Cup draining device and cup draining method

Abstract

To provide a cup draining device which can stably drain a cup after washing, and to provide a cup draining method.SOLUTION: A cup draining device 20 drains a cup P which includes a tapered body 100 and a bottom part 110 and has a bottomed tapered shape in which a curl part 105 protruding to the outer side in a cup radial direction is formed at an opening end 100a of the body 100. The cup draining device 20 includes a first air jet part 27 which jets air toward the curl part 105 of the cup P assuming an inverted attitude at which the opening end 100a of the body 100 is directed downward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cup drainer and a cup draining method. [Background technology]

[0002] A can washing apparatus, such as that described in Patent Document 1, is known in the prior art. This can washing apparatus has an air rinse unit, a water rinse unit, and a draining unit provided in this order along a chute through which cans are transported. In recent years, there has been demand for metal cups with tapered bodies, as described in Patent Document 2, for example. This type of metal cup has a curled portion at the open end of the body, which serves as the drinking spout, to protect the lips. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-187369 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2020-508874 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When cleaning a cup by spraying it with a cleaning liquid such as water, it is possible to transport the cup in an inverted position with the open end of the body facing downwards in order to stabilize the cleaning position of the cup and improve cleaning efficiency. However, cleaning liquid accumulates in the curled part that protrudes outward from the body, making it difficult to drain the curled part.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cup draining device and a cup draining method that can stably drain water from cups after washing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Aspect 1 of the present invention is a cup drainer for draining a bottomed, tapered cup having a tapered body and bottom, and a curled portion formed at the open end of the body that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the cup, and is equipped with a first air injection unit that injects air toward the curled portion of the cup when the cup is in an inverted position with the open end of the body facing downward. Furthermore, aspect 9 of the present invention is a cup draining method for draining a bottomed, tapered cup having a tapered body and bottom, and a curled portion formed at the open end of the body that protrudes outward in the cup radial direction, and includes a first air injection step of injecting air toward the curled portion of the cup in an inverted position with the open end of the body facing downward.

[0007] A cup draining device is a device that removes droplets (water droplets) adhering to cups and drains them. A cup washing device, which is installed in a process preceding the cup draining device, washes the cup by spraying a washing liquid such as water onto the cup while transporting the cup in an inverted position, for example. Even if washing liquid accumulates in the curled portion that protrudes outward from the body after this washing, the cup draining device and cup draining method of the present invention can blow away the washing liquid accumulated in the curled portion with air sprayed from the first air spraying unit (air sprayed in the first air spraying process). As described above, according to the present invention, cups can be stably drained after washing.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, the cup drainer may be configured as described in the first aspect, wherein the first air ejection section ejects air toward the curled portion in a range excluding a portion of the entire circumference of the cup in the circumferential direction.

[0009] For example, compared to when the first air injection unit injects air onto the curled portion around the entire circumference of the cup, the above-described configuration of the present invention ensures a path (discharge path) for discharging air and water droplets on a portion of the curled portion around the cup, thereby enabling more stable drainage of water from the curled portion. Note that "a portion of the entire circumference of the cup" may be, for example, an angular range of 180° or less centered on the cup axis when viewed from the cup axial direction, or an angular range of 180° or more.

[0010] Aspect 3 of the present invention may be a cup drainer as described in aspect 2, which includes a second air injection unit that injects air toward the curled portion, and the second air injection unit is configured to inject air toward the curled portion in the portion around the cup after the first air injection unit begins to inject air.

[0011] With this configuration, the curled portion begins to be drained by the injection of air from the first air injection unit, and even if water droplets remain in the portion of the curled portion around the cup (the discharge path), the second air injection unit can blow away the water droplets. This allows stable draining of the curled portion around the entire circumference of the cup.

[0012] In aspect 4 of the present invention, the cup drainer device may be one of the cup drainers described in any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the first air injection section has a plurality of injection holes arranged along the circumferential direction of the cup or an injection slit extending along the circumferential direction of the cup.

[0013] In this case, by injecting air from the first air injection section, the curled portion can be stably drained over a wide range in the circumferential direction of the cup.

[0014] Aspect 5 of the present invention may be a cup drainer device described in any one of aspects 1 to 4, which includes a turret that rotates around a turret axis, the turret being arranged on the outer periphery of the turret and having a concave cup holding portion that holds the body portion, and the first air injection portion being arranged along the cup holding portion.

[0015] In this case, when the cup is held by the cup holder of the turret and transported, the first air injection unit provided on the cup holder can inject air into the curled portion to drain the water from the curled portion.Since the water can be drained while the cup is being transported, the production efficiency of the cup is improved.

[0016] In aspect 6 of the present invention, the cup drainer may be the one described in aspect 5, in which multiple first air injection units are provided, and each first air injection unit is arranged in each of multiple cup holding units arranged circumferentially around the turret.

[0017] In this case, a plurality of cups can be transported by the turret, and the water from these cups can be drained continuously and efficiently.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present invention may be a cup drainer device as described in aspect 5 or 6, which includes a switching unit that switches between injecting air from the first air injection unit and stopping injection, and the switching unit injects air from the first air injection unit when the cup holding unit is positioned within a predetermined range around the turret, and stops the injection of air from the first air injection unit when the cup holding unit is positioned outside the predetermined range around the turret.

[0019] In this case, while the cup is held by the cup holder, i.e., while the cup is positioned within a predetermined range around the turret, air can be sprayed from the first air spray unit to drain the curled portion. Furthermore, when the cup holder is not holding a cup, i.e., while the cup holder is positioned outside the predetermined range around the turret, air spray from the first air spray unit can be stopped. This allows air to be used efficiently without waste.

[0020] Aspect 8 of the present invention may be a cup drainer device described in any one of aspects 1 to 7, which includes an outer drain nozzle that sprays air onto the outer surface of the cup, and an inner drain nozzle that sprays air onto the inner surface of the cup.

[0021] In this case, water droplets adhering to the outer and inner surfaces of the cups after washing can be blown away, stabilizing processing in subsequent processes such as drying. In addition, traces of water droplets remaining on the surface of the cups can be prevented, maintaining good surface properties of the cups and steadily improving the quality of the cups.

[0022] In aspect 10 of the present invention, the cup draining method may be as described in aspect 9, wherein the first air injection process injects air toward the curled portion in an area excluding a portion of the entire circumference of the cup, and further includes a second air injection process injecting air toward the curled portion in the portion of the circumference of the cup after the start of air injection in the first air injection process.

[0023] In this case, in the first air injection step, a path (discharge path) for discharging air and water droplets can be secured in a portion of the curled portion in the circumferential direction of the cup, which allows for more stable drainage of water from the curled portion. Furthermore, even if water droplets remain on the part of the curled portion in the circumferential direction of the cup (the discharge path) after the first air injection process starts draining the curled portion, these water droplets can be blown away in the second air injection process, so that the curled portion can be stably drained all around the circumferential direction of the cup. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the cup draining device and cup draining method of the above aspects of the present invention, cups can be stably drained after washing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view (half cross-sectional view) showing the cup of this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the cup washing and drying system of this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view showing the vicinity of the cup drainer of this embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a front view of a part of the cup drainer of this embodiment, seen from the downstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a part of the cup drainer of this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view showing a part of the cup drainer of this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the cup drainer of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] A cup washing and drying system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cup draining device 20 provided therein, and a cup draining method will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In this specification, the cup washing and drying system 1 may be simply referred to as a system, and the cup draining device 20 may be simply referred to as an apparatus.

[0027] The cup washing and drying system 1 is a system for washing, draining, and drying a tapered cup P with a bottom as shown in Fig. 1. The cup P is made of metal, specifically, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The cup P is integrally formed from a single member.

[0028] The cups P are formed into a predetermined cup shape in a cup manufacturing device (can manufacturing device) such as a bottle necker (not shown) that is provided in a process upstream of the cup washing and drying system 1. Specifically, the cup manufacturing apparatus performs a variety of forming processes, including die processing and rotary processing, on a cylindrical DI can (a can intermediate formed product) with a bottom, not shown, to manufacture a cup P of a predetermined shape. Note that the DI can is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom by performing a cupping process (drawing process), a DI process (drawing and ironing process), a trimming process, a printing process, a painting process, etc. on a disk-shaped blank punched out of a plate material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy in a process prior to the cup manufacturing apparatus.

[0029] First, the cup P will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the central axis of the cup P is referred to as the cup axis A. The cup P includes a tapered body portion 100 and a bottom portion 110. The cup P has the largest diameter at the open end 100a of the body portion 100. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the open end 100a (of the curled portion 105 described below) is, for example, about φ86 mm. The inner diameter of the open end 100a is, for example, about φ80 mm. In this embodiment, the height dimension (cup height dimension) of the cup P along the cup axis A is, for example, about 146 mm. Although not specifically shown, the cup P in a modified example of this embodiment may have a cup height dimension of, for example, about 116 mm or about 85 mm.

[0030] In this embodiment, the direction in which the cup axis A extends is referred to as the cup axis direction. Within the cup axis direction, the direction from the bottom 110 toward the open end 100a of the body 100 is referred to as the open side, and the direction from the open end 100a toward the bottom 110 is referred to as the bottom side. The direction perpendicular to the cup axis A is called the cup radial direction. Within the cup radial direction, the direction approaching the cup axis A is called the inner cup radial direction, and the direction away from the cup axis A is called the outer cup radial direction. The direction around the cup axis A is called the cup circumferential direction.

[0031] The body portion 100 has a generally tapered cylindrical shape centered on the cup axis A. The diameter of the body portion 100 increases (expands) toward the opening side in the cup axial direction. The body portion 100 has a bottom-side cylindrical portion 101, a bottom-side step portion 102, an opening-side cylindrical portion 103, an opening-side step portion 104, a curled portion 105, and a tapered portion 106.

[0032] The bottom-side cylindrical portion 101 is disposed at the end of the body portion 100 on the bottom side in the cup axial direction. The bottom-side cylindrical portion 101 is cylindrical and centered on the cup axis A. The bottom-side cylindrical portion 101 has the smallest diameter in the body portion 100. The outer diameter of the bottom-side cylindrical portion 101 is, for example, approximately φ66 mm.

[0033] The bottom side step 102 is a tapered cylinder centered on the cup axis A. The diameter of the bottom side step 102 increases as it approaches the opening side in the cup axial direction. The bottom side step 102 is disposed adjacent to the opening side of the bottom side cylindrical portion 101 in the cup axial direction. The bottom side step 102 is connected to the end of the bottom side cylindrical portion 101 on the opening side in the cup axial direction.

[0034] The opening-side cylindrical portion 103 is disposed at the opening end 100a of the body portion 100. The opening-side cylindrical portion 103 is cylindrical and centered on the cup axis A. The diameter of the opening-side cylindrical portion 103 is larger than the diameter of the bottom-side cylindrical portion 101.

[0035] The opening-side step 104 is disposed at the opening end 100a of the body 100. The opening-side step 104 is a tapered cylinder centered on the cup axis A. The opening-side step 104 increases in diameter as it approaches the opening side in the cup axial direction. The opening-side step 104 is disposed adjacent to the bottom side of the opening-side cylindrical portion 103 in the cup axial direction. The opening-side step 104 connects to the end of the opening-side cylindrical portion 103 on the bottom side in the cup axial direction.

[0036] The curled portion 105 is disposed at the open end 100a of the body portion 100. The curled portion 105 is formed at the open end 100a so as to protrude outward in the cup radial direction. The curled portion 105 is annular and centered on the cup axis A. The curled portion 105 extends around the entire circumference of the cup in the circumferential direction. The curled portion 105 has the largest diameter in the body portion 100. The inner end of the curled portion 105 in the cup radial direction is connected to the open-side end of the opening-side cylindrical portion 103 in the cup axial direction.

[0037] Specifically, curled portion 105 protrudes radially outward from the edge of opening end 100a on the opening side in the cup axial direction and is folded back radially inward from the bottom side in the cup axial direction. A longitudinal cross section of curled portion 105 along cup axis A has a substantially circular ring shape. A portion of the circumference of curled portion 105, located at the inner end in the cup radial direction, is open in the circular ring shape shown in the longitudinal cross section, and the interior and exterior of curled portion 105 communicate with each other through this opening.

[0038] The width dimension (dimension in the cup radial direction) of the curled portion 105 is, for example, about 3 to 5 mm. The height dimension (dimension in the cup axial direction) of the curled portion 105 is, for example, about 2 to 4 mm. The dimension of the gap provided between the outer peripheral surface of the opening-side cylindrical portion 103 and the curled portion 105 is, for example, about 1 to 2 mm.

[0039] The tapered portion 106 is located in an intermediate portion of the body portion 100 between both end portions in the cup axial direction. The tapered portion 106 is a tapered cylinder centered on the cup axis A. The diameter of the tapered portion 106 increases toward the opening side in the cup axial direction. The tapered portion 106 is located between the bottom-side step 102 and the opening-side step 104 in the cup axial direction. The bottom-side end of the tapered portion 106 in the cup axial direction is connected to the opening-side end of the bottom-side step 102 in the cup axial direction. The opening-side end of the tapered portion 106 in the cup axial direction is connected to the bottom-side end of the opening-side step 104 in the cup axial direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the displacement of the tapered portion 106 in the cup radial direction per unit length along the cup axial direction (i.e., the inclination with respect to the cup axis A) is smaller than the displacement of the bottom-side step 102 and the displacement of the opening-side step 104. The dimension of the tapered portion 106 in the cup axial direction is larger than the dimensions of each of the bottom-side cylindrical portion 101, the bottom-side step 102, the opening-side cylindrical portion 103, the opening-side step 104, and the curled portion 105 in the cup axial direction. The opening-side step 104, the opening-side cylindrical portion 103, and the curled portion 105, which are arranged at the opening end 100a of the body 100, protrude outward in the cup radial direction beyond the tapered portion 106.

[0041] The bottom portion 110 is substantially disk-shaped with the cup axis A as its center. The bottom 110 has a dome portion 111 that bulges out toward the opening side in the cup axial direction, and an annular convex portion (rim portion) 112 that is connected to the outer periphery of the dome portion 111, protrudes toward the bottom side in the cup axial direction, and extends circumferentially around the cup.

[0042] The annular protrusion 112 has a circular ring shape centered on the cup axis A. The annular protrusion 112 is arranged adjacent to the outer side of the dome portion 111 in the cup radial direction. The annular protrusion 112 is arranged adjacent to the bottom side of the body portion 100 in the cup axial direction. The annular protrusion 112 has a ground contact portion (nose portion) 115, an inner peripheral wall (countersink) 113, and an outer peripheral wall (heel portion) 114.

[0043] Grounding portion 115 is the portion of annular protrusion 112 that is located closest to the bottom in the cup axial direction. Grounding portion 115 comes into contact with the placement surface when cup P is placed on a placement surface such as the top surface of a table in an upright position (a position in which open end 100a of body 100 faces vertically upward). The diameter dimension of grounding portion 115, i.e., the ground diameter, is, for example, approximately φ55 mm.

[0044] The inner peripheral wall 113 is disposed adjacent to the inside of the ground contact portion 115 in the cup radial direction. The inner peripheral wall 113 is a tapered cylinder centered on the cup axis A. Specifically, the inner peripheral wall 113 is tapered so that its diameter decreases toward the opening side in the cup axial direction. The end of the inner peripheral wall 113 on the opening side in the cup axial direction is connected to the outer end of the dome portion 111 in the cup radial direction.

[0045] The outer peripheral wall 114 is disposed adjacent to the outer side of the grounding portion 115 in the cup radial direction. The outer peripheral wall 114 is a tapered cylinder centered on the cup axis A. Specifically, the outer peripheral wall 114 is tapered so that its diameter increases toward the opening side in the cup axial direction. The opening side end of the outer peripheral wall 114 in the cup axial direction is connected to the bottom side end of the body portion 100 in the cup axial direction. In other words, the outer peripheral wall 114 is connected to the bottom side end of the bottom-side cylindrical portion 101 in the cup axial direction.

[0046] Next, the cup washing and drying system 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the cup washing and drying system 1 comprises a conveying section 2 that conveys multiple cups P in a conveying direction F, a cup washing device 10 that sprays a cleaning liquid such as water onto the cups P being conveyed to the conveying section 2 to wash the cups P, a cup draining device 20 that is arranged downstream of the cup washing device 10 in the conveying direction F and sprays air onto at least the curled portion 105 of the cups P being conveyed to the conveying section 2 to drain the water from the cups P, a cup drying device 30 that is arranged downstream of the cup draining device 20 in the conveying direction F and supplies hot air to the cups P being conveyed to the conveying section 2 to dry the cups P, and a cup stacking device 40 that is arranged downstream of the cup drying device 30 in the conveying direction F and transports multiple cups P stacked on top of each other.

[0047] The conveying unit 2 is provided to extend across the cup washing device 10, the cup draining device 20, the cup drying device 30, and the cup stacking device 40. In this embodiment, the conveying unit 2 conveys a plurality of cups P in a conveying direction F across the cup washing device 10, the cup draining device 20, and the cup drying device 30 in an inverted position with the open end 100a of the body 100 facing downward in the vertical direction. The conveying unit 2 also conveys the plurality of cups P in a single file (line).

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the cup drainer 20 sprays air onto the cups P being transported to the transport section 2 to drain the water from the cups P. The draining capacity of the cup drainer 20 of this embodiment is, for example, 100 to 150 cpm. Note that "cpm" is a unit that represents the number of cans processed by the device per minute (the number of drained cans in this embodiment).

[0049] The cup draining device 20 is a device that removes droplets (water droplets) adhering to the cup P and drains the water. The cup washing device 10, which is provided in a process preceding the cup draining device 20, washes the cup P by spraying a washing liquid such as water onto the cup P while transporting the cup P in an inverted position. After this washing, droplets of the washing liquid adhere to the outer and inner surfaces of the cup P. The cup draining device 20 blows away the droplets adhering to the outer and inner surfaces of the cup P with air and removes them. Furthermore, after the above washing, droplets of the washing liquid accumulate inside the curled portion 105 that protrudes outward from the body portion 100. The cup draining device 20 blows away the droplets that have accumulated in the curled portion 105 with air and removes them.

[0050] The cup drainer 20 includes a conveying unit 2, an outer draining nozzle 17, an inner draining nozzle 18, a first air jetting unit 27, an air supply pipe 28, a switching unit 31, a cam 29, a second air jetting unit 32, and a detection unit 33. The conveying unit 2 also includes a lower guide 21, an upper guide 22, a conveying screw 23 that rotates around a rotation axis O, a horizontal guide 24, and a turret 26 that rotates around a turret axis C.

[0051] Here, the definition of directions in the cup drainer 20 will be explained. In the description of the cup drainer 20 of this embodiment, the direction in which the rotation axis O, which is the central axis of the conveying screw 23, extends is referred to as the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotation axis O extends along a portion of the cup drainer 20 on the upstream side of the conveying direction F. In other words, the axial direction corresponds to the conveying direction F. One side in the axial direction corresponds to the downstream side of the conveying direction F, and the other side in the axial direction corresponds to the upstream side of the conveying direction F. The axial direction may also be referred to as the front-to-rear direction. In this case, one side in the axial direction corresponds to the front side, and the other side in the axial direction corresponds to the rear side.

[0052] The direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O is called the radial direction. Within the radial direction, the direction approaching the rotation axis O is called the radially inner direction, and the direction away from the rotation axis O is called the radially outer direction. The direction of rotation around the rotation axis O is called the circumferential direction. Of the circumferential directions, a specific rotation direction is called one circumferential side, and the opposite rotation direction is called the other circumferential side. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when viewing the cup drainer 20 from one axial side (downstream side in the conveying direction F), the clockwise direction (opposite the arrow) around the rotation axis O is the one circumferential side, and the counterclockwise direction (direction of the arrow) is the other circumferential side.

[0053] The Z-axis direction in each figure represents the vertical direction, i.e., the up-down direction. In each figure, the +Z side corresponds to the upper side, and the -Z side corresponds to the lower side.

[0054] 3, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis O in a top view of the device is called the width direction. The width direction can also be referred to as the left-right direction. When the device is viewed from the other axial side (the upstream side of the conveying direction F), one side in the width direction corresponds to the left side, and the other side in the width direction corresponds to the right side.

[0055] Furthermore, the turret axis C is skewed relative to the rotation axis O and extends in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the definition of the direction based on the turret axis C is as follows, to distinguish it from the definition of the direction based on the rotation axis O described above.

[0056] The direction in which the turret axis C extends is called the turret axis direction, which corresponds to the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The direction perpendicular to the turret axis C is called the turret radial direction. Within the turret radial direction, the direction approaching the turret axis C is called the inner turret radial direction, and the direction away from the turret axis C is called the outer turret radial direction.

[0057] The direction of rotation around the turret axis C is called the turret circumferential direction. Of the turret circumferential directions, the direction in which the turret 26 is rotated when the device is in operation is called the turret rotation direction T, and the opposite direction is called the anti-turret rotation direction.

[0058] 3, in this embodiment, the conveying direction F changes as the cup P is conveyed through the cup draining device 20. Specifically, upstream of the turret 26 in the conveying direction F, the conveying direction F corresponds to one axial side (front side). Furthermore, while the cup P is being held and conveyed by the turret 26, the conveying direction F corresponds to the turret rotation direction T. Furthermore, when the cup P is transferred from the cup draining device 20 to the cup drying device 30 located downstream, the conveying direction F corresponds to the other widthwise side (right side). That is, the conveying direction F of the cup P is changed by a predetermined angle around the turret axis C (90° as the central angle around the turret axis C in this embodiment) while passing through the cup draining device 20.

[0059] Each component of the transport unit 2 will be described. 3 and 4, the lower guide 21 extends in the axial direction (transport direction F) and is disposed below the cup P, which is transported in an inverted position. The lower guide 21 supports the open end 100a of the body 100 from below.

[0060] The lower guide 21 has a conveyor 21a on which the open end 100a of the body 100 is placed and which moves in the axial direction (transport direction F), and at least a pair of sprockets 21b around which the conveyor 21a is wound.

[0061] The conveyor 21a is made of, for example, resin or rubber and has an endless loop shape. The pair of sprockets 21b are spaced apart in the axial direction (conveying direction F) and move the conveyor 21a in a circular motion. The pair of sprockets 21b support an end of the conveyor 21a on one axial side (downstream side in the conveying direction F) and an end on the other axial side (upstream side in the conveying direction F). Note that FIG. 3 shows one of the pair of sprockets 21b, which is located on one axial side. The other of the pair of sprockets 21b, which is located on the other axial side, is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0062] Conveyor 21a moves cups P placed on its upper surface in the conveying direction F. Specifically, the portion of conveyor 21a located above the pair of sprockets 21b moves downstream in the conveying direction F. The portion of conveyor 21a located below the pair of sprockets 21b moves upstream in the conveying direction F.

[0063] A plurality of conveyors 21a are provided. The conveyors 21a are arranged at intervals in the width direction. As shown in Fig. 4, in this embodiment, a pair of conveyors 21a are arranged on one width side (left side) and the other width side (right side) of the cup axis A of the cup P to be transported.

[0064] 3 and 4, the upper guide 22 extends in the axial direction (transport direction F) and is disposed above the cup P. The upper guide 22 is a rail formed of, for example, a shaft or a pipe. The upper guide 22 faces the bottom 110 of the cup P from above with a gap therebetween. The upper guide 22 guides the bottom 110 of the cup P.

[0065] The conveying screw 23 has a columnar shape extending along the axial direction (conveying direction F). The conveying screw 23 is disposed on one widthwise side (left side) of the cup P placed on the lower guide 21. The outer diameter of the conveying screw 23 is, for example, approximately φ88 mm.

[0066] 4, the rotation axis O of the conveying screw 23 is disposed below (toward the opening end 100a) the vertical center of the cup P. In this embodiment, the vertical dimension between the rotation axis O of the conveying screw 23 and the upper surface of the lower guide 21 (upper surface of the conveyor 21a) is, for example, approximately 70 mm.

[0067] 3, the conveying screw 23 has a helical groove 25 that extends spirally around the rotation axis O as it moves in the axial direction along which the rotation axis O extends. Specifically, the helical groove 25 is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the conveying screw 23, and extends toward one circumferential side as it moves toward one axial side (conveying direction F). Although not particularly shown, in a cross section taken along the rotation axis O (cross section including the rotation axis O), the spiral groove 25 has a concave curved shape recessed radially inward (see FIG. 3).

[0068] The spiral groove 25 guides the body 100 of the cup P by means of a groove portion 25a that faces the lower guide 21 side in the width direction when viewed from above (i.e., the other side in the width direction, the right side). The groove portion 25a constitutes a part of the spiral groove 25 that extends continuously in a spiral shape. The diameter of the conveying screw 23 at the groove bottom located at the radially innermost position on the inner surface of the groove portion 25a is, for example, about φ40 mm.

[0069] In this embodiment, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), the groove portion 25a has a concave curved shape recessed radially inward, specifically, a concave arc shape (see FIG. 3). The groove portion 25a guides the tapered portion 106 of the body portion 100 of the cup P.

[0070] In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the vertical direction, the radius of curvature of the portion of the inner surface of spiral groove 25 facing body portion 100 (i.e., groove portion 25a) is different from the radius of curvature of the portion of the outer surface of body portion 100 facing groove portion 25a (part of tapered portion 106 in the vertical direction).

[0071] In this embodiment, in a cross-sectional view of the conveying screw 23, the radius of curvature of the groove portion 25a, which faces the body portion 100 on the inner surface of the spiral groove 25, is larger than the radius of curvature of the tapered portion 106, which faces the groove portion 25a on the outer surface of the body portion 100. Specifically, in this embodiment, in a cross-sectional view along the rotation axis O (a cross-sectional view including the rotation axis O), the radius of curvature of the groove portion 25a is, for example, about 37 mm, and the radius of curvature of (a part of) the tapered portion 106, which faces the groove portion 25a, is, for example, about 35 to 36 mm.

[0072] However, this is not limited to this, and in a cross-sectional view of the conveying screw 23, the radius of curvature of the groove portion 25a on the inner surface of the spiral groove 25 that faces the body portion 100 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the tapered portion 106 on the outer surface of the body portion 100 that faces the groove portion 25a. In either of the above-described configurations, a gap through which air passes is provided between the groove 25a and the portion of the body 100 facing the groove 25a.

[0073] A plurality of grooves 25a are arranged at intervals in the conveying direction F. The pitch (the center-to-center distance along the axial direction) between a pair of grooves 25a adjacent to each other in the axial direction in the spiral groove 25 is, for example, about 100 mm. A cup P is arranged in and guided by each groove 25a. By being guided by a pair of grooves 25a adjacent to each other in the axial direction, the pitch between a pair of cups P adjacent to each other in the axial direction is also, for example, about 100 mm.

[0074] As the conveying screw 23 rotates around the rotation axis O, the cup P is guided into the groove 25a and conveyed to one axial side (conveying direction F). More specifically, as the conveying screw 23 rotates around the rotation axis O to the other circumferential side (the rotation direction around the rotation axis O indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4), the cup P guided into the groove 25a moves in the conveying direction F along the spiral of the spiral groove 25.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, the lateral guide 24 extends in the axial direction (transport direction F) and is disposed adjacent to the cup P in the width direction. The lateral guide 24 is a rail formed of, for example, a shaft or a pipe. The lateral guide 24 faces the body 100 of the cup P with a gap in the width direction. The lateral guide 24 guides the body 100 of the cup P. Specifically, the lateral guide 24 guides the tapered portion 106 of the body 100.

[0076] The lateral guide 24 is disposed on the opposite side of the conveying screw 23 in the width direction, with the cup P sandwiched therebetween. In other words, the lateral guide 24 is disposed on the other widthwise side (right side) of the cup P placed on the lower guide 21.

[0077] In this way, upstream of the turret 26 in the conveying direction F, the cup P conveyed by the conveying section 2 is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the lower guide 21 and the upper guide 22 in the vertical direction, and between the conveying screw 23 and the lateral guide 24 in the width direction.

[0078] 3, the turret 26 is disposed on the other widthwise side (right side) of one axial end of each of the conveying screw 23 and the conveyor 21a. The cup P conveyed to one axial end of the conveying screw 23 and the conveyor 21a is transferred to the turret 26 and conveyed while being held by the turret 26.

[0079] 3, 6, and 7, the turret 26 is plate-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the turret axis C. The turret 26 is substantially disk-shaped and centered on the turret axis C. The turret 26 is connected to a drive source such as a motor via a pulley, a belt, a gear, etc., and is rotated in a turret rotation direction T about the turret axis C.

[0080] The turret 26 has a cup holding portion 26a. The cup holding portion 26a is arranged on the outer periphery of the turret 26. The cup holding portion 26a is recessed inward in the radial direction of the turret from the outer periphery of the turret 26. The cup holding portion 26a has a concave curved shape when viewed from the turret axial direction, and more specifically, has a concave arc shape.

[0081] Cup holding portion 26a holds body portion 100 of cup P. More specifically, cup holding portion 26a holds tapered portion 106 of body portion 100. Cup holding portion 26a holds a portion of tapered portion 106 that is located below the center of cup P in the vertical direction (toward opening end 100a).

[0082] A plurality of cup holders 26a are provided. The plurality of cup holders 26a are arranged in a line in the circumferential direction of the turret. The plurality of cup holders 26a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the turret. In this embodiment, 12 cup holders 26a are provided on the turret 26.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 3, outer surface draining nozzle 17 and inner surface draining nozzle 18 are arranged downstream in conveyance direction F of cleaning unit 11 included in cup cleaning device 10, and upstream in conveyance direction F of turret 26. Cleaning unit 11 has nozzles that spray cleaning liquid such as water onto cups P conveyed by conveying screw 23 and conveyor 21a, thereby cleaning cups P. Note that Fig. 3 does not show the specific shapes of the nozzles of cleaning unit 11, outer surface draining nozzle 17, and inner surface draining nozzle 18.

[0084] 4 and 5, the outer draining nozzle 17 and the inner draining nozzle 18 spray air onto the cups P being transported by the transport screw 23 and the conveyor 21a to remove water. That is, the outer draining nozzle 17 and the inner draining nozzle 18 spray air onto the cups P to remove droplets (water droplets) of cleaning liquid adhering to the cups P being transported to the transport unit 2, thereby removing water. Compressed air is supplied to the outer draining nozzle 17 and the inner draining nozzle 18 from an air supply source such as an air compressor (not shown) via piping members, hose members, etc.

[0085] The outer surface draining nozzle 17 injects air onto the outer surface of the cup P. The outer surface draining nozzle 17 has a slit-shaped air injection port. The air injected from the outer surface draining nozzle 17 is a high-speed air injection in the form of an air curtain, which is so-called an air knife or the like. The amount of air injected from the outer surface draining nozzle 17 is increased by drawing in surrounding outside air as secondary air, and is supplied to the cup P while forming an air flow with a larger volume than the amount ejected from the air injection port.

[0086] 5, the outer surface draining nozzle 17 sprays air downward and upstream (the other axial side) in the conveying direction F. A plurality of outer surface draining nozzles 17 are provided. The plurality of outer surface draining nozzles 17 include a body draining nozzle 17A that sprays air onto the body 100 of the cup P being conveyed, and a bottom draining nozzle 17B that sprays air onto the bottom 110 of the cup P being conveyed.

[0087] The air outlet of the body draining nozzle 17A is a slit-shaped outlet that extends vertically. More specifically, the air outlet of the body draining nozzle 17A extends downward toward the downstream side in the conveying direction F (one axial side).

[0088] As shown in Fig. 4, a plurality of body draining nozzles 17A are provided. The body draining nozzles 17A are arranged at intervals from one another in the width direction. In this embodiment, a pair of body draining nozzles 17A are arranged on one width side (left side) and the other width side (right side) of the cup axis A of the cup P to be transported.

[0089] The air ejection port of the bottom drain nozzle 17B is slit-shaped and extends in the width direction (left-right direction). One bottom drain nozzle 17B is provided, positioned above the cup P being transported. The bottom drain nozzle 17B is positioned at the same position in the width direction as the cup axis A of the cup P being transported. The air ejected from the bottom drain nozzle 17B blows away and removes the cleaning liquid that has accumulated in the dome portion 111 of the bottom 110.

[0090] The inner draining nozzle 18 sprays air onto the inner surface of the cup P. The inner draining nozzle 18 has a hole-shaped air injection port. One inner draining nozzle 18 is provided and positioned below the cup P being transported. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the inner draining nozzle 18 is disposed between a pair of conveyors 21a aligned in the width direction. The inner draining nozzle 18 sprays air upward. Since the body 100 of the cup P is tapered, the water droplets on the inner surface of the cup P can be easily and stably removed by the air jetted from the inner surface draining nozzle 18.

[0091] 3, the first air injection unit 27 and the second air injection unit 32 are provided downstream of the outer surface draining nozzle 17 and the inner surface draining nozzle 18 in the conveying direction F. The first air injection unit 27 and the second air injection unit 32 remove water droplets in the curled portion 105 that could not be completely removed by the outer surface draining nozzle 17 and the inner surface draining nozzle 18.

[0092] 6, the first air spraying unit 27 is disposed on the outer periphery of the turret 26. The first air spraying unit 27 also extends inside the turret 26 and opens to the bottom surface of the turret 26. The first air spraying unit 27 is disposed along the cup holding unit 26a of the turret 26. When viewed from the turret axial direction, the first air spraying unit 27 is disposed so as to extend in a concave curve that is recessed inward in the turret radial direction.

[0093] In this embodiment, the first air injection section 27 has a plurality of injection holes 27a arranged along the cup holding section 26a. The plurality of injection holes 27a are aligned along the circumferential direction of the cup P held by the cup holding section 26a. The plurality of injection holes 27a are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the cup. Each injection hole 27a is, for example, a circular hole.

[0094] 3 and 7, the first air spraying unit 27 sprays air toward the curled portion 105 of the cup P, which is in an inverted position with the open end 100a of the body 100 facing downward. The first air spraying unit 27 is disposed directly above the curled portion 105 of the cup P. In this embodiment, the first air spraying unit 27 is disposed so as to overlap the curled portion 105 when viewed from above. The first air spraying unit 27 sprays air from above toward the curled portion 105.

[0095] Specifically, first air spraying unit 27 sprays air toward curled portion 105 over a range excluding a portion of the entire circumference of cup P held by cup holding unit 26a in the cup circumferential direction. Note that the "part of the entire circumference of the cup" may be, for example, an angular range of 180° or less centered on cup axis A when viewed from the cup axial direction (vertical direction), or an angular range of 180° or more.

[0096] 6, the first air ejection unit 27 ejects air toward the curled portion 105 over a range of approximately half the circumference in the cup circumferential direction. Specifically, the first air ejection unit 27 ejects air toward a portion of the curled portion 105 of the cup P held by the cup holding unit 26a that is located inside in the turret radial direction and that is approximately half the circumference.

[0097] A plurality of first air injection units 27 are provided on the turret 26. Each first air injection unit 27 is disposed in a corresponding one of a plurality of cup holders 26a arranged in the circumferential direction of the turret. The plurality of first air injection units 27 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the turret.

[0098] The air supply pipe 28 is provided on the turret 26 and connected to the first air jetting unit 27. Compressed air is supplied to the air supply pipe 28 from an air supply source such as an air compressor (not shown) via piping members, hose members, etc. That is, compressed air is supplied to the first air jetting unit 27 from the air supply source via the air supply pipe 28, etc.

[0099] The air supply pipe 28 has a main pipe 28a extending in the vertical direction on the turret axis C, and a plurality of branch pipes 28b branching off from the main pipe 28a. Each branch pipe 28b is connected to each first air injection unit 27 via each switching unit 31, which will be described later.

[0100] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the switching unit 31 is arranged on the turret 26. In this embodiment, the switching unit 31 is attached to the upper surface of the turret 26. A plurality of switching units 31 are provided on the turret 26. The plurality of switching units 31 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the turret. Specifically, the plurality of switching units 31 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the turret. The number of switching units 31 is the same as the number of first air injection units 27.

[0101] In this embodiment, the switching unit 31 is a valve with a switch provided in the air supply pipe 28. Specifically, the switching unit 31 is provided midway along the branch pipe 28b. The switching unit 31 switches between connecting and blocking the internal flow path of the branch pipe 28b. In this way, the switching unit 31 switches between injecting air from the first air injection unit 27 and stopping injection.

[0102] The switching unit 31 has a switch 31a that comes into contact with the cam 29, and a mechanical valve (valve) 31b that opens and closes depending on whether a contact of the switch 31a is ON or OFF. The switch 31a may also be called a mechanical switch.

[0103] Here, the cam 29 will be described. The cam 29 can be advanced and retreated in the radial direction of the turret by an advancing and retreating means 34 such as an air cylinder or an electric actuator. The cam 29 can move between a retreated position and an advanced position, which is located further inward in the radial direction of the turret than the retreated position. Note that Figures 6 and 7 show the cam 29 in the advanced position.

[0104] The cam 29 has a switch contact surface 29a facing inward in the radial direction of the turret. The switch contact surface 29a is a concave curved surface recessed outward in the radial direction of the turret, and extends along the circumferential direction of the turret.

[0105] When the first air spraying unit 27 performs the draining process on the curled portion 105, the cam 29 is positioned in the forward position. This allows the cam 29 to come into contact with the switch 31a. More specifically, when the turret 26 rotates in the turret rotation direction T with the cam 29 positioned in the forward position, the tip roller of the switch 31a comes into contact with the switch contact surface 29a and rolls on the switch contact surface 29a in the turret rotation direction T. While the switch 31a is in contact with the switch contact surface 29a, the contact of the switch 31a is turned ON.

[0106] When the switch 31a comes into contact with the cam 29 and the contact is turned ON, the switching unit 31 opens the mechanical valve 31b and causes air to be sprayed from the first air spray unit 27. While the contact of the switch 31a is ON, the open state of the mechanical valve 31b is maintained. Furthermore, when the switch 31a separates from the cam 29 and the contact is turned OFF, the switching unit 31 closes the mechanical valve 31b and stops spraying air from the first air spray unit 27.

[0107] 6, in this embodiment, the contact state between the cam 29 and the switch 31a is maintained while the cup holder 26a is positioned within a predetermined range B around the turret axis C. In the illustrated example, the predetermined range B is a range of approximately 60° in terms of central angle centered on the turret axis C, as viewed from the turret axial direction. Furthermore, while the cup holder 26a is positioned in a portion other than the predetermined range B around the turret axis C, the cam 29 and the switch 31a are not in contact with each other.

[0108] Therefore, the switching unit 31 injects air from the first air injection unit 27 when the cup holding unit 26a is positioned in a predetermined range B around the turret, and stops the injection of air from the first air injection unit 27 when the cup holding unit 26a is positioned in a part other than the predetermined range B around the turret.

[0109] When the draining process of the curled portion 105 is not performed, the cam 29 is placed in the retracted position. Although not particularly shown, when the cam 29 is placed in the retracted position, even if the turret 26 rotates in the turret rotation direction T, the tip roller of the switch 31a does not come into contact with the switch contact surface 29a, and the contact of the switch 31a also remains OFF.

[0110] 3 and 7, one second air injection unit 32 is provided and is disposed radially outward of the turret 26. Compressed air is supplied to the second air injection unit 32 from an air supply source such as an air compressor (not shown) via piping members, hose members, etc. The second air injection unit 32 has a hole-shaped air injection port.

[0111] The second air injection unit 32 injects air toward the curled portion 105 of the cup P that is in an inverted position with the open end 100a of the body 100 facing downward. Specifically, the second air injection unit 32 injects air toward the curled portion 105 at a portion of the entire circumference of the cup P held by the cup holding unit 26a in the cup circumferential direction. The second air injection unit 32 injects air toward the inside and downward in the turret radial direction.

[0112] As described above, in this embodiment, the first air ejection unit 27 ejects air toward approximately half the circumference of the curled portion 105 of the cup P held by the cup holding unit 26a, the half circumference being located on the inside in the turret radial direction. In contrast, the second air ejection unit 32 ejects air toward the outer end of the curled portion 105 in the turret radial direction.

[0113] Specifically, the second air injection unit 32 injects air toward the curled portion 105 when a detection unit 33 such as a sensor detects the cup P. The detection unit 33 is located in the counter turret rotation direction relative to the second air injection unit 32, and is disposed within a predetermined range B (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the detection unit 33 detects the cup P after the first air injection unit 27 starts injecting air toward the cup P held in the cup holding unit 26a. For this reason, the second air injection unit 32 is configured to inject air toward the curled portion 105 over a portion of the entire circumference of the cup after the first air injection unit 27 starts injecting air.

[0114] As shown in Figure 3, the cup P, which has been transported by the turret 26 in the turret rotation direction T and has had its curled portion 105 drained, is transported in the transport direction F from the cup draining device 20 to the other widthwise side (right side) to the cup drying device 30, which is provided in a subsequent process of the cup draining device 20.

[0115] Next, a cup draining method for draining the cup P using the cup draining device 20 will be described. The cup draining method of this embodiment includes a surface air spraying step and a curled portion air spraying step in this order.

[0116] In the surface air spraying process, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, air is sprayed onto the outer surface of the cup P using the outer surface drain nozzle 17, and air is sprayed onto the inner surface of the cup P using the inner surface drain nozzle 18, thereby removing droplets (water droplets) of cleaning liquid adhering to the outer and inner surfaces of the cup P (i.e., the surface of the cup P).

[0117] In the curled portion air injection process, as shown in Figures 3, 6 and 7, air is injected onto the curled portion 105 of the cup P by the first air injection unit 27 and the second air injection unit 32 to remove droplets that have accumulated in the curled portion 105. Specifically, the curled portion air spraying step includes a first air spraying step and a second air spraying step. That is, the cup draining method of this embodiment includes a first air spraying step and a second air spraying step.

[0118] In the first air injection process, air is injected by the first air injection unit 27 toward the curled portion 105 of the cup P that is in an inverted position with the open end 100a of the body portion 100 facing downward. Specifically, in the first air injection process, air is injected toward the curled portion 105 in a range excluding a portion of the entire circumference of the cup P held by the cup holding unit 26a in the cup circumferential direction (in this embodiment, the outer end portion in the turret radial direction).

[0119] In the second air injection process, after the start of air injection in the first air injection process, the second air injection unit 32 injects air toward the curled portion 105 in the part of the cup circumferential direction of the cup P held by the cup holding unit 26a.

[0120] According to the cup drainer 20 and cup draining method of the present embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained. In other words, even if cleaning liquid accumulates in the curled portion 105 protruding outward from the body 100 after the cup P has been washed in the cup washing device 10 in the previous process, the cup draining device 20 and cup draining method of this embodiment can blow away the cleaning liquid accumulated in the curled portion 105 using air sprayed from the first air spraying unit 27 (air sprayed in the first air spraying process). As described above, according to this embodiment, the cup P can be stably drained after washing.

[0121] In this embodiment, the first air ejecting section 27 ejects air toward the curled portion 105 in a range excluding a portion of the entire circumference of the cup in the circumferential direction. For example, compared to when first air ejection unit 27 ejects air onto curled portion 105 over the entire circumference of the cup, the configuration of this embodiment ensures a path (discharge path) for ejecting air and water droplets on a portion of curled portion 105 in the circumferential direction of the cup. This allows for more stable drainage of water from curled portion 105.

[0122] In this embodiment, the second air ejection section 32 is configured to eject air toward the curled portion 105 in the part in the circumferential direction of the cup after the first air ejection section 27 starts ejecting air. According to the above configuration, draining of the curled portion 105 is initiated by air injection from the first air injection unit 27, and even if water droplets remain in the portion (discharge path) of the curled portion 105 in the circumferential direction of the cup, these water droplets can be blown away by air injection from the second air injection unit 32. Therefore, draining of the curled portion 105 can be stably performed all around the circumferential direction of the cup.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first air ejection section 27 has a plurality of ejection holes 27a arranged along the circumferential direction of the cup P. In this case, by injecting air from the first air injection section 27, the curled portion 105 is stably drained over a wide range in the circumferential direction of the cup. Although not particularly shown, the first air ejection portion 27 may have an ejection slit extending along the circumferential direction of the cup P. In this case as well, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0124] In this embodiment, the turret 26 has a concave cup holder 26a that holds the body 100 of the cup P, and the first air ejection part 27 is disposed along the cup holder 26a. In this case, when the cup P is held by the cup holding portion 26a of the turret 26 and transported, air can be sprayed from the first air spraying portion 27 provided in the cup holding portion 26a onto the curled portion 105, thereby draining the water from the curled portion 105. Since the cup P can be drained while being transported, the production efficiency of the cup P is improved.

[0125] In this embodiment, a plurality of first air ejection units 27 are provided, and each first air ejection unit 27 is disposed in each of the plurality of cup holders 26a arranged in the circumferential direction of the turret. In this case, while a plurality of cups P are transported by the turret 26, the water from these cups P can be drained continuously and efficiently.

[0126] In addition, in this embodiment, the switching unit 31 injects air from the first air injection unit 27 when the cup holding unit 26a is positioned in a predetermined range B around the turret, and stops the injection of air from the first air injection unit 27 when the cup holding unit 26a is positioned in a part other than the predetermined range B around the turret. In this case, while the cup P is held by the cup holding portion 26a, i.e., while the cup P is positioned within the predetermined range B in the turret circumferential direction, air can be sprayed from the first air spraying portion 27 to drain the curled portion 105. Furthermore, when the cup holding portion 26a is not holding the cup P, i.e., while the cup holding portion 26a is positioned outside the predetermined range B in the turret circumferential direction, the spraying of air from the first air spraying portion 27 can be stopped. This allows the air to be used efficiently without waste.

[0127] The cup drainer 20 of this embodiment also includes an outer draining nozzle 17 that sprays air onto the outer surface of the cup P, and an inner draining nozzle 18 that sprays air onto the inner surface of the cup P. In this case, water droplets adhering to the outer and inner surfaces of the cup P after cleaning can be blown away, stabilizing processing in subsequent processes such as the drying process. In addition, traces of water droplets remaining on the surface of the cup P can be prevented, maintaining good surface properties of the cup P and stably improving the quality of the cup P.

[0128] In this embodiment, the outer draining nozzle 17 and the inner draining nozzle 18 are disposed upstream of the first and second air ejecting portions 27, 32 in the conveying direction F of the cups P. In this case, for example, even if water droplets adhering to the outer surface of the cup P are moved (flowed into) the inside of the curled portion 105 by air injection from the outer surface draining nozzle 17, the curled portion 105 is drained downstream of the outer surface draining nozzle 17 in the conveying direction F, so the entire cup P can be drained stably.

[0129] In this embodiment, a gap through which air can pass is provided between the groove 25a and a portion of the body 100 of the cup P that faces the groove 25a of the conveying screw 23. In this case, air sprayed from the outer surface draining nozzle 17 can be passed through the portion of the outer surface of the body 100 that is guided by the groove 25a. Therefore, the outer surface of the body 100 can be stably drained while the body 100 is guided by the groove 25a.

[0130] In addition, the cup draining method of this embodiment further includes a first air injection process in which air is injected toward the curled portion 105 in an area excluding a portion of the entire circumference of the cup, and a second air injection process in which, after the start of air injection in the first air injection process, air is injected toward the curled portion 105 in the portion of the circumference of the cup. In this case, in the first air injection step, a path (discharge path) for discharging air and water droplets can be secured in a part of the curled portion 105 in the cup circumferential direction, which allows the curled portion 105 to be drained more stably. Furthermore, even if water droplets remain in the part (discharge path) of the curled portion 105 in the circumferential direction of the cup after the first air injection process has started draining the curled portion 105, these water droplets can be blown away in the second air injection process. Therefore, water can be stably drained from the curled portion 105 over the entire circumferential direction of the cup.

[0131] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications to the configuration are possible within the scope of the invention, as described below.

[0132] Although not particularly shown, the spiral groove 25 of the conveying screw 23 may have a recess recessed radially inward from the inner surface of the spiral groove 25. This recess is disposed in the groove portion 25a that guides the body portion 100 of the cup P. Alternatively, the spiral groove 25 may have a three-dimensional pattern on the inner surface of the groove portion 25a that faces the body portion 100. Examples of the three-dimensional pattern include embossing (protruding processing) and debossing (recessed processing). The above configuration also allows air sprayed from the outer surface draining nozzle 17 to pass through the portion of the outer surface of the body 100 that is guided by the groove 25a. Therefore, the outer surface of the body 100 can be stably drained while the body 100 is guided by the groove 25a.

[0133] Furthermore, the rotation axis O of the conveying screw 23 may be located at the same position as the center of the cup P in the vertical direction, or above it (towards the bottom 110). However, as described in the above embodiment, it is preferable that the rotation axis O of the conveying screw 23 is positioned below the vertical center of the cup P (towards the opening end 100a), as this makes the conveying posture of the cup P being conveyed more stable.

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, the lower guide 21 has a conveyor 21a that moves the cups P in the conveying direction F (one axial direction), but this is not limiting. That is, the cups P may be moved in the conveying direction F only by the spiral groove 25 of the conveying screw 23. In this case, the lower guide 21 is, for example, a rail formed of a shaft or a pipe and extending in the conveying direction F. With the above-described configuration, the structure of the device can be further simplified.

[0135] The present invention may be combined with the various configurations described in the above-described embodiments and modifications, and may also include additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is limited only by the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0136] The cup draining device and cup draining method of the present invention can stably drain water from cups after washing, and therefore have industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 17...Outer surface draining nozzle, 18...Inner surface draining nozzle, 20...Cup draining device, 26...Turret, 26a...Cup holding section, 27...First air injection section, 32...Second air injection section, 27a...Injection hole, 31...Switching section, 100...Body section, 100a...Opening end section, 105...Curl section, 110...Bottom section, B...Predetermined range, C...Turret shaft, P...Cup

Claims

1. A cup drainer for draining a tapered cup having a tapered body and a bottom, and a curled portion that protrudes outward in the cup radial direction at an open end of the body, a first air ejection unit that ejects air toward the curled portion of the cup in an inverted position with the open end of the body facing downward; Cup drainer.

2. the first air injection unit injects air toward the curled portion in a range excluding a portion of the entire circumference of the cup in the circumferential direction. The cup drainer according to claim 1 .

3. a second air ejection unit that ejects air toward the curled portion, the second air injection unit is configured to inject air toward the curled portion in the part in the circumferential direction of the cup after the first air injection unit starts to inject air. The cup drainer according to claim 2.

4. the first air injection section has a plurality of injection holes arranged along the circumferential direction of the cup or an injection slit extending along the circumferential direction of the cup; The cup drainer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A turret is provided which rotates around a turret axis, the turret has a concave cup holding portion that is disposed on the outer periphery of the turret and that holds the body portion; The first air ejection unit is disposed along the cup holder. The cup drainer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The first air injection unit is provided in plurality, The first air injection units are respectively disposed in the plurality of cup holders arranged in the circumferential direction of the turret. The cup drainer according to claim 5.

7. a switching unit that switches between injecting air from the first air injection unit and stopping injection, The switching unit is When the cup holder is positioned within a predetermined range in the circumferential direction of the turret, air is injected from the first air injection unit; When the cup holder is positioned in a portion other than the predetermined range in the circumferential direction of the turret, the injection of air from the first air injection unit is stopped. The cup drainer according to claim 5.

8. an outer surface drain nozzle that injects air onto the outer surface of the cup; and an inner surface draining nozzle that injects air onto the inner surface of the cup. The cup drainer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. A cup draining method for draining a cup having a tapered body and a bottom, and a curled portion protruding outward in a radial direction of the cup at an open end of the body, comprising: a first air injection step of injecting air toward the curled portion of the cup in an inverted position with the open end of the body portion facing downward, How to drain a cup.

10. In the first air injection step, air is injected toward the curled portion in a range excluding a part of the entire circumference of the cup in the circumferential direction, a second air injection step of injecting air toward the curled portion in the part in the circumferential direction of the cup after the start of the injection of air in the first air injection step; The cup draining method according to claim 9.

Images