CA1189103A - Discharge container loading mechanism - Google Patents
Discharge container loading mechanismInfo
- Publication number
- CA1189103A CA1189103A CA000401928A CA401928A CA1189103A CA 1189103 A CA1189103 A CA 1189103A CA 000401928 A CA000401928 A CA 000401928A CA 401928 A CA401928 A CA 401928A CA 1189103 A CA1189103 A CA 1189103A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- containers
- chute
- packaging machine
- container
- movable portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
- B65B39/007—Guides or funnels for introducing articles into containers or wrappers
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention provides an improved container loading mechanism for automated packaging machines. In particular, a container loading mechanism is disclosed which has a fixed segment and a movable segment, which is positionable either for container loading or aligned with the fixed segment for urging containers to a container feeding position. The mechanism is positioned relative to the packaging machine such that the movable portion is adjacent the discharge of the packaging machine, thereby simplifying the loading of containers as the operator is normally near the discharge end of the machine. The mechanism includes biasing of the movable segment, preferably by a counterbalance arrangement, further simplifying the loading operation. The mechanism also includes several design features which reduce the possibililty of containers jamming. As the device allows for gravity feed of containers, both segments are angled relative to the horizontal to ensure the containers are gravity fed to the container feeding position.
The present invention provides an improved container loading mechanism for automated packaging machines. In particular, a container loading mechanism is disclosed which has a fixed segment and a movable segment, which is positionable either for container loading or aligned with the fixed segment for urging containers to a container feeding position. The mechanism is positioned relative to the packaging machine such that the movable portion is adjacent the discharge of the packaging machine, thereby simplifying the loading of containers as the operator is normally near the discharge end of the machine. The mechanism includes biasing of the movable segment, preferably by a counterbalance arrangement, further simplifying the loading operation. The mechanism also includes several design features which reduce the possibililty of containers jamming. As the device allows for gravity feed of containers, both segments are angled relative to the horizontal to ensure the containers are gravity fed to the container feeding position.
Description
C~3 1 The present invention relates to container loading mechanisms for use in automated packaging machines. In particular, the invention relates to a container chute which has a end segment, which is movable from an aligned position for gravity feed of containers to the packaging machine to a container loading position for receiving a stack of nested containers.
Automated packaging machines are common, and further development has focused on methods of increasing the output of these machines and simplifying the operation thereof.
Normally, these machines require some operator supervision to ensure that an adequate supply of both containers and lidding material is available for sealing of the individual containers and to monitor the operation of the machine with respect to filling and sealing of containers. For this reason, the operator is adjacent the discharge end of the packaging machine and it is most convenient if the various functions he has to carry out can be completed at the discharge of the machine~
With prior art packaging machines, the container loading mechanism is generally at the opposite end from the discharge of the packaging machine, as containers are the first to be entered into a conveyor and subsequently transported over the length of the conveyor with the various operations being sequentially completed. ~n a multi-lane filling machine, various stacks of containers would be inserted within columns at the end of the filling machine remote from the discharge of the apparatus. Various approaches have been taken with respect to loading of containers into chutes at one end of the filling machine;
1 however, it is advantageous lf the loading ol containers could be accomplished at the discharge end of the conveyor to simplify the operation of the device by the operator.
The present inventicn provides a very simple system whereby containers may be loaded at the discharge end of an automated packaging machine. A loading mechanism is disclosed ~hich is positionable in one of two positions for first loading of containers into chutes and movable to an aligned position above the discharge end of the apparatus for the gravity feed of loaded containers to the container feed mechanism.
The container delivery apparatus, according to the present invention, comprises a chute inclined at an angle fox gravity feeding of nested containers onto a conveyor with the chute having at least two segments partially rotable adjacent the intersection thereof. Positioning means are provided for urging the segments into either an aligned position for feeding containers to the conveyor ox a loading position for loading of containers into the delivery apparatus. ~he chute preferrably has a number of guide members for receiving and positively locating containers, with these guide members being located relative to the point of rotation of the segments to provide a generally smooth transition from one segment of the chute to the other in the aligned position.
Generally, the device of the present invention is for use in an automated packaging machine, of the type that uses preformed containers and sealable lidding, where the containers are fed to the machine in a nested condition. An inclined container chute for receiving the nested containers 1 and advancing such containers by gravity feed to a container feeding position on the machine is disclosed. The chute has a fixed segment which yuides the containers to the feed position and a movable portion at the Eree end of the chute which is pivotable adjacent the abutting end of the fixed portion. The movable segment is biased to either align with the fixed portion, or movable downward]y to a container loading position. The movable portion of the chute is reversely inclined relative to the fixed portion in the container load position and is lower than this fixed portion. In this manner, a stack of nested containers may be placed on the movable portion in the loading position and subsequently moved upwardly to the aligned position where such stack is urged by gravity to nest with the containers on the fixed portion of the supply chute. The movable portion is preferrably biased in a mannex whereby it automatically assumes and maintains the aligned position or the loading position, depending on its particular position at the time.
According to an aspect of the invention, the biasing means includes a counterbalance arrangement for biasing of the movable portions to either the aligned or the loading position.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a side view illustrating the container delivery apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing in detail the movable portion of the container discharge apparatus;
3~
1 Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the junction point of the movable segment of the container chute and the fixed segment of the container chute;
Figure 4 is a section taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a partial side view illustrating the junction oE the movable portion and the fixed portion of the container supply chute.
The automatic packaging machine of Figure 1 is generally shown in ghost lines and has a container loading position 2 the container sterilization station 4, a :Eilling station 6, a heat sealing station 8 and a lid supply system 10. Sealed containers are discharged from the apparatus at position 12. Containers are moved from the container load position to the discharge end by a continuous or stop/start conveyor.
The container delivery apparatus generally shown as 2 includes a fixed portion 22 which cooperates with a movable portion 24, which is pivoted about point 26 allowing portion 24 to align with the fixed portion, (shown in solid lines,) or movable downwardly to the container loading position (shown in ghost lines). The end of the movable segment has a handle 25 e~tending downwardly therefrom, whereby the operator can move the chute from the aligned position to the container load position. A smooth transitional portion 21 ;s provided to receive the containers from the fixed segment 22 and move them into the container load position 2.
Various mechanisms are known for separating nested containers and loading containers into a conveyor and the structure of the present invention can be used with any of 3.~3 1 these known loading mechanisms. The present invention is directed to a struccure for loading containers into a chute which is accessible at the discharge end of the packaging machine. This chute then feeds the containers to any of the known compatible mechanisms for placing containers onto a conveyor.
The container load mechanism, as shown in Figure 2, is designed to receive stacks of nested containers and separate them on the movable portion into an individual ch~te for each stack~ This particular apparatus has six supply ch~tes for receiving nested containers and maintaining them in the generally aligned condition. The nested containers may be individually packaged, in loosely ~itting plastic bags or may be packaged in groups of six or less for loading on the movable portion of the supply chute. One end of the bag is opened, such that the bag may be removed as generally shown. The cups are retained on the supply chute due to the bar lever 32 engaging the edges of the containers; however, the bag is merelv pulled off and the stack of containers is retained in aligned condition. The bag is generally shown as 40.
Once all of the containers have been loaded on the movable portion, it is moved upwardly against the cover member 50 which reduces contamination of the containers.
The movable portion of the delivery chute is secured by bracket members 34 which extend one side of the pivot point 26 to support the supply chute and e~tend to the other side of pivot point to support a counterbalance weight 36. This counterbalance is maintained in the general vertical direction as the additional bar link 38 is at the same angle 1 as the extension oE bracket member 34 and pivoted directly above pivot point 26. The individual supply chutes are secured to the bracket member 34 above a line passing through the pivot point 2~ and the position 27 where the counterbalance is secured to the bracket. In this manner, the supply chute is biased to either the aligned position where the movable portion is essentially colinear with the fixed portion of the supply chute, or to the container loading position shown in Figure 2.
As can be seen in Figure 3, each supply chute generally shown as 40 comprises two side guide rods with a smaller support guide rod 41 positioned therebetween. The spacing of guide rods 42 are such that the containers are maintained in generally the aligned condition, as shown in Figure 4; however, the weight of the containers is maintained by the central guide rod 4]. This guide rod is of smaller diameter and has a smaller surface of contact with the container. With this design, a common side guide rod 42 may be provided between two adjacent chutes.
To facilitate gravity feeding of containers down the supply chute and to avoid containers becoming engaged at the junction of the movable portion of the supply chute and the fixed portion, the side guide rods 42 are truncated at a point different from the centre guide rod 41. In this manner, the likelihood of containers becoming jammed is reduced as at least one of the guide rods is always in contact with the container at a junction point of other guide rods. Furthermore as shown in Figure 5, the centre guide rod on the movable porton is positioned slightly higher than that of the corresponding centre rod on the 1 fixed portion, such that the containers step down to the rGd on the fixed portion avoiding the possibility of a lip between abutting centre rods. Furthermore~ these g~ide chutes may be brought lnto essentially abutting contact with the chutes on the fixed portion as the chutes are positioned above and to one side of the pivot point, such that any movement of the movable portion of the supply chute causes an immediate movement of guide rods away from those on the fixed portion. Therefore, the guide rods on the fixed portion may be positioned such that they essentially abut with those on the fixed portion, thereby Eurther minimizing the possibility of jamming of containersO It also has been found that containers are not prone to jamming, as they are supported by other containers within the nested stack and are urged down~,ardly along the chute due to gravity. Also, the packaging machine will have some vibration which is transmitted upwardly thereby further reducing any tendency for the containers to jam.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the individual guide rods 42 and 41 are secured across a common support member 50 which is adjustably supported by the brackets 34. This adjustment is achieved by loosening the three bolts provided on the bracket which also engage in the support member 50.
The aperture in the brackets through which the bolts pass is of a sufficient size to allow movement of the bracket 40, whereby precise positioning of the guide rods relative to the corresponding guide rods on the fixed portion may be achieved.
According to another aspect, a piece of lexan 60 is positioned below the guide chutes to essentially cover the 1 lower portion of the movable portion of the delivery apparatus. When this movable portion is brought into the aligned condition, as generally shown in E~igure 3, the bottom cover member 60 and the upper cover 50 essentially envelop the supply, whereby positive air pressure within the filling apparatus leaks outwardly along the supply chute and thereby maintains it under positive pressure. In this way, there is a reduced likelihood that air carrying contaminants, collecting about the containers on the movable portion of the supply chute.
In Figure 5, one particular mechanism Eor stopping the movable segment of the supply chute is shown, which relies on the additional bar link 38 used on the counterbalance weight 36. Secured to the frame of the machirle are two stop portions 37 and 39 which positively limit the movement of the bar link 38 and thereby accurately determine the aligned position of the movabl~ portion of the delivery chute as well as the container load position. When the bar link 38 is positioned against stop 37, there is a net moment about the pivot position 26 of the bracket members in a clockwise direction, thereby ensuring the stability of the movable portion for loading of containers. When the bar link is against stop 39, there is a net moment about pivot point 26 in a counterclockwise direction, thereby urging the movable portion to be essentially colinear with the f ixed segment of the supply chute The stack oE containers shown on the movable portion of the supply chute are acted upon by gravity and moved downwardly to ~oin similar nested containers on the f ixed portion of the delivery apparatus. lt is apparent that it 1 is necessary to wait until the supply of containers has depleted to a point that there are no longer containers on the movable portion in using the device.
This particular method of biasing the movable portion to either the container load position or the aligned position is advantageous in that it is extremely reliable and does not present a safety hazard to the operator who is working below the movable portion of the supp]y chute.
Furthermore, the counterbalance is positionable either side oE the fixed portion oE the supply chute, such that it does not interfere with the fixed segment, nor does it interfere with the interchange of the lid supply regardless of the position of the movable portion of the delivery chute.
It has been found that this system does not require any other mechanism to ensure that containers do not jam along the length of the supply chute and a further advantage is achieved in that the delivery chute has been lenghtened substantially beyond the discharge end of the packaging machine which must be clear below the chute for monitoring ~0 the discharge of the machine. In this manner, the capacity of the delivery chute is greatly increased due to both the length of the f ixed portion which extends at an angle over the entire length of the packaging machine as well as the movable portion which further extends upward into the free space above the discharge end of the machine.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Automated packaging machines are common, and further development has focused on methods of increasing the output of these machines and simplifying the operation thereof.
Normally, these machines require some operator supervision to ensure that an adequate supply of both containers and lidding material is available for sealing of the individual containers and to monitor the operation of the machine with respect to filling and sealing of containers. For this reason, the operator is adjacent the discharge end of the packaging machine and it is most convenient if the various functions he has to carry out can be completed at the discharge of the machine~
With prior art packaging machines, the container loading mechanism is generally at the opposite end from the discharge of the packaging machine, as containers are the first to be entered into a conveyor and subsequently transported over the length of the conveyor with the various operations being sequentially completed. ~n a multi-lane filling machine, various stacks of containers would be inserted within columns at the end of the filling machine remote from the discharge of the apparatus. Various approaches have been taken with respect to loading of containers into chutes at one end of the filling machine;
1 however, it is advantageous lf the loading ol containers could be accomplished at the discharge end of the conveyor to simplify the operation of the device by the operator.
The present inventicn provides a very simple system whereby containers may be loaded at the discharge end of an automated packaging machine. A loading mechanism is disclosed ~hich is positionable in one of two positions for first loading of containers into chutes and movable to an aligned position above the discharge end of the apparatus for the gravity feed of loaded containers to the container feed mechanism.
The container delivery apparatus, according to the present invention, comprises a chute inclined at an angle fox gravity feeding of nested containers onto a conveyor with the chute having at least two segments partially rotable adjacent the intersection thereof. Positioning means are provided for urging the segments into either an aligned position for feeding containers to the conveyor ox a loading position for loading of containers into the delivery apparatus. ~he chute preferrably has a number of guide members for receiving and positively locating containers, with these guide members being located relative to the point of rotation of the segments to provide a generally smooth transition from one segment of the chute to the other in the aligned position.
Generally, the device of the present invention is for use in an automated packaging machine, of the type that uses preformed containers and sealable lidding, where the containers are fed to the machine in a nested condition. An inclined container chute for receiving the nested containers 1 and advancing such containers by gravity feed to a container feeding position on the machine is disclosed. The chute has a fixed segment which yuides the containers to the feed position and a movable portion at the Eree end of the chute which is pivotable adjacent the abutting end of the fixed portion. The movable segment is biased to either align with the fixed portion, or movable downward]y to a container loading position. The movable portion of the chute is reversely inclined relative to the fixed portion in the container load position and is lower than this fixed portion. In this manner, a stack of nested containers may be placed on the movable portion in the loading position and subsequently moved upwardly to the aligned position where such stack is urged by gravity to nest with the containers on the fixed portion of the supply chute. The movable portion is preferrably biased in a mannex whereby it automatically assumes and maintains the aligned position or the loading position, depending on its particular position at the time.
According to an aspect of the invention, the biasing means includes a counterbalance arrangement for biasing of the movable portions to either the aligned or the loading position.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a side view illustrating the container delivery apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing in detail the movable portion of the container discharge apparatus;
3~
1 Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the junction point of the movable segment of the container chute and the fixed segment of the container chute;
Figure 4 is a section taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a partial side view illustrating the junction oE the movable portion and the fixed portion of the container supply chute.
The automatic packaging machine of Figure 1 is generally shown in ghost lines and has a container loading position 2 the container sterilization station 4, a :Eilling station 6, a heat sealing station 8 and a lid supply system 10. Sealed containers are discharged from the apparatus at position 12. Containers are moved from the container load position to the discharge end by a continuous or stop/start conveyor.
The container delivery apparatus generally shown as 2 includes a fixed portion 22 which cooperates with a movable portion 24, which is pivoted about point 26 allowing portion 24 to align with the fixed portion, (shown in solid lines,) or movable downwardly to the container loading position (shown in ghost lines). The end of the movable segment has a handle 25 e~tending downwardly therefrom, whereby the operator can move the chute from the aligned position to the container load position. A smooth transitional portion 21 ;s provided to receive the containers from the fixed segment 22 and move them into the container load position 2.
Various mechanisms are known for separating nested containers and loading containers into a conveyor and the structure of the present invention can be used with any of 3.~3 1 these known loading mechanisms. The present invention is directed to a struccure for loading containers into a chute which is accessible at the discharge end of the packaging machine. This chute then feeds the containers to any of the known compatible mechanisms for placing containers onto a conveyor.
The container load mechanism, as shown in Figure 2, is designed to receive stacks of nested containers and separate them on the movable portion into an individual ch~te for each stack~ This particular apparatus has six supply ch~tes for receiving nested containers and maintaining them in the generally aligned condition. The nested containers may be individually packaged, in loosely ~itting plastic bags or may be packaged in groups of six or less for loading on the movable portion of the supply chute. One end of the bag is opened, such that the bag may be removed as generally shown. The cups are retained on the supply chute due to the bar lever 32 engaging the edges of the containers; however, the bag is merelv pulled off and the stack of containers is retained in aligned condition. The bag is generally shown as 40.
Once all of the containers have been loaded on the movable portion, it is moved upwardly against the cover member 50 which reduces contamination of the containers.
The movable portion of the delivery chute is secured by bracket members 34 which extend one side of the pivot point 26 to support the supply chute and e~tend to the other side of pivot point to support a counterbalance weight 36. This counterbalance is maintained in the general vertical direction as the additional bar link 38 is at the same angle 1 as the extension oE bracket member 34 and pivoted directly above pivot point 26. The individual supply chutes are secured to the bracket member 34 above a line passing through the pivot point 2~ and the position 27 where the counterbalance is secured to the bracket. In this manner, the supply chute is biased to either the aligned position where the movable portion is essentially colinear with the fixed portion of the supply chute, or to the container loading position shown in Figure 2.
As can be seen in Figure 3, each supply chute generally shown as 40 comprises two side guide rods with a smaller support guide rod 41 positioned therebetween. The spacing of guide rods 42 are such that the containers are maintained in generally the aligned condition, as shown in Figure 4; however, the weight of the containers is maintained by the central guide rod 4]. This guide rod is of smaller diameter and has a smaller surface of contact with the container. With this design, a common side guide rod 42 may be provided between two adjacent chutes.
To facilitate gravity feeding of containers down the supply chute and to avoid containers becoming engaged at the junction of the movable portion of the supply chute and the fixed portion, the side guide rods 42 are truncated at a point different from the centre guide rod 41. In this manner, the likelihood of containers becoming jammed is reduced as at least one of the guide rods is always in contact with the container at a junction point of other guide rods. Furthermore as shown in Figure 5, the centre guide rod on the movable porton is positioned slightly higher than that of the corresponding centre rod on the 1 fixed portion, such that the containers step down to the rGd on the fixed portion avoiding the possibility of a lip between abutting centre rods. Furthermore~ these g~ide chutes may be brought lnto essentially abutting contact with the chutes on the fixed portion as the chutes are positioned above and to one side of the pivot point, such that any movement of the movable portion of the supply chute causes an immediate movement of guide rods away from those on the fixed portion. Therefore, the guide rods on the fixed portion may be positioned such that they essentially abut with those on the fixed portion, thereby Eurther minimizing the possibility of jamming of containersO It also has been found that containers are not prone to jamming, as they are supported by other containers within the nested stack and are urged down~,ardly along the chute due to gravity. Also, the packaging machine will have some vibration which is transmitted upwardly thereby further reducing any tendency for the containers to jam.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the individual guide rods 42 and 41 are secured across a common support member 50 which is adjustably supported by the brackets 34. This adjustment is achieved by loosening the three bolts provided on the bracket which also engage in the support member 50.
The aperture in the brackets through which the bolts pass is of a sufficient size to allow movement of the bracket 40, whereby precise positioning of the guide rods relative to the corresponding guide rods on the fixed portion may be achieved.
According to another aspect, a piece of lexan 60 is positioned below the guide chutes to essentially cover the 1 lower portion of the movable portion of the delivery apparatus. When this movable portion is brought into the aligned condition, as generally shown in E~igure 3, the bottom cover member 60 and the upper cover 50 essentially envelop the supply, whereby positive air pressure within the filling apparatus leaks outwardly along the supply chute and thereby maintains it under positive pressure. In this way, there is a reduced likelihood that air carrying contaminants, collecting about the containers on the movable portion of the supply chute.
In Figure 5, one particular mechanism Eor stopping the movable segment of the supply chute is shown, which relies on the additional bar link 38 used on the counterbalance weight 36. Secured to the frame of the machirle are two stop portions 37 and 39 which positively limit the movement of the bar link 38 and thereby accurately determine the aligned position of the movabl~ portion of the delivery chute as well as the container load position. When the bar link 38 is positioned against stop 37, there is a net moment about the pivot position 26 of the bracket members in a clockwise direction, thereby ensuring the stability of the movable portion for loading of containers. When the bar link is against stop 39, there is a net moment about pivot point 26 in a counterclockwise direction, thereby urging the movable portion to be essentially colinear with the f ixed segment of the supply chute The stack oE containers shown on the movable portion of the supply chute are acted upon by gravity and moved downwardly to ~oin similar nested containers on the f ixed portion of the delivery apparatus. lt is apparent that it 1 is necessary to wait until the supply of containers has depleted to a point that there are no longer containers on the movable portion in using the device.
This particular method of biasing the movable portion to either the container load position or the aligned position is advantageous in that it is extremely reliable and does not present a safety hazard to the operator who is working below the movable portion of the supp]y chute.
Furthermore, the counterbalance is positionable either side oE the fixed portion oE the supply chute, such that it does not interfere with the fixed segment, nor does it interfere with the interchange of the lid supply regardless of the position of the movable portion of the delivery chute.
It has been found that this system does not require any other mechanism to ensure that containers do not jam along the length of the supply chute and a further advantage is achieved in that the delivery chute has been lenghtened substantially beyond the discharge end of the packaging machine which must be clear below the chute for monitoring ~0 the discharge of the machine. In this manner, the capacity of the delivery chute is greatly increased due to both the length of the f ixed portion which extends at an angle over the entire length of the packaging machine as well as the movable portion which further extends upward into the free space above the discharge end of the machine.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (16)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In an automatic packaging machine, a container delivery apparatus comprising a chute inclined at an angle for gravity feeding of nested containers onto a conveyor, said chute having a fixed segment and a moveable segment partially rotatable adjacent the intersection of said segments; and means for positioning said segments into one of two positions, an aligned position for feeding containers to said conveyor and a loading position for loading of containers into said delivery apparatus.
2. In an automatic packaging machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said chute has a number of guide members for receiving and positively locating containers.
3. In an automatic packaging machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the segments of said chute in the aligned position are generally colinear.
4. In an automatic packaging machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning means includes a counterbalance weight arrangement cooperating with said moveable segment to urge said movable portion to either of said two positions.
5. In an automated packaging machine of the type that uses preformed containers, such containers being fed to the machine in a nested condition, an inclined container chute for receiving such nested containers and advancing such containers by gravity feed to a container feeding position of the machine, said chute comprising a fixed segment which guides such containers to the feeding position and a movable portion at the free end of the chute pivotable adjacent the abutting end of said fixed portion and biased either to align with said fixed portion or movable downwardly to a container loading position, whereby a stack of nested containers are placed on said movable portion in the loading position and subsequently moved upwardly to the aligned position where such stack is urged by gravity towards said container feeding position.
6. In an automated packaging machine as claimed in Claim 5 wherein said movable portion of said chute is reversely inclined relative to said fixed portion and lower than said fixed portion when said moveable portion is in the container loading position.
7. In an automated packaging machine as claimed in claim 5, including a plurality of container chutes, each chute being defined by three guide rods spaced to loosely receive a container with two of said rods at the sides of the container and the third rod between the other two for supporting such container.
8. In an automated packaging machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein said plurality of chutes are parallel and at least one guide rod of a chute is common to an adjacent chute.
9. In an automated packaging machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein said movable portion includes support means bearingly supported above the machine to either side and below said chutes, the chutes of said fixed segment extending beyond the pivot point of said movable portion to facilitate abutting contact of said guide rods.
10. In an automated packaging machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the central guide rod of each chute of the movable portion is raised with respect to the corresponding rod of said fixed portion whereby containers drop slightly during movement from said movable portion onto said fixed portion.
11. In an automated packaging machine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the junction point of the central guide rod of each chute is not colinear with the junction point of said rods.
12. In an automated packaging machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein said support means includes two support brackets either side of said chute which extend either side of said pivot, said movable chute being secured to said brackets by a platform member extending between said brackets and mechanically secured thereto, each of said guide rods being secured to said platform in a cantilever manner to form said chutes, the other end of said brackets pivotally supporting a counterbalance weight for biasing of said moveable portion.
13. In an automated packaging machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein said counterbalance weight has a further pivot arm connected to such machine, and stops are provided on such machine either side of said further pivot arm for determining the aligned position of said movable portion and the container load position.
14. In an automated packaging machine as claimed in claim 1, 4 or 5, including a cover extending outwardly from said machine to partially enclose said movable portion at the top and sides thereof in the aligned position and wherein said movable portion includes a clear bottom member whereby said chute is generally enclosed in the up position and under positive air pressure.
15. In an automated packaging machine for foodstuffs as claimed in claim 13, wherein said platform member is adjustable relative to said brackets to provide accurate positioning of said chutes of said movable portion relative to said chutes of said fixed portion.
16. In an automated packaging machine for foodstuffs as claimed in claim 15, wherein said movable portion includes a roller across the free end thereof to facilitate loading of containers.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000401928A CA1189103A (en) | 1982-04-29 | 1982-04-29 | Discharge container loading mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000401928A CA1189103A (en) | 1982-04-29 | 1982-04-29 | Discharge container loading mechanism |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1189103A true CA1189103A (en) | 1985-06-18 |
Family
ID=4122680
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000401928A Expired CA1189103A (en) | 1982-04-29 | 1982-04-29 | Discharge container loading mechanism |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1189103A (en) |
-
1982
- 1982-04-29 CA CA000401928A patent/CA1189103A/en not_active Expired
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