Conveying device

Abstract

Reduce thermal distortion of the transport table. [Solution] The conveying device (2) includes a turntable (21A) that rotates around a rotation axis (214) to convey a container (B) covered with a label (L) made of shrink film so that the container (B) passes through a heating space where heating is performed by a heating tunnel (3) that heats the label (L). The turntable (21A) has protruding members (213, 214) that protrude from the upper and lower surfaces of its circular portion (211a).

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying articles.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a heat shrinkage device that heats and shrinks a label (heat shrinkable label) made of a shrink film coated on a container such as a PET bottle to adhere the label to the container is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary heat shrinkage device that injects steam into a container transferred by a rotary transfer unit having a turntable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the turntable used in the rotary heat shrinkage device as described above, the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface on which the container is placed is exposed to the high-temperature steam injected into the container, while the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface is not exposed to such steam. Therefore, a temperature difference occurs between the outer peripheral portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the turntable. Due to this temperature difference, the outer peripheral portion of the turntable is distorted downward.

[0005] Thus, when the turntable is distorted, the position of the container disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the turntable drops. Therefore, the star wheel for transferring the container from the turntable to the next conveying process cannot hold the container at the correct position. Therefore, problems such as the container being damaged or bounced by the star wheel are likely to occur.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to reduce thermal distortion of a transport table. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a conveying device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a conveying table that rotates around a rotation axis to convey an article covered with a covering material so that the article passes through a heating space that heats the covering material, and the conveying table has a protruding member that protrudes from at least one of its upper surface and lower surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, thermal distortion of the transport table can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a heat shrinkage device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a top view showing the configuration of the main parts of a heat shrinking device. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing the configuration of the conveying device in the above-mentioned heat shrinking device. [Figure 4] This is a top view showing the configuration of the turntable in the above-mentioned transport device. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the turntable described above. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing other configurations of the turntable described above. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the configuration of the holding mechanism in the above-mentioned conveying device. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the heated tunnel in the above-described heating shrinkage device. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the turntable in a transport device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing other configurations of the turntable in the transport device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the turntable in a transport device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing other configurations of the turntable in the transport device according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Embodiment 1] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0011] <Overview of the heat shrinking device> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a heat shrinkage apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a top view showing the configuration of the main parts of the heat shrinkage apparatus 1.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat shrink device 1 is a rotary shrink tunnel that heat shrinks a label L (covering) formed from a heat-shrinkable film such as shrink film, and adheres it to a container B (article) such as a PET bottle. The heat shrink device 1 works by heating the label L with steam in a heating tunnel 3 provided on the conveying device 2 while the container B, which is covered with an unshrunk label L, is being transported by the conveying device 2, causing the label L to shrink and adhere to the container B.

[0013] In this embodiment, container B is, for example, a PET bottle made of polyester formed by blow molding. However, the object to which the label L is covered is not limited to container B, but any article to which the label L is wrapped and used may be used.

[0014] Label L is formed from shrink film made of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, etc. Label L is formed into a tubular shape by joining both ends, then wound into a roll, and cut to a predetermined length while unwinding the film. In a step prior to the heat shrinking process by the heat shrinking device 1, Label L is opened by an opening device (not shown) and covered onto container B.

[0015] The loading and unloading of the container B into and from the heat shrinkage device 1 are performed by a pair of clamp wheels 11 and 12. The pair of clamp wheels 11 and 12 each have recesses 11a and 12a for holding the neck portion of the container B at their respective outer peripheral portions. Also, between the pair of clamp wheels 11 and 12, a pair of guide panels 13 and 14 are arranged. The guide panels 13 and 14 are each curved along the clamp wheels 11 and 12 so as to prevent the container B from detaching from the pair of clamp wheels 11 and 12 and to guide the transfer of the container B.

[0016] The container B covered with the non-shrunk label L in the previous process is delivered from the loading-side clamp wheel 11 to the conveying device 2, and the label L is heat-shrunk by the heating tunnel 3 while being conveyed by the conveying device 2. The container B that has passed through the heating tunnel 3 is delivered from the conveying device 2 to the unloading-side clamp wheel 12 and transferred to the next process.

[0017] In addition, in FIG. 1, the illustration of the pair of clamp wheels 11 and 12 shown in FIG. 2 is omitted for the sake of convenience.

[0018] 〈Main components of the heat shrinkage device〉 The heat shrinkage device 1 includes a conveying device 2, a heating tunnel 3, a cover 4, and a support frame 5.

[0019] The conveying device 2 is a rotary device that conveys the container B covered with the label L. The conveying device 2 includes a turntable 21 that rotates about a rotation axis 214 described later. In the conveying device 2, an annular circular orbit when a holding mechanism 24 described later rotates about the rotation axis 214 becomes an annular conveying path 21a for conveying the container B. The conveying device 2 will be described in detail later.

[0020] The heating tunnel 3 is provided so as to cover a portion of the transport path 21a described above. The heating tunnel 3 is divided into several zones Z1 to Z4, and the heating conditions differ for each zone Z1 to Z4. The heating tunnel 3 will be described in detail later.

[0021] The cover 4 is provided to cover a part of the conveying device 2 and the heating tunnel 3. The cover 4 has an outer panel 42 with a window 41. Two adjacent outer panels 42 are configured to open to the left and right, so-called double doors. By opening the outer panels 42, the inside of the cover 4 can be accessed.

[0022] The support frame 5 comprises a lower frame 51, a side frame 52, and a top plate 53. The lower frame 51 is provided to support the conveying device 2 and the heating tunnel 3. The side frame 52 is provided to rise up to the side of the lower frame 51. The top plate 53 is positioned on the cover 4 by being supported by the side frame 52, and fixes the cover 4 in place.

[0023] <Configuration of the conveying device> Figure 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the conveying device 2. Figure 4 is a top view showing the configuration of the turntable 21A. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the turntable 21A. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing other configurations of the turntable 21A. Figure 7 is a side view showing the configuration of the holding mechanism 24 in the conveying device 2.

[0024] The transport device 2 comprises a turntable 21A (transport table), a bearing 22, a drive mechanism 23, and a holding mechanism 24. The turntable 21A is a specific example of the turntable 21 described above.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the turntable 21A rotates around the rotation axis 214 to transport the container B, which is covered with a label L, so that it passes through the heated space S formed inside the heated tunnel 3. The turntable 21 has a table body 211, protruding members 212 and 213, and a rotation axis 214.

[0026] The table body 211 has a circular portion 211a and an outer peripheral portion 211b. The circular portion 211a is formed to form a circle around the rotation axis 214. As shown in Figure 3, a step is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the circular portion 211a. The outer peripheral portion 211b is formed in an annular shape with a certain width. The outer peripheral portion 211b is joined to the circular portion 211a by bolt fastening at its inner peripheral edge, with the inner peripheral edge fitted into the step of the circular portion 211a.

[0027] The rotating shaft 214 is located at the center of the table body 211. The rotating shaft 214 is formed to have a portion that protrudes upward relative to the upper surface of the circular portion 211a and a portion that protrudes downward relative to the lower surface of the circular portion 211a. The rotating shaft 214 is rotationally driven by the drive mechanism 23.

[0028] The outer periphery 211b forms the outer periphery region of the table body 211. Multiple holding mechanisms 24 are arranged on the outer periphery 211b to hold the containers B so that the containers B can be placed on it. In the outer periphery 211b shown in Figure 4, one container B is held in each region (partitioned region) demarcated by a straight line extending in the diametrical direction of the table body 211. For this reason, one holding mechanism 24 is arranged in each partitioned region. The circular portion 211a forms the inner periphery region, which is the region excluding the outer periphery 211b.

[0029] The protruding member 212 is positioned on the upper surface of the circular portion 211a. The protruding member 212 is a plate-shaped member provided to protrude from the upper surface. The protruding member 212 is formed to rise perpendicularly to the upper surface of the circular portion 211a. The protruding member 212 is made of, for example, steel. The protruding member 212 is fixed to the circular portion 211a by, for example, welding. Alternatively, the protruding member 212 may be formed integrally with the circular portion 211a.

[0030] Multiple protruding members 212 are provided and are formed to extend radially from the outer peripheral edge at the upper part of the rotation axis 214. Furthermore, adjacent protruding members 212 are arranged to form a predetermined angle θ with respect to the rotation axis 214 (see Figure 4).

[0031] Incidentally, the outer periphery 211b is made of stainless steel to prevent rust caused by steam injected into the heating tunnel 3 as described later. In contrast, the circular portion 211a inside the outer periphery 211b is made of steel. As will be described later, since the steam injected into the heating tunnel 3 is discharged by the exhaust mechanism, it is possible to avoid steam filling the inside of the cover 4. This allows the circular portion 211a to be made of steel, which is susceptible to rust caused by steam.

[0032] Each partitioned area of ​​the outer peripheral portion 211b described above is provided with a pair of through holes H1 and a pair of screw holes H2. The through holes H1 are formed so that a pair of shafts 243, which will be described later for the holding mechanism 24, can be inserted through them, and the pair of shafts 243 can pass through the outer peripheral portion 211b. The pair of screw holes H2 are formed so that a pair of screws 248, which will be described later for the holding mechanism 24, can be screwed into them, and the pair of through holes H2 can pass through the outer peripheral portion 211b. The pair of through holes H1 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion 211b. The pair of screw holes H2 are spaced apart between the pair of through holes H1 in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion 211b. The positions of the pair of screw holes H2 may be shifted somewhat in the diametrical direction of the turntable 21A relative to the positions of the pair of through holes H1.

[0033] The protruding member 213 is positioned on the lower surface of the circular portion 211a. The protruding member 213 is a plate-shaped member provided to protrude from the lower surface. The protruding member 213 is formed to rise perpendicularly to the lower surface of the circular portion 211a. The protruding member 213 is made of, for example, steel. The protruding member 213 is fixed to the circular portion 211a by, for example, welding. Alternatively, the protruding member 213 may be formed integrally with the circular portion 211a.

[0034] Multiple protruding members 213 are provided and are formed to extend radially from the outer edge of the rotation shaft 214. Furthermore, similar to the protruding members 212, adjacent protruding members 213 are arranged to form a predetermined angle θ with respect to the rotation shaft 214.

[0035] The bearing 22 is provided to rotatably support the rotating shaft 214 on the lower frame 51. The inner ring of the bearing 22 is fixed to the lower outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 214. The outer ring of the bearing 22 is fixed to the lower frame 51.

[0036] The drive mechanism 23 is a mechanism that rotates the rotating shaft 214. The drive mechanism 23 includes a drive gear 231, a motor 232, and a transmission gear 233. The drive gear 231 is fitted under the bearing 22 at the lower part of the rotating shaft 214 and is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the lower part of the rotating shaft 214. The transmission gear 223 is directly connected to the drive shaft of the motor 232 and transmits the rotational driving force of the motor 232 to the drive gear 231.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7, the holding mechanism 24 is a mechanism that holds container B by sandwiching it from above and below. Specifically, the holding mechanism 24 includes a movable part 241, a fixed plate 242, a pair of shafts 243, a movable plate 244, a push-up bolt 245, a spring 246, a mounting base 247, a pair of screws 248, and a holding member 249.

[0038] The movable part 241 is located below the outer circumference 211b of the turntable 21A and moves up and down by a cam mechanism. It has a block 241a and a movable body 241b. The movable body 241b is fitted into a cam groove formed on the outer circumference of a cylindrical body (not shown) provided on the lower frame 51, and moves up and down along the cam groove as the rotation shaft 214 rotates. The movable body 241b and the cam groove constitute a cam mechanism. The block 241a moves up and down together with the movable body 241b.

[0039] The fixing plate 242 is fixed to the upper end of the block 241a at a constant distance from the upper end surface of the block 241a. As a result, the fixing plate 242 moves up and down together with the block 241a.

[0040] A pair of shafts 243 penetrate the outer circumference 211b so as to be positioned above and below the outer circumference 211b. The pair of shafts 243 also penetrate the fixing plate 242. The pair of shafts 243 are arranged parallel to each other at a certain interval. The lower ends of the pair of shafts 243 are inserted into holes provided inside the block 241a so as to be able to move up and down inside the holes. The pair of shafts 243 are inserted into a cylindrical member in the middle section. A flange provided at the lower end of this member is fixed to the outer circumference 211b by screws.

[0041] The movable plate 244 is positioned between the block 241a and the fixed plate 242. The movable plate 244 is fixed to a pair of shafts 243 that pass through it. As a result, the movable plate 244 moves up and down together with the pair of shafts 243. The spring 246 is positioned between the fixed plate 242 and the movable plate 244 and expands and contracts according to the distance between the fixed plate 242 and the movable plate 244. The spring 246 generates a restoring force that causes it to expand and contract in response to a tensile load, and a restoring force that causes it to contract and expand in response to a compressive load.

[0042] The push-up bolt 245 is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper end surface of the block 241a. The push-up bolt 245 moves upward together with the block 241a, thereby pushing up the movable plate 244.

[0043] The mounting base 247 is a platform on which container B is placed at a fixed height on the outer circumference 211b. The mounting base 247 is fixed to the upper surface of the outer circumference 211b by a pair of screws 248. The holding member 249 is a member that holds the upper end of container B. The holding member 249 is fixed to the upper ends of a pair of shafts 243 and moves up and down together with the pair of shafts 243.

[0044] In the holding mechanism 24 configured as described above, just before the holding member 249 holds the top of the container B, the movable body 241b moves upward along the cam groove, causing the push-up bolt 245, which rises together with the block 241a, to push up the movable plate 244. As a result, the pair of shafts 243 and the holding member 249 move upward together with the movable plate 244. After the container B is placed on the mounting base 247, the movable body 241b moves downward along the cam groove, causing the push-up bolt 245 to descend together with the block 241a, and the pair of shafts 243 and the holding member 249 descend together with the movable plate 244. As a result, the holding member 249 holds the top of the container B.

[0045] The vertical movement of the pair of shafts 243 is changed according to the height of the container B. This allows the holding mechanism 24 to hold containers B of different heights. Therefore, the versatility of the conveying device 2 is improved.

[0046] If the distance between the mounting base 247 and the holding member 249 (holding distance) is fixed to the specified height of container B, then if the height of container B is lower than the specified height, the holding force of the holding mechanism 24 in holding the container will be weak. On the other hand, if the height of container B is higher than the specified height, the holding force of the holding mechanism 24 in holding the container will be too strong, crushing container B.

[0047] Therefore, the holding mechanism 24 is configured to change the holding interval according to the height of the container B. This allows the holding mechanism 24 to absorb variations in the height of the container B and hold the container B securely.

[0048] For example, if the height of container B is lower than the specified height, when the pair of shafts 243 and movable plate 244 descend due to their own weight, the spring 246 extends beyond its specified length but tries to compress due to its restoring force. At the position where these forces are balanced, the extension of the spring 246 stops, and the gap between the fixed plate 242 and the movable plate 244 widens, while the gap between the lower end surface of the movable plate 244 and the upper end surface of the push-up bolt 245 (non-push-up gap) narrows. In this case, the restoring force of the spring 246 acts upward, so the holding force of the holding mechanism 24 weakens.

[0049] On the other hand, if the height of container B is higher than the specified height, the pair of shafts 243 and movable plate 244 are in a higher position than usual due to the height of container B, so the spring 246 compresses from its specified length but tries to extend due to its restoring force. At the position where these forces are balanced, the compression of the spring 246 stops, and the gap between the fixed plate 242 and the movable plate 244 narrows, while the non-upward gap widens. In this case, the restoring force of the spring 246 acts downward, so the holding force of the holding mechanism 24 becomes stronger.

[0050] <Configuration of the heated tunnel> Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the heated tunnel 3 in the heat shrinking device 1.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, the heating tunnel 3 is a tunnel-shaped heating device provided to cover the transport path 21a of the turntable 21(21A). Inside the heating tunnel 3, a heating space S is formed to heat and shrink the label L.

[0052] The heating tunnel 3 has a steam injection unit 31. The steam injection unit 31 is located inside the heating tunnel 3, at the bottom of a pair of horizontally opposing furnace walls. The steam injection unit 31 has multiple nozzle holes arranged in multiple patterns. The nozzle holes inject steam towards the label L of the container B that adds to the inside of the heating tunnel 3.

[0053] In addition, the heating tunnel 3 uses steam as the heat transfer medium to heat the label L, but other heat transfer mediums such as hot air may be used instead of steam. However, since hot air takes a relatively long time to complete the contraction of the label L, it is difficult to completely contract the label L while passing through the heating tunnel 3 when the conveying device 2 is conveying the container B at high speed. In contrast, since steam takes a short time to complete the contraction of the label L, it is preferable because the label L can be completely contracted while passing through the heating tunnel 3 when the conveying device 2 is conveying the container B at high speed.

[0054] The heating tunnel 3 has different heating functions for each of its multiple zones Z1 to Z4. Specifically, zones Z1 and Z2 preheat to soften the label L that is coated on the container B. Zone Z3 performs the main heating to heat-shrink the label L and make it adhere tightly to the bottle B. Zone Z4 finishes by ensuring that the label L adheres uniformly to the container B. Zones Z1 to Z4 are arranged in this order from the side in which the container B is brought into the heating tunnel 3.

[0055] Zones Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 are adjusted to different heating temperatures. For example, the heating temperatures of zones Z1 through Z4 are adjusted so that the temperature increases in the order of zone Z1, Z2, zone Z4, and zone Z3.

[0056] <Steam supply and exhaust> The heating and shrinking device 1 supplies steam to the heating tunnel 3 via a steam supply pipe (not shown). Saturated steam is supplied to zones Z1, Z2, and Z4, and superheated steam is supplied to zone Z3.

[0057] The heating and shrinking device 1 exhausts steam from zones Z1 to Z4 using an exhaust mechanism (not shown). Specifically, the exhaust mechanism sucks in the steam from zones Z1 to Z4 that is injected from each nozzle hole in the steam injection section 31 and forcibly discharges it into the factory duct. The exhaust mechanism also sucks in steam that has leaked from the heating tunnel 3 into the space between the heating tunnel 3 and the cover 4 and discharges it into the factory duct. This prevents steam from filling the inside of the cover 4.

[0058] <Effects of the conveying device and heat shrinking device> The transport device 2 is equipped with a turntable 21A as the turntable 21. The turntable 21A has a protruding member 212 that protrudes from the upper surface of the circular portion 211a, and a protruding member 213 that protrudes from the lower surface of the circular portion 211a.

[0059] The protruding members 212 and 213 constitute a part of the turntable 21A. This significantly increases the surface area of ​​the turntable 21A. Therefore, the surface area of ​​the turntable 21A exposed to the outside air can be increased, thereby increasing the amount of heat dissipated by the turntable 21A.

[0060] In particular, the protruding members 212 and 213 release heat transferred from the outer peripheral portion 211b, which is heated by the heating tunnel 3, to the circular portion 211a. Therefore, the temperature rise of the turntable 21A due to passing through the heating space S can be reduced. Thus, compared to a conventional turntable without the protruding members 212 and 213, the thermal distortion of the turntable 21A can be significantly reduced.

[0061] The protruding members 212 and 213 are formed in a plate shape so as to rise perpendicularly to the upper and lower surfaces of the circular portion 211a, respectively. The double surfaces of the protruding members 212 and 213 allow for a large surface area. Furthermore, the protruding members 212 and 213 can increase the strength of the turntable 21A.

[0062] Multiple protruding members 212 and 213 are provided, and they are formed to extend radially from the rotation axis 214. As a result, the surfaces of the protruding members 212 and 213 are oriented almost perpendicular to the rotation direction of the turntable 21A. Therefore, the protruding members 212 and 213 experience significant air resistance as the turntable 21A rotates. Consequently, the heat dissipation effect of the protruding members 212 and 213 can be enhanced. Thus, thermal distortion of the turntable 21A can be further reduced.

[0063] As described above, the radially extending protruding members 212 and 213 are arranged such that adjacent members form a predetermined angle θ with respect to the central axis. This allows multiple protruding members 212 and 213 to reinforce the turntable 21A almost uniformly.

[0064] The protruding members 212 and 213 may have structures other than those extending radially. For example, the turntable 21A may have protruding members with a spiral structure. However, because the angle of the spiral-shaped protruding members with respect to the rotation direction of the turntable 21A is small, they cannot obtain as much air resistance as the protruding members 212 and 213. Therefore, from the perspective of receiving large air resistance as the turntable 21A rotates, the radially extending protruding members 212 and 213 can obtain the highest heat dissipation effect.

[0065] However, since the heating space S and the holding mechanism 24 are provided on the outer periphery 211b, the protruding members 212 and 213 cannot be provided on the outer periphery 211b. Therefore, the protruding members 212 and 213 are each placed on the circular portion 211a of the turntable 21A, excluding the outer periphery 211b. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the circular portion 211a, which was not utilized in conventional turntables.

[0066] The protruding members 212 and 213 are generally made of steel with low ductility. As a result, the amount of elongation of the protruding members 212 and 213 is small, so even if the turntable 21A tries to deform due to heating, the amount of deformation can be reduced. Therefore, the turntable 21A can be made more resistant to deformation.

[0067] The heat shrinking device 1 includes a conveying device 2 and a heating tunnel 3. This improves the heat dissipation of the turntable 21A. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the distortion of the turntable 21A, which is heated by the heating tunnel 3. Consequently, the transfer of container B between the turntable 21A and the processes before and after the conveying device 2 can be performed smoothly. Thus, the reliability of the heat shrinking device 1 can be improved.

[0068] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0069] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the turntable 21B in the transport device 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the turntable 21B.

[0070] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the transport device 2 according to this embodiment is equipped with a turntable 21B instead of the turntable 21A in the transport device 2 according to Embodiment 1.

[0071] Like turntable 21A, turntable 21B has a protruding member 212 on the upper surface of the circular portion 211a. However, unlike turntable 21A, turntable 21B does not have a protruding member 213 on the lower surface of the circular portion 211a.

[0072] Although the turntable 21B configured in this way has inferior heat dissipation and reinforcement effects compared to the turntable 21A, the circular portion 211a benefits from the heat dissipation and reinforcement effects provided by the protruding member 212. Therefore, the distortion of the turntable 21B due to heating of the heating tunnel 3 can be reduced compared to a conventional turntable without the protruding member 212.

[0073] [Embodiment 3] Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in Embodiments 1 and 2 above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0074] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the turntable 21C in the transport device 2 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the turntable 21C.

[0075] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the transport device 2 according to this embodiment is equipped with a turntable 21C instead of the turntable 21A in the transport device 2 according to Embodiment 1.

[0076] Unlike turntable 21A, turntable 21C does not have a protruding member 212 on the upper surface of the circular portion 211a. Also, like turntable 21A, turntable 21C has a protruding member 213 on the lower surface of the circular portion 211a.

[0077] Although the turntable 21C configured in this way has inferior heat dissipation and reinforcement effects compared to the turntable 21A, the protruding member 213 provided on the lower surface of the circular portion 211a provides almost the same heat dissipation and reinforcement effects as the turntable 21B. Therefore, the distortion of the turntable 21C due to heating of the heating tunnel 3 can be reduced compared to a conventional turntable that does not have the protruding member 213.

[0078] 〔summary〕 As described above, the conveying device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a conveying table that conveys articles covered with shrink film so that the articles pass through a heating space that heats and shrinks the shrink film by rotating around a rotation axis, and the conveying table has a protruding member that protrudes from at least one of its upper surface and lower surface.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the surface area of ​​the conveyor table can be increased by the protruding member that constitutes part of the conveyor table. This increases the surface area of ​​the conveyor table exposed to the outside air, thereby increasing the amount of heat dissipated by the conveyor table. Therefore, the rise in temperature of the conveyor table due to passing through the heated space can be reduced. Consequently, thermal distortion of the conveyor table can be reduced.

[0080] In the conveying device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, the protruding member may be formed in a plate shape so as to rise perpendicularly to the surface on which it is provided, as in embodiment 1 above.

[0081] With the above configuration, the surface area of ​​the plate-shaped protruding member can be increased by using both sides of the protruding member. In addition, the strength of the transport table can be increased by using the protruding member.

[0082] In the conveying device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 or 2 above, a plurality of the protruding members may be provided and formed to extend radially from the rotation axis.

[0083] With the above configuration, the surface of the protruding member is oriented almost perpendicular to the rotation direction of the transport table, so the protruding member experiences significant air resistance. This increases the heat dissipation effect of the protruding member. Therefore, the thermal distortion of the transport table can be further reduced.

[0084] In the conveying device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention, the protruding members may be arranged such that adjacent members form a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis, as described in embodiment 3 above.

[0085] According to the above configuration, multiple protruding members can reinforce the transport table almost uniformly.

[0086] In the conveying device according to embodiment 5 of the present invention, the protruding member may be arranged in the inner circumferential region of the conveying table, excluding the outer circumferential region, in any one of embodiments 1 to 4 described above.

[0087] With the above configuration, since the heating space and the holding mechanism for holding the article are provided in the outer peripheral region, the inner peripheral region, which was not utilized in conventional turntables, can be effectively utilized by arranging the protruding member in the inner peripheral region.

[0088] In the conveying device according to embodiment 6 of the present invention, the protruding member may be arranged in the inner circumferential region of the conveying table, excluding the outer circumferential region, in any one of embodiments 1 to 5 described above.

[0089] According to the above configuration, the protruding member, which is made of steel with low ductility, can make the conveying table less prone to distortion.

[0090] A heat shrinking apparatus according to embodiment 7 of the present invention comprises a conveying apparatus from any one of embodiments 1 to 6 above, and a heating tunnel that forms the heating space on its inside and heat shrinks the shrink film passing through the heating space.

[0091] In the above configuration, the conveying device enhances the heat dissipation of the conveying table, thereby reducing distortion caused by heating of the conveying table. This allows for smooth transfer of goods between the conveying table and the processes before and after the conveying device. Consequently, the reliability of the heat shrinking device can be improved.

[0092] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 2. Conveying device 3. Heated tunnel 21, 21A~21C Turntable (Transport Table) 211a Circular section (inner region) 211b Outer area (outer area) 214 Rotation axis B Container (article) L Label (covering) S heating space θ Predetermined angle

Claims

1. The system includes a transport table that rotates around a rotation axis, transporting the article so that the article covered by the covering passes through a heating space that heats the covering, A conveying device wherein the conveying table has a protruding member that protrudes from at least one of its upper and lower surfaces.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the protruding member is formed in a plate shape so as to stand perpendicular to the surface on which it is provided.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the protruding members are provided and are formed to extend radially from the rotation axis.

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein the protruding members are arranged such that adjacent members form a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation axis.

5. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the protruding member is arranged in the inner circumferential region excluding the outer circumferential region of the conveying table.

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