Spout holding device and filling machine for packaging container

Abstract

To provide a spout holding device that immovably holds a spout of a packaging container having the spout, and a filling machine for a packaging container having a spout that includes a mechanism capable of confirming that a cap is tightened in a desired state (normal state) on the spout of the packaging container having the spout.SOLUTION: A spout holding device 1 holds a spout of a packaging container. The device comprises: a first holding body 11 having a fitting part 111 to which at least a portion below the flange of the spout is fitted; and a pair of second holding bodies 13 disposed on a top face of the first holding body 11. The second holding body 13 includes a flange pressing part 131 shaped in a circular arc in a plan view. A longitudinal section along a diameter of the circular arc of the flange pressing part 131 has a tapered shape that becomes narrower towards an end part 1313.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spout holding device and a filling machine for packaging containers equipped with spouts. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a packaging container for a liquid material or the like, a container is used in which the main body is made of a film-like resin or the like and has a spout at the opening. The lower end of the spout is fixed to the opening of the film-like main body, the upper end of the spout is an opening, and a cap or the like is attached to the opening of the spout. The container for the liquid material or the like may be stored in an outer box such as a cardboard box for transportation or storage, and one example is a bag-in-box.

[0003] When a liquid is poured into a packaging container having a spout and a cap is attached to the upper end of the spout, the spout itself rotates or is pushed downward due to the application of force in the rotational direction of the cap or downward. As a result, a force in the rotational direction or downward is also applied to the film-like main body near the lower end of the spout. Since the film-like main body has a lower strength than the spout, there is a problem that the main body may be torn or cracked, causing the filled liquid to leak out of the container. For example, when tightening a screw-type cap, the spout moves in the direction of tightening the cap, and a strong force in the same direction as the spout is applied to the main body near the lower end of the spout, which may cause the main body to twist, a part of the spout to peel off from the main body, or the main body to be torn or cracked.

[0004] Furthermore, if the opening of the spout is not sealed with a cap, there is a problem in that the liquid may spill from the opening of the spout.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a spout holding device and method for filling a flexible bag-in-box inner bag with a spout with liquid and preventing the spout and cap from being misaligned when fitting the cap to the spout after filling, but it only fixes the position of the spout and cannot prevent the spout from rotating or moving downward. Therefore, the problem that tears or cracks may occur in the main body of the film-like body, causing the filled liquid to leak out of the container is not solved. Furthermore, there is no mention of a means for checking the tightness of the cap of the packaging container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2009-298444 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a packaging container filling machine that is equipped with a spout holding device that holds the spout of a packaging container having a spout so that it does not move, and a means for checking the tightness of a cap of a packaging container having a spout. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention, which solves the above problems, has the following contents.

[0009] The spout holding device of the present invention is a device for holding a spout of a packaging container equipped with a spout, A first holder having a fitting portion into which at least a portion of the lower part of the flange of the spout fits; A pair of second holders disposed on an upper surface of the first holder, The pair of second holders each include a flange pressing portion having an arc-shaped configuration in a plan view, The flange pressing portion has a vertical cross section tapered toward the end.

[0010] The packaging container filling device of the present invention comprises the spout holding device, an injection device, and a capping device.

[0011] The packaging container filling device of the present invention includes a light projecting sensor and a light receiving sensor on both sides of the cap fastening device in the horizontal direction, The capping device has a gap through which the light emitted from the light projecting sensor passes.

[0012] The capping device includes a torque sensor.

[0013] The method for filling a spout-equipped packaging container of the present invention includes a spout holding step of holding the spout of the spout-equipped packaging container in the spout holding device; An injection step of injecting contents into the packaging container; and a capping step of tightening a cap onto the spout of the packaging container.

[0014] The method for filling a spout-equipped packaging container of the present invention includes a spout holding step of holding the spout of the spout-equipped packaging container in the spout holding device; An injection step of injecting contents into the packaging container; a capping step of tightening a cap on the spout of the packaging container; The method may further include a cap tightening confirmation step of confirming the tightening state of the cap. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The spout holding device of the present invention can hold the spout of a packaging container equipped with a spout, prevent tears or cracks from occurring in the film-like main body of the packaging container, and prevent the filled liquid from leaking from the packaging container. The packaging container filling device is equipped with a means for checking the tightness of the cap of the spout of a packaging container equipped with a spout, so it is possible to eliminate packaging containers in which the cap is not sealed in a desired state (normally) or no cap is attached, and to select packaging containers in which the liquid does not leak from the spout or near the spout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 3 is a plan view showing an example of a state in which a second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is closed. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a front view showing an example of a state in which a second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is closed. FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a rear view showing an example of a state in which the second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is closed. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a right side view showing an example of a state in which a second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is closed. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing an example of a state in which a second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is closed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the spout retaining device of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a plan view showing an example of a state in which a second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is open. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a front view showing an example of a state in which a second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is open. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a right side view showing an example of a state in which a second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is open. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing an example of a state in which a second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is open. [Figure 11] 1 is a plan view showing an example of a state in which a second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is closed to hold a spout. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a front view showing an example of a state in which the second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is closed to hold the spout. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a right side view showing an example of a state in which a spout is inserted in a state in which a second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is open. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a right side view showing an example of a state in which the second holder of the spout holding device of the present invention is closed to hold the spout. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the spout retaining device of the present invention. [Figure 16] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which a flange pressing portion of the spout holding device of the present invention is pressing a flange. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a packaging container filling machine of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing an example of a packaging container filling machine of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing an example of a packaging container filling machine of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 is a front view showing an outline of a filling method using a packaging container filling machine of the present invention. [Figure 21] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which a cap is fastened by a cap fastening device of a packaging container filling machine of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an outline of the light-emitting sensor, light-receiving sensor, cap holding means, cap, and spout of the cap fastening device of the packaging container filling machine of the present invention when the cap is in the desired (normal) fastening state. [Figure 23] A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an outline of the light-emitting sensor, light-receiving sensor, cap holding means, cap, and spout of the cap tightening device of the packaging container filling machine of the present invention when the cap is not tightened as desired but is tilted. [Figure 24] 1 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an outline of a light-projecting sensor, a light-receiving sensor, a cap holding means, and a spout of a cap fastening device of a packaging container filling machine of the present invention when no cap is present. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0018] The spout holding device 1 of the present invention is a device for holding a spout 91 of a packaging container 9 equipped with a spout 91. It comprises a first holding body 11 and a pair of second holding bodies 13 disposed on the upper surface of the first holding body 11. The first holding body 11 comprises a fitting portion 111 into which at least a portion of a lower portion of a flange 915 of the spout 91 can be fitted. The second holding body 13 comprises a flange pressing portion 131 that is arc-shaped in a plan view (Figs. 1 to 10). A vertical cross section along the diameter of the arc of the flange pressing portion 131 is tapered toward an end portion 1313 (Figs. 1, 6, 15, 16).

[0019] First holder 11 includes a fitting portion 111 into which at least a portion of neck portion 917 below spout 91 fits. As one example, fitting portion 111 is substantially semicircular and has an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of neck portion 917 located below flange 915. First holder 11 may include a moving portion 113 that moves neck portion 917 to fitting portion 111 (FIGS. 1, 4, 7, and 9).

[0020] The pair of second holding bodies 13 include flange pressing portions 131, and are arranged horizontally side by side on the upper surface of first holding body 11. As an example, second holding body 13 includes pivoting means 133. The pair of second holding bodies 13 are opened and closed by pivoting means 133. When second holding bodies 13 are closed, flange pressing portions 131 hold flange 915 of spout 91 (FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 9, 11-15).

[0021] The flange pressing portions 131 are provided in the shape of a concave arc on the opposing portions of the pair of second holding bodies 13. As an example, the diameter of the arc of the flange pressing portion 131 is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 913 of the spout 91 and smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 915. A vertical cross section (as an example, the cross section AA in FIG. 1) taken along the diameter of the arc of the flange pressing portion 131 is tapered toward the end portion 1313. As an example, the upper surface 1315 of the flange pressing portion 131 is horizontal, and the lower surface 1317 is inclined upward toward the end portion 1319 (FIGS. 1, 6, 15, 16).

[0022] There are no particular limitations on the pivot means 133, so long as it is a means for opening and closing the flange pressing portions 131 of the pair of second holding bodies 13. As an example, each of the pair of second holding bodies 13 is provided with a joint portion 1331. The joint portion 1331 penetrates the second holding body 13 and the first holding body 11, and the second holding body 13 pivots in the horizontal direction about the joint portion 1331 as an axis. By pivoting the pair of second holding bodies 131, the pair of flange pressing portions 131 open and close (FIGS. 1 to 4, and 7 to 9).

[0023] The second holding body 13 may be provided with an opening / closing mechanism 15 for opening and closing the flange pressing portion 131. As an example, one end of the first connecting means 161 is provided at the end of the second holding body 13 opposite to the flange pressing portion 131 by using a first joint portion 151. The first joint portion 151 penetrates the first connecting means and the second holding body 13 and is inserted into an arc-shaped through hole 167 of the first holding body. The other end of the first connecting means 161 is provided at one end of the second connecting means 163 by using a second joint portion 153. The second joint portion 153 penetrates the first connecting means 161 and the second connecting means 163 and is inserted into a substantially linear hole 169 of the first holding body. The other end of the second connecting means 163 is provided with a substantially intermediate portion of the third connecting means 165 by using a third joint portion 155. The third joint portion 155 penetrates the second connecting means 163 and the third connecting means 165. One end of the third connecting means is joined to the first holding body 11 by a fourth joining portion. The other end of the third connecting means is provided with a gripping portion 17 (FIGS. 1 and 7).

[0024] When the gripping portion 17 is moved toward the flange pressing portions 131, the pair of flange pressing portions 131 close. When the gripping portion 17 is moved in the opposite direction to the flange pressing portions 131, the pair of flange pressing portions 131 open (FIGS. 1 and 7).

[0025] Next, a method of using the spout holding device 1 will be described.

[0026] Flange pressing portion 131 of second holding body 13 of spout holding device 1 is opened. As an example, flange pressing portion 131 is opened by moving gripping portion 17 in the direction opposite flange pressing portion 131. Next, neck portion 917 below spout 91 is moved by moving portion 113 of first holding body 11 so that the lower surface of flange 915 of spout 91 of packaging container 9 comes into contact with the upper surface of first holding body 11, and neck portion 917 is fitted into fitting portion 111. Next, flange pressing portion 131 of second holding body 13 is closed. As an example, flange pressing portion 131 is closed by moving gripping portion 17 in the direction of flange pressing portion 131 (FIGS. 1, 7, 11-16).

[0027] Flange 915 restricts horizontal and vertical movement of spout 91 by fitting neck portion 917 into fitting portion 111 of first holder 11. This prevents misalignment of injection nozzle 511 for injecting the contents from opening 911 of spout 91 when filling the contents through opening 911 of spout 91. It also prevents misalignment of cap 95 from cylindrical portion 913 when tightening cap 95. However, when first holder 11 is used to hold spout 91, even if neck portion 917 is fitted into fitting portion 111, it is not possible to restrict movement of spout 91 in the horizontal rotational direction.

[0028] The lower end of the spout 91 is fixed to the opening of the main body 93 made of a film-like resin or the like. When the filling of the contents into the main body 91 is completed, a cap 95 is disposed on the cylindrical portion 913 of the spout 91. When the cap is tightened, the spout 91 may rotate or move downward. As an example, in the case of a screw-type cap having a male thread 919 on the cylindrical portion 913, a horizontal rotational force is applied to the spout 915. When a horizontal rotational force is applied to the spout 915, most of the main body 93 does not move due to the weight of the contents, so that only the main body 93 near the spout 91 is twisted by the horizontal rotational force applied thereto. Since the strength of the main body 93 is lower than that of the spout 91, tears or cracks may occur near the spout 91 of the main body 93.

[0029] When the flange pressing portion 131 of the second holding body 13 closes, the lower surface 1317 of the flange pressing portion 131 comes into contact with the upper surface near the outer periphery of the flange 915. Since the vertical cross section along the diameter of the arc of the flange pressing portion 131 is tapered toward the end portion 1313, the lower surface 1317 of the flange pressing portion 131 can press the vicinity of the outer periphery of the flange 915 downward. As an example, the upper surface 1315 of the flange pressing portion 131 is horizontal, and the lower surface 1317 has an upward inclination toward the end portion 1319, so that the flange 915 can be efficiently pressed downward. The flange 915 is pressed from above by the flange pressing portion 131 and is sandwiched between the flange 915 and the first holding body 11, and its movement in the horizontal rotational direction and downward movement are restricted. As a result, flange 915 limits the horizontal rotational and downward movement that occurs when the cap is tightened, preventing twisting or other deformation near spout 91 of main body 93 and preventing tears or cracks in main body 93 (Figures 15 and 16).

[0030] A filling device 3 for spout-equipped packaging containers 9, which includes a spout holding device 1, an injection device 5, and a capping device 7, will be described (Figs. 17 to 19).

[0031] The filling device 3 includes a spout holding device 1, an injection device 5, and a capping device 7. As an example, it includes a stand 31 on which the injection device 5, the capping device 7, etc. are arranged, a packaging container installation stand 33 on which the packaging container 9 is installed, a motor 35 for moving the injection device 5, the capping device 7, etc. (FIGS. 17 to 19).

[0032] The spout holding device 1 is provided above the packaging container 9 and below the injection device 5 and the capping device 7. As one example, the spout holding device 1 is fixed to a spout holding device fixing base 37 (FIGS. 17 to 19).

[0033] The injection device 5 is a device for injecting contents into the packaging container 9. As an example, it includes an injection device moving means for moving the injection device 5 in the vertical direction, and an injection means 51 for injecting the contents into the packaging container 9. It is preferable to include a vacuum means 53 for sucking air out of the packaging container 9 before injecting the contents, making it easier to inject the contents (FIGS. 17 to 19).

[0034] Although the injection device moving means is not shown, there is no particular limitation to the means by which the injection means 51 descends to the vicinity of the opening 911 of the packaging container 9 when the contents are injected into the packaging container 9, and rises to its original position when the injection of the contents is completed; any commonly used means can be used (Figures 20(1) to (3)).

[0035] The injection means 51 is not particularly limited, and a commonly used one can be used as long as it has a function of injecting the contents into the packaging container 9. As an example, it is provided with an injection nozzle 511 that injects the contents into the packaging container 9, and a contents moving means 513 that sends the contents to the injection nozzle 511. The contents moving means 513 is not particularly limited, and a commonly used one can be used, and as an example, the contents are moved through a tube or the like (FIGS. 17 to 19).

[0036] The vacuum means 53 is not particularly limited as long as it sucks the air from inside the packaging container 9 before pouring the contents, thereby making it easier to pour the contents, and any commonly used means can be used. As an example, a vacuum tube is provided on the pouring nozzle 51, and a means for degassing with a suction pump or the like is used (FIGS. 17 to 19).

[0037] The capping device 7 is a device that tightens a cap 95 on the opening 911 of the spout 91 after pouring the contents into the packaging container 9. As an example, the capping device 7 includes a capping device moving means 75 that moves the capping device 7 in the vertical direction, a cap holding means 71 that holds the cap 95, and a rotating means 73 that rotates the cap holding means 71 (FIGS. 17 to 19).

[0038] The cap fastening device movable means 75 is not particularly limited as long as it is a means by which the cap holding means 51 descends to the vicinity of the opening 911 of the packaging container 9 when the cap is fastened to the packaging container 9, and rises to its original position once the cap has been fastened, and any commonly used means can be used (Figures 20 (4) to (6)).

[0039] Cap holding means 71 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold cap 95 and tighten the cap onto opening 911 of spout 91, and as an example, it includes chuck 711 for holding cap 95, chuck holder 713, and slide case 715. Chuck holder 713 includes chuck 711 on the lower side. Slide case 715 is provided on the outer side of chuck holder 713 (FIG. 21).

[0040] When the cap 95 is of a screw type, for example, the cap holding means 71 is connected to a rotating means 73. The rotating means 73 is not particularly limited as long as it rotates the cap holding means 71, and a motor 733 is used to rotate a rotating shaft 731 connected to the cap holding means (FIGS. 17 to 19).

[0041] As an example, the filling device 3 for a packaging container with a spout includes a light projecting sensor 81 and a light receiving sensor 83 on both sides of the cap fastening device 7 in the horizontal direction, and the cap fastening device 7 includes a gap 851 through which the light 87 emitted from the light projecting portion 811 of the light projecting sensor 81 passes. When the light 87 emitted from the light projecting portion 811 of the light projecting sensor 81 passes through the gap 851, it is received by the light receiving portion 831 of the light receiving sensor 83. The light projecting sensor 81 and the light receiving sensor 83 are disposed at a position where the cap 95 passes through the gap 851 when it is in a desired state (normal). As an example, the gap 851 is provided on the outer periphery of the light transmitting portion 85 of the chuck holder 713. The light projecting sensor 81 and the light receiving sensor 83 are fixed to the capping device moving means 75 and disposed so as to have a certain distance from the light transmitting portion 84 (FIGS. 21 to 24).

[0042] The light 87 emitted from the light-emitting portion 811 of the light-emitting sensor 81 is disposed so that when the cap 95 is fastened in the desired state (normal), it passes through the gap 851 and is received by the light-receiving portion 831 of the light-receiving sensor 83. If the light-receiving sensor receives the light 87 after the cap fastening is completed, the cap fastening is in the desired state (normal) (FIG. 22), but if the light-receiving sensor 83 cannot receive the light 87, the cap fastening is abnormal and the product is defective (FIGS. 23 and 24).

[0043] In the case where the cap 95 is of a screw type, as another example, the cap tightening device 7 is provided with a torque sensor. Although the torque sensor is not shown, as an example, it is provided in the motor 733 that rotates the rotating shaft 731. The torque sensor makes it possible to check the number of rotations of the cap 95 when tightening the cap 95. By setting in advance the number of rotations when the cap tightening is in a desired state (normal), if the number of rotations falls outside the range of the set value, the product is deemed defective due to an abnormality in the cap tightening.

[0044] Next, a method for filling a packaging container using the spout holding device 1 of the present invention will be described. The method includes a spout holding step in which the spout 91 of a packaging container 9 with a spout is held by the spout holding device 1, an injection step in which the contents are injected into the packaging container 9, and a capping step in which a cap 95 is tightened onto the spout 91 of the packaging container 9. As an example, the method further includes a capping confirmation step in which it is confirmed whether the cap 95 is tightened in a desired state (normally) (FIG. 20).

[0045] The spout holding process is a process in which the spout holding device 1 holds the spout of a packaging container 9 with a spout. The flange pressing portion 131 of the second holder 13 of the flange holding device 1 is opened. There is no particular limitation on the method for opening and closing the flange pressing portion 131, and any method may be used, whether manual or automated. As an example, an opening and closing mechanism 15 is provided, and the flange pressing portion 131 is opened by moving the gripping portion 17 in the opposite direction to the flange pressing portion 131 (FIG. 7).

[0046] Next, moving part 113 of first holding body 11 of spout holding device 1 is moved to fit neck part 917 located below flange 915 of packaging container 9 into fitting part 111. Next, flange pressing part 131 of second holding part 13 of spout holding device 1 is closed (FIG. 11(1)).

[0047] The injection process is a process of injecting contents into the packaging container 9. The desired contents are injected from the opening 911 of the spout 91 using the injection device 5. As an example, the injection device 5 is moved to a desired position using an injection device moving means or the like, and the desired contents are injected into the packaging container 9 from the injection nozzle 511. Preferably, before injecting the contents, the air inside the packaging container 9 is sucked using the vacuum means 53 (FIG. 11(2)). After the injection of the contents is completed, the injection device 5 moves upward (FIG. 11(3)).

[0048] The capping process is a process of tightening a cap 95 on a spout 91 of a packaging container 9. After the capping device 7 is positioned above the spout 91, the capping device 7 is moved downward to a desired position using a capping device moving means or the like (FIG. 11(4)). The cap 95 held by the cap holding means 71 is moved downward, and the cap 95 is tightened on the opening 911 of the spout 91 (FIG. 11(5)). After tightening the cap 95, the capping device 7 is moved upward to a desired position using a capping device moving means or the like (FIG. 11(6)).

[0049] When cap 95 is of a screw type, for example, slide case 715 and rotating means 73 are connected to each other. There are no particular limitations on the rotating means 73 as long as it rotates cap holding means 71, and screw-type cap 95 can be tightened by rotating rotating shaft 731 connected to the cap holding means using motor 733.

[0050] The cap fastening confirmation step is a step of confirming whether the cap 95 is fastened in a desired state (normally).

[0051] 21, (1A) is a left sectional view before the cap 95 is tightened, and (1B) is a left sectional view before the cap 95 is tightened. (2A) is a left sectional view when the cap 95 reaches the opening of the spout 9, and (2B) is a left sectional view when the cap 95 reaches the opening of the spout 9. (3A) is a left sectional view when the cap 95 is tightened in a desired state (normal), and (3B) is a left sectional view when the cap 95 is tightened in a desired state (normal).

[0052] FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the light-projecting sensor 81 and the light-receiving sensor 83 from the spout 91 when the cap 95 is tightened in a desired state (normal). FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the light-projecting sensor 81, the light-receiving sensor 83, and the gap 851 from the cap 95 when the cap 95 is tightened in a desired state (normal). FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the light-projecting sensor 81 and the light-receiving sensor 83 from the spout 91 when the cap 95 is tightened at an angle. FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the light-projecting sensor 81, the light-receiving sensor 83, and the gap 851 from the cap 95 when the cap 95 is tightened at an angle. FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the light-projecting sensor 81 and the light-receiving sensor 83 from the spout when the cap 95 is not present. FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the light-projecting sensor 81, the light-receiving sensor 83, and the gap 851 from the cap 95 when the cap 95 is not present.

[0053] As an example, a process using light 87 emitted from a light-emitting portion 811 of a light-emitting sensor 81 will be described (FIGS. 21 to 24). The filling device 3 for packaging containers with spouts includes a light-emitting sensor 81 and a light-receiving sensor 83 on both sides of a cap fastening device 7 in the horizontal direction, and the cap fastening device 7 includes a gap 851 through which the light 87 emitted from the light-emitting portion 811 of the light-emitting sensor 81 passes. When the light 87 emitted from the light-emitting portion 811 of the light-emitting sensor 81 passes through the gap 851, it is received by a light-receiving portion 831 of the light-receiving sensor 83. The light-emitting sensor 81 and the light-receiving sensor 83 are disposed at a position where the cap 95 passes through the gap 851 when it is in a desired state (normal). As an example, the gap 851 is provided on the outer periphery of the light-transmitting portion 85 of the chuck holder 713. The light projecting sensor 81 and the light receiving sensor 83 are fixed to the cap device moving means 75 and disposed at a certain distance from the light transmitting portion 84 (FIGS. 21 to 24).

[0054] The cap fastening confirmation process will be described along with the process of fastening the cap 95. As an example, first, the cap 95 is attached to the chuck 711. At this time, the light 87 emitted from the light-projecting part 811 of the light-projecting sensor 81 hits the chuck holder 713 below the gap 851 and does not pass through the gap 851 (FIGS. 21(1A)(1B)).

[0055] Next, the cap fastening device 7 is lowered by the movable cap fastening means 75 to a position where the cap 95 can seal the spout 91. The chuck holder 713 slides upward inside the slide case 715 and moves to a position where the cap 95 contacts the upper end of the spout 95. At this time, the light 87 emitted from the light-projecting part 811 of the light-projecting sensor 81 hits the chuck holder 713 below the gap 851 and does not pass through the gap 851 (FIGS. 21(2A)(2B)).

[0056] Finally, the cap 95 is tightened onto the spout 91. As an example, the chuck 711 and the chuck holder 713 are rotated by the rotating means 73 to close the cap 95. When tightening the cap 95, the chuck holder 713 slides downward inside the slide case 715. At this time, the light 87 emitted from the light-projecting portion 811 of the light-projecting sensor 81 passes through the gap 851 of the chuck holder 713 (FIGS. 21(3A)(3B)).

[0057] The light 87 emitted from the light-emitting portion 811 of the light-projecting sensor 81 is disposed so that when the cap 95 is closed in the desired state (normal), the light 87 passes through the gap 851 and is received by the light-receiving portion 831 of the light-receiving sensor 83 (FIG. 22). If the cap 95 is tilted, the chuck holder 713 becomes higher than the desired state (normal) position X, and the light-transmitting portion 85 also becomes higher than the desired state (normal) position X. Since the light-projecting sensor 81 and the light-receiving sensor 83 are positioned so as to pass through the gap 851 when the cap 95 is in the desired state (normal) position X, the light 87 emitted from the light-projecting portion 811 of the light-projecting sensor 81 is emitted to a position lower than the gap 851 and cannot pass through the gap 851, and the light-receiving sensor 83 cannot receive the light 87 (FIG. 23).

[0058] If the cap 95 is not loaded on the chuck, the chuck holder 713 will be lower than the desired (normal) position X, and the light transmitting portion 85 will also be lower than the desired (normal) position X. Since the light projecting sensor 81 and the light receiving sensor 83 are positioned to pass through the gap 851 when the cap 95 is in the desired (normal) position X, the light 87 emitted from the light projecting portion 811 of the light projecting sensor 81 is emitted to a position higher than the gap 851 and cannot pass through the gap 851, and the light receiving sensor 83 cannot receive the light 87 ( FIG. 24 ).

[0059] By detecting whether or not the light 87 is received by the light sensor 83, the tightness of the cap 95 can be confirmed, and packaging containers 9 that are not tightly fastened in the desired state (normally), such as when the cap 95 is tilted, and that do not have the cap 95 attached can be rejected.

[0060] As another example, when the cap 95 is a screw type, a process using a torque sensor is used. The torque sensor is provided on a motor that rotates the cap 95 when tightening the cap 95. First, the cap holding means 71 is inverted in the direction opposite to the direction in which the cap 95 is closed, and the cap 95 is brought into contact with the opening 911 of the spout 91. The torque sensor detects the force of contact between the tip of the female screw of the cap 95 and the tip of the male screw 911 of the spout 91, and the motor is set to stop once, then rotate forward in the direction in which the cap 95 is closed, and to stop when the force generated when the cap 95 is tightened in the desired state (normal) is applied. The number of rotations required for the cap 95 to be tightened in the desired state (normal) is set in advance, and if the number of rotations of the cap 95 that have rotated forward is near the set value, it is determined that the cap 95 has been tightened in the desired state (normal). If the number of rotations of the cap 95 that have rotated forward is less than the set value, the cap 95 may be tilted, and it is not tightened in the desired state (normal). For example, a servo motor is used to detect and control the torque sensor and rotation speed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 Spout holding device 11 First holding body 111 Fitting part 113 Mobile Division 13 Second holding body 131 Flange pressing part 1313 End 1315 Top surface 1317 Bottom surface 133 Rotating means 1331 Joint 15 Opening and closing mechanism 151 First joint 153 Second joint 155 Third joint 157 Fourth joint 161 First connection means 163 Second connection means 165 Third connection means 167 Arc-shaped hole 169 Straight hole 17 Gripping part 3 Filling device 31 Mount 33 Packaging container installation stand 35 Motor 37 Spout holding device fixing stand 5 Injection device 51 Injection means 511 Injection nozzle 513 Contents transfer means 53 Vacuum means 711 7 Capping device 71 Cap retention means 711 Chuck 713 Chuck Holder 715 Slide Case 73 Rotation means 731 Rotational Axis 733 Motor 75 Cap fastening device movable means 81 Light emitting sensor 811 Light projector 83 Light receiving sensor 831 Light receiving part 85 Light transmission part 851 Gap 87 light 9 Packaging containers 91 Spout 911 Opening 913 Cylindrical part 915 Flange 917 Neck 919 Male thread 93 Main body 95 Cap 97 Outer box X Desired (normal) position

Claims

1. A device for holding a spout of a packaging container having a spout, comprising: A first holder having a fitting portion into which at least a portion of the lower part of the flange of the spout fits; A pair of second holders disposed on an upper surface of the first holder, The pair of second holders each include a flange pressing portion having an arc-shaped configuration in a plan view, The longitudinal section of the flange pressing portion is tapered toward the end portion. Spout Retaining Device

2. A spout holder according to claim 1, an injection device, and a capping device. Packaging container filling equipment.

3. A light-emitting sensor and a light-receiving sensor are provided on both sides of the cap fastening device in the horizontal direction, The cap fastening device has a gap through which the light emitted from the light projection sensor passes.

3. An apparatus for filling packaging containers according to claim 2.

4. The capping device includes a torque sensor.

4. The packaging container filling device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. a spout holding step of holding a spout of a packaging container with a spout in the spout holding device of claim 1; An injection step of injecting contents into the packaging container; A method for filling a spouted packaging container, comprising a capping step of tightening a cap onto the spout of the packaging container.

6. a spout holding step of holding a spout of a packaging container with a spout in the spout holding device of claim 1; An injection step of injecting contents into the packaging container; a capping step of tightening a cap on the spout of the packaging container; a cap tightening confirmation step of confirming the tightening state of the cap; A method for filling a spouted packaging container comprising:

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