KR19980703753A - Bottom-loaded basket carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for loading a container into a basket-type port with an open bottom, wherein the device (10) is adapted to remove a port from a container transport mechanism, a port transport supply (30), and a transport transport supply. A tool timer-transport assembly (60 or 260), a tool (3) for receiving the tool (3) from the tool carrier feeder and initiating transport of the tool in parallel operation simultaneously on the container. A gripper 82 assembly for opening, an inclined belt assembly 90 for receiving a transversely extending bottom panel of the carriage and forming a passageway for transporting the carriage downwards over a group of containers, the seating member being rotated The seating assembly 120, the bottom seating member engaging each top of the carriage handle, and the bottom panel locked together relative to each other. And bottom panel closure mechanisms (130, 140, 182) for positioning in a locked relationship.

Description

Bottom-loaded basket carrier

Prior art of methods and apparatus for loading bottles from the bottom into basket-type carriers is described in Wessell, U.S. Patent No. 2,276,129, Courier, U.S. Patent No. 2,603,924, Marsh U.S. Patent No. 3,521,427, Helms U.S. Patent No. 3,627,193, US Patent 3,698,151 to Arneson, US Patent 3,751,872 to Helms, US Patent 3,747,294 to Calvert, US Patent 3,805,484 to Rossi, US Patent 3,842,571 to Pocky, US Patent to Gans US Patent No. 3,924,385 to Walt, US Patent No. 3,940,907 to Gans, US Patent No. 4,915,218 to Crowch, US Patent No. 4,919,261 to Lassro, US Patent No. 5,234,103 to Shaster and US Patent Publication No. 3,848,519 No. 27,624.

(Summary of invention)

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the continuous opening and loading of a basket-type underload carrier.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for loading a container into a basket-type underload carrier includes a first container transfer conveyor, a divider disposed immediately after the first container transfer conveyor for separating the container into a column, a predetermined number A container meter for metering each column of the container into a group of containers, a second container conveyor having a member for engaging the last container in each group of containers, a container gripper conveyor having a container gripper for holding the container group, a conveying port A feeder, a feeder feeder for removing the feeder from the feeder feeder, a feeder timer-transport assembly for receiving the feeder from the feeder feeder and initiating transport of the feeder in simultaneous parallel motion on the container, the lower panel of the feeder, the feeder centerline I grab it outside and pull it out and open a carrier Inclined with a pair of opposing extended endless belts facing each other in contact with the gripper assembly for receiving a transversely extending lower panel of the carriage and forming a passageway for transporting the carriage downward over the group of vessels. Belt assembly, a seating assembly having a plurality of members having grooves for engaging each upper portion of the carriage handle and in cooperative arrangement rotatable relative to the carriage so that the lowermost member engages each upper portion of the carriage handle when the member rotates. And a two part lug assembly for positioning the bottom panels in a locking relationship relative to each other.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings and claims.

The present invention relates to a bottom loading basket-like port for loading an article such as a beverage bottle.

1 is an isometric view of a carriage loaded by an apparatus for loading a bottom-loading basket-shaped carriage according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank for forming the carriage of FIG. 1; FIG.

3 shows the folded state of the carriage of FIG. 1;

4 shows the container for the carriage of FIG. 1 in the folded state of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4A shows a container for the carrier of FIG. 1 in the folded state of FIG. 3, showing a configuration for use in the automatic carrier loading of the hopper of the device of FIG. 5; FIG.

4B illustrates a variation of the carriage of FIG. 4A;

5 is a schematic view showing an apparatus for loading an undercarriage basket type carriage according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

6 is an isometric view of the hopper of the device of FIG. 5;

7 is a sectional view of the hopper of FIG. 6 with at least one carriage loaded;

8 is an isometric view of a carton feeder of the apparatus of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a nip belt assembly portion of the apparatus of FIG. 5 engaging a carriage. FIG.

10 is an isometric view of the gripping hole insertion assembly of the timing-carrying portion for use with the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view showing the gripping hole insert for the assembly of FIG. 10. FIG.

12 illustrates a modified handle portion of the carriage of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the gripping hole insertion assembly of FIG. 10 with an insertion portion placed within the gripping hole of the carriage and a stop-guide rail of the device to facilitate insertion into the carriage; FIG.

FIG. 14 is a partial front view of the gripping hole insertion assembly shown in FIG. 13; FIG.

15 and 16 are schematic views showing the state of the panel-gripper assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 5 in operation;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the nip belt assembly and panel-gripper assembly of the device of FIG. 5 engaging a carriage; FIG.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the panel-gripper assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 5; FIG.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing a panel-gripper engaged with the cam track of the device of FIG. 5; FIG.

19A is a view showing a modification of the gripper of FIG. 19;

19B is a schematic diagram showing the carriage at the engagement point of the gripper and the band hook;

20, 21 and 22 show a combination between the opening roller and the opening ramp member of the panel-gripper assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 5;

23 is an isometric view illustrating the bottle transport conveyor of the apparatus of FIG. 5;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the bottle gripper of the bottle-device of FIG. 5; FIG.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of the bottle-gripper conveyor of the apparatus of FIG. 5; FIG.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the tilting and seating assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 5; FIG.

27 and 28 are cross-sectional views of the inclined belt portion of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 29 is an isometric view illustrating another example of the inclined block of FIG. 5; FIG.

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view showing a planetary gear of the carriage seating assembly of FIG. 5; FIG.

FIG. 31 is an isometric view illustrating the folder-adhesive assembly of the device of FIG. 5. FIG.

32 is a plan view of a folding block of the folder-adhesive assembly of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a side view illustrating the folding block of the folder-adhesive assembly of FIG. 31;

34 is a side view showing the folding block of the folder-adhesive assembly of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is a side view illustrating the folding block and sealing block of the folder-adhesive assembly of FIG. 31;

36 is a top view of the bottom-panel alignment assembly;

FIG. 37 is an isometric view of the bottle ballast assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 5; FIG.

FIG. 38 is a cross sectional view of the bottle ballast assembly of FIG. 37 in engagement with a haul package; FIG.

FIG. 39 is an isometric view illustrating a second embodiment of timing and transport separation of the apparatus of FIG. 5.

Port

The method and apparatus 10 described in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is for loading a carriage, such as the underload basket-shaped carriage shown in FIG. The use of the method and apparatus 10 according to the object of the present invention is not limited to the carriage 3 described below, and features of the present invention are clearly described by the adjustment and loading of the carriage 3 shown.

A blank 906 for forming the conveyer 3 is shown in FIG. 2. 3 is a plan view showing a folded state of the carrying tool of FIG.

The delivery port 3 is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 326,987. This application is by the applicant of the present invention. The carriage 3 and the blank 906 are described below to facilitate understanding of the present invention. First, reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 are simultaneously indicated. The conveying port 3 is designed to accommodate two rows of bottles. The conveying port 3 of the present invention accommodates three bottles of two rows, four bottles of two rows, that is, six and eight bottles. However, the present invention can also accommodate multiple rows of bottles. Both sides of the carriage are identical. Thus, the features described for the aspect shown in FIG. 1 are equally applicable to the invisible aspect. Sidewalls 920 and 930 have cutouts that form lower sidewall bands 921 and 931 and upper sidewall bands 923 and 933. It is the respective corner tabs 922, 932, 924, 934 connecting the lower 921, 931 and top 923, 933 bands to each end wall 940, 942, 950, 952. . The corner tabs 922, 932, 924, 934 form inclined corner portions at the intersections of the side walls 920, 930 and the end walls 940, 942, 950, 952, respectively. The incision region also forms an undamaged central portion 928, 938 left in the sidewalls 920, 930. The central cell is formed on each side of the carrier by cell bands 925, 935 and corner tabs 926, 936 foldable to the cell band and the central cell portions 927, 937 have sidewalls 920. , 930 is integrally formed. The upstanding panels 960, 962, 970, 972 extend between the bottom of the conveyer 3 and the handle structure formed by the panels 980, 982, 990, 992. Gripping flap 984 can also be seen in the figure. The cutoff line between the center cell portion of the sidewalls 920, 930 and each handle structure panel 980, 982, 990, 992 ends at each curved cutout 986, 988, 996, 998. The incision between the upper bands 923, 933 of the respective sidewalls 920, 930 and the corresponding central cell portion ends at each curved incision 987, 989, 997, 999. In the folded state (as shown in FIG. 3), the carriage 3 is provided with nick members 929, 939 strategically positioned on the incision between the side wall and the center cell at the inclined corner tabs. Have This shape is not apparent in a fully upright carriage but can be seen in the folded state shown in FIG. 3 and the blank 906 of FIG. 2. The blank 906 is symmetrical about the perforated fold line that divides the handle panels 980, 982, 990, 992 and divides the carriage 3 from each other in half. One of the two bottom wall panels 910, 912 has a larger width than the other, and the bottom wall 912 is designed larger for convenience. Another floor wall panel is a smaller floor wall panel 910. Each sidewall 920, 930 is cut away to form a lower sidewall band 921, 931 with adjacent corner tabs 922, 932 and an upper band 923, 933 with adjacent corner tabs 924, 934. Or has a cropped area. The components for forming the center cell are center cell bands 925 and 935, center cell corner tabs 926 and 936, and center cell center portions 927 and 937 integral with respective sidewall panels 920 and 930. And so on. Solid notch members 929, 939 connect the upper sidewall bands 923, 933 with respective center cell corner tabs 926, 936. End walls 940, 942, 950, 952 rest on adjacent respective sidewalls 920, 930 connected by respective sidewall corner tabs 922, 932, 924, 934. The upright panels are connected to respective end walls 940, 942, 950, 952 along the perforated fold lines. Support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 for attaching to bottom wall panels 910, 912 are foldably connected to the bottom edge of each upstanding panel 960, 962, 970, 972. Suitable carriers for the loading of the present invention may also have support tabs connected to the lower edge of each end wall 940, 942, 950, 952 along the fold lines within the scope of the present invention. The center cell bands 925, 935 are connected along a fold line perforated to the bottom of each handle panel 980, 982, 990, 992. Gripping holes 981, 983, 991, 993 are formed in the respective handle panels 980, 982, 990, 992. The incision that separates the center cell bands 925, 935 and receives the center cell corner tabs 926, 936 from each handle panel ends at the curved incisions 986, 988, 996, 998. The incision separating the upper bands 923 and 933 and receiving the corner tabs 924 and 934 from the respective center cell bands 925 and 935 and the center cell corner tabs 926 and 936 are provided for each sidewall ( Ends at curved incisions 987, 989, 997, and 999 within 920 and 930. Gripping flaps 984 and 994 are connected to respective handle panels 980 and 990 along the perforated fold lines in respective gripping holes 981 and 991. Curved incisions (986, 987, 988, 989. 996, 997, 998, 999) assist stress directly away from the strategic end point of the incision in the carriage (3).

As mentioned above, the method and apparatus are particularly suitable for loading a carriage having the characteristics of the above form. The components of the conveying device 3 can be in the folded, loaded, stacked form into the apparatus and are loaded upright with the bottle. Although some forms of illness

Although adjustable and loaded by the present invention, the present invention is particularly useful for loading a PET bottle in contour form into the depicted carrier 3.

The carriage is pivoted upwards with the bottom wall panels 910, 912 in surface contact with the side walls of the carriage 3 as shown in FIG. 3, and received by the apparatus of the present invention in a folded state. In this state, the delivery port 3 is easily loaded into the apparatus of the present invention, and is then erected and loaded by the apparatus. However, the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 can be exposed and damaged when the transport is transported in this state. The present invention includes suitable means for preparing the carriage 3 for loading into the apparatus. This means is a means for preventing the damage of the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 of the carriage during loading at the loading site and for facilitating the loading of the carriage 3 into the apparatus, the carriage 3 being shown in FIG. 4. It is packaged in the container 5 from above as shown. In this folded state, the handle is positioned downward and the lower edge is directed upward. The end wall 2 and the side wall 4 of the container 5 with respect to the conveyer 3 extend over exposed and protruding support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973, thereby supporting the load during loading at the loading site. Protect tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 from damage. The container 5 may be located in the hopper 30 of the device and stand up to slide the carrier 3 from below into the hopper. Referring to FIG. 4A, in various forms of the container 205 for the folded conveyer 3, the end wall 202 and the side wall 204 extend over the protruding tabs of the conveyance and each end wall 202 protrudes upwards. Has a slot 208 extending between the tabs. The container 205 with slots is useful in connection with the automatic loading of the hopper described below. Referring to FIG. 4B, the container 205 of FIG. 4A has holes 203 in each end wall, each of which is aligned in a line with each other. The hole 203 is preferably a means for inspecting the container of the conveying device such that the conveying device is preferably configured such that the opening of the conveying device is sized to provide an open line of movement or aiming line between the holes 203 arranged above the opening of the conveying device. Used as For example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the portion of the carriage between the opposing bandsets 921 923, 931 933 is opened if the carriage is preferably configured. The conveyer and the blank may also be designed so that other portions remain open if the folded conveyer is preferably formed. Thus, if the aperture 203 is aligned in line with these open openings, a probe or sensor can be used to demonstrate that the passage is open, so that the folded conveyance is preferably formed and the container of the conveyance is suitable for use.

Device and method

Referring to FIG. 5, which shows a device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device 10 is constructed on an extended frame. In the figure, the moving directions of the bottle 1 and the conveyance port 3 move from left to right. As in general terms, the bottles travel through the device 10 in two rows along a linear path. As the bottles move along their path, the conveyer (with the bottom wall panel folded up flat against the side of the folded conveyer) is moved along the hopper 30 to the midpoint of the conveyer conveyer 50. The conveyer 50 moves each conveyer 3 from the hopper 30 to the timing portion 60. The timing-transport portion measures the time interval of the carriage and the predetermined speed. In one embodiment, the timing-transport portion consists of two continuous assemblies. The first of the two is a timing portion 60 in which each conveyance 3 is removed from the cutting cup 54 of the conveyor 50 and transferred at a predetermined stagger to the downstream components of the apparatus 10. The path as the transport portion of the timing-transport portion is formed between the pair of belts oriented vertically. In particular, this portion is referred to as nip belt assembly 70. The vertical nip belt 70 is a pair of opposing endless belts that clamp or squeeze the grip region (top of the transport sphere) of each transport and move the transport in a linear path formed below the hole 10. In another embodiment of the timing-transport portion, the timing and transport functions are less clear. In the second embodiment, the delivery port 3 is interlocked and transported through the handle hole in the handle. Timing and transport are achieved by reciprocating movement of the gripping hole insert mounted on the cam engagement rod. The rod in turn slidably engages with an unmanned person. When the conveyer 3 is in the hopper 30, they are pivoted up and laid flat against the side of the conveyer 3 in a folded state with the bottom wall panels 910, 912. To be removed from the hopper 30, the bottom wall panels 910, 912 of the conveyer 3 fall away from their flat position relative to the side of the conveyer 3. As the carriage 3 moves through the timing portion, the bottom wall panels 910, 912 are engaged to pull the carriage 3 open for loading and pulled outward. When the carriage 3 is pulled along the transportation path of the device 10, the bottle is moved along the path just below the transportation device. In the lower path (bottle path), the star wheels 105 on both sides of the device 10 meter to load the rows of bottles in separate groups. For example, there are three or four bottles in each row. An unarmed lug is one of the means for transporting the bottle after the bottles have been metered with the star wheel 105. The bottle gripper 113 (moved from the same conveyor as the unmanned person) runs directly to the star wheel 114 and maintains the spacing and alignment of each bottle group. If the bottle 1 is moved further along the longitudinal direction of the device 10, the bottle gripper 113 ensures a gap between the bottle 1 and the bottle group. At the same time, the conveyer 3 moves to a position where each bottom wall panel 910, 912 is received by a pair of downwardly inclined belts 92, 94 93, 95. Overhead conveyor mechanisms, such as the endless overhead chain assembly 100, are aligned in a straight line on the centralized handle of the conveyer 3 in alignment with the inclined belt assembly 90. The block member 102 mounted on the overhead chain engages the upper portion of the handle portion of the carriage 3. Inclined belt assembly 90 and overhead chain assembly 100 move conveyer 3 back and forth over a double row group of bottles. Bottom work of the warp belt assembly 90 and the overhead chain assembly 100 is completed by the pusher wheel assembly 120. The pusher wheel assembly 120 is mounted to push the top of the handle of the handle 3 downward so that the handle falls completely on each group of bottles. When the conveyer 3 is moved from the pusher wheel assembly 120, the package conveyor 130, such as the side lug 134, mounted on the opposing unbroken 132, respectively, Engage the trailing end panels and push them further along the device 10. When the conveyance 3 is moved along the package conveyor 130, the lower panel locking portion 140 attaches the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 to the bottom wall panels 910, 912 to convey the conveyance 3. Fold the carriage support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 and the bottom wall panels 910, 912 to a position to seal the bottom of the bottom. The bottom panels 910, 912 are pulled together for proper alignment and the closure of the bottom of the conveying device 3 is completed by a rotary push locking mechanism. The fully enclosed carriage is then discharged from the device 10.

Bottle conveying conveyor

Referring to FIG. 5, the bottle 1 is transferred to the apparatus 10 by a transfer conveyor assembly 20. Transfer conveyors are typically used in the beverage packaging industry. In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor assembly 20 has a divider 22 which separates the bottles in two rows. Conveyor means, such as endless belts and chains, move through the device 10 to load the bottles into the port 3. A combination of other endless belts or chains with other endless belts or chains is used to simultaneously move the carrier 3 and the bottle 1 through the device 10 in a separate path, with the carrier 3 being the path of the bottle 1. Proceed to the path placed above. The two paths are then one of which the carriage 3 is moved downward over the group of bottles 1 as described below.

Hopper assembly

5, 6, and 7, suitable means for making a carton usable for loading are provided to the hopper assembly 30. The hopper assembly 30 of the preferred embodiment is essentially a conveyor driven glide. 6 and 7, the hopper assembly 30 is a loading end, ie this end is the end where the carton is to be transferred to the next assembly of the apparatus 10. In the hopper assembly, the pair of opposing side walls 31 and 32 form a sliding surface. The pair of opposing belts 37, 38 provide a conveying means for the carton 3. The belts 37, 38 are movable by means of driving a roller mounted on the support rods 41, 42 or similar structure. Roller rods 41, 42 are in turn mounted on trucks 43, 44 or similar structures, and similar sidewall trucks 33, 34 are in turn permanently or movably mounted on support rods 36. The trucks 33, 34, 43, 44 are attached along the length of the side walls 31, 32 and the roller rods 41, 42. Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, the folded bottle carrier 3 is fitted by the device 10 and the hopper assembly 30 and the carrier is fitted by the sidewalls 31 and 32 of the hopper 30 by the belts 37 and 38. The physics can be represented in such a way that it is loaded into the hopper by position. The hopper 30 can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes of the conveyer 3, for example six or eight. The hopper 30 is adjusted by changing the position of the trucks 33, 34, 43, 44 along the support rod 36. Arrows 45 and 47 indicate the direction in which the truck is moved in and out according to the size of the transport port 3 to be accommodated. For example, six would be a carriage 3 smaller than eight. Trucks and associated sidewalls and belts will be located 6 closer to the haul than 8 haul. Although it is possible to move both sides of the wall and the roller rod, it is simpler to keep one wall and the belt set fixed while the other set is moved. For example, this set is an association of arrows 45 and 47. As shown in FIG. 7, the belt is positioned to engage the adjacent protruding tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 of each carriage 3. When the conveyer 3 is loaded into the hopper 30, the conveyor belts 37, 38 move the conveyer folded upright along the hopper sidewalls 31, 32 to the outlet end of the hopper 30.

Hopper action

The conveyer 3 is loaded into the loading end of the hopper with the bottom of the conveyer 3 directed downward. As shown in FIG. 4, as a means for facilitating the loading of multiple carriages 30 into the hopper 30 at the same time, the carriage 3 has a container with the first bottom of the carriage 3 into the hopper 30. It can be loaded top-down into the container 5 so that it can simply stand up to dump the part. Packaging the folded conveyer 3 to unload in this top-down manner can also allow the container 5 to protect the support tabs 961, 963, 9711, 973 from damage during transportation. When packaged in this top and bottom manner, the delivery port 3 is also conveniently loaded without damage to the support tabs and then easily loaded into the hopper 30.

While maintaining the amount of floor space consumed by the device to provide greater hopper length, the hopper glides are grouped and aligned with respect to the main portion of the extended device 10.

Conveyer conveyor

Referring to FIG. 5, as described above, the arrangement of the device is linear to the bottle 1 and the carrier 3 being moved along a separate linear path, one over the other, which is part of the passageway through the device 10. The package shape of the loaded carriage is then moved along a single path, which is the remainder of the passageway through the device 10. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the conveyer conveyer 50 removes the conveyer 3 from the hopper 30 and passes them through the components in a linear conveyance path disposed above the bottle path. The conveyer conveyer 50 is a rotary assembly having three spaced suction cup support stations 52. Each cup support station 52 supports the suction cup 54 for adhesion and removes the folded port 3 from the outlet end of the hopper 30. Station 52 rotates axis 59 in the direction of arrow 57. For example, the station 52 can be made to rotate about the slidable axis 57 by the support tie rods 53. In a suitable arrangement, one end of each support tie rod 53 is attached to a member on the shaft 59 and the other end is attached to each support station 52. Station 52 rotation can be accomplished by known machines. See, for example, US Pat. No. 4,625,, 575; 5,019,029; Through track shafts using drive shafts, cam rods, curved shallow and deep cam tracks and cam rollers as disclosed in 5,102,385 and 5,104,369. These patents are incorporated by reference. The preferred embodiment includes three cup support stations 52 but more than three may be used. The three stations effectively move the carriage 3 horizontally to the timing portion 60 or 260 of the device. The active suction cup 54 is not shown in FIG. 8 to more clearly show other shapes. However, the nozzle 55 on the cup 54 is shown. The suction cups 54 are spaced at regular intervals to engage the carriage 3 at strategic peripheral points for adjustment. Aspiration or vacuum for operating the suction cup 54 is typically provided by an air pressure component. A guide 56 for timing characteristics is used to remove the carrier 3 from the suction cup support station 52 and will be described in more detail below.

Timing-Transport

An alternative form of timing-transport is described. The first aspect is described with reference to FIG. 5. As mentioned above, the timing-carrying part conveys the conveying port 3 from the conveyer 50 to the downstream component of the apparatus. The timing-transporting portion shifts the conveying openings 3 at predetermined intervals and transports them at a predetermined speed. The space arranged to operate after this period of time of the carrier 3 causes the carrier 3 to start aligned movement simultaneously in each group of bottles as the carrier 3 and the bottle 1 move downstream.

Timing-transporting unit: first embodiment

The first form of time transport portion achieves timing and transport in two separate separators. That is, the timing assembly 60 and the conveying portion are referred to as the nip-belt assembly 70 for convenience. The timing assembly 60 has a conveyor driven carriage support finger for engaging and moving the carriage 3 at predetermined intervals and for inserting the carriage into the nip belt at predetermined intervals. The carriage support conveyor 60 is a pair of top 61 and bottom 63 endless timing chains. Each timing chain 61, 63 includes a respective set of lugs or fingers and engages the folded carriage 3 portion when the carriage 3 is discharged by the suction cup 54 of the conveyor 50. The upper timing chain 61 is one of the upper engagement lugs that engages the trailing edge of the handle of the interlocking carriage 3. In a preferred embodiment, the upper engagement lug 62 engages the carriage 3 at the intersection of the handle and the wall panel. Corners formed at the intersections provide stability of the engagement. The lower timing chain 63 is arranged in series with each upper engagement lug 62 of the upper chain 61 to hold the carriage 3 and guide it stably into the nip belt assembly 70, 64, 65. , 66). Although multiple combinations of bottom engagement lugs in a set are effective, in the preferred embodiment three bottom engagement lugs are shown in each set. All three lugs 64, 65, 66 support the carriage from the bottom. The trailing lower engagement lug 66 effectively acts to push the folded carriage 3 forward. Nip belt assembly 70 receives carrier 3 folded from conveyor 50 and timing assembly 60. The nip belt assembly 70 is initiated by the timing portion 60 when the bottom panels 910, 912 of the carriage 3 are gripped outwardly and transported to open the bottom of the carriage 3 for loading. Transfer the conveyer along the space. 5 and 9, the nip belt assembly 70 has a pair of endless belts 72 mounted on each extended rod of the roller 74. The belt 72 compresses together in a vertical plane extending in the direction of movement 71 with respect to the engaged carriage 3 downstream of the device. The uppermost part of the handle of the carriage 3 is fitted between the belts 72 and moves along the path between the moving belts 72. The upper belt guide 76 faces the top of the handle of the carriage 3 into the path between the belts 72. The lower belt guide 78 extends along the longitudinal direction of the belt 72. The opening of the lower belt guide 78 faces the support tabs 961, 971, 963, 973 extending into the guide 78 downwards of the conveying tool 3. Referring to FIG. 17, when the top of the handle of the carriage 3 is tightened along the belt 72 and transported along the belt 72, the support tabs 961, 971, 963, 973 support the lower belt assembly 78. Are transported along.

Timing-transporting unit: another embodiment

Another embodiment employs a number of shapes that differ from the foregoing embodiments of the timing transport assembly to be achieved by initiating by delaying, at regular intervals, a predetermined transport operated after a certain amount of time for the carriage. As mentioned above, another embodiment engages the carriage in the folded state shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment utilizes a chain-mounted insert member 260 assembly to transport the carriage simultaneously with the separation between the carriages 3 and the downstream components of the apparatus. 11 and 12, one side (same other side) of the gripping hole insertion portion 264 and the gripping hole 983 of the handle of the carrying tool 3 is shown, respectively. The holding hole 983 is U-shaped with a U-shaped flap 984 extending to be folded from its upper portion. The insertion portion 264 has a tapered U-shaped protrusion corresponding to the shape of the gripping hole 983 and the flap 984. In the upper corner portion of the hole 983, the space between the gripping flap 984 and the side of the hole 983 may extend slightly to provide a more stable point of engagement. Corresponding portions in the upper corner portions of the U-shaped protrusions of the insertion portion 262 have equivalent sizes. The front portion 266 of the inner bottom surface of the insert 262 is inclined to easily receive the grip flap 984. Referring to Fig. 10, the insertion portion 262 is mounted on the unmanned person 276 moving in the direction indicated by arrow 277. The rod 270 on the insertion portion 262 is in turn mounted in a roller 269 on the truck 268 that travels the closed circulation path of the unaffiliated 276. During the lower slide cycle of unattended 276, rod 270 with mounted insert 262 is transferred outward (laterally) of chain 276 toward stop-guides 56, 278. Appropriate mechanisms for causing lateral transmission of rod 270 include cam followers on rod 270 that interact with each other in a known manner of retracting bars or rails for transmitting movement to a point along the rail (FIG. 13). Shown). The V-shaped roller 269 has a corresponding V-shaped edge such that the rod 270 is swivelable as indicated in the direction of arrow 275 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, the insert 262 is rotated to face the insert 262, which first engages the conveyer engaged by the conveyer conveyer 50 and its station 52 moves outward. A stop-guide 56 mounted on each station 52 of the conveyor supports the handle portion of the carriage 3 when the insert 262 is attempted to position itself. The insert 262 and the stop-guide 56 of the conveyor are combined to facilitate full acceptance of the insert in the gripping hole of the carriage so that the chain-mounted insert 262 provides firm resistance to transport the carriage downstream. . FIG. 13 shows the insert 262 engaging the handle of the carrier 3 when the insert 262 is guided and the carrier 3 is urged toward the insert 262 by the stop-guide rail 278. do. The combination and interaction between the insert 262, the carriage 3 and the stop-guide 56 of the conveyor will take place at the same time. Referring again to FIG. 10, when the carriage 3 is engaged by the insert 262 in the conveyor 50, the insert 262 moves downstream into the channel of the stop-guide rail. To more clearly understand the described features, the projections or noses 264 in front of the insert 262 are shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 14.

Timing-transporting unit: second alternative embodiment

Referring to FIG. 39, in a second alternative embodiment of the timing transport element an intermediate stop-guide 280 is located between the support station 52 and the channel guide-stop 278. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate stop-guides 280 are two spaced apart, forming a channel that facilitates nesting between the support station 52 and the intermediate guide and the support station 52 and the channel guide. It consists of a bar. The intermediate stop-guide 280 provides a station stop-guide 56 and a channel guide-stop that provide a resistance surface for the handle area of the carriage when the grip of the carriage is engaged with the grip hole insert 262 as described above. Combines the functions of 278. 39 shows a shape of the present invention applicable to all embodiments of the present invention. That is, a tab guide 282 is shown to receive and guide the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 as the carriage is transported downstream. Holes on both sides of the guide 282 also have a curved panel bending guide as is typically used in the carton field to engage and fold the panel or flap to the desired position. In the present invention, these guides, as shown in Fig. 3, have a lower portion of the carriage down from their essential upright position to a horizontal position where they can be engaged by the gripper of the panel gripper assembly 80, which will be described in detail below. The panels 910 and 912 are folded.

Bottom-panel gripper

Referring to FIG. 5, in the panel-gripper assembly 80, the panel-gripper opens the folded carriage 3 ready for loading. When the carriage 3 moves through another form of timing-transporting portion (described above), the carriage-panel gripper 82 is moved on the conveyor in a parallel path just below the timing portion that holds the lower panels 910, 912 and they The carriage 3 is pulled outward to open. Each carriage gripper 82 is a clamp that grips each lower panel 910, 912. Referring also to FIGS. 9 and 13, the state in which the carriage is held by the gripper 82 is shown. Referring again to FIG. 5, the gripper 82 is mounted on a set of two conveyors 84, 86. Each set of chains 84, 86 is a pair of opposing groups, each positioned on each side of which the folded conveyer 3 moves through the timing portion. 15 and 16, the opening operation of the components of the gripper assembly is schematically illustrated. The grippers 82 on both sets of gripper chains 84 and 86 move outward of the centerline 901 of the conveying tool 3 in the direction of the arrow 81. At the same time, each of the chains 84 and 86 rotates in the downstream direction of the arrow 83. The first set of grippers 82 and chain 84 open the carriage 3 by being pulled downward on the lower panels 910, 912 of the carriage. The first set chain 84 and the gripper 82 open the carriage 3 in the open state from the fully folded state of FIGS. 9 and 13. The first set chain 84 moves at a speed greater than the relative speed of the carriage 3 when they are moved by the transport of the nip belt 72 or the insert 262 (in turn, the timing-transport of the device The movement of the conveyer 3 by the part is a predetermined sequence under the conveyer). As can be seen in FIG. 15, the folded carriage 3 is folded in a folded state in a manner similar to the corrugation of the accordion in which the front portion of the folded carriage protrudes outward and the rear portion is folded inward. The large relative speed of the first set chain 84 enables the panels 910, 912 to be pulled forward faster than the carriage moves forward. This movement allows the carriage to be opened in a rectangular state and the lower panels 910 and 912 attach to the center of the carriage 3. After the carriage 3 is upright in the first gripper chain 84 portion, the panel gripper 82 of the second gripper chain 86 engages the lower panels 910, 912 of the carriage 3, FIG. 16. And the carriage 3 is pulled to the maximum opening shown in FIG. The second set chain 86 of gripper assembly also passes the carriage 3 toward the next carriage adjustment portion of the device 10, ie the carriage lower 90. The gripper 82 and the chain 84 of the second gripper chain move simultaneously with the nip belt 72 or the insert 262, rather than moving at a greater relative speed than the carriage transport (indicated by arrow 83). Go to. The gripper 82 continuously holds each lower panel 910, 912 during movement outward. 16 and 17 show the opening of the end of the carriage 3 which is ready for the carriage to be fully open and passed towards the warp belt assembly 90. FIG. 17 shows the fully open carriage 3 engaged by the nip belt assembly 70 and the components of the panel gripper 82. Referring to FIG. 5, a pair of opposing conveyors in the unincorporated 88 assists passing open carriages from the first set chain 84 to the second set chain 86. When the carriage 3 leaves the first set chain 84, the lugs 89 mounted on the chain 88 have the bottom panel 910, 912 being gripped by the gripper 82 of the second set chain 86. Engage the fore and aft openings of the carriage to retain their open position when caught again.

A planar layout view of the gripper 82, chains 84, 86, 88 and lug 89 is shown in FIG. 18. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the gripper 82 moves in a closed circulation path formed by the gripper chains 84 and 86, they are moved outwards toward the opposite set of grippers, and then the cam groove or track It is moved inward away from the opposing set of grippers via a cam follower mounted on each gripper 82 moving into 292 (thus moving out of the centerline 901 of the carriage).

19, the structure of the panel gripper 82 is suitable for use with the panel gripper described above. In the gripper 82, the upper arm 284 and the lower arm 286 are pivots 283, which are connected to each other at clamping points where each arm 284, 286 ends in each pad 285, 287. To form a clamping jaw. Each clamping pad 285, 287 is made to have a sufficiently high coefficient of friction against the smooth surface of the carrier. Suitable substrate is rubber. Pads 285 and 287 also have contour surfaces or other shaped surfaces that include ribs or other protrusions to enhance friction. Arms 284 and 286 are biased springs 288 in a closed clamping position for grippers 82. Arms 284 and 286 are mounted on a truck 196 that is transported by gripper chains 84 or 86 and in turn mounted. Arms 284 and 286 have a V-shaped roller 294 mounted on the truck and a V-shaped edge, and with respect to truck 296 through a combination of roller engaging members 298 attached to lower gripper arm 286. It is movable. The cam follower 290 is attached to the lower arm 286 and ascends into a cam groove (or track) 292 forming the movement of the arm 286.

In the manner of the gripper 82, the upper arm 294 is connected to the lower arm 286 to clamp and release the lower panels 910, 912 of the carriage 3 shown in FIGS. 20, 21, and 22. Is pivoted to open and close. 20, 21 and 22 show the movement of the gripper 82 when the gripper 82 is transported by the mounting chains 84 and 86. This is a view to the rear of the upper arm 284 to which the opening roller 300 is attached at the front end of the gripper 82. When the gripper is transported in the direction of arrow 301, the rear of the upper arm 284 is pushed downward and maintained for a predetermined period of time, and returned to the uppermost position through the interaction of the opening roller 300 and the opening ramp member 302. The open ramp member is another structure having a cross-sectional configuration that forms a ramp 303 inclined downward on a flat plate, bar or diagram and a trailing ramp 305 inclined upward. The flat portion can be inserted between the two lamps 303, 305 to keep the jaws (arms 284, 286) of the gripper 82 open for a short period of time. 20 shows the relative position of the opening roller 300 and the opening ramp member 302 prior to contact between the roller 300 and the lead lamp 303. In FIG. 21, when the gripper 82 is moved in the direction 301, the roller 300 is engaged by the lead lamp 303 and the rotating member 306. Thus, the upper arm 284 is pushed to the bottom 307 which opens the jaws of the clamp. If the ramp 302 includes a level portion 304, the jaws of the gripper 82 are maintained at the level portion during engagement of the roller 300. Movement of the roller 300 on the trailing ramp 305 closes the jaws of the gripper 82.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 15, the carriage 3 may include notched members 929, 939 to facilitate opening of the carriage folded in a particular form. The notch members 929 and 939 are weak connecting members extending between the respective center cell corner tabs 926 and 936 and the upper sidewall bands 923 and 933. The notch members 929, 939 separate the upper sidewall bands 923, 933 from the delayed center cell bands 925, 935. This delay makes the angle between the center cell bands 925, 935 and each center cell corner tab 926, 936 more sharply in an upright carriage.

Each gripper 82 of the first set of grippers is adapted to engage the upper bands 923 and 933 on both sides of the folded carriage when the gripper is engaged to engage the respective bottom panels 910 and 912 to open the carriage. It also has a hook-shaped member. Referring to FIG. 19A, the band hook 302 extends from the top of the gripper 82. Further, referring to FIG. 19B, the band hooks 302 are positioned at each of the upper bands 923, in the position indicated by arrows 310 and 312, when the bottom panel is held by the gripper at the positions shown by x 306 and 308, respectively. 933). The hooks 302 on the opposing grippers 82 of the first gripper portion are offset (as shown in their engagement position) to avoid interference with each other.

Additional guide structures can be used in the gripper assembly to keep the carriage in a rectangular position and to keep the bottom panel in a horizontal position. Although not shown, a suitable guide is an L-shaped extension member that extends forward with respect to the device and is formed at right angles at the intersection of the horizontal floor panel adjacent the vertical sidewall and the right corner of the L-shaped guide. The guides are arranged in a straight line along each side of the carriage and the device. Each guide extends slightly outward of the center of the device to the second set of grippers to allow the additional width of the carriage to be generated when the gripper is pulled further outward to form an inclined corner of the carriage as described above.

Bottle weighing and transportation

As mentioned above, the star wheel 105 meters the bottles into groups from the bottle conveying conveyor to load the bottles into the conveying port. After metering, the transport of a group of bottles arranged to operate after a certain time and spaced at regular intervals is accomplished by the use of a bottle-gripper conveyor 112 which engages the side of the bottle with a conveyor that is movable down the bottle. Referring to FIG. 23, the bottle transport conveyor 106 has a pair of ungrouped 107s spaced at regular intervals on the bottle lugs 108 mounted abutting the pair of bottle support rails 109, respectively. Rail 109 serves as a shelf for supporting the outer periphery of the bottom wall. Lug 108 engages the rearmost bottle in each column of the bottle group. Although a single lug can be used to engage the rearmost wall in the column, the pair of lugs 108 can contact the bottle more stably since it contacts two points of the bottle. Slots or spaces 110 extending vertically between the chain structures provide a path of travel for the tabs 961, 971, 963, 973 when the carrier is positioned on a group of bottles. This aspect will be explained in more detail below.

5, 24 and 25, the bottle is held in a group and space metered by the star wheel 105 by a pair of bottle-gripper conveyors 112. FIG. The bottle-gripper conveyor 112 is combined with the lower engagement conveyor described above to carry out the operation of transporting the bottle. Each bottle-gripper conveyor 112 has a bottle gripper 113 mounted on an unaltered 111. Each bottle gripper 113 is a block member of a continuously adjacent C-shaped cavity for accommodating the bottle 1. The number of C-shaped cavities corresponds to the number of bottles contained in each column of the carrier 3. For example, a six carriage would have three bottles per column and an eight carriage would have four bottles per row. The present invention employs a single chain 111 to circulate the bottle gripper 113 while holding the gripper 113 in a direction facing the center of the device. Referring to FIG. 24, from the rear end of the gripper 113, each gripper 113 is mounted to its upper surface at the end of the gripper 113 opposite the end pivotally attached to the bottle-gripper chain 116. It has a cam follower 114. Referring to FIG. 25, the lower portion of each gripper 113 is pivotally attached to the gripper chain 111. Each bottle-gripper cam follower 114 has a cam track (or groove) that maintains the direction in which the gripper 113 faces inwardly of the bottle-gripper 113 as it travels in an enclosed path formed by the chain 111. Put on. The sprocket wheel 116 guides the cam follower 114 as the chain 111 rotates the gripper 113 around the chain wheel 117. The sprocket wheel 116 and the pivot connecting portion 118 of the cam follower 113 to the chain 111 to maintain the direction of the gripper 113 when the gripper chain 111 moves the gripper around the chain wheel 117 Engage the cam follower 114 together.

Haul down part

After opening, the carriage is lowered on a group of bottles 1 moving in a parallel path just below the path of the carriage 3. 5 and 26, the lowering of the carriage is completed through the combination of the inclined belt assembly 90 and the overhead inclined block assembly 100. When the upright conveyer 3 leaves the nip belt and gripper 90 assembly, the lower panels 910, 912 extending out of the centerline 901 of the conveyer 3 stand upright together. When the upright carriage 3 leaves the gripper 82 mounted on the nip belt assembly 70 and the second gripper chain 86, the carriage has an extended bottom panel 910, 912 with a pair of opposite inclined belts left and right. Toward inclined assemblies received by 92, 94 and 93, 95, respectively. 5 and 26 and 27 and 28, the belts 92, 94, 93, 95 of the inclined belt assembly 90 are spaced at regular intervals so that the carriage 3 passes between them. One upper belt 92 and the lower belt 94 are on the right side of the inclined belt, and the opposing upper belt 93 and the lower belt 95 are on the left side. Each of the four belts 92, 93, 94, 95 is an endless belt. The space between the facing surfaces of each pair of belts is shown for the purpose of illustration. The facing surfaces of each pair 92, 94 and 93, 95 of the belt are arranged closely enough so that the panels 910, 912 of the conveyer 3 intervene between each pair of belts in motion. Thus, the conveying device 3 is moved along the device 10 by a moving belt.

Although only the general structure of the belt assembly 90 is shown, it can be recognized as an endless belt shifter commonly employed by those skilled in the art. For example, the use of a circular roller mechanism 91 (as shown in FIG. 9 with respect to the roller 74 in the nip belt assembly 90) disposed at the end of the belt may result in an opposing belt in contact from surface to surface. Slide with an additional roller disposed between the ends of the slide to maintain the. Movement of the belts 92, 94 and 93, 95 coincides with movement of the bottle-group transport mechanism (i.e., bottle-gripper conveyor 112). Each carriage 3 is transported by an inclined belt such that each carriage is placed on a group of bottles 5. Referring to the side view of FIG. 26, the optimum inclination angle of each pair of belts 92, 94 (and 93, 95 parallel to 92, 94 not shown in detail in FIG. 26) and the horizontal plane of the bottle group 5 is 4 ° denoted by A. Each orientation of the inclined belts 92, 94 and 93, 95 causes the carriage 3 to descend gradually on the bottle group 5. The lowering of the carriage 3 is facilitated by the overhead inclined block 100 of the continuous handle-engaging block 102 mounted on an endless belt chain that is aligned and synchronized with the inclined belt. Referring to FIG. 27, each block 102 has a groove or slot 103 for receiving a handle of the carriage 3. The overhead assembly allows the carriage to be moved by the inclined belts 92, 94 and 93, 95 and the top of the carriage 3, ie the top of the handle, engages the groove / slot 103 and stabilizes the movement of the carriage downwards. In relation to the inclined belts 92, 94 and 93, 95 to reinforce. The blocks may be spaced at regular intervals for synchronization, but may be a simple means to have blocks 102 adjacent to each other so that a continuous groove or slot is formed.

Referring to FIG. 28, to further ensure stable movement of the carriage 3, another form of inclined belt assembly 90 is created between each bottom panel 910, 912 and adjacent sidewalls of the carriage 3. Guides 98 and 99 positioned to engage the fold line. The guides 98, 99 are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the belts 92, 94 and 93, 95 and have the same width. Thus, the guides 98 and 99 further promote the lowering of the conveying tool 3 and further increase the stability of the conveying tool 3 when the conveying tool is lowered.

In order to achieve optimal performance and reliability from the device 10 after it has been fully lowered throughout the bottle group 5, each of the carriages is merely a carriage panel 910, 912 from the warp belts 92, 94 and 93, 95. It is lowered before the departure of the handle portion and the departure from the overhead inclined belt (102).

The completed descent of each carriage 3 throughout the bottle group 5 is achieved in the seating wheel assembly 120 along the inclined belt assembly 90 and the overhead inclined block 100 assembly. The carriage 3 and the bottle group 5 exit the assembly of the warp belt 90 and the overhead warp block 100 as a unit indicated by reference 6 in FIG. 26. The porter-bottle unit 6 is a package in which the fully upright porter 3 has been lowered throughout the bottle group 5. The conveyer 3 is arranged angularly relative to the bottle group 5 due to the angular displacement of the conveyer 3 throughout the bottle group 5, or the conveyer is the rearmost of the conveyer handle by the final inclined block 102. It may be arranged horizontally when exiting the inclined portion because of contact of the ends. Referring to FIG. 30, the seating wheel assembly 120 is a ferris wheel-like structure, and the seating block 122 is pivoting wheels or drums in a manner that maintains a downward orientation (ie, the handle receiving slot is directed downward). 124 is attached. The seating block 122 maintains the same orientation as they move in the circular path of the wheel 124. A suitable means for preserving the orientation of the seating block 122 is the rotation of the wheel 124 allowing the seating block 122 to pivot freely relative to the wheel. This arrangement is shown briefly in FIG. Means for maintaining alignment more precisely are shown in FIG. 30 illustrates the use of a planetary gear system to maintain the downward orientation of the seating block. In FIG. 30, the seating block 122 is mounted on the planetary gear 127 and pivots around the sun gear 126 disposed centrally in a known mechanical manner.

The seating block 122 has a handle receiving groove / slot 123, such as the handle receiving groove / slot 103 of the overhead inclined block 102. Since the handle receiving portion 123 of the seating block 122 is not completely shown in FIG. 5 and not shown in FIG. 26, the blocks 102 and 122 can be considered identical in this respect. Rotation of the wheel 124 is synchronized with the movement of the conveyer-bottle unit 6 such that the continuous seating block 122 engages the continuous conveyer handle of the unit 5. Movement of the wheel 124 and the conveyer-bottle unit conveyor results in an angular path of the wheel 124 when the handle of the conveyer-bottle unit 6 reaches the same point as the handle receiving portion 123 of the seating block 122. Synchronized to intersect. Thus, the rotation of the wheel moves the block 122 downward and forward after the seating block 122 engages the handle of the carriage. Thus, the displacement of the carrier throughout the bottle group is complete and the carrier is fully seated with respect to the bottle group. The carriage 3, which is fully seated with the unit of the bottle group 5, is indicated by reference numeral 7 in FIG. The unit 7 is now ready for closure.

The seating block 122 may be a spring in which the bottle engages the handle of the carriage and the resistance will push the seating block back toward its engagement point. In this manner, damage and obstruction are prevented if the misaligned bottle engages with the seating block 122.

In Figures 26 and 27, the bottle 1 is shown with a group 5 of six bottles per group of 2x3 arrays. However, as described above, the system of the present invention can pack various numbers of bottles. To reinforce this advantage, the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a six and eight configuration. For example, the bottle gripper shown in FIG. 5 is configured for eight bottles, with the port and bottle depicting a six-piece configuration. The main aspect of the present invention is equally applicable to other arrangements as well as six and eight configurations.

Referring to FIG. 29, another form of overhead inclined block 102a has an inclined bottom wall 101a that is guided into a groove or slot 103a for receiving a handle of a carriage.

Folder and gluer

Referring again to FIG. 5, after leaving the seating portion 120 of the device 10, each package 7 is engaged and transported by the package lug assembly 130. The package lug assembly 130 is made up of a pair of opposing groups 132 and is equipped with lugs 134 that engage each package 7. The closure of the carton 3 of each package 7 is completed at the folding and bonding area 140 of the device 10 as the package moves along the package lug 134.

Referring to FIG. 31, there is shown a roller-adhesive assembly 140 of an apparatus for loading an underload basket-shaped carriage 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Although the adhesive action will be described later, it will be appreciated that the adhesive is supplied to the inner side of the larger bottom wall panel 912 of the conveyer 3 (ie, the side facing the inside of the upright conveyer 3). Adhesive is supplied to attach the upright panel support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 to the sides of the larger bottom wall panel 912. In other forms of carriers without support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973, folding and bonding of the support tabs is not necessary for these carriers. The components of the folder-adhesive assembly 140 are positioned to continuously fold the components of the carriage. In addition to the illustration of FIG. 31, FIGS. 32 and 33, which include additional views of the folder-adhesive shape and the aforementioned views showing the aforementioned panels 910, 912 and support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973. 34 and 35 may be referred to simultaneously. Folding shape and folder 140 is a static component that engages the flap with the applicable panel of carriage 3 when package 7 is moved by package lug 134 in the direction of arrow 71. When the package approaches the fold, the bottom panel flaps 910 and 912 are generally inclined horizontally more than they are directed vertically downward. In the folding section, the bottom panels 910, 912 are first folded vertically downwards and then the surfaces are locked with the carriage 3. The support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 are folded into a horizontal position. The support tab folding element includes the component referred to as tab folding block 141. In the carriage orientation described above, the larger bottom panel flap 912 is the first of two bottom panel flaps 910, 912. The larger panel flap 912 is engaged and folded vertically downward by the inclined edge of the first vertical panel folding wedge 162. The first vertical panel folding wedge 162 folds the larger panel 912 vertically downward and is sandwiched between the wedge 162 and the folding block 141. Folding block 141 separates the support tabs and provides folding edges and surfaces into the space and location where they are received when they are processed. Each pair of long and short support tabs 961 971 and 963 973 has a block 141 at the opposite end of the carriage (end tab of the carriage with support tab 961 in FIG. 3, long tab, 971, short tab at the tip). At the same time. As shown in FIG. 34, the right side of the block 141 is configured to engage the long tabs 961 and 971 from the point facing the front portion of the support block 141, and the left side is the short tab ( 963, 973 are configured to mesh with each other. Horizontal plane 142 and vertical plane 143 form wedge shaped trails 159 for longer or major tabs 961, 963. The recess 154 of the auxiliary tab is formed by the inclined surface 152 and the vertical surface 153. A short upwardly inclined edge 155 at the intersection of faces 143 and 152 abuts main support tabs 961 and 963. As the carriage advances, the primary support tabs 961 and 963 move away from the secondary support tabs 971 and 973 along the edge 155. The leading main tab folding edge 115 intersects and is continuous by the trailing main tab folding edge 144. The trailing main tab folding edge 144 is formed at the intersection of the main tab vertical surface 143 and the main tab ramp 145 inclined upwardly. When the main support tabs 961 and 963 are folded to the right of the folding block 141 as described above, the main support tabs 971 and 973 are folded to the left. Main tab recess 154 of block 141 provides space for main tabs 971 and 973. Major tabs 971 and 973 are initially engaged by leading major tab folding edge 160. The primary main tab folding edge 160 is formed at a plane intersection of the main tab vertical plane 147 and the main tap ramp 145 to intersect the trailing main tab folding edge 148. The trailing main tab folding edge 148 is formed at the intersection of the main tab vertical plane 147 and the main tap ramp 149. The main tabs 971 and 973 move outward and upward. The downstream movement of the conveyer 3 causes the main tabs 971 and 973 to be brought into surface contact with the main tap lamps. As the conveyer 3 begins to move onto the folding block 141, the bottles in the conveyer are supported on their lower side by the support shelf 158. When the carrier package 7 reaches the horizontal surface 156 of the folding block, the primary tabs 961 and 963 and the secondary tabs 971 and 973 are folded outwards, so that the bottles 1 of each package 7 It is a surface facing the lower side. When the conveyor transports the package 7 downstream, the adhesive is supplied by conventional means, such as an adhesive gun, to the larger bottom wall panel 912 extending downward as described above. The adhesive is supplied to the center of the panel 912 in an appropriate position for the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 to which the larger flap is folded flat against the bottom of the package 7. .

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 35, after the adhesive is supplied to the bottom panel 912, the bottom of the carrier is sealed and locked to a good stage. A dead plate 161 following the folding block 14 provides a suitable fixing surface, in particular on the bottle package 7 in the package, and can slide during transportation. The second vertical panel folding wedge 164 engages and folds the smaller bottom wall panel 910 in the same way that the first vertical panel folding wedge 162 folds the larger panel 912 as described above. A larger bottom panel 912 and a smaller bottom panel 910 are sandwiched between each first folding wedge 162 and second panel folding wedge 164 and sphere plate 161. The first horizontal panel folding wedge 166 and the second horizontal panel folding wedge 168 fold each bottom panel 910, 912 into a planar sealed position relative to each other. As clearly shown in FIG. 35, the longer first horizontal panel folding wedge 166 engages and folds the larger panel 912 containing the adhesive before the smaller bottom panel is processed. Thus, the smaller floor panel 910 becomes the outermost part of the two floor panels.

The bottom wall sealing plate is connected to the spherical plate 161 and the support tabs 961, 963, 971, which are compressed together by adhering the support tabs 961, 963, 971, 973 to the larger bottom panel 912. 973 and surface 174 on larger bottom panel 912 including adhesive. The inclined lip 172 at the front of the sealing plate 170 assists in introducing the sealing plate 17 without the package 7 being easily disturbed. In order to smooth the movement from the spherical plate 161 to the sealing plate 170, the inclined lip 172 of the sealing plate 170 is positioned further below the spherical plate 161 and the horizontal folding wedges 166, 168. The plate 170 is positioned at a position sufficiently close to the spherical plate 161 such that the bottom panels 910 and 912 engage the inclined lip 172 without obstruction. The side wall 176 of the sealing plate 170 urges the side wall of the conveyer 3 inward to a predetermined position and keeps the transport package 7 preferably aligned during transport. The front portion of each sidewall 176 is inclined inward to further assist the guiding of the package on the sealing plate 170 between the walls 176.

Airtight seal

Sealing of the bottom of the conveying device 3 is achieved by a number of means. For example, the bottom panels 910 and 912 are adhesively bonded to each other. Another effective means for sealing is the use of a locking mechanism known in the packaging field as a punch lock, wherein the outermost of the two bottom panels have a corresponding upper die locking member and a top locking member nested over the member formed inside the bottom panel. . In particular, in order to assist effectively sealing the bottom of the carrier 3 if the carrier is sealed using a punch lock, the two bottom panels 910, 912 are arranged to align the two bottom panels 910, 912 in a straight line. Can be pulled into. This is particularly useful for engaging the upper and lower locking members, and also to ensure that the carriage 3 is in optimal rectangular state with the bottom panels 910 and 912 overlapping by a predetermined amount. Referring to FIG. 36, the bottom panels 910, 912 are arranged facing each other by the conveyor-mounted lug set 182 in the bottom panel alignment assembly. The lug set 182 engages a pulling hole (also an alignment hole or a tightening hole) 914 (shown in FIG. 3) in the bottom panels 910, 912 of the carriage 3. Each lug set 182 has an outwardly biased movable lug member 184 and a fixed lug member 186. Biasing outwards may be accomplished by spring 196 or other suitable biasing mechanism. A pair of opposing lug sets 182 are mounted on a pair of support rods 190. A pair of lug sets 812 are mounted on a conveyor, such as unaffiliated 188. Each set of movable lug members 184 is an outwardly biased spring and is moved inwardly along a support rod 190 that moves in contact with the cam rail 192. The movable lug member 184 of the lug set 182 is in a retracted position before moving inward above the ramp 194. The tightening hole 914 of the carriage 3 is initially engaged by the lug set 182 when the movable love member 184 is retracted (ie, before rising above the ramp 194). Each movable lug member 184 has a hair-shaped protrusion 185 that is closely received by and configured correspondingly to the apex of the triangular tightening hole 914. Each stationary lug member 186 has a lip-shaped linear protrusion 185 that is closely received by the base of the triangular insertion hole 914 and correspondingly configured. As mentioned above, the bottom panels 910, 912 of the conveyance 3 face and partially overlap when the package 7 leaves the folding and bonding area of the device 10. When the movable lug member 184 moves to the tip lamp 194 they pull the bottom panels 910, 912 inwardly to a predetermined position. Fixing lug member 1186 prevents bottom panels 910, 912 from being pulled too far inward. The tip ramp 194 can be moved in a known manner to provide two bundles of ramps for the movable lugs 184, whereby the tip and trailing movable lug members are secured to the bottom panel 910, 912. It can be moved inward at the same time to prevent scissoring effects when pulled together. In this arrangement, the cam follower of the tip movable lug member only engages the upper floor lamp, the upper lamp being steeper than the lower lamp. The less urgent slope lower floor ramp is only in contact with the cam follower of the trailing movable lug member. Because of the difference in pitch of the two ramps, the leading lug members delay their movement inwards until the trailing lug members move inwards. After the bottom panels 910, 912 are held in position by the lug set 182 and tightened to a predetermined amount, the punch lock can be engaged by conventional rotating fingers that simultaneously project upwards through the alignment assembly 180. . The movable lug members 184 are retracted to their outermost position by a ramp 195 at the trailing (or exit) end of the cam rail 192. The fully sealed package 7 exits the device by conventional means.

Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, when the bottom panels 910, 912 of the carriage 3 are pulled together, the top of the bottle is engaged by the belt 402 of the bottle stabilization assembly 400. The belt 402 rotates at the same speed in the same direction as the moving direction of the conveying tool. The bottle stabilization assembly 400 prevents the bottle from rising to the top of the carrier when the bottom panels 910, 912 are pulled together as described above.

Other variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention and claims.

Claims (11)

An apparatus for unfolding a folded conveyance conveyed by a conveyance conveyor, the apparatus having opposing laterally extendable panels attached to the folded sidewalls of the conveyance A pair of opposing flap conveyors, each having at least one clamping member that is applicable between a closed flap-engagement position and an open flap release position, disposed on each transverse side of the carriage conveyor; One of the clamping members is moved from the open flap release position to the closed flap engagement position in the first zone of the path between the counter conveyors and then relative to each other into a second zone of the path between the counter flap conveyors. A device for unfolding a conveying port, characterized in that moving to the outside. The method of claim 1, And the pair of opposed flap conveyors move asynchronously with the conveyor conveyor. The method of claim 1, And the pair of opposed flap conveyors move in synchronization with the conveyor conveyor. The method of claim 1, A pair of counters having at least one lug member for engaging the trailing edge of the panel extending laterally of the carriage and arranged immediately downstream of the downstream area of the pair of opposed flap conveyors in parallel with the carriage conveyor; A carriage spreading device further comprising a lug conveyor. The method of claim 1, And the at least one clamping member to which the hook member is attached is arranged for engagement of the uppermost region of the side panel of the carriage when the at least one clamping member is in the closed flap-engagement position. An apparatus for loading a container into a bottom open carrier having a pair of opposing bottom panels adjacent to a sidewall of the carrier. A bin conveyor assembly having a conveyor mechanism for transporting bins in at least one column of a continuous group of bins of a predetermined number along the first level; A carriage feeder for receiving a carriage from the conveyor transfer feeder; Disposed in a means for communicating with a conveyer feeder for receiving a conveyer from said conveyer conveyer, said conveying means being arranged at a second level above said first level such that said conveyance is aligned in series over each one of said groups of said predetermined number of containers; A tool timer-transport assembly that initiates transport of the tool in parallel operation concurrently with said at least one column of a continuous group of predetermined number of containers; Each of the clamping members has at least one clamping member that is applicable between the closed flap-engagement position and the open flap-release position such that the bottom panel is disposed transversely with respect to the sidewall of the carriage when the carriage is moved. The carriage path moving from an open flap-release position to the closed flap engagement position in a first zone of the path between the counter conveyors and then outward relative to each other into a second zone of the path between the counter flap conveyors; A gripper assembly comprising a pair of opposed flap conveyors disposed on each lateral side of the gripper, the gripper assembly holding and pulling the bottom panel of the conveyer outward relative to the centerline of the conveyer; Receiving a transversely extending bottom panel and having a passage therebetween forming a passage therebetween for simultaneously transporting the conveyer in a linearly inclined downward motion over each one of said groups of a given number of vessels. An inclined belt assembly having a pair of inclined opposing endless belts; And And a bottom panel closure means for securing together bottom panels of each carriage. The method of claim 6, And the pair of opposed flap conveyors move asynchronously with the carriage within the carriage path. The method of claim 6, And the pair of opposed flap conveyors move in synchronization with a conveyance in the conveyance path. The method of claim 6, A pair of at least one lug member for engaging the trailing edges of the panel extending laterally of the carriage, parallel to the carriage conveyor and arranged immediately after the downstream area of the pair of opposed flap conveyors; Container loading apparatus further comprises a counter lug conveyor. The method of claim 6, And the at least one clamping member to which the hook member is attached is arranged for engagement of the uppermost region of the side panel of the carriage when the at least one clamping member is in the closed flap-engaging position. The method of claim 6, And a pair of second counter flap conveyors continuous with said pair of counter flap conveyors.