Packing apparatus

A packing apparatus comprising:

• a sealing mechanism configured to affix a tape continuously on portions of a cardboard box transported in a state that a flap thereof is folded in and closed forming a folded-in flap, including a first side surface of the cardboard box on a downstream side with respect to a transportation direction of the cardboard box through the packaging apparatus, the folded-in flap, and a second side surface facing the first side surface, and seal a lid of the cardboard box, the sealing mechanism further including a pressing member configured to press the tape against the first side surface and the flap,
• the packing apparatus further comprising:
• a timing sensing section configured to sense a timing at which the affixing of the tape on the first side surface is initiated;
• and
• a pressing force control section configured to control pressing force exerted by the pressing member, based on a result of the sensing performed by the timing sensing section, in such a way that the pressing force is reduced after the affixing of the tape on the first side surface is initiated.