GB1594941A

GB1594941A - Conveying rod-like articles

Info

Publication number: GB1594941A
Application number: GB53687/76A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Molins Ltd
Current assignee: Mpac Group PLC
Priority date: 1976-12-22
Filing date: 1976-12-22
Publication date: 1981-08-05
Also published as: DE2756876A1

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO CONVEYING ROD-LIKE ARTICLES (71) We, MOLINS LIMITED, a British Company, of 2, Evelyn Street, Deptford, London, SE8 5DH, do hereby declare this invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to conveyor systems for rod-like articles such as cigarettes or cigarette filter rods.

The invention is particularly concerned with conveying a stream consisting of a stack of rod-like articles moving transverse to the lengths of the articles in an upward or downward direction. Conveyors for moving articles in this way are often referred to as "vertical feed conveyors" or "elevators": it should be noted that, in the present case at least, the direction of movement need not be vertical.

British Patent Specification No. 1,453,191 discloses a vertical feed for a stack of rod-like articles, including two parallel conveyors provided with regularly spaced protrusions. The protrusions project from the intervening surfaces of the conveyor by a predermined distance and are of substantially uniform cross section at various positions across the width of the conveyor so that side surfaces of the protrusions, extending across the conveyor and substantially parallel to the articles in the stack, engage the articles to drive them sideways in a relatively positive fashion.The protrusions are relatively low, and arcuate guide means are provided adjacent the pulleys around which the conveyors pass, to guide the articles around part of the periphery of each pulley and to keep the articles substantially out of contact with the side surfaces of the protrusions while the articles are near the pulley.

The guide means ensure that the protrusions do not force their way into the stack; instead, as the stack leaves the guide means it gently expands against the main surfaces of the conveyors to fill the spaces between successive protrusions.

A vertical feed including two parallel conveyors having protrusions is believed to work, according to Specification No.

1,453,191, as a result of the articles forming a series of bridges between the protrusions on opposite conveyors. The protrusions should be positioned at suitable intervals along the conveyors and are preferably staggered on the opposite conveyors.

The present invention provides a conveyor system for a stream consisting of a stack of rod-like articles moving transverse to the lengths of the articles, including means defining opposite sides of an upward or downward path for the stream, and conveyor means including spaced partitions movable along the path and arranged so that the stream is sub-divided along said path into batches separated by partitions for a substantial part of its height between said sides, and a stack conveyor defining a junction with said path, said partitions being arranged to move transversely to said stack conveyor at said junction to transfer articles between said stack conveyor and said path.

Thus, for example, where the path is defined by a pair of opposed substantially vertical endless conveyors (defining opposite sides of a vertical feed) the partitions extend across a substantial part of the distance between the conveyors. In this case one conveyor could be a plain band whilst the other conveyor is provided with upstanding spaced partitions in the form of divider plates. Alternatively, both conveyors could be provided with partitions, preferably staggered which may each extend for slightly less than half the height of the stream (i.e. the transverse distance between the conveyors).Another possibility is for one conveyor to have partitions and the other conveyor to have protrusions (as disclosed in Specification No. 1,453,191, or semi-cylindrical or other ribs) or other means of providing more positive feed than a plain band (e.g. suction or recesses for receiving and holding a rod-like article, the exposed side of which then acts as a rib).

The path and partitions are preferably arranged so that the partitions are approximately horizontal when the stream is being conveyed on said path; it may be desirable to incline the partitions downwards slightly.

Where the conveyor system is used as an elevator, for example between lower and upper substantially horizontal conveyors, the partitions may be introduced from below the end of the lower horizontal conveyor so that they successively lift batches or part batches into the elevator. Additionally, partitions can be progressively inserted into the stream on the lower horizontal conveyor, preferably from above so that one run of the partition conveyor can be arranged above said lower conveyor and another run can form part of the elevator.

Insertion of the partitions into the stream could be as a result of converging paths for the partition conveyor and the stream, or the partitions could be moved transversely relative to their associated conveyor, e.g.

upwards through slots in the conveyor surface from a retracted position below the surface. At the upper end of the elevator the partitions are preferably progressively withdrawn, e.g. by directing the stream away from the elevator conveyor means and towards upper horizontal conveyors by means of fixed guide elements.

The action of the conveyor system of the present invention is even more positive than that of the system disclosed in British Patent Specification No. 1,453,191, substantial parts of the stream being divided into batches so that they may be lifted by the partitions of the conveyor means. There is less reliance, therefore, on bridging of the articles across their path.

The use of the conveyor system as an elevator has already been mentioned. It is also useful to convey articles downards in a controlled manner and the present system can be used to avoid the situation, which can occur in a simple chute, where excessive pressure is applied to the lowermost rod-like articles by the column of articles above.

It is already known to form batches of rod-like articles by inserting partitions or divider plates into a substantially horizontally-moving stream. Reference is directed to British Patent Specification Nos. 1,404,141, 1,404,143 and 1,404,144, and to U.S. Patent Specification No. 4,029,197 and German OS 26 02- 564, for details of known systems.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which Figures 1 to 4 respectively show different conveyor systems for rod-like articles.

In Figure 1 a stream 2 consisting of a stack of rod-like articles moving transverse to the lengths of the articles is supported and moved by means of horizontal conveyors 4, 6. Each of the conveyors 4, 6 comprises a pair of parallel endless bands which are laterally spaced apart (e.g. so that the bands engage the articles of the stream 2 near their ends). These bands pass around laterally spaced pairs of pulleys 8, 10, respectively.

Only one pulley 8 of the left-hand pair for conveyor 4 is shown in the drawing, and similarly only one pulley 10 is shown for conveyor 6.

A vertical band conveyor 12 is arranged to pass around an upper pulley 14 and a lower pulley which is coaxial with and positioned between the pulleys 8. Another band conveyor 16 having a vertical run opposite that of conveyor 12 passes around a large upper pulley 18 and a lower pulley which is coaxial with and positioned between the pulleys 10. The width of the bands 12 and 16 is slightly less than the width of the gap between the laterally spaced bands of conveyors 4 and 6. The conveyor 16 carries spaced divider plates or partitions 20 which are set at a slight angle to the perpendicular from the main surface of the conveyor, sothat they are inclined downwards on the vertical run of the conveyor.

The conveyors 12 and 16 are driven so that the stream 2 delivered by the conveyors 4, 6 is moved upwards. The partitions 20, introduced from below the stream 2 and between the bands of conveyor 6, successively lift leading portions of the stream into the main part of the elevator formed by conveyors 12, 16. The conveyors 2, 4 move the stream 2 forward so that voids are not created between the partitions 20 adjacent the surface of conveyor 16. The inclination of the partitions 20 helps prevent possible damage to rod-like articles as the partitions are introduced into the stream and as they pass adjacent the pulleys 8.

The partitions 20 extend for a substantial part of the distance between conveyors 12 and 16 and at least partly sub-divide the stream into batches. As shown in the drawing the depth of the stream between conveyors 12 and 16 is about the same as that between conveyors 4 and 6. In this case the speeds of the conveyors should also be about the same. However, the depths of stream in the horizontal and vertical portions of the stream could be different. in which case the speeds of the conveyors should be adjusted accordingly to maintain the same delivery rate of rod-like articles in the parts of the stream of different depths.

At the top of the elevator formed by conveyors 12, 16 fixed curved guide elements 22, 24 extend respectively from adjacent the pulleys 14 and 18, and direct the stream towards upper horizontal band conveyors 26, 28. The guide 24 (and the pulley 30 for the conveyor 28) comprises a pair of laterally spaced components so as to allow passage of the partitions 20, which are gradually withdrawn from the stream as the guide 24 and path of conveyor 16 diverge.

The size and position of pulley 18 relative to the guide 24 ensure that articles are not pinched against the guide as each successive partition 20 is withdrawn.

The stream is conveyed around the curved path between guides 22 and 24 by action of the part of the stream being elevated below it. As a substantial part of the weight of the vertical stream is supported by the conveyors 12, 16 (and a major portion of this part by the partitions 20) the elevator can be of considerable height without causing damage to articles due to excessive pressure at or near the bottom of the elevator.

It should be noted that the use of complementary laterally-spaced and central bands is an expedient to allow the use of coaxial or adjacent pulleys. Other arrangements having the same effect are possible.

In particular a central band could be replaced by laterally spaced bands, and later ally spaced bands replaced by a central band.

Each of the bands in the apparatus of Figure 1 could be a plain band which is friction driven by one or more of the pulleys around which it passes. Alternatively a band could have internal teeth (for engagement with toothed pulleys) so that it is positively driven, as disclosed for example in British Patent Specification No. 1,453,191. If more lift is required from the conveyor 12, regularly-spaced ribs (as indicated at 13 along part of the conveyor) or protrusions may be provided; guide means could be provided to protect the articles of stream 2 from the ribs in the vicinity of the pulley 8.

The conveyor 16 could be a continuous endless band with partitions 20 rigidly attached to it. Alternatively, the partitions could be movable with the conveyor but not rigidly attached to it (e.g. they could pass through slots in the conveyor surface and be supported by a track or other guide element which follows the conveyor path, substantially as shown in British Patent Specification No.1,404,141). Another possible arrangement is for the conveyor 16 to take the form of an endless row of separate slats connected together by means such as a chain, as shown for example in U.S. Patent Specification No. 2,954,113. In this case the pulleys around which the conveyor passes would be in the form of sprockets. Whatever type of conveyor 16 is used it is preferred to support the vertical run of the conveyor, i.e. where the conveyor is under load.Thus a stationary flat guide surface may be positioned just behind the conveyor 16 between the upper pulley 18 and its lower pulley, so that the partitions 20 are maintained in the correct attitude. Additional tensioning means for the conveyor 16 could also be useful. More positive control of the partitions 20 may be achieved by use of a conveyor in which the partitions pass through slots in the conveyor surface so that the inner ends of the partitions can be supported.

The conveyor system shown in Figure 2 is similar to that of Figure 1, and comprises horizontal conveyors 204, 206 which feed a stream 202 towards an elevator constituted by conveyors 212, 216. As indicated at 213, the conveyor 212 could be provided with regularly-spaced ribs. At the top of the elevator curved guide elements 222, 224 direct the stream to further horizontal conveyors 226, 228. As compared with the Figure 1 arrangement, the upper pulley 218 for the conveyor 216 is of reduced size and the inner guide 224 is extended so that partitions 220 of the conveyor 216 are withdrawn from the stream at a slightly earlier stage and substantially before the stream starts to round the corner defined by guides 222 and 224. A stationary polished guide 232 (or an additional idler pulley) is provided to define the correct path for the conveyor 216.

In the system of Figure 3 a stream 402 is delivered by upper and lower horizontal conveyors 404, 406 to an elevator comprising a conveyor 412 provided with partitions 413 and a conveyor 416 provided with partitions 420. The partitions 413 and 420 are each set so that they are slightly downwardly inclined on the vertical run of the elevator, and are staggered relative to one another. In order to retain the staggered relationship it is preferable to provide positive drive for conveyors 412 and 416, e.g. by using toothed belts and pulleys. At their upper ends the conveyors 412, 416 deliver the stream to horizontal conveyors 426, 428, substantially as before.

It may be noted that the partitions 413, 420 each extend into the stream for slightly less than half its depth. Since the partitions are arranged in staggered positions it is possible for each partition to extend further than this into the stream. In a modified arrangement the partitions 413 would be replaced by ribs, as indicated at 413A.

The system shown in Figure 4 also incorporates an elevator having two conveyors provided with partitions. A stream 5()2 on a horizontal conveyor 506 is elevated bv conveyors 516 and 548 provided with parti tions 520 and 549 respectively. The partitions 549 are progressively introduced into the stream 502 from above.

The partitions 520 are withdrawn before the stream reaches the upper curve from which it passes to further conveyors 526, 528. In a modified arrangement the partitions 549 would be replaced by ribs, as indicated at 549A. The conveyor 506 need not be horizontal and could deliver the stream 502 up an inclined path, possibly in conjunction with laterally-spaced top bands.

In the systems shown in Figures 3 and 4 either one of the conveyors 412 or 548 could be replaced by a conveyor provided with protrusions substantially as disclosed in British Patent Specification No. 1,453,191, or with semi-cylindrical ribs (approximately corresponding in cross-section to one half of one of the articles of the stream). Arcuate pulley guide means, susbstantially as disclosed in said specification, could also be incorporated where appropriate.

The height of the streams 2, 202, 402 and 502 is typically 90-100 mm., and the diameter of the rod-like articles typically about 8 mm.

The conveyor systems of Figures 1 to 4 could be used as part of a system for conveying cigarettes between cigarette making machines and cigarette packing machines, for example in place of the elevators in the system disclosed in British Patent Specification No. 1,453,191. The present conveyor systems could also be incorporated in a system as disclosed in British Patent Application No. 52473/76, (Serial No 1589368) to which reference is directed in its entirety.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A conveyor system for a stream consisting of a stack of rod-like articles moving transverse to the lengths of the articles, including means defining opposite sides of an upward or downward path for the stream, conveyor means including spaced partitions movable along the path and arranged so that the stream is subdivided along said path into batches separated by partitions for a substantial part of the height of the stream between said sides, and a stack conveyor defining a junction with said path, said partitions being arranged to move transversely to said stack conveyor at said junction to transfer articles between said stack conveyor and said path.

2. A conveyor system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one side of the path is defined by endless conveyor means.

3. A conveyor system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the spaced partitions are movable with said endless conveyor means.

4. A conveyor system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the spaced partitions are attached to the endless conveyor means.

.5. A conveyor system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the spaced partitions extend through the endless conveyor means and are supported by fixed guide means.

6. A conveyor system as claimed in claim 5, including means for projecting or retracting the spaced partitions into said path by movement relative to the endless conveyor means.

7. A conveyor system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein both sides'of said path are defined by endless conveyor means.

8. A conveyor system as claimed in claim 7, wherein one of said conveyor means comprises a plain band.

9. A conveyor system as claimed in claim 7, wherein one of said conveyor means comprises a band provided with relatively low, spaced protrusions.

10. A conveyor system as claimed in claim 7, including spaced partitions associated with each of said endless conveyor means.

11. A conveyor system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said partitions are arranged so that they are approximately horizontal on said path.

12. A conveyor system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, at positions upstream and downstream of said path, the stream and at least some of the spaced partitions are moved, in operation and according to the direction of movement of the system, on convergent or divergent paths so that partitions are progressively inserted into or retracted from the stream.

13. A conveyor system as claimed in any preceding claim, including a lower stack conveyor and an upper stack conveyor, said path extending between said conveyors.

14. A conveyor system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said path is substantially vertical.

15. A conveyor system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said conveydr means and said stack conveyor include portions which are respectively spaced in a direction parallel to the lengths of the conveyed articles at said junction.

16. A conveyor system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said conveyor means and said stack conveyor are disposed at an angle of about 90" at said junction.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. tions 520 and 549 respectively. The partitions 549 are progressively introduced into the stream 502 from above. The partitions 520 are withdrawn before the stream reaches the upper curve from which it passes to further conveyors 526, 528. In a modified arrangement the partitions 549 would be replaced by ribs, as indicated at 549A. The conveyor 506 need not be horizontal and could deliver the stream 502 up an inclined path, possibly in conjunction with laterally-spaced top bands. In the systems shown in Figures 3 and 4 either one of the conveyors 412 or 548 could be replaced by a conveyor provided with protrusions substantially as disclosed in British Patent Specification No. 1,453,191, or with semi-cylindrical ribs (approximately corresponding in cross-section to one half of one of the articles of the stream). Arcuate pulley guide means, susbstantially as disclosed in said specification, could also be incorporated where appropriate. The height of the streams 2, 202, 402 and 502 is typically 90-100 mm., and the diameter of the rod-like articles typically about 8 mm. The conveyor systems of Figures 1 to 4 could be used as part of a system for conveying cigarettes between cigarette making machines and cigarette packing machines, for example in place of the elevators in the system disclosed in British Patent Specification No. 1,453,191. The present conveyor systems could also be incorporated in a system as disclosed in British Patent Application No. 52473/76, (Serial No 1589368) to which reference is directed in its entirety. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A conveyor system for a stream consisting of a stack of rod-like articles moving transverse to the lengths of the articles, including means defining opposite sides of an upward or downward path for the stream, conveyor means including spaced partitions movable along the path and arranged so that the stream is subdivided along said path into batches separated by partitions for a substantial part of the height of the stream between said sides, and a stack conveyor defining a junction with said path, said partitions being arranged to move transversely to said stack conveyor at said junction to transfer articles between said stack conveyor and said path.

.

5. A conveyor system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the spaced partitions extend through the endless conveyor means and are supported by fixed guide means.

17. A conveyor system substantially as

herein described, with particular reference to any one or more of Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.