Cup conveying structure, cup manufacturing apparatus, and cup conveying method

Abstract

To provide a cup carrying structure, cup manufacturing device and cup carrying method allowing for stably carrying a cup even having a tapered portion in its body.SOLUTION: A cup carrying structure 20, for carrying a bottomed tapered cup P having a tapered body 100 and a bottom 110, comprises a carrying wheel 14 that is to hold the tapered body 100 and rotates about a wheel axis DA. The carrying wheel 14 has a concavely curve-faced hold portion 24b for holding a tapered portion 106 of the tapered body 100 and a release-recessed portion 24c that is recessed inward in a wheel diametrical direction greater than the hold portion 24b and allows part of an opening end 100a of the tapered body 100 to be arranged thereon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cup conveying structure, a cup manufacturing apparatus, and a cup conveying method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a conveying wheel for conveying cans such as metal beverage bottles and cans, as described in Patent Document 1 for example, is known. Specifically, this conveying wheel is a discharge star wheel for discharging a workpiece (bottle can) formed by a bottle can manufacturing apparatus. The conveying wheel holds the cylindrical portion of the can body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, with the conventional conveying wheel, it has not been possible to stably convey a cup such as an aluminum cup having a tapered portion formed on the body portion.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cup conveying structure, a cup manufacturing apparatus, and a cup conveying method capable of stably conveying a cup even if the cup has a tapered portion on the body portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a cup conveying structure for conveying a bottomed tapered cup having a tapered body portion and a bottom portion, the cup conveying structure including a conveying wheel that holds the tapered body portion and rotates around a wheel axis, the conveying wheel having a concave curved surface holding portion that holds the tapered portion of the tapered body portion, and a relief recess that is recessed inward in the wheel diameter direction from the holding portion and in which a part of the open end portion of the tapered body portion is disposed.

[0007] In a bottomed tapered cup having a tapered portion in the body portion, for example, considering the ease of drinking and safety of the beverage when the user attaches their lips, the stacking property (stability when the cups are stacked), the cup rigidity, etc., a curled portion or a stepped portion having an outer diameter larger than that of the tapered portion is formed at the open end portion of the body portion. That is, the open end portion of the body portion protrudes outward in the cup diameter direction from the tapered portion.

[0008] According to the cup conveying structure of the present invention, the conveying wheel that holds and conveys the cup has a relief recess. By accommodating a part of the open end portion of the body portion in the relief recess, the holding portion is made more likely to be in close contact with the tapered portion of the body portion, and thus the body portion can be stably held. Therefore, the cup conveying structure can stably convey even a cup having a tapered portion in the body portion.

[0009] The cup conveying structure includes a top guide that faces the cup held by the conveying wheel from one side in the wheel axis direction, and a bottom guide that faces the cup held by the conveying wheel from the other side in the wheel axis direction. The top guide is preferably located on the other side in the wheel axis direction as it moves toward the downstream side of the conveyance along the wheel axis.

[0010] In this case, as the cup held by the conveying wheel is conveyed toward the downstream side of the conveyance along the wheel axis, it is moved to the other side in the wheel axis direction by the top guide. As a result, the bottom of the cup comes into contact with or is disposed in close proximity to the bottom guide.

[0011] That is, according to the above configuration, since the cup is arranged (aligned in the wheel axis direction) at a predetermined position in the wheel axis direction in the process of being conveyed by the conveying wheel, the transfer (handover) of the cup from this cup conveying structure to the subsequent process can be stably performed.

[0012] In the cup conveying structure, it is preferable that the bottom guide has a first guide portion facing the tapered outer peripheral wall of the bottom and a second guide portion facing the grounding portion of the bottom.

[0013] In this case, at least one of the first guide portion and the second guide portion can stably hold the bottom of the conveyed cup.

[0014] In the cup conveying structure, it is preferable that the top guide is adjustable in the wheel axis direction.

[0015] In this case, by appropriately adjusting the position of the top guide in the wheel axis direction, it becomes possible to convey a plurality of types of cups having different heights in the cup axis direction using a common cup conveying structure.

[0016] The cup conveying structure is preferably provided with a rotating plate that is arranged outside the cup in the wheel diameter direction held by the conveying wheel and is rotatable by being pushed upward in the wheel diameter direction, and a detection unit that detects the rotation of the rotating plate.

[0017] In this case, when jamming (such as clogging due to defective molding) of the cup occurs in the conveying wheel, the jammed cup pushes up the rotating plate in the wheel diameter direction and rotates, so that the jam can be detected by the detection unit. Therefore, it is possible to stop the device early when an abnormality occurs and suppress the cups from becoming useless defective products.

[0018] Also, one aspect of the cup manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes a holding table that holds a bottomed cylindrical body and is intermittently rotated around a table axis, a processing table that reciprocates in the table axis direction with respect to the holding table and performs a diameter expansion process on the opening of the bottomed cylindrical body to form the bottomed tapered cup, and the cup conveying structure described above including the conveying wheel that is intermittently rotated around a wheel axis in synchronization with the intermittent rotation of the holding table.

[0019] For example, by appropriately replacing the processing tool of the processing table of an existing can manufacturing apparatus (bottle can manufacturing apparatus, bottle necker) for forming a bottle can from a bottomed cylindrical body, this can manufacturing apparatus can be used as a cup manufacturing apparatus to form a bottomed tapered cup having a tapered portion on the body. And by using the cup conveying structure of the present invention in this can manufacturing apparatus (cup manufacturing apparatus), the above-described effects are achieved.

[0020] Also, one aspect of the present invention is a cup conveying method for conveying a cup by the cup conveying structure described above, including a holding step of disposing a part of the open end of the cup in the escape recess and holding the tapered portion of the body of the cup by the holding portion, and an alignment step of moving the cup to the other side in the wheel axis direction by slidably contacting the top guide with one side in the wheel axis direction against the open end of the body while conveying the cup downstream along the wheel axis by the conveying wheel and bringing the tapered outer peripheral wall or the grounding portion of the bottom into contact with or close to the bottom guide.

[0021] According to the cup conveying method of the present invention, by accommodating a part of the open end of the body in the escape recess of the conveying wheel, the holding portion is made likely to closely adhere to the tapered portion of the body, and thus the holding portion can stably hold the body. Therefore, even a cup having a tapered portion on the body can be stably conveyed.

[0022] Also, as the cup held by the transfer wheel is transferred downstream around the wheel axis, it is moved to the other side in the wheel axis direction by the top guide. As a result, the bottom of the cup comes into contact with or approaches the bottom guide. That is, since the cup is arranged (aligned in the wheel axis direction) at a predetermined position in the wheel axis direction during the process of being transferred by the transfer wheel, the transfer (handover) of the cup from this cup transfer structure to the subsequent process can be stably performed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the cup transfer structure, cup manufacturing apparatus, and cup transfer method of the above aspect of the present invention, even a cup having a tapered portion on the body can be stably transferred.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 6

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] A cup manufacturing apparatus 1, a cup conveying structure 20, and a cup conveying method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cup manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment manufactures a cup P having a predetermined shape by performing a plurality of types of forming processes including die processing and rotational processing on a bottomed cylindrical body (can of an intermediate molded body) W as a workpiece. In the present embodiment, the cup P is made of a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The cup P may be referred to as a cup-shaped can. Note that in each figure, the illustration of the bottomed cylindrical body W and the cup P may be partially or entirely omitted. The cup manufacturing apparatus 1 may be referred to as a cup forming apparatus, a cup-shaped can forming apparatus, a can forming apparatus, etc.

[0027] The bottomed cylindrical body W supplied as a workpiece to the cup manufacturing apparatus 1 is a DI can that has been subjected to processes such as DI (Drawing & Ironing) processing, printing, and painting in a previous process before the cup manufacturing apparatus 1. The DI can is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape by subjecting a disk-shaped blank punched from a plate material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy to a cupping process (drawing process), a DI process (drawing and ironing process), a trimming process, a printing process, a painting process, etc. That is, the bottomed cylindrical body W before being formed by the cup manufacturing apparatus 1 has a cylindrical peripheral wall.

[0028] First, the cup P will be described. In the present embodiment, the central axis of the cup P (bottomed cylindrical body W) is referred to as the cup axis (not shown). Note that the central axis of the bottomed cylindrical body W may sometimes be referred to as the can axis. The cup P formed from the bottomed cylindrical body W has a bottomed tapered shape as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and includes a tapered body portion 100 and a bottom portion 110. In the cup P, the diameter dimension of the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 is the largest. In the present embodiment, the diameter dimension of the opening end portion 100a (the curl portion 105 described later) is, for example, about φ85 mm.

[0029] In the present embodiment, the direction in which the cup axis extends is referred to as the cup axis direction. Among the cup axis directions, the direction from the bottom portion 110 toward the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 is referred to as the opening side, and the direction from the opening end portion 100a toward the bottom portion 110 is referred to as the bottom side. The direction orthogonal to the cup axis is referred to as the cup diameter direction. Among the cup diameter directions, the direction approaching the cup axis is referred to as the inner side of the cup diameter direction, and the direction away from the cup axis is referred to as the outer side of the cup diameter direction. The direction of orbiting around the cup axis is referred to as the cup circumferential direction.

[0030] The body portion 100 is a substantially tapered cylindrical shape centered on the cup axis. The body portion 100 increases in diameter dimension (expands in diameter) as it goes toward the opening side in the cup axis direction. The body portion 100 has a bottom-side cylindrical portion 101, a bottom-side stepped portion 102, an opening-side cylindrical portion 103, an opening-side stepped portion 104, a curled portion 105, and a tapered portion 106.

[0031] The bottom-side cylindrical portion 101 is disposed at the bottom-side end portion of the body portion 100 in the cup axis direction. The bottom-side cylindrical portion 101 is cylindrical with the cup axis as the center. The bottom-side cylindrical portion 101 has the smallest diameter in the body portion 100.

[0032] The bottom-side stepped portion 102 is tapered cylindrical with the cup axis as the center. The bottom-side stepped portion 102 expands in diameter as it goes toward the opening side in the cup axis direction. The bottom-side stepped portion 102 is disposed adjacent to the opening side in the cup axis direction of the bottom-side cylindrical portion 101. The bottom-side stepped portion 102 connects to the opening-side end portion of the bottom-side cylindrical portion 101 in the cup axis direction.

[0033] The opening-side cylindrical portion 103 is disposed at the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100. The opening-side cylindrical portion 103 is cylindrical with the cup axis as the center. The diameter dimension of the opening-side cylindrical portion 103 is larger than the diameter dimension of the bottom-side cylindrical portion 101.

[0034] The opening-side stepped portion 104 is disposed at the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100. The opening-side stepped portion 104 is tapered cylindrical with the cup axis as the center. The opening-side stepped portion 104 expands in diameter as it goes toward the opening side in the cup axis direction. The opening-side stepped portion 104 is disposed adjacent to the bottom side in the cup axis direction of the opening-side cylindrical portion 103. The opening-side stepped portion 104 connects to the bottom-side end portion of the opening-side cylindrical portion 103 in the cup axis direction.

[0035] The curled portion 105 is disposed at the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100. The curled portion 105 protrudes outward in the cup diameter direction from the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 and is folded back from the bottom side in the cup axis direction toward the inner side in the cup diameter direction. The curled portion 105 is connected to the end portion on the opening side in the cup axis direction of the opening side cylindrical portion 103. The curled portion 105 extends over the entire circumference in the cup circumferential direction. The curled portion 105 is in the shape of a circular ring centered on the cup axis. The curled portion 105 has the largest diameter in the body portion 100.

[0036] The tapered portion 106 is disposed between both end portions in the cup axis direction of the body portion 100. The tapered portion 106 is in the shape of a tapered cylinder centered on the cup axis. The tapered portion 106 expands in diameter as it goes toward the opening side in the cup axis direction. The tapered portion 106 is disposed between the bottom side stepped portion 102 and the opening side stepped portion 104 in the cup axis direction. The end portion on the bottom side in the cup axis direction of the tapered portion 106 is connected to the end portion on the opening side in the cup axis direction of the bottom side stepped portion 102. The end portion on the opening side in the cup axis direction of the tapered portion 106 is connected to the end portion on the bottom side in the cup axis direction of the opening side stepped portion 104.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the displacement amount in the cup diameter direction per unit length along the cup axis direction of the tapered portion 106 (that is, the inclination with respect to the cup axis) is smaller than the displacement amounts of the bottom side stepped portion 102 and the opening side stepped portion 104. The dimension of the tapered portion 106 in the cup axis direction is larger than the dimensions of the bottom side cylindrical portion 101, the bottom side stepped portion 102, the opening side cylindrical portion 103, the opening side stepped portion 104, and the curled portion 105 in the cup axis direction. The opening side stepped portion 104, the opening side cylindrical portion 103, and the curled portion 105 disposed at the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 protrude outward in the cup diameter direction more than the tapered portion 106.

[0038] The bottom portion 110 is in the shape of a substantially disc centered on the cup axis. The bottom portion 110 has a dome portion 111 that bulges toward the opening side in the cup axis direction, and an annular convex portion (rim portion) 112 that is continuous with the outer peripheral portion of the dome portion 111, protrudes toward the bottom side in the cup axis direction, and extends in the cup circumferential direction.

[0039] The annular convex portion 112 is in the shape of a circular ring centered on the cup axis. The annular convex portion 112 is disposed adjacent to the outside in the cup diameter direction of the dome portion 111. The annular convex portion 112 is disposed adjacent to the bottom side in the cup axis direction of the body portion 100. The annular convex portion 112 has a grounding portion (nose portion) 115, an inner peripheral wall (counter sink) 113, and an outer peripheral wall (heel portion) 114.

[0040] The grounding portion 115 is the portion located at the bottom side in the cup axis direction among the annular convex portion 112. When the cup P is placed on a placement surface such as the upper surface of a table in an upright posture (a posture in which the opening end 100a of the body portion 100 opens upward in the vertical direction), the grounding portion 115 contacts the placement surface.

[0041] The inner peripheral wall 113 is disposed adjacent to the inside in the cup diameter direction of the grounding portion 115. The inner peripheral wall 113 is in the shape of a tapered cylinder centered on the cup axis. The inner peripheral wall 113 is tapered so as to have a reduced diameter toward the opening side in the cup axis direction. The end portion on the opening side in the cup axis direction of the inner peripheral wall 113 is connected to the end portion outside in the cup diameter direction of the dome portion 111.

[0042] The outer peripheral wall 114 is disposed adjacent to the outside in the cup diameter direction of the grounding portion 115. The outer peripheral wall 114 is in the shape of a tapered cylinder centered on the cup axis. The outer peripheral wall 114 is tapered so as to have an increased diameter toward the opening side in the cup axis direction. The end portion on the opening side in the cup axis direction of the outer peripheral wall 114 is connected to the end portion on the bottom side in the cup axis direction of the body portion 100. Specifically, the outer peripheral wall 114 is connected to the bottom side cylindrical portion 101.

[0043] Next, the cup manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cup manufacturing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 4, a holding table 3, a processing table 2, a shaft portion 5, a crank mechanism 8, a table index mechanism 9, a drive motor 11, a supply wheel 10, a cup transfer structure 20 including a transfer wheel 14, a wheel index mechanism 15, and a transfer means 12. The processing table 2 and the holding table 3 have respective table axes TA that are the central axes of each, and these table axes TA are arranged coaxially with each other in the horizontal direction.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the direction in which the table axis TA extends is referred to as the table axis direction. Among the table axis directions, the direction from the holding table 3 toward the processing table 2 is referred to as one side of the table axis direction, and the direction from the processing table 2 toward the holding table 3 is referred to as the other side of the table axis direction. Note that the table axis direction may be rephrased as the front-rear direction. In this case, one side of the table axis direction corresponds to the front side, and the other side of the table axis direction corresponds to the rear side. The direction orthogonal to the table axis TA is referred to as the table radial direction. Among the table radial directions, the direction approaching the table axis TA is referred to as the inner side of the table radial direction, and the direction away from the table axis TA is referred to as the outer side of the table radial direction. The direction of orbiting around the table axis TA is referred to as the table circumferential direction.

[0045] The apparatus main body 4 supports the holding table 3, the processing table 2, the shaft portion 5, the crank mechanism 8, the table index mechanism 9, the drive motor 11, the supply wheel 10, the cup transfer structure 20, and the wheel index mechanism 15. The transfer means 12 extends outside the apparatus main body 4.

[0046] Although detailed illustration is omitted, the apparatus main body 4 has, for example, a base, a frame attached to the base, and an exterior member covering the base and the frame. The base is installed on the floor of a facility such as a factory. The frame is fixed to the base. The exterior member is a housing or the like. A part of the exterior member is a door portion that can be opened and closed, and is opened and closed during maintenance or the like.

[0047] The holding table 3 is called, for example, a turntable or an index table. The holding table 3 forms a circular ring shape. The holding table 3 is a plate-shaped table with a hollow large diameter. The radius of the holding table 3 is, for example, 650 mm or more. A plurality of chucks 7 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the table on the outer peripheral portion of the surface facing one side (front side) in the axial direction of the table of the holding table 3. That is, the holding table 3 has a plurality of chucks 7 arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the holding table 3 and aligned in the circumferential direction of the table. The bottom of the bottomed cylindrical body W is held by each chuck 7. The bottomed cylindrical body W held by the chuck 7 has its open end opening to one side in the axial direction of the table and faces the processing table 2. The holding table 3 is intermittently rotated in the circumferential direction of the table by a table index mechanism 9. That is, the holding table 3 holds a plurality of bottomed cylindrical bodies W and is intermittently rotated around the table axis TA.

[0048] In the present embodiment, among the circumferential direction of the table, the direction in which the holding table 3 is intermittently rotated with respect to the processing table 2 is called the holding table rotation direction R1, and the rotation direction opposite to this is called the side opposite to the holding table rotation direction R1 or the anti-holding table rotation direction. Note that the holding table rotation direction R1 is the same direction as the direction in which a plurality of processing tools 6 described later on the processing table 2 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the table in the order of processing the bottomed cylindrical body W. For this reason, the holding table rotation direction R1 can be rephrased as the downstream side (or simply the processing order direction) of the processing order for the bottomed cylindrical body W, and the side opposite to the holding table rotation direction R1 can be rephrased as the upstream side of the processing order for the bottomed cylindrical body W.

[0049] The processing table 2 is, for example, called a die table. The processing table 2 has a disk shape or a circular ring shape. The diameter (outer diameter) of the processing table 2 is substantially the same as the diameter of the holding table 3. The processing table 2 is supported by the apparatus main body 4 via the shaft portion 5. The shaft portion 5 is fixed to the processing table 2 and extends on the table axis TA. The shaft portion 5 penetrates the holding table 3 in the table axis direction. The shaft portion 5 is movable in the table axis direction with respect to the holding table 3. The other end portion of the shaft portion 5 on the other side in the table axis direction is connected to a connecting rod 18 of a crank mechanism 8 described later. The shaft portion 5 is reciprocally movable in the table axis direction and is supported by the apparatus main body 4.

[0050] The processing table 2 faces the holding table 3 from one side in the table axis direction. The processing table 2 is connected to the crank mechanism 8 via the shaft portion 5 and is reciprocally moved in the table axis direction by the crank mechanism 8. That is, the processing table 2 is reciprocally moved in the table axis direction with respect to the holding table 3.

[0051] The processing table 2 has a processing tool 6 for processing the bottomed cylindrical body W. The processing tools 6 are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the processing table 2 and a plurality of them are provided side by side in the table circumferential direction. That is, a plurality of processing tools 6 are provided arrayed around the table axis TA on the processing table 2. Specifically, the plurality of processing tools 6 are arranged along the table circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the processing table 2 facing the other side in the table axis direction, and are respectively arranged to face the plurality of bottomed cylindrical bodies W held by the holding table 3 from the table axis direction.

[0052] The central axis (tool axis) of each processing tool 6 (not shown) extends parallel to the table axis TA. The central axis of the processing tool 6 and the can axis (corresponding to the central axis of the chuck 7) of the bottomed cylindrical body W facing this processing tool 6 are coaxially arranged with each other. Then, processing is performed on the bottomed cylindrical body W by the processing tool 6 in a state where the can axis of the bottomed cylindrical body W and the central axis of the processing tool 6 coincide.

[0053] Although not particularly shown, the machining table 2 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes penetrating in the table axis TA direction, which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the table. The plurality of machining tools 6 are attached to these mounting holes in the order of machining the bottomed cylindrical body W. That is, the machining table 2 forms the cup P by sequentially machining the bottomed cylindrical body W with the plurality of machining tools 6. The machining table 2 performs at least a diameter expansion process on the opening of the bottomed cylindrical body W to form a bottomed tapered cup P.

[0054] Although not particularly shown, the plurality of machining tools 6 include a die machining tool and a rotary machining tool. In the present embodiment, the plurality of die machining tools and the plurality of rotary machining tools are arranged side by side in the order of machining the bottomed cylindrical body W along the holding table rotation direction R1 in the plurality of mounting holes of the machining table 2. Note that one or more of the plurality of mounting holes may be empty spaces where the machining tool 6 is not attached. Also, an oiling tool is attached to one or more of the plurality of mounting holes.

[0055] The die machining tool moves in the table axis direction (can axis direction) with respect to the bottomed cylindrical body W and performs die machining such as expanding the diameter of the peripheral wall (body part) of the bottomed cylindrical body W. One type (predetermined) of die machining is performed on the bottomed cylindrical body W by one die machining tool.

[0056] The rotary machining tool moves around the can axis with respect to the bottomed cylindrical body W and performs rotary machining such as trimming and curling on the peripheral wall (body part) of the bottomed cylindrical body W by the rotational movement around the can axis. One type (predetermined) of rotary machining is performed on the bottomed cylindrical body W by one rotary machining tool.

[0057] The crank mechanism 8 reciprocates the machining table 2 in the table axis direction with respect to the holding table 3. The crank mechanism 8 includes a drive shaft 16 into which rotation (rotary driving force) from a drive motor 11 is input, a crankshaft 17 that is connected to the drive shaft 16 and is rotated about the axis O of the drive shaft 16 as the drive shaft 16 rotates, and a connecting rod 18 that connects the crankshaft 17 and the shaft portion 5. That is, the machining table 2 and the crankshaft 17 are connected via the connecting rod 18 and the shaft portion 5. The crankshaft 17 rotates about the axis O of the drive shaft 16 at a constant angular velocity, for example. The crank mechanism 8 converts the rotational motion of the drive shaft 16 about the axis O, which is input from the drive motor 11 to the drive shaft 16, into a linear motion in the table axis direction and outputs it to the shaft portion 5. The drive motor 11 is, for example, an inverter motor or the like.

[0058] The table indexing mechanism 9 rotates and stops (intermittently rotates) the holding table 3 in the table circumferential direction for each one stroke of the reciprocating motion along the table axis direction of the machining table 2. The table indexing mechanism 9 intermittently rotates the holding table 3 about the table axis TA with respect to the machining table 2 according to the crank angle around the drive shaft 16 of the crank mechanism 8.

[0059] That is, the holding table 3 and the machining table 2 are repeatedly moved closer to and away from each other in the table axis direction by the crank mechanism 8 and are intermittently rotated relative to each other in the table circumferential direction by the table indexing mechanism 9. Specifically, the machining table 2 moves closer to and away from the holding table 3 in the table axis direction, and during one stroke (reciprocating motion) of this approach and separation, the holding table 3 rotates (intermittently rotates) by a predetermined amount in the table circumferential direction with respect to the machining table 2.

[0060] Then, for each stroke in which the processing table 2 and the holding table 3 approach and separate from each other, a predetermined process is performed on the bottomed cylindrical body W held by the chuck 7 of the holding table 3 by each processing tool 6 provided on the processing table 2, and the holding table 3 moves the bottomed cylindrical body W to the downstream side (holding table rotation direction R1) in the processing order to the processing position by the next (another) processing tool 6. By repeating this operation, sequential processing is performed on the bottomed cylindrical body W held by the holding table 3 by a plurality of processing tools 6 provided on the processing table 2, and when the processing by all the processing tools 6 is completed, the cup P having the predetermined shape described above is obtained.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2, the supply wheel 10 supplies the bottomed cylindrical body W to the holding table 3. The supply wheel 10 is called an infeed wheel and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The supply wheel 10 receives the bottomed cylindrical body W supplied from the outside (previous process) of the cup manufacturing apparatus 1 to the shooter 13 and delivers the bottomed cylindrical body W to the holding table 3. The supply wheel axis SA, which is the central axis of the supply wheel 10, extends parallel to the table axis TA. The supply wheel 10 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 4 around the supply wheel axis SA. The supply wheel 10 is rotated in the supply wheel rotation direction R2 around the supply wheel axis SA.

[0062] The supply wheel 10 has concave supply pockets 23 capable of holding the peripheral wall of the bottomed cylindrical body W. A plurality of supply pockets 23 are provided at equal intervals around the supply wheel axis SA. In FIG. 2, illustration of some of the plurality of supply pockets 23 is omitted.

[0063] The supply pocket 23 is formed, for example, in a concave curved surface shape or the like in which a cross section perpendicular to the supply wheel shaft SA has a concave arc shape, corresponding to the fact that the peripheral wall of the bottomed cylindrical body W is cylindrical. Although not particularly shown, the supply pocket 23 has a suction hole. The suction hole opens to the inner surface of the supply pocket 23 and is connected to an air suction source (not shown). The supply pocket 23 can hold the bottomed cylindrical body W by the air suction force of the air suction source acting on the peripheral wall of the bottomed cylindrical body W through the suction hole.

[0064] The transfer wheel 14 discharges the processed cup P (bottomed cylindrical body W) from the holding table 3. The transfer wheel 14 is called a discharge wheel and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The transfer wheel 14 may also be referred to as a discharge wheel. The transfer wheel 14 receives the cup P processed by the cup manufacturing apparatus 1 from the holding table 3 and delivers (discharges) it to the transfer means 12. The transfer means 12 transfers the cup P toward the outside (post-process) of the cup manufacturing apparatus 1. The wheel shaft DA, which is the central axis of the transfer wheel 14, extends parallel to the table shaft TA. The transfer wheel 14 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 4 around the wheel shaft DA. The transfer wheel 14 is rotated in the wheel rotation direction θ around the wheel shaft DA.

[0065] The transfer wheel 14 has concave pockets 24 capable of holding the tapered body portion 100 of the cup P. A plurality of pockets 24 are provided at equal intervals around the wheel shaft DA. In FIG. 2, some of the plurality of pockets 24 are not shown.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the pocket 24 has a suction hole 24a. The suction hole 24a opens to the inner surface of the pocket 24 and is connected to an air suction source (not shown). The pocket 24 can hold the cup P by the air suction force of the air suction source acting on the body portion 100 of the cup P through the suction hole 24a. Details of the transfer wheel 14 and the cup transfer structure 20 including the same will be described separately later.

[0067] In FIG. 2, the wheel indexing mechanism 15 intermittently rotates the supply wheel 10 around the supply wheel axis SA and the transfer wheel 14 around the wheel axis DA in synchronization with the intermittent rotation of the holding table 3 around the table axis TA. That is, the supply wheel 10 is intermittently rotated around the supply wheel axis SA in synchronization with the intermittent rotation of the holding table 3 around the table axis TA. Further, the transfer wheel 14 is intermittently rotated around the wheel axis DA in synchronization with the intermittent rotation of the holding table 3 around the table axis TA. The wheel indexing mechanism 15 has a cam structure. The wheel indexing mechanism 15 rotates and stops (intermittently rotates) the supply wheel 10 around the supply wheel axis SA and rotates and stops (intermittently rotates) the transfer wheel 14 around the wheel axis DA for each stroke of the reciprocating movement of the processing table 2 by the cam structure.

[0068] Specifically, the supply wheel 10 is intermittently rotated in the supply wheel rotation direction R2, which is reverse to the holding table rotation direction R1 (that is, the rotation direction is opposite), by the wheel indexing mechanism 15. Further, the transfer wheel 14 is intermittently rotated in the wheel rotation direction θ, which is reverse to the holding table rotation direction R1, by the wheel indexing mechanism 15. The supply wheel 10 and the transfer wheel 14 are mechanically connected by, for example, a belt, a pulley, a gear, a joint, etc., and intermittently rotate around the respective wheel axes SA and DA in synchronization with each other.

[0069] Specifically, when the supply wheel 10 intermittently rotates and the bottomed cylindrical body W held in the supply pocket 23 of the supply wheel 10 is disposed at a position overlapping with the chuck 7 of the holding table 3 (directly above the chuck 7) as viewed from the table axis direction, a pushing portion (not shown) provided on the processing table 2 pushes the bottomed cylindrical body W toward the other side (rear side) in the table axis direction. Thereby, the bottomed cylindrical body W is transferred from the supply pocket 23 to the chuck 7 and held by the chuck 7.

[0070] Further, the bottomed cylindrical body W held by the chuck 7 of the holding table 3 is transferred in the holding table rotation direction R1 for each stroke of the processing table 2. After all the processing is completed, when it is arranged at a position overlapping with the pocket 24 of the transfer wheel 14 (directly below the pocket 24) as viewed in the table axis direction, the piston portion 3a provided in the chuck 7 pushes out this bottomed cylindrical body W (the cup P subjected to all the processing) toward one side (front side) in the table axis direction (see FIGS. 12 and 13). As a result, the bottomed cylindrical body W (cup P) is transferred from the chuck 7 to the pocket 24 and held by the pocket 24.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the cup P held in the pocket 24 is transferred around the wheel axis DA as the transfer wheel 14 rotates intermittently, released from the pocket 24, and transferred to the transfer means 12.

[0072] The drive motor 11, the crank mechanism 8, the table index mechanism 9, and the wheel index mechanism 15 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are mechanically connected to each other so as to be synchronizable, for example, by gears, belts, joints, etc. That is, the crank mechanism 8, the table index mechanism 9, and the wheel index mechanism 15 are driven in synchronization with each other by the rotational driving force of the drive motor 11.

[0073] Next, the cup transfer structure 20 for transferring the cup P will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, the cup transfer structure 20 includes a transfer wheel 14 having the wheel axis DA as the central axis, a top guide 21, a bottom guide 22, a support guide 25, a rotating plate 26, and a detection unit 27.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the direction in which the wheel axis DA extends is referred to as the wheel axis direction. Since the wheel axis DA is parallel to the table axis TA, the wheel axis direction may be rephrased as the front-rear direction. Also, one side in the wheel axis direction corresponds to one side in the table axis direction, that is, the front side, and the other side in the wheel axis direction corresponds to the other side in the table axis direction, that is, the rear side. The direction perpendicular to the wheel axis DA is called the wheel diameter direction. Among the wheel diameter directions, the direction approaching the wheel axis DA is called the inner side of the wheel diameter direction, and the direction away from the wheel axis DA is called the outer side of the wheel diameter direction.

[0075] The direction of rotation around the wheel axis DA is called the wheel circumferential direction. Among the wheel circumferential directions, the wheel rotation direction θ, which is the direction in which the conveying wheel 14 is rotated by the wheel indexing mechanism 15, is the direction in which the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14 is conveyed. For this reason, the wheel rotation direction θ may also be referred to as the downstream side in the wheel circumferential direction. Also, among the wheel circumferential directions, the side opposite to the wheel rotation direction θ (reverse wheel rotation direction) may also be referred to as the upstream side.

[0076] The conveying wheel 14 is columnar with the wheel axis DA as the center and extends in the wheel axis direction. The conveying wheel 14 may also be referred to as a star wheel. In the present embodiment, the conveying wheel 14 is disposed on the other side (rear side) in the wheel axis direction of the front frame 4a of the apparatus main body 4. The front frame 4a rotatably supports the conveying wheel 14 in the wheel circumferential direction via a bearing or the like. The conveying wheel 14 holds the tapered body portion 100 of the cup P and rotates around the wheel axis DA.

[0077] The conveying wheel 14 has pockets 24. The pockets 24 are concave-shaped, recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the conveying wheel 14 toward the inner side in the wheel diameter direction. A plurality of pockets 24 are provided at equal pitches in the wheel circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion of the conveying wheel 14, and six pockets are provided in the present embodiment.

[0078] The pocket 24 has a holding portion 24b, a suction hole 24a, and a relief recess 24c. That is, the conveying wheel 14 has the holding portion 24b, the suction hole 24a, and the relief recess 24c.

[0079] The holding portion 24b is disposed at a portion of the pocket 24 other than one end portion in the wheel axis direction. The holding portion 24b has a concave curved surface shape. Specifically, the holding portion 24b has a shape of a concave curve that is recessed inward in the wheel diameter direction in a cross section perpendicular to the wheel axis DA. As shown in FIG. 14, the tapered portion 106 of the body portion 100 is in contact with the holding portion 24b in a state of being in close contact therewith.

[0080] The suction hole 24a opens into the holding portion 24b. In the present embodiment, a plurality of suction holes 24a are provided in the holding portion 24b. The plurality of suction holes 24a are arranged side by side in the wheel axis direction. The suction hole 24a sucks the tapered portion 106 of the body portion 100 disposed in the holding portion 24b by an air suction force. Thereby, the tapered portion 106 of the body portion 100 is held in a state of being in contact with the holding portion 24b. That is, the holding portion 24b holds the tapered portion 106.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 3, the relief recess 24c is disposed at one end portion of the pocket 24 in the wheel axis direction. The relief recess 24c is disposed adjacent to one side of the holding portion 24b in the wheel axis direction. The relief recess 24c has a concave curved surface shape. Specifically, the relief recess 24c has a shape of a concave curve that is recessed inward in the wheel diameter direction in a cross section perpendicular to the wheel axis DA. The relief recess 24c is located more inward in the wheel diameter direction than the holding portion 24b. That is, the relief recess 24c is recessed more inward in the wheel diameter direction than the holding portion 24b.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 14, a part of the opening end portion 100a of the tapered body portion 100 is disposed in the relief recess 24c. Specifically, in the relief recess 24c, a part of each of the circumferences in the cup circumferential direction of the opening side cylindrical portion 103, the opening side stepped portion 104, and the curled portion 105 of the opening end portion 100a is disposed. A gap is provided between the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 and the surface (inner surface) facing the outside in the wheel diameter direction of the relief recess 24c. That is, the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 and the inner surface of the relief recess 24c do not contact each other.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the top guide 21 is disposed on one side in the wheel axis direction of the conveying wheel 14. The top guide 21 is a substantially C-shaped plate member that extends in a curved shape along the wheel circumferential direction. A pair of plate surfaces of the top guide 21 face the wheel axis direction. The top guide 21 is disposed on the other side in the wheel axis direction than the front frame 4a.

[0084] The top guide 21 is supported by the front frame 4a via support pins 4b that extend from the front frame 4a to the other side in the wheel axis direction. A plurality of support pins 4b are provided at intervals in the wheel circumferential direction. The dimensions of each of the plurality of support pins 4b in the wheel axis direction are different from each other. Specifically, the dimensions of each of the plurality of support pins 4b in the wheel axis direction gradually increase as they go toward the downstream side in the conveying direction along the wheel circumferential direction. For this reason, the top guide 21 supported by these support pins 4b is located on the other side in the wheel axis direction as it goes toward the downstream side (wheel rotation direction θ) along the wheel axis.

[0085] The plate surface of the top guide 21 facing the other side in the wheel axis direction faces the opening end portion 100a of the cup P held in the pocket 24 from one side in the wheel axis direction. That is, the top guide 21 faces the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14 from one side in the wheel axis direction. When viewed from the wheel axis direction, the top guide 21 and the opening end portion 100a of the cup P overlap each other.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the top guide 21 is configured to be adjustable in position in the wheel axis direction with respect to the conveying wheel 14. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the front frame 4a is adjustable in position in the wheel axis direction with respect to the conveying wheel 14, and thereby, the top guide 21 fixed to the front frame 4a via the support pins 4b is also adjustable in position in the wheel axis direction. In the present embodiment, by adjusting the position of the top guide 21 in the wheel axis direction, a plurality of types of cups P having different dimensions in the cup axis direction (cup height) can be conveyed using the common cup conveying structure 20.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 14, the bottom guide 22 is disposed on the other side in the wheel axis direction of the transport wheel 14. The bottom guide 22 faces the cup P held by the transport wheel 14 from the other side in the wheel axis direction. The bottom guide 22 has a first guide portion 22a and a second guide portion 22b.

[0088] The first guide portion 22a is disposed at the end on the other side in the wheel axis direction of the transport wheel 14. The first guide portion 22a is in a circular ring shape centered on the wheel axis DA. The first guide portion 22a is fixed to the transport wheel 14 and rotates in the wheel rotation direction θ together with the transport wheel 14.

[0089] The first guide portion 22a has a tapered surface 22c. The tapered surface 22c is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first guide portion 22a. The tapered surface 22c extends outward in the wheel diameter direction as it goes to the other side in the wheel axis direction. The tapered surface 22c faces the outer peripheral wall 114 of the annular convex portion 112 of the bottom portion 110 of the cup P held in the pocket 24 from the other side in the wheel axis direction and from the inner side in the wheel diameter direction. When viewed from the wheel axis direction, the first guide portion 22a and the outer peripheral wall 114 overlap each other.

[0090] Specifically, the tapered surface 22c is in contact with the outer peripheral wall 114 or is disposed with a gap therebetween. That is, the first guide portion 22a faces the tapered outer peripheral wall 114 of the annular convex portion 112 of the bottom portion 110 of the cup P. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the first guide portion 22a faces the outer peripheral wall 114 in a state of contact therewith. Further, instead of the annular convex portion 112, the bottom portion 110 may have a frustum-shaped convex portion (a trapezoidal convex portion in a cross section including the cup axis) whose outer diameter decreases as it goes toward the bottom side in the cup axis direction, that is, a tapered outer peripheral wall, and a flat planar grounding portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the cup axis, and the bottom portion 110 that does not have the dome portion 111 may be used.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 13, the second guide portion 22b is disposed on the other side in the wheel axis direction from the conveying wheel 14. The second guide portion 22b is located on the other side in the wheel axis direction from the first guide portion 22a. The second guide portion 22b is supported by the apparatus main body 4. The second guide portion 22b is a substantially C-shaped plate member that extends in a curved shape along the wheel circumferential direction. A pair of plate surfaces of the second guide portion 22b face the wheel axis direction.

[0092] A plate surface of the second guide portion 22b facing one side in the wheel axis direction faces the grounding portion 115 of the annular convex portion 112 among the bottoms 110 of the cups P held in the pockets 24 from the other side in the wheel axis direction. Specifically, the plate surface of the second guide portion 22b facing one side in the wheel axis direction is in contact with the grounding portion 115 or is disposed with a gap therebetween. That is, the second guide portion 22b faces the grounding portion 115 of the bottom 110. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the second guide portion 22b faces the grounding portion 115 with a gap therebetween. When viewed from the wheel axis direction, the second guide portion 22b and the grounding portion 115 overlap each other.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the support guide 25 is disposed outside the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14 in the wheel diameter direction and extends around the wheel axis DA. The support guide 25 is a substantially C-shaped plate member that extends in a curved shape along the wheel circumferential direction. A pair of plate surfaces of the support guide 25 face the wheel diameter direction. The support guide 25 surrounds the conveying wheel 14 and the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14 from the outside in the wheel diameter direction along the wheel circumferential direction. The support guide 25 is supported by the apparatus main body 4.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 8, and 9, the rotating plate 26 is disposed outside the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14 in the wheel diameter direction and is rotatable by being pushed upward in the wheel diameter direction. In the present embodiment, a plurality of rotating plates 26 are provided. The plurality of rotating plates 26 include a first rotating plate 26A and a second rotating plate 26B.

[0095] The first rotating plate 26A is disposed above the conveying wheel 14 and the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14. The first rotating plate 26A is in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate extending in the wheel axis direction. A pair of plate surfaces of the first rotating plate 26A face the wheel diameter direction. The first rotating plate 26A faces the cup P held in the pocket 24 with a gap from the outside in the wheel diameter direction. When viewed from the wheel diameter direction, the first rotating plate 26A overlaps with the body portion 100 of the cup P held in the pocket 24. The position of the first rotating plate 26A in the wheel circumferential direction is substantially the same as the positions of the chuck 7 and the piston portion 3a in the wheel circumferential direction that supply the cup P to the cup conveying structure 20.

[0096] The first rotating plate 26A is connected to the front frame 4a via the first hinge 28. The first rotating plate 26A is rotatable about the hinge axis of the first hinge 28 with respect to the front frame 4a. Specifically, the first rotating plate 26A is rotatable upward about the hinge axis of the first hinge 28.

[0097] The first hinge 28 is connected to one end of the first rotating plate 26A in the wheel axis direction and the upper end of the front frame 4a. The hinge axis of the first hinge 28 extends substantially in the wheel circumferential direction, and specifically, extends in the tangential direction of a virtual circle (not shown) centered on the wheel axis DA.

[0098] The second rotating plate 26B is disposed above the conveying wheel 14 and the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14. The second rotating plate 26B is disposed adjacent to the first rotating plate 26A in the wheel rotation direction θ. The second rotating plate 26B is disposed adjacent to the support guide 25 on the side opposite to the wheel rotation direction θ (opposite wheel rotation direction). That is, the second rotating plate 26B is positioned between the first rotating plate 26A and the support guide 25 in the wheel circumferential direction.

[0099] The second rotating plate 26B has a curved plate portion 31 and a flat plate portion 32. The curved plate portion 31 is a plate shape that extends in a curved shape along the wheel circumferential direction. A pair of plate surfaces of the curved plate portion 31 face the wheel diameter direction. The curved plate portion 31 faces the cup P held in the pocket 24 with a gap from the outside in the wheel diameter direction. When viewed from the wheel diameter direction, the curved plate portion 31 overlaps with the body portion 100 of the cup P held in the pocket 24.

[0100] The curved plate portion 31 is connected to the support guide 25 via the second hinge 29. The curved plate portion 31 is rotatable about the hinge axis of the second hinge 29 with respect to the support guide 25. Specifically, the curved plate portion 31 is rotatable upward about the hinge axis of the second hinge 29.

[0101] The second hinge 29 is connected to the end portion of the curved plate portion 31 in the wheel rotation direction θ and the end portion of the support guide 25 in the opposite wheel rotation direction. The hinge axis of the second hinge 29 extends along the wheel axis direction.

[0102] The flat plate portion 32 is fixed to the curved plate portion 31 by a bolt member 33 or the like. The flat plate portion 32 is a substantially rectangular plate shape that extends in the wheel axis direction. A pair of plate surfaces of the flat plate portion 32 face the wheel diameter direction. The end portion on the other side in the wheel axis direction of the flat plate portion 32 is connected to the curved plate portion 31. The end portion on one side in the wheel axis direction of the flat plate portion 32 contacts the receiving portion 4c disposed at the upper end portion of the front frame 4a from above.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the flat plate portion 32 is slidable in the wheel axis direction with respect to the curved plate portion 31 by loosening the screw of the bolt member 33. Therefore, when the top guide 21 is moved (position adjusted) in the wheel axis direction together with the front frame 4a, by moving the flat plate portion 32 in the wheel axis direction in accordance with this movement, it is possible to suppress problems such as the flat plate portion 32 protruding greatly to one side in the wheel axis direction from the front frame 4a, or conversely, not contacting the receiving portion 4c by being disposed on the other side in the wheel axis direction than the front frame 4a.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the detection unit 27 is disposed on the front frame 4a or the like. The detection unit 27 detects the rotation of the rotation plate 26. The detection unit 27 is, for example, a proximity sensor or the like. The detection unit 27 is electrically connected to the control unit 34 of the cup manufacturing apparatus 1. When the detection unit 27 detects the rotation of the rotation plate 26, the control unit 34 stops the operation (operation) of the cup manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0105] In the present embodiment, a plurality of detection units 27 are provided. The plurality of detection units 27 include a first detection unit (not shown) that detects the rotation of the first rotation plate 26A around the first hinge 28, and a second detection unit 27A that detects the rotation of the second rotation plate 26B around the second hinge 29.

[0106] Although not particularly shown, the first detection unit is disposed to face the first rotation plate 26A with a gap, for example, inside (lower side) in the wheel diameter direction of the first rotation plate 26A. The first detection unit detects the upward rotation of the first rotation plate 26A around the first hinge 28.

[0107] The second detection unit 27A is disposed to face the second rotation plate 26B with a gap, inside (lower side) in the wheel diameter direction of the second rotation plate 26B. In the present embodiment, the second detection unit 27A faces one end in the wheel axis direction of the flat plate portion 32 with a gap from below. The second detection unit 27A detects the upward rotation of the second rotation plate 26B around the second hinge 29.

[0108] Next, a method of transporting the cup P by the cup transport structure 20, that is, a cup transport method, will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. Note that the cup P shown by a solid line in each of FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 represents a cup for L size, for example, having a large dimension in the cup axis direction (high cup height), and the position in the wheel axis direction of the top guide 21 also shown by a solid line in each figure corresponds to the cup for L size. Also, the cup P shown by the two-dot chain line in each of FIGS. 12 and 13, and the cup P shown by the solid line in FIG. 15 represent a cup for size M with a small dimension in the cup axis direction (low cup height). The positions in the wheel axis direction of the top guide 21 shown by the two-dot chain line in each of FIGS. 12 and 13, and the top guide 21 shown by the solid line in FIG. 15 correspond to the cup for size M.

[0109] The cup conveying method of the present embodiment includes a supply step, a holding step, an alignment step, and a discharge step.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the supply step, the cup P formed into a predetermined cup shape by the cup manufacturing apparatus 1 is arranged outside the wheel diameter direction of the conveying wheel 14. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the cup P held by the chuck 7 of the holding table 3 is pushed out by the piston portion 3a to one side in the wheel axis direction, so that, as shown in FIG. 13, the holding of the cup P by the chuck 7 is released, and the cup P is arranged outside the wheel diameter direction of the pocket 24.

[0111] More specifically, the cup P is supplied above the pocket 24, and the supplied cup P falls into the pocket 24 by its own weight and comes into contact with the pocket 24. At this time, the escape recess 24c of the pocket 24 faces the opening end portion 100a of the cup P from the inner side in the wheel diameter direction, and the holding portion 24b faces the tapered portion 106 of the cup P from the inner side in the wheel diameter direction.

[0112] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the holding step, while accommodating a part of the cup circumferential direction of the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 in the escape recess 24c, an air suction force is applied through the suction hole 24a to the tapered portion 106 of the body portion 100, so as to hold the tapered portion 106 in a state of being in close contact with the holding portion 24b. That is, in the holding step, a part of the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 in the cup P is arranged in the escape recess 24c, and the tapered portion 106 of the body portion 100 is held by the holding portion 24b.

[0113] In the alignment process, while the cup P is being conveyed downstream along the wheel axis DA by the conveying wheel 14, the top guide 21 is brought into sliding contact with the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 from one side in the wheel axis direction, thereby moving the cup P to the other side in the wheel axis direction and bringing the tapered outer peripheral wall 114 or the grounding portion 115 of the bottom portion 110 into contact with or into a close arrangement with the bottom guide 22.

[0114] Specifically, in the alignment process, when the cup P held in the pocket 24 is being transferred in the wheel rotation direction θ due to the rotation of the conveying wheel 14, as the top guide 21 extends toward the other side in the wheel axis direction as it goes in the wheel rotation direction θ, the opening end portion 100a of the cup P slides on the top guide 21 while the cup P is moved to the other side in the wheel axis direction. As a result, the outer peripheral wall 114 of the bottom portion 110 is disposed opposite to the first guide portion 22a, and the grounding portion 115 is disposed opposite to the second guide portion 22b, and the cup P is aligned in the wheel axis direction.

[0115] In the discharging process, the air suction through the suction hole 24a for the tapered portion 106 is stopped, and the holding of the tapered portion 106 by the holding portion 24b is released. As a result, the cup P is detached from the pocket 24, and the cup P is discharged from the conveying wheel 14 to the conveying means 12.

[0116] In the cup conveying structure 20, the cup manufacturing apparatus 1, and the cup conveying method of the present embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0117] In the bottomed tapered cup P having the tapered portion 106 in the body portion 100, for example, considering the drinkability, safety, stackability (stability when the cups are stacked), cup rigidity, etc. of the beverage when the user attaches their lips, a curled portion 105, an opening side cylindrical portion 103, an opening side stepped portion 104, etc. having an outer diameter larger than that of the tapered portion 106 are formed at the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100. That is, the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 protrudes outward in the cup diameter direction from the tapered portion 106.

[0118] According to the cup conveying structure 20 of this embodiment, the conveying wheel 14 that holds and conveys the cup P has a relief recess 24c. By accommodating a part of the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 in the relief recess 24c, the holding portion 24b is made likely to closely adhere to the tapered portion 106 of the body portion 100, and thereby the body portion 100 can be stably held. For this reason, the cup conveying structure 20 can stably convey the cup P even if the cup P has the tapered portion 106 in the body portion 100.

[0119] Further, the cup conveying structure 20 of this embodiment includes a top guide 21 that faces the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14 from one side in the wheel axis direction, and a bottom guide 22 that faces the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14 from the other side in the wheel axis direction. The top guide 21 is located on the other side in the wheel axis direction as it goes toward the downstream side in the conveying direction along the circumferential direction of the wheel. In this case, as the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14 is conveyed toward the downstream side in the circumferential direction of the wheel, it is moved to the other side in the wheel axis direction by the top guide 21. Thereby, the bottom portion 110 of the cup P comes into contact with or is disposed in proximity to the bottom guide 22.

[0120] That is, according to the above configuration, since the cup P is disposed (aligned in the wheel axis direction) at a predetermined position in the wheel axis direction in the process of being conveyed by the conveying wheel 14, the transfer (handover) of the cup P from this cup conveying structure 20 to the subsequent process (conveying means 12) can be stably performed.

[0121] Also, in this embodiment, the bottom guide 22 has a first guide portion 22a that faces the tapered outer peripheral wall 114 of the bottom portion 110, and a second guide portion 22b that faces the grounding portion 115 of the bottom portion 110. In this case, at least one of the first guide portion 22a and the second guide portion 22b can stably hold down the bottom portion 110 of the conveyed cup P.

[0122] In addition, in the present embodiment, the top guide 21 is adjustable in the wheel axis direction. In this case, by appropriately adjusting the position of the top guide 21 in the wheel axis direction, it is possible to convey a plurality of types of cups P (cups for L size, cups for M size, etc.) having different heights in the cup axis direction using the common cup conveyance structure 20.

[0123] In addition, in the present embodiment, when a jam (such as clogging due to defective molding) of the cup P occurs in the conveyance wheel 14, the rotation plate 26 is pushed upward and rotated in the wheel radial direction by the clogged cup P, so that the jam can be detected by the detection unit 27. For this reason, when an abnormality occurs, the control unit 34 can stop the apparatus early to prevent the cup P from becoming a defective product due to wasteful molding.

[0124] In addition, in the present embodiment, the support guide 25 is disposed outside the cup P held by the conveyance wheel 14 in the wheel radial direction and extends in the wheel circumferential direction. In this case, even when the cup P unintentionally detaches from the conveyance wheel 14, the support guide 25 can suppress the fall of the cup P and the entry of the cup P into the supply wheel 10 adjacent to the conveyance wheel 14.

[0125] In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, by appropriately replacing the processing tool 6 of the processing table 2 of an existing can manufacturing apparatus (bottle can manufacturing apparatus, bottle necker) for forming a bottle can from the bottomed cylindrical body W, this can manufacturing apparatus can be used as the cup manufacturing apparatus 1 to form a bottomed tapered cup P having a tapered portion 106 in the body portion 100. Then, by using the cup conveyance structure 20 of the present embodiment in this can manufacturing apparatus (cup manufacturing apparatus 1), the above-described effects can be achieved.

[0126] Moreover, according to the cup conveying method using the cup conveying structure 20 of the present embodiment, by accommodating a part of the opening end portion 100a of the body portion 100 in the relief recess 24c of the conveying wheel 14, the holding portion 24b is made likely to closely adhere to the tapered portion 106 of the body portion 100, whereby the holding portion 24b can stably hold the body portion 100. For this reason, even for the cup P having the tapered portion 106 in the body portion 100, it is possible to stably convey it.

[0127] Further, as the cup P held by the conveying wheel 14 is conveyed to the downstream side in the conveying direction around the wheel axis DA, it is moved to the other side in the wheel axis direction by the top guide 21. Thereby, the bottom portion 110 of the cup P comes into contact with or approaches and is arranged with the bottom guide 22. That is, since the cup P is arranged (aligned in the wheel axis direction) at a predetermined position in the wheel axis direction in the process of being conveyed by the conveying wheel 14, the transfer (handover) of the cup P from this cup conveying structure 20 to the subsequent process can be stably performed.

[0128] Note that the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiment, and for example, as described below, configuration changes and the like are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0129] In the foregoing embodiment, an example in which the opening side cylindrical portion 103, the opening side stepped portion 104, and the curled portion 105 are provided at the opening end portion 100a of the cup P has been given, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, at the opening end portion 100a of the cup P, it is sufficient that a portion protruding outward in the cup diameter direction from the tapered portion 106 is formed, and the shape and the like of the protruding portion are not particularly limited.

[0130] The present invention may combine each configuration described in the foregoing embodiment and modification examples and the like without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and addition, omission, substitution, and other changes of the configuration are possible. Further, the present invention is not limited by the foregoing embodiment and the like, and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0131] According to the cup conveying structure, cup manufacturing apparatus, and cup conveying method of the present invention, even a cup having a tapered portion in the body portion can be stably conveyed. Therefore, it has industrial applicability.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0132] 1... Cup manufacturing apparatus, 2... Processing table, 3... Holding table, 14... Conveying wheel, 20... Cup conveying structure, 21... Top guide, 22... Bottom guide, 22a... First guide portion, 22b... Second guide portion, 24b... Holding portion, 24c... Relief recess, 26... Rotating plate, 27... Detection portion, 100... Body portion, 100a... Opening end portion, 106... Tapered portion, 110... Bottom portion, 112... Annular convex portion, 114... Outer peripheral wall, 115... Grounding portion, DA... Wheel shaft, P... Cup, TA... Table shaft, W... Bottomed cylindrical body

Claims

1. A cup conveying structure for conveying a bottomed tapered cup having a tapered body portion and a bottom portion, comprising a conveying wheel that holds the tapered body portion and rotates around a wheel axis, wherein the conveying wheel has a concave curved surface-shaped holding portion that holds the tapered portion of the tapered body portion, and a relief recess that is recessed inward in the wheel diameter direction from the holding portion and in which a part of the open end portion of the tapered body portion is disposed, Cup conveying structure.

2. a top guide that faces the cup held by the conveying wheel from one side in the wheel axis direction, and a bottom guide that faces the cup held by the conveying wheel from the other side in the wheel axis direction, wherein the top guide is located on the other side in the wheel axis direction as it goes toward the downstream side of conveyance along the wheel axis, The cup conveying structure according to claim 1.

3. The bottom guide has a first guide portion that faces the tapered outer peripheral wall of the bottom portion, and a second guide portion that faces the grounding portion of the bottom portion, The cup conveying structure according to claim 2.

4. The top guide is adjustable in position in the wheel axis direction, The cup conveying structure according to claim 2 or 3.

5. a rotating plate that is disposed outside the cup held by the conveying wheel in the wheel diameter direction and is rotatable by being pushed upward in the wheel diameter direction, and a detection unit that detects the rotation of the rotating plate, The cup conveying structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a holding table that holds a bottomed cylindrical body and is intermittently rotated around a table axis, a processing table that is reciprocated in the table axis direction with respect to the holding table and performs a diameter expansion process on the opening of the bottomed cylindrical body to form the bottomed tapered cup, The cup manufacturing apparatus having the cup conveying structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the conveying wheel that is intermittently rotated around the wheel axis in synchronization with the intermittent rotation of the holding table. Cup manufacturing apparatus.

7. A cup conveying method for conveying a cup by the cup conveying structure according to claim 2, a holding step of disposing a part of the open end portion of the cup in the relief recess and holding the tapered portion of the body portion of the cup by the holding portion, While conveying the cup downstream along the wheel axis by the conveying wheel, the top guide is slidably contacted with the opening end portion of the body portion from one side in the wheel axis direction, so that the cup is moved to the other side in the wheel axis direction, and the tapered outer peripheral wall or the grounding portion of the bottom is brought into contact with or disposed close to the bottom guide, including an alignment step. Cup conveying method.

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