JP4194414B2 - Capping device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, a cylindrical cap with a bottom is put on a mouth portion (mouth neck portion) of a container in which a thread groove (male thread portion) is formed in advance, and a thread groove (female thread portion) is provided on the peripheral surface of the cap. The present invention relates to a capping device for molding.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a roll-on type capping device, a forming head is moved up and down to open and close a forming roll provided in the forming head (approaching or separating from the outer peripheral surface of a cap without a thread groove), and the forming roll is attached to the cap. There is known a method of forming a screw groove (hereinafter referred to as screw forming) by press-contacting.
[0003]
For example, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is configured to perform capping while forming a screw on a cap fitted to the mouth and neck of the container. That is, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is configured to perform female screw molding by pressing a molding roll from the outer peripheral side to a cap placed on the mouth and neck of the container. This forming roll needs to go through steps such as moving the cap to the outer peripheral side and moving backward to the initial position after screw forming. Therefore, in the apparatus described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a controlled radial force is used to deform and attach the cap around the mouth of the container by the axial displacement of the conical cam (cone cam). The forming roller moves along a predetermined locus by using a cam mechanism that causes the predetermined threading to be performed.
[0004]
Caps that are the target of this type of apparatus are generally made of aluminum alloy or steel thin plate and have good workability. Therefore, the load that presses the forming roller against the cap is a torsion spring or the like. It is generated by an elastic member. Accordingly, the cam mechanism has a function of guiding the forming roller to the outer peripheral surface of the cap and retreating the cap. In other words, the cam mechanism is configured to have a function of moving the forming roller toward the so-called center side toward the cap by the axial displacement of the cone cam, and the forming load on the cap is generated exclusively by the elastic member. It has become.
[0005]
In such a capping device, the position where the forming roll abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the cap and the position where screw forming is started may be misaligned, and the male screw portion of the mouth of the container and the female screw screw-formed on the cap The screwing amount of the screw part with the part fluctuated, and the opening torque of the cap was not stable or the appearance of the cap was easy to deteriorate.
[0006]
For example, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, the capping device is targeted, and the torque of the motor that rotates the forming roll is electrically detected to become the engagement start point, and then along the circumference of the cap. A configuration in which capping molding is completed by spinning a molding roll by a predetermined rotation angle is known.
[0007]
However, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, the screwing amount of the female screw portion of the cap is made constant after screw forming, but the output torque of the capping device is always monitored directly or indirectly. Otherwise, it is difficult to detect such an engagement start point, and when the molding head has a plurality of molding rolls, it is difficult to detect the engagement start point because the torque fluctuates. The screw forming operation must be performed independently for each forming head, and there is a problem that it is difficult to manufacture continuously at a high speed, which is not practical.
[0008]
In addition, in conventional screw forming, screw forming with a forming roll is performed by closing the forming roll (approaching the outer peripheral surface of the cap) and press-contacting the outer peripheral surface of the cap so that the forming roll is a male screw at the mouth of the container. This is done by rolling the outer peripheral surface of the cap along the circumferential direction of the valley of the part. Therefore, from the time when the forming roll starts to push the outer peripheral surface of the cap to the time when the forming roll is substantially engaged with the start end portion of the male threaded portion, the forming roll simply rolls and rotates freely on the outer peripheral surface of the cap. Thread formation is not performed on the peripheral surface of the material, and thread formation is started only after reaching a position where it substantially engages with the starting end of the male thread portion. In this way, in consideration of the play until it is substantially engaged with the starting end portion of the male screw portion, the number of spins of the forming roll is set to be larger than the number of turns of the screw (male screw portion). For example, when there are two forming rolls, the screw is formed at the mouth of the container with a number of turns of 1.5, and the number of spins of the forming roll is larger than the number of turns of the screw corresponding to the number of turns. When the number of turns of the screw is 2.0 or 2.0, the number of spins is set to 2.5. The number of spins of the forming roll refers to the number of times that the forming roll rotates around the cap after the forming roll starts to push the outer peripheral surface of the cap until the forming roll moves away from the outer peripheral surface of the cap.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 57-37518 (left column, line 38 to right column, line 12 on page 3, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-64-45288 (Claims, upper left column, line 6 to lower left column, line 16 on page 3)
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional roll-on capping device, the relationship between the number of spins of the forming roll contacting the outer peripheral surface of the cap and the number of turns of the screw will be further described. Generally, the opening and closing of the forming roll is uniquely determined by the shape of the lower cam. Decided. On the other hand, the direction of the container supplied to the capping device, that is, the position of the male screw portion at the mouth of the container is in a random state, and the screw molding is performed as it is. For this reason, the timing of screw forming may be early or late. Despite the difference in screw forming timing, the number of spins of the forming roll is uniquely determined in accordance with the number of turns of the screw. In addition, as described above, the number of spins of the forming roll is set to be large so that it can be applied even when the timing of screw forming is late.
[0011]
However, as soon as the forming roll comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cap, it is substantially engaged with the start end of the male threaded portion of the mouth portion of the container, and at the timing without play such that screw forming is started. After the screw forming is finished, the forming roll continues to roll on the outer peripheral surface of the cap by the amount of the spin, so that the roll-up roll scratch is formed to extend from the screw forming end portion. End up. In other words, a horizontal load (90N to 110N load) is applied to the forming roll by a torsion spring, and the forming roll is disengaged from the male threaded portion of the mouth portion of the container under such a horizontal load. Then, since the forming roll is pulled upward, a flip-up roll scratch is formed on the peripheral surface of the cap. In this way, if a roll-up roll wound that does not follow the male thread portion of the mouth of the container is formed at the terminal end portion of the female thread portion of the cap, the roll scratch interferes with the cap opening, and the opening torque It may be a hindrance when refilling or re-plugging, and it may cause a quality problem such that the cap cannot be screwed in smoothly with respect to the male screw, and it is difficult to grasp the finish of tightening the cap. was there.
[0012]
This invention has been made by paying attention to the above technical problem, and by defining the position of the male thread formed in the mouth of the container before threading the cap, after threading is finished, It is an object of the present invention to provide a capping device that can prevent a roll-up roll damage from occurring in a cap and can provide an excellent effect for opening or closing the cap.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problem and Action]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, after a metal cap is put on the mouth portion of the container, a forming roll is formed in advance on the mouth portion of the container by contacting the periphery of the cap. In the capping device for forming the female screw portion on the cap by rolling along the circumferential direction of the male screw portion, the container is held and rotated at a position where the screw can be formed by the molding roll. The position of the male screw portion in the circumferential direction with respect to a certain position where the forming roll abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the cap before the possible holding portion and the molding roll abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the cap. And a position setting means for rotating the container together with the holding portion so as to be in a predetermined position.
[0014]
Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, after the metal cap is put on the mouth portion of the container, the forming roll comes into contact with the periphery of the cap in the circumferential direction of the male screw portion previously formed on the mouth portion of the container. By rolling along, a female screw portion is formed on the peripheral surface of the cap. In this case, before the molding roll contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cap, the circumferential position of the male screw portion is a predetermined position with respect to a certain position where the molding roll contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cap. The container rotates. That is, the position in the circumferential direction of the male screw portion formed in the mouth portion of the container before the cap screw is formed is defined. As a result, the number of spins can be set so that the forming roll leaves in accordance with the end point of screw forming, and it is possible to prevent the forming roll from continuously rolling on the outer peripheral surface of the cap.
[0015]
Further, in the invention of claim 2, in addition to the configuration of claim 1, a mark is given to the shoulder portion of the container so that the position setting means specifies the circumferential position of the male screw portion. It is characterized by comprising a rotation control means for controlling the container to rotate in the forward direction or the opposite direction so that the position of the mark is at the set reference position.
[0016]
Therefore, according to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect similar to that of the invention of claim 1, a mark is given to the shoulder portion of the container so as to specify the circumferential position of the male screw portion. The container is controlled to rotate in the forward direction or the opposite direction so that the position of the mark comes to the set reference position. As a result, the container is rotated in either the forward or reverse direction from the mark on the shoulder of the container in the direction of the container, i.e., with the cap on the container, and the male screw portion of the mouth of the container is quickly turned. Positioning in the circumferential direction can be performed.
[0017]
Furthermore, in addition to the configuration of claim 1 or 2, the invention of claim 3 presses the upper surface of the cap so as to contact the mouth of the container, and holds the cap against the mouth of the container. A cap pressing portion that rotates together with the container is provided.
[0018]
Therefore, according to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effects similar to those of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the cap is pressed against the mouth of the container so that the upper surface of the cap is in contact with the mouth of the container. It is held and rotated with the container. In other words, since the container is rotated while the upper surface of the cap placed on the mouth of the container is pressed, the contents pop out from the mouth of the container in the case of an actual container filled with the contents of the container. There is no worry of getting spilled and getting dirty.
[0019]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a molding table on which a container is placed around a fixed shaft and rotated and conveyed in a horizontal direction, and is disposed so as to be movable up and down above the molding table. In a capping device having a forming head that performs threading processing on the cap and performs hem tightening processing on the lower end portion of the cap, before passing to the forming table side, the circle of the male screw portion Mark detection means for detecting a mark applied to the container for specifying a position in the circumferential direction and outputting the signal, and the male with respect to a fixed position where the forming roll first contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cap. Based on the output signal of the mark detection means, the container is placed in the forward direction so that the circumferential position of the threaded portion is closer to the predetermined reference position of the mark so as to have a predetermined positional relationship. Or an angle calculation means for calculating a rotation angle for rotation in either of the opposite directions, and a signal of the rotation angle obtained by the angle calculation means after being transferred to the molding table side. And a motor with a positioning function for rotating the container in the forward direction or in the opposite direction.
[0020]
Therefore, according to the invention of claim 4, the container is placed on the molding table around the fixed shaft, the container is rotated and conveyed in the horizontal direction, and is disposed so as to be movable up and down above the molding table. Before the cap is threaded and the bottom end of the cap is tightened, i.e., before it is transferred to the molding table side. A mark on the container that identifies the circumferential position of the male thread portion is detected and its signal is output. A predetermined reference position of the mark is set so that the position in the circumferential direction of the male threaded portion of the mouth portion of the container has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to a certain position where the forming roll first contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cap. After the rotation angle for rotating the container to the near side is calculated and transferred to the molding table side, the container is rotated in the forward direction or the reverse direction based on the rotation angle signal.
[0021]
In other words, the angle difference between the mark position on the shoulder of the container and the set reference position of the mark is calculated, and the container rotates forward or backward from the mark position based on the signal of the angle difference. Is done. In this case, the step of detecting the mark on the shoulder of the container and the step of rotating the container are not performed on the same molding table side, but are distributed as independent processes, and the container is placed on the molding table side. The mark is detected before being delivered, and the container is marked based on the signal of the angle difference between the mark position detected after the container is delivered to the molding table and the set reference position of the mark. It is rotated in the forward direction or the reverse direction from the position. As a result, only the positioning of the container is performed based on the detection signal on the molding table side, so there is no need to rotate the container in order to detect the mark on the shoulder of the container, and the container positioning control Can be simplified and the speed of the apparatus can be increased.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the present invention will be described based on specific examples. First, a drive mechanism including a capping device as an object of the present invention will be described. The capping device is provided on a screwless cap that covers a mouth portion (hereinafter referred to as a container mouth portion) of a threaded container shown in FIGS. It is a roll-on capping device that performs molding such as thread cutting and skirt tightening. Here, the threading process is not a process of cutting the cap, but a process of plastically deforming the peripheral surface of the cap into a screw shape according to the thread formed in the container mouth.
[0023]
FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a capper 7F of a capping device 100. The capper 7F has a molding table 3 on which containers 1 covered with a cap 2 are placed at regular intervals, and a cylindrical shaft that supports the molding table 3. 3a is rotatably held by a fixed shaft 4 standing vertically, and the fixed shaft 4 includes an inner fixed shaft 4a and an outer fixed shaft 4b that can move up and down. A plurality of sets of body guides 5 and neck guides 6 for holding the body portion of the container 1 are provided on the upper surface of the molding table 3 in accordance with the pitch of the placement portion of the container 1.
[0024]
A frame turret 7 that rotates integrally with the molding table 3 around the fixed shaft 4 is provided above the molding table 3. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the frame turret 7 is constituted by three upper, middle, and lower disk portions 7A, 7B, and 7C. The frame turret 7 is held on the molding table 3 at the outer peripheral portion of the frame turret 7. A spindle unit 8 is held at a position corresponding to the vertically upper side of the container 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a capper 7 </ b> F provided with a plurality of molding heads 12 includes an inlet turret 7 </ b> D that supplies the container 1 to the inlet side (turret IN) of the molding table 3, and the molding table 3. An outlet turret 7E for transporting the container 1 discharged from the outlet side (turret OUT) to the next process is provided to constitute the capping device 100.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the spindle unit 8 is moved up and down with respect to the container 1 and is driven to rotate. The spindle unit 8 is fixed to the inside of the hollow shaft 8a and has a predetermined lower end. A pressure rod 8c having a hole 8b of a depth, a pressure block 9 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the pressure rod 8c and having a shape for deforming the corner portion 2a of the cap 2, and an inside of the hole 8b The spring 8d that has been inserted and has a predetermined elastic force, the hole 8b, and the pressure block 9 are arranged inside and are urged downward by the spring 8d and pressed against the upper surface (upper plane) of the cap 2. A rod-shaped pressing member (push pin) 10 that can move up and down and rotate in a state of being on the outer periphery of the hollow shaft 8a and has a cone cam 11a at the lower end. And a sleeve 11.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a lower part of the spindle unit 8. The pressing member 10 is provided with a head 10c at the lower end, and receives a predetermined elastic force from a spring 8d at the center of the shaft. An outer edge portion 10a is provided. Further, a bush 10b is provided between the lower peripheral surface of the outer edge portion 10a and the inner surface of the pressure block 9 to hold the pressing member 10 so as to be movable up and down and rotatable. Inside the pressure block 9, a pressure pad 8g for accommodating the head portion 10c of the pressing member 10 in contact with the upper surface of the cap 2, a spring 8e for biasing the pressure pad 8g downward, and the pressure pad 8g are integrated. The pin 8f which moves up and down between the hole part of the pressure block 9 and its peripheral part is provided.
[0027]
Moreover, since the pressing member 10 contacts the upper surface of the cap 2 that covers the container mouth portion 1b, the container 1 body (container mouth portion 1b) is not only used to prevent the cap 2 from being obliquely covered with the container mouth portion 1b. This is also used to prevent slipping (sliding between the container 1 and a container mounting table 43, which will be described later) during rotation. The head 10c of the pressing member 10 that is rotatable and biased downward by the spring 8d preferably has a disk shape so as not to damage the upper surface of the cap 2. Further, when the container 1 without the cap 2 is supplied, the pressing portion 10 is not raised and the forming roll 13 and the lock roll 14 are not closed (in order to prevent damage to the container mouth portion 1b). ), The cross-sectional dimension of the head 10c of the pressing member 10 is made smaller than the inner diameter of the container mouth portion 1b.
[0028]
Further, a molding head 12 that rotates with the hollow shaft 8a and moves up and down is attached to the lower end portion of the spindle unit 8. In the drive mechanism shown in FIG. 1, the cam on the molding table 3 side (lower side) is called the lower cam, and the cam on the opposite side (upper side) toward the molding table 3 is called the upper cam.
[0029]
This forming head 12 has a conventionally known structure, and two or three forming rolls 13 for threading the cap 2 and a pilfer proof band provided at the lower end of the cap 2. Two or three lock rolls 14 for skirting the skirt are provided. These rolls 13 and 14 are respectively held by a torsion spring 16 having a predetermined elastic force so as to move back and forth in the radial direction toward the central axis of the forming head 12, and the back and forth motion is controlled by the cone cam 11 a and the above-described cone cam 11 a. The cam follower 15 and the torsion spring 16 are in contact with each other.
[0030]
Here, the cam for moving the spindle unit 8 up and down and moving the cone cam 11a up and down will be described. Between the lower disc portion 7C and the intermediate disc portion 7B in the frame turret 7 described above. A frame body 17 extending outward in the radial direction from the fixed shaft 4 is provided. Two cam grooves 18 </ b> A and 18 </ b> B are formed along the circumferential direction at two locations above and below the outer peripheral surface of the frame body 17.
[0031]
In FIG. 1, a cam follower 19A engaged with the cam groove 18A of the upper cam is connected to a cylindrical member 9A that rotatably holds the hollow shaft 8a. Further, a cam follower 19B engaged with the cam groove 18B of the lower cam in FIG. 1 is connected to the sleeve 11 integral with the cone cam 11a.
[0032]
Therefore, when the spindle unit 8 revolves around the fixed shaft 4, each cam follower 19A, 19B travels along the cam grooves 18A, 18B. As a result, the cam follower 19A is configured such that the spindle unit 8 and the molding head 12 move up and down in accordance with the shape of the cam groove 18A, and the cam follower 19B moves up and down in accordance with the shape of the cam groove 18B. The operation by these cams will be described later.
[0033]
Next, a mechanism for rotating the molding head 12 via the spindle unit 8 will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 1, in order to simplify the configuration of the entire apparatus, a single power source (not shown) is configured to perform all operations, and the frame turret 7 is rotated together with the molding table 3. Accordingly, the hollow shaft 8a and the molding head 12 attached thereto are rotated. Specifically, the sun gear 20 is fixed to the upper part of the fixed shaft 4 slightly below the upper disk part 7A. A planetary gear 21 meshing with the sun gear 20 is rotatably held by an upper disk portion 7A of the frame turret 7.
[0034]
A first rotating shaft 22 penetrating the upper disk portion 7A is provided at a position adjacent to the planetary gear 21, and a lower end portion of the rotating shaft 22 is in the middle of meshing with the planetary gear 21. A drive timing pulley 24 is attached to an end portion to which the gear 23 is attached and protrudes upward from the disc portion 7A. Further, at a position close to each spindle unit 8 on the outer peripheral portion of the upper disc portion 7A, the end portion is rotatably held by the intermediate disc portion 7B through the upper disc portion 7A. Two rotating shafts 25 are provided. A driven timing pulley 26 that is paired with the drive timing pulley 24 is attached to the end of the second rotating shaft 25 protruding above the upper disc portion 7A. A driven gear 27 is attached to an intermediate portion of the second rotating shaft 25, that is, a portion located between the upper disc portion 7A and the intermediate disc portion 7B. The driven gear 27 meshes with the elongated gear 28 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the hollow shaft 8a.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 1, a timing belt 29 is wound around one predetermined driving timing pulley 24 and two driven timing pulleys 26 adjacent to each other. Further, a belt tensioner (not shown) that presses the slack side portion of the timing belt 29 toward the center of the travel path of the timing belt 29 is provided to take the extra length of the timing belt 29.
[0036]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an alignment mark (hereinafter simply referred to as a mark) 41 applied to the container shoulder 1a before being transferred to the container mounting table 43 on the molding table 3 side is detected. A detection camera 42, a disc-shaped container mounting table 43 that is provided in the peripheral portion (recessed portion) 3 b of the molding table 3 and rotatably holds the container 1, and is connected to the detection camera 42 and is connected to the detection camera 42. An angle calculation circuit 44 for transmitting an instruction signal for rotating the container mounting table (container) 43 on the basis of the output signal, and the container mounting table 43 in the forward direction or the reverse direction based on the signal from the angle calculation circuit 44. And a servo motor (motor with positioning function) 45 for rotating the motor. The angle calculation circuit 44 is connected to a servo controller 47 via a slip ring 46. The servo controller 47 controls the servo motor 45 based on the instruction signal transmitted from the angle calculation circuit 44. That is, the servo controller 47 outputs an instruction signal to the servo motor 45 to rotate and stop the rotating shaft 53 of the servo motor 45.
[0037]
The molding table 3 is provided with a through hole 48c through which the hollow shaft 48 passes, and the container mounting table 43 is connected to the tip of the hollow shaft 48 by a spline. Further, the hollow shaft 48 is provided with a suction mechanism 49 (rotor seal) at the other end, and a driven gear 50 is fastened with a key at the upper part thereof. The suction mechanism 49 is connected to a vacuum source (not shown) through the apparatus main body.
[0038]
A pocket 55 is formed on the outer periphery of the inlet turret 7D, and a suction hole 56 for sucking and holding the body of the container 1 is formed in the pocket 55, and is connected to a vacuum source (not shown).
[0039]
Further, since the driven gear 50 rolls in a state where it is meshed with the rotating gear 54 fixed to the rotating shaft 53 by the rotation of the servo motor 45, the torque is transmitted to the driven gear 50 so that the hollow shaft 48 and the container mounting are mounted. It rotates together with the mounting table 43.
[0040]
FIGS. 5 and 6 are views showing that the mark 41 is applied to the container shoulder 1a with colored ink or ink containing a fluorescent agent. In order to apply the mark 41 to the container shoulder 1a, an inkjet head is formed in the outer tool fixed to the outside of the container mouth 1b in a molding process in which a male screw is formed in the container mouth 1b in the line for manufacturing the container 1. (Not shown) is provided, and fluorescent ink and UV ink are ejected from the inkjet head in accordance with the start or end position of the male threaded portion of the container mouth portion 1b to mark the container shoulder 1a as a mark. It is preferable to give. The mark 41 by the ink jet head is applied at the time of male thread molding (processing) of the container mouth portion 1b. In this embodiment, by marking the mark 41 on the container shoulder 1a, the detection camera 42 can detect from above, so that it is not necessary to rotate the container 1 each time to find the position of the mark 41.
[0041]
According to the above configuration, the timing belt 29 and the timing pulleys 24 and 26 are arranged on the upper part of the upper disk portion 7A, so that they can be easily replaced, and each timing pulley in that case The belt length associated with the change in the number of teeth of 24 and 26 can be adjusted by a belt tensioner (not shown). That is, in these mechanisms, the rotation ratio between the drive timing pulley 24 and the driven timing pulley 26, that is, the planetary gear 21 and the spindle unit is changed by changing one or both of the timing pulleys 24 and 26 and changing the number of teeth. The number of spins of the forming head 12 can be adjusted by changing the rotation ratio with respect to 8.
[0042]
Next, the operation of the capping device 100 described above will be described. When the container 1 with the cap 2 placed on the container mouth 1b is transferred from the inlet turret 7D to the container mounting table 43 on the capper 7F side, the container 1 is held upright by the body guide 5 and the neck guide 6 described above. At the same time, the bottom of the container 1 is sucked and held by the suction mechanism 49. At that time, the forming head 12 is pulled up to the upper limit position, and the pressing member 10 is rotatably held with its tip directed downward by the elastic force of the spring 8d. This state is shown in FIG. Further, in the cam diagram of FIG. 11, the state is (1).
[0043]
Next, the upper surface of the cap 2 covering the container opening 1b on the neck guide 6 is pressed by the pressing member 10 incorporated in the molding head 12, and the container 1 is sandwiched between the container mounting table 43 and the pressing member 10. 6 in the forward direction (clockwise) or so that the circumferential position of the start end (hereinafter referred to as the male screw start end) 1c of the male screw portion of the container mouth portion 1b shown in FIG. The container 1 is rotated in the reverse direction (counterclockwise). The angle calculation circuit 44 outputs a rotation signal to the servo controller 47 via the slip ring 46 so as to rotate the container 1 in the closer direction of the forward direction or the reverse direction, and the servo motor 45. Drive. At this time, it is necessary that the pressure block 9 (which does not rotate) that press-deforms the corner portion 2 a of the cap 2 does not contact the cap 2.
[0044]
Specifically, the mark 41 applied to the container shoulder 1a is detected by the detection camera 42 before the container 1 is transferred from the inlet turret 7D side to the container mounting table 43 on the capper 7F side. Here, the angle calculation circuit 44 calculates an angle difference (rotation angle) between the preset reference position of the mark 41 and the mark 41 applied to the container shoulder 1a, and the rotation angle is 180 degrees. Depending on whether or not it is larger, the container mounting table 43 (container 1) is controlled by the servo motor 45 in the direction of the smaller rotation angle in the forward direction or in the opposite direction.
[0045]
Thus, by calculating the rotation angle θ2 by the angle calculation circuit 44, the container mounting table 43 can be rotated in either the forward direction or the reverse direction. Next, when the rotating shaft 53 of the servo motor 45 rotates according to the instruction signal from the servo controller 47, the rotating gear 54 rotates together with the rotating shaft 53. When the driven gear 50 that meshes with the rotating gear 54 rotates, the container mounting table 43 rotates with the driven gear 50 via the hollow shaft 48. This state is shown in FIG. Further, in the cam diagram of FIG. 11, the state is (2).
[0046]
Subsequently, as described above, the direction of the container 1, that is, the position of the male screw start end 1 c in the circumferential direction is aligned, and then the pressure block 9 is brought into contact with the corner portion 2 a of the cap 2 to be pressed and deformed. This state is shown in FIG. Further, in the cam diagram of FIG. 11, the state is (3).
[0047]
In the case of the step (2) in which the container 1 is rotated with the upper surface of the cap 2 being pressed by the pressing member 10, the upper cam is moved from the state (1) to the bottom dead center at a time. In order to rotate the container 1, it is necessary to lower the forming head 12 step by step from the state (2) to the state (3).
[0048]
However, when the container 1 is securely adsorbed and held, the container 1 can be rotated even in the state (1) in which the upper surface of the cap 2 is not pressed by the pressing member 10, so that the upper cam is lowered. It is not necessary to stop temporarily.
[0049]
Next, the cone cam 11 a descends according to the cam groove 18 </ b> B of the lower cam, and the forming roll 13 spins and rotates around the cap 2, so that the female thread portion is formed on the cap 2. In this step, the position at which the forming roll 13 abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the cap 2 is within a range where the press pin angle is 50 degrees or less, preferably 5 degrees or more and less than 20 degrees, forward from the male screw starting end portion 1c. Is set as follows. In consideration of errors in the circumferential position of the male threaded portion of the container mouth and mechanical and electrical response errors such as slip, screw molding may be defective if the press pin angle is less than 5 degrees. In addition, when the press pin angle is 50 degrees or more, a roll-up roll scratch that affects the opening is likely to occur. Therefore, it is most preferable that the contact position of the forming roll 13 is set to a press pin angle of 5 to 20 degrees forward of the male screw start end portion 1c. This state is shown in FIG. Further, in the cam diagram of FIG. 11, the state is (4).
[0050]
Next, by setting the contact point of the forming roll 13, the position at which the forming roll 13 is separated from the position of the male screw terminal portion 1d in the circumferential direction of the container mouth portion 1b is determined. Therefore, by setting the contact point, the escape position of the forming roll 13 with respect to the male screw terminal portion 1d of the container mouth portion 1b can be specified in the circumferential direction, and a roll-shaped roll scratch is formed on the screw end portion of the cap 2. Can be reliably prevented.
[0051]
Next, the process of performing threading and performing hem fastening on the lower end of the cap 2 will be described below.
[0052]
First, as shown in FIG. 1, when the frame turret 7 rotates around the fixed shaft 4, the planetary gear 21 rotates while being engaged with the sun gear 20, so that the planetary gear 21 rotates. Therefore, the hollow shaft 8a rotates through the planetary gear 21 and the intermediate gear 23, the timing pulleys 24 and 26, the timing belt 29, the driven gear 27, and the elongated gear 28. As a result, the forming head 12 rotates together with the hollow shaft 8a.
[0053]
Next, when the frame turret 7 further rotates, the cam follower 19B of the lower cam further descends according to the shape of the cam groove 18B. As a result, the cam follower 15 in contact with the cone cam 11 a is displaced toward the center of the cap 2, and accordingly, the rolls 13 and 14 move in a direction approaching the cap 2.
[0054]
Next, the forming roll 13 rotates around the cap 2 while being pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the cap 2. Therefore, in a portion where a thread (male thread) is formed in the container mouth portion 1b, the peripheral surface of the cap 2 is deformed along the thread and so-called threading is performed. Further, the lock roll 14 performs a skirt fastening process in which the lower end portion of the cap 2, that is, the lower end portion of the pill fuff proof band is pressed toward the center side of the cap 2 to be deformed.
[0055]
In this state, since the frame turret 7 rotates around the fixed shaft 4, threading is performed on the peripheral surface of the cap 2, and skirt tightening is performed on the lower end portion of the pill faproof band on the entire periphery of the cap 2. In the process, the forming roll 13 swirls and spirals down along the thread formed in the container mouth portion 1 b, and as a result, a female screw portion is formed in the cap 2. The number of spins for threading by the forming roll 13 is determined by the rotation ratio (transmission ratio) from the planetary gear 21 to the elongated gear 28 of the spindle unit 8 described above. In the configuration shown in FIG. Since the rotation ratio can be set as appropriate, the number of spins can be changed so as to reduce the turning angle for extra spin relative to the number of turns of the male thread portion of the container mouth portion 1b. The state where the forming roll 13 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cap 2 where the thread of the male screw portion 1b does not exist can be reduced as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of roll-up roll damage and to avoid a situation such as increasing the torque required to open the cap 2. That is, if a roll flaw is formed along the circumferential direction in which no thread exists from the male screw terminal portion 1d of the container mouth portion 1b, it becomes a factor of increasing the opening torque of the cap 2. In this embodiment, since the occurrence of the roll-up roll damage that deteriorates the opening performance is prevented, the opening performance is improved, and the cap 2 is smoothly screwed in when the plug is re-plugged. In addition, it is possible to reliably obtain a feeling that the cap 2 has been tightened.
[0056]
Next, when the frame turret 7 further rotates from this state, the cam follower 19B of the lower cam in FIG. 1 moves upward according to the shape of the cam groove 18B, and as a result, the cone cam 11a is pulled up. 13 and 14 are moved away from the cap 2.
[0057]
Next, the cam followers 19A and 19B move upward in accordance with the shape of the cam grooves 18A and 18B. As a result, the entire molding head 12 is pulled up above the container 1 and reaches a top dead center. Ends. The container 1 after capping is discharged from the molding table 3 via the outlet turret 7E and sent to the next process such as inspection / packaging.
[0058]
Next, a method for setting (positioning) the forming roll 13 will be described below.
[0059]
First, the setting operation (process) of the forming roll 13 is performed at a position where the operation is easy to perform, for example, in the above-described state (3), that is, at a rotation angle of 170 degrees where the forming roll starts to move. At that position, the molding head 12 is stopped. Therefore, the fastener (fixing means) 26a for fixing the rotating shaft 25 and the driven timing pulley 26 shown in FIG. 1 is loosened. When the fastener 26a is loosened, the molding head 12 becomes rotatable. Therefore, a molding roll incorporated in the molding head 12 (a specific molding roll when a difference in pressing force is provided between the plurality of molding rolls 13). Is moved to the position of the reference mark K. In brief, a setting jig (not shown) is attached to the neck guide 6 and the forming roll 13 is set at a predetermined position. Thereafter, the fastener 26 a is tightened, and the driven timing pulley 26 is fixed to the rotating shaft 25. Thus, the positioning of the forming roll 13 is similarly performed in each forming head 12.
[0060]
Further, when the forming head 12 includes a plurality of forming rolls 13, the torsion spring of the forming roll 13 is matched to the shape (parallel screw, taper screw, etc.) of the male thread formed in the container mouth 1 b. The cap 2 can be threaded by applying strength to the 16 elastic forces.
[0061]
For example, when the forming head 12 includes two forming rolls 13, the first forming roll (1ST roll) 13 is brought into contact with the cap 2 at a press pin angle of 10 degrees with respect to the male screw starting end portion 1 c. When contact is made, the second roll (2ND roll) 13 on the opposite side of the position starts to come into contact with the cap 2 at the position on the opposite side. Then, the second forming roll 13 rolls so as to trace the valley portion of the female screw portion of the cap 2, which has been screw-formed by the first forming roll 13, with a half-round delay from the first forming roll 13. Then, the female screw part is formed twice. As the final stage, when the first forming roll 13 reaches the screw end portion and is released, the second forming roll is also released from the outer peripheral surface of the cap 2 at the same timing. With respect to, only the first molding roll 13 is threaded once, and the second molding roll 13 is not threaded and the threading is finished.
[0062]
Therefore, by setting the elastic force to be slightly stronger or weaker than the torsion spring 16 of the second forming roll 13 in accordance with the shape of the screw, the torsion spring 16 of the first forming roll 13 is adjusted. The shape can be stabilized.
[0063]
In that case, it is preferable that the first forming roll 13 and the second forming roll 13 be identified in advance, and the specific forming roll 13 is rotated so as to be at the position of the reference mark K. Align it.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 4, the molding heads 12 are arranged at equal intervals at the outer peripheral position of the capper 7F. Here, if the orientations of the molding rolls 13 incorporated in the molding heads 12 are all set in the same direction, the number of spins of the molding roll 13 is an integral multiple within the capping range (60 degrees in the figure). When screw forming is performed, the position where the forming roll 13 contacts the cap 2 is constant no matter how many times the capper 7F revolves.
[0065]
However, when screw forming is performed with a fractional number of spins of 2.2 times, 2.3 times, etc., the direction of the forming roll 13 is shifted from the initial set position while the capper 7F makes one revolution. As a result, there arises a problem that a knurl occurs in alignment with the male screw start end portion 1c.
[0066]
In view of this, the angle calculation circuit having an angle position adjusting function for angle correction is provided in the apparatus shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 so as to be able to cope with screw forming when the spin number has a fraction other than an integer. 44a is provided. The angle calculation circuit 44a has a function of correcting the rotation angle based on the deviation angle θ1 of the forming roll 13 when the capper 7F makes one revolution. Next, an example of a mechanism including the angle calculation circuit 44a will be described.
[0067]
The angle calculation circuit 44 a includes a mark detection device 51 and a rotation angle calculation device 52. A detection camera 42 and a rotation angle calculation device 52 are connected to the mark detection device 51, and are connected to a servo controller 47 via a slip ring 46. Note that the mark angle information J2 is input to the rotation angle calculation device 52, and the rotation angle θ2 is calculated.
[0068]
FIGS. 16 and 17 are views showing a part of the drive system in the molding head 12, and at least one of all the molding heads 12 in the capper 7F is a molding head 12 (hereinafter referred to as an angle detector 102). Is called a specific head). An arrow Z shown in FIG. 17 indicates the revolution direction of the spindle unit 8. In addition to the drive mechanism of the capping device 100 shown in FIG. 2, this drive system rotates so that the rotation speed ratio with the spindle unit 8 (elongated gear 28) is 1: 1 as shown in FIG. An angle detector 102 that includes a driven shaft 101 and detects a rotation angle of the driven shaft 101 is provided.
[0069]
Further, a joint portion 104 connected to the driven shaft 101 is provided on the shaft 103 of the angle detector 102. The disk portion 7A is provided with a fixing base 105 for fixing the angle detector 102. The fixed base 105 is provided perpendicular to the disc portion 7A along the axial direction of the driven shaft 101. The fixing base 105 is fixed to the upper surface of the disc portion 7A with a bolt so as to be cantilevered.
[0070]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 17, first, when the planetary gear 21 meshed with the sun gear 20 revolves in the clockwise direction (the direction indicated by the arrow Z) while rotating, the intermediate gear 23 meshed with the planetary gear 21 is interposed. As a result, the drive timing pulley 24 rotates counterclockwise. Next, since the timing belt 29 is wound around each of the timing pulleys 24 and 26, the driven timing pulley 26 also rotates counterclockwise by the rotation of the driving timing pulley 24. Next, since the driven gear 27 is rotated by the rotation of the driven timing pulley 26, the elongated gear 28 meshed with the driven gear 27 is rotated in the clockwise direction. When the driven gear 27 rotates, the shaft 103 of the angle detector 102 rotates in the clockwise direction via the connecting gear 106 and the joint portion 104.
[0071]
In this embodiment, an angle calculation circuit 44a is used to correct the deviation angle θ1 of the forming roll 13 when the capper 7F makes one revolution, and the angle calculation circuit 44a causes the forming to shift when the capper 7F makes one revolution. Based on the shift angle θ1 of the roll 13, control was performed to correct the amount of rotation of each container 1 so that the position at which the forming roll 13 hits the cap 2 is always a specific position. FIGS. 12 and 13 show examples of the control. FIG. 12 shows the initial setting, and the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 is for each timing signal M generated when each molding head 12 passes the reference position L. Repeatedly.
[0072]
4 and 12, when initial setting is performed, all the molding heads 12 in the capper 7F are aligned with the molding rolls 13 (any position may be used, but in this embodiment, the rotation angle is set to 170 degrees). Until the forming roll 13 is aligned with the reference mark K (step S1). FIG. 14 shows the alignment position of the forming roll 13 with respect to the reference mark K.
[0073]
In other words, in step S1, all of the rolls of the capper 7F have a rotation angle of 170 degrees so that the center of the forming roll (two forming rolls in FIG. 14) is between the center of the capper 7F and the reference mark K. The molding head 12 is aligned. The molding head 12 is provided with two lock rolls 14 in addition to the two molding rolls 13.
[0074]
After the positions of all the forming heads 12 are set in the above step S1, the frame turret 7 is rotated to the reference position L (rotation angle 0 degree position), and the rotation angle of the angle detector 102 of the specific head is 0 degree. (Step S2). Then, the frame turret 7 is revolved once, and the detection value (rotation angle) of the angle detector 102 of the specific head is read as the deviation angle θ1 at the reference position L of the frame turret 7, and the initial setting is completed (step S3). .
[0075]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control during operation (during operation) of the apparatus, and FIG. 15 is a view showing an apparatus provided with the angle detector 102. First, the reference position timing signal M of the frame turret 7 is inputted. Then, it is determined whether the head is a specific head (step S11). If it is determined affirmative in step S11, it is determined whether or not the specific head is rotated for the first time after the initial setting (step S12).
[0076]
If it is determined as affirmative in step S12, the detected value of the angle detector 102 of the specific head at the reference position L of the frame turret 7 is set as the deviation angle θ1 at one revolution as shown in FIG. Is output (step S13). On the other hand, based on the detection signal of the mark 41 detected from the detection camera 42, the mark angle information J2 is output from the mark detection device 51.
[0077]
Therefore, the rotation angle θ4 is calculated (calculated) based on the information of the deviation angle information J1 and the mark angle information J2, and the container 1 is placed in such a manner that the position where the forming roll 13 contacts the cap 2 is always a specific position. A rotation command (output signal) J3 for rotating at a rotation angle θ4 is output to the servo controller 47 via the slip ring 46 (step S14).
[0078]
Next, based on the rotation command J3 output in step S14, the servo motor 45 corresponding to each molding head 12 is rotated to rotate each container 1 on the container mounting table 43 (step S15).
[0079]
If it is determined negative in step S12, the value of the angle detector 102 at that time is read, and the value is output as the deviation angle information J1 to the rotation angle calculation device 52, and the previous deviation angle θ1 is updated. (Step S16), and then the process proceeds to Steps S14 and S15 to return to the start and repeat.
[0080]
Therefore, if it is determined in step S11 that there is a molding head 12 after the specific head, the rotation angle θ4 is calculated in step S14, and each molding head 12 is calculated based on the rotation command J3 in step S15. The servo motor 45 corresponding to is rotated in the same manner as described above, and the container 1 on the container mounting table 43 is rotated.
[0081]
Eventually, by performing the control in steps S1 to S16, the angle detector 102 detects the positional deviation angle θ1 when the specific head revolves once. After the initial setting is completed, the device is operated by each control. At the same time, since the deviation angle θ1 is assigned to each forming head 12 while the specific head makes one revolution, correction is made in the circumferential direction of the male screw portion formed in the container mouth portion before the cap screw is formed. The position can be accurately defined.
[0082]
It is possible to perform both the detection process of detecting the mark 41 on the molding table 3 side and the rotation process of rotating the container 1, but the molding head 12 exists above the container 1. Therefore, it is necessary to rotate the container 1 in order to detect the mark 41 from the side of the container 1 (container trunk, container shoulder 1a). Therefore, in this embodiment, the two processes are distributed so that the rotation control for rotating the container 1 and the detection means for detecting the mark 41 need not be provided for each molding head 12. It was. As a result, the circuit can be simplified. This process can also be applied to the case where the mark 41 is applied to the body of the container 1. However, in order to simplify the circuit for the reasons described above, the mark 41 is preferably applied to the container shoulder 1a. .
[0083]
Here, the relationship between the above-described specific example and the invention of any one of claims 1 to 4 will be briefly described. The container mounting table 43 described above corresponds to the holding unit in the invention of claim 1, and the detection camera. The rotation control mechanism for rotating the container mounting base 43 based on the output signal from the position 42 corresponds to the position setting means in the invention of claim 1, and the servo controller 47 further rotates in the invention of claim 2. The spring 8d and the pressing member 10 correspond to the cap pressing portion in the invention of claim 3, the detection camera 42 corresponds to the mark detection means in the invention of claim 4, and the angle calculation. The circuits 44 and 44a correspond to the angle calculation means in the invention of claim 4, and the servo motor 45 corresponds to the motor with positioning function in the invention of claim 4. To. Further, the shape of the container is not limited as long as a male screw part is formed in the container mouth part, and a container having a bottom lid attached to the lower end part of the container body part, or the container body part and the container bottom part. May be a container in which the container is integrally formed, or a cylindrical container in which the bottom of the container is opened.
[0084]
In addition to the servo motor, a stepping motor can also be used as the positioning function motor.
[0085]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mark given to the shoulder portion of the container is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If it is a configuration that can detect and calculate the rotation angle by detecting the position of the male screw start end or male screw end, the position of the mark given to the barrel of the container or the position of the male screw of the container mouth It is also possible to use symbols, characters, barcodes, etc. printed on the outer surface of the container for a specific relationship, and directly detect the male screw part of the container mouth before covering the container mouth. The circumferential direction alignment of the male screw portion of the container mouth portion may be performed.
[0086]
Further, in this embodiment, alignment is performed so that the position of the male screw start end portion is a predetermined position, but if the position in the circumferential direction of the male screw portion of the container mouth portion is specified, It is also possible to perform circumferential alignment at the position of the male screw terminal.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the container is held and rotated by the holding portion at a position where the screw can be formed by the forming roll, it is formed in the container mouth before the screw is formed on the cap. It is possible to accurately define the circumferential position of the male screw portion. Therefore, it is possible to reliably adjust the timing at which the forming roll is released in accordance with the end point of screw forming (the screw end portion of the cap), and prevent the roll end portion of the cap from being flipped up. In addition, it is possible to provide an excellent effect for opening or reclosing the cap.
[0088]
Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the container having a mark on the shoulder so as to specify the circumferential position of the male screw part is Since the position of the mark is controlled so as to rotate in the forward direction or the opposite direction so that it is at the set reference position, the container can be placed in the direction of the container from the mark on the container shoulder, that is, even when the container is covered with a cap. The circumferential position of the male screw in the mouth can be easily detected without rotating the container, and the container can be rotated in a direction that requires less rotation angle in either the forward or reverse direction. The container can be quickly aligned.
[0089]
Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of claim 1 or 2, rotation for aligning the container is performed while pressing the upper surface of the cap over the mouth of the container. In the case of an actual container filled with the contents of the container, the contents can be prevented from jumping out or spilling out from the mouth of the container.
[0090]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the step of detecting the mark on the container shoulder and the step of rotating the container can be performed separately. Therefore, it is not necessary to detect the mark on the molding table side, and the detection signal can be easily processed. As a result, the circumferential direction of the male thread formed in the container mouth before the threading of the cap is formed. The position can be defined quickly and accurately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a capping device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a capping device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a lower part of the spindle unit shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a schematic plan view showing a drive mechanism including the apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a top view showing marks provided on the shoulder portion of the container.
FIG. 6 is a side view showing marks provided on a container shoulder.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an initial setting process of a container.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a container turning step.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a pressing deformation process of a corner portion of a cap.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the steps of screw forming and skirt fastening processing.
FIG. 11 is a cam diagram of cams (upper cam and lower cam).
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the capping device according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control following the flowchart shown in FIG. 12;
14 is a schematic top view for explaining the reference mark shown in FIG. 4. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the capping device according to the present invention.
16 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a driven mechanism including an angle detector of the apparatus shown in FIG.
17 is a schematic top view showing a driven mechanism including an angle detector of the apparatus shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Container, 1b ... Container mouth part, 2 ... Cap, 3 ... Molding table, 13 ... Molding roll, 43 ... Container mounting base, 48 ... Hollow shaft, 50 ... Driven gear.

Claims (4)

After covering the mouth of the container with a metal cap, the forming roll is brought into contact with the periphery of the cap and rolled along the circumferential direction of the male screw portion previously formed in the mouth of the container. In the capping device for forming the female screw portion in the cap,
Holding the container at a position where screw forming by the forming roll is possible, and a rotatable holding part;
Before the molding roll contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cap, the circumferential position of the male screw portion is a predetermined position with respect to a certain position where the molding roll contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cap. And a position setting means for rotating the container together with the holding portion. The position setting means is configured so that a container provided with a mark on the shoulder of the container is positioned in a forward direction so that the position of the mark is at a set reference position so as to specify a position in a circumferential direction of the male screw part. The capping device according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation control unit that controls to rotate in the opposite direction. A cap pressing part that presses the upper surface of the cap so as to contact the mouth of the container to hold the cap against the mouth of the container and rotates together with the container is provided. Item 3. The capping device according to Item 1 or 2. A forming table that mounts a container around a fixed axis and rotates and conveys it horizontally, and is arranged to be movable up and down above the forming table, and a threading process is performed on the cap with a metal cap placed on the mouth of the container In a capping device provided with a molding head that performs hem fastening on the lower end of the cap,
Before the delivery to the molding table side, the position of the male screw portion in the circumferential direction is specified, mark detection means for detecting a mark applied to the container and outputting the signal,
The one closer to the preset reference position of the mark so that the position in the circumferential direction of the male screw portion is in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to a certain position where the forming roll first contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cap Angle calculating means for calculating a rotation angle for rotating the container in either the forward direction or the reverse direction based on the output signal of the mark detection means;
And a motor with a positioning function for rotating the container in the forward direction or the reverse direction based on the rotation angle signal obtained by the angle calculation means after being transferred to the molding table side. A capping device characterized by that.

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