JP6952466B2 - Boxing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a boxing device, particularly a boxing device including a flap folding mechanism for folding a flap to cover a cardboard box.

Conventionally, a boxing device having a flap folding mechanism for folding a flap provided in a rectangular opening to cover a cardboard box, as in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-292006), has been known. ..

In the flap folding mechanism of Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-292006), when folding the first flap (the flap on the long side side of the opening), the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the first flap is pushed to fold the first flap. ..

By the way, depending on the type and condition of the cardboard box, the strength is low (for example, the thickness of the cardboard is relatively thin), or the cardboard box is deformed (for example, the storage condition is poor and the cardboard box is warped). ). In such a case, even if the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the first flap is pushed, the side surface of the cardboard box continuous with the first flap is deformed and the first flap cannot be folded well, and when the first flap is folded, The inventor of the present application has found that the shape of the cardboard box may be defective or damaged.

An object of the present invention is a boxing device that folds and covers a flap of a cardboard box, and is a highly reliable boxing device that can fold the flaps in an orderly manner without causing a shape defect or damage of the cardboard box. To provide.

The boxing device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a flap folding mechanism. The flap folding mechanism folds the first flap provided on the long side side of the rectangular opening and the second flap provided on the short side side of the opening to cover the cardboard box. The flap folding mechanism has a first member that folds the first flap. The first member pushes at least a part of the end portion of the first flap of the cardboard box arranged at a predetermined position in the first direction in which the long side extends, and folds the first flap.

In the boxing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the first member pushes the end portion of the first flap instead of the central portion in the first direction, the side surface of the cardboard box continuous with the first flap is deformed. It is hard to get rid of. Therefore, even if the strength of the cardboard box is low or the cardboard box is deformed, the first flap is neatly folded and the opening of the cardboard box is covered without causing the cardboard box to have a bad shape or damage. be able to.

The boxing device according to the second aspect of the present invention is the boxing device according to the first aspect, and the flap folding mechanism folds the first flap after folding the second flap to cover the cardboard box. The end of the first flap in the first direction is the range in which the first flap overlaps the folded second flap when the first flap is folded.

In the boxing device according to the second aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the range of the first flap that overlaps with the folded second flap when the first flap is folded is pushed by the first member, so that the first flap is used. A force that inflates the cardboard boxes outward acts on the central portion of the side surface of the continuous cardboard boxes in the first direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deformation of the side surface connected to the first flap (protrusion of the central portion of the side surface connected to the first flap in the first direction toward the inside of the cardboard box), which causes hindering the folding of the first flap. .. As a result, the first flap can be neatly folded in without causing a shape defect or damage of the cardboard box, and the opening of the cardboard box can be covered.

The boxing device according to the third aspect of the present invention is the boxing device according to the second aspect, and the first member is a side surface of a cardboard box continuous with the first flap at the end of the first flap in the first direction. The first flap is folded by pushing at least a part of the edge portion located on the distant side with respect to the relative. The edge portion extends in the first direction.

In the boxing device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the edge portion of the first flap on the far side with respect to the side surface of the cardboard box, which is the end portion in the first direction and is continuous with the first flap, is pushed by the first member. Therefore, the first flap can be rotated with a relatively small force around the boundary between the first flap and the side surface. Further, by pushing such a position of the first flap, the contact portion between the second flap after folding and the side surface of the cardboard box continuous with the first flap or the first flap is used as a fulcrum, and the first flap is continuous with the first flap. It is easy to apply a force to inflate the cardboard box outward on the side surface of the cardboard box.

The boxing device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the boxing device according to the second or third aspect, and the first member is orthogonal to the first direction of the end portion of the first flap in the first direction. Fold the first flap by pushing at least a portion of the edge of the first flap that extends in the second direction.

In the boxing device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first member pushes the edge portion of the first flap extending in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, which is the end portion of the first flap in the first direction. With the contact portion between the second flap after folding and the side surface of the cardboard box continuous with the first flap or the first flap as a fulcrum, the cardboard box is placed outward on the side surface of the cardboard box continuous with the first flap. It is easy to apply the inflating force.

The boxing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the boxing device according to the second aspect, and the first member pushes the corner portion of the first flap at the end portion in the first direction of the first flap. 1 Fold in the flap. At the corners of the first flap, the edge of the first flap extending in the first direction, which is located far from the side surface of the cardboard box continuous with the first flap, and the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. It overlaps with the edge portion of the extending first flap.

In the boxing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the corner portion of the first flap is pushed at the end portion of the first flap in the first direction, the second flap after folding and the first flap or the first flap are used. With the contact portion with the side surface of the cardboard box continuous with the first flap as a fulcrum, it is easy to apply a force for inflating the cardboard box outward to the side surface of the cardboard box continuous with the first flap.

The boxing device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a boxing device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and the flap folding mechanism corresponds to a portion including the central portion in the first direction of the first flap. It further has a holding member that is in contact with and folds the first flap. The pressing member comes into contact with the first flap after the first member pushes the first flap and begins to fold the first flap.

In the boxing device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the pressing member pushes the first flap after the start of folding of the first flap while preventing the side surface connected to the first flap from being deformed by the first member. .. Therefore, it is possible to cleanly close the first flap by pushing a wide area including the central portion of the first flap while preventing deformation of the side surface connected to the first flap.

The boxing device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the boxing device according to the sixth aspect, and the first flap is formed by the first member and the pressing member from the end portion of the first flap in the first direction. The flaps are sequentially pressed toward the central portion in the first direction.

In the boxing device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the first flap is pressed in order from the end portion to the central portion in the first direction by the first member and the pressing member, so that the first flap can be folded in an orderly manner. It's easy.

The boxing device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is a boxing device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and the flap folding mechanism further includes a second member for folding the second flap. The second member pushes at least a part of the end of the second flap of the cardboard box arranged in a predetermined position in the extending direction of the short side to fold the second flap.

In the boxing device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first flap, the second flap can be neatly folded without damaging the cardboard box, and the opening of the cardboard box can be covered.

In the boxing device according to the present invention, even when the strength of the cardboard box is low or the cardboard box is deformed, the first flap is neatly folded without causing the shape of the cardboard box to be defective or damaged, and the cardboard box can be folded. The opening can be covered.

It is a schematic front view of the boxing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a view of the cardboard box used in the boxing device of FIG. 1 as viewed from the bottom lid side in which the flap is folded by the flap folding mechanism of the box making unit. A cardboard box with the flap on the bottom lid side open to the outside is drawn. FIG. 2 is a view of a cardboard sheet in which a cardboard box of FIG. 2A is folded, viewed from the opening side where a flap serving as a bottom lid is arranged. The flaps are omitted for drawing. It is a figure for demonstrating the place where the 1st measure flap of a cardboard box is pushed by the leading contact part of the 1st measure flap folding member of the flap folding mechanism provided in the boxing device of FIG. It is a block diagram of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic front view for demonstrating the operation of the box opening mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. The state in which the first major flap and the second major flap of the cardboard box are folded is drawn by the first major flap folding member and the second major flap folding member. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the minor side folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is the schematic top view which drew the state which the minor side folding member was arranged in the standby position before starting folding of a minor flap. The flap on the top lid side and the major flap on the bottom lid side are omitted for drawing. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the minor side folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is the schematic top view which drew the state which the root part of the minor side folding member pushes a minor flap. The flap on the top lid side and the major flap on the bottom lid side are omitted for drawing. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the minor side folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is the schematic top view which drew the state which the tip part of the minor side folding member pushes a minor flap. The flap on the top lid side and the major flap on the bottom lid side are omitted for drawing. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the minor side folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is the schematic top view which drew the state which the minor side folding member finished folding of a minor flap. The flap on the top lid side and the major flap on the bottom lid side are omitted for drawing. It is a schematic right side view of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing device of FIG. The first major flap folding member and the second major flap folding member arranged at the standby position before the flap folding is started are drawn. The flap on the upper lid side is omitted for drawing. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the 1st measure flap folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic right side view which drew the state which the leading contact part of the 1st measure flap folding member pushes the 1st measure flap. The second major flap, the second major flap folding member, and the flap on the upper lid side are omitted for drawing. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the 1st measure flap folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic right side view which drew the state which the holding member of the 1st measure flap folding member pushes the 1st measure flap. The second major flap, the second major flap folding member, and the flap on the upper lid side are omitted for drawing. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the 1st measure flap folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic right side view showing a state in which the first major flap folding member has completed folding of the first major flap. The second major flap, the second major flap folding member, and the flap on the upper lid side are omitted for drawing. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the 1st measure flap folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is the schematic front view which drew the state which the leading contact part of the 1st measure flap folding member pushes the 1st measure flap. The second major flap and the second major flap folding member are omitted for drawing. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the 1st measure flap folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is the schematic front view which drew the state which the holding member of the 1st measure flap folding member pushes the 1st measure flap. The second major flap and the second major flap folding member are omitted for drawing. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the 1st measure flap folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. It is the schematic front view which drew the state which the 1st measure flap folding member finished folding of the 1st measure flap. The second major flap and the second major flap folding member are omitted for drawing. It is the schematic top view which drew the minor side folding member of the flap folding mechanism of the boxing apparatus which concerns on modification E. The flap on the top lid side and the major flap on the bottom lid side are omitted for drawing. It is a perspective view which drew the minor flap opening member of the flap opening mechanism of the boxing apparatus of FIG. 1 which concerns on modification F. It is a figure for demonstrating the position where the minor flap opening member of FIG. 12 pushes a minor flap of a cardboard box. The minor flap on the top lid side of the cardboard box is drawn slightly open to the outside. The major flap on the upper lid side is omitted for drawing.

The boxing device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

In the following explanation, words such as up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) may be used to describe the direction and position, but unless otherwise specified, arrows are used in the drawings. It shall follow the top, bottom, left, right, front, and back shown in. Further, in the following description, expressions such as parallel, orthogonal, vertical, horizontal, etc. may be used to explain the direction, positional relationship, etc., but here, in the case of strictly parallel, orthogonal, vertical, horizontal, etc. Not only, but also the cases of substantially parallel, orthogonal, vertical, horizontal, etc. are included.

(1) Overall overview The boxing device 10 will be outlined.

The boxing device 10 mainly includes a box-making unit 1, a box-packing unit 2, a box-closing unit 3, and a control unit 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 4).

The box-making unit 1 manufactures a cardboard box C in which the bottom lid F is closed from the cardboard sheet E (folded cardboard box C).

First, the cardboard box C will be described.

The cardboard box C has a square tube portion C1 having a rectangular opening Op and flaps C2 serving as lids for closing the openings Op provided at both ends of the square tube portion C1 (see FIG. 2A).

The square tube portion C1 is composed of four side surface portions. Specifically, the square tube portion C1 is composed of a major flap side first side surface portion SA1, a major flap side second side surface portion SA2, a minor flap side first side surface portion SB1, and a minor flap side second side surface portion SB2. (See FIG. 2A). As shown in FIG. 2A, the square tube portion C1 has a major flap side first side surface portion SA1 and a major flap side second side surface portion SA2 facing each other, and a minor flap side first side surface portion SB1 and a minor flap side second side surface portion SB1. The major flap side first side surface portion SA1, the minor flap side first side surface portion SB1, the major flap side second side surface portion SA2, and the minor flap side second side surface portion SB2 are joined in this order so as to face the SB2. (See FIG. 2A).

Four flaps C2, which serve as lids for closing the opening Op of the square cylinder portion C1 of the cardboard box C, are arranged at both ends of the square cylinder portion C1. Each of the flaps C2 extends so as to be continuous with the side surface portions SA1, SA2, SB1 and SB2 constituting the square tubular portion C1. Here, in particular, the flap C2 on the side that is folded by the box making unit 1 and becomes the bottom lid F of the cardboard box C, as will be described later, will be described with reference to FIG. 2A. The flaps C2 are provided on the long side side of the opening Op of the rectangular tubular portion C1 with the first major flap A1 and the second major flap A2, and on the short side side of the opening Op of the rectangular square tubular portion C1. The first minor flap B1 and the second minor flap B2 provided are included. The first major flap A1 extends continuously with the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side. The second major flap A2 extends continuously with the second side surface portion SA2 on the major flap side. The first minor flap B1 extends continuously with the first side surface portion SB1 on the minor flap side. The second minor flap B2 extends continuously with the second side surface portion SB2 on the minor flap side.

Next, the cardboard sheet E will be described.

The corrugated cardboard sheet E has a square tube portion C1 folded as follows. In the cardboard sheet E, the crease portion G1 at the boundary between the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 and the minor flap side second side surface portion SB2 is the inner surface of the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 and the minor flap side second side surface portion. It is folded so that it comes into contact with the inner surface of SB2 (see FIG. 2B). Further, in the cardboard sheet E, the crease portion G3 of the boundary portion between the major flap side second side surface portion SA2 and the minor flap side first side surface portion SB1 is formed on the inner surface of the major flap side second side surface portion SA2 and the minor flap side first side surface portion SA2. It is folded so as to come into contact with the inner surface of the side surface portion SB1 (see FIG. 2B). Further, the crease portion G4 of the boundary portion between the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 and the minor flap side first side surface portion SB1 is substantially the same as the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 and the minor flap side first side surface portion SB1. It is folded so that it is arranged on a plane (so that it extends substantially linearly) (see FIG. 2B). Further, in the cardboard sheet E, the crease portion G2 of the boundary portion between the major flap side second side surface portion SA2 and the minor flap side second side surface portion SB2 is the major flap side second side surface portion SA2 and the minor flap side second side surface portion. It is folded so that the SB2 and the SB2 are arranged substantially on the same plane (so as to extend substantially linearly) (see FIG. 2B).

The box making unit 1 mainly has a sheet supply mechanism 50, a box opening mechanism 20, a flap folding mechanism 30, a flap opening mechanism 40, and a sealing mechanism 60 (see FIG. 4).

The sheet supply mechanism 50 supplies the cardboard sheet E to the box opening mechanism 20. In the sheet supply mechanism 50, as shown in FIG. 2B, the major flap side second side surface portion SA2 is on the lower right side, the minor flap side second side surface portion SB2 is on the upper right side, and the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 is on the upper left side. , The cardboard sheet E in which the first side surface portion SB1 on the minor flap side is arranged on the lower left side is supplied to the box opening mechanism 20. Specifically, the sheet supply mechanism 50 supplies the cardboard sheet E to the box opening mechanism 20 by moving the cardboard sheet E tilted slightly to the right when viewed from the front diagonally upward to the right.

The box opening mechanism 20 opens (opens the box) the cardboard sheet E supplied from the sheet supply mechanism 50. When the box opening mechanism 20 opens the cardboard sheet E, the square tube portion C1 is formed by the side surface portions SA1, SA2, SB1 and SB2, and the cardboard box C in a state where the openings Op at both ends of the square tube portion C1 are opened is obtained. Be done. Each flap C2 extends substantially on the same plane as the side surface portions SA1, SA2, SB1 and SB2 to which the flap C2 is continuous.

The flap folding mechanism 30 folds the flap C2 on the bottom lid F side of the cardboard box C (the cardboard sheet E opened by the opening mechanism 20) to cover the opening Op on the bottom lid F side of the cardboard box C. Specifically, the flap folding mechanism 30 is provided on the long side side of the opening Op of the rectangular tubular portion C1 and the first major flap A1 and the second major flap A2, and on the short side side of the opening Op. The first minor flap B1 and the second minor flap B2 are folded in to cover the opening Op on the bottom lid F side of the cardboard box C. The flap folding mechanism 30 folds the major flaps A1 and A2 after folding the minor flaps B1 and B2 to cover the bottom lid F side of the cardboard box C.

The flap opening mechanism 40 has the flap C2 on the upper lid side, which is arranged at the end of the square tube portion C1 opposite to the flap C2 on the bottom lid F side into which the flap folding mechanism 30 is folded, outside the opening Op. Open the flap C2 so that it is in the open state.

The sealing mechanism 60 attaches tape along the longitudinal direction of the major flaps A1 and A2 so as to straddle the first major flap A1 and the second major flap A2 folded by the flap folding mechanism 30, and attaches the bottom lid F. Seal.

The cardboard box C, in which the bottom lid F of the cardboard box C made by the box making unit 1 is closed and the upper lid side is opened, is conveyed to the boxing unit 2 by a conveyor (not shown) (see FIG. 1). The boxing unit 2 is supplied with a cardboard box C in a state where the opening Op on the upper lid side faces sideways. More specifically, in the boxing unit 2, a cardboard box C in which a bottom lid F is arranged on the front side of the boxing device 10 and an opening Op is arranged on the back side, that is, a cardboard box C with the opening Op facing rearward. Is supplied.

The boxing unit 2 loads the cardboard box C supplied by the box making unit 1 with an object to be packed from the opening Op on the upper lid side of the cardboard box C. Specifically, the boxing unit 2 loads the packing object from the horizontal direction into the cardboard box C having the opening Op supplied by the box making unit 1 facing rearward. After loading the packing object, the cardboard box C is rotated so that the opening Op on the upper lid side faces upward, and then is conveyed to the box closing unit 3 by a conveyor (not shown).

The box closing unit 3 closes the flap C2 adjacent to the opening Op of the cardboard box C supplied from the boxing unit 2 with the opening Op facing upward to form an upper lid, and tapes the cardboard box C. The cardboard box C whose top lid is closed by the box closing unit 3 is carried out from the box packing device 10.

The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the box-making unit 1, the box-packing unit 2, and the box-closing unit 3 as shown in FIG. 3, and controls the operations of the box-making unit 1, the box-packing unit 2, and the box-closing unit 3. .. The control unit 4 controls, for example, the operations of the seat supply mechanism 50, the box opening mechanism 20, the flap folding mechanism 30, and the flap opening mechanism 40 of the box making unit 1.

The control unit 4 is composed of a control unit 4a mainly having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit 4b having a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like. ..

The control unit 4a calls and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 4b to operate each part of the box making unit 1, such as the sheet supply mechanism 50, the box opening mechanism 20, the flap folding mechanism 30, and the flap opening mechanism 40. Control. Further, the control unit 4a calls and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 4b to control each of the boxing unit 2 and the box closing unit 3.

(2) Detailed Configuration The box opening mechanism 20 and the flap folding mechanism 30 of the box making unit 1 will be described in detail below.

(2-1) Box-opening mechanism The box-opening mechanism 20 opens the cardboard sheet E supplied from the sheet supply mechanism 50.

The box opening mechanism 20 includes a plurality of first suction cups 21, a plurality of second suction cups 22, a plurality of auxiliary suction cups 23, a plurality of auxiliary suction cups 24, a first support portion 25, and a second support portion 26. It mainly has a first drive unit 27 and a second drive unit 28 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

The first support portion 25 supports a plurality of second suction cups 22 and a plurality of auxiliary suction cups 24 (see FIG. 5). Further, the first support portion 25 supports the second support portion 26 provided with a plurality of auxiliary suction cups 23 at the right end portion (see FIG. 5). The first support portion 25 is driven by the first drive portion 27 and is configured to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 25a extending in the front-rear direction.

When the box opening mechanism 20 opens the cardboard sheet E, the plurality of first suction cups 21 are the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 arranged on the left side of the cardboard sheet E supplied by the sheet supply mechanism 50. And, it sticks to the first side surface portion SB1 on the minor flap side and grips these side surface portions SA1 and SB1 (see FIG. 5). Further, when the box opening mechanism 20 opens the cardboard sheet E, the first support portion 25 has a plurality of second suction cups 22 arranged on the right side of the cardboard sheet E supplied by the sheet supply mechanism 50. It is moved by the first drive unit 27 so as to come into contact with the second side surface portion SA2 on the major flap side. Then, the plurality of second suction cups 22 attract and grip the second side surface portion SA2 on the major flap side. In this state, the first support portion 25 is driven by the first drive portion 27 and rotates clockwise (see the arrow in FIG. 5), and each first suction cup 21 is operated at an appropriate timing on the first side surface portion on the major flap side. By stopping the gripping of the SA1 and the first side surface portion SB1 on the minor flap side, the cardboard sheet E is opened (cylindrical cardboard box C) at a predetermined position.

In the cardboard sheet E (cylindrical cardboard box C) opened in this way, the second side surface portion SA2 on the major flap side is gripped by the second suction cup 22 and the auxiliary suction cup 24. Further, when the cardboard sheet E is opened, the second support portion 26 is rotated by the second drive portion 28 so that the plurality of auxiliary suction cups 23 come into contact with the second side surface portion SB2 on the minor flap side, and the auxiliary suction cups 23 are formed. However, the second side surface portion SB2 on the minor flap side is sucked and gripped.

The box opening mechanism 20 grips the second side surface portion SA2 on the major flap side by the second suction cup 22 and the auxiliary suction cup 24, and grips the second side surface portion SB2 on the minor flap side by the auxiliary suction cup 23. Supports box C (open cardboard sheet E). The flap folding mechanism 30 folds the flap C2 on the bottom lid F side of the cardboard box C supported at a predetermined position by the box opening mechanism 20 to cover the opening Op on the bottom lid F side of the cardboard box C.

(2-2) Flap folding mechanism The flap folding mechanism 30 folds the flap C2 on the bottom lid F side of the cardboard box C supported by the box opening mechanism 20. The flap folding mechanism 30 folds the major flaps A1 and A2 after folding the minor flaps B1 and B2 to cover the bottom lid F side of the cardboard box C.

The flap folding mechanism 30 includes a minor side folding member 31 (see FIG. 7A), a first major side folding member 33 (see FIG. 6), a second major side folding member 36 (see FIG. 6), and a minor side folding member. It mainly has a drive unit 32 (see FIG. 4) and a major-side folding member drive unit 37 (see FIG. 4).

The minor side folding member 31 is a member for folding the first minor flap B1 and the second minor flap B2. One minor side folding member 31 is provided for each of the first minor flap B1 and the second minor flap B2 (see FIG. 7A). The minor side folding member 31 is arranged in front of the cardboard box C supported by the box opening mechanism 20. The minor side folding member 31 stands by at a standby position (see FIG. 7A) until the start of the folding operation of the first minor flap B1 and the second minor flap B2. When the first minor flap B1 and the second minor flap B2 are folded, the minor side folding member 31 is rotated by the minor side folding member driving unit 32 around a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the vertical direction.

The minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 (arranged in front of the first minor flap B1) extends from the right end to the left rear when viewed from above in the state of being arranged in the standby position, and is in the middle. Turn to and extend to the left front (see FIG. 7A).

In the following description, in the state where the minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 is arranged in the standby position, the side arranged on the right end side is subsequently folded on the minor side for the first minor flap B1. It is called the root side of the member 31. Further, in the state where the minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 is arranged in the standby position, the side arranged on the left end side is subsequently changed to the tip side of the minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1. Called.

The minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 is formed so that the root side is wide in the vertical direction and the tip side is narrow in the vertical direction (plate shape).

The minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 is driven by the minor side folding member driving unit 32 when the first minor flap B1 is folded, and rotates clockwise around a rotation axis (not shown) when viewed from above. (See the arrow in FIG. 7A).

When the minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 is rotated clockwise, the root side of the minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 first comes into contact with the first minor flap B1 (FIG. 7B). reference). The minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 abuts on the central portion of the first minor flap B1 in the vertical direction (the direction in which the short side of the opening Op of the square tube portion C1 extends).

Then, when the minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 is further rotated clockwise, the tip side having a narrow width in the vertical direction comes into contact with the central portion of the first minor flap B1 in the vertical direction. (See FIG. 7C). Finally, the tip of the minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 comes into contact with the first minor flap B1 and the first minor flap B1 is closed (see FIG. 7D).

The minor side folding member 31 for the second minor flap B2, which is arranged in front of the second minor flap B2, is configured symmetrically with the minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1. The minor side folding member 31 for the second minor flap B2 folds the second minor flap B2 at the same timing when the minor side folding member 31 for the first minor flap B1 folds the first minor flap B1. The description of the minor side folding member 31 for the second minor flap B2 will be omitted.

When the minor side folding member 31 folds the minor flaps B1 and B2, it is not shown so as not to hinder the folding of the minor flaps B1 and B2 (so that they do not come into contact with the minor flaps B1 and B2). The member pushes the first major flap A1 slightly upwards and the second major flap A2 slightly downwards.

The first major side folding member 33 is a member for folding the first major flap A1 of the cardboard box C supported by the box opening mechanism 20. The first major flap A1 is a major flap arranged on the upper side (see FIGS. 6 and 8).

The first major side folding member 33 is arranged in front of the cardboard box C supported by the box opening mechanism 20 (see FIG. 8). The first major side folding member 33 stands by at a standby position (see FIG. 8) until the folding operation of the first major flap A1 is started. When the first major flap A1 is folded, the first major side folding member 33 is rotated around a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the left-right direction.

The shape of the first major side folding member 33 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 9C, and 10C in which the first major side folding member 33 in a state where the folding of the first major flap A1 is completed is drawn.

The first major side folding member 33 mainly includes a first flat surface portion 34a, a second flat surface portion 34b, and a leading contact portion 35. The first flat surface portion 34a is a plate-shaped member that expands in the horizontal direction when the first major side folding member 33 in a state where the folding of the first major flap A1 is completed is viewed. As shown in FIG. 10C, the first flat surface portion 34a extends in the left-right direction from the vicinity of the left end to the vicinity of the right end of the cardboard box C. The second flat surface portion 34b is a plate-shaped member extending upward from the rear end portion of the first flat surface portion 34a when the first major side folding member 33 in a state where the folding of the first major flap A1 is completed is viewed. Is. As shown in FIG. 10C, the second flat surface portion 34b extends in the left-right direction from the vicinity of the left end to the vicinity of the right end of the cardboard box C. The leading contact portion 35 has a plate shape extending downward from the right end of the first flat surface portion 34a when the first major side folding member 33 in a state where the folding of the first major flap A1 is completed is viewed. It is a member.

The first flat surface portion 34a and the second flat surface portion 34b form a pressing member 34 into which the first major flap A1 is folded. The pressing member 34 comes into contact with a portion of the first major flap A1 including the central portion in the left-right direction, and folds the first major flap A1. The leading contact portion 35 is an example of a first member for folding a major flap.

The first major side folding member 33 is driven by the major side folding member driving unit 37 when the first major flap A1 is folded, and rotates clockwise around a rotation axis (not shown) when viewed from the right (in FIG. 8). See the arrow).

When the first major side folding member 33 rotates, the leading contact portion 35 first pushes the first major flap A1. The location where the leading contact portion 35 pushes the first major flap A1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 depicts a state in which the first major flap A1 and the second minor flap B2 on the bottom lid side of the cardboard box C are folded.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the leading contact portion 35 is provided near the right end of the cardboard box C supported at a predetermined position by the box opening mechanism 20. Therefore, when the first major side folding member 33 rotates around a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the left-right direction, the leading contact portion 35 comes into contact with a part of the right end portion of the first major flap A1 of the cardboard box C. , Press the first major flap A1 (see FIG. 10A). In other words, the leading contact portion 35 is the first major flap A1 of the cardboard box C supported at a predetermined position by the box opening mechanism 20 in the first direction (horizontal direction) in which the long side of the opening Op of the cardboard box C extends. The first major flap A1 is folded by pushing a part of the end portion in the box.

Here, the right end portion of the first major flap A1 (the right end portion of the first major flap A1 in the left-right direction in which the long side of the opening Op extends) is, for example, from the right end of the first major flap A1. This is a region where the distance D1 in the left-right direction is 30% or less of the length L (the length of the first major flap A1) of the long side of the opening Op. In particular, here, at the right end of the first major flap A1, the distance D1 is 30% or less of the length L of the first major flap A1, and the first major flap after the second minor flap B2 is folded. When A1 is folded, the first major flap A1 overlaps with the folded second minor flap B2 (see the area shown by hatching in FIG. 3).

The leading contact portion 35 refers to the right end portion of the first major flap A1 (see the area shown by hatching in FIG. 3), particularly with respect to the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 continuous with the first major flap A1. Push a part of the edge portion of the first major flap A1 located on the distant side and extending in the left-right direction (see FIGS. 9A and 10A). In other words, the leading contact portion 35 pushes a part of the edge portion of the first major flap A1 located on the tip end side of the first major flap A1 at the right end portion of the first major flap A1. Explaining with reference to FIG. 3 in which the first major flap A1 in the folded state is drawn, the edge portion of the first major flap A1 located on the far side with respect to the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side is the major flap. The vertical distance K from the far side end (lower end of the first major flap A1 in FIG. 3) with respect to the side first side surface portion SA1 is the vertical length of the first major flap A1 (width of the first major flap A1). It is a region of W), for example, 30% or less.

In this way, the leading contact portion 35 pushes the edge portion of the first major flap A1 located on the far side of the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 of the right end portion of the first major flap A1. It is possible to prevent the first major flap A1 from being deformed so as to protrude toward the inside of the cardboard box C so that the first major flap A1 cannot be folded.

When the first major side folding member 33 further rotates clockwise from the state of FIG. 9A in the right side view, the pressing member 34 becomes the first with the leading contact portion 35 or in place of the leading contact portion 35. Press the major flap A1 (see FIGS. 9B and 10B). That is, the pressing member 34 comes into contact with the first major flap A1 after the leading contact portion 35 pushes the first major flap A1 and starts folding the major flap A1. In the first major flap A1, the first major side folding member 33 is driven by the major side folding member driving unit 37 and rotates, so that the leading contact portion 35 and the pressing member 34 cause the right end of the first major flap A1. The first major flap A1 is pressed in order from the portion toward the central portion in the left-right direction.

The measure-side folding member driving unit 37 rotates the first major-side folding member 33 until the first flat surface portion 34a extends in the horizontal direction and the second flat surface portion 34b extends in the vertical direction. By rotating the first major side folding member 33 to such a state, the folding of the first major flap A1 is completed (see FIGS. 9C and 10C).

The second major side folding member 36 is a member for folding the second major flap A2 of the cardboard box C supported by the box opening mechanism 20. The second major flap A2 is a major flap arranged on the lower side (see FIGS. 6 and 8).

The second major side folding member 36 is arranged in front of the cardboard box C supported by the box opening mechanism 20 (see FIG. 8). The second major side folding member 36 stands by at a standby position (see FIG. 8) until the folding operation of the second major flap A2 is started. When the second major flap A2 is folded, the second major side folding member 36 is rotated around a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the left-right direction. The second major side folding member 36 is moved vertically symmetrically with the first major side folding member 33 when viewed from the right (see FIG. 8).

The second major side folding member 36 has a first flat surface portion 36a and a second flat surface portion 36b (see FIGS. 6 and 8). The first plane portion 36a and the second plane portion 36b are configured in the same manner as the first plane portion 34a and the second plane portion 34b of the first major side folding member 33 except that they are arranged vertically symmetrically. .. That is, the second major side folding member 36 has the same configuration as the pushing member 34 of the first major side folding member 33. Therefore, when the second major flap A2 is folded, not only the end portion of the second major flap A2 in the left-right direction but also the central portion in the left-right direction is pushed by the second major side folding member 36 from the beginning. Since the second major side folding member 36 is the same as the first major side folding member 33 except that it does not have the leading contact portion 35, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Unlike the first major side folding member 33, the second major side folding member 36 does not have a configuration corresponding to the leading contact portion 35, and the central portion of the second major flap A2 in the left-right direction is formed. Although it is pushed from the beginning, even if it is configured in this way, problems such as damage to the cardboard box C due to the folding of the second major flap A2 are unlikely to occur. The reason is that here, the second side surface portion SA2 on the major flap side of the cardboard box C continuous with the second major flap A2 is gripped by the second suction cup 22 and the auxiliary suction cup 24, and the second side surface portion SA2 on the major flap side. This is because deformation is unlikely to occur. However, in order to more reliably prevent the occurrence of problems such as damage to the cardboard box C due to the folding of the second major flap A2, the second major side folding member 36 also has a structure corresponding to the preceding contact portion. It is preferable to provide.

(3) Features (3-1)
The boxing device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a flap folding mechanism 30. The flap folding mechanism 30 includes a first major flap A1 and a second major flap A2 provided on the long side side of the rectangular opening Op, and a first minor flap B1 and a second minor flap provided on the short side side of the opening Op. Fold in B2 and cover the cardboard box C. The first major flap A1 is an example of the first flap. The first minor flap B1 and the second minor flap B2 are examples of the second flap. The flap folding mechanism 30 has a leading contact portion 35 as an example of a first member for folding the first major flap A1. The leading contact portion 35 pushes a part of the end portion (right end portion) of the first major flap A1 of the cardboard box C arranged at a predetermined position in the first direction (left-right direction) in which the long side extends, and the first Fold in the major flap A1.

Here, since the leading contact portion 35 pushes the right end portion of the first major flap A1 instead of the central portion in the left-right direction, the deformation of the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 continuous with the first major flap A1 is deformed. Hard to be triggered. Therefore, even when the strength of the cardboard box C is low or the cardboard box C is deformed, the first major flap A1 can be neatly folded in without causing a shape defect or damage of the cardboard box C, and the cardboard box C can be folded. The opening Op can be covered.

(3-2)
In the boxing device 10 according to the present embodiment, the flap folding mechanism 30 folds the major flaps A1 and A2 after folding the minor flaps B1 and B2 to cover the cardboard box C. The end (right end) of the first major flap A1 in the first direction (left-right direction) overlaps the folded second minor flap B2 when the first major flap A1 is folded. The range.

Here, a part of the range of the first major flap A1 that overlaps with the second minor flap B2 that has been folded when the first major flap A1 is folded is pushed by the leading contact portion 35, so that the first major flap A1 A force that inflates the cardboard box C outward acts on the central portion of the continuous major flap side first side surface portion SA1 in the left-right direction. Therefore, deformation of the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 connected to the first major flap A1 (the central portion of the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 in the left-right direction, which causes hindering the folding of the first major flap A1). It is possible to prevent the cardboard box C from protruding toward the inside). As a result, the first major flap A1 can be neatly folded in without causing a shape defect or damage of the cardboard box C, and the opening Op of the cardboard box C can be covered.

(3-3)
In the boxing device 10 according to the present embodiment, the leading contact portion 35 is a cardboard box continuous with the first major flap A1 at the end portion (right end portion) of the first major flap A1 in the first direction (left-right direction). The first major flap A1 is folded by pushing a part of the edge portion located on the far side with respect to the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side of C. The edge portion located on the far side with respect to the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side extends in the left-right direction.

Here, the right end portion of the first major flap A1 and the edge portion on the far side with respect to the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 continuous with the first major flap A1 (that is, the major flap side first side surface portion). Since the edge portion on the tip end side of the first major flap A1 extending from the SA1) is pushed by the leading contact portion 35, the first major flap A1 is the boundary between the first major flap A1 and the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side. It can be rotated with a relatively small force around the part. Further, by pushing such a position of the first major flap A1, the measure is made with the contact portion between the second minor flap B2 after folding and the first major flap A1 or the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side as a fulcrum. It is easy to apply a force to inflate the cardboard box C outward to the first side surface portion SA1 on the flap side.

(3-4)
In the boxing device 10 according to the present embodiment, the flap folding mechanism 30 abuts on a portion of the first major flap A1 including the central portion in the first direction (horizontal direction) to fold the first major flap A1. Have. The pressing member 34 comes into contact with the first major flap A1 after the leading contact portion 35 pushes the first major flap A1 and begins to fold the first major flap A1.

Here, while the leading contact portion 35 prevents deformation of the first major flap side first side surface portion SA1 connected to the first major flap A1, the pressing member 34 presses the first major flap A1 after the folding of the first major flap A1 is started. It is configured to press. Therefore, the first major flap A1 can be closed neatly by pushing a wide area including the central portion of the first major flap A1 while preventing the deformation of the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side connected to the first major flap A1.

(3-5)
In the boxing device 10 according to the present embodiment, the first major flap A1 is subjected to the first major flap from the end portion of the first major flap A1 in the first direction (left-right direction) by the leading contact portion 35 and the pressing member 34. The A1 is pressed in order toward the central portion in the first direction (left-right direction).

Here, since the leading contact portion 35 and the pressing member 34 sequentially press the first major flap A1 from the end portion to the center portion in the left-right direction, it is easy to fold the first major flap A1 in an orderly manner. ..

(4) Modification example A modification of the present embodiment is shown below. A plurality of modifications may be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

(4-1) Modification A
In the above embodiment, the leading contact portion 35 pushes a part of the right end portion of the first major flap A1 to fold the first major flap A1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The leading contact portion 35 is in addition to a part of the right end portion of the first major flap A1 or in place of a part of the right end portion of the first major flap A1 on the left end portion of the first major flap A1. It may be configured to push a part to fold the first major flap A1.

(4-2) Modification B
In the above embodiment, the leading contact portion 35 pushes a part of the right end portion of the first major flap A1 to fold the first major flap A1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The leading contact portion 35 may push the entire right end portion of the first major flap A1.

(4-3) Modification C
In the above embodiment, the leading contact portion 35 has an edge portion of the right end portion of the first major flap A1 located on the far side of the major flap side first side surface portion SA1 continuous with the first major flap A1. Push to fold in the first major flap A1, but is not limited to this.

For example, the leading contact portion 35 is the right end portion of the first major flap A1 and is an edge portion of the first major flap extending in the second direction (width direction of the first major flap A1) orthogonal to the left-right direction. It may be configured to push at least a portion to fold the first major flap A1.

The edge portion of the first major flap A1 extending in the second direction of the right end portion of the first major flap A1 is particularly located at the right end of the first major flap A1 among the right end portions of the first major flap A1. It is a close part. Specifically, the edge portion of the first major flap A1 extending in the second direction at the right end portion of the first major flap A1 is, for example, a distance D2 in the left-right direction from the right end of the first major flap A1. This is a region that is 30% or less of the above-mentioned distance D1 (that is, the distance in the left-right direction of the right end portion of the first major flap A1) (see FIG. 3).

Even in this case, the contact portion between the second minor flap B2 after folding and the first major flap A1 or the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side is used as a fulcrum and is continuous with the first major flap A1. It is easy to apply a force to inflate the cardboard box C outward to the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side.

Further, it is preferable that the leading contact portion 35 is the right end portion of the first major flap A1 and pushes the corner portion of the first major flap A1 to fold the first major flap A1. At the corners of the first major flap A1, the edges of the first major flap A1 extending in the left-right direction, which are located on the far side of the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side continuous with the first major flap A1, and the left and right sides. It overlaps with the edge portion of the first major flap A1 extending in the second direction (the width direction of the first major flap A1) orthogonal to the direction.

Even in this case, the contact portion between the second minor flap B2 after folding and the first major flap A1 or the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side is used as a fulcrum and is continuous with the first major flap A1. It is easy to apply a force to inflate the cardboard box C outward to the first side surface portion SA1 on the major flap side.

(4-4) Modification D
In the above embodiment, the box making unit 1 has the flap folding mechanism 30, but it is not necessary to be limited to this, and the box is closed in place of the box making unit 1 or in addition to the box making unit 1. The unit 3 may have a flap folding mechanism 30 for closing the flap C2 serving as an upper lid, which has the same characteristics as the flap folding mechanism 30.

(4-5) Modification E
In the above embodiment, the flap folding mechanism 30 has a minor side folding member 31 that pushes the central portion of the minor flaps B1 and B2 in the vertical direction, but the flap folding mechanism 30 has the same configuration as the preceding contact portion 35. -It is preferable to have a second member having a function and folding in the minor flaps B1 and B2. The second member pushes at least a part of the minor flaps B1 and B2 of the cardboard box C arranged at predetermined positions in the extending direction of the short side of the opening Op (the end in the vertical direction, for example, the lower end). It is preferable to fold the minor flaps B1 and B2. Specifically, for example, the flap folding mechanism 30 has a minor side folding member 131 having the same structure as the first major flap folding member 33 instead of the minor side folding member 31, and moves the minor side folding member 131 up and down. It may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the direction (see FIG. 11).

Here, the end portion of the minor flaps B1 and B2 in the extending direction of the short side is defined in the same manner as the end portion of the first major flap A1 in the extending direction of the long side.

With this configuration, in addition to the first major flap A1, the minor flaps B1 and B2 can be neatly folded without damaging the cardboard box C, and the opening Op of the cardboard box C can be covered.

The minor side folding member 131 as the second member may not be provided for both the minor flaps B1 and B2. For example, the second minor flap B2 connected to the minor flap side second side surface portion SB2 gripped by the auxiliary suction cup 23 of the box opening mechanism 20 may be configured to be folded by the minor side folding member 31 of the above embodiment. ..

(4-6) Modification F
The shape of the first major flap folding member 33 according to the above embodiment is an example, and the shape is not limited to this, and other shapes having the same function may be adopted.

Further, in the above embodiment, the leading contact portion 35, which is an example of the first member, and the pressing member 34 are integrally formed, but these may not be integrally formed. Further, in the above embodiment, the leading contact portion 35 and the pressing member 34 are driven by one driving unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the leading contact portion 35 and the pressing member 34 are each driven. May have a drive unit. However, it is preferable to integrally form the leading contact portion 35 and the pressing member 34 and move the preceding contact portion 35 and the pressing member 34 with one drive unit from the viewpoint of production cost, ease of assembly, and the like. ..

(4-7) Modification G
In the above embodiment, when the first major flap A1 is folded, the leading contact portion 35 of the flap folding mechanism 30 is configured to push the end portion of the first major flap A1, but the flap opening mechanism 40 is also a flap. It is preferably configured to push the end of C2.

For example, the flap opening mechanism 40 has a flap C2 on the upper lid side of the cardboard box C, particularly a minor flap opening member 41 having a shape as shown in FIG. 12 for opening the minor flap. The minor flap opening member 41 is configured so that the contact portion 41a pushes the inner surface of the minor flap to open the minor flap by being rotationally driven by the cylinder 42. The minor flap opening member 41 is configured to open the flap C2 by pushing the lower end portion T of the flap C2 (minor flap) in the vertical direction when the cardboard box C is viewed from the upper lid side as shown in FIG. It is preferable to be done.

(4-8) Modification H
In the above embodiment, the flap folding mechanism 30 is configured to fold the flap C2 of the cardboard box C supported by the box opening mechanism 20 with the major flaps A1 and A2 arranged one above the other. The posture of the cardboard box C supported by the mechanism 20 is an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, the flap folding mechanism 30 may be configured to fold the flap C2 of the cardboard box C supported by the box opening mechanism 20 with the major flaps A1 and A2 arranged on the left and right.

The boxing device according to the present invention is a boxing device that folds a flap of a cardboard box to cover it, and is highly reliable because it can fold a major flap in an orderly manner without causing a shape defect or damage to the cardboard box. It is useful as a boxing device.

10 Boxing device 30 Flap folding mechanism 31 Minor side folding member (second member)
34 Pressing member 35 Leading contact part (first member)
A1 1st major flap (1st flap)
B1 1st minor flap (2nd flap)
B2 2nd minor flap (2nd flap)
C Cardboard box Op opening SA1 Major flap side first side surface (side surface of cardboard box continuous with the first flap)

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-292006

Claims (6)

A boxing device provided with a flap folding mechanism for folding a first flap provided on the long side side of a rectangular opening and a second flap provided on the short side side of the opening to cover a cardboard box. There,
The flap folding mechanism has a first member for folding the first flap.
The first member pushes at least a part of the end portion of the first flap of the cardboard box arranged at a predetermined position in the first direction in which the long side extends, and the first flap is folded.
At the end of the first flap in the first direction, the distance of the first flap from the edge of the first flap in the first direction in the first direction is 30% or less of the length of the long side of the opening. Is the realm of
The flap folding mechanism further includes a pressing member that abuts on the portion of the first flap including the central portion in the first direction and folds the first flap.
The pressing member comes into contact with the first flap after the first member pushes the first flap and begins to fold the first flap.
The first member is provided at the end of the holding member in a direction along the first direction.
The first member projects from the pressing member toward the center of the cardboard box in a state where the first flap has been folded by the flap folding mechanism.
Boxing device. The flap folding mechanism folds the first flap after folding the second flap to cover the cardboard box.
The end of the first flap in the first direction is a range in which the first flap overlaps the folded second flap when the first flap is folded.
The boxing device according to claim 1. The first member is located on the far side of the end of the first flap in the first direction with respect to the side surface of the cardboard box continuous with the first flap, and extends in the first direction. Push at least a portion of the edge of the 1 flap to fold the first flap.
The boxing device according to claim 2. The first member pushes at least a part of the edge portion of the first flap extending in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction at the end portion of the first flap in the first direction to push the first flap. Fold in,
The boxing device according to claim 2 or 3. The first member is located on the far side of the end of the first flap in the first direction with respect to the side surface of the cardboard box continuous with the first flap, and extends in the first direction. The corner portion of the first flap where the edge portion of the first flap and the edge portion of the first flap extending in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction overlap is pushed to fold the first flap.
The boxing device according to claim 2. The flap folding mechanism further includes a second member for folding the second flap.
Said second member, said cardboard boxes, which are arranged at a predetermined position of the second flap, press at least a portion of the end portion in the extending direction of the short sides, viewed write folding the second flap,
The end of the second flap in the extending direction of the short side is such that the distance from the edge of the second flap in the extending direction of the short side of the second flap in the extending direction of the short side is the opening. Is a region of 30% or less of the length of the short side in the above.
The boxing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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