NZ745274B2 - Simplified lift mechanism for a packaging machine - Google Patents
Simplified lift mechanism for a packaging machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ745274B2 NZ745274B2 NZ745274A NZ74527418A NZ745274B2 NZ 745274 B2 NZ745274 B2 NZ 745274B2 NZ 745274 A NZ745274 A NZ 745274A NZ 74527418 A NZ74527418 A NZ 74527418A NZ 745274 B2 NZ745274 B2 NZ 745274B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- drive
- frame structure
- drive link
- shaft
- base
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title description 9
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 240000004282 Grewia occidentalis Species 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036633 rest Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
- B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
- B65B65/02—Driving gear
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
- B65B65/04—Mechanisms for converting a continuous rotary motion to intermittent rotary motion, e.g. Geneva drives
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
- B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F11/00—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for
- B66F11/04—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F7/00—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts
- B66F7/06—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts with platforms supported by levers for vertical movement
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H21/00—Gearings comprising primarily only links or levers, with or without slides
- F16H21/10—Gearings comprising primarily only links or levers, with or without slides all movement being in, or parallel to, a single plane
- F16H21/44—Gearings comprising primarily only links or levers, with or without slides all movement being in, or parallel to, a single plane for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
Abstract
lift mechanism 20 for simplifying the raising and lowering of a machine component has a base 26, a frame structure 40 and a lift arrangement interposed between the base 26 and the frame structure 40 for lifting and lowering the frame structure 40 relative to the base 26 about a single lift point. The lift mechanism further comprises a drive link 30 with a first end and a second end, where the first end of the drive link 30 is rotatably secured to the base 26 at the single lift point, and a substantially v-shaped arm 90 having a first end rotatably connected to the second end of the drive link and a second end rotatably connected to the frame structure. The lift mechanism further comprises a drive link 30 with a first end and a second end, where the first end of the drive link 30 is rotatably secured to the base 26 at the single lift point, and a substantially v-shaped arm 90 having a first end rotatably connected to the second end of the drive link and a second end rotatably connected to the frame structure.
Description
SIMPLIFIED LIFT MECHANISM FOR A PACKAGING MACHINE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Serial
No. 62/545,025, filed August 14, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
A well-known type of packaging machine involves advancing web material
through the machine, typically in an indexing manner, with various operations being
performed by the machine on the web material as it is advanced through the machine.
For example, in a typical machine, forming tooling first acts on a lower web of material
to form the lower web to define a series of cavities. The cavities are then loaded with the
product being packaged, and an upper web is then supplied to overlie the loaded cavities.
The upper web is then sealed to the lower web, and the sealed webs are severed about the
sealed cavities to form individual packages. In some cases, the cavity atmosphere may be
modified, such as in a gas flush or evacuation process, before the cavity is sealed.
Packaging machines such as this, as well as other types of machines that are used in
packaging and other applications, require various components to move upwardly and
downwardly during the process. Traditionally, this is achieved using complicated lift
mechanisms. For instance, many such machines require equipment located at all four
corners of the lift system. In turn, this results in lift points located in the four corners of
the lift system. Oftentimes, the equipment consists of two-link systems, which are
complicated to use. These complications are exacerbated where four separate two-link
systems are used in tandem to result in coordinated movement in upward and downward
directions. As a result, issues with any one of the four systems can render the lift
mechanism inoperable. Similar issues exist for many other types of machines that
required various components to be repeatedly moved from a first position to a second
position, including in upward and downward positions or side-to-side positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a lift mechanism for a machine is
provided including a base, a frame structure, and a lift arrangement interposed between
the base and the frame structure for lifting and lowering the frame structure relative to the
base about a single lift point.
According to another aspect of the invention, a lift mechanism is provided that
also includes a motor, a plurality of shafts, and at least one link arm rotatably attached to
at least one of the plurality of shafts. For instance, the plurality of shafts may include a
drive shaft associated with the base and a second shaft associated with the frame
structure. Additionally, the at least one link arm may include a drive link having a first
end, a second end, and an arm. The drive shaft may extend through the first end of the
drive link and the drive shaft may be fixedly connected to the first end of the drive link.
Also, the arm may have a first end rotatably connected to the second end of the drive link
and a second end rotatably connected to the second shaft. The rotary motion from the
motor may be transmitted to at least one of the plurality of shafts, such as the drive shaft.
Additionally, rotation of the at least one link arm may cause the frame structure to move
vertically relative to the base. By way of example, the at least one link arm may be
rotated by the drive shaft, which in turn results in the second shaft being moved vertically
by the at least one link arm. Further still, the lift mechanism may include at least one
guide track mounted to the frame structure and at least one guide track receiver mounted
to the base that is compatible with the at least one guide track. The guide track and the
guide track receiver may guide upward and downward movement of the frame structure
relative to the base.
According to another aspect of the invention, a simplified lift mechanism for a
machine is provided including a drive carriage with a stationary base and a movable
frame structure having a first wall and a second wall. The simplified lift mechanism may
also include a motor, a drive member, a driven member, a drive belt, a drive shaft, a drive
link, a substantially v-shaped arm, and a second shaft. The drive member may be
configured to rotate in response to operation of the motor, and the drive belt may be
engaged with the drive member and the driven member such that rotation of the drive
member results in rotation of the driven member. Additionally, the drive shaft may
extend from the driven member across the drive carriage. Thus, rotation of the driven
member also results in rotation of the drive shaft. The drive link may have first and
second ends, and the drive shaft extends through and is fixedly connected to the first end.
As such, rotation of the drive link also results in rotation of the drive shaft. The
substantially v-shaped arm also has a first end, a second end, and a middle segment
located therebetween. The first end may be rotatably connected to the second end of the
drive link. Further still, the second shaft may extend through and be rotatably connected
to the second end of the v-shaped arm and to the first wall and the second wall.
Therefore, when the drive link is rotated, the v-shaped arm moves the frame structure
vertically relative to the base when the motor is actuated. The geometry of the
substantially v-shaped arm and the drive link allow the rotary motion of the drive
member to be translated into linear vertical motion.
In accordance to another aspect of the invention, bearings and guide tracks
may be provided to facilitate movement of the frame structure relative to the base. For
instance, the second shaft may have bearings located at either end that can be fitted
within a first circular opening in the first wall and a second circular opening in the second
wall. Additionally, the substantially v-shaped arm may rotate relative to the drive
carriage about the bearings. Further still, guide tracks may be located in corners of the
frame structure that are compatible with guide track receivers of the base.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a
lift mechanism for a machine is provided. A first end of a drive link that is fixedly
attached to a drive shaft associated with a base may initially be rotated in a first direction.
A second end of the drive link will simultaneously be rotated from a lowered position to a
raised position. When this occurs, a second shaft associated with a movable frame
structure is moved in an upward direction. This vertical movement occurs about a single
lift point. Additionally, an arm with a first end rotatably connected to the second end of
the drive link may be rotated in an upward direction. In turn, the second end of the arm
that is rotatably attached to the second shaft is also moved in an upward direction.
Additionally, the first end of the drive link may be rotated in a second
direction, which also causes the second end of the drive link to rotate from a raised
position to a lowered position. As this happens, the second shaft is moved in a downward
direction. Again, this occurs about a single lift point.
Also, a motor can be powered to cause a drive pulley to be rotated in a first
direction. This rotary motion may be translated via a drive belt to a driven pulley. The
rotation of the driven pulley may cause the movable frame structure to move in an
upward direction. Similarly, when the drive pulley is rotated in a second direction
opposite the first direction, the rotary motion can be translated to the drive pulley by the
drive belt. This causes the movable frame structure to move in a downward direction.
Other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent
to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying
drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating certain embodiments of the present invention, are given by
way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made
within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and
the invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present
invention will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore
non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part
of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the
several views.
In the drawings:
is an isometric view of a simplified lift mechanism for use with a
machine, such as a packaging machine, in a lowered position;
is an isometric view the simplified lift mechanism of in a raised
position;
is a side elevation view of the simplified lift mechanism of in the
raised position;
is a cross-sectional view of the simplified lift mechanism in the raised
position taken along line 4-4 of
is a cross-sectional view of the simplified lift mechanism of FIGS. 1-4
in a first intermediate position between the lowered position and the raised position;
is a cross-sectional view of the simplified lift mechanism of FIGS. 1-5
in a second intermediate position between the lowered position and the raised position;
is a cross-sectional view of the simplified lift mechanism of FIGS. 1-6
in a third intermediate position between the lowered position and the raised position;
FIG 8 is a cross-sectional view of the simplified lift mechanism in the lowered
position taken along line 8-8 of
is an isometric view of the simplified lift mechanism with a component
of a machine mounted thereto;
is an exploded isometric view of the components of the simplified lift
mechanism;
is an isometric view of a drive link associated with the simplified lift
mechanism; and
is an isometric view of the drive link in connection with a driven
pulley, a motor, and a drive pulley.
In describing the embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in the
drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is
not intended that the invention be limited to be specific terms so selected and it is to be
understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a
similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words "connected,"
"attached," or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct
connection or attachment, but include connection or attachment to other elements where
such connection or attachment is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The various features and advantageous details of the subject matter disclosed
herein are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments
described in detail in the following description.
Referring to the following description in which like reference numerals
represent like parts throughout the disclosure, a simplified lift mechanism 20 for use in a
machine, such as a packaging machine, is shown. Examples of possible packaging
machines in connection with which the simplified lift mechanism 20 could be used
include those shown in U.S. Patent No. 7,934,362, which is incorporated herein in full by
reference. The lift mechanism 20 may be used to reciprocally move a component of the
machine, such as but not limited to a vacuum box 22 that rests atop the lift mechanism
, between a lowered position, as shown in and a raised position, as shown in
FIGS. 2-4. The lift mechanism 20 has a drive carriage 24 with a stationary base 26, a top
frame structure 28 that is movable relative to the stationary base 26, a drive link 30, an
arm, such as a substantially v-shaped arm 32 as shown in the figures, a first drive shaft 34
and a second shaft 36. The drive link 30 and the substantially v-shaped arm 32 are
rotated relative to one another to move the top frame structure 28, and the drive shaft 34
and the second shaft 36 transmit rotational forces from a motor 38 to the drive link 30
and the substantially v-shaped arm 32. Each of these components will be further
described below.
Looking to , the movable top frame structure 28 has a generally
rectangular top plate 40 and a first side wall 42 and a second side wall 44, located
opposite the first side wall 42, that extend downwardly from the top plate 40. The top
plate 40 may be configured to support a vacuum box 22, such as shown in
Additionally, the first side wall 42 of the top frame structure 28 has a first circular
opening 46 formed therein, and the second side wall 44 has a second circular opening 48
formed therein located directly opposite the first circular opening 46. As shown, these
circular openings 46, 48 may be centrally-located about the first side wall 42 and the
second side wall 44. Further, the movable top frame structure 28 includes guide tracks
50 located at each of the four corners of the structure 28. Additional openings 52 may be
formed in the top plate 40, which enable various components, such as the vacuum box 22,
to be securely mounted to the top frame structure 28.
Turning back to , the stationary base 26 also has a first side wall 54 and
a second side wall 56 opposite the first side wall 54 with two connector plates 58, 60
extending from the first side wall 54 to the second side wall 56 at either end 62, 64 of the
stationary base 26. Like the top frame structure 28, the stationary base 26 also has
circular openings 66, 68 formed in the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 56,
where the openings 66, 68 are located directly opposite one another. Again, these
circular openings 66, 68 may be centrally-located about the first side wall 54 and the
second side wall 56, and midway between the connector plates 58, 60 of the stationary
base 26. Additionally, the stationary base 26 may include various guide track receivers
70. For instance, as shown, guide track receivers 70 may extend outwardly from the first
side wall 54 and the second side wall 56 to engage with each of the four guide tracks 50.
Further still, the stationary base 26 may have semi-circular recesses 72 located at the top
edge of the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 56. These semi-circular recesses
72 may be centrally located about the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 56
midway between the connector plates 58, 60, and are configured to accommodate the
second shaft 36 when the top frame structure 28 is in a lowered position, as can best be
seen in
The movable top frame structure 28 is movably connected to the stationary
base 26. More specifically, the guide tracks 50 are configured to be slidably received
within the guide track receivers 70. The guide tracks 50 and receivers 70 may be in the
form of linear bearings, although it is understood that any satisfactory guide arrangement
may be employed. The guide tracks 50 and guide track receivers 70 guide upward and
downward movement of the movable top frame structure 28 relative to the stationary
base 26, in a manner to be explained.
Additionally, the stationary base 26 and the movable top frame structure 28 are
complementary in shape to one another, allowing the movable top frame structure 28 to
initially be nested directly around the base 26 as shown in before it is raised away
from the base 26 along the guide tracks 50. Of course, the movable top frame structure
28 could similarly be nested directly within the base 26 before it is raised away from the
base 26 along the guide tracks 50. As shown, the distance between the first side wall 42
and the second side wall 44 of the top frame structure 28 is greater than the distance
between the first side wall 54 and second side wall 56 of the base 26 to enable the nested
configuration of the stationary base 26 and the movable top frame structure 28.
Both the base 26 and the top frame structure 28 have a shaft rotatably
associated therewith. Looking initially to the base 26, the drive shaft 34 extends from the
first side wall 54 of the base 26 to the second side wall 56 of the base 26. On the first
side wall 54, the drive shaft 34 extends past the side of the base 26 through the first
circular opening 66, and a driven pulley 74 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 34 on
the outside of the first side wall 54. The driven pulley 74 is concentric with the drive
shaft 34 such that when the pulley 74 is rotated, the drive shaft 34 in turn will rotate. On
the opposite side, the drive shaft 34 is rotatably connected to the second side wall 56. For
instance, the drive shaft 34 could have a bearing 76 installed on the second end, where
the bearing 76 is inserted into the second circular opening 68. As such, the drive shaft 34
is rotatable about the base 26.
Looking to the top frame structure 28, the second shaft 36 extends from the
first side wall 42 of the top frame structure 28 to the second side wall 44 of the top frame
structure 28. Both ends of the second shaft 36 are rotatable about the top frame structure
28. For instance, both ends of the second shaft 36 can have bearings 78, 80 that are
inserted into the first and second circular openings 46, 48 formed in the first and second
side walls 42, 44 of the top frame structure 28. Because each of the openings 46, 48 is
centrally-located, the centers of the drive shaft 34 and the second shaft 36 are located
directly vertically relative to one another.
The simplified lift mechanism 20 also features the drive link 30, as can best be
seen in . While only one drive link 30 will be described, as shown, a second drive
link, which would be of substantially identical construction, could be included on the
opposite side of the drive carriage 24. Of course, the simplified lift mechanism 20 could
include additional drive links having similar or identical construction to the drive link 30
described here to further strengthen or increase the lifting capacity of the simplified lift
mechanism 20. As shown, the drive link 30 may be substantially oval in shape, with a
first end 82 and a second end 84. Of course, the drive link 30 could be any number of
different shapes, including rectangular. A first opening (not shown) is formed in the first
end 82 of the drive link 30 and a second opening (not shown) is formed in the second end
84. The drive shaft 34 extends through the first opening of the drive link 30 and is
fixedly attached thereto. As a result, when the drive shaft 34 is rotated, the drive link 30
is rotated about the first opening. This allows the second end 84 of the drive link 30 to be
pivotably moved from a lowered position in which it is substantially vertically beneath
the first end 82 (see and 8), to a series of intermediate positions (see FIGS. 5-7)
including a position in which it is horizontal relative to the first end 82 (see , and
finally to a raised position in which it is substantially vertically above the first end 82 (see
FIGS. 2-4 and 9).
Next, the substantially v-shaped arm 32 will be further described, which can
also best be seen in . While only one substantially v-shaped arm 32 will be
described, as shown, the simplified lift mechanism 20 could have two substantially v-
shaped arms located at either end of the drive carriage 24 for added support. Of course,
additional substantially v-shaped arms could be provided having similar or identical
construction to the substantially v-shaped arm 32 described here. The substantially v-
shaped arm 32 includes a first end 86, a second end 88, and a valley portion 90
therebetween. Both the first end 86 and the second end 88 have openings (not shown)
formed therein. The first end 86 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32 is rotatably
attached to the second end 84 of the drive link 30, for instance using a bearing connection
92 that fits within the opening formed in first end 86 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32
and the second opening formed in the second end 84 of the drive link 30. This allows the
first end 86 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32 to move from a lowered position in
which the valley portion 90 receives the drive shaft 34 as shown in to a raised
position in which the valley portion 90 is located directly above the drive shaft 34, as
shown in FIGS. 2-4. Additionally, the second shaft 36 extends through the opening
formed in the second end 88 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32. The second end 88 of
the substantially v-shaped arm 32 is fixedly-connected to the second shaft 36. As a
result, the second end 88 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32 rotates along with the
second shaft 36 about the bearings 78, 80 located within the first and second openings 46,
48 formed in the top frame structure 28.
The simplified lift mechanism 20 additionally includes the motor 38 with a
drive pulley 94 that rotates in response to operation of the motor 38. A drive belt 96
wraps around the drive pulley 94 and the driven pulley 74 such that the drive pulley 94
and the driven pulley 74 simultaneously rotate. As a result, the rotational movement is
transferred from the drive pulley 94 to the driven pulley 74, and in turn, the drive shaft
Because of the geometry and the double-jointed nature of the drive link 30 and
the substantially v-shaped arm 32, rotation of the first end 82 of the drive link 30 results
in rotation of the substantially v-shaped arm 32. As the drive link 30 and the
substantially v-shaped arm 32 rotate, the entire top frame structure 28 moves linearly
upwardly or downwardly relative to the base 26 using a single lift point. Thus, the
rotational movement of the drive pulley 94 is translated into linear vertical motion.
Operation of the simplified lift mechanism 20 will now be described. Initially,
the drive carriage 24 is in a lowered position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. When in the
lowered position, the top frame structure 28 is located directly above and is nested about
the base 26. Additionally, the drive shaft 34 is received within the valley portion 90 of
the substantially v-shaped arm 32. Also, when in the lowered position, the second end 84
of the drive link 30 is located directly beneath the first end 82 of the drive link 30. Upon
operation of the motor 38, the drive pulley 94 moves clockwise. As the drive pulley 94
moves clockwise, the drive belt 96 translates the clockwise motion to the driven pulley
74 and the drive shaft 34. This also causes the drive link 30 to move clockwise about the
first end from the initial position. As the first end 82 of the drive link 30 is moved
clockwise, the second end 84 rotates upwardly in a clockwise direction. Because the first
end 86 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32 is connected to the second end 84 of the
drive link 30, the first end 86 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32 also rotates upwardly,
as does the rest of the substantially v-shaped arm 32. As a result of the second end 88 of
the substantially v-shaped arm 32 being connected to the second shaft 36, the second
shaft 36 also moves upwardly. The top frame structure 28 also moves upwardly due to
its connection to the second shaft 36 about the bearings 78, 80. Such upward movement
of the top frame structure 28 is guided by the guide tracks 50 and guide track receivers
70, which are oriented parallel to the direction of movement of the second shaft 36.
Therefore, the clockwise motion of the drive pulley 94 results in the entire top frame
structure 28 moving upwardly relative to the base 26 as seen in FIGS. 5-7, to a raised
position, as seen in FIGS. 2-4.
When in the raised position, the second end 84 of the drive link 30 is located
directly vertically above the first end 82 of the drive link 30. Additionally, the second
end 88 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32 is located vertically directly above the first
end 86 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32.
To return the top frame structure 28 to the lowered position, the drive pulley 94
is moved counter-clockwise. Because the counter-clockwise movement of the drive
pulley 94 is transmitted to the driven pulley 74 by the drive belt 96, the drive shaft 34 as
well as the first end 82 of the drive link 30 also rotate in a counter-clockwise direction.
This causes the second end 84 of the drive link 30 and the second end 88 of the v-shaped
arm 32, as well as the top frame structure 28, to move downwardly, with such movement
being guided by the guide tracks 50 and guide track receivers 70. Ultimately, the drive
carriage 24 is returned to the lowered position in which the second end 84 of the drive
link 30 and the first end 86 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32 return to a position
directly beneath the drive shaft 34 and the first end 82 of the drive link 30.
While the drive carriage 24 is in motion, the second end 84 of the drive link 30
and the first end 86 and valley portion 90 of the substantially v-shaped arm 32 translate
horizontally and vertically with relation to the drive carriage 24. Other components,
including the top frame structure 28, the second shaft 36, and the second end 88 of the
substantially v-shaped arm 32, move only vertically while the drive carriage 24 is in
motion. The remaining components, including the base 26, the motor 38, the drive pulley
94, the driven pulley 74, the drive shaft 34, and the first end 82 of the drive link 30 do not
translate horizontally or vertically while the drive carriage 24 is in motion.
As described, the simplified lift mechanism 20 has a single lift point. In
contrast, lifting machines found in the prior art can use up to four, and sometimes more,
two-link systems located at the four corners of the machine. This system provides a
simplified alternative that is easier to assemble, operate and maintain.
The simplified lift mechanism 20 of the present invention as shown and
described may be used to lift and lower any machine component, and is particularly
useful in an indexing motion-type machine. For example, in an indexing motion
packaging machine, the simplified lift mechanism 20 may be use to lift and lower
package forming tooling that acts on a web of material to create a cavity or pocket within
which product(s) can be received. In addition, it should be understood that the simplified
lift mechanism 20 may also be used to move machine components in any direction and is
not limited to upward-downward movement as shown and described. Also, the
simplified lift mechanism 20 could be used with any other machine components,
including sealing evacuation chambers.
It should be understood that the above description, while indicating
representative embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and
not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the
present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all
such modifications.
Various additions, modifications, and rearrangements are contemplated as
being within the scope of the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly
claim the subject matter regarding as the invention, and it is intended that the following
claims cover all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements.
Claims (14)
1. A lift mechanism for a machine comprising: a base; a frame structure; and a lift arrangement interposed between the base and the frame structure for lifting and lowering the frame structure relative to the base about a single lift point, wherein the lift mechanism further comprises: a drive link with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the drive link is rotatably secured to the base at the single lift point; and a substantially v-shaped arm having a first end rotatably connected to the second end of the drive link and a second end rotatably connected to the frame structure.
2. The lift mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: a motor; a plurality of shafts; and wherein the drive link is rotatably attached to at least one of the shafts; wherein rotary motion from the motor is transmitted to at least one of the plurality of shafts; and wherein rotation of the drive link moves the frame structure vertically relative to the base.
3. The lift mechanism of claim 2, wherein the plurality of shafts further comprises: a drive shaft associated with the base; and a second shaft associated with the frame structure; wherein the drive shaft is rotated by the motor; wherein the drive link is rotated by the drive shaft; and wherein the second shaft is moved vertically by the drive link.
4. The lift mechanism of claim 3, wherein the drive shaft extends through the first end of the drive link; and wherein the drive shaft is fixedly connected to the first end of the drive link; wherein the second end of the drive link is rotatably connected to the second shaft.
5. The lift mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: at least one guide track mounted to the frame structure; and at least one guide track receiver mounted to the base compatible with the at least one guide track; wherein the at least one guide track and the at least one guide track receiver guide upward and downward movement of the frame structure relative to the base.
6. The lift mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: a motor; a drive member configured to rotate in response to operation of the motor; a driven member; a drive belt engaged with the drive member and the driven member; a drive shaft extending from the driven member across the base; and a second shaft extending through and rotatably connected to the second end of the v-shaped arm, wherein the second shaft extends across the frame structure; wherein the drive shaft extends through the first end of the drive link; wherein the drive shaft is fixedly connected to the first end of the drive link; wherein the substantially v-shaped arm has a valley portion located between its first end and its second end; wherein the drive belt transmits rotary motion from the drive member to the driven member; wherein the rotary motion is transmitted to the drive shaft; wherein the drive link is rotated by the rotation of the drive shaft; and wherein the v-shaped arm is rotated by the drive link so that the frame structure is moved vertically relative to the base when the motor is actuated.
7. The lift mechanism of claim 6, further comprising bearings on either end of the second shaft; wherein the frame structure has a first wall and a second wall; wherein the bearings are located within a first circular opening in the first wall and a second circular opening in the second wall; wherein the substantially v-shaped arm rotates relative to the frame structure about the bearings.
8. The lift mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a guide track located along corners of the frame structure.
9. The lift mechanism of claim 6, wherein the geometry of the substantially v- shaped arm and the drive link allow the rotary motion of the drive member powered by the motor to translate into linear vertical motion.
10. The lift mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a second v-shaped arm and a second drive link.
11. A method of operating a lift mechanism for a machine comprising the steps rotating a first end of a drive link that is fixedly attached to a drive shaft associated with a base in a first direction; rotating a second end of the drive link from a lowered position to a raised position; rotating a substantially v-shaped arm with a first end rotatably connected to the second end of the drive link in an upward direction; and moving a second end of the substantially v-shaped arm that is rotatably attached to a second shaft associated with a movable frame structure in the upward direction as a result of movement of the second end of the drive link to the raised position; wherein the upward movement of the second shaft occurs about a single lift point that coincides with an axis of rotation of the drive shaft.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: rotating the first end of the drive link that is fixedly attached to the drive shaft associated with the base in a second direction; rotating the second end of the drive link from the raised position to the lowered position; and moving the second shaft associated with the movable frame structure in a downward direction; wherein the downward movement of the second shaft occurs about the single lift point.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: operating a motor; rotating a drive pulley in a first direction; translating the rotary motion of the drive pulley about a drive belt; rotating a driven pulley rotatably connected to the driven shaft by the drive belt in the first direction; and moving the movable frame structure in an upward direction.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: rotating the drive pulley in a second direction opposite the first direction; translating the rotary motion of the drive pulley about the drive belt; rotating the driven pulley in the second direction; and moving the movable frame structure in a downward direction.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201762545025P | 2017-08-14 | 2017-08-14 | |
US62/545,025 | 2017-08-14 | ||
US16/102,116 | 2018-08-13 | ||
US16/102,116 US10961093B2 (en) | 2017-08-14 | 2018-08-13 | Simplified lift mechanism for a packaging machine |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ745274A NZ745274A (en) | 2021-10-29 |
NZ745274B2 true NZ745274B2 (en) | 2022-02-01 |
Family
ID=
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