US3126106A

US3126106A - Package handling machine

Info

Publication number: US3126106A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1964-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 1981-03-24

Description

March 24, 1964 J. F. CAIN ETAL 3,126,106

PACKAGE HANDLING MACHINE Filed March 8, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 I E. 4 m 2 l I I 1' :\.l N 1.1. o

l E u.

l l s- II:

l0 .9 v *6 m l LL. sfi a l I N IO N G INVENTORS J'AMES F. CAIN "r0 MARVIN H. GRABOSKY 8| WALTER D. GURDACK WM,

ATTORNEYS March 1 J. F. CAIN ETAL 3,

PACKAGE HANDLING MACHINE Filed March 8, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3.

INVENTORS JAMES F. CAIN .NIARVIN H GRABOSKY GWALTER 6. GURDACK ATTORNEYS March 24, 1964 Y J F, c ETAL 3,126,106

PACKAGE HANDLING MACHINE Filed March 8, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 F I e) INVENTORS JAMES F. CAIN MARVIN H. GRABOSKY 81 WALTER D. GURDACK BYfl J ATTORNEY March 24, 1964 v .1. F. CAIN ETAL 3,126,106

PACKAGE HANDLING MACHINE Filed March a, 196; 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 62 v use FIG. 6.

' INVENTORS JAMES F. CAIN MARVIN H. GRABOSKY a WALTER n. GURDACK United States Patent Filed Mar. 8, 1963, Ser. No. 263,819 11 Claims. (Cl. 214-6) The present invention relates to a machine for handling a plurality of individual packages and, more particularly, to a machine for automatically grouping two different kinds of packages into a predetermined arrangement.

The following disclosure illustrates the principles of the present invention in connection with the packaging of cigars although it will be readily apparent that the invention is equally applicable to the handling of other types of individual packages.

In the cigar industry it is common practice to sell cigars in packages containing five cigars each, such packages hereinafter being referred to as five-packs. Furthermore, it is also common practice to wrap a plurality of such five-packs together so as to form units containing twenty-five cigars. However, in order to arrange the individual five-packs in a side-by-side relationship and still retain a six-sided package, it is necessary to add an empty five-pack hereinafter referred to as a blank. Heretofore, considerable difficulty has been experienced in handling these blanks due to the fact that they are extremely light weight and therefore tend to ride on a cushion of air which forms between each blank and the adjacent package.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a package handling machine which facilitates the handling of such blanks by inserting the blanks beneath a plurality of filled five-packs so that the weight of the latter maintain the blanks in their proper position.

t is a further object or" the present invention to provide a completely automatic system for inserting one type of package into a stack of packages of a second type and thereafter grouping a plurality of packages into a predetermined arrangement containing packages of both types.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a completely automatic system for handling packages at a rate substantially greater than has been possible here tofore.

The foregoing objects as well as others relating more particularly to the details of construction and operation will become more fully apparent from the following description taken with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates the desired arrangement of one lank and five filled packages so as to form a single unit;

FIGURE 2 is a front, elevational view of the machine;

FIGURE 3 is a top view of the machine taken along the planes indicated by broken line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view taken along the plane indicated by line 44 of FIGURE 2 with a portion of the figure broken away so as to show certain elements more clearly;

FIGURES SA-SE illustrate the relative positions of the blanks and filled packages during one cycle of operation of the machine; and

FIGURE 6 is a schematic diagram of the machine together with the automatic control system.

Reference is first made to FIGURE 1 which illustrates the desired grouping of the individual five-packs hereinafter referred to as the filled packages. This group or unit comprises filled

packages

1, 2, 3, 4 and together with one blank the latter of which is designated by the letter A. At this point, it is to be understood that a wrapping machine (not illustrated) is employed to wrap the above described group with a wrapper W so as to form the completed unit. Thus, the present invention groups the packages in the desired arrangement for wrapping although it will be readily apparent that, alternatively, the grouped packages may be inserted in a larger container or otherwise treated after being grouped.

Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 3, the machine includes a base plate or shelf 20 which supports four

upstanding walls

22, 24, 26 and 28 collectively forming a hopper 30 for accumulating a plurality of the filled packages so as to form a vertical stack thereof. At this point it will be noted that front wall 28 carries a pair of hinges 29 which pivotally connect the upper edge of wall 28 to an extension portion 28' which, as viewed in FIGURE 4, is disposed at an angle with respect to wall 28. A block 31 is secured to the outer surface of wall portion 28' and supports a laterally extending pin 33 which is engaged in a notch 37 provided in a bar 39 adjustably secured to wall 36 of hopper 3% by a bolt 41 passing through a slot (not illustrated) in bar 39.

As further shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, shelf 20 supports four

posts

32, 34, 36 and 38 upon which is mounted a second shelf 49. Shelf 40 supports a second hopper 42 having

side walls

44 and 22, as well as front and

rear walls

48 and 46, respectively. Hopper 42 is adapted to contain a stack of the blanks which may be manually supplied thereto or automatically supplied by means identical to those about to be described with regard to hopper 30.

The filled packages are automatically supplied to hopper 39 by means of an inclined ramp 50 which includes a conveyor belt 52. Belt 52 is supported by a bottom member 54 and is guided between side members 56 and 53 the latter of which also serve to guide the filled packages. A plate so extends across guides 56, 58 and mounts a normally closed micro switch 62 the movable element of which extends downwardly through an aperture in plate 69 so as to be actuated by each of the filled packages as they pass underneath the switch. Plate 60 is retained in position by means of a pair of angle brackets '64 and 66 which overlap the edges of guides 56 and 58, respectively, each of angle brackets 64 and 66 being secured to a third angle bracket 68 which, in turn, is secured to a strap 70 which extends about the ramp and is secured to the bottom member 54 by means of a set screw 72.

Angle bracket 68 also supports one end of a rigid plate 74 which extends toward hopper 30 and which receives a vertically adjustable screw 76. One end of a flexible tab '78 is secured between plate 74 and bracket 68 so as to extend beneath plate 74 as most clearly shown in FIG- URE 4. The purpose of screw 76 is to force flexible tab 78 downwardly a predetermined amount so that the tab engages the trailing portion of each filled package and thereby maintains the package in a horizontal position as it is ejected by belt 52 into hopper 30.

At this point, it is to be understood that conveyor belt 52 operates at a relatively high speed such that approximately filled packages pass switch 62 per minute. Due to this high rate of ejection, each of the packages is ejected with considerable force such that the leading end of the package strikes pivoted wall member 28' and then bounces in the opposite direction so as to settle flatly against the package immediately therebelow.

Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 3, shelf 20 supports a pneumatic cylinder 3t which is of the double acting type having inlet and

exhaust lines

82 and 84. The op erating rod 36 of cylinder fiil is connected to a push-block 9i so that the latter is reciprocated between a pair of

guides

92 and 94. As most clearly shown in FIGURE 2, push-block $0 is capable of being extended through o

apertures

96 and 98 provided in the bottom of

walls

22 and 26, respectively. It will also be noted that the thickness of push-block 20 is such that it engages the two bottommost packages and ejects them to the right as viewed in FIGURES 2 and 3 through a pair of guides d and 1132. As further shown in FIGURE 3, pushblock 90 carries a cam element 104 the left end of which is tapered at 166. Cam 1114 is adapted to open a normally closed micro switch 168 the latter of which is positioned between guide 94 and wall 22 of hopper 30. That is, switch 108 is opened when push-block 91? is fully extended such that the movable element of the switch is released by tapered portion 106 of cam 1414.

Immediately above cylinder 81 and in vertical alignment therewith, shelf 4t) supports a second pneumatic cylinder 110 having an operating rod 112 which reciprocates a push-block 114 having an enlarged head 115. Cylinder 110 is of the single acting type such that a pushblock 114 is extended when motive fluid is supplied through line 116 and the push-block is retracted under the tensional force of spring 113 when the motive fluid is exhausted through line 116.

Walls

44 and 22 of hopper 42 are provided with openings 12th and 122, respectively, through which push-block 114 operates to eject the bottommost blank from hopper 42 into hopper 36 as will be subsequently described in detail.

In order to separate the filled packages in hopper 30 such that a space is provided for the insertion of a blank, a holding mechanism 139 is provided as best shown in FIG- URE 4. This mechanism includes a substantially C-shaped push-block 132 the upper arm of which passes through an aperture 134 provided in wall 24 of hopper 39, it being remembered that the upper portion of hopper 30 extends upwardly directly behind hopper 42 as viewed in FIGURE 4. The lower arm of push-block 132 mounts a roller 136 which rolls over the upper surface of shelf and is adapted to abut an adjustable stop 13?. This stop is positioned such that the upper arm of the push-block may extend through aperture 134 and force two of the filled packages against the forward wall 28 of hopper 30, thereby preventing these two packages from dropping downwardly when the bottommost packages are ejected from hopper 36 by push-block 9G.

Push-block 132 is reciprocated from the extended position just described to a slightly retracted position by means of a pneumatic cylinder 14% having an operating rod 142. Thus, upon retraction of push-block 132, the filled packages are freed so as to be capable of dropping downwardly onto the blank which has been inserted immediately therebelow by push-block 114 as will be subsequently described in detail.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 6 which illustrates the control system for automatically operating the above described elements in a predetermined sequence of operation. This control system includes a four-way valve 144 which is operable to supply and exhaust fluid from opposite ends of power cylinder 80 through lines 14-6 and 148, inlet and vent lines being indicated at 151) and 152. Valve 144 is operated by first and

second solenoids

154 and 156 such that energization of solenoid 154 moves the valve to admit power fluid through line 146 to thereby extend push-block 90. The valve remains in this position after solenoid 154 is deenergized until such time as solenoid 156 is energized, at which time, the valve moves to its second position so as to supply power fluid through line 148 while exhausting through line 146 and thereby retract push-block fill. Similarly, the valve remains in its second position until solenoid 154 is again energized to repeat the cycle.

A second four-way valve 158 is connected to power cylinder 140 through supply and exhaust lines 1613 and 162. Power fluid is supplied and exhausted from the valve through lines 164 and 166 under the operation of a pair of solenoids 163 and 170. The operation of valve 158 is such that the valve is moved to its first position so as to supply motive fiuid through line 162 and thereby extend push-block 132 when solenoid 170 is energized. The valve then remains in this condition until solenoid 168 is energized, at which time, the valve then supplies motive fluid through line 16% and exhausts through line 162 so as to retract the push-block. The valve then remains in this second condition until the cycle is repeated by the subsequent actuation of solenoid 176.

A three-way valve 172 is connected to line 116 of pneumatic cylinder 110 and this valve is operative to supply power fluid from inlet 174 to the cylinder as well as to exhaust fluid from the cylinder through vent 176. Valve 172 is actuated by a solenoid 17 S such that motive fluid is supplied to cylinder 11% and push-block 114 is extended so long as the solenoid is energized. However, immediately upon deenergization of solenoid 178, spring 118 returns push-block 114 to its retracted position while the motive fluid is exhausted through line 116 and vent 176.

Reference is now made to the electrical system which sequentially actuates the above described solenoids in a predetermined cycle. This electrical system includes the previously mentioned switches 62 and 103 the first of which is normally closed and the second of which is normally open. One terminal of switch 62 is connected to ground and the other terminal is connected through line 168 to coil 17% of a solenoid actuator generally indicated at 172. The other end of coil 17!) is connected through

lines

174 and 176 to the positive terminal of a power source schematically illustrated as a grounded battery 178 although it is to be understood that an AC. power source may be readily substituted for the illustrated battery.

Solenoid actuator 172 forms the first portion of a stepping relay the second portion of which comprises a two bank stepping switch generally indicated by numeral 181). This stepping switch includes an insulated casing 182 supporting five fixed terminals 1 through 5 forming the first bank and a second set of terminals 1'5' forming a second bank. The switch further includes first and second conductive rotors 184' and 184 rigidly secured to a conductive drive shaft 187. Rotors 184 and 184' include contact arms 186 and 186' which respectively engage the fixed terminals of the two banks as they are stepped in the counterclockwise direction by successive operations of actuator 172. At this point, it is to be understood that such stepping relays are well known in the art and conventionally include a sprocket such as that indicated at 183 which cooperates With an armature 1% biased in one direction by a spring 192 and adapted to be retracted to the position shown in FIGURE 6 upon energization of coil 170.

As pointed out hereinabove, the stepping relay is purely conventional and includes a second arm 194 connected to the armature 199 so as to be reciprocated therewith. Arm 124 functions to momentarily close a normally open switch 1% each time that armature reaches the upward limit of travel. Switch 196 is connected through line 198 to grounded solenoid 154 and through

parallel lines

280, 262, 204 and 206 to each of fixed

terminals

2, 3 and 4 of the first bank while terminal 1 is connected through line 210 to grounded solenoid 170. In the second bank, terminal 3' is connected through line 208 to grounded solenoid 178 and terminal 4' is connected through line 212 to grounded solenoid 168, terminals 5, 1', 2' and 5' not being utilized. Lastly, rotor 184 is connected through

lines

222, 174 and 176 to the positive terminal of grounded battery 178 and rotor 184' is connected to rotor 184 through conductive shaft 187.

The operation of the machine will now be described with particular reference to FIGURES 5A5E and FIG- URE 6, it being understood that FIGURES SA-SE illustrate the relative positions of the filled packages and blanks at the end of each of five consecutive steps which comprise one cycle of operation, Whereas, FIGURE 6 illustrates the relative positions of the packages at the beginning of the fifth step of the given cycle.

Referring first to FIGURE 6, it is assumed that nine filled packages are stacked in hopper 3i) and that a blank designated by the letter A' is in position between filled

packages

2 and 3, this blank having been inserted during the previous cycle of operation. In this condition, rotor contacts 186 and 136' are in engagement with terminals 5 and 5' which are not electrically connected to any of the components of the system, these terminals serving as delay terminals. Therefore, assuming that conveyor belt 52 is operating, the first step is initiated by the passage of the tenth filled package beneath switch 62 so as to momentarily open this normally closed switch and thereby deenergize coil 170 of actuator 172. Immediately upon deenergization, spring 1% moves armature 19f) upwardly, as viewed in FIGURE 6, causing the armature to engage one of the projections of ratchet 188 thereby advancing rotor contacts 186 and 186' in a counterclockwise direction into engagement with fixed

terminals

1 and 1 the latter of which performs no function. Since switch 62 is only open during the momentary passage of the filled package, the switch 62 immediately recloses and thereby again energizes coil 170 so as to return armature 199 to the illustrated position in which it remains until the passage of the eleventh package which again momentarily opens switch 62. In the meantime, the engagement of rotor contact 1815 with terminal number 1 of the stepping switch closes a circuit from ground through battery 178, leads 1'76 and 222, rotor 184, terminal number 1 and lead 210 to solenoid 170 which has a grounded return path to the negative terminal of the battery. Solenoid 179 is thereby energized and valve 158 is actuated so as to supply motive fluid through line 162 to pneumatic cylinder 14% so that push-block 132 is extended into engagement with the eighth and ninth filled packages in hopper 3h. These two packages are therefore securely held and prevented from dropping downwardly. Thus, at the end of the first step, the packages are in the relative positions shown in FIGURE 5A with push-block 132 engaging and holding the eighth and ninth filled packages.

The second step of operation is initiated by the passage of the eleventh filled package beneath switch 62 which opens this switch and deenergizes coil 170. Armature 1% is therefore moved upwardly by spring 192 and the armature advances rotor contacts 186 and 186' into engagement with terminals 2 and 2' the latter of which performs no function. In addition, arm 194- also moves upwardly with the armature to which it is rigidly secured so that switch 1% is momentarily closed. Since rotor contact 186 is then in engagement with terminal number 2, the closure of switch 1%, as the armature reaches the end of its upward travel, is operative to momentarily energize grounded solenoid 154 through line 198. Energization of this solenoid immediately actuates valve 144 so as to supply power fluid through line 146 to cylinder Si) which extends push-block 91 so that filled packages

number

1 and 2 are ejected to the right from beneath the stack in hopper Sif However, since switch 62 immediately recloses once the eleventh package has passed, coil 17% is immediately energized and the armature is returned to the illustrated position whereby momentarily closed switch 1% is immediately reopened. Thus, solenoid 154 is immediately deenergized before push-block 90 is fully extended. As push-block 90 does become fully extended, normally open switch 1&8 is momentarily closed due to the release of the movable switch element which comes into engagement with tapered portion 1% of cam 1M. Closure of switch 1% energizes solenoid 156 so that valve 144 is immediately returned to its initial condition causing pneumatic cylinder hi) to retract push-block $90. From the foregoing description it is to be noted that solenoid 154 is energized and immediately deenergized by momentary closure switch 1% so that solenoid 156 can immediately retract push-block 91? when it reaches its fully extended position. As a result, push-block is both extended and retracted during the second step and, as will be subsequently described, the same rapid operation of pushblock also occurs during the third and fourth steps. Thus, at the end of the second step, the packages are then in the relative positions shown in FIGURE 5B and it will be noted that the ejection of

packages

1 and 2 results in the provision of a space between the seventh and eighth packages since the packages above the latter are prevented from dropping by push-block 132.

Referring now to the third step of the cycle, the passage of the twelfth filled package beneath switch 62 again momentarily opens the switch so that coil is deenergized whereby

contacts

186 and 186 engage

terminals

3 and 3, respectively. This operation is also accompanied by the momentary closure of switch 196 so that solenoid 15 i is again energized and immediately deenergized as the armature drops back to the illustrated position. Energization of solenoid 154 again extends push-block 9i) and this push-block is immediately retracted due to the operation of switch 1118 and solenoid 156 as previously described. In addition, the engagement of rotor contact 186' with terminal 3' produces a closed circuit through line 2% to grounded solenoid 178 whereby this solenoid is energized and valve 172 admits motive fluid to power cylinder 11% so as to extend push-block 114 and eject blank B into the space formed bet-ween the seventh and eighth filled packages. Thus, at the end of the third step, the packages are then in the relative positions illustrated in FIGURE 5C.

The fourth step in the cycle of operation is initiated by the passage of the thirteenth filled package beneath switch 62 which again momentarily deenergizes coil 171) and advances the rotors into engagement with terminals 4 and 4'. However, as soon as rotor contact 186 leaves engagement with terminal 3', the circuit to solenoid 178 is opened so that valve 172 is returned to its initial position'thereby venting the motive fluid through vent 176 and push-block 114- is returned to its retracted position under the influence of spring 118. At the same time, the upward movement of armature 1% and am 194 again momentarily closes switch 196 so that a circuit is established through this switch from terminal 4 to solenoid 154 which is again energized so as to extend pushblock 90 and eject the fourth and fifth filled packages. Again, push-block 9%) immediately returns to its retracted position due to the immediate deenergization of solenoid 154 and the energization of solenoid 156 under the operation of

switches

196 and 108, respectively. At the same time, grounded solenoid 168 is energized due to its connection to terminal 4' through line 212 and the ene-rgization of this solenoid actuates valve 158 so as to retract push-block 132 and thereby permit packages eight through thirteen to drop downwardly. Thus, the packages are then in the relative positions shown in FIGURE SD and it will be noted that the desired grouping of the first five packages together with blank A has been accomplished at this point.

The fifth and final step of the cycle is initiated by the passage of the fourteenth filled package, beneath switch 6-2 which advances rotor contacts 186 and 186' into engagement with terminals 5 and 5'. As pointed out hereinabove, neither of these terminals are connected to any of the operating components of the machine so that the only eifect of'the fifth step is to provide a delay during which the fourteenth package is injected into the hopper and during which the previously grouped packages may be carried away by other means not illustrated. Thus, all of the components of the machine are returned to their initial positions as illustrated in FIGURE 6 and the above described cycle is then repeated starting with the passage of the fifteenth package beneath switch 62.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the present invention provides for the insertion of the light weight blanks into a previously formed stack so that the weight of the latter maintains the blank in its proper position. It will also be noted that the disclosed system is capable of an extremely high rate of production, i.e., 170 filled packages per minute, due to the rapid reciprocation of push-block 9% during each of the second, third and fourth steps. Furthermore, it will be apparent that the complete machine is fully automatic in operation so that the need for operating personnel is eliminated.

'Of course, it is to be understood that the foregoing description relates only to a preferred embodiment of the invention and that the latter is not to be otherwise limited than as specifically set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An article handling machine comprising a first accumulator for retaining a first plurality of articles, a second accumulator for retaining a second plurality of articles, means for releasably holding some of said first recited articles near one end of said first accumulator, means for discharging articles from the opposite end of said first accumulator, and means for intermittently transferring articles from said second accumulator to a portion of said first accumulator intermediate said holding and discharge means whereby said discharge means discharge articles from both of said accumulators.

2. An article handling machine comprising a first accumulator for retaining a first plurality of articles, a second accumulator for retaining a second plurality of articles, means for releasably holding some of said first recited articles near one end of said first accumulator, means for discharging articles from the opposite end of said first accumulator, means for intermittently transferring articles from said second accumulator to a portion of said first accumulator intermediate said holding and discharge means whereby said discharge means discharge articles from both of said accumulators, and means responsive to the accumulation of said first recited articles for operating said holding, transferring and discharging means in predetermined cycles of operation.

3. A package handling machine comprising a first hopper for vertically stacking a plurality of articles of a first type, a second hopper for vertically stacking a plurality of articles of a second type, means for discharging articles from the bottom of said first hopper whereby the articles thereabove drop downwardly, means for intermittently preventing some of said first recited articles from dropping downwardly, and means for transferring articles from said second hopper into said first hopper belowthe articles prevented from dropping whereby both types of articles are discharged by said discharge means.

4. A package handling machine comprising a first hopper for vertically stacking a plurality of articles of a first type, means for successively supplying articles to the top of said first hopper, a second hopper for vertically stacking a plurality of articles of a first type, means for successively supplying articles to the top of said first hopper, a second hopper for vertically stacking a plurality of articles of a second type, means for discharging articles from the bottom of said first hopper whereby the articles thereabove drop downwardly, means for intermittently preventing some of said first recited articles from dropping downwardly, means for transferring articles from said second hopper into said first hopper below the articles prevented from dropping, and control means responsive to the successive passage of articles to said first hopper for automatically operating said transfer, preventing and discharging means.

5. The machine as claimed in claim 4 wherein said control means include a multiple position stepping switch for actuating said discharge means a predetermined num ber of times during one cycle of operation.

6. The machine as claimed in claim 5 further including a momentary switch connected between said stepping switch and said discharge means for momentarily actuating said discharge means so as to discharge articles from said first hopper during only a portion of the time said stepping switch is in selected positions.

7. A machine for handling and grouping packages and blanks to form a desired group thereof comprising a first hopper for vertically stacking a plurality of packages, automatic supply means for successively supplying individual packages to the upper portion of said first hopper, a second hopper positioned adjacent said first hopper for storing a plurality of blanks, means for discharging both packages and articles from the bottom portion of said first hopper, means positioned near the top portion of said first hopper for intermittently preventing the uppermost packages from dropping when the bottommost packages are discharged by said discharge means, aligned apertures in said first and second hoppers, means for pushing individual blanks through said apertures from said second hopper to said first hopper and into the space formed in said first stack between said uppermost and lowermost packages, and control means for operating each of the above recited means in predetermined sequence whereby groups having a predetermined number of packages and blanks are discharged per cycle.

8. The machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein each of said preventing, pushing and discharge means includes a fluid motor actuated by solenoid operated valves.

9. The machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein said control means include a stepping relay for sequentially energizing and deenergizing said solenoid operated valves.

10. The machine as claimed in claim 9 wherein said control means further include a first switch actuated by successive packages supplied to said first hopper for op erating said stepping relay.

11. The machine as claimed in claim 10 wherein said control means further include a pair of momentary switches connected to the solenoid valve operating said discharge means whereby said discharge means is actuated to a first position to discharge packages and returned to a second position during a single step advance of said stepping relay.

No references cited.