EP3099608A1 - Article rotating and conveying assembly and method - Google Patents

Article rotating and conveying assembly and method

Info

Publication number
EP3099608A1
EP3099608A1 EP15703643.5A EP15703643A EP3099608A1 EP 3099608 A1 EP3099608 A1 EP 3099608A1 EP 15703643 A EP15703643 A EP 15703643A EP 3099608 A1 EP3099608 A1 EP 3099608A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
article
retarding device
conveyor belt
conveying
rotating
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15703643.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Gerrit Jan Herman Nijkamp
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kaak Johan H B
Original Assignee
Kaak Johan H B
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kaak Johan H B filed Critical Kaak Johan H B
Publication of EP3099608A1 publication Critical patent/EP3099608A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/22—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors
    • B65G47/24—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles
    • B65G47/244—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/22—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors
    • B65G47/24—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles
    • B65G47/244—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
    • B65G47/2445—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane by means of at least two co-operating endless conveying elements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an assembly and method for rotating and conveying an article, in particular a carrier for dough products in a dough processing plant.
  • the United States Patent 4,085,839 describes an apparatus for conveying and rotating articles over an angle of 90 degrees while being conveyed along a predetermined path.
  • the apparatus comprises a platform conveyor for receiving the articles and propelling each along a predetermined path. The rotation is achieved by blocking the movement of a forward corner of the article using a bumper, while the conveyor is still active in propelling the article. Due to the obstruction of the forward corner of the article, said article will pivot around said bumper. During said pivoting, the extending side will be grasped by a side-facing belt to complete rotation and propel the article forward.
  • the platform conveyor comprises a first, a second and a third conveyor belt, which are positioned parallel to each other. The second and third conveyor belts are driven at a faster linear speed that the first conveyor belt to pre-rotate the article prior to contacting the bumper so as to facilitate the turning action of the bumper .
  • the German ' Gebrauchsmuster ' DE 296 02 103 Ul describes an apparatus for orienting crates, which apparatus comprises three conveyor belts which are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation.
  • the two outer conveyor belts are driven at a substantial equal velocity, whereas the center conveyor belt is driven at a higher velocity than the two outer conveyor belts. Due to this arrangement, a crate which is supported on a first outer conveyor belt and the center conveyor belt, will start to rotate during its conveyance due to the difference in velocity. Due to this rotation, the edge of the crate will move onto the second outer conveyor belt.
  • the crate is further supported by the first and second outer conveyor belts and stops rotating.
  • a stop is arranged at a side of the first outer conveyor belt which faces away from the center conveyor belt. The stop acts as a brake for the front side of the crate on the first conveyor belt and allows a further rotation of the crate by the second outer conveyor belt.
  • the known apparatus is able to convey and rotate articles in a highly controlled manner, it does so at a relatively low travel velocity of said articles.
  • the present invention provides an article rotating and conveying assembly comprising:
  • first and second conveyor belt which first and second conveyor belts are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation for simultaneously supporting an article
  • a drive mechanism arranged for driving said first and second conveyor belts in at least a conveying direction and for driving said first conveyor belt at a higher speed than said second conveyor belt
  • a retarding device arranged at a side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt for abutting against a leading edge of said article, wherein the retarding device is movable in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction and comprises a decelerating device for decelerating a movement of said retarding device in at least said conveying direction, wherein said retarding device is arranged for pushing at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.
  • a leading edge of an article conveyed on both said first and second conveyor belts moves against said retarding device wherein a part of said article abutting said retarding device is retarded in order to assist the rotating of said article.
  • the movable retarding device which is movable in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction, and the decelerating device for decelerating a movement of said retarding device in at least said conveying direction, an article arranged on said first and second conveyors can be conveyed at a high velocity and the part of said article abutting said retarding device is slowed down in a gentle fashion to substantially prevent damaging the article.
  • the high initial velocity of the article before it reaches said retarding device can provide enough momentum to rotate the article over an angle of substantially 90 degrees.
  • the assembly according to the invention there is, inter alia, no need to provide a side-facing belt for grasping the extending side to complete rotation and propel the article forward is in the apparatus according to US 4,085,839.
  • the assembly of the present invention comprises a first and a second conveyor belt, which first and second conveyor belts are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation for simultaneously supporting an article.
  • a drive mechanism is arranged for driving said first and second conveyor belts in at least a conveying direction, and for driving said first conveyor belt at a higher speed than said second conveyor belt. In use, this speed difference produces a pre-rotation of the article on said first and second conveyor belts prior to contacting the retarding device so as to facilitate the turning action of said article by said retarding device.
  • the retarding device is arranged for retarding the movement of a first forward corner of the article, in particular the forward corner of said article arranged at or facing the side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt.
  • Said retarding device is arranged for pushing at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.
  • the retarding device moves in the direction opposite to the conveying direction and pushes at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device in a direction opposite to the conveying direction. This additional push assist to speed up and/or assists to conclude at least the last part of the rotation of said article .
  • the part of the retarding device which is arranged for abutting against the first forward corner is positioned above the second conveyor belt .
  • said retarding device is movable in a reciprocating motion in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction. Because of the retarding device is arranged to be moveable in a reciprocating motion, the retarding device moves back in a direction substantially opposite to said conveying direction after having moved in the conveying direction to slowed down the part of said article abutting said retarding device in order to assist the rotating of said article, to be ready for the subsequent article.
  • the movement in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction may be a linear movement, but also a curved movement.
  • said retarding device comprises a swiveling arm which is arranged on a swivel axle.
  • the first and second conveyor belts define a conveying surface and wherein said swivel axle extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said conveying surface.
  • the swiveling arm is movable in a plane which is substantially parallel to the conveying surface .
  • the swivel axle is arranged at a distance from the second conveyor belt, in particular from the side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt.
  • the decelerating device comprising an elastic member which is arranged to provide a spring force to urge the retarding device in a direction substantially opposite to the conveying direction.
  • the elastic member comprises a spring. Using a spring force provides a convenient way for decelerating the retarding device in order to slow down the part of said article abutting said retarding device in order to assist the rotating of said article.
  • the article rotating and conveying assembly comprises a frame for supporting the first and second conveyor belts, wherein the retarding device is movably connected to said frame, and wherein the elastic member is at a first end thereof connected to said frame and at a second end thereof, facing away from said first end, connected to said retarding device.
  • the elastic member is connected to said frame at a position, with respect to the conveying direction, upstream from the retarding device.
  • the elastic member is stretched out for decelerating the retarding device in order to slow down the part of said article abutting said retarding device in order to assist the rotating of said article.
  • the article rotating and conveying assembly further comprising a first lateral guide which is arranged at a side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt for guiding the article, wherein the first lateral guide is arranged at a position, with respect to the conveying direction, downstream from the retarding device.
  • the first lateral guide is arranged for guiding the article downstream from the retarding device, in particular after the article has been rotated.
  • the first lateral guide is a substantially straight guide which extends substantially parallel to the side of said second conveyor belt.
  • the first lateral guide is at least partially arranged above the second conveyor belt.
  • said article rotating and conveying assembly further comprising a second lateral guide which is arranged at a side of said first conveyor belt facing away from said second conveyor belt for guiding the article, wherein the second lateral guide extends, with respect to the conveying direction, from a position upstream from the retarding device to a position downstream from the retarding device.
  • the second lateral guide is arranged at least partially opposite the retarding device, and is substantially arranged for guiding the movement of a second corner of the article, in particular the corner of said article arranged at or facing the side of said first conveyor belt facing away from said second conveyor belt.
  • the second lateral guide comprises a curved part, wherein the side of said second lateral guide facing said first conveyor belt is concave.
  • an upstream end and/or a downstream end of said second lateral guide are arranged above said first conveyor belt.
  • the retarding device comprises a cylinder or wheel which is freely rotatable around a rotation axle.
  • said freely rotatable cylinder or wheel is arranged for abutting against the leading edge of the article, in particular the first forward corner thereof, which is conveyed on said first and second conveyor belts.
  • the use of a freely rotatable cylinder or wheel for abutting against the article reduces friction between the retarding device and the article, at least when the article slides along the retarding device.
  • the first and second conveyor belts define a conveying surface and wherein said rotation axle extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said conveying surface.
  • the retarding device comprises a swiveling arm which is movable in a plane which is substantially parallel to the conveying surface.
  • the present invention provides a method for rotating and conveying an article using an assembly as described above, wherein the first conveyor belt is driven at a higher speed with respect to the second conveyor belt, wherein a leading edge of said article conveyed on both said first and second conveyor belts moves against said retarding device wherein a part of said article abutting said retarding device is retarded in order to assist the rotating of said article, and wherein in a first part of a movement of said retarding device, when said article abutting said retarding device, said retarding device moves in the conveying direction and slows down at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device.
  • said retarding device in a second part of the movement of said retarding device, moves opposite to the conveying direction and pushes at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.
  • the velocity of the first and second conveyor belts are substantially constant.
  • the article is rotated by the device over an angle of substantially 90 degrees.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an article rotating and conveying assembly of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a part of the assembly of figure 1, showing an example of a retarding device in more detail, and
  • Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a part of the assembly according to a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic example of an article rotating and conveying assembly 1 of the present invention.
  • the assembly comprises a first 2 and a second 3 conveyor belt.
  • the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation for simultaneously supporting an article, such as carrier for dough products 4, 4', 4".
  • Said carrier for dough products 4, 4', 4" comprises, for example, a frame which is provided with a series of elongated containers 44, in particular bread pans for baking bread, each one arranged for holding a dough portion .
  • the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts are provided with a drive mechanism 5, 5' arranged for driving said first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts in at least a conveying direction A as indicated by the arrow in figure 1.
  • each one of the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts comprises its own driving motor 5, 5' respectively.
  • the assembly comprises a retarding device 6 arranged at a side 31 of said second conveyor belt 2 facing away from said first conveyor belt 2.
  • the retarding device 6 comprises an abutting member 61, in particular a cylinder or wheel 61 which is freely rotatable around a rotation axle.
  • said freely rotatable cylinder or wheel 61 is arranged for abutting against the leading edge 41 of the article, in particular the first forward corner 42 thereof, which is conveyed on said first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts.
  • the retarding device 6, in particular the abutting member 61, is movable in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction A.
  • Said retarding device 6 comprises a swiveling arm 63 which is arranged on a swivel axle 64.
  • Said swivel axle 64 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a conveying surface provided by the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts. In particular, the swivel axle 64 extend substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the first 2 and/or second 3 conveyor belts.
  • the swiveling arm 63 can perform a swivel motion, in particular a reciprocating swivel motion as indicated by the arrow B in figure 2, is a plane substantially parallel to the upper surface of the first 2 and/or second 3 conveyor belts.
  • the swivel axle 64 is arranged at a distance d from the side 31 of said second conveyor belt 3 facing away from said first conveyor belt 2. Positioning said swivel axle 64 at a distance d from the side 31 of the second conveyor belt 3, provides space for allowing the first corner 42 of the article to pass said retarding device 6 substantially without hindrance by other parts of the retarding device 6. Only the abutting member 61 of the retarding device 6 interacts with the article 4' and assists in rotating the article 4'.
  • the abutting member 61 is arranged above the second conveyor belt 3 and is attached to an end of the swiveling arm 63 facing away from the swivel axle 64.
  • the movement of the swiveling arm 63 around the swivel axle 64 provides a curved movement of the abutting member in the reciprocating movement.
  • the length of the swiveling arm 63 between the abutting member 61 and the swivel axle 64, and the swiveling angle a are arranged to provide a movement of the abutting member 61 which is substantially parallel to the conveying direction A.
  • the length of the swiveling arm 63 is relatively large, for example 0,5 meter or larger, and the swiveling angle a is relatively small, for example smaller than 45 degrees, preferably smaller than 30 degrees.
  • the retarding device 6 comprises a first 65 and second 66 bumper, which bumpers 65, 66 limit the maximum extend of the swiveling angle a.
  • the first bumper 65 also defines the position of the abutting member 61 before an article 4, 4', 4" contacts the abutting member 61, as will be explained below .
  • the abutting member 61 comprises a cylinder or a wheel which is freely rotatable around a rotation axle 62.
  • Said rotation axle 62 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying surface of the first 2 and/or second 3 conveyor belts.
  • the circumferential surface of the cylinder or wheel can roll along the edge of the article 4', in particular the leading edge 41 which, after the 90 degrees rotation, becomes a side edge of the article.
  • the retarding device 6 In use, when a leading edge of said article conveyed on both said first and second conveyor belts moves against said retarding device 6, in particular against the abutting member 61 thereof, said retarding device 6 moves in the conveying direction A.
  • the retarding device 6 comprises a decelerating device for decelerating a movement of said retarding device 6 in at least said conveying direction A.
  • the decelerating device comprises an elastic member 68, in particular a pair of springs, which is arranged to provide a spring force to urge the retarding device 6, in particular the swiveling arm 63 thereof, in a direction substantially opposite to the conveying direction A.
  • the assembly comprises a frame 9 for supporting the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts.
  • the retarding device in particular the swiveling arm 63 and the abutting member 61 thereof, is movably connected to said frame 9.
  • the elastic member 68 is at a first end 96 thereof connected to said frame 9 and at a second end 97 thereof, facing away from said first end 96, connected to the swiveling arm 63.
  • the elastic member 68 is connected to said frame 9 at a position, with respect to the conveying direction A, upstream from the retarding device 6.
  • the assembly 1 as shown in figure 1 further comprising a first lateral guide 7 which is arranged at a side 31 of said second conveyor belt 3 facing away from said first conveyor belt 2 for guiding the article 4, wherein the first lateral guide 7 is arranged at a position, with respect to the conveying direction A, downstream from the retarding device 6.
  • the first lateral guide 7 is a substantially straight guide which extends substantially parallel to the side 31 of said second conveyor belt 3.
  • the first lateral guide 7 is at least partially arranged above the second conveyor belt 3.
  • the assembly 1 as shown in figure 1 further comprising a second lateral guide 8 which is arranged at a side 21 of said first conveyor belt 2 facing away from said second conveyor belt 3 for guiding the article 4, 4', wherein the second lateral guide 8 extends, with respect to the conveying direction A, from a position upstream from the retarding device 6 to a position downstream from the retarding device 6.
  • the second lateral guide 8 comprises a curved part, wherein the side 81 of said second lateral guide facing 8 said first conveyor belt 2 is concave.
  • the upstream end 82 and the downstream end 83 of said second lateral guide 8 are arranged above said first conveyor belt
  • the second lateral guide 8 is arranged at least partially opposite the retarding device 6, and is arranged for guiding the movement of a second corner 43 of the article 4', in particular the corner 43 of said article 4' arranged at or facing the side 21 of said first conveyor belt 2 facing away from said second conveyor belt 3.
  • the first conveyor belt 2 is driven at a higher speed with respect to the second conveyor belt 3.
  • the article 4, 4', 4" conveyed on said conveyor belts 2, 3 is slowly rotated because of the speed difference of said conveyor belts 2, 3. This speed difference produces a pre- rotation of the article 4' on said first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts prior to contacting the retarding device 6 so as to facilitate the turning action by said retarding device 6.
  • the article 4 is conveyed to the end of the assembly by the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts and is substantially held in the required rotated position by the first lateral guide 7. It is preferred that the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts are driven at a substantially constant velocity, and that therefor also the speed difference of the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts are constant. At least this first lateral guide 7 substantially prevents a further rotation of the article 4 because of the speed difference between the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts .
  • FIG. 3 shows a top view of a part of an assembly of the invention.
  • This embodiment is provided with a linear actuator 16, instead of the pair of springs 68 in the embodiment of figures 1 and 2.
  • the linear actuator 16 is driven and/or controlled by a controller 17, which is arranged for providing a controlled reciprocating movement of the abutting member 61.
  • the linear actuator 16 In a first part of the reciprocating movement, when said article 4' abutting said abutting member 61, the linear actuator 16 is arranged or driven to move the swiveling arm 63 in the conveying direction A and to slow down at least the part of said article 4' abutting said abutting member 61.
  • said linear actuator 16 is driven to move opposite to the conveying direction A and is arranged to actively push at least the part of said article 4' abutting said abutting member 61 in a direction opposite to the conveying direction A.
  • Said linear actuator 16 comprises, for example, a pneumatic cylinder and a compression of the air in the cylinder when said cylinder is expanded in the first part of the reciprocating movement can be used as a brake for slowing down the movement of the swiveling arm 63. Subsequently the pneumatic cylinder is controlled by the pneumatic controller 17 to actively pull the swiveling arm 63 back in the direction opposite to the conveying direction A in the second part of the reciprocating movement .
  • said retarding device 6 may also comprise a decelerating device, such as said elastic member 68 or said linear actuator 16, which is connected to said frame 9 at a position, with respect to the conveying direction A, downstream from the retarding device 6.
  • a decelerating device such as said elastic member 68 or said linear actuator 16, which is connected to said frame 9 at a position, with respect to the conveying direction A, downstream from the retarding device 6.
  • the decelerating action is provided by compressing said elastic member 68.
  • a linear actuator 16 in particular a pneumatic cylinder
  • the decelerating action is provided by a compression of the air in the cylinder when said cylinder is contracted or compressed in the first part of the reciprocating movement.
  • the present invention relates to an article rotating and conveying assembly and method.
  • the assembly comprises a first and a second conveyor belt, which first and second conveyor belts are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation for simultaneously supporting an article.
  • a drive mechanism is arranged for driving both conveyor belts in a conveying direction and for driving said first conveyor belt at a higher speed than said second conveyor belt.
  • a retarding device is arranged at a side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt.
  • the retarding device is movable, preferably in a reciprocating motion, in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction in order to assist the rotating of said article.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)
  • Structure Of Belt Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an article rotating and conveying assembly and method. The assembly (1) comprises a first and a second conveyor belt (2; 3) arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation for simultaneously supporting an article (4, 4', 4"). A drive mechanism (5'; 5) is arranged for driving both conveyor belts (2; 3) in a conveying direction (A) and for driving said first conveyor belt (2) at a higher speed than said second conveyor belt (3). Furthermore a retarding device (6) is arranged at a side of said second conveyor belt (3) facing away from said first conveyor belt (2). The retarding device (6) is movable, preferably in a reciprocating motion, in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction (A) in order to assist the rotating of said article (4'). Said retarding device (6) is arranged for pushing at least the part of said article (4') abutting said retarding device (6) in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.

Description

Article rotating and conveying assembly and method
BACKGROUND
The invention relates to an assembly and method for rotating and conveying an article, in particular a carrier for dough products in a dough processing plant.
The United States Patent 4,085,839 describes an apparatus for conveying and rotating articles over an angle of 90 degrees while being conveyed along a predetermined path. The apparatus comprises a platform conveyor for receiving the articles and propelling each along a predetermined path. The rotation is achieved by blocking the movement of a forward corner of the article using a bumper, while the conveyor is still active in propelling the article. Due to the obstruction of the forward corner of the article, said article will pivot around said bumper. During said pivoting, the extending side will be grasped by a side-facing belt to complete rotation and propel the article forward. The platform conveyor comprises a first, a second and a third conveyor belt, which are positioned parallel to each other. The second and third conveyor belts are driven at a faster linear speed that the first conveyor belt to pre-rotate the article prior to contacting the bumper so as to facilitate the turning action of the bumper .
The German ' Gebrauchsmuster ' DE 296 02 103 Ul describes an apparatus for orienting crates, which apparatus comprises three conveyor belts which are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation. The two outer conveyor belts are driven at a substantial equal velocity, whereas the center conveyor belt is driven at a higher velocity than the two outer conveyor belts. Due to this arrangement, a crate which is supported on a first outer conveyor belt and the center conveyor belt, will start to rotate during its conveyance due to the difference in velocity. Due to this rotation, the edge of the crate will move onto the second outer conveyor belt. Because the conveying surface of the second outer conveyor belt is arranged higher than the conveying surface of the center conveyor belt, the crate is further supported by the first and second outer conveyor belts and stops rotating. In order to further rotate the crate, a stop is arranged at a side of the first outer conveyor belt which faces away from the center conveyor belt. The stop acts as a brake for the front side of the crate on the first conveyor belt and allows a further rotation of the crate by the second outer conveyor belt.
Although the known apparatus is able to convey and rotate articles in a highly controlled manner, it does so at a relatively low travel velocity of said articles.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative rotating and conveying assembly, suitable for handling articles using a higher travel velocity of said articles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an article rotating and conveying assembly comprising:
a first and a second conveyor belt, which first and second conveyor belts are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation for simultaneously supporting an article,
a drive mechanism arranged for driving said first and second conveyor belts in at least a conveying direction and for driving said first conveyor belt at a higher speed than said second conveyor belt,
a retarding device arranged at a side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt for abutting against a leading edge of said article, wherein the retarding device is movable in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction and comprises a decelerating device for decelerating a movement of said retarding device in at least said conveying direction, wherein said retarding device is arranged for pushing at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.
In use, a leading edge of an article conveyed on both said first and second conveyor belts moves against said retarding device wherein a part of said article abutting said retarding device is retarded in order to assist the rotating of said article. Due to the movable retarding device, which is movable in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction, and the decelerating device for decelerating a movement of said retarding device in at least said conveying direction, an article arranged on said first and second conveyors can be conveyed at a high velocity and the part of said article abutting said retarding device is slowed down in a gentle fashion to substantially prevent damaging the article. In addition, the high initial velocity of the article before it reaches said retarding device, can provide enough momentum to rotate the article over an angle of substantially 90 degrees. Thus in the assembly according to the invention there is, inter alia, no need to provide a side-facing belt for grasping the extending side to complete rotation and propel the article forward is in the apparatus according to US 4,085,839.
The assembly of the present invention comprises a first and a second conveyor belt, which first and second conveyor belts are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation for simultaneously supporting an article. In addition, a drive mechanism is arranged for driving said first and second conveyor belts in at least a conveying direction, and for driving said first conveyor belt at a higher speed than said second conveyor belt. In use, this speed difference produces a pre-rotation of the article on said first and second conveyor belts prior to contacting the retarding device so as to facilitate the turning action of said article by said retarding device.
The retarding device is arranged for retarding the movement of a first forward corner of the article, in particular the forward corner of said article arranged at or facing the side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt. Said retarding device is arranged for pushing at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device in a direction opposite to the conveying direction. The retarding device moves in the direction opposite to the conveying direction and pushes at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device in a direction opposite to the conveying direction. This additional push assist to speed up and/or assists to conclude at least the last part of the rotation of said article .
In an embodiment, the part of the retarding device which is arranged for abutting against the first forward corner, is positioned above the second conveyor belt .
In an embodiment, said retarding device is movable in a reciprocating motion in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction. Because of the retarding device is arranged to be moveable in a reciprocating motion, the retarding device moves back in a direction substantially opposite to said conveying direction after having moved in the conveying direction to slowed down the part of said article abutting said retarding device in order to assist the rotating of said article, to be ready for the subsequent article. The movement in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction may be a linear movement, but also a curved movement. In an uncomplicated embodiment, said retarding device comprises a swiveling arm which is arranged on a swivel axle.
In an embodiment, the first and second conveyor belts define a conveying surface and wherein said swivel axle extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said conveying surface. Thus the swiveling arm is movable in a plane which is substantially parallel to the conveying surface .
In an embodiment, the swivel axle is arranged at a distance from the second conveyor belt, in particular from the side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt.
In an embodiment, the decelerating device comprising an elastic member which is arranged to provide a spring force to urge the retarding device in a direction substantially opposite to the conveying direction. In an embodiment, the elastic member comprises a spring. Using a spring force provides a convenient way for decelerating the retarding device in order to slow down the part of said article abutting said retarding device in order to assist the rotating of said article.
In an embodiment, the article rotating and conveying assembly comprises a frame for supporting the first and second conveyor belts, wherein the retarding device is movably connected to said frame, and wherein the elastic member is at a first end thereof connected to said frame and at a second end thereof, facing away from said first end, connected to said retarding device.
In an embodiment, the elastic member is connected to said frame at a position, with respect to the conveying direction, upstream from the retarding device. In this embodiment, the elastic member is stretched out for decelerating the retarding device in order to slow down the part of said article abutting said retarding device in order to assist the rotating of said article.
In an embodiment, the article rotating and conveying assembly further comprising a first lateral guide which is arranged at a side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt for guiding the article, wherein the first lateral guide is arranged at a position, with respect to the conveying direction, downstream from the retarding device. The first lateral guide is arranged for guiding the article downstream from the retarding device, in particular after the article has been rotated.
In an embodiment, the first lateral guide is a substantially straight guide which extends substantially parallel to the side of said second conveyor belt.
In an embodiment, the first lateral guide is at least partially arranged above the second conveyor belt.
In an embodiment, said article rotating and conveying assembly further comprising a second lateral guide which is arranged at a side of said first conveyor belt facing away from said second conveyor belt for guiding the article, wherein the second lateral guide extends, with respect to the conveying direction, from a position upstream from the retarding device to a position downstream from the retarding device. The second lateral guide is arranged at least partially opposite the retarding device, and is substantially arranged for guiding the movement of a second corner of the article, in particular the corner of said article arranged at or facing the side of said first conveyor belt facing away from said second conveyor belt.
In an embodiment, the second lateral guide comprises a curved part, wherein the side of said second lateral guide facing said first conveyor belt is concave.
In an embodiment, an upstream end and/or a downstream end of said second lateral guide are arranged above said first conveyor belt.
In an embodiment, the retarding device comprises a cylinder or wheel which is freely rotatable around a rotation axle. In particular said freely rotatable cylinder or wheel is arranged for abutting against the leading edge of the article, in particular the first forward corner thereof, which is conveyed on said first and second conveyor belts. The use of a freely rotatable cylinder or wheel for abutting against the article reduces friction between the retarding device and the article, at least when the article slides along the retarding device.
In an embodiment, the first and second conveyor belts define a conveying surface and wherein said rotation axle extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said conveying surface. This is especially advantageous when the retarding device comprises a swiveling arm which is movable in a plane which is substantially parallel to the conveying surface.
According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for rotating and conveying an article using an assembly as described above, wherein the first conveyor belt is driven at a higher speed with respect to the second conveyor belt, wherein a leading edge of said article conveyed on both said first and second conveyor belts moves against said retarding device wherein a part of said article abutting said retarding device is retarded in order to assist the rotating of said article, and wherein in a first part of a movement of said retarding device, when said article abutting said retarding device, said retarding device moves in the conveying direction and slows down at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device.
In an embodiment, in a second part of the movement of said retarding device, said retarding device moves opposite to the conveying direction and pushes at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.
In an embodiment, the velocity of the first and second conveyor belts are substantially constant.
In an embodiment, the article is rotated by the device over an angle of substantially 90 degrees.
The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which :
Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an article rotating and conveying assembly of the present invention,
Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a part of the assembly of figure 1, showing an example of a retarding device in more detail, and
Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a part of the assembly according to a second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 shows a schematic example of an article rotating and conveying assembly 1 of the present invention. The assembly comprises a first 2 and a second 3 conveyor belt. The first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation for simultaneously supporting an article, such as carrier for dough products 4, 4', 4". Said carrier for dough products 4, 4', 4" comprises, for example, a frame which is provided with a series of elongated containers 44, in particular bread pans for baking bread, each one arranged for holding a dough portion .
The first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts are provided with a drive mechanism 5, 5' arranged for driving said first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts in at least a conveying direction A as indicated by the arrow in figure 1. In the example shown in figure 2, each one of the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts comprises its own driving motor 5, 5' respectively.
As shown in figures 1 and 2, the assembly comprises a retarding device 6 arranged at a side 31 of said second conveyor belt 2 facing away from said first conveyor belt 2. The retarding device 6 comprises an abutting member 61, in particular a cylinder or wheel 61 which is freely rotatable around a rotation axle. In this example, said freely rotatable cylinder or wheel 61 is arranged for abutting against the leading edge 41 of the article, in particular the first forward corner 42 thereof, which is conveyed on said first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts.
The retarding device 6, in particular the abutting member 61, is movable in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction A. Said retarding device 6 comprises a swiveling arm 63 which is arranged on a swivel axle 64. Said swivel axle 64 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a conveying surface provided by the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts. In particular, the swivel axle 64 extend substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the first 2 and/or second 3 conveyor belts. Thus the swiveling arm 63 can perform a swivel motion, in particular a reciprocating swivel motion as indicated by the arrow B in figure 2, is a plane substantially parallel to the upper surface of the first 2 and/or second 3 conveyor belts.
The swivel axle 64 is arranged at a distance d from the side 31 of said second conveyor belt 3 facing away from said first conveyor belt 2. Positioning said swivel axle 64 at a distance d from the side 31 of the second conveyor belt 3, provides space for allowing the first corner 42 of the article to pass said retarding device 6 substantially without hindrance by other parts of the retarding device 6. Only the abutting member 61 of the retarding device 6 interacts with the article 4' and assists in rotating the article 4'.
As shown in detail in figure 2, the abutting member 61 is arranged above the second conveyor belt 3 and is attached to an end of the swiveling arm 63 facing away from the swivel axle 64. The movement of the swiveling arm 63 around the swivel axle 64 provides a curved movement of the abutting member in the reciprocating movement. Preferably the length of the swiveling arm 63 between the abutting member 61 and the swivel axle 64, and the swiveling angle a are arranged to provide a movement of the abutting member 61 which is substantially parallel to the conveying direction A. In particular the length of the swiveling arm 63 is relatively large, for example 0,5 meter or larger, and the swiveling angle a is relatively small, for example smaller than 45 degrees, preferably smaller than 30 degrees.
In the example shown in figure 2, the retarding device 6 comprises a first 65 and second 66 bumper, which bumpers 65, 66 limit the maximum extend of the swiveling angle a. In addition the first bumper 65 also defines the position of the abutting member 61 before an article 4, 4', 4" contacts the abutting member 61, as will be explained below .
As already indicated above, the abutting member 61 comprises a cylinder or a wheel which is freely rotatable around a rotation axle 62. Said rotation axle 62 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying surface of the first 2 and/or second 3 conveyor belts. Thus the circumferential surface of the cylinder or wheel can roll along the edge of the article 4', in particular the leading edge 41 which, after the 90 degrees rotation, becomes a side edge of the article.
In use, when a leading edge of said article conveyed on both said first and second conveyor belts moves against said retarding device 6, in particular against the abutting member 61 thereof, said retarding device 6 moves in the conveying direction A. In order to slow down at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device 6, the retarding device 6 comprises a decelerating device for decelerating a movement of said retarding device 6 in at least said conveying direction A. In the example shown in figures 1 and 2, the decelerating device comprises an elastic member 68, in particular a pair of springs, which is arranged to provide a spring force to urge the retarding device 6, in particular the swiveling arm 63 thereof, in a direction substantially opposite to the conveying direction A.
A shown in the detail in figure 2, the assembly comprises a frame 9 for supporting the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts. The retarding device, in particular the swiveling arm 63 and the abutting member 61 thereof, is movably connected to said frame 9. The elastic member 68 is at a first end 96 thereof connected to said frame 9 and at a second end 97 thereof, facing away from said first end 96, connected to the swiveling arm 63. The elastic member 68 is connected to said frame 9 at a position, with respect to the conveying direction A, upstream from the retarding device 6.
The assembly 1 as shown in figure 1 further comprising a first lateral guide 7 which is arranged at a side 31 of said second conveyor belt 3 facing away from said first conveyor belt 2 for guiding the article 4, wherein the first lateral guide 7 is arranged at a position, with respect to the conveying direction A, downstream from the retarding device 6. The first lateral guide 7 is a substantially straight guide which extends substantially parallel to the side 31 of said second conveyor belt 3. The first lateral guide 7 is at least partially arranged above the second conveyor belt 3.
The assembly 1 as shown in figure 1 further comprising a second lateral guide 8 which is arranged at a side 21 of said first conveyor belt 2 facing away from said second conveyor belt 3 for guiding the article 4, 4', wherein the second lateral guide 8 extends, with respect to the conveying direction A, from a position upstream from the retarding device 6 to a position downstream from the retarding device 6. The second lateral guide 8 comprises a curved part, wherein the side 81 of said second lateral guide facing 8 said first conveyor belt 2 is concave. The upstream end 82 and the downstream end 83 of said second lateral guide 8 are arranged above said first conveyor belt
2. The second lateral guide 8 is arranged at least partially opposite the retarding device 6, and is arranged for guiding the movement of a second corner 43 of the article 4', in particular the corner 43 of said article 4' arranged at or facing the side 21 of said first conveyor belt 2 facing away from said second conveyor belt 3.
In use, the first conveyor belt 2 is driven at a higher speed with respect to the second conveyor belt 3. The article 4, 4', 4" conveyed on said conveyor belts 2, 3 is slowly rotated because of the speed difference of said conveyor belts 2, 3. This speed difference produces a pre- rotation of the article 4' on said first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts prior to contacting the retarding device 6 so as to facilitate the turning action by said retarding device 6.
A leading edge 41 of said article 4', at or near a corner 42 facing the side 31 of the second conveyor belt
3, moves against the abutting member 61 of said retarding device 6, and the part of said article 4' abutting said abutting member 61 is slowed down in order to assist the rotating of said article 4'. In a first part of a movement of the abutting member 61 of said retarding device 6, when said article 4' abutting said abutting member 61, said abutting member 61 on the swiveling arm 63 moves substantially in the conveying direction A and slows down at least the corner 42 of said article 4'. Because the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts are still pushing at the same speed, at least the part of the article 4' facing away from the retarded corner 42 is conveyed in the conveying direction A, and the article 4' will rotate in clock-wise direction.
In a second part of the movement of the abutting member 61 on the swiveling arm 63, said abutting member 61 is pulled back by the elastic member 68 moves in a direction opposite to the conveying direction A and pushes at least the part of said article 4' abutting said abutting member 61 in a direction opposite to the conveying direction A. This additional push assist to speed up and/or assists to conclude at least the last part of the rotation of said article 4'.
After the article 4' has been rotated over 90 degrees, the article 4 is conveyed to the end of the assembly by the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts and is substantially held in the required rotated position by the first lateral guide 7. It is preferred that the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts are driven at a substantially constant velocity, and that therefor also the speed difference of the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts are constant. At least this first lateral guide 7 substantially prevents a further rotation of the article 4 because of the speed difference between the first 2 and second 3 conveyor belts .
It is noted that the example of the assembly of the invention shown in figures 1 and 2 provides a simple and reliable apparatus for conveying and rotating article, in particular at high speed.
A more elaborate example of an assembly of the present invention is shown in figure 3. Figure 3 shows a top view of a part of an assembly of the invention. This embodiment is provided with a linear actuator 16, instead of the pair of springs 68 in the embodiment of figures 1 and 2. The linear actuator 16 is driven and/or controlled by a controller 17, which is arranged for providing a controlled reciprocating movement of the abutting member 61. In a first part of the reciprocating movement, when said article 4' abutting said abutting member 61, the linear actuator 16 is arranged or driven to move the swiveling arm 63 in the conveying direction A and to slow down at least the part of said article 4' abutting said abutting member 61. In a second part of the reciprocating movement, said linear actuator 16 is driven to move opposite to the conveying direction A and is arranged to actively push at least the part of said article 4' abutting said abutting member 61 in a direction opposite to the conveying direction A.
Said linear actuator 16 comprises, for example, a pneumatic cylinder and a compression of the air in the cylinder when said cylinder is expanded in the first part of the reciprocating movement can be used as a brake for slowing down the movement of the swiveling arm 63. Subsequently the pneumatic cylinder is controlled by the pneumatic controller 17 to actively pull the swiveling arm 63 back in the direction opposite to the conveying direction A in the second part of the reciprocating movement .
Alternatively or in addition, said retarding device 6 may also comprise a decelerating device, such as said elastic member 68 or said linear actuator 16, which is connected to said frame 9 at a position, with respect to the conveying direction A, downstream from the retarding device 6. In case of an elastic member 68, the decelerating action is provided by compressing said elastic member 68. In case of a linear actuator 16, in particular a pneumatic cylinder, the decelerating action is provided by a compression of the air in the cylinder when said cylinder is contracted or compressed in the first part of the reciprocating movement.
It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present invention .
In summary, the present invention relates to an article rotating and conveying assembly and method. The assembly comprises a first and a second conveyor belt, which first and second conveyor belts are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation for simultaneously supporting an article. A drive mechanism is arranged for driving both conveyor belts in a conveying direction and for driving said first conveyor belt at a higher speed than said second conveyor belt. Furthermore a retarding device is arranged at a side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt. The retarding device is movable, preferably in a reciprocating motion, in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction in order to assist the rotating of said article.

Claims

C L A I M S
1. Article rotating and conveying assembly comprising :
a first and a second conveyor belt, which first and second conveyor belts are arranged in a side-by-side, parallel orientation for simultaneously supporting an article,
a drive mechanism arranged for driving said first and second conveyor belts in at least a conveying direction and for driving said first conveyor belt at a higher speed than said second conveyor belt,
a retarding device arranged at a side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt for abutting against a leading edge of said article, wherein the retarding device is movable in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction and comprises a decelerating device for decelerating a movement of said retarding device in at least said conveying direction, wherein said retarding device is arranged for pushing at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.
2. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 1, wherein said retarding device is movable in a reciprocating motion in at least a direction substantially parallel to said conveying direction.
3. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 2, wherein said retarding device comprises a swiveling arm which is arranged on a swivel axle .
4. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first and second conveyor belts define a conveying surface and wherein said swivel axle extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said conveying surface.
5. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to any one of the claims 1 - 4, wherein the swivel axle is arranged at a distance from the side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt .
6. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to any one of the claims 1 - 5, wherein the decelerating device comprises an elastic member which is arranged to provide a spring force to urge the retarding device in a direction substantially opposite to the conveying direction.
7. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 6, wherein the elastic member comprises a spring.
8. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the assembly comprises a frame for supporting the first and second conveyor belts, wherein the retarding device is movably connected to said frame, and wherein the elastic member is at a first end thereof connected to said frame and at a second end thereof, facing away from said first end, connected to said retarding device.
9. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 8, wherein the elastic member is connected to said frame at a position, with respect to the conveying direction, upstream from the retarding device.
10. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to any one of the claims 1 - 9, further comprising a first lateral guide which is arranged at a side of said second conveyor belt facing away from said first conveyor belt for guiding the article, wherein the first lateral guide is arranged at a position, with respect to the conveying direction, downstream from the retarding device.
11. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first lateral guide is a substantially straight guide which extends substantially parallel to the side of said second conveyor belt.
12. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first lateral guide is at least partially arranged above the second conveyor belt.
13. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to one of the claims 1 - 12, further comprising a second lateral guide which is arranged at a side of said first conveyor belt facing away from said second conveyor belt for guiding the article, wherein the second lateral guide extends, with respect to the conveying direction, from a position upstream from the retarding device to a position downstream from the retarding device.
14. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 13, wherein the second lateral guide comprises a curved part, wherein the side of said second lateral guide facing said first conveyor belt is concave.
15. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 13 or 14, wherein an upstream end and/or a downstream end of said second lateral guide are arranged above said first conveyor belt.
16. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retarding device comprises a cylinder or a wheel which is freely rotatable around a rotation axle.
17. Article rotating and conveying assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first and second conveyor belts define a conveying surface and wherein said rotation axle extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said conveying surface.
18. Method for rotating and conveying an article using an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conveyor belt is driven at a higher speed with respect to the second conveyor belt, wherein a leading edge of said article conveyed on both said first and second conveyor belts moves against said retarding device wherein a part of said article abutting said retarding device is retarded in order to assist the rotating of said article, and wherein in a first part of a movement of said retarding device, when said article abutting said retarding device, said retarding device moves in the conveying direction and slows down at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device.
19. Method for rotating and conveying an article according to claim 18, wherein in a second part of the movement of said retarding device, said retarding device moves opposite to the conveying direction and pushes at least the part of said article abutting said retarding device in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.
20. Method for rotating and conveying an article according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the velocity of the first and second conveyor belts are substantially constant.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
EP15703643.5A 2014-01-27 2015-01-27 Article rotating and conveying assembly and method Withdrawn EP3099608A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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NL2012148A NL2012148C2 (en) 2014-01-27 2014-01-27 Article rotating and conveying assembly and method.
PCT/NL2015/050050 WO2015112019A1 (en) 2014-01-27 2015-01-27 Article rotating and conveying assembly and method

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CN108996190A (en) * 2018-07-06 2018-12-14 山东鼎泰盛食品工业装备股份有限公司 Conveying device and cleaning equipment with the device
CN111942658B (en) * 2020-08-13 2022-02-22 广州达意隆包装机械股份有限公司 Box rotating device
CN113334473B (en) * 2021-06-25 2023-01-31 深圳市华龙精密模具有限公司 A dial material device for semiconductor automatic processing
CN113649490A (en) * 2021-07-05 2021-11-16 武汉日晗精密机械有限公司 Material sheet rotating device in transfer mold
CN115401504B (en) * 2022-10-20 2023-03-24 立之达(徐州)智能装备有限公司 Position adjusting device of workpiece on conveying mechanism for numerical control machine tool

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DE1756233A1 (en) * 1968-04-24 1970-04-02 Enzinger Union Werke Ag Laengsfoerderer with a device for turning square objects
GB1473376A (en) * 1972-02-22 1977-05-11 British Lely Stacking of bales
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