Can connecting jig

Abstract

The present invention provides a can connecting jig that is easy to attach to and detach from cans, has high responsiveness to slight movements between cans, and possesses high versatility to accommodate various can specifications. [Solution] A can connecting jig comprising an upper gripping member and a lower gripping member that fix adjacent cans together by gripping the curled portion provided on the periphery of the opening of the body of the cans facing each other in the vertical direction, wherein the upper and lower gripping members that grip the curled portion of the adjacent cans from above and below are biased to move closer to each other, a pair of guide portions that abut the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the adjacent cans are provided on the lower surface of the upper gripping member, and both sides of the lower gripping member that abut the outer circumferential surface of the body of the adjacent cans are made flat, and recesses are provided in the middle of the front-to-back direction on both sides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting jig for cans. More specifically, the present invention relates to a connecting jig for cans provided with a curled portion at the periphery of the opening of the body, such as a drum can or the like.

Background Art

[0002] From the perspective of disaster prevention, etc., in facilities such as factories and / or warehouses or transportation means such as freight vehicles, for example, due to shaking and / or vibration during earthquakes and / or transportation, it is desired to fix cans such as drum cans so that they do not fall over. For example, in some local governments, such fixation may be obligatory by regulations or the like.

[0003] Therefore, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 7488805) discloses an invention of a connector that sandwiches and fixes the curled portions of adjacent drum cans by an upper gripping plate and a lower gripping plate that face each other and can be separated and connected. The upper gripping plate has claws on both sides for gripping the upper surfaces of each curled portion straddling adjacent drum cans. The lower gripping plate has an upper surface that abuts against the lower surface of each curled portion of the adjacent drum can and has an arcuate surface on the side end surface that can be in surface contact with each outer peripheral surface of the drum can. Thereby, it is said that adjacent drum cans standing upright and arranged side by side can be connected and securely connected and fixed so as not to fall over against shaking and / or vibration during earthquakes and / or transportation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As mentioned above, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for connecting drums that are standing upright and arranged side by side by clamping and fixing the curled portions of adjacent drums with a connecting device that has an upper gripping plate and a lower gripping plate that are detachably facing each other, thereby preventing them from tipping over due to shaking and / or vibration during earthquakes and / or transportation.

[0006] However, in order to connect or disconnect drums using the above-mentioned connector, it is necessary to screw in a bolt and nut (replacement screw part) that is screwed from the upper grip plate to the lower grip plate to bring the upper and lower grip plates closer together. In other words, it is necessary to use both hands and a tool to screw in the bolt and nut, which is a time-consuming and laborious task. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 states that instead of screwing in a bolt and nut, the upper and lower grip plates may be separated and moved apart by a toggle clamp. However, even when using a toggle clamp, it is still necessary to use both hands to operate the toggle clamp handle while supporting the above-mentioned connector in a predetermined position. In other words, it is still time-consuming and laborious to connect or disconnect drums using the above-mentioned connector.

[0007] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned connector, the upper gripping plate and the lower gripping plate are firmly fixed together whether by screwing with bolts and nuts or by tightening with toggle clamps. Therefore, it cannot follow the movement of the drums when they move slightly due to, for example, earthquakes and / or shaking and / or vibrations during transportation. As a result, this may lead to problems such as damage to the connector.

[0008] Furthermore, the positions of the claws provided on both sides of the upper gripping plate are fixed (they are fixed in predetermined positions). Therefore, the drums can be fixed together by the connector only when the distance between the curled portions of the drums matches the distance between the claws when the arc-shaped surfaces provided on the side end faces of the lower gripping plate are in contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the drums. In other words, the combination of drums that can be fixed together by the connector is limited by the positional relationship between the claws provided on both sides of the upper gripping plate and the arc-shaped surfaces provided on the side end faces of the lower gripping plate.

[0009] In addition, since the side end surface of the lower gripping plate of the above-mentioned connector is arc-shaped, if the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the drum can is smaller than the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped surface, the outer surface of the drum can and the arc-shaped surface will come into contact at only one point. In this case, it may become difficult to securely fasten the drum cans together. In other words, the radius of curvature of the outer surface of a drum can that can be fastened by the above-mentioned connector is limited by the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped surface provided on the side end surface of the lower gripping plate.

[0010] As described above, conventional can-connecting jigs have numerous issues that need to be resolved, including the complexity of attaching and detaching them from cans, the lack of ability to follow slight movements between cans, and the lack of versatility for various can specifications (e.g., shape, height, and radius of curvature of the outer surface).

[0011] In other words, in this technical field, there is a need for a can-connecting jig that is easy to attach to and detach from cans, has high responsiveness to slight movements between cans, and possesses high versatility to accommodate a variety of can specifications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Therefore, as a result of diligent research, the inventors have found that the above problem can be solved by biasing the upper and lower gripping members that grip the curled portion of adjacent cans from above and below so that they are closer to each other, providing a pair of guide portions that contact the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of adjacent cans on the lower surface of the upper gripping member, and making both sides of the lower gripping member that contact the outer circumferential surface of the body of adjacent cans flat (instead of curved) and providing recesses in the middle of both sides.

[0013] The configuration of the can connecting jig according to the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "the present invention jig") having the above configuration will be described in detail below. In the following description, the direction parallel to the line passing between the centers of adjacent cans in a plan view is defined as the left-right direction, the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction in a plan view is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the front-back direction is defined as the up-down direction.

[0014] Needless to say, when inserting the jig of the present invention between adjacent cans to be fixed together, the downstream side in the front-to-back direction is the tip side of the jig, and the upstream side is the base end side of the jig. In other words, when adjacent cans are fixed together by the jig of the present invention, the side with a smaller lateral distance between the outer surfaces of the bodies of the adjacent cans in the front-to-back direction is defined as the tip side of the jig, and the side opposite to the tip side of the jig in the front-to-back direction is defined as the base end side.

[0015] The present invention is a can connecting jig comprising an upper gripping member and a lower gripping member that fix adjacent cans together by gripping the curled portion provided on the periphery of the opening of the body of the cans, which are facing each other in the vertical direction. The upper gripping member and the lower gripping member are biased to move closer to each other in the vertical direction.

[0016] The upper gripping member has an upper contact surface that abuts the upper surface of the curled portion of an adjacent can, and a pair of guide portions provided so that the inner contact surfaces, which abut the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the adjacent can, are opposite each other in the left-right direction. On the other hand, the lower gripping member has a lower contact surface that abuts the lower surface of the curled portion of an adjacent can, and outer contact surfaces on both end faces in the left-right direction that abut the outer circumferential surface of the body of the adjacent can.

[0017] In a plan view, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide sections are configured to move closer to each other in the left-right direction as they move towards the front end in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, in a plan view, the outer contact surface of the lower gripping member is configured to be a straight line that slopes inward as it moves towards the front end in the front-rear direction as it moves closer to each other in the left-right direction. In addition, a recess is formed in the middle of the outer contact surface in the front-rear direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As described above, in the jig of the present invention, the upper gripping member and the lower gripping member that fix adjacent cans together are biased to move closer to each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, unlike conventional connecting jigs that fix adjacent cans together by screwing bolts and nuts together or by tightening with toggle clamps, the connecting jig can be attached to and detached from the cans more easily, and can be attached to and detached from the cans with one hand in a very short time (for example, a few seconds).

[0019] Furthermore, the positional relationship between the upper gripping member and the lower gripping member can be changed at least in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if one or both adjacent cans move slightly due to, for example, an earthquake and / or shaking and / or vibration during transportation, the connection can follow the movement of the cans. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connecting jig from coming off and / or being damaged from adjacent cans.

[0020] Furthermore, in the fixing tool of the present invention, the outer contact surfaces, which are the opposite side surfaces of the lower gripping members that respectively contact the outer peripheral surfaces of the adjacent can bodies, are flat, and recesses are provided in the middle of the outer contact surfaces in the front-rear direction. As a result, even when the outer peripheral surfaces of the can bodies to be fixed have various radii of curvature, the outer contact surfaces can be brought into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the cans at two locations at both ends of the recesses, so that adjacent cans can be fixed firmly enough. That is, the fixing tool of the present invention has high versatility for a wide variety of cans.

[0021] As is clear from the above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a can connecting jig that is easy to attach to and detach from a can, has high followability to minute movements between cans, and has high versatility capable of corresponding to various can specifications.

[0022] Other objects, other features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the description of each embodiment of the present invention described while referring to the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a can connecting jig (first jig) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows (a) a top view, (b) a front view, and (c) a bottom view of the first jig illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows (d) a right side view, (e) a rear view, and (f) a left side view of the first jig illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the first jig in an open state. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 shows (a) a top view, (b) a front view, and (c) a bottom view of the first jig illustrated in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 shows (d) a right side view, (e) a rear view, and (f) a left side view of the first jig illustrated in FIG. 4. [Figure 7]This is a schematic top view (top view) of the lower gripping plate that constitutes a conventional connector. [Figure 8] This is a schematic top view (top view) of the lower gripping member that constitutes the first jig. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the first half of the procedure for fixing adjacent cans together using the first jig. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the second half of the procedure for fixing adjacent cans together using the first jig. [Figure 11] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate schematic diagrams showing how adjacent cans are fixed to each other via the first jig using the procedure described in the diagrams. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of adjacent cans fixed to each other via a first jig, with a plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction that includes the line segment XX shown in Figure 11(a). [Figure 13] This is a schematic bottom view illustrating the configuration of the upper gripping member constituting the can connecting jig (second jig) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic bottom view illustrating the contact state between the inner contact surface of the upper gripping member constituting the second jig and the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can. [Figure 15] This is a schematic bottom view illustrating the configuration of the upper gripping member constituting the can connecting jig (third jig) according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic bottom view (bottom view) of the upper gripping member that constitutes the can connecting jig (fourth jig) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention based on the second jig. [Figure 17] This is a schematic bottom view (bottom view) of the upper gripping member that constitutes the can connecting jig (fourth jig) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention based on the third jig. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] 《First Embodiment》 The can connecting jig according to the first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first jig") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] As described above, in this specification, the direction parallel to the line passing between the centers of adjacent cans in a plan view is defined as the left-right direction, the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction in a plan view is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the left-right and front-back directions is defined as the up-down direction.

[0026] <composition> Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the first jig, and Figures 1(a) and (b) are schematic perspective views of the first jig as seen from above and below, respectively. Figures 2(a), (b), and (c) are the top view, front view, and bottom view, respectively, of the first jig exemplified in Figure 1. Figures 3(d), (e), and (f) are the right side view, rear view, and left side view, respectively, of the first jig exemplified in Figure 1.

[0027] The first jig 101 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 is a can connecting jig comprising an upper gripping member 11 and a lower gripping member 12 that fix adjacent cans together by gripping the curled portion (not shown) provided on the periphery of the opening of the body of the cans that are facing each other in the vertical direction and adjacent to each other.

[0028] As described above, the container fixed by the first jig is a can with a curled portion on the periphery of the opening of the body, and is typically a so-called "drum can". However, the container fixed by the first jig is not limited to a drum can, and the curled portion is not limited to a drum can in which the body flange on the opening side is processed to have a circular cross-section. In other words, any bottomed cylindrical container with a flange-like shape having a predetermined thickness and protrusion on the periphery of the opening of the body can be fixed by the first jig.

[0029] In the first jig, the upper gripping member and the lower gripping member are biased to move closer to each other in the vertical direction.

[0030] The first jig 101 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 comprises an operating section 13 consisting of a base 13B, a handle 13H, and a shaft 13S. The base 13B and the lower gripping member 12 are connected to the upper and lower ends of two shafts 13S inserted into through holes drilled in the upper gripping member 11. The shafts 13S and the base 13B are fixed so that their relative positions do not change. On the other hand, the shafts 13S and the lower gripping member 12 may also be fixed so that their relative positions do not change, or the shafts 13S may be inserted through holes drilled in the lower gripping member 12 so that the lower gripping member 12 can move vertically along the shafts 13S, as long as the lower gripping member 12 does not fall out from the lower end of the shafts 13S.

[0031] In addition, the portion of the shaft 13S between the base 13B and the upper gripping member 11 is inserted through a coil spring (compression coil spring) acting as a biasing member 14, and the upper gripping member 11 is biased away from the base 13B by the repulsive force of the compression coil spring. That is, when the compression coil spring is compressed in the vertical direction, it is sandwiched between the base 13B and the upper gripping member 11, and its repulsive force biases the upper gripping member 11 downward. As a result, in the first jig 101, the upper gripping member 11 and the lower gripping member 12 are configured to move freely apart in the vertical direction and are biased to move closer to each other.

[0032] When attempting to fix adjacent cans together using the first jig, the operator grips the handle 13H and presses downwards while, for example, the lower surface of the upper gripping member 11 or the guide portion 11G is in contact with the upper surface of the curl portion. This allows the lower gripping member 12, which is biased upwards towards the upper gripping member 11 by the repulsive force of the compression coil spring (biasing means 14), to be separated from the upper gripping member 11 against the repulsive force of the biasing means 14. Conversely, to bring the lower gripping member 12 closer to the upper gripping member 11, the above pressure is released.

[0033] As described above, the first jig allows the lower gripping member and the upper gripping member to be easily separated and brought into contact without requiring the time-consuming and laborious two-handed operation of using a tool to loosen or tighten the bolt and nut or operate the toggle clamp handle while supporting the connector in a predetermined position, as is the case with the conventional connector described above. Furthermore, in the first jig, the upper gripping member and the lower gripping member are biased by a biasing means so that they move closer to each other. Therefore, it can follow the movement of adjacent cans when they move slightly due to shaking and / or vibration during earthquakes and / or transportation. As a result, compared to the conventional connector described above in which the upper gripping plate and the lower gripping plate are rigidly fixed, problems such as damage to the connector jig during earthquakes and / or transportation can be reduced.

[0034] Figures 4 to 6 are schematic diagrams illustrating the first jig in a state where the lower gripping member, which is biased upward towards the upper gripping member by the repulsive force of the compression coil spring (biasing means) as described above, is separated from the upper gripping member (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "open state"). Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the open state of the first jig 101 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, and Figures 4(a) and (b) are schematic perspective views of the first jig in the open state when observed from above and below, respectively. Figures 5(a), (b), and (c) are the top view, front view, and bottom view, respectively, of the first jig illustrated in Figure 4. Figures 6(d), (e), and (f) are the right side view, rear view, and left side view, respectively, of the first jig illustrated in Figure 4.

[0035] As illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, in the open state of the first jig 101, the lower gripping member 12, which is biased toward the upper gripping member 11 (upward) by the repulsive force of the compression coil spring (biasing means 14), is separated from the upper gripping member 11. As a result, a gap is created between the upper gripping member 11 and the lower gripping member 12, so that the curled portions of adjacent cans can be fitted into this gap, and the first jig 101 can be moved toward the front end in the front-rear direction to bring the outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12 into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the bodies of adjacent cans (not shown). In this state, by loosening the force resisting the repulsive force of the compression coil spring (biasing means 14), the curled portions can be sandwiched between the lower contact surface LCS of the upper gripping member 11 and the upper contact surface UCS of the lower gripping member 12, thereby fixing adjacent cans together. The specific procedure for fixing adjacent cans together using the first jig 101 will be described later.

[0036] Furthermore, the means for biasing the upper gripping member and the lower gripping member as described above are not particularly limited. For example, the means for biasing the upper gripping member 11 away from the base 13B as described above does not necessarily have to be a coil spring, as long as the adjacent cans can be sufficiently fixed together by the first jig. Various elastic bodies, such as torsion springs, can be used.

[0037] Furthermore, in the first jig 101 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, as described above, the upper gripping member 11 is biased away from the base 13B by the repulsive force of the compression coil spring, thereby biasing the upper gripping member 11 and the lower gripping member 12 to move closer to each other. However, conversely, the upper gripping member 11 and the lower gripping member 12 may also be biased to move closer to each other by the contraction force of an elastic body, such as a tension coil spring.

[0038] Furthermore, as described above, the first jig 101 includes an operating section 13 composed of a base 13B, a handle 13H, and a shaft 13S. However, as long as it is possible to attach the first jig to adjacent cans by separating the upper gripping member 11 and the lower gripping member 12, which are biased to move closer together, the first jig does not necessarily need to include the operating section 13 described above. In other words, the operating section 13 described above is not an essential component of the first jig.

[0039] In addition, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the first jig 101 has side rails 15 made of irregularly shaped members with an L-shaped cross-section attached to both ends of the upper gripping member 11 in the left-right direction. These side rails 15 are useful for easily holding the first jig 101 when attempting to fix adjacent cans together. However, the first jig does not necessarily need to have the side rails 15 as described above, as long as it is possible for the worker to easily hold the first jig when attempting to fix adjacent cans together. In other words, the side rails 15 as described above are also not an essential component of the first jig. Furthermore, the first jig may also be equipped with other members besides the side rails 15 for the purpose of allowing the worker to hold the first jig 101 when attempting to fix adjacent cans together.

[0040] The upper gripping member has an upper contact surface that spans across adjacent cans and abuts against the upper surface of the curled portion, and a pair of guide portions that are arranged so as to face each other in the left-right direction, with inner contact surfaces that abut against the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the adjacent can.

[0041] In the first jig 101 illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, which were referenced in the above explanation, a pair of guide portions 11G, having a roughly wedge shape in which the width in the left-right direction decreases as it moves toward the base end in the front-rear direction in a plan view, are arranged at both ends in the left-right direction of the lower surface of the upper gripping member 11. When the curl portion is sandwiched between the upper gripping member 11 and the lower gripping member 12 by the repulsive force of the biasing means 14 and adjacent cans are fixed together (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "closed state"), the lower surface of the upper gripping member abuts against the upper surface of the curl portion across the adjacent cans. Therefore, the area of ​​the lower surface of the upper gripping member that abuts against the upper surface of the curl portion in the closed state corresponds to the upper contact surface. In addition, the sides (inner surfaces) of the pair of guide portions 11G that face each other in the left-right direction abut against the inner circumferential surface of the curl portion of the adjacent can in the closed state, and therefore correspond to the inner contact surface.

[0042] In the first jig 101 illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, as described above, the pair of guide portions 11G have a roughly wedge shape in plan view. However, the shape of the pair of guide portions provided by the upper gripping member constituting the first jig is not particularly limited, as long as the surfaces that become the inner contact surfaces face each other in the left-right direction and can contact the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of an adjacent can when in a closed state. For example, the shape of the guide portion in plan view may be a roughly wedge shape as described above, or a roughly rectangular shape, or any other shape. Furthermore, the guide portion may be a portion in which both ends of the plate-shaped upper gripping member in the left-right direction are bent downward, or a portion composed of an irregularly shaped member having an L-shaped cross-section, as in the side rail 15 described above. On the other hand, the thickness of the guide portion (dimension in the vertical direction) can be appropriately determined according to, for example, the height (dimension in the vertical direction) of the curled portion of the can to be fixed by the first jig.

[0043] On the other hand, the lower gripping member has a lower contact surface which is the surface that abuts against the lower surface of the curled portion of the adjacent can, and outer contact surfaces which are the surfaces that abut against the outer circumferential surface of the body of the adjacent can on both end faces in the left-right direction.

[0044] In the first jig 101 illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, which were referenced in the above explanation, the lower gripping member 12 has a roughly wedge shape in plan view, where the width in the left-right direction decreases as it moves towards the front end in the front-rear direction. In the closed state, the upper surface of the lower gripping member 12 abuts against the lower surface of the curled portion of the adjacent can. Therefore, the area of ​​the upper surface of the lower gripping member that abuts against the lower surface of the curled portion in the closed state corresponds to the lower contact surface. In addition, both sides (outer surfaces) of the lower gripping member 12 in the left-right direction abut against the outer circumferential surface of the body of the adjacent can in the closed state, and therefore correspond to the outer contact surfaces.

[0045] Furthermore, in a plan view, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are configured to move closer to each other in the left-right direction as they advance toward the front end in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the first jig can more flexibly respond to and suitably contact the inner circumferential surfaces of the curled parts of adjacent drums in the closed state, compared to the conventional connector described above, which grips the upper surfaces of each curled part of adjacent drums with claws provided at fixed positions on both sides of the upper gripping plate.

[0046] Incidentally, in the conventional connector described above, the side end surface of the lower grip plate is designed to be an arc-shaped surface (having a corresponding radius of curvature) along each outer surface of the drum can to be fixed by the connector. As a result, the side end surface of the lower grip plate and each outer surface of the target drum can make good surface contact, so adjacent drum can be fixed together effectively.

[0047] However, the specifications of drums available on the market vary widely, and the radius of curvature of the outer surface of each drum also differs depending on the specifications of each drum. When attempting to fix a drum with an outer surface radius that does not match the radius of curvature of the side end face of the lower grip plate using a conventional connector, the side end face of the lower grip plate and each outer surface of the drum cannot make surface contact. In particular, if the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the drum is smaller than the radius of curvature of the side end face of the lower grip plate, the outer surface of the drum and the arc-shaped surface will only contact at one point, which may make it difficult to fix the drums together sufficiently firmly. In other words, the radius of curvature of the outer surface of a drum that can be fixed by the above-mentioned connector is limited by the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped surface provided on the side end face of the lower grip plate.

[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic top view (top view) of the lower gripping plate constituting the conventional connector described above. In the lower gripping plate 12P illustrated in Figure 7(a), the side end surface SES is configured as an arc-shaped surface having a specific radius of curvature. Therefore, for drums having an outer circumferential surface that matches the arc-shaped surface of the side end surface SES, the side end surface SES of the lower gripping plate 12P and each outer circumferential surface of the drum can make good surface contact, so adjacent drums can be fixed together sufficiently firmly. However, as described above, when attempting to fix drums whose outer circumferential surface has a radius of curvature that does not match the radius of curvature of the side end surface SES of the lower gripping plate 12P using the conventional connector, the side end surface SES of the lower gripping plate 12P and each outer circumferential surface of the drum cannot make surface contact.

[0049] The above problem will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 7(b) and (c). Note that in Figures 7(b) and (c), only the right-hand side end face SES of the lower gripping plate 12P in the left-right direction is shown, but the left-hand side end face SES is the same as the right-hand side end face SES.

[0050] For example, as illustrated in Figure 7(b), if the outer surface of the drum (thin dashed line) has a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the side end face SES of the lower grip plate 12P, then surface contact between each outer surface of the drum and the lower grip plate 12P (and its side end face SES) is not possible. However, in this case, as indicated by the black arrows, contact can be made between the lower grip plate 12P (and its side end face SES) and the outer surface of the drum at two points at both ends in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to securely fasten adjacent drums together using a conventional connector equipped with such a lower grip plate 12P.

[0051] On the other hand, as illustrated in Figure 7(c), for example, if the outer surface of the drum (thin dashed line) has a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the side end face SES of the lower grip plate 12P, then surface contact between each outer surface of the drum and the side end face SES of the lower grip plate 12P is not possible. Moreover, in this case, as indicated by the black arrow, contact can only be made with the outer surface of the drum at one point along the front-to-back direction of the side end face SES of the lower grip plate 12P. Therefore, in this case, it may be difficult to sufficiently firmly fix adjacent drums together using a conventional connector equipped with such a lower grip plate 12P.

[0052] Therefore, in the first jig, in a plan view, the outer contact surface of the lower gripping member is configured to be a straight line that is inclined so that it approaches each other in the left-right direction as it moves towards the tip in the front-rear direction, and a recess is formed in the middle of the outer contact surface in the front-rear direction.

[0053] Figure 8 is a schematic top view (top view) of the lower gripping member constituting the first jig. In the lower gripping member 12 illustrated in Figure 8(a), in a plan view (i.e., the top view shown in Figure 8(a)), the outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12 is configured to be a straight line L1 that is inclined so that it approaches each other in the left-right direction as it moves toward the tip in the front-rear direction, and a recess RCS is formed in the middle of the outer contact surface OCS in the front-rear direction (in this example, the central part).

[0054] Therefore, even with a wide variety of cans having outer surfaces with a wide radius of curvature, the lower gripping member 12 (its outer contact surface OCS) can be brought into contact with the outer surface of the can's body at two locations in the front-rear direction of the recess RCS formed on the outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12. As a result, in this case, adjacent cans can be fixed together sufficiently firmly by the first jig 101 equipped with such a lower gripping member 12.

[0055] The effects achieved by the first jig will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 8(b) and 8(c). In Figures 8(b) and 8(c), only the right-hand outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12 is shown in the left-right direction, but the left-hand outer contact surface OCS is the same as the right-hand outer contact surface OCS.

[0056] For example, as illustrated in Figure 8(b), if the outer surfaces (thin dashed lines) of adjacent cans to be fixed by the first jig have a relatively large radius of curvature, the lower gripping member 12 (its outer contact surface OCS) can be brought into contact with the outer surfaces of the cans at two points in the front-to-back direction of the recess RCS formed midway (in this example, in the center) between the outer surfaces of these cans and the outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12, as indicated by the black arrows. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to fix adjacent cans together sufficiently firmly using the first jig equipped with such a lower gripping member 12.

[0057] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 8(c), for example, even when the outer surfaces (thin dashed lines) of adjacent cans to be fixed by the first jig have a relatively small radius of curvature, the lower gripping member 12 (its outer contact surface OCS) can be brought into contact with the outer surfaces of the cans at two points in the front-to-back direction of the recess RCS formed midway (in the center) of the outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12, as indicated by the black-filled arrows. Therefore, in this case as well, it is possible to fix adjacent cans together sufficiently firmly using the first jig equipped with such a lower gripping member 12.

[0058] However, if the outer circumferential surface (thin dashed line) of an adjacent can to be fixed by the first jig has an extremely small radius of curvature, such that it can come into contact with the bottom surface of a recess RCS formed midway along the front-rear direction of the outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12, then even with the first jig equipped with such a lower gripping member 12, it will not be possible to bring the lower gripping member 12 (or its outer contact surface OCS) into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the can at two locations as described above. In this case, contact can only be made with the outer circumferential surface of the can at one location: either the outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12 or the bottom surface of a recess RCS formed midway along the outer contact surface OCS. Therefore, in this case, even with the first jig equipped with such a lower gripping member 12, it may be difficult to sufficiently firmly fix adjacent drums together.

[0059] However, even when the outer surface of the can has an extremely small radius of curvature as described above, the shape of the recess RCS formed in the middle of the outer contact surface OCS (for example, the dimensions in the direction parallel and / or perpendicular to the outer contact surface OCS) (i.e., the length and / or depth) can be appropriately designed to match the outer surface of the can. This makes it possible to sufficiently firmly fix adjacent cans together by bringing the lower gripping member 12 (or its outer contact surface OCS) into contact with the outer surface of the can at two locations, as described above.

[0060] As described above, in the first jig, the outer contact surfaces, which are the opposing sides of the lower gripping members that contact the outer circumferential surfaces of the bodies of adjacent cans, are flat, and recesses are formed in the middle of the outer contact surfaces in the front-rear direction. As a result, even when the outer circumferential surfaces of the cans to be fixed have various radii of curvature, the outer contact surfaces can be brought into contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the cans at two points at both ends of the recesses, making it possible to fix adjacent cans together sufficiently firmly. In other words, the first jig is highly versatile for a wide variety of cans.

[0061] Incidentally, the regions on both sides of the lower gripping member adjacent to the recess in a direction parallel to the outer contact surface are regions that become lower contact surfaces, which are surfaces that contact the lower surface of the curled portion of the adjacent can and grip the curled portion together with the upper contact surface of the upper gripping member. As described above, the recess is formed in the middle of the outer contact surface in the front-rear direction (for example, in the center), so the lower contact surface is provided by regions other than the recess near the outer contact surfaces at both ends of the lower gripping member in the left-right direction. Similarly, the regions other than the recess on both sides of the lower gripping member in the left-right direction provide outer contact surfaces that contact the outer circumferential surface of the body of the adjacent can and prevent the two adjacent cans from coming into close proximity.

[0062] Therefore, the larger the dimension (length) of the recess in the direction parallel to the side surface of the lower gripping member in the left-right direction, the narrower the dimension (width) of the area providing the lower and outer contact surfaces in the direction parallel to the outer contact surface. Also, the larger the dimension (depth) of the recess in the direction perpendicular to the side surface of the lower gripping member in the left-right direction, the longer the dimension (length) of the area providing the lower and outer contact surfaces in the direction perpendicular to the side surface of the lower gripping member in the left-right direction. In other words, the larger the recess, the more elongated the area providing the lower and outer contact surfaces becomes, making it difficult to ensure the strength required to clamp and fix the curl portion between the upper and lower contact surfaces, and the strength required to interpose between the outer circumferential surfaces of two adjacent can bodies to prevent them from coming into close proximity. From the viewpoint of avoiding such problems, it is desirable that the recess formed in the middle (for example, in the central part) of the outer contact surface of the lower gripping member in the front-rear direction is not excessively large.

[0063] <Procedure for fixing adjacent cans together using the first jig> Next, a specific example of the procedure for fixing adjacent cans together using the first jig will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figures 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams showing the first jig 101 and the cans at each stage of the procedure for fixing adjacent cans together using the first jig 101 described above, as observed from the front side (tip side) of the first jig 101.

[0064] Figure 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the operator holds the handle 13H of the first jig 101 with one hand HND and positions the first jig 101 between two adjacent cans CNA and CNB. In this case, the first jig 101 is positioned such that, in a plan view, the curl portion CRL and guard portion 11G of both adjacent cans CNA and CNB overlap and the lower gripping member 12 is positioned between both curl portions CRL.

[0065] Next, Figure 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the operator pushes the shaft 13S downward against the repulsive force of the biasing means 14 (compression coil spring), which is not shown, by pressing down the handle 13H while bringing the lower surface of the guard portion 11G into contact with the upper surface of the curl portion CRL (see the white arrow shown in the figure). As a result, the lower gripping member 12 moves downward and separates from the upper gripping member 11, so a gap is created between the upper gripping member 11 and the lower gripping member 12 as described above (see the double arrow shown in the figure). As a result of this operation, the lower gripping member 12 moves below the curl portion CRL, so the outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12 faces the outer circumferential surfaces of the two adjacent cans CNA and CNB with a gap between them (not shown).

[0066] Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 10(c), the operator moves the first jig 101 forward in the front-rear direction toward the rear (towards the front end) while maintaining the position of pressing down the handle 13H with the lower surface of the guard portion 11G in contact with the upper surface of the curl portion CRL (see the white arrow shown in the figure). Through this operation, the outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12 eventually comes into contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the two adjacent cans CNA and CNB. In addition, the curl portions CRL of both the two cans CNA and CNB fit between the guard portions 11G provided at both ends of the upper gripping member 11 in the left-right direction (in other words, each guard portion 11G provided at both ends of the upper gripping member 11 in the left-right direction fits inside the curl portions CRL of the two adjacent cans CNA and CNB) (neither is shown).

[0067] Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 10(d), the operator stops pushing down the handle 13H. As a result, the repulsive force of the biasing means 14 (compression coil spring) brings the upper gripping member 11 and the lower gripping member 12 closer to each other again, and the curl portion CRL is sandwiched between them. Furthermore, the inner contact surfaces ICS of each guard portion 11G, which are fitted inside the curl portions CRL of the two adjacent cans CNA and CNB, come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of each curl portion CRL.

[0068] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the above procedure, described with reference to Figures 9 and 10, has been completed and two adjacent cans CNA and CNB have been fixed by the first jig 101. Figure 11(a) is a schematic perspective view of the first jig 101 and the cans CNA and CNB in ​​the state illustrated in Figure 10(d) (after the above procedure has been completed), as viewed from above the left side of the first jig 101. Figure 11(b) is a schematic perspective view of the first jig 101 and the cans CNA and CNB in ​​the state illustrated in Figure 10(d) (after the above procedure has been completed), as viewed from below the rear side (base end side) of the first jig 101.

[0069] As can be seen from Figures 11(a) and (b), in this state, the upper gripping member 11 and the lower gripping member 12 are brought closer to each other again by the repulsive force of the biasing means 14 (compression coil spring), and the curled portion CRL is sandwiched between the upper contact surface UCS and the lower contact surface LCS. Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 11(b), the outer contact surface OCS of the lower gripping member 12 is in contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the two adjacent cans CNA and CNB.

[0070] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the portions of two adjacent cans CNA and CNB fixed to each other via the first jig 101, with respect to a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction that includes the line segment XX shown in Figure 11(a). As illustrated in Figure 12, when the above procedure described with reference to Figures 9 and 10 is completed, the curl portions CRL of both cans CNA and CNB are sandwiched between the upper gripping member 11 (upper creation surface UCS, not shown) and the lower contact surface LCS of the lower gripping member 12 (not shown), so that the relative positional relationship of the two cans CNA and CNB in ​​the vertical direction is fixed.

[0071] Furthermore, since the lower gripping member 12 (and its outer contact surface OCS, not shown) contacts the outer circumferential surfaces of the body portions BDY of two adjacent cans CNA and CNB, movement of the two cans CNA and CNB toward each other is also restrained. In addition, the guard portions 11G provided at both ends of the upper gripping member 11 in the left-right direction fit inside the curl portions CRL of two adjacent cans CNA and CNB, and the inner contact surfaces ICS of each guard portion 11G (not shown) contact the inner circumferential surfaces of the curl portions CRL of the two cans CNA and CNB, so movement of the two cans CNA and CNB toward each other is also restrained.

[0072] <effect> As described above, in conventional connectors, the upper surfaces of the curled portions of adjacent drums are gripped by claws provided at fixed positions on both sides of the upper gripping plate, and the outer surfaces of the drums are contacted by the side end surfaces of the lower gripping plate having a specific radius of curvature. Therefore, the combination of drums that can be securely fixed by this connector is uniquely determined. In contrast, in the can connecting jig (first jig) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned claws are eliminated and a pair of guide parts are provided on the upper gripping member, and both sides of the lower gripping member are configured as outer contact surfaces that are linearly inclined and have recesses in the middle. As a result, the first jig can securely fix cans with various specifications. That is, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a can connecting jig that is easy to attach to and detach from cans, has high responsiveness to slight movements between cans, and has high versatility that can accommodate a variety of can specifications.

[0073] 《Second Embodiment》 The can connecting jig according to the second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second jig") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0074] As described above, the upper gripping member has an upper contact surface that spans across adjacent cans and abuts against the upper surface of the curled portion, and a pair of guide portions that are provided so as to face each other in the left-right direction, with inner contact surfaces that abut against the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the adjacent can.

[0075] The inner contact surface, when the curl portion is sandwiched between the upper and lower gripping members by the repulsive force of the biasing means and adjacent cans are fixed together (closed state), contacts the inner circumferential surface of the curl portion of the adjacent can, thereby preventing the adjacent cans from separating from each other. In this case, from the viewpoint of more reliably fixing the positional relationship between adjacent cans and reliably preventing adjacent cans from separating from each other, it is desirable that the inner contact surface makes surface contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curl portion of the adjacent can in the closed state.

[0076] <composition> Therefore, the second jig is the first jig described above, and is a can-connecting jig characterized in that, in a plan view, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are configured to form an arc-shaped curve that is convex inward.

[0077] Figure 13 is a schematic bottom view illustrating the configuration of the upper gripping member constituting the second jig. The inner contact surfaces ICS, which are the opposing surfaces of the pair of guide portions 11G provided at both ends in the left-right direction of the upper gripping member 11 illustrated in Figure 13, are curved surfaces that protrude inward. That is, in a plan view, the inner contact surfaces ICS of the pair of guide portions 11G are configured to be arc-shaped curves that are convex inward.

[0078] Therefore, by setting the radius of curvature of the inner contact surface ICS to correspond to the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can (thick dashed line), the inner contact surface ICS can be brought into surface contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can when adjacent cans are fixed together by the second jig (closed state). As a result, the positional relationship between adjacent cans can be reliably fixed, and the separation between adjacent cans can be reliably reduced.

[0079] <effect> As described above, in the second jig, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are configured to form a convex curve in a plan view. Therefore, with the second jig, by setting the radius of curvature of the inner contact surface of the upper gripping member to correspond to the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can, the inner contact surface can be brought into surface contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can in the closed state, thereby more reliably fixing the positional relationship between adjacent cans and reliably reducing the separation between adjacent cans.

[0080] Furthermore, the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G of the upper gripping member 11 that constitutes the first jig 101, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2(c), and 5(c), is configured to have a convex, arc-shaped curve in a plan view. In other words, the first jig 101, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2(c), and 5(c), also possesses the characteristics of the second jig described above.

[0081] 《Third Embodiment》 The can connecting jig according to the third embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "third jig") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0082] As mentioned above, in the second jig, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are configured to form a convex curve in a plan view. Therefore, with the second jig, by setting the radius of curvature of the inner contact surface of the upper gripping member to correspond to the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can, the inner contact surface can be brought into surface contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can in the closed state, thereby more reliably fixing the positional relationship between adjacent cans and more reliably reducing the separation between adjacent cans.

[0083] However, the specifications of cans available on the market vary widely, and the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the curled portion of the can also differs depending on the specifications of each can. When attempting to fix a can with the second jig if the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the curled portion does not match the radius of curvature of the inner contact surface of the guide portion, the inner contact surface of the guide portion and the inner surface of the curled portion of the can cannot make surface contact. In particular, if the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the curled portion of the can is larger than the radius of curvature of the inner contact surface of the guide portion, the inner surface of the curled portion of the can and the inner contact surface of the guide portion will only contact at one point, which may make it difficult to fix adjacent cans together sufficiently firmly. In other words, the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the curled portion of a can that can be fixed by the second jig is limited by the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped surface provided on the inner contact surface of the guide portion.

[0084] In the upper gripping member 11 illustrated in Figure 13, the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G is configured as an arc-shaped surface having a specific radius of curvature. Therefore, for cans whose curled portion has an inner circumferential surface that matches the arc-shaped surface of the inner contact surface ICS, the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G and the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can can make good surface contact, so adjacent drums can be fixed together sufficiently firmly. However, as described above, when attempting to fix a can whose inner circumferential surface of the curled portion has a radius of curvature that does not match the radius of curvature of the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G using the second jig, the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G and the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can cannot make surface contact.

[0085] The above problem will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 14(a) and (b). For example, as illustrated in Figure 14(a), if the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can (thick dashed line) has a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G, then the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can and the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G cannot make surface contact. However, in this case, as indicated by the black arrows, the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G and the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can can be brought into contact at two locations at both ends in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to sufficiently firmly fix adjacent cans together using the second jig equipped with such a guide portion 11G.

[0086] On the other hand, as illustrated in Figure 14(b), for example, if the inner surface of the curled portion of the can (thick dashed line) has a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G, then the inner surface of the curled portion of the can and the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G cannot make surface contact. Moreover, in this case, as indicated by the black arrow, contact can only be made with the inner surface of the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G at one point along the front-to-back direction. Therefore, in this case, it may be difficult to sufficiently firmly fix adjacent cans together using the second jig equipped with such a guide portion 11G.

[0087] <composition> Therefore, the third jig is the first jig described above, and is a can-connecting jig characterized in that, in a plan view, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are in a straight line.

[0088] Figure 15 is a schematic bottom view illustrating the configuration of the upper gripping member constituting the third jig. The inner contact surfaces ICS of the pair of guide portions 11G provided at both ends in the left-right direction of the upper gripping member 11 illustrated in Figure 15 are configured such that they approach each other linearly in the left-right direction as they move toward the front end (upper side in the drawing) in the front-rear direction. That is, in a plan view, the inner contact surfaces ICS of the pair of guide portions 11G are configured to be in a straight line.

[0089] Therefore, as long as the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface (thick dashed line) of the curled portion of the can is sufficiently large relative to the length of the inner contact surface ICS, regardless of the size of the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface (thick dashed line) of the curled portion of the can, the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G can be brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can at two points in the front-rear direction of the inner contact surface ICS when adjacent cans are fixed together by the third jig (closed state).

[0090] <effect> As described above, in the third jig, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are configured to be in a straight line in a plan view. The can connecting jig according to the present invention, including the third jig, is set to engage with a portion of the curled part of an adjacent can, so the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the curled part of the can is sufficiently large compared to the length of the inner contact surface. Therefore, when adjacent cans are fixed together by the third jig (closed state), the inner contact surface of the guide part can be brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curled part of the can at two locations at both ends in the front-rear direction of the inner contact surface of the guide part. As a result, the third jig can reliably fix the positional relationship between adjacent cans and reliably reduce the separation between adjacent cans.

[0091] 《Fourth Embodiment》 The can connecting jig according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "fourth jig") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0092] As mentioned above, in the second jig, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are configured to form a convex curve in a plan view. Therefore, with the second jig, by setting the radius of curvature of the inner contact surface of the upper gripping member to correspond to the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can, the inner contact surface can be brought into surface contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can in the closed state, thereby more reliably fixing the positional relationship between adjacent cans and more reliably reducing the separation between adjacent cans.

[0093] However, as illustrated in Figure 14(b), if the inner surface of the curled portion of the can (thick dashed line) has a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G, then the inner surface of the curled portion of the can and the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G cannot make surface contact. Moreover, in this case, as indicated by the black arrow, contact can only be made with the inner surface of the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G at one point along the front-to-back direction. Therefore, in this case, it may be difficult to sufficiently firmly fix adjacent cans together using the second jig equipped with such a guide portion 11G.

[0094] <composition> Therefore, the fourth jig is a can connecting jig that is any of the first to third jigs described above, characterized in that, in a plan view, a recess is formed in the middle of the front-to-back direction of the inner contact surfaces of a pair of guide parts.

[0095] First, the fourth jig, to which the above configuration is applied to the second jig described above, will be explained below. Figure 16 is a schematic bottom view (bottom view) of the upper gripping member that constitutes the fourth jig based on the second jig described above. As described above, the second jig is the first jig described above, and is a can connecting jig characterized in that, in a plan view, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are configured to be curved inwardly convex. Accordingly, in the upper gripping member 11 illustrated in Figure 16, in a plan view (i.e., the bottom view shown in Figure 16), the inner contact surfaces ICS of the pair of guide parts 11G are configured to be curved inwardly convex, and a recess RCSG is formed in the middle (in this example, the central part) of the inner contact surface ICS in the front-rear direction.

[0096] In the fourth jig having the configuration described above, even for a wide variety of cans with a wide radius of curvature on the inner surface of the curled portion, the upper gripping member 11 can be brought into contact with the inner surface of the curled portion of the can at the inner contact surface ICS of the upper gripping member 11, at two points at both ends of the inner contact surface ICS in the front-rear direction, or at two points at both ends of the recess RCSG formed in the inner contact surface ICS in the front-rear direction. As a result, with the fourth jig having such a configuration, adjacent cans can be fixed together sufficiently firmly. The above effects achieved by the fourth jig having such a configuration will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 16(a) to (c).

[0097] In the example shown in Figure 16(a), the inner contact surfaces ICS of the pair of guide portions 11G provided by the upper gripping member 11 have arc-shaped surfaces that can make surface contact with the inner circumferential surface (thick dashed line) of the curled portion of the adjacent can to be fixed by the fourth jig. In this case, the areas of the pair of guide portions 11G other than the recesses RCSG (i.e., the inner contact surfaces ICS) on the opposing sides of the pair of guide portions 11G can be made to make surface contact with the inner circumferential surface (thick dashed line) of the curled portion of the can. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to fix adjacent cans together sufficiently firmly using the fourth jig equipped with such an upper gripping member 11.

[0098] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 16(b), if the inner circumferential surface (thick dashed line) of the curled portion of adjacent cans to be fixed by the fourth jig has a larger radius of curvature than the inner contact surface ICS of the pair of guide portions 11G, the upper gripping member 11 (its inner contact surface ICS) can be brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the cans at two locations in the front-rear direction of the recess RCSG formed midway (in this example, in the center) between the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the cans and the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G, as indicated by the black-filled arrows. Therefore, in this case as well, it is possible to fix adjacent cans sufficiently firmly together using the fourth jig equipped with such an upper gripping member 11.

[0099] On the other hand, as illustrated in Figure 16(c), for example, if the inner circumferential surface (thick dashed line) of the curled portion of an adjacent can to be fixed by the fourth jig has a smaller radius of curvature than the inner contact surface ICS of the pair of guide portions 11G, then, as indicated by the black arrows, the upper gripping member 11 (its inner contact surface ICS) can be brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can at two points at both ends in the front-rear direction of the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can and the inner contact surface ICS of the guide portion 11G. Therefore, in this case as well, it is possible to fix adjacent cans together sufficiently firmly using the fourth jig equipped with such an upper gripping member 11.

[0100] As described above, in the fourth jig based on the second jig mentioned earlier, in a plan view, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are configured to be curved inwardly, and a recess is formed in the middle of the inner contact surface. As a result, even when the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can to be fixed has various radii of curvature, the upper contact surface can be brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can by surface contact with the inner contact surface of the upper gripping member, line contact at two points at both ends in the front-rear direction of the inner contact surface ICS, or line contact at two points at both ends in the front-rear direction of the recess RCSG formed in the inner contact surface ICS. Therefore, with the fourth jig, it is possible to fix adjacent cans together sufficiently firmly. In other words, the fourth jig is highly versatile for a wide variety of cans.

[0101] Next, the fourth jig to which the above configuration is applied to the third jig described above will be explained below. Figure 17 is a schematic bottom view (bottom view) of the upper gripping member that constitutes the fourth jig based on the third jig described above. As described above, the third jig is the first jig described above, and is a can connecting jig characterized in that, in a plan view, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are in a straight line. Accordingly, in the upper gripping member 11 illustrated in Figure 17, in a plan view (i.e., the bottom view shown in Figure 17), the inner contact surfaces ICS of the pair of guide parts 11G are in a straight line, and a recess RCSG is formed in the middle (in this example, the central part) of the inner contact surface ICS in the front-rear direction.

[0102] In the fourth jig having the configuration described above, similar to the third jig described above, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide parts are configured to be straight in a plan view. Therefore, as explained with reference to Figure 15 regarding the third jig, as long as the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface (thick dashed line) of the curled portion of the can is sufficiently large relative to the total length of the inner contact surface ICS, the inner contact surface ICS of the guide part 11G can be brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of the can at two points in the front-to-back direction of the inner contact surface ICS, regardless of the size of the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface (thick dashed line) of the curled portion of the can, when adjacent cans are fixed together by the fourth jig (closed state).

[0103] Moreover, as described above, in the fourth jig, a recess RCSG is formed in the middle of the inner contact surface ICS. Therefore, the fourth jig can further achieve effects such as reducing the amount of material constituting the guide portion 11G and / or reducing the weight of the guide portion 11G.

[0104] Incidentally, the regions on both sides adjacent to the recess in the direction along the inner contact surface of the guide portion of the upper gripping member are regions that become inner contact surfaces, which are surfaces that contact the inner circumferential surface of the curl portion of the adjacent can and prevent the separation of the two adjacent cans. As described above, since the recess is formed in the middle (for example, the central part) in the front-rear direction of the inner contact surface, the inner contact surface is provided by the regions other than the recess on the opposing sides of the pair of guide portions.

[0105] Therefore, the larger the dimension (length) of the recess in the direction along the inner side surface in the left-right direction of the guide portion, the narrower the dimension (width) of the area providing the inner contact surface in that direction becomes. Also, the larger the dimension (depth) of the recess in the direction perpendicular to the inner side surface in the left-right direction of the guide portion, the longer the dimension (length) of the area providing the inner contact surface in that direction becomes. In other words, the larger the recess, the more elongated the area providing the inner contact surface becomes, making it difficult to ensure the strength required to contact the inner circumferential surfaces of adjacent cans and prevent them from separating. From the viewpoint of avoiding such problems, it is desirable that the recess formed in the middle (for example, in the center) of the inner contact surface of the guide portion in the front-rear direction is not excessively large.

[0106] <effect> As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a can connecting jig that is easy to attach to and detach from cans, has better tracking ability to fine movements between cans, and has higher versatility that can accommodate various can specifications.

[0107] In order to explain the present invention, several embodiments and modifications having specific configurations have been described, sometimes with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to these exemplary embodiments and modifications, and it goes without saying that modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the claims and specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 101...Can connecting jig 11…Upper gripping member UCS…Upper contact surface 11G... Guide section ICS…Inner contact surface RCSG…recess 12...Lower gripping member LCS…lower contact surface OCS...Outer contact surface RCS…recess 13...Operation unit 13B...Bass 13H...Handle 13S…Shaft 14… Biasing means 15... Side rails CNA, CNB…can CRL...Curl part HND...hand

Claims

1. In a plan view, the direction parallel to the line passing between the centers of adjacent cans is defined as the left-right direction, the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the front-back direction is defined as the up-down direction, and the can connecting jig comprises an upper gripping member and a lower gripping member that fix adjacent cans together by gripping the curled portions provided on the periphery of the openings of the can bodies of the adjacent cans that are facing each other in the up-down direction, The upper gripping member and the lower gripping member are biased to move closer to each other in the vertical direction. The upper gripping member comprises a pair of guide portions, each having an upper contact surface that abuts against the upper surface of the curled portion of an adjacent can, and an inner contact surface that abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the curled portion of an adjacent can, with the inner contact surfaces facing each other in the left-right direction. The lower gripping member has a lower contact surface which is a surface that abuts against the lower surface of the curled portion of the adjacent can, and outer contact surfaces which are surfaces that abut against the outer circumferential surface of the body portion of the adjacent can, on both end faces in the left-right direction. In a plan view, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide portions are configured such that they move closer to each other in the left-right direction as they advance toward the tip in the front-rear direction. In a plan view, the outer contact surfaces of the lower gripping member are configured to be inclined straight lines that approach each other in the left-right direction as they move toward the tip in the front-rear direction. A recess is formed in the middle of the front-rear direction of the outer contact surface. A can-connecting jig characterized by the following features.

2. A can connecting jig according to claim 1, In a plan view, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide portions are configured to form an arc-shaped curve that is convex inward. A can-connecting jig characterized by the following features.

3. A can connecting jig according to claim 1, In a plan view, the inner contact surfaces of the pair of guide portions are configured to be in a straight line. A can-connecting jig characterized by the following features.

4. A can connecting jig according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In a plan view, a recess is formed in the middle of the front-to-back direction of the inner contact surface of the pair of guide portions. A can-connecting jig characterized by the following features.

Images