JP7340504B2 - Container conveyance device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a container conveyance device that grips and conveys a container filled with food, drink, or the like.

A filling device that fills a container with a beverage product fills a container (for example, a plastic bottle, etc.) transported by a transport device with a beverage, and attaches a cap to the mouth of the container to form a container product. At this time, the container is conveyed through various processes while being gripped by the gripper device. For example, a beverage filling machine has a rotating table, and gripper devices are provided on the outer periphery of the rotating table at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The rotating table rotates with each gripper device gripping a container, and the rotating container is filled with beverage. The container filled with beverage is conveyed to the capper device via a transfer wheel. The capper device attaches a cap to the mouth of a container filled with a beverage.

The capper device has a capper wheel. The transfer wheel and capper wheel have similar configurations. The transfer wheel and the capper wheel are each provided with gripper devices on their outer peripheries at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The transfer wheel grips and transports the container received by the gripper device from the beverage filling machine, and the capper wheel grips and transports the container gripped by the gripper device of the transfer wheel. Examples of such techniques include those described in the following patent documents.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-100096

In the above-mentioned transfer wheels and capper wheels, the gripper device grips and rotates the upper part of the container filled with beverages, so centrifugal force acts on the container being conveyed, and the lower part moves to the outside of each wheel. It will be in a tilted state. The transfer wheel and the capper wheel are arranged so that their outer peripheries are adjacent to each other. Therefore, when the container is transferred from the gripper device of the transfer wheel to the gripper device of the capper wheel, the direction of the centrifugal force acting on the container is reversed, so that the direction of inclination of the container is reversed. Then, fluctuations in the liquid level (hereinafter referred to as sloshing) occur due to fluctuations in the container, causing a phenomenon in which the beverage splashes to the outside. Conventionally, in order to prevent the splashing of beverages to the outside, it is necessary to reduce the rotational speed of the transfer wheel and the capper wheel, resulting in a reduction in work efficiency.

The present disclosure solves the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a container conveyance device that suppresses the contents from splashing to the outside.

A container conveyance device of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes a rotating body rotatable by a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction, one longitudinal end of which is supported by the outer periphery of the rotating body, and the other end of which is supported by the outer periphery of the rotating body. The present invention includes a gripper device capable of gripping the neck of a container, and a grip angle adjustment device that adjusts an inclination angle of the container gripped by the gripper device with respect to the vertical direction.

Further, the container conveyance device of the present disclosure includes a rotating body that can be rotated by a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction, and one end in the longitudinal direction is supported by the outer periphery of the rotating body, and the other end is capable of gripping the neck of the container. a gripper device, the gripper device has a pair of gripper members that can be opened and closed, and the pair of gripper members grip at least three places in the circumferential direction of the neck portion on one end side in the longitudinal direction. A possible grip is provided.

According to the container conveyance device of the present disclosure, splashing of contents to the outside can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the container filling device of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of main parts showing the arrangement of the transfer wheel and the capper wheel. FIG. 3 is a front view of the upper part of the container showing the container being gripped by the gripper device. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the container conveyance device of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the gripper device. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the container transport device. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a container conveyance device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a container conveyance device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the container transport device. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a container conveying device according to a modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the container transport device. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a container conveying device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a container conveyance device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a side view showing the main parts of the gripper device in the container conveyance device of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the detailed shape of the locking portion. FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the detailed shape of a modified example of the locking portion.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment, and if there are multiple embodiments, the present disclosure also includes a configuration in which each embodiment is combined. In addition, the components in the embodiments include those that can be easily imagined by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are in the so-called equivalent range.

[First embodiment]
<Configuration of container filling device>
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the container filling device of the first embodiment.

The container filling device of the present invention is for filling food containers with food and beverages. Here, the food container is a container filled with fluid containing slurry, particles, powder, etc. used as food such as drinks and seasonings. Beverages include soft drinks, water, tea, coffee, black tea, cocoa, fruit juice drinks, milk, health drinks, alcoholic beverages, etc. Cooking ingredients include soy sauce, vinegar, cooking sake, mirin, oil, and various sauces. , salt, sugar, etc. Further, food containers include plastic bottles (PET bottles), glass bottles, metal cans, paper containers, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the container filling device 10 of the first embodiment includes a container inspection machine 11, a container washer 12, a container sterilizer 13, a container rinse device 14, a beverage filling machine 15, and a capper device. 16 and a cap sterilizer 17.

The container inspection machine 11 inspects containers (food containers) for damage. The container washer 12 cleans the inside of the container. The container sterilizer 13 sterilizes the inside of the container. The container rinsing device 14 is for rinsing the inside of the container. The beverage filling machine 15 is for filling beverages into containers. The capper device 16 attaches a cap to a container filled with a beverage. The cap sterilizer 17 sterilizes caps attached to containers.

Beverage filling machine 15 has a rotary table 21 and a gripper device 22 . The rotary table 21 is provided with gripper devices 22 on its outer periphery at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The rotary table 21 is rotatable at a predetermined speed. The gripper device 22 is capable of gripping containers supplied from the container rinsing device 14 . A transfer wheel 23 is arranged between the beverage filling machine 15 and the capper device 16. The transfer wheel 23 is provided with gripper devices 24 on its outer periphery at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Transfer wheel 23 is rotatable at a predetermined speed. The gripper device 24 is capable of gripping a container supplied from the beverage filling machine 15. The capper device 16 has a capper wheel 25 and a gripper device 26. The capper wheel 25 is provided with gripper devices 26 on its outer periphery at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The capper wheel 25 is rotatable at a predetermined speed. The gripper device 26 is capable of gripping containers supplied from the transfer wheel 23 .

<Transfer wheel and capper wheel>
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main parts showing the arrangement of the transfer wheel and the capper wheel, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the upper part of the container showing the state in which the container is gripped by the gripper device.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the container 30 has a container body 31, a mouth portion 32, and a neck portion 33. The container main body 31 has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a bottom portion (not shown) whose lower portion in the longitudinal direction is closed. The container body 31 has a neck portion 33 with a reduced outer diameter at the upper end. The container body 31 is provided with an opening 32 at the upper end. The mouth portion 32 is an opening and can be filled with a beverage. Further, the container body 31 is provided with a threaded portion 34 and a neck ring 35 on the neck portion 33. The threaded portion 34 is a male thread into which a female thread of a cap (not shown) is screwed. The neck ring 35 has a ring shape that projects outward from the outer peripheral surface of the neck portion 33.

The transfer wheel 23 has a disk shape and is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 2). The transfer wheel 23 can be rotated clockwise in FIG. 2 by a drive device (not shown). The transfer wheel 23 is provided with a gripper device 24 on its outer periphery. The gripper device 24 is capable of gripping the neck 33 of the container 30. The capper wheel 25 has a disc shape and is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 2). The capper wheel 25 can be rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 2 by a drive device (not shown). The capper wheel 25 is provided with a gripper device 26 on its outer periphery. The gripper device 26 is capable of gripping the neck 33 of the container 30 .

The transfer wheel 23 and the capper wheel 25 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the horizontal direction. The transfer wheel 23 and the capper wheel 25 rotate synchronously at the same speed (circumferential speed). The gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 and the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25 have substantially the same configuration. The transfer wheel 23 rotates with the gripper device 24 gripping the container 30, thereby transporting the container 30 along the circumferential direction. When the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 and the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25 reach the opposite position, that is, the container delivery position, the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 transfers the container 30 held by the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 to the capper wheel 25. It is delivered to the gripper device 26.

<Container conveyance device>
The container conveyance device of the first embodiment is applied to the transfer wheel 23 and the gripper device 24. Note that the present invention may also be applied to the capper wheel 25 and the gripper device 26. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the container transport device of the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the gripper device, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the container transport device.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the container conveyance device includes a transfer wheel 23, a gripper device 24, and a grip angle adjustment device 40.

The gripper device 24 is arranged along the radial direction (left-right direction in FIGS. 4 and 5) of the transfer wheel (rotating body) 23. The gripper device 24 has a pair of gripper members 41 and 42. The gripper members 41 and 42 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the transfer wheel 23, and their respective intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction are rotatably supported by the support member 45 by support shafts 43 and 44 extending in the vertical direction.

The gripper members 41 and 42 are provided with gripping portions 41a and 42a, respectively, at one end in the longitudinal direction. The gripping parts 41a and 42a have an arc shape and can grip the neck 33 of the container 30. Therefore, the gripping portions 41a and 42a have an arcuate shape that allows them to be brought into close contact with the outer periphery of the neck portion 33 of the container 30. At this time, the gripping parts 41a and 42a grip a position above the neck ring 35 in the neck part 33 of the container 30. The gripper members 41 and 42 are provided with spring receiving portions 41b and 42b, respectively, at the other ends in the longitudinal direction. A compression coil spring 46 is installed between the spring receivers 41b and 42b. The compression coil spring 46 applies a biasing force to the gripper members 41 and 42 in a direction in which the spring receiving portions 41b and 42b are separated.

Therefore, in FIG. 4, one gripper member 41 is biased and supported clockwise around the support shaft 43 by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 46. The other gripper member 42 is biased and supported in the counterclockwise direction around the support shaft 44 by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 46 . Then, the gripper members 41 and 42 are biased and supported by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 46 in the direction in which the gripping portions 41a and 42a approach each other. The gripper members 41 and 42 can be gripped by the urging force of the compression coil spring 46 such that the gripping parts 41a and 42a sandwich the neck part 33 of the container 30.

The gripper member 42 is connected to one end of a lever 47. The lever 47 extends from the other end of the gripper member 42 toward the gripper member 41 side. A cam roller 48 is rotatably attached to the other end of the lever 47. A cam 49 is arranged below the transfer wheel 23 . The cam 49 is fixed near the container delivery position. The cam roller 48 and the cam 49 are arranged at substantially the same position in the vertical direction, and the cam roller 48 can come into contact with the cam 49. Note that the gripper member 41 and the gripper member 42 can be interlocked by an interlocking mechanism (for example, a gear mechanism) not shown.

Therefore, when the cam roller 48 is not in contact with the cam 49, as shown by the solid line in FIG. It can be grasped. On the other hand, when the transfer wheel 23 rotates and the cam roller 48 comes into contact with the cam 49 as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4 in the clockwise direction in FIG. At this time, the rotational movement of the gripper member 42 is transmitted to the gripper member 41 via the interlocking mechanism. The gripper member 41 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4 about the support shaft 43 against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 46. Then, the gripping parts 41a and 42a of the gripper members 41 and 42 separate from the neck part 33 of the container 30, and the gripping of the container 30 is released.

The gripping angle adjusting device 40 adjusts the inclination angle of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 with respect to the vertical direction. The gripping angle adjustment device 40 adjusts the inclination angle of the transfer wheel 23 in the radial direction with respect to the vertical direction of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 .

A support member 45 on which the gripper members 41 and 42 are supported is supported by the lower part of the transfer wheel 23 via a connecting member 51. The connecting member 51 has, for example, a U-shape, and its intermediate portion is rotatably connected to the lower part of the transfer wheel 23 by a connecting shaft 52. The connecting shaft 52 extends in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23 . The lower part of the connecting member 51 is fixed to the upper part of the supporting member 45. The connecting member 51 has an upper end supported by a stopper 53 fixed to the lower part of the transfer wheel 23 . Furthermore, an elastic member 54 serving as a biasing member is disposed between the upper end of the connecting member 51 and the lower part of the transfer wheel 23 . The elastic member 54 is made of rubber or the like, and the biasing member may be a compression coil spring, a tension spring, a leaf spring, etc. other than rubber. Therefore, the connecting member 51 is elastically supported in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4 about the connecting shaft 52 by the elastic force of the elastic member 54. At this time, the upper end of the connecting member 51 is supported by the stopper 53, so that rotation in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4 about the connecting shaft 52 is prevented.

When the connecting member 51 is elastically supported by the elastic force of the elastic member 54, and the upper end portion is supported by contacting the stopper 53, the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is rotated in the vertical direction relative to the horizontal position HP-0. 4 is held at a first inclined position HP-1 inclined by a predetermined angle α1 in the counterclockwise direction. The first inclined position HP-1 of the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is a first inclined position in which the gripped container 30 is inclined by a predetermined angle β1 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4 with respect to the vertical position VP-0. The position is VP-1. The gripping angle adjustment device 40 can move the gripper device 24 between the horizontal position HP-0 and the first inclined position HP-1.

That is, when the gripper device 24 is in the first inclined position HP-1, when stress is applied to the connecting member 51 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 4, the upper end of the connecting member 51 compresses the elastic member 54. It rotates in the same direction by a predetermined angle and moves to the horizontal position HP-0. The horizontal position HP-0 of the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is the vertical position VP-0 of the gripped container 30.

Note that, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25 has the same configuration as the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23, and a description thereof will be omitted. However, the gripper devices 24 and 26 have different shapes of the gripping portions 41a and 42a of the gripper members 41 and 42. That is, in the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23, the gripping portions 41a and 42a of the gripper members 41 and 42 grip a position above the neck ring 35 in the neck portion 33 of the container 30. On the other hand, in the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25, the gripping portion of the gripper member grips a position below the neck ring 35 in the neck portion 33 of the container 30. That is, when the gripper device 24 delivers the container 30 to the gripper device 26, the gripping portions 41a, 42a of the gripper members 41, 42 do not interfere with each other. Moreover, although it is preferable that the gripper device 26 includes a grip angle adjustment device, it is not necessary to include the grip angle adjustment device.

<Operation of container transport device>
As shown in FIG. 4, when the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 is not gripping the neck portion 33 of the container 30, the gripping portions 41a, 42a of the gripper members 41, 42 in the gripper device 24 are subjected to stress from the container 30. I haven't. Therefore, the connecting member 51 is elastically supported in the counterclockwise direction by the elastic force of the elastic member 54, and is positioned at a position where the upper end is in contact with the stopper 53, and the gripper device 24 is moved to the first inclined position HP. It is held at -1.

When the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 grips the neck 33 of the container 30, the weight of the container 30 acts on the gripping portions 41a, 42a of the gripper members 41, 42 of the gripper device 24. Since the transfer wheel 23 rotates, centrifugal force acts on the container 30, and stress accompanying the centrifugal force of the container 30 acts on the gripping portions 41a, 42a of the gripper members 41, 42 in the gripper device 24. That is, the gripper members 41 and 42 have gripping portions 41a and 42a gripping the neck portion 33 located at the top of the container 30. Therefore, the lower portion of the container 30 tends to move outward in the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23 with the neck portion 33 serving as a fulcrum due to the centrifugal force acting thereon. In the gripper device 24, the connecting member 51 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 4 about the connecting shaft 52 when the gripper device 24 receives stress due to the operation of the container 30. Then, the upper end of the connecting member 51 compresses the elastic member 54 and rotates in the same direction, and as shown in FIG. 6, the gripper device 24 moves to the horizontal position HP-0. The horizontal position HP-0 of the gripper device 24 is the vertical position VP-0 of the gripped container 30. That is, when the gripper device 24 grips the neck 33 of the container 30 and the transfer wheel 23 is rotating, the container 30 is held at the vertical position VP-0, although it is subjected to centrifugal force.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, as the transfer wheel 23 continues to rotate, the gripper device 24 gripping the container 30 reaches a container transfer position opposite to the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25. Although not shown, in the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25, a cam roller contacts a cam to open a pair of gripper members before the container delivery position, and when the container delivery position is reached, the pair of gripper members are closed and the container is removed. Grip the neck 33 of 30. On the other hand, when the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 passes the container delivery position, the cam roller 48 contacts the cam 49 and the pair of gripper members 41 and 42 open, releasing the grip on the neck 33 of the container 30. Therefore, the container 30 is transferred from the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 to the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25 at the container transfer position.

At this time, the container 30 is delivered while being held at the vertical position VP-0. Therefore, when the container 30 is transferred from the transfer wheel 23 to the capper wheel 25, even if the direction of the centrifugal force acting on the container 30 is reversed, the change in the attitude of the container 30 is minimized, and the container 30 The occurrence of sloshing due to fluctuations in the amount of water is suppressed, and the occurrence of a phenomenon in which the beverage splashes to the outside of the container 30 is suppressed.

Note that in the gripper device 24, the gripping parts 41a and 42a of the gripper members 41 and 42 grip the neck part 33 of the container 30, but the gripping force is such that the gripping of the container 30 is not released due to centrifugal force or impact during delivery. , and there is some play between the gripping portions 41a, 42a of the gripper members 41, 42 and the neck portion 33 of the container 30. Therefore, the predetermined angle α1 (predetermined angle β1) of the first tilted position HP-1 (first tilted position VP-1) with respect to the horizontal position HP-0 (vertical position VP-0) of the gripper device 24 is determined as described above. It is set taking into account the amount of That is, when the transfer wheel 23 rotates with the gripping parts 41a and 42a of the gripper members 41 and 42 gripping the neck part 33 of the container 30, and the gripper device 24 rotates together with the connecting member 51 due to the centrifugal force of the container 30, The position of the stopper 53 is set so that the container 30 is held at the vertical position VP-0. Further, the elastic force (eg, spring constant) of the elastic member 54 is set in consideration of the first tilted position VP-1 (predetermined angle β1).

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a container conveyance device according to the second embodiment. Note that members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the container conveyance device includes a transfer wheel 23, a gripper device 24, and a grip angle adjustment device 40A.

The gripper device 24 is arranged along the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23. The gripper device 24 has a pair of gripper members 41 and 42. The gripper members 41 and 42 are rotatably supported by a support member 45 through support shafts 43 and 44 (see FIG. 5), respectively, at intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction.

The gripping angle adjustment device 40A adjusts the inclination angle of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 with respect to the vertical direction. The grip angle adjustment device 40A adjusts the inclination angle of the transfer wheel 23 in the radial direction with respect to the vertical direction of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24.

A support member 45 on which the gripper members 41 and 42 are supported is supported by the lower part of the transfer wheel 23 via a connecting member 51. The connecting member 51 has a U-shape, and its upper portion is fixed to the lower portion of the transfer wheel 23 . The upper part of the support member 45 is fixed to the lower part of the connecting member 51 via the adjustment plate 61. The adjustment plate 61 is, for example, a shim, but is not limited to this configuration. An adjustment screw or the like may be used instead of the adjustment plate 61. Further, the position of the adjustment plate 61 is not limited to the above-mentioned position, and may be, for example, between the transfer wheel 23 and the upper part of the connecting member 51.

The gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is held at a first tilted position HP-2 that is tilted by a predetermined angle α2 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7 with respect to the horizontal position HP-0. The first inclined position HP-2 of the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is a first inclined position in which the gripped container 30 is inclined by a predetermined angle β2 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7 with respect to the vertical position VP-0. The position is VP-2.

When the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 grips the neck 33 of the container 30, no centrifugal force acts on the container 30 if the transfer wheel 23 is stopped. Therefore, the gripper device 24 is held at the first inclined position HP-2, and the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 is held at the first inclined position VP-2.

The gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 grips the neck 33 of the container 30, and as the transfer wheel 23 rotates, a centrifugal force acts on the container 30. Here, there is some play between the gripping parts 41a, 42a of the gripper members 41, 42 and the neck part 33 of the container 30. Therefore, the container 30 moves by the amount of rattling due to the centrifugal force that acts on it. That is, the lower part of the container 30 moves outward in the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23 by an amount of rattling, using the neck portion 33 as a fulcrum due to the applied centrifugal force, and reaches the vertical position VP-0. That is, when the gripper device 24 grips the neck portion 33 of the container 30 and the transfer wheel 23 is rotating, the container 30 is moved to the vertical position VP-0 and held by the centrifugal force.

Therefore, when the container 30 is transferred from the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 to the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25 at the container transfer position, the container 30 is transferred while being held at the vertical position VP-0. Therefore, when the container 30 is transferred from the transfer wheel 23 to the capper wheel 25, even if the direction of the centrifugal force acting on the container 30 is reversed, the change in the attitude of the container 30 is minimized, and the container 30 The occurrence of sloshing due to fluctuations in the amount of water is suppressed, and the occurrence of a phenomenon in which the beverage splashes to the outside of the container 30 is suppressed.

Note that, as described above, there is some play between the gripping portions 41a, 42a of the gripper members 41, 42 and the neck portion 33 of the container 30. Therefore, the predetermined angle α2 (predetermined angle β2) of the first tilted position HP-2 (first tilted position VP-2) with respect to the horizontal position HP-0 (vertical position VP-0) of the gripper device 24 is determined as described above. It is set taking into account the amount of That is, when the transfer wheel 23 rotates with the gripping parts 41a and 42a of the gripper members 41 and 42 gripping the neck part 33 of the container 30 and centrifugal force acts on the container 30, the container 30 is moved to the vertical position VP-0. A predetermined angle α2 is set so that it is moved and held.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the container transport device of the third embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the container transport device. Note that members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the container conveyance device includes a transfer wheel 23, a gripper device 24, and a grip angle adjustment device 40B.

The gripper device 24 is arranged along the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23. The gripper device 24 has a pair of gripper members 41 and 42. The gripper members 41 and 42 are rotatably supported by a support member 45 through support shafts 43 and 44 (see FIG. 5), respectively, at intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction.

A cam roller 48 is rotatably attached to the gripper member 42 via a lever 47. A cam 49 is arranged below the transfer wheel 23 . The cam roller 48 can contact the cam 49, and the gripper member 41 and the gripper member 42 can be interlocked by an interlocking mechanism. Therefore, when the cam roller 48 is not in contact with the cam 49, the gripping parts 41a and 42a of the gripper members 41 and 42 can grip the neck part 33 of the container 30 by the urging force of the compression coil spring 46 (see FIG. 5). . On the other hand, when the cam roller 48 contacts the cam 49, the gripper members 41 and 42 rotate against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 46, and the gripping parts 41a and 42a are separated from the neck part 33 of the container 30. The grip is released.

The gripping angle adjustment device 40B adjusts the inclination angle of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 with respect to the vertical direction. The grip angle adjustment device 40B adjusts the inclination angle of the transfer wheel 23 in the radial direction with respect to the vertical direction of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24.

A support member 45 on which the gripper members 41 and 42 are supported is supported by the lower part of the transfer wheel 23 via a connecting member 51. The connecting member 51 has a U-shape, and its upper portion is fixed to the lower portion of the transfer wheel 23 . The upper part of the support member 45 is rotatably connected to the lower part of the connecting member 51 by a connecting shaft 71. The connecting shaft 71 extends in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23 . A cam roller 73 is rotatably connected to the other end of the gripper members 41 and 42 by a connecting pin 72. The cam roller 73 is rotatable around an axis extending in the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23. For example, the cam roller 73 can come into contact with a cam 74 arranged above. Note that a spherical bearing 75 is provided at the connecting portion between the gripper members 41 and 42 and the connecting pin 72. In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the cam roller 73 may be made spherical by crowning without providing the spherical bearing 75. Further, the position of the cam 74 is not limited to above the cam roller 73. The gripper device 24 (gripper members 41 and 42) is rotatable about the connecting shaft 71 by a cam 74. Here, the moving device of the present invention includes a cam roller 73, a cam 74, and the like.

When the gripper device 24 is transporting the container 30 held by the gripper device 24 by rotation of the transfer wheel 23, the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is held at the horizontal position HP-0. The horizontal position HP-0 of the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is the vertical position VP-0 of the gripped container 30. Then, when the container 30 held by the gripper device 24 reaches the container delivery position, the grip angle adjustment device 40B moves the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) relative to the horizontal position HP-0 by the shape of the cam 74. Then, it is moved to a first tilted position HP-3 which is tilted by a predetermined angle α3 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 8 and held there. The first inclined position HP-3 of the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is a first inclined position in which the gripped container 30 is inclined by a predetermined angle β3 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 8 with respect to the vertical position VP-0. The position is VP-3.

That is, when the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 is moving due to the rotation of the transfer wheel 23, the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is held at the horizontal position HP-0. At this time, although the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 is supported at the vertical position VP-0, the container 30 is tilted so that the lower part moves outward due to the centrifugal force. When the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 reaches the container delivery position, as shown in FIG. Move to HP-3 and hold. At this time, although the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 is supported at the first tilted position VP-3, it is tilted so that the lower part moves outward due to the centrifugal force, and the container 30 is actually moved to the vertical position. It is held in VP-0.

Therefore, when the container 30 is transferred from the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 to the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25 at the container transfer position, the container 30 is transferred while being held at the vertical position VP-0. Therefore, when the container 30 is transferred from the transfer wheel 23 to the capper wheel 25, even if the direction of the centrifugal force acting on the container 30 is reversed, the change in the attitude of the container 30 is minimized, and the container 30 The occurrence of sloshing due to fluctuations in the amount of water is suppressed, and the occurrence of a phenomenon in which the beverage splashes to the outside of the container 30 is suppressed.

Note that the grip angle adjustment device 40B is not limited to the configuration described above. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a container transport device according to a modification of the third embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the container transport device.

In a modification of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the container conveyance device includes a transfer wheel 23, a gripper device 24, and a grip angle adjustment device 40C.

The gripping angle adjustment device 40C adjusts the inclination angle of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 with respect to the vertical direction. The grip angle adjustment device 40C adjusts the inclination angle of the transfer wheel 23 in the radial direction with respect to the vertical direction of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24.

A support member 45 on which the gripper members 41 and 42 are supported is supported by the lower part of the transfer wheel 23 via a connecting member 51. The connecting member 51 has a U-shape, and its upper portion is fixed to the lower portion of the transfer wheel 23 . A connecting piece 81 is fixed to the lower part of the connecting member 51, and the upper part of the support member 45 is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 81 by a connecting shaft 82. In this case, the lever 47 on which the cam roller 48 is supported is supported by the support member 45. A cam roller 73 is rotatably connected to the other end of the gripper members 41 and 42 by a connecting pin 72. The cam roller 73 can come into contact with a cam 74 arranged above. Note that a spherical bearing 75 is provided at the connecting portion between the gripper members 41 and 42 and the connecting pin 72. The gripper device 24 (gripper members 41 and 42) is rotatable about the connecting shaft 71 by a cam 74.

When the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 is being moved by the rotation of the transfer wheel 23, the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is held at the horizontal position HP-0. At this time, although the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 is supported at the vertical position VP-0, the container 30 is tilted so that the lower part moves outward due to the centrifugal force. When the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 reaches the container delivery position, as shown in FIG. Move to HP-3 and hold. At this time, although the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 is supported at the first tilted position VP-3, it is tilted so that the lower part moves outward due to the centrifugal force, and the container 30 is actually moved to the vertical position. It is held in VP-0.

Therefore, when the container 30 is transferred from the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 to the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25 at the container transfer position, the container 30 is transferred while being held at the vertical position VP-0. Therefore, when the container 30 is transferred from the transfer wheel 23 to the capper wheel 25, even if the direction of the centrifugal force acting on the container 30 is reversed, the change in the attitude of the container 30 is minimized, and the container 30 The occurrence of sloshing due to fluctuations in the amount of water is suppressed, and the occurrence of a phenomenon in which the beverage splashes to the outside of the container 30 is suppressed.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a container conveying device according to the fourth embodiment. Note that members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the container conveyance device includes a transfer wheel 23, a gripper device 24, and a grip angle adjustment device 40D.

The gripping angle adjusting device 40D adjusts the inclination angle of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 with respect to the vertical direction. The grip angle adjustment device 40D adjusts the inclination angle in the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23 with respect to the vertical direction of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24.

A support member 45 on which the gripper members 41 and 42 are supported is supported by the lower part of the transfer wheel 23 via a connecting member 51. The connecting member 51 has a U-shape, and its upper portion is fixed to the lower portion of the transfer wheel 23 . The upper part of the support member 45 is fixed to the lower part of the connecting member 51 via an adjustment plate 62. The adjustment plate 62 is, for example, a shim, but is not limited to this configuration. An adjustment screw or the like may be used instead of the adjustment plate 62.

The gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is held at a second inclined position HP-4, which is inclined by a predetermined angle α4 in the clockwise direction of FIG. 12 with respect to the horizontal position HP-0. The second tilted position HP-4 of the gripper device 24 (gripper members 41, 42) is a second tilted position in which the gripped container 30 is tilted by a predetermined angle β4 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 12 with respect to the vertical position VP-0. It is VP-4.

The gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 grips the neck 33 of the container 30, and as the transfer wheel 23 rotates, a centrifugal force acts on the container 30. At this time, centrifugal force acts on the container 30 while being held at the second inclined position VP-4. Then, the beverage filled inside the container 30 is tilted such that the outside of the transfer wheel 23 in the radial direction at the liquid level rises upward in the vertical direction. That is, the direction of inclination of the container 30 and the direction of inclination of the liquid level of the beverage are the same.

Therefore, when the container 30 is transferred from the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 to the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25 at the container transfer position, the longitudinal direction (second inclined position VP-4) of the container 30 and the liquid level of the beverage are Since the drinks are delivered in a state where they are perpendicular to each other, the occurrence of sloshing due to fluctuation of the container 30 is suppressed, and the occurrence of the phenomenon of the beverage splashing outside the container 30 is suppressed.

[Fifth embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a container conveyance device according to a fifth embodiment. Note that members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the container conveyance device includes a transfer wheel 23, a gripper device 24, and a grip angle adjustment device 40E.

The gripping angle adjustment device 40E adjusts the inclination angle of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 with respect to the vertical direction. The grip angle adjustment device 40E adjusts the inclination angle of the transfer wheel 23 in the radial direction with respect to the vertical direction of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24.

The gripping angle adjusting device 40E includes an air injection device (pressing device) 91 that presses the lower end of the container 30 toward the rotation center of the transfer wheel 23 at least when the gripper device 24 reaches the container delivery position. The air injection device 91 is arranged on the capper wheel 25 side with respect to the container 30 when transferring the container 30 held by the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 to the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25. The air injection device 91 injects and presses air toward the lower end of the container 30 located at the container delivery position. Air injection device 91 is connected to air supply source 93 via air supply line 92 . The air supply line 92 is provided with a flow rate adjustment valve 94, and the flow rate adjustment valve 94 can adjust the amount of air supplied to the air injection device 91. Further, although not shown, the air injection device 91 is supported by a lifting platform, and its height position in the vertical direction can be adjusted. That is, by adjusting the height of the air injection device 91 according to the length of the container 30, the air injection device 91 can appropriately inject air toward the lower end of the container 30 located at the container delivery position. I can do it.

The gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 grips the neck 33 of the container 30 and as the transfer wheel 23 rotates, a centrifugal force acts on the container 30 causing the lower part to tilt outward. However, when the transfer wheel 23 rotates and the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 reaches the container delivery position, the air injection device 91 injects air toward the lower end of the container 30. Note that the air injection device 91 may always inject air. Then, the lower part of the container 30 is pressed inward by the pressure of the air applied to the lower part, and the tilted state is corrected. Therefore, the container 30 is transferred from the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 to the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25 in a state along the vertical direction, and the occurrence of sloshing due to fluctuation of the container 30 is suppressed. The occurrence of the phenomenon of beverage splashing to the outside is suppressed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the air injection device 91 is fixedly arranged on the capper wheel 25 side with respect to the container 30 at the container delivery position, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a rotary table that rotates together with the transfer wheel 23 is provided below the transfer wheel 23, and a plurality of air injection devices 91 are disposed on the rotary table facing the plurality of gripper devices 26, so that the rotary table can rotate together with the transfer wheel 23. good. Further, a plurality of air injection devices 91 may be arranged below and facing the plurality of gripper devices 26 of the capper wheel 25, and may be rotatable together with the capper wheel 25. In this case, since the air injection device 91 can continuously inject air into the container 30 being transported, it is possible to constantly correct the inclination of the container 30 due to centrifugal force.

Further, although the pressing device of the present invention is configured by the air injection device 91, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, an inert gas or the like may be used instead of air as another fluid. Furthermore, the pressing device of the present invention may be one that directly presses the lower part of the container 30.

[Sixth embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a side view showing the main parts of the gripper device in the container conveyance device of the sixth embodiment, FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the detailed shape of the locking part. , FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the detailed shape of a modified example of the locking portion. Note that members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the transfer wheel 23 (see FIG. 2), a plurality of gripper devices 24A are arranged on the outer periphery at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The gripper device 24A includes a pair of gripper members 41A and 42A that can be opened and closed. The gripper members 41A and 42A are provided with gripping portions 41a and 42a, respectively, at one end in the longitudinal direction. The gripping parts 41a and 42a have an arc shape and can grip the neck 33 of the container 30.

Moreover, the gripper members 41A and 42A have a first gripping part 101, a second gripping part 102, and a third gripping part 103 that can grip at least three places in the circumferential direction of the neck 33 of the container 30 on the gripping parts 41a and 42a. provided. Although three gripping parts 101, 102, and 103 are provided here, two gripping parts may be provided. The first gripping part 101 is on the proximal end side of the gripping parts 41a and 42a, and is a notch that fits into the neck ring 35. The second gripping portion 102 is a notch that fits into the tip of the gripping portion 41a. The third gripping portion 103 is a notch that fits into the tip of the gripping portion 42a.

On the other hand, in the capper wheel 25 (see FIG. 2), a plurality of gripper devices 26A are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery. The gripper device 26A includes a pair of gripper members 111A and 112A that can be opened and closed. The gripper members 111A and 112A are provided with gripping portions 111a and 112a, respectively, at one end in the longitudinal direction. The gripping parts 111a and 112a have an arc shape and can grip the neck 33 of the container 30. Like the gripper members 41A and 42A, the gripper members 111A and 112A have a first gripping part 121 and a second gripping part 122 that can grip at least three places in the circumferential direction of the neck 33 of the container 30 in the gripping parts 111a and 112a. , a third grip part 123 is provided.

In the gripper device 24, the gripping portions 41a and 42a of the gripper members 41 and 42 grip the container 30 at a position above the neck ring 35. In the gripper device 26 of the capper wheel 25, the gripping portions 111a and 112a of the gripper members 111 and 112 grip a position below the neck ring 35 of the container 30. In the gripper members 41 and 42, gripping parts 41a and 42a are located above the neck ring 35, and the distal ends thereof are bent downward, and a second gripping part 102 and a third gripping part 103 are provided at the bent parts. On the other hand, gripper members 111 and 112 have gripping portions 111a and 112a located below the neck ring 35, and have tip portions bent upward, and a second gripping portion 122 and a third gripping portion 123 are provided at the bent portions. . In the gripper members 41 and 42, cutouts 104 and 105 are provided in the gripping parts 41a and 42a to prevent interference with the second gripping part 122 and the third gripping part 123. On the other hand, in the gripper members 111 and 112, cutouts 124 and 125 are provided in the gripping parts 111a and 112a to prevent interference with the second gripping part 102 and the third gripping part 103.

As shown in FIG. 16, the neck ring 35 has an arcuate outer circumference. On the other hand, the second grip part 102 has a square cutout shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the second gripping portion 102A may have a triangular cutout shape. Furthermore, although not shown, the second gripping portion may have a semicircular cutout shape. Note that the same applies to the other gripping parts 101, 103, 121, 122, and 123.

When the gripper device 24 of the transfer wheel 23 grips the neck portion 33 of the container 30, the gripping portions 41a and 42a of the gripper members 41A and 42A grip three positions in the circumferential direction of the neck ring 35 of the container 30 to the first gripping portion 101. The second gripping part 102 and the third gripping part 103 grip it. When the transfer wheel 23 rotates, centrifugal force acts on the container 30, but since the container 30 is gripped at three locations in the circumferential direction of the neck ring 35, rattling is reduced, and the lower part of the container 30 is held outward. Tilting motion is suppressed. Therefore, when the container 30 is transferred from the transfer wheel 23 to the capper wheel 25, fluctuations in the posture of the container 30 are minimized, the occurrence of sloshing due to fluctuations in the container 30 is suppressed, and the beverage is transferred to the outside of the container 30. The occurrence of the phenomenon of splashing is suppressed.

<Actions and effects of this embodiment>
The container conveying device according to the first aspect includes a transfer wheel (rotating body) 23 that is rotatable by a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction, one longitudinal end of which is supported by the outer periphery of the transfer wheel 23, and the other end of which is supported by the outer periphery of the transfer wheel 23. It includes a gripper device 24 that can grip the neck 33 of the container 30, and grip angle adjusting devices 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and 40E that adjust the inclination angle of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 with respect to the vertical direction.

In the container conveyance device according to the first aspect, the container 30 is conveyed while being held in an appropriate posture by the gripping angle adjustment devices 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and 40E. When the container 30 is transferred from the container 30 to the capper wheel 25, fluctuations in the posture of the container 30 are suppressed. As a result, occurrence of sloshing due to fluctuation of the container 30 is suppressed, and splashing of the beverage to the outside of the container 30 can be suppressed.

In the container conveyance device according to the second aspect, the grip angle adjustment devices 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and 40E adjust the inclination angle in the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23 with respect to the vertical direction of the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24. is adjustable. As a result, when centrifugal force acts on the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 and the attitude of the container 30 changes, the attitude of the container 30 is adjusted by the gripping angle adjusting devices 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and 40E. It can be adjusted appropriately.

In the container conveyance device according to the third aspect, the gripper device 24 is arranged along the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23, and the gripping angle adjustment devices 40, 40A, 40B, and 40C are arranged such that one end of the gripper device 24 is arranged in the vertical direction. It can be supported by the transfer wheel 23 at first inclined positions HP-1, HP-2, and HP-3 which are inclined downward. As a result, when the gripper device 24 is located at the first inclined positions HP-1, HP-2, HP-3, the container 30 is held at the first inclined positions VP-1, VP-2, VP-3. Therefore, if centrifugal force acts on the container 30 at this time, the container 30 will move to the vertical position VP-0, and the container 30 can be delivered at an appropriate position.

In the container conveyance device according to the fourth aspect, the grip angle adjustment devices 40, 40B, and 40C support the gripper device 24 so as to be movable between the horizontal position HP-0 and the first inclined positions HP-1 and HP-3. . Thereby, by moving from the horizontal position HP-0 to the first inclined positions HP-1 and HP-3 when transferring the container, the container 30 on which centrifugal force is applied can be held in an appropriate posture.

In the container conveyance device according to the fifth aspect, the grip angle adjustment device 40 includes an elastic member (biasing member) 84 that biases the gripper device 24 toward the first inclined position HP-1. As a result, when centrifugal force acts on the container 30 while conveying the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24, the gripper device 24 moves from the first inclined position HP-1 to the horizontal position against the elastic force of the elastic member due to the centrifugal force. The container 30 is moved to the position HP-0, and the container 30 can be held along the vertical direction.

In the container conveyance device according to the sixth aspect, the gripping angle adjustment devices 40B and 40C move the gripper device 24 from the horizontal position HP-0 to the first inclined position HP-3 at least when the gripper device 24 reaches the container delivery position. It has a cam roller 73 and a cam 74 (moving device) that move. As a result, when the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 reaches the container delivery position, the cam roller 73 contacts the cam 74 and the gripper device 24 moves to the first inclined position HP-3. When a centrifugal force acts on the container 30, the container 30 moves due to the centrifugal force, so that the container 30 can be held along the vertical direction.

In the container conveyance device according to the seventh aspect, the gripper device 24 is arranged along the radial direction of the transfer wheel 23, and the grip angle adjustment device 40D is arranged so that one end of the gripper device 24 is tilted upward in the vertical direction. It can be supported by the transfer wheel 23 at the second inclined position HP-4. As a result, by positioning the gripper device 24 at the second inclined position HP-4, the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 is held at the second inclined position VP-4, and the container 30 is centrifuged. When the force is applied, the liquid level of the beverage filled inside the container 30 rises upward and is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container 30. Therefore, the occurrence of sloshing due to fluctuations in the container 30 can be suppressed.

In the container conveyance device according to the eighth aspect, the grip angle adjustment device 40E is an air injection device that presses the lower end of the container 30 toward the rotation center of the transfer wheel 23 at least when the gripper device 24 reaches the container delivery position. (Press device) 91 is provided. Accordingly, when the container 30 gripped by the gripper device 24 with oil reaches the container delivery position, the air injection device 91 injects air to the lower end of the container 30, so that the container 30 is maintained in a posture due to centrifugal force. The fluctuation of the container 30 is corrected, and the container 30 can be delivered in an appropriate posture.

In the container conveyance device according to the ninth aspect, the gripper device 24A has a pair of gripper members 41A and 42A that can be opened and closed, and the pair of gripper members 41A and 42A are arranged around the neck portion 33 on one end side in the longitudinal direction. Grips 101, 102, and 103 capable of gripping at least three positions in the direction are provided. As a result, since the container 30 is conveyed while being gripped at three places by the gripping parts 101, 102, and 103, the attitude of the container 30 changes when the container is transferred from the transfer wheel 23 to the capper wheel 25. can be suppressed.

In the container conveyance device according to the tenth aspect, the gripping parts 101, 102, 103 can grip the neck ring 35 provided on the neck part 33. Thereby, the gripping parts 101, 102, 103 can properly grip the container.

The container conveyance device according to the eleventh aspect includes a transfer wheel (rotating body) 23 that is rotatable by a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction, one longitudinal end of which is supported by the outer periphery of the transfer wheel 23, and the other end of which is supported by the outer periphery of the transfer wheel 23. The gripper device 24A includes a gripper device 24A that can grip the neck 33 of the container 30, and the gripper device 24A has a pair of gripper members 41A and 42A that can be opened and closed. Gripping portions 101, 102, and 103 capable of gripping at least three positions in the circumferential direction of the neck portion 33 are provided. As a result, since the container 30 is conveyed while being gripped at three places by the gripping parts 101, 102, and 103, the attitude of the container 30 changes when the container is transferred from the transfer wheel 23 to the capper wheel 25. is suppressed. As a result, occurrence of sloshing due to fluctuation of the container 30 is suppressed, and splashing of the beverage to the outside of the container 30 can be suppressed.

In addition, in the embodiment mentioned above, the rotating body of the present invention was applied to the transfer wheel 23, but it may be applied to the capper wheel 25, the rotary table 21, etc. Furthermore, although the gripper devices 24, 24A of the present invention are constructed from a pair of gripper members 41, 41A, 42, 42A, the present invention is not limited to this construction.

10 Container filling device 11 Container inspection device 12 Container washing machine 13 Container sterilization device 14 Container rinsing device 15 Beverage filling machine 16 Capper device 17 Cap sterilizer 21 Rotary table 22 Gripper device 23 Transfer wheel (rotating body)
24, 24A Gripper device 25 Capper wheel (rotating body)
26, 26A Gripper device 30 Container 31 Container body 32 Mouth portion 33 Neck portion 34 Thread portion 35 Neck ring 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E Grip angle adjustment device 41, 41A, 42, 42A Gripper member 41a, 42a Grip portion 41b, 42b Spring receiver 43, 44 Support shaft 45 Support member 46 Compression coil spring 47 Lever 48 Cam roller 49 Cam 51 Connecting member 52 Connecting shaft 53 Stopper 54 Elastic member (biasing member)
61, 62 Adjustment plate 71 Connecting shaft 72 Connecting pin 73 Cam roller (moving device)
74 Cam (moving device)
81 Connecting piece 82 Connecting shaft 91 Air injection device 92 Air supply line 93 Air supply source 94 Flow rate adjustment valve 101 First gripping part 102 Second gripping part 103 Third gripping part 104, 105 Notch part 111A, 112A Gripper member 111a, 112a Gripping part 121 First gripping part 122 Second gripping part 123 Third gripping part 124, 125 Notch HP-0 Horizontal position HP-1, HP-2, HP-3 First inclined position HP-4 Second inclined position VP -0 Vertical position VP-1, VP-2, VP-3 First tilt position VP-4 Second tilt position α1, α2, α3, α4, β1, β2, β3, β4 Predetermined angle

Claims (9)

A rotating body that can be rotated by a rotation axis along the vertical direction,
a gripper device whose one longitudinal end is supported by the outer periphery of the rotating body and whose other end is capable of gripping the neck of the container;
a grip angle adjustment device that adjusts the inclination angle of the container gripped by the gripper device with respect to the vertical direction ;
Equipped with
The gripping angle adjusting device is capable of adjusting the angle of the container gripped by the gripper device when the rotating body is stopped so that the lower part of the container is tilted with respect to the vertical direction so that the lower part of the container is shifted in the radial direction of the rotating body. and adjusting the angle of the container gripped by the gripper device in the vertical direction at the container delivery position when the rotating body rotates.
Container transport device. The gripping angle adjusting device is capable of adjusting an inclination angle in a radial direction of the rotating body with respect to a vertical direction of the container gripped by the gripper device.
The container conveyance device according to claim 1. The gripper device is disposed along the radial direction of the rotating body, and the gripping angle adjustment device is configured to move the gripper device to the rotating body at a first tilted position where the one end is tilted vertically downward. supportable;
The container conveyance device according to claim 1 or claim 2. The gripping angle adjustment device supports the gripper device movably between a horizontal position and the first tilted position.
The container conveyance device according to claim 3. The gripping angle adjustment device includes a biasing member that biases the gripper device toward the first tilted position.
The container conveyance device according to claim 4. The gripping angle adjustment device includes at least a moving device that moves the gripper device from the horizontal position to the first tilted position when the gripper device reaches the container delivery position.
The container conveyance device according to claim 4. A rotating body that can be rotated by a rotation axis along the vertical direction,
a gripper device whose one longitudinal end is supported by the outer periphery of the rotating body and whose other end is capable of gripping the neck of the container;
a grip angle adjustment device that adjusts the inclination angle of the container gripped by the gripper device with respect to the vertical direction;
Equipped with
The gripping angle adjustment device includes at least a pressing device that presses the lower end of the container toward the rotation center of the rotating body when the gripper device reaches the container delivery position.
Container transport device. The gripper device includes a pair of gripper members that can be opened and closed, and each of the pair of gripper members is provided with a gripping portion that can grip at least three positions in the circumferential direction of the neck portion at one end side in the longitudinal direction.
The container conveyance device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The gripping portion is capable of gripping a neck ring provided on the neck.
The container conveyance device according to claim 8 .

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