CA1209096A - Automatic compression sorter for packages - Google Patents
Automatic compression sorter for packagesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1209096A CA1209096A CA000419995A CA419995A CA1209096A CA 1209096 A CA1209096 A CA 1209096A CA 000419995 A CA000419995 A CA 000419995A CA 419995 A CA419995 A CA 419995A CA 1209096 A CA1209096 A CA 1209096A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- packaging
- articles
- pressing members
- type
- pressing
- 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
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Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure The invention refers to a method of and a device for sorting returned articles of packaging.
The packaging is subjected by means of pressing members to a compressive force and is sorted according to the magnitude of the force used and/or the shape or deformation the packaging thereby assumes or undergoes respectively. Articles of packaging having mechanical strength within a definite range are then passed through a dimension-determining opening to a collec-tion station. Articles of packaging having mechanical strength outside the predetermined range are prevented from passing through the opening to the collection station and may be directed to a second collection station or returned to the initial position before being subjected to the pressing members.
The packaging is subjected by means of pressing members to a compressive force and is sorted according to the magnitude of the force used and/or the shape or deformation the packaging thereby assumes or undergoes respectively. Articles of packaging having mechanical strength within a definite range are then passed through a dimension-determining opening to a collec-tion station. Articles of packaging having mechanical strength outside the predetermined range are prevented from passing through the opening to the collection station and may be directed to a second collection station or returned to the initial position before being subjected to the pressing members.
Description
~:09~6 The present invention refers to the sorting out of articles of packaging of a certain type of material from packagings of other types of materials, and more precisely to a method of and a device for sorting in which the packaging is subjected to a compressive force and sorting is based on the deformation or the final shape thus given to the packaging and/or the size of the compressive force used.
Sorting articles or goods according to such properties as size, shape, colour, material, density, etc., is previously known. In sorting based on size or shape, the actual dimensions of the articles or the goods constitute the basis of sorting.
Through publication DE OS 29 25 946, published January 10, 1980 on an application by R. &o ~icolas, a device for sorting objects is further known in which sorting is based on the elasticity of the objects. A
hammer drops onto the objects and they are sorted according to the magnitude of the rebound that occurs.
According to the invention, the article of packaging is subjected to compacting by means of a compressive force in order to permit sorting of the packaging based on the magnitude of the employed force, power, energy and/or the deformation and final shape thus given to the packaging. Since the power and the energy used are both dependent on the compressive force (converted with regard to the instantaneous velocity and the path of the force) required during the compressing process, determination of the power and energy used constitutes a fundamental sorting criterion embraced by sorting based on the force employed.
In one version of the invention, sorting of the packaging is determined solely by the maximum compressive force used.
In an alternative version of the invention, ~; sorting of the packaging is determined in part by the maximum compressive force used and in part by the shape of the packaging after compression.
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In another alternative version of the invention the compressive force has a given maximum value and sorting o~ the packaging is ~etermined by the deformation ~hus arising.
In still another alternative version of the invention the compressive force similarly has a given maximum value and sorting of the packag-ing is determined by its dimensions after deformation.
According to yet another alternative version of the invention the compressive force ceases when the packaging has assumed a predetermi-ned minimum size, whereby the packaging is sorted into a special re-ceiving organ when the predetermined minimum size is attained as aresult of a compressive force less than or alternatively greater than a given value.
In a version of the invention for packagings of chiefly cylindrical shape the compressive force is applied principally along the axis of the packaging.
In one version of the invention the power consumption during the com-pressing process is recorded while in another version of the inven-tion the energy used for compressing each individual packaging is recorded. When power consumption is recorded the compressive force used is calculated by means of conversion organs, principally of electronic type, taking into account the relative movements of the pressing organs. It is of course possible in an alternative version to compare the measured power directly with the power consumption determined necessary for compressing packagings of the type of mate-rial in question. When energy consumption is recorded the actualenergy consumption is compared with the energy required to compress a packaging of the type of material in question. For example, in the case of measured energy within the interval which it has been deter-mined characterizes packagings of the type of material in question the compressed packaging is accordingly classified among packagings which are sorted out. Such recording organs are in that case incor-porated in the power supply circuit for the drive organ while the conversion organs, for example, are also connected to indicating organs showing the,relative movements of the pressing organs.
It will readily be realised that a device in accordance with the pre-vious paragraph can easily be fitted ~ith conversion organs for de-termining the compressive forces, deformation during compression and dimensions of the compressed packaging on application of ~he above sorting principles.
Incorporated in a device according to the invention is a supporting organ and a first pressing organ and a second pressing organO The ~wo latter are arranged to describe relative motion towards and away from each other. The packaging is then carried by the supporting organ which is principally provided with an opening. On movement of the pressing organs towards each other packagings having a mechanical strength within a definite interval are compressed~ principally to such a final correct shape as to permit passage of the packaging through the opening and which accordingly separates the packaging from other received goods.
The supporting organ is principally arranged so as to be capable of movement relative to the pressing devices and also constitutes in one presented version a loading organ for placing packagings in position for compression between the pressing organs.
In one Yersion of the invention one of the pressing organs is sta-tionary while the other is moved by means of a drive organ through a drive mechanism and an associated overload coupling. This has an ad-justment to interrupt the movement of the pressing organ at a prede-termined maximum compressive force. The drive mechanism then consistsprincipally of two arms arranged at an angle to each other and joined together by means of a friction connection.
In an alternative version of the invention one of the pressing organs is spring-loaded and principally placed in an opening. When the com-pressive force exceeds a predetermined maximum value the other press-ing organ moves away under spring forces and the packaging is removed from the supporting organ and discharged through the opening.
~2~9~
In yet another version of the invention one of the pressing organs is spring-loaded so that when it is in the sprung position it actuates a switch which affects the movement of the movable pressing organ. When the switch is actuated the movement of the movable pressing organ is reversed, for example, so that it returns to its starting position.
The spring force of the spring-loaded second pressing organ is there-by adapted to actuate th,e switch at a pressing force exceeding a pre-determined maximum value.
Within the scope of the invention there are naturally other versions for limiting the maximum compressive forces, which are based on limi-ting the available force, to ensure that only a force of a magnitude within a predetermined interval is used to compress the packaging to the right shape. For example, in connection with compressing a pack-aging which in order to assume the right shape requires greater force than that applied within the interval determined, the limitation of force results in the packaging not being deformed sufficiently to allow its passage through the opening in the supporting organ.
In certain applications an organ is also arranged for receipting the number of packagings passing through the opening in the supporting organ. This receipting is in one version only an accumulating coun-ter9 in another version it comprises documentation of the packaging introduced on each occasion, including for example cash payment in the form of coins or tokens, etc. In this connection the organ is principally arranged so that it only receipts such packagings as are compressed to the right shape by the application of forces within the above-mentioned interval.
The present invention is described more detailedly with reference to a number of figures, where Figs. 1 and 2 show a sorting device viewed from the side, Fig. 3 shows the cross-section III-III in Fig. 1 with a pack-aging placed in the sorting device, Fig. 4 shows the same cross-section as in Fig. 3 where the ~ ~9~
packaging has undergone axial compression, Fig~ 5 shows the same cross-section as in Fig. 3 where the packaging leaves the sorting device, Fig. 6 shows a side view of a drive mechanism consisting of arms joined together by means of a friction connec-tion, Fig. 7 shows the cross-section VII-VII in Fig. 6, Fig. 8 shows a version of the invention with a switching or-gan controlled by one of the pressing organs and arranged to engage and drsengage the drive organ for moving the other pressing organ, Fig. 9 shows a detail of the sorting device with one of the pressing organs suspended with a form of spring re-turn, and Fig. 10 shows a version of the invention with recording organs for power or energy consumption connected to the drive organ for the pressing organs and with calculating organs for evaluating the measured values.
Figs. 1-5 contain a frame 21 in which is arranged a bearing 22 for the pivoted suspension of a supporting organ 8 for packaging 7. By means of drive organs (not shown in the figures) the supporting organ is moved from the position shown in Fig. 2 to the position shown in Fig. 1. This naturally also includes purely manual operation of the supporting organ. A spring 23 returns the supporting organ to the position shown in Fig. 2 after the drive organ has been disengaged from supporting organ 8. The part of the suppor~ing organ carrying the packaging 7 is arranged with an opening 18.
The figures also contain a first pressing organ 1 and a second press-ing organ 2. The first pressing organ is secured to a lever 5 which via a connecting rod 4 is connected to an eccentric 3 which in its `` ~;~9~
turn is connected to a drive organ not shown in the figures for rota-ting the eccentric in the direction of the arrow. Here, too, the drive organ may consist for example of a manually operated lever, pedal, etc. The first pressing organ is arranged at one end of the lever S while the other encl of the lever is pivoted in a bracket 6.
The two pressing organs 1 and 2 are arranged on either side of the opening 18. Under the opening 18 is a funnel-like receiving organ 24.
Also arranged adjacent to opening 18 is an organ 20 for receipting the number of packagings passing through the opening and a collecting lû device 26 for accepted packagings (shown in FigO 5 only). A second cbllecting device 27 for unaccepted packagings is shown in Fig. 9 beside the second pressing organ 2.
Fig. 10 shows in particular a version of the invention where a re-cording organ 33 is connected by means of signal lines 39 to a drive organ 34 in the shape of an electrical motor for sensing the power, for example, supplied to the motor. The motor has a drive wheel 35 which via a transmission organ 36 such as a toothed belt transmits the motion of the drive wheel to eccentric 3. A conversion organ 32 is connected via a signal line 52 to recording organ 33. The conver-sion organ is in one version also connec~ed via signal lines 40 to atransmitter ~sensor) 45 arranged adjacent to eccentric 3 and inter-acting with pulse organs 46, 47 arranged on the eccentric which indi-cate the starting position and the stopping position respectively of the packaging compression process. In an alternative version~ a con-tact organ 30 is arranged between the second pressing organ 2 and theframe 21. Signal lines 37 connect conversion organ 32 to the contact organ which, together with the signal lines, forms a closed electric circuit, for example, when the second pressing organ 2 subjects the packaging 7 to compressing forces.
Fig. 10 also shows an alternative version with a first collecting-organ 41 for packagings of the type of material in question and a second collecting organ 42 for packagings of other types of materi-als. The funnel-like receiving organ 24 is adjustable between the two collecting organs by swivelling in a bearing 43. A drive wheel 44 on 3~ the receiving organ 24 is connected via a drive belt 50 (toothed belt) to drive wheel 49 on a motor 48 which in its turn is connetted 3~ 6 to conversion organ 32 via a sisnal line 51.
A packaging is placed on supporting organ 8 when it is in the posi-tion shown in Fig. 2. The supporting organ is then moved to the posi-tion shown in Fig. 19 following which the drive organ for rotating eccentric 3 moves the first pressing organ 1 from the position shown in Fig. 3 to the position shown in Fig. 4. This causes the packaging 7 to be compressed and assume the shape that is evident from Fig. 4.
The first pressing organ has in the process been moved to a position next to the edge of the opening 18 and the packaging has thereby been compressed so that its length between the first and the second press-ing organs is less than the distance between the corresponding edges of the opening. As the eccentric continues to rotate, the first pressing organ is moved back to its starting position and the com-pressed packaging 7 drops through the opening 18 down into the funnel-like receiving organ 24. Where applicable, the descending packaging is recorded by receipting organ 20 and the packaging is then received by the collecting device 26.
Shown in Figs. 6-7 is a drivP mechanism for the first pressing organ where connecting rod 4 has been replaced by two arms 9 and 10 which form an angle to each other.
The arms are joined together by a bolt 119 spring washer 12 which exerts pressure on a friction connection 13 which enables arm 9 to move in relation to arM 10 under a certain degree of friction. As a result, in the event of an overload on the device due to a packaging with prohibited physical properties, for example, being subjected to compression the component corresponding to connecting rod 4 is ex-tended in that the angle between arms 9 and lD changes, causing com-pres~ion of the packaging to cease. The version described makes it possible to set the maximum permissible compressive force ~or com-pressing the packaging. If this value is exceeded, compression of thepackaging ceases and it cannot pass through the opening 18. When the supporting organ returns to the position shown in Fig. 2, lever ~
moves against a stop 14 and causes the arms 9 and 10 to return to their original positions relative to each other.
Lever 5 can also be fitted with a toggle-joint which is pretensioned in such a manner that the joint is not activated until the load ex-ceeds a certain value. In this alternative also packagings are not compressed to the final shape which allow them to pass through the opening lB.
Other versions of the invention are also possible, such as with a telescopic connecting rod 4 which in the event of an overload is ac-tivated and can in such manner be extended. A heavily pretensioned spring also comprises an alternative.
Fig. 8 shows a version of the invention in which the second pressing organ 2 is arranged with a form of spring return by means of a washer 15, a first force adjusting screw 17 and a second force adjusting screw 28. The first force adjusting screw 17 affects the position of a switch 16, principally an electric switch, which in its turn actu-ates a self-holding relay which reverses the motor driving the eccen-tric 3 to the starting position, following which the self-holding relay releases and the motor stops. The second force adjusting screw 28 regu7ates the position of the pressing organ in the frame and con-sequently the pretensioning of washer 15. By means of the force ad-justing screws 17 and 28 the maximum permissible compressing force isaccordingly set. When the maximum permissible compressing force is exceeded, the second pressing organ moves against the s~itch 16 whereby compression of the packaging ceases in accordance with the chain of events described above.
Shown in Fig. 9 is a cross-section of a part of a version of the in-vention in which the second pressing organ 2 is arranged in an open-ing 19 by means of a spring device 25. When the compressing force exceeds a predetermined maximum value the second pressing organ moves away under spring force and the first pressing organ ~oves the pack-3~ aging through the exposed opening 19. In the figure the spring devive25 is shown only schematically but it can be designed in accordance with any known technique for moving aside a pressure plate when the pressing force against it attains a definite value.
From the detailed description relating to Fig. 10 it will be evident that the conversion organ 32, depending on the version of the inven-tion selected, satisfies the stated requirements of sorting out pack-agings of a certain type of material where sorting is based on the compressive force (power, energy) required during the compressing process. The recording organ 33 accordingly informs calculating organ 3~ via signal lines 52 about the consumption of energy or po~er, for example, during the compressing process. Further, calculating organ 32 receives via signal lines 40 the starting and stopping times for each individual compressing process. The invention also embraces the alternative of allowing the calculating organ itself determine these times from the shape of the power consumption curve. In yet another alternative the calculating organ 32 uses the position of contact organ 30 as a basis for determining the starting and stopping times of the compressing processO
Regardless of how calculating organ 32 receives its information, it transmits in the version shown in Fig. lO control pulses for rotating motor 48 and consequently swivellling receiving organ 24 towards one of the collecting organs 40, 41.
In still another version the contact organ 30 is replaced by a load-sensing cell 31 which via connecting line 37 transmits information about the magnitude of the compressive force to calculating organ 32.
A person skilled in the ar~ will readily appreciate that the alterna-tive versions described with reference to Fig. lO can also be combin-ed with versions described earlier. Accordingly, swivelling of the receiving organ 24 , for example, is replaced by transmitting pulses to motor 34 so that it reverses the rotation of eccentric 3 in order to in~errupt compression of the packagings and possibly re~urn them to the loading position in the event that the packagings do not con-sist of the type of material in question.
On application of the invention to can-shaped packagings, axial com-pression of the packaging is principally used. The advantage of this is that the compressing tools or pressing organs can be of a shape which only slightly exceeds the size of the end surfaces of the pack-~2~
i aging. Another advantage of axial compression is that the packagingis compressed without surrounding support. In devices where can-shap-ed packagings are compressed at right angles to the generatrix, the projected area of the compressed can occupies a much larger area than that of the uncompressed can and the compressing tools therefore re-quire a correspondingly larger area as compared with the tool area of a device according to the invention.
In addition to the above description the invention will be evident from the following patent claims.
Sorting articles or goods according to such properties as size, shape, colour, material, density, etc., is previously known. In sorting based on size or shape, the actual dimensions of the articles or the goods constitute the basis of sorting.
Through publication DE OS 29 25 946, published January 10, 1980 on an application by R. &o ~icolas, a device for sorting objects is further known in which sorting is based on the elasticity of the objects. A
hammer drops onto the objects and they are sorted according to the magnitude of the rebound that occurs.
According to the invention, the article of packaging is subjected to compacting by means of a compressive force in order to permit sorting of the packaging based on the magnitude of the employed force, power, energy and/or the deformation and final shape thus given to the packaging. Since the power and the energy used are both dependent on the compressive force (converted with regard to the instantaneous velocity and the path of the force) required during the compressing process, determination of the power and energy used constitutes a fundamental sorting criterion embraced by sorting based on the force employed.
In one version of the invention, sorting of the packaging is determined solely by the maximum compressive force used.
In an alternative version of the invention, ~; sorting of the packaging is determined in part by the maximum compressive force used and in part by the shape of the packaging after compression.
..
B
~2~
In another alternative version of the invention the compressive force has a given maximum value and sorting o~ the packaging is ~etermined by the deformation ~hus arising.
In still another alternative version of the invention the compressive force similarly has a given maximum value and sorting of the packag-ing is determined by its dimensions after deformation.
According to yet another alternative version of the invention the compressive force ceases when the packaging has assumed a predetermi-ned minimum size, whereby the packaging is sorted into a special re-ceiving organ when the predetermined minimum size is attained as aresult of a compressive force less than or alternatively greater than a given value.
In a version of the invention for packagings of chiefly cylindrical shape the compressive force is applied principally along the axis of the packaging.
In one version of the invention the power consumption during the com-pressing process is recorded while in another version of the inven-tion the energy used for compressing each individual packaging is recorded. When power consumption is recorded the compressive force used is calculated by means of conversion organs, principally of electronic type, taking into account the relative movements of the pressing organs. It is of course possible in an alternative version to compare the measured power directly with the power consumption determined necessary for compressing packagings of the type of mate-rial in question. When energy consumption is recorded the actualenergy consumption is compared with the energy required to compress a packaging of the type of material in question. For example, in the case of measured energy within the interval which it has been deter-mined characterizes packagings of the type of material in question the compressed packaging is accordingly classified among packagings which are sorted out. Such recording organs are in that case incor-porated in the power supply circuit for the drive organ while the conversion organs, for example, are also connected to indicating organs showing the,relative movements of the pressing organs.
It will readily be realised that a device in accordance with the pre-vious paragraph can easily be fitted ~ith conversion organs for de-termining the compressive forces, deformation during compression and dimensions of the compressed packaging on application of ~he above sorting principles.
Incorporated in a device according to the invention is a supporting organ and a first pressing organ and a second pressing organO The ~wo latter are arranged to describe relative motion towards and away from each other. The packaging is then carried by the supporting organ which is principally provided with an opening. On movement of the pressing organs towards each other packagings having a mechanical strength within a definite interval are compressed~ principally to such a final correct shape as to permit passage of the packaging through the opening and which accordingly separates the packaging from other received goods.
The supporting organ is principally arranged so as to be capable of movement relative to the pressing devices and also constitutes in one presented version a loading organ for placing packagings in position for compression between the pressing organs.
In one Yersion of the invention one of the pressing organs is sta-tionary while the other is moved by means of a drive organ through a drive mechanism and an associated overload coupling. This has an ad-justment to interrupt the movement of the pressing organ at a prede-termined maximum compressive force. The drive mechanism then consistsprincipally of two arms arranged at an angle to each other and joined together by means of a friction connection.
In an alternative version of the invention one of the pressing organs is spring-loaded and principally placed in an opening. When the com-pressive force exceeds a predetermined maximum value the other press-ing organ moves away under spring forces and the packaging is removed from the supporting organ and discharged through the opening.
~2~9~
In yet another version of the invention one of the pressing organs is spring-loaded so that when it is in the sprung position it actuates a switch which affects the movement of the movable pressing organ. When the switch is actuated the movement of the movable pressing organ is reversed, for example, so that it returns to its starting position.
The spring force of the spring-loaded second pressing organ is there-by adapted to actuate th,e switch at a pressing force exceeding a pre-determined maximum value.
Within the scope of the invention there are naturally other versions for limiting the maximum compressive forces, which are based on limi-ting the available force, to ensure that only a force of a magnitude within a predetermined interval is used to compress the packaging to the right shape. For example, in connection with compressing a pack-aging which in order to assume the right shape requires greater force than that applied within the interval determined, the limitation of force results in the packaging not being deformed sufficiently to allow its passage through the opening in the supporting organ.
In certain applications an organ is also arranged for receipting the number of packagings passing through the opening in the supporting organ. This receipting is in one version only an accumulating coun-ter9 in another version it comprises documentation of the packaging introduced on each occasion, including for example cash payment in the form of coins or tokens, etc. In this connection the organ is principally arranged so that it only receipts such packagings as are compressed to the right shape by the application of forces within the above-mentioned interval.
The present invention is described more detailedly with reference to a number of figures, where Figs. 1 and 2 show a sorting device viewed from the side, Fig. 3 shows the cross-section III-III in Fig. 1 with a pack-aging placed in the sorting device, Fig. 4 shows the same cross-section as in Fig. 3 where the ~ ~9~
packaging has undergone axial compression, Fig~ 5 shows the same cross-section as in Fig. 3 where the packaging leaves the sorting device, Fig. 6 shows a side view of a drive mechanism consisting of arms joined together by means of a friction connec-tion, Fig. 7 shows the cross-section VII-VII in Fig. 6, Fig. 8 shows a version of the invention with a switching or-gan controlled by one of the pressing organs and arranged to engage and drsengage the drive organ for moving the other pressing organ, Fig. 9 shows a detail of the sorting device with one of the pressing organs suspended with a form of spring re-turn, and Fig. 10 shows a version of the invention with recording organs for power or energy consumption connected to the drive organ for the pressing organs and with calculating organs for evaluating the measured values.
Figs. 1-5 contain a frame 21 in which is arranged a bearing 22 for the pivoted suspension of a supporting organ 8 for packaging 7. By means of drive organs (not shown in the figures) the supporting organ is moved from the position shown in Fig. 2 to the position shown in Fig. 1. This naturally also includes purely manual operation of the supporting organ. A spring 23 returns the supporting organ to the position shown in Fig. 2 after the drive organ has been disengaged from supporting organ 8. The part of the suppor~ing organ carrying the packaging 7 is arranged with an opening 18.
The figures also contain a first pressing organ 1 and a second press-ing organ 2. The first pressing organ is secured to a lever 5 which via a connecting rod 4 is connected to an eccentric 3 which in its `` ~;~9~
turn is connected to a drive organ not shown in the figures for rota-ting the eccentric in the direction of the arrow. Here, too, the drive organ may consist for example of a manually operated lever, pedal, etc. The first pressing organ is arranged at one end of the lever S while the other encl of the lever is pivoted in a bracket 6.
The two pressing organs 1 and 2 are arranged on either side of the opening 18. Under the opening 18 is a funnel-like receiving organ 24.
Also arranged adjacent to opening 18 is an organ 20 for receipting the number of packagings passing through the opening and a collecting lû device 26 for accepted packagings (shown in FigO 5 only). A second cbllecting device 27 for unaccepted packagings is shown in Fig. 9 beside the second pressing organ 2.
Fig. 10 shows in particular a version of the invention where a re-cording organ 33 is connected by means of signal lines 39 to a drive organ 34 in the shape of an electrical motor for sensing the power, for example, supplied to the motor. The motor has a drive wheel 35 which via a transmission organ 36 such as a toothed belt transmits the motion of the drive wheel to eccentric 3. A conversion organ 32 is connected via a signal line 52 to recording organ 33. The conver-sion organ is in one version also connec~ed via signal lines 40 to atransmitter ~sensor) 45 arranged adjacent to eccentric 3 and inter-acting with pulse organs 46, 47 arranged on the eccentric which indi-cate the starting position and the stopping position respectively of the packaging compression process. In an alternative version~ a con-tact organ 30 is arranged between the second pressing organ 2 and theframe 21. Signal lines 37 connect conversion organ 32 to the contact organ which, together with the signal lines, forms a closed electric circuit, for example, when the second pressing organ 2 subjects the packaging 7 to compressing forces.
Fig. 10 also shows an alternative version with a first collecting-organ 41 for packagings of the type of material in question and a second collecting organ 42 for packagings of other types of materi-als. The funnel-like receiving organ 24 is adjustable between the two collecting organs by swivelling in a bearing 43. A drive wheel 44 on 3~ the receiving organ 24 is connected via a drive belt 50 (toothed belt) to drive wheel 49 on a motor 48 which in its turn is connetted 3~ 6 to conversion organ 32 via a sisnal line 51.
A packaging is placed on supporting organ 8 when it is in the posi-tion shown in Fig. 2. The supporting organ is then moved to the posi-tion shown in Fig. 19 following which the drive organ for rotating eccentric 3 moves the first pressing organ 1 from the position shown in Fig. 3 to the position shown in Fig. 4. This causes the packaging 7 to be compressed and assume the shape that is evident from Fig. 4.
The first pressing organ has in the process been moved to a position next to the edge of the opening 18 and the packaging has thereby been compressed so that its length between the first and the second press-ing organs is less than the distance between the corresponding edges of the opening. As the eccentric continues to rotate, the first pressing organ is moved back to its starting position and the com-pressed packaging 7 drops through the opening 18 down into the funnel-like receiving organ 24. Where applicable, the descending packaging is recorded by receipting organ 20 and the packaging is then received by the collecting device 26.
Shown in Figs. 6-7 is a drivP mechanism for the first pressing organ where connecting rod 4 has been replaced by two arms 9 and 10 which form an angle to each other.
The arms are joined together by a bolt 119 spring washer 12 which exerts pressure on a friction connection 13 which enables arm 9 to move in relation to arM 10 under a certain degree of friction. As a result, in the event of an overload on the device due to a packaging with prohibited physical properties, for example, being subjected to compression the component corresponding to connecting rod 4 is ex-tended in that the angle between arms 9 and lD changes, causing com-pres~ion of the packaging to cease. The version described makes it possible to set the maximum permissible compressive force ~or com-pressing the packaging. If this value is exceeded, compression of thepackaging ceases and it cannot pass through the opening 18. When the supporting organ returns to the position shown in Fig. 2, lever ~
moves against a stop 14 and causes the arms 9 and 10 to return to their original positions relative to each other.
Lever 5 can also be fitted with a toggle-joint which is pretensioned in such a manner that the joint is not activated until the load ex-ceeds a certain value. In this alternative also packagings are not compressed to the final shape which allow them to pass through the opening lB.
Other versions of the invention are also possible, such as with a telescopic connecting rod 4 which in the event of an overload is ac-tivated and can in such manner be extended. A heavily pretensioned spring also comprises an alternative.
Fig. 8 shows a version of the invention in which the second pressing organ 2 is arranged with a form of spring return by means of a washer 15, a first force adjusting screw 17 and a second force adjusting screw 28. The first force adjusting screw 17 affects the position of a switch 16, principally an electric switch, which in its turn actu-ates a self-holding relay which reverses the motor driving the eccen-tric 3 to the starting position, following which the self-holding relay releases and the motor stops. The second force adjusting screw 28 regu7ates the position of the pressing organ in the frame and con-sequently the pretensioning of washer 15. By means of the force ad-justing screws 17 and 28 the maximum permissible compressing force isaccordingly set. When the maximum permissible compressing force is exceeded, the second pressing organ moves against the s~itch 16 whereby compression of the packaging ceases in accordance with the chain of events described above.
Shown in Fig. 9 is a cross-section of a part of a version of the in-vention in which the second pressing organ 2 is arranged in an open-ing 19 by means of a spring device 25. When the compressing force exceeds a predetermined maximum value the second pressing organ moves away under spring force and the first pressing organ ~oves the pack-3~ aging through the exposed opening 19. In the figure the spring devive25 is shown only schematically but it can be designed in accordance with any known technique for moving aside a pressure plate when the pressing force against it attains a definite value.
From the detailed description relating to Fig. 10 it will be evident that the conversion organ 32, depending on the version of the inven-tion selected, satisfies the stated requirements of sorting out pack-agings of a certain type of material where sorting is based on the compressive force (power, energy) required during the compressing process. The recording organ 33 accordingly informs calculating organ 3~ via signal lines 52 about the consumption of energy or po~er, for example, during the compressing process. Further, calculating organ 32 receives via signal lines 40 the starting and stopping times for each individual compressing process. The invention also embraces the alternative of allowing the calculating organ itself determine these times from the shape of the power consumption curve. In yet another alternative the calculating organ 32 uses the position of contact organ 30 as a basis for determining the starting and stopping times of the compressing processO
Regardless of how calculating organ 32 receives its information, it transmits in the version shown in Fig. lO control pulses for rotating motor 48 and consequently swivellling receiving organ 24 towards one of the collecting organs 40, 41.
In still another version the contact organ 30 is replaced by a load-sensing cell 31 which via connecting line 37 transmits information about the magnitude of the compressive force to calculating organ 32.
A person skilled in the ar~ will readily appreciate that the alterna-tive versions described with reference to Fig. lO can also be combin-ed with versions described earlier. Accordingly, swivelling of the receiving organ 24 , for example, is replaced by transmitting pulses to motor 34 so that it reverses the rotation of eccentric 3 in order to in~errupt compression of the packagings and possibly re~urn them to the loading position in the event that the packagings do not con-sist of the type of material in question.
On application of the invention to can-shaped packagings, axial com-pression of the packaging is principally used. The advantage of this is that the compressing tools or pressing organs can be of a shape which only slightly exceeds the size of the end surfaces of the pack-~2~
i aging. Another advantage of axial compression is that the packagingis compressed without surrounding support. In devices where can-shap-ed packagings are compressed at right angles to the generatrix, the projected area of the compressed can occupies a much larger area than that of the uncompressed can and the compressing tools therefore re-quire a correspondingly larger area as compared with the tool area of a device according to the invention.
In addition to the above description the invention will be evident from the following patent claims.
Claims (17)
1. A method of compacting articles of packaging and sorting out said articles of packaging of a certain type of material from articles of packaging of other types of materials comprising placing the articles between a first pressing member and a second pressing member which, on moving relative to each other, apply compressive forces to said articles situated between the pressing members, detecting the magnitude of the compressive forces such that, in the case of forces of a magnitude within range for the compressive force required for the articles of packaging of the type of material in question, such packaging is compacted and thereafter transferring the compacted article to a collecting device for articles of packaging of the type of material in question and, in the case of detection of forces above or below said range of compressive forces relating to articles of packaging of other types of materials, preventing said articles of packaging of other types of material from being transferred to said collecting device.
2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the articles of packaging of the type of material in question are compacted to a size permitting passage of the compressed packagings through a dimension-determining sorting opening.
3. A method as defined in claims 1 or 2, wherein the sorting of the articles of packaging is determined in part by the maximum compressive force used and in part by the shape of the article of packaging after compression.
4. A method as defined in claims 1 or 2, wherein the compressive force has a given maximum value, whereby the deformation of the article of packaging determines its sorting.
5. A method as defined in claims 1 or 2, wherein the compressive force has a given maximum value and that the dimensions of the articles of packaging after deformation determine the sorting of the packagings.
6. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the compressive force ceases when the article of packaging has assumed a predetermined minimum dimension.
7. A method as defined in claim 6, wherein the articles of packaging which assume a predetermined minimum dimension at a compressive force below a given value are sorted to a special receiving device.
8. A device for sorting and compacting articles of packaging of a certain type of material from articles of packaging of other types of materials, said apparatus comprising supporting means for trans-porting the articles one by one to a compacting station, first and second pressing members at said station arranged to move relative to each other to compress said articles transported by the supporting means, means for regulating the relative movement of the pressing members and for regulating the transfer of the articles when relative movement of the pressing members has ceased, such that the means regulating the movement of the pressing members, in the case of compressive forces of a magnitude within a predetermined range of compressive force required for articles of packaging of the type of material in question, allow movement of the pressing members towards each other to be completed, whereby the articles assume a correspondingly reduced size before transfer to a collecting device for articles of packaging of the type of material in question and, in the case of compressive forces of a magnitude outside said range prevent said articles of packaging from being transferred to said collecting device.
9. A device as in claim 8, comprising a drive member, a drive mechanism and an associated overload coupling connecting said drive member to the first pressing member in order to achieve its movement, said overload coupling being set to interrupt the movement of the first pressing member at a predetermined maximum compressive force of the first pressing member, said drive mechanism including two arms arranged at an angle to each other and joined together by a friction connection.
10. A device as in claim 8, wherein one of the pressing members has a spring return and provides an opening for an article of packaging so that, with a compressive force exceeding a predetermined maximum value, said one pressing member moves away under spring forces, whereby the article of packaging is moved away from the supporting means and thereby through said opening.
11. A device as in claim 8, wherein one of the pressing members has a spring return and a biased position which actuates a switch controlling said means which regulates the relative movement of the pressing members, the spring force required to bias said one pressing member being adapted for actuation of the switch by said one pressing member for a compressive force exceeding a predetermined maximum value.
12. A device as in claim 8, wherein the regulating means comprises a conversion member of electronic type arranged to receive signals from means which, in connection with the relative movements of the pressing members towards each other, senses the conditions for compressing the article of packaging and the conversion member is connected to control and checking means which are connected in turn to first drive means for the relative movements of the pressing members and to further drive means for repositioning a receiving member between at least two collecting members for articles of packaging, whereby the conversion member transmits control pulses to the control and checking means and to the first drive means and to the further drive means, respectively, to interrupt compression of the packaging and to reposition the receiving member relative to the collecting member for packagings of other materials than the type of material in question when the conversion member classifies the packaging among a type of material other than the type of material in question.
13. A device as in claim 8, wherein the support-ing means has an opening the dimensions of which permit the passage of packagings of the type of material in question after the packaging has been compacted by the pressing members.
14. A device as defined in claim 8, wherein a conversion member, principally an electronic conversion member, is arranged to receive signals from sensing means which in connection with the relative movements of the pressing members towards each other sense the positions of the pressing members, the magnitude of the compressive force and the power and energy respectively used for compressing the article of packaging and the conversion member is connected to a control and checking means which is connected in turn to the drive member for the relative movements of the pressing members and to drive means connected for repositioning a receiving member between at least two collecting means for articles of packaging, whereby the conversion member, after conversion of received signals to corresponding values of powers, energies and compressive forces, compares the converted actual value with the corresponding value for articles of packaging of the type of material in question and transmits control pulses to the control and checking means and the drive means respectively to interrupt compression of an article of packaging and to reposi-tion the receiving member to the collecting means for articles of packaging of other materials than the type of material in question when the conversion member classifies the article of packaging among a type of material other than the type of material in question.
15. A device for compacting and sorting articles of packaging of a certain type of material from packagings of other types of materials, said apparatus comprising supporting means for transporting the articles of packaging one by one to a compacting station, first and second pressing members at said station arranged to move relative to each other to compress articles of packaging transported by the supporting means, means for regulating the relative movement of the pressing members and for regulating the transfer of the articles of packaging when rela-tive movement of the pressing members has ceased, such that the means regulating the movement of the pressing members, in the case of compressive forces of a magni-tude within a predetermined range of compressive force required for articles of packaging of the type of material in question, allow movement of the pressing members towards each other to be completed, whereby the articles of packaging assume a correspondingly reduced size before transfer to a collecting device for articles of packaging of the type of material in question and, in the case of compressive forces of a magnitude outside said range prevent said packaging from being trans-ferred to said collecting device, said supporting means being movable relative to the pressing members and comprising a loading member for placing the packaging in position for compression between the pressing members.
16. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the articles of packaging made of other types of materials are transferred after the compression step to a second collecting device.
17. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the articles of packaging made of other types of materials are transferred after the compression step to a position corresponding to the position occupied before positioning between the pressing members.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000419995A CA1209096A (en) | 1983-01-21 | 1983-01-21 | Automatic compression sorter for packages |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000419995A CA1209096A (en) | 1983-01-21 | 1983-01-21 | Automatic compression sorter for packages |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1209096A true CA1209096A (en) | 1986-08-05 |
Family
ID=4124405
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000419995A Expired CA1209096A (en) | 1983-01-21 | 1983-01-21 | Automatic compression sorter for packages |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1209096A (en) |
-
1983
- 1983-01-21 CA CA000419995A patent/CA1209096A/en not_active Expired
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