Patent Description:
Conventionally, as disclosed in patent document <NUM> (<CIT>), suction and transport devices that suck and hold products and perform box packing have been known. The suction and transport devices suck plural products in postures in which the plural products partially overlap each other. Because of this, the spacing between the plural products is reduced, so the products are inhibited from contacting the inner surfaces of the boxes.

US patent application <CIT> discloses a device for packaging bags in a box comprising a bag supplying device for supplying bags to a pickup position, as well as a transfer device provided with at least one nozzle for moving at least one bag from a pickup position to a depositing position. The device further comprising a flap which is movable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, under which flap a box can be positioned. The flap is positioned opposite the pickup position in such a manner that a bag can be dragged from the pickup position to the depositing position on the flap in use, during which dragging at least a part of the bottom side of said bag is substantially constantly supported on the pickup position or on the flap.

However, the present inventor found, based on various considerations, that when the suction and transport device sucks and transports plural products, in a case where each of the plural products lacks flexibility, there arises a state in which the plural products are not sucked and transported in preferred postures. In such a state, there is the concern that the plural products will not be properly box packed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a suction and transport device that, even in a case where products lack flexibility, can suck and transport plural products in preferred postures.

A suction and transport device pertaining to a first aspect of the invention for sucking and transporting a first product, and includes a suction component connected to a vacuum source, a first suction member and a support member. The first suction member has one end that is joined to the suction component and another end that serves as a sucking portion for sucking the first product. The support member has an abutting portion for being suitable for abutting the first product. When the first suction member is sucking the first product and the abutting portion is abutting the first product, the height of the sucking portion is higher than the height of the abutting portion in the vertical direction.

In the suction and transport device of the first aspect, the suction and transport device includes the support member, and the abutting portion of the support member abuts the first product. Furthermore, when the sucking portion is sucking the first product and the abutting portion is abutting the first product, the height of the sucking portion is higher than the height of the abutting portion in the vertical direction. Because of this, when the suction and transport device sucks and transports plural products, the posture of the first product being sucked by the sucking portion of the first suction member can be kept in a preferred posture.

A suction and transport device pertaining to a second aspect of the invention is the suction and transport device pertaining to the first aspect, wherein the height of the sucking portion when the sucking portion is not sucking the first product is a height equal to or greater than the height of the abutting portion in the vertical direction.

In the suction and transport device of the second aspect, the height of the sucking portion when the sucking portion is not sucking the first product is a height equal to or greater than the height of the abutting portion in the vertical direction. Because of this, when the suction and transport device sucks and transports plural products, the posture of the first product being sucked by the sucking portion of the first suction member can be kept in a preferred posture.

A suction and transport device pertaining to a third aspect of the invention is the suction and transport device pertaining to the first aspect or the second aspect, further including a position adjusting portion for changing the height of the abutting portion.

The abutting portion, by abutting the first product, keeps stable the posture of the first product being sucked by the sucking portion. At this time, depending on the height of the abutting portion, there is the concern that the first product will sustain damage, so it is preferred that the height of the abutting portion be appropriately adjustable.

In the suction and transport device of the third aspect, the suction and transport device further includes the position adjusting portion for changing the height of the abutting portion. Because of this, the height of the abutting portion can be adjusted in accordance with the posture and shape of the first product, so damage to the first product can be inhibited.

A suction and transport device pertaining to a fourth aspect of the invention is the suction and transport device pertaining to any of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the support member is relocatable in a range in which the first product can abut it.

The abutting portion of the support member, by abutting the first product, keeps stable the posture of the first product being sucked by the sucking portion. At this time, depending on the position at which the support member is joined to the suction component, there is the concern that the first product will sustain damage, so it is preferred that the position of the support member be appropriately adjustable.

In the suction and transport device of the fourth aspect, the support member is relocatable in a range in which the first product can abut it. Because of this, the position of the support member can be adjusted in accordance with the posture and shape of the first product, so damage to the first product can be inhibited.

A suction and transport device pertaining to a fifth aspect of the invention is the suction and transport device pertaining to any of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein the abutting portion is suitable for elastically deforming when it abuts the first product.

The abutting portion, by abutting the first product, keeps stable the posture of the first product being sucked by the sucking portion. For this reason, depending on the material of the abutting portion, there is the concern that the first product will sustain damage.

In the suction and transport device of the fifth aspect, the abutting portion is suitable for elastically deforming when it abuts the first product. Because of this, when the abutting portion abuts the first product, damage to the first product can be inhibited.

A suction and transport device pertaining to a sixth aspect of the invention is the suction and transport device pertaining to any of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, wherein the abutting portion is an elastic member made of rubber or made of Bancollan.

In the suction and transport device of the sixth aspect, the abutting portion is made of rubber or made of Bancollan. Because of this, the abutting portion has elasticity and flexibility, so when it abuts the first product, damage to the first product can be inhibited.

A suction and transport device pertaining to a seventh aspect of the invention is the suction and transport device pertaining to any of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, wherein the area of the abutting portion is larger than the area of the sucking portion.

In the suction and transport device of the seventh aspect, the area of the abutting portion is larger than the area of the sucking portion. Because of this, when the suction and transport device sucks and transports plural products, the posture of the first product being sucked by the sucking portion of the first suction member can be kept in a preferred posture.

A suction and transport device pertaining to an eighth aspect of the invention is the suction and transport device pertaining to any of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein the support member is not configured to suck and hold the first product.

In the suction and transport device of the eighth aspect, the support member is not configured to suck and hold the first product. In other words, the support member does not have a mechanism for sucking and holding the first product. Because of this, an increase in the cost of the suction and transport device including the support member can be inhibited.

A suction and transport device pertaining to a ninth aspect of the invention is the suction and transport device pertaining to any of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, further including a second suction member having one end that is joined to the suction component and another end for sucking a second product. Before the sucking portion of the first suction member and the another end of the second suction member suck the first product and the second product, the first product and the second product are in contact with each other in mutually different postures.

In the suction and transport device of the ninth aspect, the suction and transport device further includes the second suction member having one end that is joined to the suction component and another end for sucking the second product. Furthermore, before the sucking portion of the first suction member and the another end of the second suction member suck the first product and the second product, the first product and the second product are in contact with each other in mutually different postures. In this way, even in a case where the suction and transport device sucks and transports the first product and the second product, the posture of the first product being sucked by the sucking portion of the first suction member can be kept in a preferred posture.

A suction and transport device pertaining to a tenth aspect of the invention is the suction and transport device pertaining to the ninth aspect, wherein the suction and transport device is suitable for transporting the first product and the second product to a container.

The suction and transport device pertaining to the invention, by virtue of including the abutting portion, can suck products in preferred postures even in a case where the products lack flexibility.

A suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to an embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Furthermore, in the following description, expressions such as "horizontal" and "vertical" are sometimes used to describe directions and positional relationships, and these expressions include not only cases where the things they describe are strictly horizontal, vertical, etc. but also cases where the things they describe are substantially horizontal, vertical, etc..

The suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. <FIG> and <FIG> are schematic views of a box packing device <NUM> in which the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment of the invention is installed. <FIG> is a schematic perspective view of the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment of the invention. <FIG> is a schematic view when a first product P1 and a second product P2 to be sucked and transported by the suction and transport device <NUM> are seen from the direction of arrow A in <FIG>.

The box packing device <NUM> is for putting plural products into single containers C. The box packing device <NUM> has a frame <NUM> to which are attached a parallel link robot <NUM>, which consolidates the plural products in one place, and the suction and transport device <NUM>, which sucks and holds the plural products that have been consolidated and transports them to the containers C.

A first conveyor <NUM> conveys, one at a time, the products which have been introduced from a product inlet <NUM>. The parallel link robot <NUM> picks up two products on the first conveyor <NUM> and places a row R comprising the two products on a second conveyor <NUM>. Hereinafter, the products that have been rearranged in the row R by the parallel link robot <NUM> will be called a first product P1 and a second product P2. Though this is not intended to be limiting, the first product P1 and the second product P2 are products to whose surfaces a paper lamination has been applied, and are bag-like products filled with a snack food such as potato chips. In other words, the first product P1 and the second product P2 are products that lack flexibility. The parallel link robot <NUM> rearranges the first product P1 and the second product P2 so that the first product P1 and the second product P2 contact each other in mutually different postures. It will be noted that "mutually different postures" specifically means postures where the first product P1 slopes and part of the first product P1 overlaps and shown in the drawings, the suction component <NUM> has an actuator, and when the actuator acts, the first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b are movable toward and away from each other.

The first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b have negative pressure chambers <NUM>. Hereinafter, the negative pressure chamber that the first suction component 10a has will be called a first negative pressure chamber 17a, and the negative pressure chamber that the second suction component 10b has will be called a second negative pressure chamber 17b. The first negative pressure chamber 17a and the second negative pressure chamber 17b are connected to a vacuum source <NUM>.

Specifically, the second negative pressure chamber 17b is communicated to the attachment component <NUM>, which is airtightly coupled to the lower end portion of the robot arm <NUM>, and a hole <NUM> formed in the upper surface of the attachment component <NUM> is connected to a negative pressure duct housed inside the robot arm <NUM>. The negative pressure duct is connected to the vacuum source <NUM>, which is a suction blower or a vacuum pump for example, and negative pressure acts on the inside of the second negative pressure chamber 17b via the attachment component <NUM>. Furthermore, an elbow <NUM> that rotates at its attachment surface is attached to the attachment component <NUM>, and the elbow <NUM> is connected via a flexible hose <NUM> to a pipe <NUM> of the first suction component 10a. Consequently, the negative pressure inside the attachment component <NUM> acts via the flexible hose <NUM> on the first negative pressure chamber 17a in the first suction component 10a. In this way, because the negative pressure chambers 17a, 17b are connected to the vacuum source <NUM>, the first suction members <NUM> and the second suction members <NUM> can suck the first products P1 and the second products P2.

It will be noted that the first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b in this embodiment are made of aluminum from the standpoint of weight reduction, though this is not intended to be limiting.

The first suction members <NUM> are joined to the suction component <NUM> and suck the first products P1. Specifically, the first suction members <NUM> each have one end that is joined to the first suction component 10a or the second suction component 10b and another end that serves as a sucking portion <NUM> that sucks the first products P1. As shown in <FIG>, the first suction members <NUM> in this embodiment are tubular extending/contracting members comprising bellows-like hoses, and are attached two each to each of the first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b. The first suction component 10a sucks one first product P1 with its two first suction members <NUM>. Likewise, the second suction component 10b sucks one first product P1 with its two first suction members <NUM>. It will be noted that the quantity, shape, and material of the first suction members <NUM> may be appropriately changed in accordance with the quantity, shape, material, and posture of the first products P1. The first suction members <NUM> suck the first products P1 as a result of the insides of the first suction members <NUM> being put in a vacuum state by the negative pressure chambers <NUM>. Suction surfaces of the first suction members <NUM> that suck the first products P1 are the sucking portions <NUM>. When the sucking portions <NUM> are not sucking the first products P1, the height of the sucking portions <NUM> is a height equal to or greater than the height of later-described abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the sucking portions <NUM> are sucking the first products P1 and the abutting portions <NUM> are abutting the first products P1, the height of the sucking portions <NUM> is higher than the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction.

The second suction members <NUM> are joined to the suction component <NUM> and suck the second products P2. Specifically, the second suction members <NUM> each have one end that is joined to the first suction component 10a or the second suction component 10b and another end that sucks the second products P2. It will be noted that in this embodiment the another ends of the second suction members <NUM> are the lower ends of the second suction members <NUM> in the vertical direction. As shown in <FIG>, the second suction members <NUM> in this embodiment are tubular extending/contracting members comprising bellows-like hoses, and are attached three each to each of the first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b. The first suction component 10a sucks one second product P2 with its three second suction members <NUM>. Likewise, the second suction component 10b sucks one second product P2 with its three second suction members <NUM>. It will be noted that the quantity, shape, and material of the second suction members <NUM> may be appropriately changed in accordance with the quantity, shape, material, and posture of the second products P2. The second suction members <NUM> suck the second products P2 as a result of the insides of the second suction members <NUM> being put in a vacuum state by the negative pressure chambers <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment the height of the another ends (lower ends) of the second suction members <NUM> is lower than the height of the sucking portions <NUM> of the first suction members <NUM> in the vertical direction.

As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment the first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b are each coupled to one support member <NUM>.

The support members <NUM> have abutting portions <NUM> that abut the first products P1. Specifically, the support members <NUM> comprise abutment members <NUM> and support portions <NUM> that couple the abutment members <NUM> to the suction component <NUM>, and the abutment members <NUM> have the abutting portions <NUM> that abut the first products P1. Abutment surfaces of the abutment members <NUM> that abut the first products P1 are the abutting portions <NUM>. For this reason, the position of the abutting portions <NUM> appropriately changes in accordance with the posture and shape of the first products P1.

The abutment members <NUM> are configured by a material having elasticity and flexibility in order to mitigate shock when the abutting portions <NUM> abut the first products P1. The abutment members <NUM> are, for example, made of rubber or made of Bancollan. Likewise, the abutting portions <NUM> are made of rubber or made of Bancollan. For this reason, when the abutting portions <NUM> abut the first products P1, the abutting portions <NUM> elastically deform. In this embodiment, the abutment members <NUM> comprise a tabular sheet made of rubber or made of Bancollan secured in a curved shape, and are substantially J-shaped or substantially U-shaped in side view as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. It will be noted that the shape of the abutment members <NUM> may be appropriately changed in accordance with the posture and shape of the first products P1.

The abutment members <NUM> have position adjusting portions <NUM>. The position adjusting portions <NUM> are long holes formed extending in the vertical direction such as shown in <FIG> for example. Because the abutment members <NUM> have the position adjusting portions <NUM>, the height of the lower ends of the abutment members <NUM> in the vertical direction can be adjusted in accordance with the shape and posture of the first products P1. In other words, the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction can be changed in accordance with the shape and posture of the first products P1.

The support portions <NUM> of the support members <NUM> couple the abutment members <NUM> to the first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b. As shown in <FIG>, the support portions <NUM> have first support portions 32a and second support portions 32b. The first support portions 32a couple, with screws for example, the abutment members <NUM> to the first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b, respectively. The second support portions 32b fulfill the role of washers when securing, with screws for example, the abutment members <NUM> to the first support portions 32a. In this embodiment, the support members <NUM> comprise the abutment members <NUM> and the support portions <NUM>, and the positions at which the support portions <NUM> couple the abutment members <NUM> to the first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b respectively can be appropriately changed in accordance with the posture and shape of the first products P1. In other words, the support members <NUM> are relocatable in a range in which the first products P1 can abut them.

It will be noted that the support members <NUM> do not suck and hold the first products P1. In other words, the support members <NUM> do not have a suction mechanism as do the first suction members <NUM> and the second suction members <NUM>.

As described above, the suction and transport device <NUM> is a device installed in the box packing device <NUM>, and is a device that sucks and holds, with the first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b, the product groups G flowing on the second conveyor <NUM> and transports the product groups G to the containers C. The product groups G are each configured by two first products P1 and two second products P2.

Below, the suction and transport operation of the suction and transport device <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, taking the first suction component 10a as an example. It will be noted that <FIG> are drawings in which the suction and transport device <NUM>, a first product P1, and a second product P2 are seen from the direction of arrow A in <FIG>. For this reason, in <FIG>, illustration of some configurations of the suction and transport device <NUM> is omitted.

It will be noted that the suction and transport operation of the second suction component 10b is generally the same as the suction and transport operation of the first suction component 10a, so description thereof is omitted here.

The first product P1 and the second product P2 that have been rearranged in the predetermined postures such as shown in <FIG> by the parallel link robot <NUM> are conveyed by the second conveyor <NUM> to the vertical direction underside of the first suction component 10a. The first suction component 10a of the suction and transport device <NUM> is coupled to the robot arm <NUM> via the second suction component 10b and can freely move in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the first product P1 and the second product P2 reach the vertical direction underside of the first suction component 10a, the robot arm <NUM> moves the first suction component 10a downward in the vertical direction. At this time, negative pressure is supplied to the internal spaces of the first suction members <NUM> and the second suction members <NUM> of the first suction component 10a. As shown in <FIG>, the movement of the first suction component 10a downward in the vertical direction by the robot arm <NUM> is carried out so that the timing when the first suction members <NUM> abut the first product P1 and the timing when the second suction members <NUM> abut the second product P2 are generally simultaneous. As shown in <FIG>, when the sucking portions <NUM> of the first suction members <NUM> abut the upper surface of the first product P1, the first product P1 is sucked by the first suction members <NUM> whose internal spaces are supplied with the negative pressure. Likewise, when the another ends (lower ends) of the second suction members <NUM> abut the upper surface of the second product P2, the second product P2 is sucked by the second suction members <NUM> whose internal spaces are supplied with the negative pressure. The abutting portion <NUM> of the support member <NUM> abuts the first product P1 at a timing simultaneous with, or slightly later than, the timing when the sucking portions <NUM> abut the first product P1. When the first suction members <NUM> and the second suction members <NUM> suck the first product P1 and the second product P2, as shown in <FIG>, the robot arm <NUM> raises the first suction component 10a. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the sucking portions <NUM> of the first suction members <NUM> are sucking the first product P1 and the abutting portion <NUM> is abutting the first product P1, the height of the sucking portions <NUM> is higher than the height of the abutting portion <NUM> in the vertical direction. As shown in <FIG>, the robot arm <NUM> that has raised the first suction component 10a and picked up the first product P1 and the second product P2 from the second conveyor <NUM> moves the first suction component 10a and transports the first product P1 and the second product P2 to the container C. During this transport, the internal spaces of the first suction members <NUM> and the second suction members <NUM> continue to be supplied with the negative pressure. Furthermore, during this transport, the abutting portion <NUM> continues to abut the first product P1. In this way, the suction and transport device <NUM> sucks and transports the first product P1 and the second product P2 while maintaining the predetermined postures of the first product P1 and the second product P2.

It will be noted that it is preferred that the area of the abutting portion <NUM> be larger than the area of the sucking portions <NUM>. Here, "area of the sucking portions <NUM>" means the sum total of the areas of each of the sucking portions <NUM>. Because the abutting portion <NUM> abuts the first product P1 in a larger area than the sum total of the areas of each of the sucking portions <NUM>, the posture of the first product P1 being sucked by the sucking portions <NUM> can more reliably be kept stable.

Conventionally, devices that use a robot arm to suck and transport plural products to a container have been known. Such devices, in the case of sucking and transporting plural products flowing on a conveyor in postures (predetermined postures) such as shown in <FIG>, transport the plural products to the container while maintaining the predetermined postures of the plural products.

In a case where the plural products that are sucked and transported by the above devices are products that have been packaged in a soft packaging material such as plastic film and have flexibility, even if some kind of pressure acts on the products, part of any product of the plural products deforms by, for example, yielding, so the predetermined postures of the plural products are generally maintained. However, in a case where the plural products are, for example, products to which a paper lamination has been applied and lack flexibility, there is the concern that the suction and transport will be carried out in a state in which the predetermined postures of the plural products are not maintained.

For example, there is a suction and transport device 1X that includes a suction component 10X, first suction members 11X, and second suction members 12X such as shown in <FIG>. The suction and transport device 1X is a device that sucks and transports, to a container (not shown in the drawings), a first product X1 and a second product X2 that have been rearranged in predetermined postures by a parallel link robot (not shown in the drawings). The suction component 10X of the suction and transport device 1X is coupled to a robot arm 5X and can freely move in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Furthermore, the suction component 10X has a negative pressure chamber 17X connected to a vacuum source not shown in the drawings, and is capable of supplying negative pressure to the internal spaces of the first suction members 11X and the second suction members 12X. The first product X1 and the second product X2 that have been rearranged in the predetermined postures by the parallel link robot are conveyed by a conveyor 92X. It will be noted that the first product X1 and the second product X2 are products to whose surfaces a paper lamination has been applied, and are bag-like products filled with a snack food such as potato chips. In other words, the first product X1 and the second product X2 are products that lack flexibility.

When the first product X1 and the second product X2 conveyed by the conveyor 92X reach the vertical direction underside of the suction and transport device 1X, as shown in <FIG>, the suction component 10X of the suction and transport device 1X moves downward in the vertical direction, and the first suction members 11X and the second suction members 12X abut the first product X1 and the second product X2 from above in the vertical direction. Because of this, pressure acts on the first product X1 and the second product X2 in the direction indicated by arrows D1 in <FIG>. Here, because the first product X1 and the second product X2 are products that lack flexibility, when the pressure acts in the direction of arrows D1, mutually repellent forces act between the first product X1 and the second product X2 (see arrow D2 and arrow D3 in <FIG>). Then, the first product X1 subjected to the pressure acting in the direction of arrows D1 from the first suction members 11X and subjected to the pressure acting in the direction of arrow D3 from the second product X2 tries to move in the direction of arrow D4 in <FIG>. As a result, as shown in <FIG>, the predetermined postures of the first product X1 and the second product X2 give way. If the first product X1 and the second product X2 are transported to the container in postures such as shown in <FIG>, it is conceivable that the first product X1 and/or the second product X2 will contact the inner surface of the container, and so there is the concern that proper box packing will not take place.

By contrast, in the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the invention, as shown in <FIG>, the abutting portion <NUM> of the support member <NUM> abuts the first product P1 trying to move in the direction of arrow D4. Because of this, a reaction force acts on the first product P1 in the direction indicated by arrow D5 in <FIG>, and the first product P1 is inhibited from moving. In this way, in this invention, even if the first product P1 and the second product P2 are products that lack flexibility, the predetermined postures of the first product P1 and the second product P2 are maintained because the abutting portion <NUM> of the support member <NUM> abuts the first product P1. When the predetermined postures of the first product P1 and the second product P2 are maintained, the spacing between the first product P1 and the second product P2 is reduced, so the first product P1 and the second product P2 are inhibited from contacting the inner surface of the container C. In other words, the suction and transport device <NUM> can, even if the first product P1 and the second product P2 are products that lack flexibility, maintain the posture of the first product P1 in a preferred posture and carry out proper box packing.

In the suction and transport device 1X, the following kind of situation is also conceivable as example of the concern that the suction and transport will be carried out in a state in which the predetermined postures of the plural products are not maintained.

As shown in <FIG>, the second suction members 12X, by sucking the second product X2, pick up the second product X2 in the direction of arrows D6. Here, because the first product X1 and the second product X2 are products that lack flexibility, when the second suction members 12X try to pick up the second product X2 in the direction of arrows D6, mutually repellant forces act between the first product X1 and the second product X2 (see arrow D7 and arrow D8 in <FIG>). At this time, if space is not ensured between the first product X1 and the suction component 10X, the first product X1 abuts the suction component 10X, whereby mutually repellent forces act between the first product X1 and the suction component 10X (see arrow D9 and arrow D10 in <FIG>). The first product X1 subjected to the pressure acting in the direction of arrow D7 from the second product X2 and subjected to the pressure acting in the direction of arrow D10 from the suction component 10X tries to move in the direction of arrow D11 in <FIG>. As a result, as shown in <FIG>, the predetermined postures of the first product X1 and the second product X2 give way. If the first product X1 and the second product X2 are transported to the container in postures such as in <FIG>, it is conceivable that the first product X1 and/or the second product X2 will contact the inner surface of the container, and so there is the concern that proper box packing will not take place.

By contrast, in the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the invention, as shown in <FIG>, the abutting portion <NUM> of the support member <NUM> abuts the first product P1 trying to move in the direction of arrow D11. Because of this, a reaction force acts on the first product P1 in the direction indicated by arrow D12 in <FIG>, and the first product P1 is inhibited from moving. In this way, in this invention, even if the first product P1 and the second product P2 are products that lack flexibility, the predetermined postures of the first product P1 and the second product P2 are maintained because the abutting portion <NUM> of the support member <NUM> abuts the first product P1. When the predetermined postures of the first product P1 and the second product P2 are maintained, the spacing between the first product P1 and the second product P2 is reduced, so the first product P1 and the second product P2 are inhibited from contacting the inner surface of the container C. In other words, the suction and transport device <NUM> can, even if the first product P1 and the second product P2 are products that lack flexibility, maintain the posture of the first product P1 in a preferred posture and carry out proper box packing.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
The suction and transport device <NUM> sucks and transports the first products P1, and includes the first suction members <NUM> and the support members <NUM>. The first suction members <NUM> each have one end that is joined to the suction component <NUM> connected to the vacuum source <NUM> and another end that serves as the sucking portion <NUM> that sucks the first products P1. The support members <NUM> have the abutting portions <NUM> that abut the first products P1. When the sucking portions <NUM> are sucking the first products P1 and the abutting portions <NUM> are abutting the first products P1, the height of the sucking portions <NUM> is higher than the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction.

In the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment, the suction and transport device <NUM> includes the support members <NUM>, and the abutting portions <NUM> of the support members <NUM> abut the first products P1. Furthermore, when the sucking portions <NUM> are sucking the first products P1 and the abutting portions <NUM> are abutting the first products P1, the height of the sucking portions <NUM> is higher than the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction. Because of this, when the suction and transport device <NUM> sucks and transports plural products, the posture of the first products P1 being sucked by the sucking portions <NUM> of the first suction members <NUM> can be kept in a preferred posture.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
In the suction and transport device <NUM>, the height of the sucking portions <NUM> when the sucking portions <NUM> are not sucking the first products P1 is a height equal to or greater than the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction.

In a case where the height of the sucking portions <NUM> is lower than the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction when the sucking portions <NUM> are not sucking the first products P1, the height of the sucking portions <NUM> will not always be higher than the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction when the sucking portions <NUM> are sucking the first products P1 and the abutting portions <NUM> are abutting the first products P1.

In the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment, the height of the sucking portions <NUM> when the sucking portions <NUM> are not sucking the first products P1 is a height equal to or greater than the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction. Because of this, when the suction and transport device <NUM> sucks and transports plural products, the posture of the first products P1 being sucked by the sucking portions <NUM> of the first suction members <NUM> can be kept in a preferred posture.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
The suction and transport device <NUM> further includes the position adjusting portions <NUM> that change the height of the abutting portions <NUM>.

The abutting portions <NUM>, by abutting the first products P1, keep stable the posture of the first products P1 being sucked by the sucking portions <NUM>. At this time, depending on the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction, there is the concern that the first products P1 will sustain damage, so it is preferred that the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction be appropriately adjustable.

In the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment, the suction and transport device <NUM> further includes the position adjusting portions <NUM> that change the height of the abutting portions <NUM>. Because of this, the height of the abutting portions <NUM> in the vertical direction can be adjusted in accordance with the posture and shape of the first products P1, so damage to the first products P1 can be inhibited.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
In the suction and transport device <NUM>, the support members <NUM> are relocatable in a range in which the first products P1 can abut them.

The abutting portions <NUM> of the support members <NUM>, by abutting the first products P1, keep stable the posture of the first products P1 being sucked by the sucking portions <NUM>. At this time, depending on the position at which the support members <NUM> are joined to the suction component <NUM>, there is the concern that the first products P1 will sustain damage, so it is preferred that the position of the support members <NUM> be appropriately adjustable.

In the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment, the support members <NUM> are relocatable in a range in which the first products P1 can abut them. Because of this, the position of the support members <NUM> can be adjusted in accordance with the posture and shape of the first products P1, so damage to the first products P1 can be inhibited.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
In the suction and transport device <NUM>, the abutting portions <NUM> elastically deform when they abut the first products P1.

The abutting portions <NUM>, by abutting the first products P1, keep stable the posture of the first products P1 being sucked by the sucking portions <NUM>. For this reason, depending on the material of the abutting portions <NUM>, there is the concern that the first products P1 will sustain damage.

In the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment, the abutting portions <NUM> elastically deform when they abut the first products P1. Because of this, when the abutting portions <NUM> abut the first products P1, damage to the first products P1 can be inhibited.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
In the suction and transport device <NUM>, the abutting portions <NUM> are elastic members made of rubber or made of Bancollan.

In the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment, the abutting portions <NUM> are elastic members made of rubber or made of Bancollan. Because of this, the abutting portions <NUM> have elasticity and flexibility, so when they abut the first products P1, damage to the first products P1 can be inhibited.

Furthermore, because the abutting portions <NUM> are made of rubber or made of Bancollan, a reduction in the weight of the suction component <NUM> overall is realized.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
In the suction and transport device <NUM>, the area of the abutting portions <NUM> is larger than the area of the sucking portions <NUM>.

In the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment, the area of the abutting portions <NUM> is larger than the area of the sucking portions <NUM>. Because of this, when the suction and transport device <NUM> sucks and transports plural products, the posture of the first products P1 being sucked by the sucking portions <NUM> of the first suction members <NUM> can be kept in a preferred posture.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
In the suction and transport device <NUM>, the support members <NUM> do not suck and hold the first products P1.

In the suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment, the support members <NUM> do not suck and hold the first products P1. In other words, the support members <NUM> do not have a mechanism for sucking and holding the first products P1. Because of this, an increase in the cost of the suction and transport device <NUM> including the support members <NUM> can be inhibited.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
The suction and transport device <NUM> further includes the second suction members <NUM> each having one end that is joined to the suction component <NUM> and another end that sucks the second products P2. Before the sucking portions <NUM> of the first suction members <NUM> and the another ends of the second suction members <NUM> suck the first products P1 and the second products P2, the first products P1 and the second products P2 are in contact with each other in mutually different postures.

The suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment further includes the second suction members <NUM> each having one end that is joined to the suction component <NUM> and another end that sucks the second products P2. Furthermore, before the sucking portions <NUM> of the first suction members <NUM> and the another ends of the second suction members <NUM> suck the first products P1 and the second products P2, the first products P1 and the second products P2 are in contact with each other in mutually different postures. Because of this, even in a case where the suction and transport device <NUM> sucks and transports the first products P1 and the second products P2, the posture of the first products P1 being sucked by the sucking portions <NUM> of the first suction members <NUM> can be kept in a preferred posture.

(<NUM>-<NUM>)
The suction and transport device <NUM> transports the first products P1 and the second products P2 to the container C.

In the embodiment, the container C is, for example, a cardboard case or a returnable container. When the suction and transport device <NUM> performs the transport to the container C in a state in which the predetermined postures of the first products P1 and the second products P2 have given way, it is conceivable that the first products P1 and/or the second products P2 will contact the inner surface of the container C, and so there arises the concern that proper box packing will not take place. For example, there arises the concern that, as a result of the first products P1 and/or the second products P2 contacting the inner surface of the container C, parts of the first products P1 and/or the second products P2 will overflow the container C, thus obstructing the folding of the lid of the container C or the closing and sealing of the lid of the container C.

The suction and transport device <NUM> pertaining to the embodiment transports the first products P1 and the second products P2 to the container C while maintaining the preferred postures of the first products P1 and the second products P2. Because of this, the spacing between the first products P1 and the second products P2 is reduced, so the first products P1 and the second products P2 are inhibited from contacting the inner surface of the container C, and proper box packing can be carried out.

The above embodiment is appropriately modifiable as indicated in the following example modifications. Each of the example modifications may also be combined with another example modification and applied to the extent that they are not incompatible. It will be noted regarding configurations that are the same as those in the above embodiment that the same reference signs are assigned thereto and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the above embodiment, the abutment members <NUM> were described as being substantially J-shaped or substantially U-shaped in side view. However, the shape of the abutment members <NUM> is not limited to this, and the abutment members <NUM> may also be S-shaped for example. Even in such a case as this, it is preferred that the area of the abutting portions <NUM> be larger than the area of the sucking portions <NUM>.

In the above embodiment, an example was described where the suction component <NUM> comprises two suction components, the first suction component 10a and the second suction component 10b. However, the configuration of the suction component <NUM> is not limited to this, and the suction component <NUM> may also comprise more or fewer suction components.

In the above embodiment, the row R was described as comprising the first product P1 and the second product P2, and the product group G was described as comprising two rows R. However, the configuration of the product group G is not limited to this, and the product group G may also comprise more or fewer rows R. In other words, the quantities of the first product P1 and the second product P2 configuring the product group G are not limited to the above quantities.

It will be noted that, as described above, the quantities, shape, and material of the first suction members <NUM> and the second suction members <NUM> may be appropriately changed in accordance with the quantities, shape, material, and postures of the first products P1 and the second products P2, so in this example modification, the quantities of the first suction members <NUM> and the second suction members <NUM> are appropriately selected in accordance with the quantities of the first product P1 and the second product P2 configuring the product group G.

In the above embodiment, the first product P1 and the second product P2 were described as products to which a paper lamination has been applied. However, the suction and transport device <NUM> in this invention is applicable to not only products to which a paper lamination has been applied but also bag-like objects that have been packaged in a soft packaging material such as plastic film.

Claim 1:
A suction and transport device (<NUM>, 1a) for sucking and transporting a first product (P1), the suction and transport device (<NUM>, 1a) comprising:
a suction component (10a, 10b) connected to a vacuum source; and
a first suction member (<NUM>) having one end that is joined to the suction component (10a, 10b) and another end that serves as a sucking portion (<NUM>) for sucking the first product (P1),
a support member (<NUM>) having an abutting portion (<NUM>);
wherein when the sucking portion (<NUM>) is sucking the first product (P1) and the abutting portion (<NUM>) is abutting the first product, the height of the sucking portion (<NUM>) is higher than the height of the abutting portion (<NUM>) in the vertical direction, characterized in that the abutting portion (<NUM>) is suitable for abutting the first product (P1) from the upper surface of the first product (P1), wherein the support member (<NUM>) is coupled to the suction component (10a, 10b).