby achieving further efficiency.

[0034] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the invention, the cup stand can be configured to have a base and a cup plate fixed to the base and provided with parallel cup holes into which the cups can each be fitted.

[0035] With this configuration, the cup can be held on the cup stand without shifting with a simple structure, which makes assembly errors less likely to occur and further improves efficiency.

[0036] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the present invention, a configuration can be adopted in which multiple types of cup plates with different cup hole sizes, numbers, and spacing between adjacent cup holes can be attached and detached to the base.

[0037] With this configuration, by selecting and fixing an appropriate cup plate to the base to suit multiple types of cups that differ in size, number, and spacing when stored in the holding frame, it becomes easier to hold the cups on the cup base so that they do not move, thereby further improving efficiency.

[0038] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the invention, the assembly table comprises a base, a square tube fixed onto the base and opening upward, and a partition fixed to the base and dividing the internal space of the square tube into lattice-like small compartments, the upper edge of the square tube and the upper edge of the partition forming a coplanar support surface on which the holding frame sheet can be placed, and each bottom of the holding frame sheet lowered by the assembly means can fit into each of the small compartments of the square tube.

[0039] This configuration is preferable because it allows the sheet to be assembled into the holding frame by lowering the bottom of the holding frame sheet into the small chamber with a simple structure.

[0040] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the invention, the square tube and the partition are divided into a plurality of square tube segments and partition segments, and the square tube segments and partition segments can be configured to be fixed to the base at a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other by different distances.

[0041] By configuring it in this manner, the fixing positions of the rectangular tube segments and partition segments can be adjusted appropriately to suit multiple types of holding frame sheets with different storage space sizes, numbers, and spacing, making it easy to hold the holding frame sheets (and cups) on the assembly table, thereby improving efficiency.

[0042] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the invention, the assembly table may further have a block fixed to the base so as to surround the square tube, and a step may be formed between the upper surface of the block and the upper edge of the square tube, making the block higher and the square tube lower.

[0043] By configuring it in this way, the edge of the holding frame sheet abuts against the step, holding the holding frame sheet so that it does not shift or move, making assembly defects less likely to occur and improving the reliability of assembly.

[0044] In the manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames according to the invention, the sheet stand, cup stand, assembly stand, sheet conveying means, cup conveying means, and assembly means are arranged on a common base, and a configuration can be adopted in which a handle for carrying is fixed to the base.

[0045] This configuration makes it possible to carry the assembly device by gripping the handle, improving convenience.

[0046] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a method for manufacturing a cup with a holding frame according to the present invention includes the steps of placing a holding frame sheet, which is made of a single sheet body having a plurality of score lines or easy break lines formed therein, and which is divided by the plurality of score lines or easy break lines into an outer frame portion, a single bottom portion surrounded by the outer frame portion, and leg portions connecting the outer frame portion to each bottom portion, the leg portions extending along the periphery of the bottom portion, with one end in the longitudinal direction connected to the outer frame portion and the other end in the longitudinal direction connected to the bottom portion, on a sheet base; and placing one or more cups, each having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending up from the bottom wall, on the cup base. a step of placing the sheet for the holding frame on the sheet stand; a step of transporting the sheet for the holding frame from the sheet stand to an assembly stand and placing it on the assembly stand; a step of transporting the cup from the cup stand to the assembly stand and placing it on the assembly stand so that it overlaps the sheet for the holding frame; and a step of lowering the bottom of the sheet for the holding frame together with the cup on the assembly stand, deforming each of the legs downward at the boundary with the outer frame to form a holding frame, and assembling the cup with the holding frame in a storage space formed by the bottom and legs.

[0047] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the manufacturing device for a holding frame according to the present invention is configured to include a sheet base on which holding frame sheets are placed, an assembly base on which the holding frame sheets are superimposed, sheet transport means for transporting the holding frame sheets placed on the sheet base to the assembly base, and assembly means for assembling the holding frame sheets superimposed on the assembly base into a holding frame, wherein the holding frame sheets are made of a single sheet body having a plurality of score lines or easy-to-break lines formed therein, and the sheet body is made of a single sheet body having a plurality of score lines or easy-to-break lines formed therein, and the sheet body is made of a single sheet body having a plurality of score lines or easy-to-break lines formed therein. As a result, the sheet is divided into an outer frame, a plurality of parallel bottoms surrounded by the outer frame, and legs connecting the outer frame and each bottom, the legs extending along the outer periphery of each bottom and having one longitudinal end connected to the outer frame and the other longitudinal end connected to each bottom, and the assembly means lowers the bottom of the holding frame sheet and deforms each of the legs downward at the boundary with the outer frame to form a holding frame, which can be assembled into a holding frame in which objects to be stored, such as cups, can be held in the storage space formed by the bottom and legs.

[0048] With this configuration, the assembled holding frame has creases at the boundaries between the legs and the outer frame and the bottom, which helps maintain the shape of the assembled state and stabilizes the shape of the storage section that forms the storage space. This makes assembly much easier than assembling such a holding frame manually or using an auxiliary jig, and allows for mass assembly.

[0049] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the manufacturing method of the holding frame of the invention is configured to include the steps of: placing a holding frame sheet on a sheet base; the holding frame sheet is made of a single sheet body with a plurality of score lines or easy-to-break lines, and is divided by the plurality of score lines or easy-to-break lines into an outer frame portion, a single bottom portion surrounded by the outer frame portion, and legs connecting the outer frame portion to each bottom portion, the legs extending along the outer periphery of the bottom portion and having one longitudinal end connected to the outer frame portion and the other longitudinal end connected to the bottom portion; transporting the holding frame sheet from the sheet base to an assembly table and placing it on the assembly table; and assembling the holding frame sheet on the assembly table by lowering the bottom of the holding frame sheet and deforming each of the legs downward at the boundary with the outer frame portion to form a holding frame, and assembling it into a holding frame that can hold storage objects such as cups in the storage space formed by the bottom and legs.

[0050] With this configuration, the assembled holding frame has creases at the boundaries between the legs and the outer frame and the bottom, which helps maintain the shape of the assembled state and stabilizes the shape of the storage section that forms the storage space. This makes assembly much easier than assembling such a holding frame manually or using an auxiliary jig, and allows for mass assembly.

[0051] Since the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for a cup with a holding frame according to the present invention are configured as described above, it is possible to automate the assembly of a cup with a holding frame.

[0052]

[0053] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The manufacturing device for a cup with a retaining frame according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 12C is used to automatically assemble, without manual intervention, a retaining frame sheet S and a cup C shown in Figure 13 into a cup with a retaining frame shown in Figures 14 and 15.

[0054] 1 and 2, the components of the manufacturing device for a framed cup according to the embodiment are housed in a box-shaped housing H, which is made up of a frame F and other components. An acrylic plate or the like is appropriately attached to the inside of the frame F. The internal space of the housing H is divided into upper and lower sections by a rectangular base 10 that is oriented substantially horizontally.

[0055] The upper internal space of the housing H accommodates a sheet stand 20, a cup stand 30, an assembly stand 40, a conveying means 50, and an assembly means 60, all of which are supported on the upper surface of the base 10. The lower internal space of the housing H accommodates a control unit, a power supply unit, a drive unit, a pump, and the like, all of which are not shown, for operating the manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing cups with a holding frame according to the embodiment.

[0056] Handles 11 are fixed to the top surface of the base 10 along the long and short sides thereof. By holding the handles 11, the entire assembly device of the embodiment, including the housing H, can be carried.

[0057] 3 , the seat base 20, the cup base 30, and the assembly base 40 are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the base 10 (the frontage direction of the housing H) with the assembly base 40 sandwiched between the seat base 20 and the cup base 30. In a plan view, the seat base 20, the assembly base 40, and the cup base 30 are arranged in parallel in an I-shape. The seat base 20, the assembly base 40, and the cup base 30 are fixed directly to the upper surface of the base 10.

[0058] 4, a holder frame sheet S is placed on the sheet base 20, and a plurality of cups C are placed on the cup base 30. The assembly base 40 is configured so that the holder frame sheet S and cups C, which are transported from the sheet base 20 and cup base 30 by transport means 50, are superimposed on each other.

[0059] 2 and 3, poles 12 are erected adjacent to the seat base 20 and the cup base 30 in the short direction of the base 10 (the depth direction of the housing H). Rails 13 are installed between the pair of left and right poles 12 (the poles 12 are omitted in FIG. 1). Therefore, the rails 13 are installed along the side of a linear path that runs from the seat base 20, via the assembly base 40, to the cup base 30.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a carrier 14 is attached to the front side of the rail 13, and this carrier 14 is slidable along the rail 13. The carrier 14 is located above the sheet table 20, the assembly table 40, and the cup table 30. A conveying means 50 is provided on this carrier 14 and is used to convey both the retaining frame sheet S and the cup C. Therefore, the conveying means 50 is able to move back and forth between the sheet table 20 and the assembly table 40, and between the cup table 30 and the assembly table 40. Note that Figure 1 schematically illustrates the conveying means 50 in any position on the sheet table 20, the cup table 30, or the assembly table 40.

[0061] 1 and 2, an assembling means 60 is also provided on the carrier 14. The assembling means 60 is integrated with the conveying means 50. When the carrier 14 is on the assembling table 40, the assembling means 60 operates to assemble the cups with the retaining frames.

[0062] A cylinder mechanism 15 that can extend and retract in the vertical direction is attached to the carrier 14, thereby enabling the conveying means 50 and the assembling means 60 to be raised and lowered. When the cylinder mechanism 15 is extended, the conveying means 50 descends and approaches the sheet table 20, cup table 30, and assembly table 40, and when the cylinder mechanism 15 is contracted, the conveying means 50 ascends and moves away from the sheet table 20, cup table 30, and assembly table 40. Similarly, when the cylinder mechanism 15 is extended, the assembling means 60 descends and approaches the assembly table 40, and when the cylinder mechanism 15 is contracted, the assembling means 60 ascends and moves away from the assembly table 40. Various cables are bundled together in a cable rack 16 so as not to get in the way.

[0063] 5A and 5B, the sheet base 20 is made up of a base 10 and a guide 21 fixed to the upper surface of the base 10. The retaining frame sheet S is placed within the frame of the guide 21, thereby preventing the retaining frame sheet S from shifting. Here, the guide 21 is divided into multiple (four in the figure) guide segments 21a, as shown in the figure.

[0064] The guide segments 21a are fixed to the base 10 with screws, which have screw holes at multiple positions on the base 10. Therefore, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, by changing the fixed positions of the guide segments 21a to the base 10, it is possible to hold frame sheets S of various sizes within the guide 21.

[0065] The type of the holding frame sheet S placed on the sheet base 20 is not limited, but an example is shown in Fig. 13. The holding frame sheet S is divided into an outer frame portion s1, leg portions s2, and a bottom portion s3 by making a plurality of cut lines.

[0066] As shown in Figure 13, the area surrounded by the outer frame s1 is divided into eight square cup holders, four in the left-right direction and two in the front-to-back direction. Each cup holder consists of four legs s2 and one bottom s3.

[0067] As shown in Figure 13, the outer frame portion s1 has perforations s4 that can be broken to separate the cup holding portions individually or to open the rings of the outer frame portion s1. When the holding frame sheet S is deformed, the outer frame portion s1 becomes a framework that supports the cup holding portions.

[0068] As shown in Figure 13, the four legs s2 of each cup holder are each a long, narrow rectangle (strip-shaped) and are adjacently arranged so that their longitudinal directions run along the four sides of the inner periphery of the outer frame s1. One end (outer end) of each leg s2 is connected to the outer frame s1. Each leg s2 is separated from the outer frame s1 by a score line, except for the aforementioned connection points. When the holder frame sheet S is deformed, the legs s2 support the outer periphery of the cup C. Ruled lines s5 are provided at the boundaries between the legs s2 and the outer frame s1 or the bottom s3 to facilitate folding.

[0069] As shown in Figure 13, the bottom portion s3 of each cup holder is substantially square, and is arranged adjacent to the four legs s2 so that each of the four sides of the periphery is aligned along the four legs s2. The inner end of each leg s2, opposite the end connected to the outer frame s1, is connected to the bottom portion s3. Each leg s2 and the bottom portion s3 are separated by a cut line, except for the aforementioned connecting portion. When the holder frame sheet S is deformed, the bottom portion s3 supports the bottom of the cup C.

[0070] 12A to 12C, the assembly means may be disposed below the assembly table 40 in place of the conveying means 50 serving as the assembly means in the process of assembling the cup C with the holding frame on the assembly table 40. For example, if the assembly means disposed below the assembly table 40 is provided with a suction mechanism consisting of a suction cup equipped with a suction mechanism such as a vacuum, the suction mechanism can be raised to the bottom of the cup C through the opening in the bottom s3 and adsorbed to the bottom of the cup C. The suction mechanism can then be lowered while maintaining this suction state, thereby lowering the cup C. Furthermore, the holding frame sheet S can be deformed simultaneously with the descent of the cup C.

[0071] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the cup stand 30 is supported on the upper surface of the base 10 (not shown), and is composed of a cup plate 31 fixed to the upper surface of the base 10. The cup plate 31 has a plurality of circular holes 31a arranged in rows and columns. The bottom of a cup C fits into each hole 31a, thereby holding the cup C in place. In the figure, the holes 31a are arranged in four rows in the left-right direction and two rows in the front-to-back direction, for a total of eight holes, so that eight cups C can be held. The number and arrangement of the cups C correspond to the number of cup holding portions and arrangement of the holding frame sheet S described above.

[0072] The cup plate 31 and the base 10 are fastened together with screws, and the base 10 has screw holes in multiple locations. A number of plates with different dimensions, number of holes, size, and spacing between holes are prepared as cup plates 31, and by modifying them as needed and fixing them to the base 10, it is possible to hold cups of various sizes and numbers at various spacings.

[0073] The type of cup C is not particularly limited, but Figures 14 and 15 show an example of a cup called a side dish cup, which is formed by pressing a sheet. This cup C has a bottom wall c1 that is approximately circular in plan view and a peripheral wall c2 that extends up from the bottom wall c1, with pleats formed on the peripheral wall c2 due to the press molding. The cup C opens upward, allowing food or other contents to be placed inside through the opening.

[0074] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the assembly table 40 comprises a base 10, a rectangular tube 41 fixed to the top surface of the base 10, a partition 42, and a guide block 43. The partition 42 divides the interior space of the rectangular tube 41, which opens upward, into multiple small compartments in a lattice pattern. In the figure, the small compartments are arranged in four rows horizontally and two rows vertically, for a total of eight. The number and arrangement of the small compartments correspond to the number and arrangement of the retaining frame sheets S described above. Furthermore, the rectangular tube 41 and the partition 42 are divided into multiple rectangular tube segments 41a and partition segments 42a. The guide block 43 is fixed integrally with the rectangular tube segments 41a so as to fit along the outer surfaces of the segments.

[0075] The guide block 43 and the partition segment 42a, which are integral with the rectangular tube segment 41a, are screwed to the base 10. The base 10 has screw holes at multiple positions, and as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, by changing the fixed positions of the guide block 43 and the partition segment 42a to the base 10, it is possible to place holding frame sheets S of various sizes on the base 10.

[0076] As shown in the figure, the height of the partition 42 is the same as the height of the square tube 41, and the upper edges of the partition 42 and square tube 41 are on the same plane, forming a support surface. The holder frame sheet S is placed on this support surface. In this state, each cup holding portion of the holder frame sheet S corresponds one-to-one to each small chamber.

[0077] On the other hand, the height of the guide block 43 is higher than the height of the square tube 41. Therefore, a step is formed between the support surface and the upper edge of the guide block 43, and the holding frame sheet S placed on the support surface by the guide block 43 is guided by the guide block 43 so as not to shift back and forth or left and right.

[0078] 1 and 2, the assembling means 60 is supported by the carrier 14 and configured to be able to move up and down by the cylinder mechanism 15. The assembling means 60 has a head 61 attached to the carrier 14 and hammers 62 fixed in parallel to the underside of the head 61. The hammers 62 are cylindrical with axes extending in the vertical direction, and are each fixed to the underside of the rectangular plate-shaped head 61.

[0079] The number of hammers 62 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, a total of eight hammers 62 are arranged in parallel, with four rows in the left-right direction and two rows in the front-back direction of the head 61. This number and arrangement correspond to the number and arrangement of the cup holding portions of the holder frame sheet S. Therefore, when the hammers 62 are lowered from above the assembly table 40 by the cylinder mechanism 15, each hammer 62 is accommodated in a small chamber within the rectangular tube 41. The hammers 62 push a portion of the cup C or holder frame sheet S placed on the assembly table 40 into the small chamber. As described above, because the hammers 62 are cylindrical, they have no corners in the vertical direction compared to a rectangular column, so they do not damage the cups or holder frame sheet.

[0080] 11A and 11B, even if the center point of the bottom wall c1 of the cup C placed on the cup table 30 is misaligned with the center point of the bottom surface of the hammer 62, when the hammer 62 is lowered toward the cup C by the cylinder mechanism 15 and brought closer to the bottom wall c1 of the cup C, the hammer 62 comes into contact with the peripheral wall c2 of the cup C, causing the cup C to move, and the deviation in the center point of the bottom wall c1 of the cup C is corrected by the hammer 62, so that the center point of the bottom wall c1 of the cup C and the center point of the bottom surface of the hammer 62 generally coincide with each other.

[0081] The head 61 is detachable from the carrier 14. Therefore, by preparing a plurality of heads 61 with different hammer 62 dimensions, number, and spacing, and by appropriately changing and fixing these to the carrier 14, it is possible to assemble various holding frame sheets S.

[0082] 1 and 2, the conveying means 50 is integrated with the assembling means 60. That is, the conveying means comprises a suction mechanism 51 and a suction release mechanism 52 provided on the underside of the hammer 62. The underside of the hammer 62 has a recess in the center, into which the suction mechanism 51, consisting of a suction cup equipped with a suction mechanism such as a vacuum, is incorporated. When the hammer 62 is lowered by the cylinder mechanism 15 from above the sheet stand 20 or the cup stand 30, the suction cup of the suction mechanism 51 on the underside of the hammer 62 comes into contact with and adheres to the retaining frame sheet S or the cup C, making it possible to convey them.

[0083] An air passage extending vertically is opened at the center of the suction cup of the suction mechanism 51, and air is supplied to this passage from a pump via a hose, thereby forming an air injection mechanism serving as the suction release mechanism 52. This air passage may also serve as the air passage for the suction mechanism attached to the suction cup of the suction mechanism 51. The suction release mechanism 52 may also be configured as a suction stop mechanism. By injecting air from the suction release mechanism 52, the holding frame sheet S or cup C sucked by the suction mechanism 51 is separated from the suction mechanism 51.

[0084] The configuration of the manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a holding frame of the embodiment is as described above. Next, with reference to Figures 10A to 12C in addition to the above figures, a method for manufacturing a cup with a holding frame of the embodiment using this apparatus will be described.

[0085] 10A to 10D are diagrams showing the process of transporting the holding frame sheet S from the sheet base 20 to the assembly table 40. In this process, first, as shown in Fig. 10A, the transport means 50 supported by the carrier 14 is moved above the sheet base 20 along the rails 13 and then lowered by the cylinder mechanism 15, and the holding frame sheet S held on the sheet base 20 is adsorbed by the action of the suction cups of the adsorption mechanism 51. At this time, the suction cups of the adsorption mechanism 51 provided on the undersides of the multiple hammers 62 are adsorbed in one-to-one correspondence to each bottom portion s3 of the holding frame sheet S.

[0086] Next, as shown in Fig. 10B, while maintaining this adsorbed state, the conveying means 50 is raised by the cylinder mechanism 15. After the lifting is complete, the conveying means 50 supported by the carrier 14 is moved along the rails 13 to above the assembly table 40. From this state, as shown in Fig. 10C, the conveying means 50 is lowered by the cylinder mechanism 15 and brought close to the assembly table 40, and the holding frame sheet S is placed on the support surface.

[0087] When the holding frame sheet S has been placed on the assembly table 40, the conveying means 50 sprays air from the opening of the air passage of the suction release mechanism 52, and separates the holding frame sheet S from the suction mechanism 51. Then, as shown in Figure 10D, the holding frame sheet S is left on the assembly table 40, and the conveying means 50 is raised by the cylinder mechanism 15 to move away from the assembly table 40.

[0088] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the process of transporting a cup C from the cup stand 30 to the assembly stand 40. In this process, first, the transport means 50 supported by the carrier 14 is moved along the rails 13 to above the cup stand 30 as shown in FIG. 11A, and the transport means 50 is lowered by the cylinder mechanism 15. The transport means 50 is then lowered by the cylinder mechanism 15 to bring the suction mechanism 51 into contact with the bottom wall c1 of the cup C or close enough to be able to suction, whereby the cup C held on the cup stand 30 is suctioned by the action of the suction cups of the suction mechanism 51.

[0089] At this time, the suction mechanisms 51 provided on the undersides of the multiple hammers 62 respectively suction onto the bottom walls c1 of the cups C in a one-to-one correspondence. While maintaining this suction state, the conveying means 50 is raised by the cylinder mechanism 15, as shown in Fig. 11B. After the lifting is complete, the conveying means 50 supported by the carrier 14 is moved along the rails 13 to above the assembly table 40, while maintaining this suction state.

[0090] 12A to 12C are diagrams showing the process of assembling cups C with holding frames on an assembly table 40. In this process, as shown in FIG. 12A , first, the conveying means 50 holding the cups C is lowered by the cylinder mechanism 15 toward the assembly table 40 on which the holding frame sheet S is placed. The cups C are then placed on the holding frame sheet S and stacked one on top of the other. At this time, the multiple cups C are placed in the cup holding section so that their bottom walls c1 contact the bottom portions s3 of the holding frame sheet S. Note that the conveying means 50 injects air from the opening of the air passage of the suction release mechanism 52 when placing the cups C on the holding frame sheet S or at an appropriate time during the processes shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C (described later) to detach the cups C from the suction mechanism 51.

[0091] 12B, the assembly means 60 integrated with the conveying means 50 is lowered by the cylinder mechanism 15, and its hammers 62 enter small compartments partitioned inside the assembly table 40. Because each hammer 62 contacts the bottom portion s3 of the holder frame sheet S via the bottom wall c1 of the cup C, the bottom portion s3 is pushed into the small compartment by the hammers 62. Then, in conjunction with this, the leg portions s2 of the holder frame sheet S are bent downward at the boundary with the outer frame portion s1.

[0092] As the bottom portion s3 descends, the boundary between the bottom portion s3 and the legs s2 also bends. At this time, the bottom portion s3 rotates along the horizontal plane so that the positions of its four corners are misaligned with the positions of the four corners of the inner circumference of the outer frame portion s1. In this way, the holding frame is assembled from the holding frame sheet S. As shown in Figure 12B, the cup C descends together with the bottom portion s3 and is stored as is in the storage space of the holding frame defined by the bottom portion s3 and the legs s2 rising from the bottom portion s3.

[0093] 12B, the assembling means 60 is raised by the cylinder mechanism 15, and as shown in FIG. 12C, the hammer 62 is removed from the cup C. At this time, due to the restoring elasticity of the retaining frame sheet S, the opening edge of the cup C, which had once separated from the outer frame portion s1 of the retaining frame sheet S, moves closer again and engages with the underside of the outer frame portion s1, thereby fixing the cup C to the retaining frame. In this way, a container with a retaining frame, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, is completed.

[0094] 17A and 17B show a manufacturing apparatus for holding frames according to another embodiment. The figures show the vicinity of assembly table 40, and although cups C are not depicted here, it is assumed that cups C are set on the assembly table 40 at any time before or after assembling the holding frames from holding frame sheets S, transported from cup table 30 by transport means 50. Of course, cups C can also be set on completed holding frames manually or on a separate production line, or by using other jigs, without using transport means 50 of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0095] As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, a plate-shaped sheet retainer 63 is attached to the head 61 of the assembly means. The sheet retainer 63 is positioned opposite the lower end of the hammer 62 via an expandable spring 63a, and an opening 63b is provided directly below the hammer 62 so that it does not interfere with the hammer 62 when the spring 63a contracts. Also, a lower hammer 64, which has the same structure as the hammer 62 but upside down, is provided below the assembly table 40 and inside the base 10 so that it can be raised and lowered. The hammer 62 and lower hammer 64 are rotatable around their axes, and both are equipped with suction mechanisms 51. An opening is provided in the base 10 directly above the lower hammer 64 so that it does not interfere with the lower hammer 64 when it is raised.

[0096] 18A to 21B show an example of a manufacturing method using the holding frame manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18A, a holding frame sheet S is transported from a sheet stand 20 by transport means 50 and set on an assembly stand 40 (it can also be set manually or using a separate production line or other jig without using transport means 50). From this point, as shown in Fig. 18B, a head 61 and hammer 62 are lowered, and the holding frame sheet S is sandwiched between the assembly stand 40 and the sheet presser 63, fixing it so that it does not slip.

[0097] Next, as shown in Figure 19A, the lower hammer 64 is raised to the top dead center, and the bottom portion s3 of the holder frame sheet S is sucked to the lower hammer 64 by the action of the suction mechanism 51. At this time, the lower hammer 64 is inserted through the opening in the base 10. Here, the suction mechanism of the hammer 62 is stopped (it is also possible to omit the suction mechanism of the hammer 62). From this state, the lower hammer 64 is lowered to the bottom dead center, as shown in Figures 19B and 20A. During the descent, the lower hammer 64 rotates around its axis. This deforms the holder frame sheet S, forming a storage space consisting of the bottom portion s3 and the leg portions s2 rising from the bottom s3.

[0098] 20B and 21A, the lower hammer 64 is again raised to the top dead center. During this ascent, the lower hammer 64 rotates around its axis in the same direction as when it was lowered. This causes the boundaries between the legs s2 and the outer frame s1 and the bottom s3 to be folded and creased. Then, as shown in FIG. 21B, the lower hammer 64 is lowered, the suction mechanism 51 stops suctioning at the appropriate time, and the assembled holding frame is separated from the lower hammer 64. The direction of rotation around the axis when the lower hammer 64 is lowered is reversed from before. Because creases are formed at the boundaries between the legs s2 and the outer frame s1 and the bottom s3, the assembled state of the holding frame is maintained, and the shape of the storage section in which the storage space is formed is stabilized. In this way, a holding frame capable of holding an object such as a cup in its storage space is completed.

[0099] 22A to 25B show another example of a manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus for retaining frames of this embodiment. As in the manufacturing method of the previous example, as shown in Fig. 22A, a retaining frame sheet S is transported from a sheet stand 20 by a transport means 50 and set on an assembly table 40 (it can also be set manually or using a separate production line or other jig without using a transport means). From this point, as shown in Fig. 22B, a head 61 and a hammer 62 are lowered, and the retaining frame sheet S is sandwiched between the sheet presser 63 and the assembly table 40, and fixed so as not to shift.

[0100] Next, as shown in FIG. 23A , the lower hammer 64 is raised to its top dead center, and with the bottom portion s3 of the retaining frame sheet S sandwiched between the hammer 62 and the lower hammer 64, the bottom portion s3 of the retaining frame sheet S is adsorbed to the hammer 62 by the action of the suction mechanism. At this time, the lower hammer 64 is inserted through an opening in the base 10. The suction mechanism 51 of the lower hammer 64 is deactivated (this manufacturing method can also omit the suction mechanism of the lower hammer 64). From this state, as shown in FIGS. 23B and 24A , the hammer 62 and the lower hammer 64 are lowered to their bottom dead centers. During the descent, the hammer 62 and the lower hammer 64 rotate in the same direction around their axes. As the hammer 62 descends, the spring 63 a contracts, bringing the hammer 62 and the sheet retainer 63 closer together. However, because the hammer 62 passes through the opening, it does not interfere with the sheet retainer. As a result, the holding frame sheet S is deformed, and a storage space is formed consisting of the bottom portion s3 and the leg portions s2 rising from the bottom portion s3.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 24B and 25A, the hammer 62 and lower hammer 64 are again raised to the top dead center. During this ascent, the hammer 62 and lower hammer 64 rotate around their axes in the same direction as when they were lowered. This causes the boundaries between the legs s2 and the outer frame s1 and bottom s3 to be folded and creased. Then, as shown in Figure 25B, the hammer 62 and lower hammer 64 are lowered, and the suction mechanism of the hammer 62 is stopped at the appropriate time to separate the assembled holding frame from the hammer 62. The direction of rotation around the axis when the hammer 62 and lower hammer 64 are lowered is reversed from before. Because creases are formed at the boundaries between the legs s2 and the outer frame s1 and bottom s3 in the holding frame, the assembled state is maintained, and the shape of the storage section in which the storage space is formed is stabilized. In this way, a holding frame is completed that can hold objects such as cups in its storage space.

[0102] 26A shows a holding frame manufacturing apparatus according to yet another embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the hammer 62 is omitted as an assembly means. Instead, a lower hammer 64, which has the same structure as the hammer 62 but upside down, is provided below the assembly table 40 and inside the base 10 and can be raised and lowered. The lower hammer 64 is rotatable around its axis and is equipped with a suction mechanism 51. An opening is provided in the base 10 directly above the lower hammer 64 to prevent interference when the lower hammer 64 is raised. In addition, an openable lid 44 is provided over the opening of the assembly table 40.

[0103] 26B to 29B show a manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus for holder frames of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 26B, a holder frame sheet S is transported from sheet base 20 by transport means 50 and set on assembly table 40 with lid 44 open (it can also be set manually or using a separate production line or other jig without using a transport means). From this point, as shown in Fig. 27A, lid 44 is closed to fix holder frame sheet S so that it does not slip.

[0104] Next, as shown in Figure 27B, the lower hammer 64 is raised to the top dead center, and the bottom portion s3 of the holder frame sheet S is sucked to the lower hammer 64 by the action of the suction mechanism 51. From this state, the lower hammer 64 is lowered to the bottom dead center, as shown in Figure 28A. As it is lowered, the lower hammer 64 rotates around its axis. This deforms the holder frame sheet S, forming a storage space consisting of the bottom portion s3 and the leg portions s2 rising from the bottom portion s3.

[0105] 28B and 29A, the lower hammer 64 is again raised to the top dead center. During this raising, the lower hammer 64 rotates around its axis in the same direction as when it was lowered. This causes the boundaries between the leg portion s2 and the outer frame portion s1 and bottom portion s3 to be folded, creating creases. Then, as shown in FIG. 29B, the lower hammer 64 is lowered, and the suction of the suction mechanism 51 is stopped at the appropriate time, and the assembled holding frame is separated from the lower hammer 64. The direction of rotation around the axis of the lower hammer 64 when it is lowered is reversed from before.

[0106] By opening the lid 44 of the assembly table 40, it is possible to remove the holding frame as it is or to set a cup C transported from the transport means 50 in it. Since the holding frame has creases at the boundaries between the legs s2 and the outer frame s1 or the bottom s3, the assembled state is maintained and the shape of the storage section in which the storage space is formed is stabilized. In this way, a holding frame capable of holding objects to be stored, such as cups, in the storage space is completed.

[0107] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0108] In the embodiment, the sheet base 20, cup base 30, and assembly base 40 are arranged side by side in an I-shape in a plan view, but the arrangement is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , they may be arranged side by side in an L-shape in a plan view. The arrangement order is also not limited to that of the embodiment. For example, the sheet base 20 and cup base 30 may be disposed in the center. Furthermore, the sheet base 20, cup base 30, and assembly base 40 may be aligned vertically. For example, aligning the sheet base 20, cup base 30, and assembly base 40 from bottom to top allows the cups with holding frames assembled on the assembly base 40 to be easily removed from above. In the embodiment, the assembly device for assembling cups with holding frames is configured to be portable, but this is not limited thereto. They may also be installed in a factory, etc.

[0109] The configurations of the sheet base 20 and the cup base 30 are not limited to the embodiments as long as they are capable of holding the holding frame sheet S and the cups C. For example, the guide 21 of the sheet base 20 may be an integrated unit without being divided. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the base 10 supporting the cup base 30 also serves as the bottom of the cup base 30 that supports (holds) the bottom of the cup C, but the cup plate 31 itself may have a bottom. The configuration of the assembly base 40 is also not limited to the embodiments as long as it can hold the holding frame sheet S and the cups C stacked together and assemble the cups with holding frames. For example, the rectangular tube 41 and the partition 42 may be an integrated unit without being divided.

[0110] In the embodiment, the conveying means 50 for the holder frame sheet and the conveying means 50 for the cup are shared, but this is not limited to this and they may be different conveying means. Also, in the embodiment, the conveying means 50 and the assembling means 60 are integrated, but this is not limited to this and the conveying means 50 and the assembling means 60 may be separate. For example, the hammer 62 may be separated from the suction mechanism 51 and the suction release mechanism 52.

[0111] In the embodiment, the conveying means 50 is composed of the suction mechanism 51 and the suction release mechanism 52, but is not limited to this as long as it is capable of conveying the holder frame sheets S and cups C. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a portion of the holder frame sheets S or cups C is gripped (held) in a chucked or pinched state on the sheet base 20 or cup base 30 and then released (released) on the assembly base 40, or a configuration in which the holder frame sheets S or cups C are conveyed by a belt conveyor. Alternatively, a stock section for the holder frame sheets S or cups C may be provided above or below the sheet base 20 or cup base 30, and the required amount may be lifted or lowered from there. Furthermore, the suction mechanism 51 and the suction release mechanism 52 are not limited to a suction cup and air jet, and may be adsorbed by, for example, static electricity or air suction (vacuum).

[0112] In the embodiment, the assembly means 60 is composed of a hammer 62 and a cylinder mechanism 15 for raising and lowering it. However, this is not limited to this, as long as it is capable of assembling a cup with a holding frame. For example, a suction cup or other suction mechanism can be combined with a cylinder mechanism for raising and lowering it to form a mechanism for retracting or pulling the bottom portion s3 of the holding frame sheet S from below into the small chamber of the assembly table 40. After retraction, the bottom portion s3 can be detached from the suction mechanism by a suction release mechanism such as an air injection mechanism. Specifically, the bottom of the assembly table 40 can be opened, and the hammer 62, cylinder mechanism 15, suction mechanism 51, and suction release mechanism 52 can be installed upside down there. In this case, to smoothly retract the cup C, a hole can be drilled in the bottom portion s3 of the holding frame sheet S so that the suction mechanism 51 can directly adhere to the back side of the bottom wall c1 of the cup C.

[0113] The shape of the hammer 62 is not limited to the cylindrical shape of the embodiment, as long as it allows the bottom of the retaining frame sheet S to be pushed into the storage space of the assembly table 40. In the embodiment, the bottom wall c1 of the cup C is circular, and the cylindrical bottom surface of the hammer 62 is also circular, so they have corresponding shapes, but if the cup is rectangular, for example, the hammer 62 may have a similar prismatic shape. In the embodiment, the multiple hammers 62 are fixed to the head 61, but this is not limited thereto. Screw holes may be provided at multiple positions on the head 61 so that the screw fastening positions of the individual hammers 62 can be changed, making it possible to accommodate multiple types of retaining frame sheets S.

[0114] In the embodiment, a cup with a holding frame is assembled from the holding frame sheet S and the cup C, but it is also possible to assemble the holding frame alone using the assembling device of the embodiment, for example, by not setting the cup C on the cup stand 30. It is also possible to assemble a cup with a holding frame with the contents stored in the cup C by setting the cup C filled with contents such as food on the cup stand 30. In this case, the hammer 62 of the assembling means 60 presses the cup C and the bottom portion s3 of the holding frame sheet S downward from above the contents.

[0115] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, a sensor may be used to detect a transport defect in the transport means 50 or an assembly defect in the assembly means 60. For example, it is possible to prevent equipment breakdowns by preventing the process from proceeding to the next step unless the defective state is resolved.

[0116] It is also possible to appropriately add a mechanism for automatically feeding the retaining frame sheets S and cups C onto the sheet stand 20 or the cup stand 30, or a mechanism for automatically feeding the assembled framed cups on the assembly stand 40 to the next process, such as a process for filling the cups with contents. Furthermore, the sheet stand 20 or the cup stand 30 may be configured to hold a plurality of sheets S and cups C stacked on top of each other, and the sheets may be transported one by one from there by a transport means.

[0117] 10 Base 11 Handle 12 Pole 13 Rail 14 Carrier 15 Cylinder mechanism 16 Cable rack 20 Sheet base 21 Guide 21a Guide division 30 Cup base 31 Cup plate 31a Hole 40 Assembly base 41 Square tube 41a Square tube division 42 Partition 42a Partition division 43 Guide block 44 Lid 50 Conveying means 51 Suction mechanism 52 Air injection mechanism 60 Assembly means 61 Head 62 Hammer 63 Sheet presser 63a Spring 63b Opening 64 Lower hammer H Housing F Frame S Holding frame sheet s1 Outer frame portion s2 Leg portion s3 Bottom portion s4 Perforation s5 Ruled line C Cup c1 Bottom wall c2 Peripheral wall

Claims

1. A cup holder comprising: a sheet base for placing a retaining frame sheet; a cup base for placing a plurality of cups in parallel; an assembly base on which the plurality of cups are stacked with the retaining frame sheet on the bottom; a sheet transport means for transporting the retaining frame sheet placed on the sheet base to the assembly base; a cup transport means for transporting each of the cups placed on the cup base to the assembly base; and an assembly means for assembling the cups and retaining frame sheet stacked on the assembly base into a cup with a retaining frame, wherein the retaining frame sheet is made of a single sheet body with a plurality of cut lines or easy-to-break lines, and is divided by the plurality of cut lines or easy-to-break lines into an outer frame portion, a plurality of parallel bottom portions surrounded by the outer frame portion, and leg portions connecting the outer frame portion to each bottom portion, the leg portions extending along the outer periphery of each bottom portion, one longitudinal end of which is connected to the outer frame portion and the other longitudinal end of which is connected to each bottom portion, and wherein the cup is An apparatus for manufacturing cups with holding frames, the apparatus having a bottom wall and peripheral walls that extend up from the bottom wall, the assembly table being capable of stacking a plurality of the cups on a plurality of bottom portions of the holding frame sheet, the assembly means lowering the bottom portion of the holding frame sheet together with the cups and deforming each of the legs downward at the boundary with the outer frame portion to form a holding frame, and assembling the apparatus into a cup with a holding frame in which the cup is held in a storage space formed by the bottom and legs.

2. A device comprising: a sheet base for placing a retaining frame sheet; a cup base for placing a single cup; an assembly base on which the retaining frame sheet is placed so that the cup is placed on top and the retaining frame sheet is placed underneath; a sheet transport means for transporting the retaining frame sheet placed on the sheet base to the assembly base; a cup transport means for transporting the cup placed on the cup base to the assembly base; and an assembly means for assembling the cups and retaining frame sheet placed on the assembly base into a cup with a retaining frame, wherein the retaining frame sheet is made of a single sheet body with a plurality of score lines or easy-to-break lines, and is divided by the plurality of score lines or easy-to-break lines into an outer frame portion, a single bottom portion surrounded by the outer frame portion, and legs connecting the outer frame portion to each bottom portion, the legs extending along the periphery of the bottom portion, and one end in the longitudinal direction of the legs being connected to the outer frame portion and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the legs being connected to the bottom portion; and wherein the cup has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upright from the bottom wall, The assembly table is capable of stacking the cups so that they are placed on the bottom of the holding frame sheet, and the assembly means lowers the bottom of the holding frame sheet together with the cup, and deforms each of the legs downward at the boundary with the outer frame portion to form a holding frame, and the cup is held in the storage space formed by the bottom and legs, making it possible to assemble into a cup with a holding frame.

3. The manufacturing apparatus for a framed cup according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet stand and the cup stand are arranged in parallel with the assembly stand sandwiched therebetween.

4. The manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a holding frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sheet base, the cup base, and the assembly base are arranged side by side in an I-shape in a plan view.

5. The manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a holding frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sheet base, the cup base, and the assembly base are arranged side by side in an L-shape in a plan view.

6. A manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sheet conveying means has an adsorption mechanism capable of adsorbing the holding frame sheet on the sheet table, and an adsorption release mechanism that detaches the adsorbed holding frame sheet from the adsorption mechanism on the assembly table.

7. A manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cup conveying means has an adsorption mechanism capable of adsorbing the cup on the cup table, and an adsorption release mechanism that detaches the adsorbed cup from the adsorption mechanism on the pre-assembly table.

8. A manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the assembly means has hammers that correspond one-to-one to a plurality of cups among the cups and holding frame sheets stacked on the assembly table, and a cylinder mechanism that can raise and lower the hammers on the assembly table, and when the hammers descend, they press downward on the bottoms of the holding frame sheets together with the cups, thereby enabling the cups with holding frames to be assembled.

9. The manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a retaining frame as described in claim 8, wherein the hammers are fixed to the heads, and a plurality of types of heads differing in size, number, and spacing between adjacent hammers are detachable from the assembly means.

10. A manufacturing device for cups with holding frames as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, having a rail mechanism installed between adjacent poles and connecting the sheet base, the cup base, and the assembly base, and the sheet transport means and the cup transport means are configured as a common transport means that can move along the rail mechanism.

11. The manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a holding frame according to claim 10, wherein said assembling means is formed integrally with said common conveying means.

12. The manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames described in claim 11, wherein the assembly means has a hammer that corresponds one-to-one to a plurality of cups among the cups and holding frame sheets stacked on the assembly table, and a cylinder mechanism that can raise and lower the hammer on the assembly table, and the transport means has an adsorption mechanism that can adsorb the holding frame sheet on the sheet table and the cup on the cup table, respectively, and an adsorption release mechanism that separates the adsorbed holding frame sheet on the assembly table and the adsorbed cup on the pre-assembly table from the adsorption mechanism, respectively, and the adsorption mechanism and the adsorption release mechanism are arranged concentrically on the underside of the hammer.

13. The manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a holding frame according to claim 12, wherein the suction mechanism is a suction cup equipped with a suction mechanism, and the suction release mechanism is a suction stop or air injection mechanism.

14. A manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a holding frame as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the assembly means is an adsorption mechanism that can adsorb to the backside of the bottom of the holding frame sheet, among the cup and holding frame sheet stacked on the assembly table, and retract the bottom into the interior of the assembly table.

15. A manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a retaining frame as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sheet stand has: a base; and a frame fixed on the base and positioning the four corners of the retaining frame sheet.

16. A manufacturing device for a cup with a retaining frame as described in claim 15, wherein the frame is divided into a plurality of guide segments, and the guide segments can be fixed to the base at a plurality of positions spaced apart from one another.

17. A manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cup stand comprises: a base; and a cup plate fixed on the base and having parallel cup holes into which the cups can each be fitted.

18. The apparatus for manufacturing a cup with a holding frame according to claim 17, wherein a plurality of types of cup plates, each having a different size and number of cup holes and a different spacing between adjacent cup holes, can be attached to and detached from the base.

19. The manufacturing apparatus for cups with retaining frames according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the assembly table comprises: a base; a square tube fixed on the base and opening upward; and a partition fixed to the base and dividing the internal space of the square tube into lattice-like small compartments, the upper edge of the square tube and the upper edge of the partition forming a coplanar support surface on which the retaining frame sheet can be placed, and each bottom of the retaining frame sheet lowered by the assembly means can fit into each small compartment of the square tube.

20. A manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a retaining frame as described in claim 19, wherein the square tube and the partition are divided into a plurality of square tube segments and partition segments, and the square tube segments and partition segments can be fixed to the base at a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other.

21. The manufacturing apparatus for a cup with a retaining frame as described in claim 19, wherein the assembly table further has a block fixed to the base so as to surround the square tube, and a step is formed between the upper surface of the block and the upper edge of the square tube, making the block higher and the square tube lower.

22. A manufacturing apparatus for cups with holding frames as described in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the sheet stand, cup stand, assembly stand, sheet transport means, cup transport means, and assembly means are mounted on a common base, and a handle for carrying is fixed to the base.

23. A process of placing a holding frame sheet on a sheet base, the holding frame sheet being made of a single sheet body having a plurality of score lines or easy break lines, the plurality of score lines or easy break lines dividing the holding frame sheet into an outer frame, a single bottom surrounded by the outer frame, and legs connecting the outer frame and each bottom, the legs extending along the periphery of the bottom and having one longitudinal end connected to the outer frame and the other longitudinal end connected to the bottom; a process of placing one or more cups on the cup base, the cups having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upright from the bottom wall; a process of transporting the holding frame sheet from the sheet base to an assembly base and placing the cup on the assembly base so that the cup overlaps the holding frame sheet; a step of lowering the bottom of the sheet for the retaining frame together with the cup on the assembly table, deforming each of the legs downward at the boundary with the outer frame portion to form a retaining frame, and assembling the sheet for the retaining frame into a cup with a retaining frame in which the cup is held in a storage space formed by the bottom and legs.

24. A device comprising: a sheet base on which a sheet for a holding frame is placed; an assembly table on which the sheet for a holding frame is superimposed; sheet transport means for transporting the sheet for a holding frame placed on the sheet base to the assembly table; and assembly means capable of assembling the sheet for a holding frame superimposed on the assembly table into a holding frame, wherein the sheet for a holding frame is made of a single sheet body having a plurality of cut lines or easy-to-break lines formed therein, and is divided by the plurality of cut lines or easy-to-break lines into an outer frame portion, a plurality of parallel bottom portions surrounded by the outer frame portion, and leg portions connecting the outer frame portion to each bottom portion, the leg portions extending along the periphery of each bottom portion, and having one longitudinal end connected to the outer frame portion and the other longitudinal end connected to each bottom portion, and the assembly means is A holding frame manufacturing device that can be assembled into a holding frame by lowering the bottom of the holding frame sheet and deforming each of the legs downward at the boundary with the outer frame portion to form a holding frame, and which can hold an object to be stored in the storage space formed by the bottom and legs.

25. A method for manufacturing a holding frame, comprising the steps of: placing a holding frame sheet on a sheet base; the holding frame sheet being made from a single sheet body having a plurality of score lines or easy break lines, the plurality of score lines or easy break lines dividing the holding frame sheet into an outer frame portion, a single bottom portion surrounded by the outer frame portion, and legs connecting the outer frame portion to each bottom portion, the legs extending along the outer periphery of the bottom portion and having one longitudinal end connected to the outer frame portion and the other longitudinal end connected to the bottom portion; transporting the holding frame sheet from the sheet base to an assembly table and placing it on the assembly table; and assembling the holding frame sheet on the assembly table by lowering the bottom portion of the holding frame sheet and deforming each of the legs downward at the boundary with the outer frame portion to form a holding frame, and assembling the holding frame into a holding frame capable of holding an object to be stored in a storage space formed by the bottom and legs.

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