Method and apparatus for transferring a compact disc case

Abstract: An oppositely disposed case introduction and ejection stations, (A), (C), and an oppositely disposed first and second insertion space forming stations, (B), (B') are spaced equally along the circumference around the turret (T). A developed case (10) prior to inserting a title sheet (P) is introduced into the case introduction station (A). A developed case (10) after inserting a title sheet (P) is ejected into the case ejection station (C). At the first and second insertion space forming stations, (B), (B'), a case body (11) is deflected into a flat, reversed V-shape to form a title sheet insertion space (S) between the case body (11) and transparent cover (12). A turret (T) is provided rotatable 90 degrees in the normal and reverse directions and has first to fourth suction heads, (71) to (74) corresponding to each of the stations. At each of the first and second insertion space forming stations, (B), (B'), there is also provided a mounting stand (79) on which a case (10) having the title sheet insertion space (S) formed therein is mounted.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of automated packaging, and more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for transferring an optical disk case during inserting a title sheet into the case. An optical disk case generally has an openable plastic case body. An optical disk is loaded into one side of the case body and a description sheet is inserted into the other side of the case body. A transparent cover for inserting a title sheet is provided on the front side of the case body. A title sheet is a flexible sheet on which a title of the optical disk and other visual information are printed. Conventionally, as there were no automated packaging machines to load an optical disk and insert a title sheet into a case, these loading and inserting operations were done by hand, which was very troublesome. The solution to this problem is identified in Onishi, Japanese patent application No. 11-217277. As shown in Onishi, an automated optical disk loading machine is provided where loading of an optical disk and insertion of a title sheet are automatically conducted. In operation, as a case conveyor carries a plurality of cases, an optical disk loading device loads an optical disk into a case, a title sheet inserting device inserts a title sheet into the transparent cover of the case, and a description sheet inserting device inserts a description sheet into a claw portion of the case. In inserting a title sheet into the case, as a suction pad holding a developed case moves downward, the case body is bent into a flat, reversed V-shape. Thus, the transparent cover is deformed into a general V-shape by its own weight, which causes a title sheet insertion space to be formed in the case. In this condition, the title sheet deformed into a corrugated form by a corrugation forming device is inserted into the title sheet insertion space of the case. However, in the above machine, while the title sheet is inserted into the title sheet insertion space of the case, the suction pad is in the waiting condition of still holding the case, which results in a decrease in the process rate. In US 4685277, on which the two-part form of claim 7 is based, there is disclosed an apparatus for inserting CD's and title sheets into CD cases, comprising a turret rotatable in an anti-clockwise direction having case holding means to transfer CD cases from a first station for introducing the cases, to a station for inserting information sheets and an ejection station for ejecting completed cases. Only one title sheet can be inserted into a CD case at a time, leading to a reduction in the process rate which can potentially be achieved. The main object of the present invention is to improve the process rate during insertion of a title sheet. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method of transferring media disk storage cases and inserting in them information sheets, using an apparatus including a turret rotatable about an axis for transferring cases between a case introduction station, a first sheet insertion station, a case ejection station, and a second sheet insertion station, which are respectively arranged adjacent to the turret at respective uniformly circumferentially offset locations about the axis, the case ejection station being opposite the case introduction station, and the first sheet insertion station being opposite the second sheet insertion station, the turret including respective first, second, third and fourth case holding heads mounted thereon at respective uniformly circumferentially offset positions about the axis, the method comprising the following steps: a) picking up a first case from the case introduction station with the first case holding head, rotating the turret 90 degrees in a first rotation direction to transfer the first case from the case introduction station to the first insertion station, and then releasing the first case from the first case holding head at the first insertion station; b) inserting a first information sheet into the first case at the first insertion station; c) picking up a second case from the case introduction station with the second case holding head, rotating the turret 90 degrees in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction to transfer the second case from the case introduction station to the second insertion station and to move the fourth case holding head to the first insertion station and the first case holding head to the case introduction station, and then releasing the second case from the second case holding head at the second insertion station; d) inserting a second information sheet into the second case at the second insertion station; e) after completing the steps b) and c), picking up the first case from the first insertion station with the fourth case holding head, picking up a third case from the case introduction station with the first case holding head, rotating the turret 90 degrees in the first rotation direction to transfer the first case from the first insertion station to the case ejection station and the third case from the case introduction station to the first insertion station, and to move the third case holding head to the second insertion station and the second case holding head to the case introduction station, and then releasing the first case from the fourth case holding head at the case ejection station and releasing the third case from the first case holding head at the first insertion station; f) inserting a third information sheet into the third case at the first insertion station; and g) after completing the steps d) and e), picking up the second case from the second insertion station with the third case holding head, picking up a case from the case introduction station with the second case holding head, rotating the turret 90 degrees in the second rotation direction to transfer the second case from the second insertion station to the case ejection station and the fourth case from the case introduction station to the second insertion station, and then releasing the second case from the third case holding head at the case ejection station and releasing the fourth case from the second case holding head at the second insertion station. The present invention further provides an apparatus for transferring media disk storage cases for insertion of sheets into the cases, the apparatus comprising a turret rotatable about an axis, a plurality of case holding means mounted on the turret at respective uniformly circumferentially offset positions, a case introduction station for supplying successive cases to the case holding means, a sheet insertion station at which an information sheet is insertable into a case, and a case ejection station for ejecting successive cases, characterised in that first and second sheet insertion stations are provided on opposite sides of the turret, the case introduction station and the case ejection station are on opposite sides of the turret, the stations are arranged adjacent to the turret at respective uniformly circumferentially offset locations about the axis, the case holding means comprise first, second, third and fourth case holding heads, and the turret being rotatable in opposite directions for moving cases between the stations, and respective mounting stands at the first and second insertion stations for supporting cases thereon. The method of transferring the case can also include some or all of the following steps: (i) holding a first developed case, which is introduced into a case introduction station, by a first suction head of a turret, rotating the turret 90 degrees in a first or forward direction to transfer the first case to a first insertion space forming station, referred to above as the first sheet insertion station, deflecting the case body to form a title sheet insertion space between the case body and the transparent cover, of the first case and placing the first case at the first insertion space forming station by releasing the first case from the first suction head, (ii) during the operation of title sheet insertion into the first case placed at the first insertion space forming station, holding a second developed case, which is then introduced into the case introduction station, by a second suction head of the turret, rotating the turret 90 degrees in a second or reverse direction opposite the first direction to transfer the second case to the second insertion space forming station, referred to above as the second sheet insertion station, which is positioned opposite the first insertion space forming station, deflecting the case body to form a title sheet insertion space between the case body and the transparent cover of the second case, and placing the second case at the second insertion space forming station by releasing the second case from the second suction head, (iii) after completion of the title sheet insertion operation at the first insertion space forming station, holding the first case with the title sheet inserted thereinto by a fourth suction head placed at the first insertion space forming station, holding a third developed case, which is then introduced into the case introduction station, by the first suction head, rotating the turret 90 degrees in the first or forward direction to transfer the first case held by the fourth suction head to a case ejection station located opposite the case introduction station, and to transfer the case held by the first suction head to the first insertion space forming station, placing the first and third cases at the case ejection station and the first insertion space forming station by releasing the first and third cases from the fourth and first suction heads, respectively; and (iv) after completion of the title sheet insertion operation at the second insertion space forming station, holding the second case with the title sheet inserted thereinto by a third suction head placed at the second insertion space forming station, holding a fourth developed case, which is then introduced into the case introduction station, by the second suction head, rotating the turret 90 degrees in the second reverse direction to transfer the second case held by the third suction head to the case ejection station, and to transfer the fourth case held by the second suction head to the second space forming station, placing the second and fourth cases at the case ejection station and the second insertion space forming station by releasing the second and fourth cases from the third and second suction heads, respectively. Preferably, each suction head is comprised of a pair of suction pads corresponding respectively to each face of the case body. During transfer of each suction pad from the case introduction station to the first or second insertion space forming station, each suction pad moves downward to deflect the case body into a flat, reversed V-shape. Thus, the transparent cover deforms into a general V-shape via its own weight and the title sheet insertion space is formed between the case body and transparent cover. The apparatus for transferring a case during insertion of a title sheet into the case comprises a case introduction station where a developed case is introduced before inserting the title sheet, and a case ejection station, disposed opposite to the case introduction station, where the developed case is ejected after inserting the title sheet. Also, the apparatus comprises first and second insertion space forming stations where the case deflects to form a title sheet insertion space between the case body and the transparent cover. The first and second insertion space forming stations are located opposite each other and spaced equally along the circumference. The apparatus further comprises a turret which is rotatable 90 degrees in the forward and reverse directions, which has first to fourth suction heads corresponding to each of the above-mentioned stations. Advantageously, each suction head can be comprised of a pair of downwardly translatable suction pads corresponding respectively to each face of the case body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention. In the drawings, which are not to scale FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an optical disk loading machine employing a method and apparatus for transferring a case according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a case in the developed condition. FIG. 3 is a side view of a case in the developed condition. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a turret of a case transferring apparatus. FIG. 5 is a side view of a turret of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case transferring method of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic showing the movement of a suction head 1 ○ of a turret. FIG. 8 is a schematic showing the movement of a suction head 2 ○ of a turret. FIG. 9 is a schematic showing the movement of a suction head 4 ○ of a turret. FIG. 10 is a schematic showing the movement of a suction head 3 ○ of a turret. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an optical disk loading machine. As shown in FIG.1, the machine 1 includes a case conveyor 2 to carry a case 10 in the direction of an arrow X, a case stowage station 3 provided at the upstream end in the carrying direction of the conveyor 2, a case supplying device 4 to supply a case 10, which is unloaded from the station 3 and placed on the slope 3a, to the case conveyor 2, a case opening device 5 to open a closed case 10, title sheet insertion devices 6 and 6' to insert a title sheet P into the transparent cover of the case 10, and a case transferring device 7 to transfer a case 10 during insertion of a title sheet. The machine further includes an optical disk loading device 8 to load an optical disk D into a loading aperture of the case 10, description sheet inserting devices 9 and 9' to insert a description sheet into a case 10, a case closing device 20 to close a developed case 10, and a pusher 30 to sort a case 10. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a case 10 has a foldable or openable, box-shaped case body 11 and a transparent cover 12 provided on the front side of the case body 11. Both ends 12a and 12b of the transparent cover 12 are heat-sealed to the end portions of the front side of the case body 11. On one side 11a of the case body 11 is formed a plurality of ridge portions 13 extending circumferentially. These ridge portions 13 form a loading hole for an optical disk (not shown). On the other side 11b of the case body 11 are provided a pair of holding claws 14 to hold a description sheet of the optical disk. The title sheet inserting devices 6 and 6', shown in FIG. 1, are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the case conveyor 2 to insert a title sheet P into each case 10 on both sides of the conveyor 2. Each of the title sheet inserting devices 6, 6' is comprised of a cope and drag to deform the title sheet P into the corrugated form. The cope and drag have corrugated contact faces and are provided approachably and retreatably with each other, as shown in Onishi, Japanese patent application No. 11-217277, which is incorporated herein by reference. The optical disk loading device 8 includes a rotatable loading head 8a having an L-shape. The description sheet inserting devices 9 and 9' are comprised of cylinders and suction portions to attach a description sheet. As shown in FIG. 4, the case transferring device 7 includes a turret T having four arms 70, which are disposed 90 degrees apart from each other and extend radially. The turret T is rotatable in the normal and reverse directions around the rotation shaft 75. Case holding means in the form of case holding heads comprising suction pads 71, 72, 73, and 74 are provided at each distal end of the four arms 70 to hold a case 10 and are placed on the same circumference around the rotation shaft 75. In FIG. 4, there are shown provided on the case conveyor 2 a case introduction station A where a developed case 10 before insertion of a title sheet is introduced, and a case ejection station C, disposed oppositely to the station A, where a developed case 10 after insertion of a title sheet is ejected. First and second sheet insertion stations B and B' are situated opposite each other on the outside of the case conveyor 2 and act to form an insertion space for a title sheet. These stations A, B, B', and C are spaced equally on the circumference around the turret T. Each of the suction pads 71 - 74 of the turret T, shown in FIG. 5, is formed of a pair of arm members 77 rotatable around the pivot 76 in the vertical direction. At the distal ends of the arm members 77 are provided two pairs of suction pads 78a and 78b. The suction pads 78a, 78b correspond to each face 11a, 11b of the case body 11, respectively. Also, a mounting stand 79 is provided on the first insertion space forming station B to place a case 10 formed with a title sheet insertion space S between the case body 11 and transparent cover 12. The mounting stand 79 supports the both ends of the case 10. On the second insertion space forming station B' as well, a mounting stand (not shown) is provided. Next, a case transferring method by the device 7 will be described hereinafter. The suction heads 71 - 74 in FIG. 4 correspond to the suction heads 1 ○, 2 ○, 3 ○, and 4 ○ in FIG. 6, respectively. In FIGS. 7-10, reference numerals 1 ○, 2 ○, 3 ○ and 4 ○ correspond to the suction heads 1 ○,2 ○ ,3 ○, and 4 ○ in FIG. 6, respectively, and reference symbols (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) in FIGS. 7 - 10 correspond to the drawings (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) in FIG. 6, respectively. Namely, FIGS. 7 - 10 illustrate the movements of the suction heads 1 ○, 2 ○, 3 ○, and 4 ○ respectively. In the following description, reference numerals in parentheses indicate the corresponding numerals in FIG. 6. A developed case 10 (10 1 ) introduced into the case introduction station A is attached by the suction head 71 (1 ○) (see FIG. 6 (a)). At this time, shown in FIG. 7 (a), the arm member 77 of the suction head 71 (1 ○) is open to hold the case 10 (10 1 ) by the suction pads 78a, 78b. After holding the case 10 (10 1 ), the suction head 71 (1 ○) moves upward. Then, the turret T rotates 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction (or normal direction) to transfer the case 10 (10 1 ) held by the suction head 71 (1 ○) to the first insertion space forming station B (see FIG. 6 (b)). During this transfer, as shown in FIGs. 7 (a) ~ (b), and (b), the arm member 77 of the suction head 71 (1 ○) moves downward along with the suction pads 78a, 78b. In this way, the case body 11 deflects into a flat, reversed V-shape to deform the transparent cover 12 into a general V-shape via its self-weight. Thus, a title sheet insertion space S is formed in the case 10 (10 1 ). The case 10 (10 1 ) formed with the insertion space S is placed on the mounting stand 79 disposed at the first insertion space forming station B. After placement of the case 10 (10 1 ), the suction head 71 (1 ○) releases the case 10 (10 1 ) and retreats upward. The title sheet inserting device 6 inserts a title sheet P into the case 10 (10 1 ) placed at the first insertion space forming station B. The next case 10 (10 2 ), which has been introduced into the case introduction station A during the above mentioned operation of title sheet insertion, is attached by the suction head 72 (2 ○) placed at the case introduction station A. Then, the turret T rotates 90 degrees in the clockwise direction (or reverse direction). Thus, the case 10 (10 2 ) attached by the suction head 72 (2 ○) is transferred to the second insertion space forming station B' (see FIG. 6 (c)). During this case transfer as well, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), the case body 11 deforms into a flat, reversed V-shape to form a title sheet insertion space S in the case 10 (10 2 ). The case 10 (10 2 ) formed with the insertion space S is placed on the mounting stand 79 disposed at the second insertion space forming station B'. After placement of the case 10 (10 2 ), the suction head 72 (2 ○) releases the case 10 (10 2 ) and withdraws upward. Then, after completion of title sheet insertion into the first case 10 (10 1 ) at the first insertion space forming station B, while the title sheet inserting device 6' inserts a title sheet P into the case 10 (10 2 ) placed at the second insertion space forming station B', the case 10 (10 1 ) having a title sheet P inserted thereinto is attached by the suction head 74 (4 ○) placed at the first insertion space forming station B (see FIG. 9 (c)). At this time, the next case 10 (10 3 ), which has been introduced at the case introduction station A, is attached by the suction head 71 (1 ○). In this case, when the suction head 74 (4 ○) travels downward and upward (see the solid and dashed lines of FIG. 5), the suction head 71 (1 ○) moves downward and upward at the same time, which causes each process to proceed effectively. Then, 90 degrees of rotation of the turret T in the counterclockwise direction causes the transfer of the case 10 (10 1 ) attached by the suction head 74 (4 ○) to the case ejection station C and the transfer of the case 10 (10 3 ) attached by the suction head 71 (1 ○) to the first insertion space forming station B (see FIG. 6 (d)). Thereafter, the suction head 71 (1 ○) releases the case 10 (10 3 ) and places it at the first insertion space forming station B. Also, the suction head 74 (4 ○) releases the case 10 (10 1 ) and places it at the case ejection station C (see FIG. 9 (d)). In this case as well, the suction head 74 (4 ○) moves downward and upward at the same time of the downward and upward movement of the suction head 71 (1 ○) (see the solid and dashed lines of FIG. 5). Thereby, each process can proceed effectively. The case 10 (10 1 ) placed at the case ejection station C is carried by the case conveyor 2. Then, after completion of title sheet insertion into the second case 10 (10 2 ) at the second insertion space forming station B', while the title sheet inserting device 6 inserts a title sheet P into the case 10 (10 3 ) placed at the first insertion space forming station B, the case 10 (10 2 ) having a title sheet P inserted thereinto is attached by the suction head 73 (3 ○) placed at the second insertion space forming station B' (see FIG. 10 (d)). At this time, the next case 10 (10 4 ), which has been introduced at the case introduction station A, is attached by the suction head 72(2 ○) (see FIG. 8(d)). Then, 90 degrees of rotation of the turret T in the clockwise direction causes the transfer of the case 10 (10 2 ) attached by the suction head 73 (3 ○) to the case ejection station C and the transfer of the case 10 (10 4 ) attached by the suction head 72 (2 ○) to the second insertion space forming station B' (see FIG. 6 (e)). Thereafter, the suction heads 72 (2 ○), 73 (3 ○) release and place the cases 10 (10 4 ), 10 (10 2 ), respectively, at the second insertion space forming station B' and case ejection station C. In such a manner, each time a case 10 is introduced into the case introduction station A, operation shown in FIGs. 6 (d) and (e) will be repeated. According to the above-mentioned, preferred embodiment of the present invention, the insertion space forming stations B, B' are provided at the two positions opposite each other, and 90 degrees of alternate rotation of the turret T in the clockwise and counterclockwise direction causes the transfer of a case to the first and second insertion space forming stations B, B', respectively. Thereby, the necessity is eliminated for placing the suction head in the waiting condition at the time of title sheet insertion, which can improve the process rate of title sheet insertion. Also, in the present embodiment of the invention, when a case is transferred to the insertion space forming stations B, B' from the case introduction station A, a suction head comprising a pair of suction pads moves diagonally downward and the case body deflects into a flat, reversed V-shape to deform the transparent cover in a general V-shape via its self-weight. Thus, a title sheet insertion space S can be easily formed in the case, and forming an insertion space S can be realized by a simpler mechanism.

Claims: A method of transferring media disk storage cases (10) and inserting in them information sheets, using an apparatus (1) including a turret (T) rotatable about an axis for transferring cases between a case introduction station (A), a first sheet insertion station (B), a case ejection station (C), and a second sheet insertion station (B'), which are respectively arranged adjacent to the turret (T) at respective uniformly circumferentially offset locations about the axis, the case ejection station (C) being opposite the case introduction station (A), and the first sheet insertion station (B) being opposite the second sheet insertion station (B'), the turret (T) including respective first, second, third and fourth case holding heads (71, 72, 73, 74) mounted thereon at respective uniformly circumferentially offset positions about the axis, the method comprising the following steps: a) picking up a first case (10 1 ) from the case introduction station (A) with the first case holding head (71), rotating the turret (T) 90 degrees in a first rotation direction to transfer the first case (10 1 ) from the case introduction station (A) to the first insertion station (B), and then releasing the first case (10 1 ) from the first case holding head (71) at the first insertion station (B); b) inserting a first information sheet into the first case (10 1 ) at the first insertion station (B); c) picking up a second case (10 2 ) from the case introduction station (A) with the second case holding head (72), rotating the turret (T) 90 degrees in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction to transfer the second case (10 2 ) from the case introduction station (A) to the second insertion station (B') and to move the fourth case holding head (74) to the first insertion station (B) and the first case holding head (71) to the case introduction station (A), and then releasing the second case (10 2 ) from the second case holding head (72) at the second insertion station (B'); d) inserting a second information sheet into the second case (10 2 ) at the second insertion station (B'); e) after completing the steps b) and c), picking up the first case (10 1 ) from the first insertion station (B) with the fourth case holding head (74), picking up a third case (10 3 ) from the case introduction station (A) with the first case holding head (71), rotating the turret (T) 90 degrees in the first rotation direction to transfer the first case (10 1 ) from the first insertion station (B) to the case ejection station (C) and the third case (10 3 ) from the case introduction station (A) to the first insertion station (B), and to move the third case holding head (73) to the second insertion station (B') and the second case holding head (72) to the case introduction station (A), and then releasing the first case (10 1 ) from the fourth case holding head (74) at the case ejection station (C) and releasing the third case (10 3 ) from the first case holding head (71) at the first insertion station (B); f) inserting a third information sheet into the third case (10 3 ) at the first insertion station (B); and g) after completing the steps d) and e), picking up the second case (10 2 ) from the second insertion station (B') with the third case holding head (73), picking up a case (10 4 ) from the case introduction station (A) with the second case holding head (72), rotating the turret (T) 90 degrees in the second rotation direction to transfer the second case from the second insertion station (B') to the case ejection station (C) and the fourth case (10 4 ) from the case introduction station (A) to the second insertion station (B'), and then releasing the second case (10 2 ) from the third case holding head (73) at the case ejection station (C) and releasing the fourth case (10 4 ) from the second case holding head (72) at the second insertion station (B'). The method according to claim 1, characterised in that each one of the cases (10) comprises an openable case body (11) and a transparent cover (12) attached to the case body, and the steps of releasing a case (10) at an insertion station (B, B') and inserting an information sheet into the respective case (10) include deflecting the case body (11) of the case (10) to form a sheet insertion space (S) between the transparent cover (12) and the case body (11), and then inserting an information sheet into the sheet insertion space (S). The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that each one of the case holding heads (71 to 74) comprises a suction head (1 ○, 2 ○, 3 ○, 4 ○), and each step of picking up a case (10) with a case holding head (71 to 74) comprises applying suction to the case (10) with the suction head (1 ○, 2 ○, 3 ○, 4 ○). The method according to claim 3, characterised in that the suction head (1 ○, 2 ○, 3 ○, 4 ○) includes a pair of suction pads (78a, 78b) for applying suction to two faces (11a, 11b) of the case (10), each step of deflecting the case body (11) comprising moving the suction pads (78a, 78b) relatively downwardly in an inverted V-shape to deflect the case body (11) into a corresponding inverted V-shape and allowing the transparent cover (12) to hang downwardly from the case body (11) due to the weight of the cover to form the insertion space (S). The method according to claim 4, characterised in that each step of picking up a case (10) further involves vertical movement of the turret (T). The method according to any one of the preceeding claims, characterised in that the steps of rotating the turret (T) consist of rotating the turret cyclically back and forth by 90 degrees without ever rotating more than 90 degrees. An apparatus (1) for transferring media disk storage cases (10) for insertion of sheets into the cases (10), the apparatus (1) comprising a turret (T) rotatable about an axis, a plurality of case holding means (71 to 74) mounted on the turret (T) at respective uniformly circumferentially offset positions, the case holding means (71 to 74) comprising first, second, third and fourth case holding heads (71 to 74), a case introduction station (A) for supplying successive cases (10) to the case holding means (71 to 74), a sheet insertion station (B) at which an information sheet is insertable into a case (10), and a case ejection station (C) for ejecting successive cases (10), characterised in that first and second sheet insertion stations (B, B') are provided on opposite sides of the turret (T), the case introduction station (A) and the case ejection station (C) are on opposite sides of the turret, the stations (A,B,B',C) are arranged adjacent to the turret (T) at respective uniformly circumferentially offset locations about the axis, and the turret (T) being rotatable in opposite directions for moving cases (10) between the stations (A,B,B',C), and respective mounting stands (79) at the first and second insertion stations (B, B') for supporting cases (10) thereon. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that the case holding heads (71 to 74) comprise suction heads (1 ○, 2 ○, 3 ○, 4 ○). The apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that each one of the suction heads (1 ○, 2 ○, 3 ○, 4 ○) comprises a pair of suction pads (78a, 78b) that are movable upwardly or downwardly for suction engagement with first and second faces (11a, 11b) of a case (10). The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the turret (T) is cyclically rotatable in opposite directions by steps of 90 degrees about the axis. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that the turret (T) is movable upwardly or downwardly.

Inventors: ONISHI TOSHIYUKI, ONISHI, TOSHIYUKI, Onishi, Toshiyuki, c/o Kyoto Seisakusho Co., Ltd
Applicants: KYOTO SEISAKUSHO, KYOTO SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: B65B25
IPC codes: B65B25, B65B61, B65B65