JP5783691B2 - container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a container and a transport device that transports the container.

For example, in convenience stores and the like, containers filled with beverages such as beverage cans and plastic bottles are placed on a display device housed in a display case, for example, and placed on the market. And such a display apparatus is arrange | positioned in the state inclined, for example so that a container might move ahead of a display case with dead weight of the container itself. When one container on the near side (front row) is extracted, the subsequent container moves to the near side by its own weight.
Here, a plastic flat plate, for example, is provided at a place where the container of the display device is placed because of the good sliding property of the container. In recent years, a display device in which a large number of rotatable rollers are arranged has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, the container is generally refilled from the rear side of the display device, but the container can be loaded from the front side, and the container moved to the back side is moved to the front side again and displayed. A display device has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Further, as a container, a can has been proposed in which inner concave portions and vertical ribs are alternately formed in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral wall of an annular convex portion formed on the can bottom (see, for example, Patent Document 3). ).

JP-A-11-155701 US Pat. No. 6,502,408 JP 2000-211162 A

  Here, in many cases, a mark such as a trade name or a trade name is provided on the outer surface of the container. If this mark can be directed in a specific direction, the appearance of the container can be improved. It becomes possible. Further, if the mark can be directed in a specific direction, the purchaser of the container becomes more aware of the mark, and an advertising effect is likely to occur. By the way, if the mark can be directed not only in one direction but also in a direction different from this one direction, it is possible to increase variations in container arrangement at the time of selling the container, for example.

  The container to which the present invention is applied is a container that is put into an apparatus having a rotation mechanism part that includes a movement path along which the container moves and includes a plurality of apparatus side protrusions protruding from the side of the movement path into the movement path. A container body having an outer peripheral surface with a mark and a container body projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the container body, and the container main body follows the movement path of the apparatus in a state where the mark does not face a predetermined direction. A plurality of container-side protrusions that rotate the container body in the circumferential direction by sequentially contacting the apparatus-side protrusions when moving, and direct the mark in a specific direction. Provided on the device side protrusions in other rotation mechanism units with different arrangement patterns of protrusions, or other rotation mechanism units with different arrangement patterns of device side protrusions, and other movement paths different from the movement paths To other rotating mechanism A container which is characterized in that is provided to be in contact with the kicking device side projection.

  Here, each of the plurality of container side protruding portions may be characterized by protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the container body toward the radial direction of the container body. Each of the plurality of container-side protrusions may be formed in a rod shape or a plate-like body formed along the height direction of the container body. Furthermore, each of the plurality of container-side protrusions can be characterized in that the positions of the container main body in the height direction are shifted from each other. In addition, some of the plurality of container-side protrusions may be provided in a state where the positions in the height direction of the container are aligned.

  Furthermore, a cap that closes the opening formed in the upper portion of the container body, and a lower portion of the cap that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the container body toward the radial direction of the container body and annularly extends along the circumferential direction of the container body. An annular protrusion formed, and each of the plurality of container-side protrusions is formed at a lower portion of the annular protrusion. Moreover, the outer edge part which each of several container side protrusion part has is located in the container main body side rather than the outer periphery of an annular protrusion part, It can be characterized by the above-mentioned. Furthermore, the container main body rotates in the circumferential direction by sequentially contacting the plurality of container side protrusions with the device side protrusions in the other rotation mechanism, and the mark on the container main body faces a specific direction. be able to. The plurality of container-side protrusions are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the container body, and the plurality of container-side protrusions sequentially contact the device-side protrusions provided on the rotation mechanism unit. The container body rotates in the circumferential direction, and one container-side protrusion having a predetermined positional relationship with the container body mark comes into contact with the apparatus-side protrusion at the end so that the mark faces a specific direction. The container body protruding portion sequentially comes into contact with the apparatus side protruding portion provided in the other rotation mechanism section, so that the container body rotates in the circumferential direction and has a predetermined positional relationship with the mark on the container body. One of the container-side protrusions provided different from the one of the container-side protrusions comes into contact with the device-side protrusion of the other rotation mechanism part lastly, so that the mark faces a specific direction. Can do.

  When the present invention is regarded as a transport device, the transport device to which the present invention is applied has an outer peripheral surface with a mark, and a plurality of container-side protrusions having different positions in the circumferential direction are within a predetermined range in the circumferential direction. A transporting device for transporting the container formed in the container, wherein the transporting means moves the container along a predetermined movement path, and is disposed at a plurality of locations in the moving direction of the container and has a position in the height direction. The device side protrusions are arranged so as to be shifted from each other and protrude in the movement path. By sequentially contacting the device side protrusions with the container side protrusions of the moving container, the container is rotated in the circumferential direction and the mark is specified. A rotation mechanism portion directed in a direction, wherein the rotation mechanism portion is detachably provided and can be replaced with another rotation mechanism portion having a different arrangement pattern of the device side protrusions A transfer device for the symptoms.

  The mark attached to the container can be directed not only in one direction but also in a direction different from this one direction.

It is the figure which showed the container container in which the several container was accommodated. It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing process of a container container. The top view and side view of a 1st conveying apparatus are shown. It is sectional drawing in the IV-IV line in FIG. 3 (B). It is a figure for demonstrating a container. It is a figure for demonstrating a container. It is the figure which showed operation | movement of the container in a 1st conveying apparatus. It is a top view etc. of a 2nd conveying apparatus. It is the figure which showed the other operation example of the container. It is a figure for demonstrating a container. It is a figure for demonstrating a container. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of a 1st conveying apparatus and a container. It is the figure which showed the other operation example of the container. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of a 2nd conveying apparatus and a container. It is the figure which showed the other operation example of the container. It is the figure which showed another example of the 1st conveying apparatus. It is the figure which showed operation | movement of the container in a 1st conveying apparatus. It is the figure which showed an example of the display apparatus. It is the figure which showed operation | movement of the container in a display apparatus. It is the figure which showed the other operation example of the container. It is the figure which showed the other operation example of the container.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a view showing a container container 200 in which a plurality of containers 20 are stored.
A container container 200 shown in the figure includes a box-like body 210 having a bottom surface and four side surfaces. Here, in the example shown in the figure, six containers 20 are accommodated in a lattice shape with respect to the box-shaped body 210. In other words, six containers 20 are accommodated in a state of 2 columns × 3 rows. Such a container container 200 is displayed in, for example, a convenience store or a supermarket.

  Here, each container 20 has the identification mark 23 which enables identification with other goods, such as a brand name and a brand name, on an outer peripheral surface. Here, the identification mark 23 given to each of the three containers 20 located in one row (located in one row on the front side in the figure) faces the lower left direction which is the same direction. In other words, it faces the outer side of the box-shaped body 210 and the lower left direction in the figure. Moreover, the identification mark 23 attached | subjected to each of the three containers 20 located in the other row | line | column (located in the other row | line | column of the back side in the figure) has faced the upper right direction in the figure. In other words, the identification mark 23 attached to each of the three containers 20 located in the other row faces the same direction by facing the upper right direction in the figure. More specifically, the identification mark 23 given to each of the three containers 20 located in the other row is directed outward of the box-shaped body 210.

  Here, when each container 20 is arranged so that the identification mark 23 faces the outer side of the box-shaped body 210, the appearance of the container container 200 during display is improved. Further, although the advertisement of the container 20 or the like is generally performed by a television commercial or the like, the advertisement effect is also produced when the identification mark 23 faces the outside of the box-like body 210 as in this embodiment. It becomes like this. More specifically, when the identification mark 23 faces the outer side of the box-shaped body 210, the purchaser of the container 20 can more reliably recognize the identification mark 23, and the advertising effect of the container 20 is improved. It comes to occur.

  In addition, although the broken line is displayed in FIG. 1, the container container 200 has a configuration including a lid member 220. In addition, when the container container 200 is shipped from a factory or the like, the upper part of the container 20 is covered with the lid member 220 integrated with the box-like body 210. More specifically, when the container container 200 is shipped from a factory or the like, the six containers 20 are packed with the packing material 230 constituted by the box-shaped body 210 and the lid member 220. . And in this embodiment, when displaying in a supermarket etc., the cover member 220 is removed and as shown in the figure, the container 20 is displayed in the state which the upper part side of the container 20 exposed.

Next, the manufacturing process of the container container 200 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing process of the container container 200.
In the manufacturing process of the container container 200, as shown in FIG. 2, the first conveying device 30 that conveys the container 20 that is provided on the left side in the drawing and filled with the beverage and the beverage that is provided on the right side in the drawing are filled. And a second transfer device 40 for transferring the container 20.

  Here, the first transport device 30 transports the container 20 in one direction along the transport path, and turns the container 20 in the circumferential direction to direct the identification mark 23 attached to the container 20 to the left side of the transport path. . Moreover, the 1st conveying apparatus 30 conveys the container 20 in the state in which the identification mark 23 turned to the left side to the packing process not shown. The second transport device 40 transports the container 20 in one direction along the transport path, and turns the container 20 in the circumferential direction to direct the identification mark 23 attached to the container 20 to the right side of the transport path. Moreover, the 2nd conveying apparatus 40 conveys the container 20 in the state in which the identification mark 23 turned right side to the packing process not shown.

  Here, the containers 20 transported by the first transport device 30 and having the identification mark 23 facing the left side of the transport path are stopped in the packing step in a state of being arranged in a line. Further, the containers 20 conveyed by the second conveying device 40 and having the identification mark 23 facing the right side of the conveying path are also stopped in the packing process in a state of being arranged in a line. Thereafter, the packaging material 230 is packed for each of the six containers 20 at the head of the plurality of stopped containers 20. Thereby, the container container 200 described above is completed.

Here, the first transfer device 30 will be described in detail.
FIG. 3 shows a top view and a side view of the first transport device 30. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a top view, and FIG. 4B shows a left side view. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

  In the 1st conveying apparatus 30, as shown to FIG. 3 (A), the some roll-shaped member 311 is provided in the mounting part 31 in which the container 20 is mounted. More specifically, a first roller row 312 in which a plurality of roll-like members 311 are arranged in the front-rear direction and a second roller row 313 in which a plurality of roll-like members 311 are also arranged in the front-rear direction are provided. , Provided on the mounting portion 31. Here, in this embodiment, the container 20 moves on the roll-shaped member 311 by its own weight using the height difference (inclination of the placement portion 31). Note that the roll-shaped member 311 can be driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). Moreover, it replaces with well-known moving means, such as a belt conveyor, and the container 20 can also be moved ahead. The first transport device 30 is provided with a guide 32 for guiding the container 20. Here, the roll-shaped member 311, the guide 32, and the like can be regarded as moving means that moves the container 20 along a predetermined movement path.

  Further, the first transport device 30 includes a rotation mechanism 50 (an example of a rotation mechanism unit) that rotates the container 20 in the circumferential direction and directs the identification mark 23 attached to the container 20 toward the left side of the transport path. Here, the rotation mechanism 50 is attached to the rod-shaped member 51 and a rod-shaped member 51 provided along the movement path of the container 20 and above the mounting portion 31 as shown in FIG. 1st pin 521-6th pin 526 (an example of an apparatus side protrusion part) which protruded in the movement path | route of the container 20 are provided. Further, the rotation mechanism 50 includes a fixing member 53 that fixes the rod-shaped member 51 to the left guide 32 in the drawing. The first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 protrude from the left side of the movement path of the container 20 to the movement path. In addition, when the first transport device 30 is viewed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the moving direction of the container 20, the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 are moved from the right side of the moving path of the container 20 to the moving path. Protruding.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the first pin 521 is disposed on the most upstream side in the moving direction of the container 20, and the sixth pin 526 is disposed on the most downstream side. In addition, each of the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 is arranged with a certain gap. Further, the sixth pin 526 is disposed closest to the placement unit 31, and the fifth pin 525 is located at a position farthest from the placement unit 31. The fourth pin 524 is provided closer to the placement unit 31 than the fifth pin 525, the third pin 523 is provided closer to the placement unit 31 than the fourth pin 524, and the second pin 522 is provided to the third pin 523. The first pin 521 is provided closer to the placement unit 31 than the second pin 522. More specifically, each of the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 is arranged such that positions in the height direction are shifted from each other.

  The fixing member 53 is inserted into the left guide 32 in the drawing and is slidable with respect to the left guide 32. For this reason, in the 1st conveying apparatus 30 in this embodiment, it becomes possible to move the 1st pin 521-the 6th pin 526 to a height direction by sliding the fixing member 53 with respect to the guide 32 on the left side. Yes. In the present embodiment, a screw 54 for positioning the fixing member 53 on the left guide 32 is provided.

  More specifically with reference to FIG. 4, the left guide 32 includes a rectangular hole 32 </ b> A. In this embodiment, the fixing member 53 is slidably inserted into the hole 32A. The first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 can be moved in the height direction by sliding the fixing member 53 inserted into the hole 32A. Further, the fixing member 53 is pressed and fixed to the inner wall of the hole 32 </ b> A by a screw 54.

Next, the container 20 will be described.
5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the container 20. 5A shows a front view of the container 20, and FIG. 5B shows a left side view of the container 20. FIG. FIG. 6A shows a rear view of the container 20, and FIG. 6B shows a right side view of the container 20. 5A, 5 </ b> B, 6 </ b> A, and 6 </ b> B are cross-sectional views taken along line AA.

The container 20 in this embodiment has illustrated the container formed with resin materials, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). For example, such a container 20 can be manufactured by an injection molding (blow molding) method using a resin material or a blow molding method after forming a preform using a resin material.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the container 20 in the present embodiment has an opening (a drinking mouth) in the upper part, a container body 21 that is formed in a cylindrical shape and filled with a beverage therein, and an opening of the container body 21 And a cap 22 for closing the cover. A film F is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the container body 21.

  Here, on the film F, as shown in FIG. 5A, an identification mark 23 for distinguishing it from other products such as a product name and a trade name is printed. Further, the container 20 is formed on the upper part of the container body 21 (below the cap 22) so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 21 toward the radial direction of the container body 21 and to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the container body 21. The projecting portion 24 (an example of an annular projecting portion) is provided. Here, the protrusion 24 is formed integrally with the container body 21.

  In addition, the container 20 has rod-shaped first protrusions 241 to sixth protrusions 246 (an example of container-side protrusions) protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 21 toward the radial direction of the container body 21 at the lower part of the protrusion 24. I have. As described above, when the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 are formed at the lower part of the protrusion 24, the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 are less likely to be damaged during capping than when the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 are formed above the protrusion 24. Become. In addition, when the user operates the cap 22, the user's fingers are less likely to be caught on the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246. Note that the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 can also be arranged as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5C, the outer edge 248 of the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 is located closer to the container body 21 than the outer peripheral edge 249 of the protrusion 24. In such a configuration, the user's fingers are less likely to be caught on the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246.

  Here, each of the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 is arranged every 60 ° in the circumferential direction of the container 20. Further, each of the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 has a first protrusion 241, a second protrusion 242, a third protrusion 243, a fourth protrusion 244, and a fifth protrusion in the circumferential direction (clockwise direction) of the container 20. 245 and the sixth protrusion 246 are provided in this order. In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 are formed in a rod shape, but the length of the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 in the height direction of the container 20 is increased, and the first protrusion 241 to The 6th protrusion 246 can also be comprised with a plate-shaped object. In this case, the cross-sectional area of the joint portion between the container body 21 and the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 increases, and the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 are less likely to be damaged.

  Further, the first protrusion 241 is provided on the side opposite to the side where the identification mark 23 is provided and on the left side of the container 20 (left side with the axis (center of gravity) as a boundary) (FIG. 5). (See (A)). The sixth protrusion 246 is provided on the left side of the container 20 on the side where the identification mark 23 is provided (see FIG. 5A). Further, each of the second protrusion 242 to the fifth protrusion 245 is disposed between the first protrusion 241 and the sixth protrusion 246. In the height direction of the container 20, the first protrusion 241 is disposed at the uppermost position, and the sixth protrusion 246 is disposed at the lowermost position. Further, the second protrusion 242 to the fifth protrusion 245 are arranged in the order of the second protrusion 242, the third protrusion 243, the fourth protrusion 244, and the fifth protrusion 245 from the top to the bottom.

Next, the operation of the container 20 in the first transfer device 30 will be described. In the following description of the operation, the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 are displayed above the protruding portion 24 in order to make the drawing easier to see.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the container 20 in the first transport device 30. For example, when the container 20 is transported from the upstream side with the identification mark 23 facing leftward as indicated by reference numeral 7A in FIG. 5A, the fifth protrusion 245 strikes the first pin 521. It becomes like this. As a result, a rotational force is applied to the container 20, and the container 20 rotates clockwise. Next, as the container 20 moves forward, the fourth protrusion 244 comes into contact with the second pin 522 (see reference numeral 7B), and the container 20 similarly rotates clockwise.

  Thereafter, the container 20 sequentially rotates in the circumferential direction by the third protrusion 243 hitting the third pin 523, the second protrusion 242 hitting the fourth pin 524, and the first protrusion 241 hitting the fifth pin 525. Do. Finally, the sixth protrusion 246 (an example of one container-side protrusion) abuts against the sixth pin 526 (see reference numeral 7C), so that the identification mark 23 faces leftward. Thereafter, the container 20 slides on the placement unit 31 and is transported to a packing process (not shown).

  Further, for example, as shown by reference numeral 7D in FIG. 5B, when the container 20 is conveyed from the upstream side with the identification mark 23 facing rightward, the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 are arranged. The second protrusion 242 comes to be positioned on the side where it is formed. Then, the container 20 moves forward. At this time, the second protrusion 242 does not contact the first pin 521 to the third pin 523 (see also FIG. 3B), and the first pin 521. It passes over the third pin 523. Thereafter, as indicated by reference numeral 7E, the second protrusion 242 hits the fourth pin 524, the first protrusion 241 hits the fifth pin 525, and the sixth protrusion 246 hits the sixth pin 526. Rotate clockwise. Finally, as shown by reference numeral 7F, the identification mark 23 faces the left side of the movement path.

Next, the second transport device 40 will be described in detail.
FIG. 8 is a top view or the like of the second transfer device 40. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a top view. FIG. 6B is a view showing the rotation mechanism 50 when viewed from the direction of the arrow VIIIB in FIG. In addition, about the function similar to the above, the same code | symbol is used and the description is abbreviate | omitted here. In FIG. 8, illustration of the roll-shaped member 311 and the fixing member 53 described above is omitted.

  In the first transport device 30, the rotation mechanism 50 is provided on the left side of the movement path of the container 20, but in the second transport device 40, the rotation mechanism 50 is provided on the right side of the movement path. In the present embodiment, the arrangement pattern of the first pins 521 to the sixth pins 526 in the second conveyance device 40 is different from the arrangement pattern of the first pins 521 to the sixth pins 526 installed in the first conveyance device 30. Yes. More specifically, in the second transport device 40, as shown in FIG. 8B, the third pin 523 is arranged at the position farthest from the placement unit 31, and the second pin 522 is placed in the placement unit 31. It is located in the nearest place. The third protrusion 523 to the sixth protrusion 526 are provided in the order of the third protrusion 523, the fourth protrusion 524, the fifth protrusion 525, and the sixth protrusion 526 in the direction approaching the placement unit 31. Further, the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 are provided in the order of the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 in the direction approaching the placement unit 31. The first protrusion 521 is located closer to the placement unit 31 than the sixth protrusion 526.

  More specifically, in the second transport device 40, the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 protrude from the right side of the movement path of the container 20 into the movement path. In addition, when the second transport device 40 is viewed from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the movement direction of the container 20, the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 are moved from the left side of the movement path of the container 20 to the movement path. Protruding.

  Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the container 20 is transported from the upstream side with the identification mark 23 facing the right side, the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 are arranged. The fifth protrusion 245 is positioned on the formed side. The container 20 moves forward, and at this time, the fifth protrusion 245 comes into contact with the first pin 521. As a result, a rotational force is applied to the container 20, and the container 20 rotates counterclockwise. Next, as the container 20 moves forward, the sixth protrusion 246 hits against the second pin 522, the first protrusion 241 hits against the third pin 523, the second protrusion 242 hits against the fourth pin 524, and the fifth By rotating the third protrusion 243 against the pin 525, the circumferential rotation is sequentially performed. Finally, the fourth protrusion 244 (an example of another one of the container-side protrusions) hits the sixth pin 526, so that the identification mark 23 faces to the right side. Thereafter, the container 20 slides on the placement unit 31 and is transported to a packing process (not shown).

  Further, for example, when the container 20 is transported from the upstream side with the identification mark 23 facing left front as shown by reference numeral 9A in FIG. 9 (a diagram showing another example of operation of the container 20). The third protrusion 243 is positioned on the side where the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 are disposed. The container 20 moves forward. At this time, the third protrusion 243 does not contact the first pin 521 to the fourth pin 524 (see also FIG. 8B), and the first pin 521, It passes above the second pin 522 and below the third pin 523 and the fourth pin 524. Thereafter, as indicated by reference numerals 9B and 9C, the third protrusion 243 hits the fifth pin 525, and the fourth protrusion 244 hits the sixth pin 526, whereby the container 20 rotates counterclockwise. Finally, as shown by reference numeral 9D, the identification mark 23 faces the right side of the movement path.

The container 20 can also be configured as follows.
10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining the container 20. 10A shows a front view of the container 20, and FIG. 10B shows a left side view of the container 20. FIG. 11A shows a rear view of the container 20, and FIG. 11B shows a right side view of the container 20. 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B are cross-sectional views taken along line AA.

  In the container 20 in the present embodiment, not the six protrusions but five protrusions of the first protrusion 241 to the fifth protrusion 245 are provided. Here, as shown in FIG. 10A, the first protrusion 241 is provided on the left side of the container 20 on the side opposite to the side on which the identification mark 23 is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, the third protrusion 243 is provided on the right side of the container 20 on the side opposite to the side on which the identification mark 23 is provided. Further, the second protrusion 242 is disposed on the opposite side to the side on which the identification mark 23 is provided and between the first protrusion 241 and the third protrusion 243. Further, the fourth protrusion 244 is provided on the right side of the container 20 on the side where the identification mark 23 is provided, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, the fifth protrusion 245 is provided on the left side of the container 20 on the side where the identification mark 23 is provided. Similarly to the above, each of the first protrusion 241 to the fifth protrusion 245 is arranged at intervals of 60 ° in the circumferential direction of the container 20.

  Further, the container 20 in the present embodiment has a configuration in which no protrusion is provided between the fourth protrusion 244 and the fifth protrusion 245. In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 241 to the third protrusion 243 are arranged at the same position in the height direction of the container 20. In addition, the first protrusion 241 to the third protrusion 243 (part of protrusions) of the first protrusion 241 to the fifth protrusion 245 are provided in a state where the positions in the height direction of the container 20 are aligned. . In the present embodiment, the fourth protrusion 244 is disposed below the first protrusion 241 to the third protrusion 243, and the fifth protrusion 245 is disposed below the fourth protrusion 244.

  Here, in the container 20 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, six protrusions (first protrusion 241 to sixth protrusion 246) are provided in the height direction of the container 20, but the container 20 in the present embodiment. Then, three protrusions are provided in the height direction of the container 20. In addition, in the container 20 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is necessary to secure a space for providing six protrusions in the height direction of the container 20, but in the container 20 of the present embodiment, 3 A space for providing the book protrusions may be secured in the height direction of the container 20. As a result, in the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, the appearance of the container 20 can be improved. Moreover, in the structure of this embodiment, the height dimension of the container 20 can be made small, for example.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining operations of the first transport device 30 and the container 20. In addition, the figure (A) is a figure at the time of seeing the 1st conveying apparatus 30 and the container 20 from upper direction. FIG. 5B is a view showing the rotation mechanism 50 when viewed from the direction of the arrow XIIB in FIG. In addition, about the function similar to the above, the same code | symbol is used and the description is abbreviate | omitted here. Also in FIG. 12, the roll-shaped member 311 and the fixing member 53 are not shown.

  The rotation mechanism 50 in this embodiment has five pins, a first pin 521 to a fifth pin 525. Here, the three pins of the first pin 521 to the third pin 523 are arranged at the same position in the height direction. Further, the fourth pin 524 is disposed below the first pin 521 to the third pin 523 in the height direction. Further, the fifth pin 525 is disposed between the first pin 521 and the fourth pin 524 in the height direction. In the present embodiment, the fifth pin 525 is disposed on the most upstream side in the transport direction of the container 20.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 12 (A), operation | movement of the container 20 in the 1st conveying apparatus 30 is demonstrated. For example, when the container 20 has been conveyed with the identification mark 23 facing rearward and rightward, the third protrusion 243 passes above the fifth pin 525 and the third protrusion relative to the first pin 521. The container 20 sequentially rotates when the second protrusion 242 comes into contact with the second pin 522 and the first protrusion 241 comes into contact with the third pin 523. Then, as shown by reference numeral 12B, the container 20 performs further rotation when the fifth protrusion 245 hits the fourth pin 524, and as shown by reference numeral 12C, the identification mark 23 is on the left side of the movement path of the container 20. Turn to face.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13A (a diagram showing another example of the operation of the container 20), for example, when the container 20 is conveyed with the identification mark 23 facing the left side, the container 20 Among these, the first protrusion 241 to the fifth protrusion 245 are not present on the side facing the first pin 521 to the fifth pin 525. Therefore, the container 20 moves forward while the identification mark 23 faces the left side of the movement path.

Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the container 20 has been transported with the identification mark 23 facing diagonally forward to the right, the side on which the first pin 521 to the fifth pin 525 are disposed. The first protrusion 241 comes to be positioned at the end. The container 20 moves forward. At this time, the first protrusion 241 passes above the fifth pin 525 and abuts against the first pin 521, so that the container 20 rotates clockwise. As a result, the fifth protrusion 245 is positioned on the side where the first pin 521 to the fourth pin 524 are disposed. The container 20 further moves forward, but at this time, the fifth protrusion 245 does not contact the second pin 522 to the third pin 523 and passes below the second pin 522 to the third pin 523. I will do it. Thereafter, as indicated by reference numeral 13A, the container 20 rotates in the clockwise direction when the fifth protrusion 245 hits the fourth pin 524. As a result, the identification mark 23 faces the left side of the movement path.
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 20 (a diagram showing another operation example of the container 20), when the container 20 is conveyed with the identification mark 23 facing rearward and to the left, the fifth pin 525 The fourth protrusion 244 hits (see reference numeral 20A), the third protrusion 243 hits the first pin 521, the second protrusion 242 hits the second pin 522, and the first protrusion hits the third pin 523. The container 20 sequentially rotates as the 241 hits. Then, as shown by reference numeral 20B, the container 20 performs further rotation when the fifth protrusion 245 hits the fourth pin 524, and as shown by reference numeral 20C, the identification mark 23 is on the left side of the movement path of the container 20. Turn to face.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operations of the second transport device 40 and the container 20. In addition, the figure (A) is a figure at the time of seeing the 2nd conveying apparatus 40 and the container 20 from upper direction. FIG. 5B is a view showing the rotation mechanism 50 when viewed from the direction of the arrow XIVB in FIG. In addition, about the function similar to the above, the same code | symbol is used and the description is abbreviate | omitted here. Also in this figure, illustration of the roll-shaped member 311 and the fixing member 53 is omitted.

  The rotation mechanism 50 in the second transport device 40 is provided with five pins, a first pin 521 to a fifth pin 525, as described above. Here, the three pins of the first pin 521 to the third pin 523 are arranged at the same position in the height direction. Further, the fourth pin 524 is disposed below the first pin 521 to the third pin 523 in the height direction. In addition, this 4th pin 524 is arrange | positioned above the 4th pin 524 shown in FIG.12 (B) so that the 4th protrusion 244 of the container 20 can be contacted. The fifth pin 525 is also disposed below the first pin 521 to the third pin 523 in the height direction. In addition, this 5th pin 525 is arrange | positioned below the 5th pin 525 shown in FIG.12 (B) so that the 5th protrusion 245 of the container 20 can be contacted.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 14 (A), the operation example of the container 20 in the 2nd conveying apparatus 40 is demonstrated. For example, when the container 20 is transported with the identification mark 23 facing rearward and leftward as indicated by reference numeral 14A in FIG. 5A, the first protrusion 241 passes above the fifth pin 525. At the same time, the first protrusion 241 hits against the first pin 521, the second protrusion 242 hits against the second pin 522, and the third protrusion 243 hits against the third pin 523, whereby the container 20 rotates sequentially. I do. Further, as shown by reference numeral 14B, the fourth protrusion 244 comes into contact with the fourth pin 524 to perform further rotation so that the identification mark 23 faces the right side of the movement path of the container 20 as shown by reference numeral 14C. become.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 (a diagram showing another example of operation of the container 20), when the container 20 is conveyed with the identification mark 23 facing diagonally leftward, the first pin 521. -The 3rd protrusion 243 comes to be located in the side by which the 5th pin 525 is arrange | positioned. The container 20 moves forward. At this time, the third protrusion 243 passes above the fifth pin 525 and abuts against the first pin 521 to rotate the container 20 counterclockwise. Thereby, the 4th protrusion 244 comes to be located in the side by which the 1st pin 521-the 4th pin 524 are arranged. Then, the container 20 moves forward. At this time, the fourth protrusion 244 does not contact the second pin 522 to the third pin 523 and passes below the second pin 522 to the third pin 523. To go. After that, as indicated by reference numeral 15A, the container 20 rotates counterclockwise when the fourth protrusion 244 hits the fourth pin 524. As a result, the identification mark 23 faces the right side of the movement route.
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 21 (a diagram illustrating another operation example of the container 20), when the container 20 is conveyed with the identification mark 23 facing rearward and rightward, the fifth pin 525 The fifth protrusion 245 hits (see reference numeral 21A), the first protrusion 241 hits the first pin 521, the second protrusion 242 hits the second pin 522, and the third protrusion hits the third pin 523. The container 20 sequentially rotates as the 243 hits. Then, as indicated by reference numeral 21B, the container 20 performs further rotation when the fourth protrusion 244 abuts against the fourth pin 524, and as indicated by reference numeral 21C, the identification mark 23 is located on the right side of the movement path of the container 20. Turn to face.

  By the way, by preparing two types of containers 20 having different arrangement positions of the first protrusion 241 to the sixth protrusion 246 and the like, and preparing two types of transfer apparatuses corresponding to the containers 20, the first transfer apparatus can also be prepared. 30, the identification mark 23 can be directed to the left side, and the identification mark 23 can be directed to the right side in the second transport device 40. However, when two types of containers 20 are prepared in this way, there is a concern that the cost will increase. On the other hand, when the identification mark 23 can be directed in two different directions by a single type of container 20 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the high cost. Further, if the identification mark 23 can be directed not only in one direction but also in a direction different from this one direction, as described above, the identification mark 23 of the container 20 is not limited to only one direction. It can be directed in the other direction. That is, it is possible to increase variations in container arrangement at the time of selling the container. In this case, the container container 200 can be made more conspicuous, and the possibility of purchasing the container container 200 can be increased.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of the first transport device 30. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a top view, and FIG. 4B shows a left side view. Although not described above, the rotation mechanism 50 in the first transport device 30 is detachable by pulling out the fixing member 53 from the left guide 32. And in the 1st conveying apparatus 30 in this figure, the mounted rotating mechanism 50 is removed, and the other rotating mechanism 50 from which the arrangement pattern of the 1st pin 521-the 6th pin 526 differs is newly with respect to the 1st conveying apparatus 30. Wearing. In addition, the mounted rotation mechanism 50 is replaced with another rotation mechanism 50 having a different arrangement pattern of the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526. As a result, in the first transport device 30, the identification mark 23 of the container 20 faces the right side, not the left side of the movement path (details will be described later). Here, in the case where the identification mark 23 can be directed in two different directions in one transport device, variations in container arrangement can be further increased.

  Here, in the rotation mechanism 50 of the present embodiment, the second pin 522 is located at a position farthest from the placement unit 31. The first pin 521 is located closer to the placement unit 31 than the second pin 522, the sixth pin 526 is located closer to the placement unit 31 than the first pin 521, and the fifth pin 525 is the sixth pin. The fourth pin 524 is located closer to the placement portion 31 than the fifth pin 525, and the third pin 523 is located closer to the placement portion 31 than the fourth pin 524. doing.

Here, the operation of the container 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 17 (a diagram showing the operation of the container 20 in the first transport device 30). Note that the container 20 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is used as the container 20.
As shown in FIG. 6A, for example, when the container 20 is conveyed from the upstream side with the identification mark 23 facing the left side of the movement path, the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 are arranged. The fifth protrusion 245 of the container 20 is positioned on the side. Thereafter, the container 20 moves forward, but at this time, the fifth protrusion 245 does not hit the first pin 521 to the third pin 523 (see also FIG. 16B). In addition, the fifth protrusion 245 passes below the first pin 521 and the second pin 522 and passes above the third pin 523. Then, as shown in FIG. 17A, when the container 20 reaches the fourth pin 524, the fifth protrusion 245 hits the fourth pin 524, and the container 20 is rotated. Next, when the fourth protrusion 244 comes into contact with the fifth pin 525 and the third protrusion 243 comes into contact with the sixth pin 526, the container 20 sequentially rotates so that the identification mark 23 faces the right side of the movement path of the container 20. become.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the container 20 is transported from the upstream side with the identification mark 23 facing rearward, the first pin 521 to the sixth pin 526 are arranged. The third protrusion 243 of the container 20 comes to be located on the formed side. Thereafter, the container 20 moves forward, but at this time, the third protrusion 243 does not hit the first pin 521 to the fifth pin 525 (see also FIG. 16B). In other words, the third protrusion 243 passes below the first pin 521 and the second pin 522 and passes above the third pin 523 to the fifth pin 525. Then, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the container 20 reaches the sixth pin 526, the third protrusion 243 hits the sixth pin 526, and the container 20 is rotated. As a result, the identification mark 23 faces the right side of the movement path of the container 20.

  In addition, the container 20 is often sold in a state of being displayed not only in a state of being accommodated in the container container 200 but also in a convenience store or a supermarket. A convenience store or the like is provided with a dedicated display device for displaying the containers 20 in a row, and the containers 20 are often displayed and sold by the display devices. By the way, in such a display device, if the identification mark 23 is not oriented in the purchase direction of the purchaser, it is difficult to identify the product and the appearance of the product is deteriorated. For this reason, it is preferable that the identification mark 23 of the container 20 to be displayed is oriented in a specific direction such as the front side of the display device. When the container 20 described above is used, the identification mark 23 can be directed to the front side of the display device.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display device. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a top view, and FIG. 4B shows a left side view. The display device 300 shown in this figure has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first transfer device 30 described above. That is, the display device 300 includes a placement unit 31 on which the container 20 is placed, and a plurality of roll-shaped members 311 provided on the placement unit 31. The placement portion 31 is provided with a slope that goes down as it goes in the moving direction of the container 20. More specifically, the display device 300 includes a first roller row 312 in which a plurality of roll-shaped members 311 are arranged in the front-rear direction, and a second roller in which a plurality of roll-like members 311 are also arranged in the front-rear direction. Column 313. In the present display device 300, no motor is connected to the roll-shaped member 311, and each roll-shaped member 311 is rotated by the weight of the container 20.

  The display device 300 includes a rotation mechanism 50 that rotates the container 20 in the circumferential direction and directs the identification mark 23 attached to the container 20 toward the front side of the display device 300. Here, the rotating mechanism 50 includes a rod-like member 51 provided along the movement path of the container 20 and above the mounting portion 31 as shown in FIG. A first pin 521 to a fourth pin 524 that are attached to the member 51 and protrude in the movement path of the container 20 are provided. Further, the rotation mechanism 50 includes a fixing member 53 that fixes the rod-shaped member 51 to the left guide 32 in the drawing.

  Here, in the display device 300, the first pin 521 is disposed on the most upstream side in the moving direction of the container 20, and the fourth pin 524 is disposed on the most downstream side. Further, each of the first pin 521 to the fourth pin 524 is arranged with a certain gap. Further, the fourth pin 524 is located at a position farthest from the placement unit 31. The third pin 523 is provided closer to the placement unit 31 than the fourth pin 524, the second pin 522 is provided closer to the placement unit 31 than the third pin 523, and the first pin 521 is the second pin 522. Rather than the placement unit 31 side. More specifically, each of the first pin 521 to the fourth pin 524 is arranged such that positions in the height direction are shifted from each other.

Next, the operation of the container 20 in the display device 300 will be described.
FIG. 19 is a view showing the operation of the container 20 in the display device 300. Note that the container 20 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is used as the container 20. For example, as indicated by reference numeral 17A in FIG. 19A, when the container 20 is inserted into the display device 300 with the identification mark 23 facing leftward, the fifth protrusion 245 strikes the first pin 521. It becomes like this. As a result, a rotational force is applied to the container 20, and the container 20 rotates clockwise. Next, as the container 20 moves forward, the fourth protrusion 244 comes into contact with the second pin 522 (see reference numeral 17B), and the container 20 similarly rotates clockwise. Thereafter, the container 20 further rotates when the third protrusion 243 hits the third pin 523. Finally, when the second protrusion 242 hits the fourth pin 524 (see reference numeral 17C), the identification mark 23 faces the front side of the display device 300.

  Further, for example, as shown by reference numeral 17D in FIG. 5B, when the container 20 is inserted into the display device 300 with the identification mark 23 facing rightward, the first pin 521 to the fourth pin 524 are arranged. The second protrusion 242 comes to be positioned on the side where it is formed. Then, the container 20 moves forward. At this time, the second protrusion 242 does not contact the first pin 521 to the third pin 523 (see also FIG. 18B), and the first pin 521. It passes over the third pin 523. Thereafter, as indicated by reference numeral 17E, the container 20 rotates in the clockwise direction when the second protrusion 242 abuts against the fourth pin 524. As a result, the identification mark 23 faces the front side of the display device 300.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Container, 21 ... Container main body, 22 ... Cap, 23 ... Identification mark, 24 ... Projection part, 30 ... 1st conveying apparatus, 32 ... Guide, 50 ... Rotation mechanism, 241-246 ... 1st process-6th process 248 ... outer edge part, 249 ... outer periphery, 311 ... roll-shaped member, 521 to 526 ... first pin to sixth pin

Claims (5)

The container has a movement path for moving, and can be put into an apparatus having a rotation mechanism section including a plurality of apparatus-side protrusions that protrude from the side of the movement path to the movement path and whose positions in the height direction are shifted from each other. A container,
A container body having an outer peripheral surface with a mark;
The container body is provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the container body toward the radial direction of the container body, and the container body is disposed in a state where the positions in the height direction are shifted from each other. When the container main body moves along the movement path of the device without being directed in a specific direction, the container main body is rotated in the circumferential direction by sequentially contacting the device-side protruding portion, and the mark is moved to the specific direction. A plurality of container-side protrusions oriented in the direction;
Equipped with a,
For some container side projection of the container-side protruding portion constituting the front SL multiple container-side protrusion, both above and below the container-side projecting portion of the part, before Symbol device side projection A container provided with a space for allowing the water to pass therethrough.   2. Each of the plurality of container-side projecting portions is formed in a rod shape or a plate-like body formed along the height direction of the container main body. container.   3. The container-side projecting part of the plurality of container-side projecting parts is provided in a state in which the positions in the height direction of the container are aligned. container. A cap that closes an opening formed in the upper portion of the container body;
An annular projecting portion provided at a lower portion of the cap, projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the container body toward the radial direction of the container body, and formed annularly along the circumferential direction of the container body;
Further comprising
4. The container according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of container-side protrusions is formed at a lower portion of the annular protrusion.   5. The container according to claim 4, wherein an outer edge part of each of the plurality of container side projecting parts is located closer to the container body than an outer peripheral edge of the annular projecting part.

Images