CA2047273A1 - Product control apparatus - Google Patents
Product control apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2047273A1 CA2047273A1 CA 2047273 CA2047273A CA2047273A1 CA 2047273 A1 CA2047273 A1 CA 2047273A1 CA 2047273 CA2047273 CA 2047273 CA 2047273 A CA2047273 A CA 2047273A CA 2047273 A1 CA2047273 A1 CA 2047273A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- products
- conveying
- pallets
- product
- support members
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007514 turning Methods 0.000 abstract description 25
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 208000027697 autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome due to CTLA4 haploinsuffiency Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003278 mimic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
A high speed production line system has a product conveying section wherein a conveyor is formed from a plurality of individual and transversely extending pallets (16, 16A) which are movable relative to one another in the transverse direction. Certain of the pallets (16A) have a cam controlled movement whereby upstanding posts (30) can engage with packs (22) of products to turn the packs through 90° while the packs pass through the conveying section. Thereafter the packs (22) can be moved into different lanes as required by virtue of cam control of the pallets (16). The integration of the turning and lane dividing operations in a single apparatus provides full utilisation of components and considerable reduction in overall length.
A high speed production line system has a product conveying section wherein a conveyor is formed from a plurality of individual and transversely extending pallets (16, 16A) which are movable relative to one another in the transverse direction. Certain of the pallets (16A) have a cam controlled movement whereby upstanding posts (30) can engage with packs (22) of products to turn the packs through 90° while the packs pass through the conveying section. Thereafter the packs (22) can be moved into different lanes as required by virtue of cam control of the pallets (16). The integration of the turning and lane dividing operations in a single apparatus provides full utilisation of components and considerable reduction in overall length.
Description
7~73 Product Control Apparatus This invention relates to product control apparatus and is particularly concerned with conveying of products in a production line system.
In a high speed production line system, it can be neces-sary at certain conveying sections to change the orientation of the products being conveyed, and this can often result in having to slow down or even stop the production line. Also it can be necessary to divert respective products into different paths of movement. Such operations have heretofore been carried out by separate systems, inevitably resulting in a relatively large overall machine which is disadvantageous, as optimum use of floor space is highly desirable.
According to the present invention there is provided product control apparatus comprising means for conveying products along a path and means for changing the orientation of the products during conveying uovement along the path, the conveying means including support means adapted directly to receive the products such that the latter can be moved relative thereto, and means arranged for engagement directly with the products to change the orientation of the latter relative to the support means.
Means may be provided for feeding products onto the conveying path in synchronism with the positioning oF said selected ones oF the support members. The product feeding means may comprise a pair of parallel, transversely spaced endless chains with drive means therefor, and a plurality of flight bars extending between the chains at spaced locations, whereby the flight bars are movable into the conveying path to move products through the feed unit.
Preferably an electronic control system is provided for driving the chains oF the product feed unit and the product conveying means in a synchronised relation.
The support means may comprise a multiplicity of sùpport members extending transversely of the conveying path, at least selected ones of the support members being movable transver-sely of the conveying path. Preferably the product engagement means is provided on each of said selected support members and comprises a projection which is upwardly extending in use.
Each of said selected ones of the support members pref-erably has cam means engageable in a profiled track to control the transverse movement, and the cam means may extend downwardly of the support members in use.
Alternatively the product engagement means comprises a plurality of projections which are movable in paths parallel to the conveying path and adjacent to respective sides ~ ~3 ..b ;i ~ 7 3 thcreof. The projections may extend in use to bc cngagable with the produrts from above, and may be provided on a pair of parallel, transversely spaced endless chains, each of which has one pass adjacent to a respective side of the conveying path, the drivc means being adapted to move the innermost passes in opposite directions. One of the chains may be adapted to be driven at a greater linear speed than said other chain.
Preferably the apparatus includes means for automatic-ally changing the position of the products during conveying movement along the path.
Each of the other ones of the support members preferably has cam means cngagablc in a further profiled track to also be movable transvcrsely of thP convcying path. The further pro-filed track is preferably adapted to divert respective groups of said other ones of the support members into different paths of movemcnt, whcreby the products supported by said respective groups can be subsequently moved along said differcnt paths.
Embodiments of the present invention will now bc described by way of example only with reference to thc .. ~i~ ~
7 2 7 ~
accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of part of a productcontrol apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig~ 2 is a schematic perspective view in detail of part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view showing further details of the apparatus;
Fig. 4 is a schematic side elevation of part of the apparatus.
Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of part of a product control apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention.
, Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, one embodi-ment of a high speed production line system includes a product conveying section having a pair of parallel, transversely spaced outboard precision roller chains 10, 12 driven by suitable drive sprockets. Extending between the chains 10,12 and fitted to each chain roller pitch are a pair of parallel, , spaced crossbars 14. On the crossbars 14 associated with each chain roller pitch is mounted a pallet 16 or 16A formed of two halves fitted together respectively from above and below the bars 14 whereby the latter extend through the respective formed pallet. The latter is slidable on the bars 14 and is of reduced length relative to the bars 14. In each grouping 17 of six pallets, the first and sixth pallets 16A as shown 7 2 '7 ~
in Fig. 1, are longer than the others for a purpose hereinafter described. A further pallet 16 spaces adjacent groupings 17. The pallets 16,16A are preferably formed of a plastics material but any other suitable material could be utilised. It will be appreciated that the pallets ain use collectively form a continuous mat to act as a support for products 18 being conveyed thereon.
To provide for control of movement of the pallets 16 relative to the conveying path, each of the pallets 16 has a cam follower in the form of a downwardly extending peg 20 located substantially centrally of the length of the pallet 16. The peg 20 engages within a cam track (not shown) which is within the conveying section over the length of the conveying path and constrains the pallets 16 to move in a straight line centrally between the chains 10,12.
The conveying section is specifically designed for changing the orientation of a pack 22 of six products 1~.
Each pack 22 can be delivered onto the conveying pallets 16 with the products 1B in two parallel rows of three, the rows being parallel to the chains 10,12. The conveying section is designed to move each pack 22 through 90 as shown.
For this purpose each of the pallets 16A has a cam follower in the form of a downwardly extending peg (not shown) positioned towards a respective end of the pallet 16A.
Alternate ones of the pallets 16A have their pegs located towards the ends nearest the chain 12, whereas the others of the pallets 16A have their pegs located towards the ends nearest the chain 10. A pair of cam tracks 26,2~ are prov-ided within the conveying section on respective sides of the longitudinal centre line thereof whereby transverse or cross-over movement of the pallets 16A is controlled as hereinafter described.
Each of the pallets 16A further has an upstanding post 30 of circular configuaration which is offset centrally along the length of the respective pallets 16A to the side remote from the peg. As an alternative the post 30 may be replaced by a roller on a vertical axis.
When a pack 22 of products lB is delivered onto a grouping 17 of the conveying section, the products 18 overlie the pallets 16A in the grouping 17 and the pallets 16 there-between. The cam tracks 26,28 each have such a profile ini-tially that the pallets 16A are at their outermost positions on respective sides with the respective posts 30 closely adjacent respective sides of the pack 22. As the pack 22 is moved along the conveying path the profile of the cam tracks 26,28 is such as to move the respective pallets 16A inwardly from either side, whereby the posts 30 engage against adjac-ent end ones of the products 18 in the pack 22 and consequ-ently begin to rotate the latter. During continued movement 7 2 ~ 3 along the conveying path, the pallets 16A cross-over gradu-ally to their other outermost positions, with the posts 30 having moved the products 18 through 90 until the products 18 overlie only the pallets 16 in the grouping 17.
It is preferred to have the pallets 16A in a plane slightly lower than the plane of the pallets 16 so that no drag is created when the packs 22 are dividing and passing over the pallets 16A towards the end of the conveying section 52.
The delivery of packs 22 to the turning section has to be synchronised with the positioning of the pallets 16A.
The delivery of the packs 22 is by way of a rnetering convryor 54 (Fig. 4) from where the packs 22 are transferred to an acceleration conveyor 56. The latter funtions to create gaps 58 between adjacent ones of the packs 22 and moves the latter to an entry end of a feed unit (not shown). The latter comprises a housing having opposed-side walls and a pair of parallel transversely spaced endless chains each inwardly adjacent a respective side wall. Each chain passes around respective ones of pairs of sprockets, only one chain 60 being shown schematically. Drive is imparted to one of the pairs of sprockets from a drive external of the feed unit. Extending between the chains 60 at spaced locations along the length 7 2 ~ 3 thereof are a plurality oF flight bars 62. The packs 22 pass between the respective side walls of the feed unit from the acceleration convèyor 56 onto the cross bars 16, 16A, the conveyors 54, 56 being so synchronised with the chains 60 that each of the flight bars 62, on its movement into the path of the packs 22, locates between respective spaced ones of the packs 22 and then engages with the forward pack on the acceleration conveyor 56 to push the forward pack onto the pallets 16, 16A of the turning section. The chains 60 are synchronised with the turning section to accurately place the packs 22 into position thereon.
Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example, the grouping of pallets may be a grouping of five pallets with the first and fifth pallets being provided with posts and therefore corresponding to the pallèts 16A. Between each grouping there may be provided four further pallets, thereby increasing the spacing between adja-cent packs. Further, the pallets 16A may be of substantially the same length as the pallets 16 with appropriate modifica-tion of the cam tracks, in which case each post 30 would be positioned adjacent one end of the respèctive pallet 16A.
Also upstanding members other than circular posts or rollers may be utilised. The construction of the pallets may differ from that described and shown.
When a pack 22 of the products requires to be delivered '7 3 g on to the conveying section in three parallel rows oF two products, i.e. turned through 9û'' relative to that described in relation to the first embodiment to be delivered sideways rather than endways on to the conveying section, there is provided a turning arrangement wherein turning members move in a path at 90 to that of the turning members described in relation to the first embodiment. Such a further embodiment is shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings.
.
The conveying section may be provided with the same arrangement of pallets 16, 16A if the conveying section is intended to be versatile in providing for turning of packs 22 delivered in either orientation. It will be appreciated that provision would then have to be made for alternative cam tracks retaining the pallets 16A at their outermost positions when products are deIivered sideways. It will also be appreciated however that the conveying section may comprise a plurality of the pallets 16 only.
To provide for turning of the packs 22 which are delive-::
red in a sideways orientation, there is provided a pair of parallel, transversely spaced endless chains 100, 102 driven by suitable drive sprockets. Each chain 100, 102 is mounted above the conveying path for the packs 22 and has transversely spaced passes with respective turning posts 104, 106 equi-spaced along the length of the chains and extending downwardly therefrom for a purpose hereinafter described. The laterally 7 ~ 7 ~
innermost passes of the chains 100, 102 ar~ adjacen~ respec-tive sides of the conveying path. Each of the posts 104, 1n6 may be of circular configuration. The chain 100 has a shorter length than the chain 102, with the spacing of the posts 104 on the chain 100 being less than the spacing of the posts 106 on the chai.n 102. The li.near speed of the chain 102 is grea-ter than the linear speed of the acceleration conveyor 56, the latter being greater than the linear speed of the chain 100.
When a pack 22 of the products is delivered on to the conveying secti.on in a sideways orientation, a respective one of the posts 106 in the laterally innermost pass of the chain 102 initially engages with a rear face of the pack 22 and .`
moves with the latter until the front face thereof is engaged by a respective one of the posts 104 on the laterally innermost pass of the chai.n 100. Continued movement in opposite directions of the inner passes of th? chains 100, 102 effects rotat.ion of the pack 22 until the latter is moved through 90 and, at t.he end of the product turning section, can continue through t.he further conveying section 52 as described in relation to the first embodiment.
It may be more appropriate to provide chains suitably located so that. turning posts can extend laterally into engagement with the packs, depending on the shape and size of the packs.
The apparatus enables a t.urning action to re-position products being conveyed t.hrough 90 over a distance of less t.han one metre travel, and the turning can be carried out within a production line system at high speeds both positively and accurately.
r7 ~ 7 ~) At the end of the product turning section the pallets 16, 16A continue through a further conveying section 52 (Fig. 3). Throughout the section 52 the cam tracks for the pegs of the pallets 16A retain the latter in their outermost positions.
Also at the end of the product turning section, the cam track for the pegs of the pallets 16 is associated with set fork guides to divide into two guide tracks, or alternatively a switch block is provided, whereby alternate groups of the pallets 16 supporting a respective pack 22 of the products are moved into one of the guide tracks, while the other groups of the pallets 16 are moved into the other of the guide tracks.
In this way the same pallets 16 as supported the packs 22 through the turnlng section, support the packs 22 also through the conveying section 52 and `simultaneously separate the packs 22 into different paths of movement for subsequent use as necessary. The packs may be divided, for example according to colour, size, etc., and can be subsequently moved via transfer rollers (not shown) onto an outgoing conveyor.
When reaching the end of the conveying section 52, return cam tracks are provided to guide both the pallets 16 and 16A in a lower path, by means of their pegs, back to their original positions, to enable the turning and dividing opera-tions to re-commence once the pallets 16, 16A return to the upper part of the conveying section at the product feed unit.
7 ~ r7 ~
Control of the apparatus is effected by way of an electronic control system which ensures sychronised operation of the product feed unit with the turning section. Also to minimise intermittent operation, the control system can automatically adjust the speed of delivery of products to the feed unit on demand. The control system further includes a mimic display indicative of the status of the apparatus.
The apparatus is preferably designed so that the turning operation can be rendered ineffective if required, for example where the packs do not require turning.
The apparatus is designed so that changes in operation are easily carried out, for example to eliminate turning of packs in the turning section and to handle, for example, four bottle packs as an alternative to six bottle packs. The apparatus can also be adjusted to separate into more than two lanes if required. It is further possible to adjust the outfeed centres of the paths or lanes into which the packs are separated, for example by way of a doubled threaded bar controlled by an externally accessible hand wheel.
In another possible arrangement, for example where mark-ing of products is required, the packs may be turned through 90 as hereinbefore described for marking of the packs, before, on the same apparatus, being automatically turned back through 90 after marking. It will be appreciated that the ~71J7~
cam tracks may be modified to enable this two-stage turning, while otherwise the apparatus is as hereinbefore described.
After the two-stage turning, the packs can be moved into a multi-lane arrangement, again as previously described.
Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example the relative positions of the pallets 16, 16A may differ from that described and shown to accommodate different arrangements of the products being conveyed Also the construction of the pallets may differ from that described and shown, and the design of the product feed unit may also differ from that described and shown, provided the required synchronism can be achieved.
The integrstion of the turning and dividing operatio~ns in a single apparatus provides the advantages of full utilis-ation of components and conside~rable reduction in overall length of the a~pparatus, for example one metre.
The apparatus is also adapted to be used in synchronism with~d~fferent types of known equipment upstream of the turn-ing section 50, such as a can or bottle orientor, a hi-cone jacket pack, cluster psck or other packaging or handling unit.
The apparatus is therefore very versatile as well as making optimum use of the components thereof.
,
In a high speed production line system, it can be neces-sary at certain conveying sections to change the orientation of the products being conveyed, and this can often result in having to slow down or even stop the production line. Also it can be necessary to divert respective products into different paths of movement. Such operations have heretofore been carried out by separate systems, inevitably resulting in a relatively large overall machine which is disadvantageous, as optimum use of floor space is highly desirable.
According to the present invention there is provided product control apparatus comprising means for conveying products along a path and means for changing the orientation of the products during conveying uovement along the path, the conveying means including support means adapted directly to receive the products such that the latter can be moved relative thereto, and means arranged for engagement directly with the products to change the orientation of the latter relative to the support means.
Means may be provided for feeding products onto the conveying path in synchronism with the positioning oF said selected ones oF the support members. The product feeding means may comprise a pair of parallel, transversely spaced endless chains with drive means therefor, and a plurality of flight bars extending between the chains at spaced locations, whereby the flight bars are movable into the conveying path to move products through the feed unit.
Preferably an electronic control system is provided for driving the chains oF the product feed unit and the product conveying means in a synchronised relation.
The support means may comprise a multiplicity of sùpport members extending transversely of the conveying path, at least selected ones of the support members being movable transver-sely of the conveying path. Preferably the product engagement means is provided on each of said selected support members and comprises a projection which is upwardly extending in use.
Each of said selected ones of the support members pref-erably has cam means engageable in a profiled track to control the transverse movement, and the cam means may extend downwardly of the support members in use.
Alternatively the product engagement means comprises a plurality of projections which are movable in paths parallel to the conveying path and adjacent to respective sides ~ ~3 ..b ;i ~ 7 3 thcreof. The projections may extend in use to bc cngagable with the produrts from above, and may be provided on a pair of parallel, transversely spaced endless chains, each of which has one pass adjacent to a respective side of the conveying path, the drivc means being adapted to move the innermost passes in opposite directions. One of the chains may be adapted to be driven at a greater linear speed than said other chain.
Preferably the apparatus includes means for automatic-ally changing the position of the products during conveying movement along the path.
Each of the other ones of the support members preferably has cam means cngagablc in a further profiled track to also be movable transvcrsely of thP convcying path. The further pro-filed track is preferably adapted to divert respective groups of said other ones of the support members into different paths of movemcnt, whcreby the products supported by said respective groups can be subsequently moved along said differcnt paths.
Embodiments of the present invention will now bc described by way of example only with reference to thc .. ~i~ ~
7 2 7 ~
accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of part of a productcontrol apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig~ 2 is a schematic perspective view in detail of part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view showing further details of the apparatus;
Fig. 4 is a schematic side elevation of part of the apparatus.
Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of part of a product control apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention.
, Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, one embodi-ment of a high speed production line system includes a product conveying section having a pair of parallel, transversely spaced outboard precision roller chains 10, 12 driven by suitable drive sprockets. Extending between the chains 10,12 and fitted to each chain roller pitch are a pair of parallel, , spaced crossbars 14. On the crossbars 14 associated with each chain roller pitch is mounted a pallet 16 or 16A formed of two halves fitted together respectively from above and below the bars 14 whereby the latter extend through the respective formed pallet. The latter is slidable on the bars 14 and is of reduced length relative to the bars 14. In each grouping 17 of six pallets, the first and sixth pallets 16A as shown 7 2 '7 ~
in Fig. 1, are longer than the others for a purpose hereinafter described. A further pallet 16 spaces adjacent groupings 17. The pallets 16,16A are preferably formed of a plastics material but any other suitable material could be utilised. It will be appreciated that the pallets ain use collectively form a continuous mat to act as a support for products 18 being conveyed thereon.
To provide for control of movement of the pallets 16 relative to the conveying path, each of the pallets 16 has a cam follower in the form of a downwardly extending peg 20 located substantially centrally of the length of the pallet 16. The peg 20 engages within a cam track (not shown) which is within the conveying section over the length of the conveying path and constrains the pallets 16 to move in a straight line centrally between the chains 10,12.
The conveying section is specifically designed for changing the orientation of a pack 22 of six products 1~.
Each pack 22 can be delivered onto the conveying pallets 16 with the products 1B in two parallel rows of three, the rows being parallel to the chains 10,12. The conveying section is designed to move each pack 22 through 90 as shown.
For this purpose each of the pallets 16A has a cam follower in the form of a downwardly extending peg (not shown) positioned towards a respective end of the pallet 16A.
Alternate ones of the pallets 16A have their pegs located towards the ends nearest the chain 12, whereas the others of the pallets 16A have their pegs located towards the ends nearest the chain 10. A pair of cam tracks 26,2~ are prov-ided within the conveying section on respective sides of the longitudinal centre line thereof whereby transverse or cross-over movement of the pallets 16A is controlled as hereinafter described.
Each of the pallets 16A further has an upstanding post 30 of circular configuaration which is offset centrally along the length of the respective pallets 16A to the side remote from the peg. As an alternative the post 30 may be replaced by a roller on a vertical axis.
When a pack 22 of products lB is delivered onto a grouping 17 of the conveying section, the products 18 overlie the pallets 16A in the grouping 17 and the pallets 16 there-between. The cam tracks 26,28 each have such a profile ini-tially that the pallets 16A are at their outermost positions on respective sides with the respective posts 30 closely adjacent respective sides of the pack 22. As the pack 22 is moved along the conveying path the profile of the cam tracks 26,28 is such as to move the respective pallets 16A inwardly from either side, whereby the posts 30 engage against adjac-ent end ones of the products 18 in the pack 22 and consequ-ently begin to rotate the latter. During continued movement 7 2 ~ 3 along the conveying path, the pallets 16A cross-over gradu-ally to their other outermost positions, with the posts 30 having moved the products 18 through 90 until the products 18 overlie only the pallets 16 in the grouping 17.
It is preferred to have the pallets 16A in a plane slightly lower than the plane of the pallets 16 so that no drag is created when the packs 22 are dividing and passing over the pallets 16A towards the end of the conveying section 52.
The delivery of packs 22 to the turning section has to be synchronised with the positioning of the pallets 16A.
The delivery of the packs 22 is by way of a rnetering convryor 54 (Fig. 4) from where the packs 22 are transferred to an acceleration conveyor 56. The latter funtions to create gaps 58 between adjacent ones of the packs 22 and moves the latter to an entry end of a feed unit (not shown). The latter comprises a housing having opposed-side walls and a pair of parallel transversely spaced endless chains each inwardly adjacent a respective side wall. Each chain passes around respective ones of pairs of sprockets, only one chain 60 being shown schematically. Drive is imparted to one of the pairs of sprockets from a drive external of the feed unit. Extending between the chains 60 at spaced locations along the length 7 2 ~ 3 thereof are a plurality oF flight bars 62. The packs 22 pass between the respective side walls of the feed unit from the acceleration convèyor 56 onto the cross bars 16, 16A, the conveyors 54, 56 being so synchronised with the chains 60 that each of the flight bars 62, on its movement into the path of the packs 22, locates between respective spaced ones of the packs 22 and then engages with the forward pack on the acceleration conveyor 56 to push the forward pack onto the pallets 16, 16A of the turning section. The chains 60 are synchronised with the turning section to accurately place the packs 22 into position thereon.
Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example, the grouping of pallets may be a grouping of five pallets with the first and fifth pallets being provided with posts and therefore corresponding to the pallèts 16A. Between each grouping there may be provided four further pallets, thereby increasing the spacing between adja-cent packs. Further, the pallets 16A may be of substantially the same length as the pallets 16 with appropriate modifica-tion of the cam tracks, in which case each post 30 would be positioned adjacent one end of the respèctive pallet 16A.
Also upstanding members other than circular posts or rollers may be utilised. The construction of the pallets may differ from that described and shown.
When a pack 22 of the products requires to be delivered '7 3 g on to the conveying section in three parallel rows oF two products, i.e. turned through 9û'' relative to that described in relation to the first embodiment to be delivered sideways rather than endways on to the conveying section, there is provided a turning arrangement wherein turning members move in a path at 90 to that of the turning members described in relation to the first embodiment. Such a further embodiment is shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings.
.
The conveying section may be provided with the same arrangement of pallets 16, 16A if the conveying section is intended to be versatile in providing for turning of packs 22 delivered in either orientation. It will be appreciated that provision would then have to be made for alternative cam tracks retaining the pallets 16A at their outermost positions when products are deIivered sideways. It will also be appreciated however that the conveying section may comprise a plurality of the pallets 16 only.
To provide for turning of the packs 22 which are delive-::
red in a sideways orientation, there is provided a pair of parallel, transversely spaced endless chains 100, 102 driven by suitable drive sprockets. Each chain 100, 102 is mounted above the conveying path for the packs 22 and has transversely spaced passes with respective turning posts 104, 106 equi-spaced along the length of the chains and extending downwardly therefrom for a purpose hereinafter described. The laterally 7 ~ 7 ~
innermost passes of the chains 100, 102 ar~ adjacen~ respec-tive sides of the conveying path. Each of the posts 104, 1n6 may be of circular configuration. The chain 100 has a shorter length than the chain 102, with the spacing of the posts 104 on the chain 100 being less than the spacing of the posts 106 on the chai.n 102. The li.near speed of the chain 102 is grea-ter than the linear speed of the acceleration conveyor 56, the latter being greater than the linear speed of the chain 100.
When a pack 22 of the products is delivered on to the conveying secti.on in a sideways orientation, a respective one of the posts 106 in the laterally innermost pass of the chain 102 initially engages with a rear face of the pack 22 and .`
moves with the latter until the front face thereof is engaged by a respective one of the posts 104 on the laterally innermost pass of the chai.n 100. Continued movement in opposite directions of the inner passes of th? chains 100, 102 effects rotat.ion of the pack 22 until the latter is moved through 90 and, at t.he end of the product turning section, can continue through t.he further conveying section 52 as described in relation to the first embodiment.
It may be more appropriate to provide chains suitably located so that. turning posts can extend laterally into engagement with the packs, depending on the shape and size of the packs.
The apparatus enables a t.urning action to re-position products being conveyed t.hrough 90 over a distance of less t.han one metre travel, and the turning can be carried out within a production line system at high speeds both positively and accurately.
r7 ~ 7 ~) At the end of the product turning section the pallets 16, 16A continue through a further conveying section 52 (Fig. 3). Throughout the section 52 the cam tracks for the pegs of the pallets 16A retain the latter in their outermost positions.
Also at the end of the product turning section, the cam track for the pegs of the pallets 16 is associated with set fork guides to divide into two guide tracks, or alternatively a switch block is provided, whereby alternate groups of the pallets 16 supporting a respective pack 22 of the products are moved into one of the guide tracks, while the other groups of the pallets 16 are moved into the other of the guide tracks.
In this way the same pallets 16 as supported the packs 22 through the turnlng section, support the packs 22 also through the conveying section 52 and `simultaneously separate the packs 22 into different paths of movement for subsequent use as necessary. The packs may be divided, for example according to colour, size, etc., and can be subsequently moved via transfer rollers (not shown) onto an outgoing conveyor.
When reaching the end of the conveying section 52, return cam tracks are provided to guide both the pallets 16 and 16A in a lower path, by means of their pegs, back to their original positions, to enable the turning and dividing opera-tions to re-commence once the pallets 16, 16A return to the upper part of the conveying section at the product feed unit.
7 ~ r7 ~
Control of the apparatus is effected by way of an electronic control system which ensures sychronised operation of the product feed unit with the turning section. Also to minimise intermittent operation, the control system can automatically adjust the speed of delivery of products to the feed unit on demand. The control system further includes a mimic display indicative of the status of the apparatus.
The apparatus is preferably designed so that the turning operation can be rendered ineffective if required, for example where the packs do not require turning.
The apparatus is designed so that changes in operation are easily carried out, for example to eliminate turning of packs in the turning section and to handle, for example, four bottle packs as an alternative to six bottle packs. The apparatus can also be adjusted to separate into more than two lanes if required. It is further possible to adjust the outfeed centres of the paths or lanes into which the packs are separated, for example by way of a doubled threaded bar controlled by an externally accessible hand wheel.
In another possible arrangement, for example where mark-ing of products is required, the packs may be turned through 90 as hereinbefore described for marking of the packs, before, on the same apparatus, being automatically turned back through 90 after marking. It will be appreciated that the ~71J7~
cam tracks may be modified to enable this two-stage turning, while otherwise the apparatus is as hereinbefore described.
After the two-stage turning, the packs can be moved into a multi-lane arrangement, again as previously described.
Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example the relative positions of the pallets 16, 16A may differ from that described and shown to accommodate different arrangements of the products being conveyed Also the construction of the pallets may differ from that described and shown, and the design of the product feed unit may also differ from that described and shown, provided the required synchronism can be achieved.
The integrstion of the turning and dividing operatio~ns in a single apparatus provides the advantages of full utilis-ation of components and conside~rable reduction in overall length of the a~pparatus, for example one metre.
The apparatus is also adapted to be used in synchronism with~d~fferent types of known equipment upstream of the turn-ing section 50, such as a can or bottle orientor, a hi-cone jacket pack, cluster psck or other packaging or handling unit.
The apparatus is therefore very versatile as well as making optimum use of the components thereof.
,
Claims (15)
1. Product control apparatus comprising means for conveying products along a path and means for changing the orientation of the products during conveying movement along the path, the conveying means including support means adapted directly to receive the products such that the latter can be moved relative thereto, and means arranged for engagement directly with the products to change the orientation of the latter relative to the support means.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means is provided for feeding products onto the conveying path in synchronism with the positioning of the product engagement means.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an electronic control system is provided for driving the product feed unit and the product conveying means in a synchronised relation.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control system is adapted to automatically adjust the speed of the product conveying means on demand.
5. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the product feeding means comprises a pair of parallel, transversely spaced endless chains with drive means therefor, and a plurality of flight bars extending between the chains at spaced locations, whereby the flight bars are movable into the conveying path to move products through the feed unit.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support means comprises a multiplicity of support members extending transversely of the conveying path, at least selected ones of the support members being movable transversely of the conveying path.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the product engagement means is provided on each of said selected support members and comprises a projection which is upwardly extending in use.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of said selected ones of the support members has cam means engagable in a profiled track to control the transverse movement.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cam means extends downwardly of the support members in use.
10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the product engagement means comprises a plurality of projections which are movable in paths parallel to the conveying path and adjacent to respective sides thereof.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the projections extend in use to be engagable with the products from above, and are provided on a pair of parallel, transversely spaced endless chains, each of which has one pass adjacent to a respective side of the conveying path, the drive means being adapted to move the innermost passes in opposite directions.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein one of the chains is adapted to be driven at a greater linear speed than the other chain.
13. Apparatus according to claim 1, including means for automatically changing the position of the products during conveying movement along the path.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the other ones of the support members has cam means engagable in a further profiled track to be movable transversely of the conveying path.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the further profiled track is adapted to divert respective groups of said other ones of the support members into different paths of movement, whereby the products supported by said respective groups can be subsequently moved along said different paths.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2047273 CA2047273A1 (en) | 1991-07-17 | 1991-07-17 | Product control apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2047273 CA2047273A1 (en) | 1991-07-17 | 1991-07-17 | Product control apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2047273A1 true CA2047273A1 (en) | 1993-01-18 |
Family
ID=4148026
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2047273 Abandoned CA2047273A1 (en) | 1991-07-17 | 1991-07-17 | Product control apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2047273A1 (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-07-17 CA CA 2047273 patent/CA2047273A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |