WO2017157687A1 - Palette de support et système de changement d'élément rapporté pour une palette de support - Google Patents

Palette de support et système de changement d'élément rapporté pour une palette de support Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017157687A1
WO2017157687A1 PCT/EP2017/054949 EP2017054949W WO2017157687A1 WO 2017157687 A1 WO2017157687 A1 WO 2017157687A1 EP 2017054949 W EP2017054949 W EP 2017054949W WO 2017157687 A1 WO2017157687 A1 WO 2017157687A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
insert
base
puck
changeover
coupling
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2017/054949
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dean QUICK
Frederick Edmund Stocker
Anthony James NICHOL
Jaswinder VIRDEE
Stuart Michael Ruan Jones
Neil Anthony Litten
George Edward SYKES
Original Assignee
Unilever Plc
Unilever N.V.
Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever Plc, Unilever N.V., Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever filed Critical Unilever Plc
Publication of WO2017157687A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017157687A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G17/00—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
    • B65G17/30—Details; Auxiliary devices
    • B65G17/46—Means for holding or retaining the loads in fixed position on the load-carriers, e.g. magnetic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
    • B65G2201/02—Articles
    • B65G2201/0235—Containers
    • B65G2201/0261—Puck as article support

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a carrier puck and an insert changeover system for a carrier puck that holds a product container in an orientation for product filling, capping, labeling, and/or other processing in automated line operations.
  • Pucks for holding product containers herein alternatively referred to as “carrier pucks” or “pucks” are used, typically in automated production lines, to hold containers in a desired orientation, e.g., an upright position.
  • carrier pucks typically in automated production lines, to hold containers in a desired orientation, e.g., an upright position.
  • Use of a puck simplifies movement of a container along a production line and is of assistance in regulating line operations.
  • a container In automated operations, a container is commonly inserted in a puck in an inbound staging area.
  • the container-bearing puck then moves through one or more processing stations where different operations are performed, among others, one or more of the following: the container may be filled with one or more materials, the container may be subjected to pre- and/or post-filling procedures or treatments, for example, heating and/or cooling, the container may have a tamper-resistant seal and/or a cap affixed thereto, one or more labels or other container indicia may be applied, and/or the container may undergo one or more quality control operations, for example, weight and/or label verification, and the like.
  • the puck and container When processing is complete, the puck and container are moved to an outbound staging area, the container is removed from the puck and the puck is rerouted back to the inbound staging area, or other designated station, for reuse.
  • an automated production line It is not uncommon for an automated production line to have hundreds of pucks in use at a single time. Many of the pucks used commercially are designed for containers of a particular configuration, i.e., they are container specific. In instances where a production line employs different container configurations for different production runs, having a puck that is adaptable for use with containers of a variety of shapes and sizes can help reduce production costs, including downtime for puck changeovers.
  • Various approaches have been suggested in the patent literature with respect to providing pucks that may be adapted for use with containers of different sizes and/or shapes.
  • US Pat. No. 8,695,791 discloses a carrier puck that includes a circular lower body on which is mounted an upper body; as therein illustrated, the upper body is mounted to the lower body via a pair of opposing bayonet side mountings.
  • JP5659780 discloses a carrier puck having inner and outer holder components. As illustrated, the inner holder includes a moveable interior wall, the position of which can be adjusted so as to brace a container within the inner holder.
  • Carrier pucks having a base and separate component for holding a container, more particularly, a removable and the use thereof in insert changeover systems (alternatively referred to as "changeover systems”) gives rise to several real-world considerations.
  • a puck having a removable insert should be robust as regards the integrity of insert attachment and ability to avoid premature insert release, which can include its ability to withstand the vertical pull forces of container removal.
  • a puck having a removable insert should also be durable in terms of wearability and life cycle.
  • One aspect of this invention is to provide a carrier puck that provides robust attachment of a base and removable insert. Another aspect of this invention is to provide a durable carrier puck having a removable insert. Yet another aspect of this invention is to provide a carrier puck that is adaptable for use with a variety of insert configurations. Yet another aspect of this invention is to provide a carrier puck and/or insert changeover system that facilitates expeditious insert changeover. Yet another aspect of this invention is to provide a changeover system that facilitates the storage and deployment of inserts.
  • One or more of these and other aspects of this invention may be achieved by providing a carrier puck or changeover system as hereinafter more particularly described.
  • a removable insert that includes:
  • A) a removable insert comprising:
  • the insert sidewall and insert bottom wall generally define an insert cavity for holding a container
  • the spring-loaded coupling exerts a compression force that draws the upper rim of the insert downward on the base.
  • a base that includes a base cavity for holding the removable insert
  • insert changeover unit comprising:
  • the base sidewall and base bottom wall generally define a base cavity for holding the removable insert
  • the insert sidewall and insert bottom wall generally define an insert
  • the spring-loaded coupling exerts a compression force that draws the upper rim downward onto the base
  • insert changeover unit comprising
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view from above of one embodiment of a carrier puck according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2a is a perspective view from above of the puck of FIG. 1 in an assembled locked configuration
  • FIG. 2b is a perspective view from above of the puck of FIG. 1 in an assembled unlocked configuration
  • FIG. 3 is a simplified sectional view of the puck of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration
  • FIG. 4 is perspective view from above of the puck FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration, with the coupling affixed to the base, but without the insert;
  • FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the puck of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of the insert of the puck of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the puck of FIG. 2a;
  • FIG. 8a is a perspective view from above of the assembled coupling of the puck of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 8b is a perspective view from below of the coupling of FIG. 8a;
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view from above the puck of FIG. 1 with a different insert
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of the puck of FIG. 9 in an assembled
  • FIG. 1 1 a is block diagram illustrating insert/puck routing in one embodiment of a changeover system according to the present invention
  • FIG. 1 1 b is a block diagram illustrating insert/puck routing in another embodiment of a changeover system according to the present invention
  • FIG. 12 is a simplified perspective view from above of one embodiment of a test system that includes various elements of one embodiment of an insert changeover system according the present invention
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view from above of the insert changeover unit of the test system of FIG. 12, shown in more detail;
  • FIG. 14a is a perspective view from above of an insert storage unit of the test system of FIG. 12, shown in more detail and fully loaded with inserts;
  • FIG. 14b is a perspective from above of the storage cassette of FIG. 14a, shown partially loaded with inserts;
  • FIG. 15a is a perspective view from above of the insert gripping tool of the test system of FIG. 12, shown with the picking head in an unexpanded state;
  • FIG. 15b is a perspective view from above of the insert gripping tool of FIG. 15a, shown with the picking head in an expanded state.
  • the carrier puck of the subject invention combines a number of features that together enable the production of a container holding/transport device having a removable insert and a separate base. By changing out the removable insert, the puck is adaptable for use with containers of different configuration.
  • the carrier puck includes a removable insert (alternatively referred to as "insert”) that includes an insert cavity and an upper rim; a base that includes a base cavity for holding the insert; and a spring-loaded coupling that exerts a compression force that draws the upper rim of the insert downward onto the base.
  • the compression force applied by the spring- loaded coupling contributes to positive engagement of the insert and base.
  • the insert comprises an insert sidewall and an insert bottom wall that, together, generally define a cavity, the insert cavity, for holding a container.
  • the insert further comprises an upper rim (alternatively referred to as "insert rim” or “rim”) that extends outward from the insert.
  • the rim generally defines the perimeter of the upper end of the insert.
  • the rim extends outward from the insert sidewall.
  • the rim may be continuous or may include one or more gaps or regions of discontinuity, i.e., the rim may be discontinuous.
  • the rim includes one or more container easement areas to assist in maneuvering a container into the insert.
  • Container easement areas may take the form of concavities or indentations in the rim that reduce the clearance height of the puck.
  • the rim includes a downwardly extending skirt (alternatively referred to as (“rim skirt").
  • rim skirt may extend downward from the rim as a full skirt; alternatively, the skirt may extend downward from one or more portions of the rim.
  • one or more container support arms may extend upward from the insert rim and/or insert sidewall.
  • the insert is provided with first and second support arms positioned on opposing sections of the insert rim and/or insert sidewall.
  • inserts may be desirable to taper or otherwise configure the insert sidewall and, when present, features such as support arms, to enable the inserts to be stacked or nested one within the other.
  • Providing inserts that are able to be stacked or nested aids in their organization and handling in a changeover system.
  • the base comprises a base sidewall and a base bottom wall that, together, generally define a cavity, the base cavity, for holding the removable insert.
  • the base has a perimeter (the "base perimeter") that, in one embodiment, is generally defined by the base sidewall.
  • the base sidewall In an orientation where the upper end of the base is at the top and the lower end of the base is at the bottom, the base sidewall is, in one embodiment, generally parallel to the central vertical axis (CVA) of the base.
  • the base sidewall is of varying height; i.e., the sidewall is higher in some places and lower in other places.
  • the height of the base sidewall at a given location is commonly the vertical distance between the top of the base sidewall and the bottom of the base sidewall.
  • the base sidewall may have a stepped or castellated appearance.
  • the base sidewall includes an upper end (in one embodiment, such upper end is an upper edge).
  • the configuration of the upper end of the base sidewall and the insert rim may be such that the components fit together in complementary fashion, i.e., the insert rim mates with the upper end, in one embodiment the upper edge, of the base sidewall.
  • Providing a base sidewall of varying height and a mating insert rim, particularly a rim, at least a portion of which includes a downwardly extending skirt, may assist in aligning the insert with the base and, particularly when the base sidewall is of varying height, may contribute to a robust insert/base attachment.
  • the spring-loaded coupling may take a variety of configurations.
  • the spring-loaded coupling comprises a fastener that engages with the insert through aligned apertures of, respectively, a feature of the insert (alternatively referred to as the "aperture-bearing insert feature”) and a feature of the base (alternatively referred to as the "aperture-bearing base feature").
  • the aperture of the aperture-bearing insert feature is alternatively referred to as the
  • the aperture-bearing feature of the insert is the insert bottom wall.
  • the aperture-bearing feature of the insert is an appendage that extends below the insert bottom wall, such as, for example, a ledge or shelf that extends beneath the underside of the insert bottom wall.
  • the insert aperture is located in what is generally the center of the insert bottom wall or other insert-bearing feature; alternative configurations in which the insert aperture is offset from the center of the insert bottom wall are also possible. For purposes of alignment, the location of the insert aperture is generally dictated by the location of the base aperture.
  • the aperture-bearing feature of the base is a platform in the base cavity.
  • the base aperture is alternatively referred to as the "platform aperture".
  • the platform may extend upward from the base bottom wall and/or inward from the base sidewall.
  • the platform is interior to the base sidewall and below the upper end thereof.
  • a portion of the platform is integral with the base sidewall.
  • the platform may be formed as one or more ledges that project inward from the base sidewall.
  • the platform is positioned in what is generally the center of the base perimeter. In one embodiment, the platform is closer to the top end of the base than it is to the bottom end of the base.
  • the platform generally defines a space that opens into the bottom of the base. In one embodiment, the platform forms a portion of the base bottom wall. In one embodiment the platform comprises a platform top wall and a platform sidewall.
  • one or more of the aperture-bearing features includes a recess in which the aperture thereof is located.
  • the recess may, for example, be provided as a depression, concavity, hollow, or sink in such feature.
  • the recess of the aperture-bearing insert feature is alternatively referred to as the "insert recess”; the recess of the aperture- bearing base feature is alternatively referred to as the “base recess" or, when the aperture- bearing feature of the base is a platform, the "platform recess".
  • the aperture-bearing feature of the base includes a downwardly extending collar proximate to the base aperture; such collar may be an extension of a base recess.
  • an aperture-bearing platform may include a downwardly extending platform collar proximate to the platform aperture.
  • the aperture-bearing feature of the insert may include a downwardly extending collar proximate to the insert aperture; such collar may be an extension of an insert recess.
  • the coupling comprises (a) a fastener that includes an upper locking member and a lower stop, wherein a portion of the fastener below the upper locking member extends downward into the insert aperture and a portion of the fastener above the lower stop extends upward into the base aperture; and (b) a spring, wherein the spring is positioned over the fastener above the lower stop, and is compressed between the aperture-bearing feature of the base and the lower stop.
  • the aperture-bearing feature of the base is stationary in relation to the spring, and the fastener is able to be moved upward or downward in relation to the aperture-bearing features of the base and insert.
  • the spring may also be compressed, but to a lesser extent, in an unlocked configuration.
  • the spring-loaded coupling includes one or more washers proximate to the spring; the inclusion of washers may aid in extending coupling life.
  • the coupling is captive on the base.
  • the upper locking member of the fastener engages with the insert via a locking ridge proximate to the insert aperture, the locking ridge optionally including a locking niche that assists in securing the upper locking member to the locking ridge.
  • the coupling is able to be engaged from beneath the base or from beneath an aperture-bearing feature of the base, to unlock or lock the insert with the base.
  • the base includes a platform that includes a platform aperture and the insert includes an insert aperture that aligns with the platform aperture
  • the coupling comprises: (a) a generally tubular housing that includes a lower stop
  • a portion of the housing above the lower stop extends upward from beneath the platform into the insert aperture
  • the spring is positioned over the tubular housing above the lower stop and below the platform.
  • the housing and shaft engage with one another to form an assembly, the coupling assembly, which can be moved upward and rotated as a single unit to lock or unlock the insert with the base.
  • the puck includes components that may be molded from plastic materials.
  • Plastic materials that may be considered for molding puck components include, for example, polyacetal, polyamide, polyarylate, polyarylsulfone, polyolefin, polyester, butadiene-styrene and acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymers, and the like.
  • Moldable components include the base, removable insert and one or more parts of the coupling. Material selection depends factors that include the configuration of a component and the mechanical and/or physical requirements thereof, e.g., hardness, impact strength, modulus, flexural strength, dimensional stability, chemical and/or heat resistance and the like, as well as requirements relate to mold design and/or mold fill.
  • the material employed in the base of the puck will typically need to provide sufficient toughness and impact strength to withstand the collision forces and other requirements of an automated production line, it may be desirable that the material from which the insert is fabricated is more elastic and flexible, with tactile characteristics that enable it to better grip a container.
  • the use of thermoplastic resins is of particular interest.
  • the insert and/or base are fabricated from a polyolefin such as, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • the puck may be configured for use with containers for a variety of consumer, commercial, industrial and institutional products.
  • Non-limiting examples of such products are personal care products, household care products, beverages and other foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, automotive products, marine products, veterinary products, industrial products, and the like.
  • the puck is adaptable to many sizes and configurations, depending upon factors that include, for example: the dimensions, configuration and weight of the container the puck is intended to hold; the material the container is intended to hold and the fill volume thereof; the center of gravity of the container and its contents; and production line considerations, including, for example, line bends, curves, gradients, drops, discontinuities, speeds, collision forces, guide rail dimensions, and the like, as well as puck positioning, transport and handling requirements related thereto.
  • the puck comprises a base having a length of from 50mm to 300mm and a width of from 50mm to 300mm. In another embodiment, the puck comprises a base having a length of from 70 to 200 mm and a width of from 50 to 200mm. In yet another embodiment, the puck comprises a base having a length of from 80 to 150mm and a width of from 50 to 120mm. In yet another embodiment the puck comprises a base having a length of from 90 to 150mm and a width of from 70 to 1 10mm. Larger or smaller base dimensions are possible, depending upon the containers with which the pucks are to be used. In one embodiment, the base has a generally rectangular perimeter.
  • the subject invention is directed to an insert changeover system that comprises a plurality of carrier pucks according to the subject invention.
  • Insert changeover systems may utilize different sets of inserts, i.e., sets of inserts of different cavity configuration.
  • the changeover system includes a first set of inserts having a first cavity configuration and a second set of inserts having a second cavity configuration different from the first cavity configuration.
  • the insert changeover system further includes at least one insert changeover unit.
  • the changeover unit may be part of a designated station to which the puck is routed for insert changeover; alternatively the changeover unit may be configured as an in-line component that does not require diversion of the puck to a designated station for insert replacement, i.e., an in-line changeover unit.
  • Multiple changeover units are particularly advantageous in automated operations that employ large numbers of carrier pucks.
  • the insert changeover unit comprises a puck holder that engages with the base for insert removal and replacement.
  • the puck holder engages with the sidewall and/or bottom wall of the base of the puck.
  • the insert changeover unit includes a coupling release tool that engages the coupling to unlock or unlock the insert from the base.
  • the coupling release tool engages the coupling from beneath the base to unlock and lock the insert with the base.
  • the coupling release tool engages the coupling from beneath an aperture-bearing feature of the base.
  • the coupling release tool is part of the puck holder.
  • the coupling release tool includes a head or bit that engages with the coupling, moves the coupling upward, and rotates the coupling to a position where it locks or unlocks the insert to the base.
  • an automated control such as, for example, a stepper motor, may be used to control the operation of the coupling release tool.
  • the coupling release tool may extend upward from below the puck holder to engage the coupling and may retract downward into the puck holder when not in use.
  • the changeover system further includes at least one insert gripping tool, more particularly, a robotically controlled insert gripping tool, to engage with the insert and lift the insert onto and/or off the base.
  • the insert gripping tool may be provided as part of a changeover unit or may be routed to the changeover unit by a robotically controlled device. Multiple robotically controlled insert gripping tools are particularly advantageous in automated operations that employ large numbers of carrier pucks.
  • the coupling may be engaged in synchronous manner with insert placement or removal. More particularly, as the coupling is being engaged by the coupling release tool, an insert gripping tool may be in place and engaged with the insert. This is of assistance in reducing insert changeover times, particularly in systems where insert changeover is frequent.
  • the inclusion of an insert recess and/or downwardly extending insert collar provides a site of access for an insert gripping tool to engage with the insert.
  • Pneumatic grippers, vacuum grippers, and mechanical grippers are examples of insert gripping tools for lifting the insert onto or off the base.
  • Pneumatic grippers include, but are not limited to, pneumatic picking heads.
  • a pneumatic picking head may include a bellows that can be inserted into and expanded in the insert such that the expanded bellows conforms to an interior surface of the insert.
  • Mechanical grippers include, but are not limited to, tools with mechanically expandable fingers, or other picker configurations.
  • a vacuum gripper employs suction to engage with the insert.
  • the inset changeover system of the present invention optionally includes at least one insert storage unit on which inserts may be stacked shelved, or otherwise housed.
  • An insert storage unit may be of assistance with respect to the storage, organization and/or deployment of inserts. Replacement inserts may be held in the inset storage unit prior to being routed to a changeover unit. It is also a place to which inserts removed from a puck may be routed for storage, whether directly following their removal, or after undergoing one or more maintenance operations such as, for example, cleaning or inspection. Carousels, cassettes, and racks are but a few of the configurations that an insert storage unit may take.
  • the insert storage unit includes a height adjustable carriage on which inserts are stacked in layers.
  • Carriage height may be controlled by an automated device such as, for example, a stepper motor.
  • the insert changeover system may further comprise one or more insert routers.
  • the insert router may be an inbound router that conveys a replacement insert to a changeover unit from, for example, an insert storage unit, or an outbound router that conveys an insert removed at the changeover station to an insert storage unit or other desired site, e.g., a cleaning and/or inspection station.
  • the inbound router and outbound router may be the same or separate devices.
  • the insert router may, for example, comprise a robot gantry or other automated track, frame or transport structure.
  • the insert router may further include at least one mobile holder, for example, a carriage or trolley, onto which an insert is loaded for transport.
  • the insert router may be equipped with a plurality of such mobile holders.
  • an insert gripping tool is part of the mobile holder.
  • puck 10 includes base 20, removable insert 60, and coupling 100.
  • Puck 10 has an upper end 16 and a lower end 18.
  • Base 20 has an upper end 36 and a lower end 38, and insert 60 has an upper end 66 and a lower end 68.
  • Base 20 includes base sidewall 22, platform 24 and base bottom wall 26.
  • Base sidewall 22 forms what is generally the perimeter of base 20; from a top plan view, such perimeter is generally rectangular in shape with eased corners.
  • Base sidewall 22 is shown as having a pair of opposing short walls sections and a pair of opposing wall sections.
  • Base sidewall 22 includes upper end 40 and upper edge 42.
  • Base sidewall 22 and base bottom wall generally form base cavity 73 for holding an insert.
  • Platform 24 extends upward from base bottom wall 26 and includes platform sidewall 27, platform top wall 28, platform recess 30, and platform aperture 50. In FIG 3, platform 24 is shown to include platform collar 56 that extends downward from platform recess 30.
  • bottom wall collar 25 is shown to extend downward from base bottom wall 26.
  • the inclusion of a bottom wall collar may be helpful in holding, positioning and/or orienting a puck.
  • base sidewall 22 includes grip ports 86, guide ridges 92 and orientation slots 94.
  • Grip ports may provide a point of access for an automated claw or similar implement to engage with and move the puck from one location to another.
  • the presence of guide ridges is of particular interest when the production line includes guide rails in one or more regions thereof.
  • the guide rails are a pair of opposing rails or bars that the puck fits between.
  • Orientation slots may provide another site for gripping, holding and/or positioning the puck.
  • the base of a puck optionally includes one or more bumpers.
  • the bumpers may function as end-piece and may be integral with or extensions of the base sidewalk In one embodiment, bumpers positioned on opposing sections of the base sidewall as one or more leading bumper and one or more trailing bumpers.
  • the bumpers may be aligned such that when a plurality of pucks are facing end-to-end on a production line, the trailing bumper of a leading puck engages with the leading bumper of a trailing puck.
  • the bumpers are fabricated of a shock absorbing material such as an elastomeric resin or rubber. The inclusion of bumpers, particularly when fabricated of a shock absorbing material, may help to reduce line noise.
  • base sidewall 22 is shown as including bumpers 88.
  • the base includes a holder, not shown, for a radio-frequency identification detection (RFID) chip.
  • RFID chip can be used to incorporate information about a container that a puck holds. In use, it may serve as an identifying or tracking tag that allows for the wireless identification or monitoring of a container/puck in a production line.
  • Insert 60 is shown to include insert sidewall 62 and insert bottom wall 64 in which is located insert recess 83.
  • Insert cavity 60 includes insert cavity 74.
  • Insert recess 83 includes insert aperture 84. As illustrated the inclusion of insert recess 83 allows the upper end of coupling 100 to be recessed in a manner that avoids interference with a container.
  • insert recess is shown to include locking ridge 96 and locking niche 97.
  • passage area 87 is present on insert aperture 84; in the illustrated embodiment, passage area 87 is configured as a pair of opposing slots, only one of which is visible in such view.
  • Insert 60 further includes upper rim 80 which extends outward of insert sidewall 62.
  • Upper rim 80 includes rim skirt 82.
  • Upper rim 80 is shown to angle into insert cavity 74 and to include container easement areas 81 .
  • one or more projections may extend outward from an exterior surface of an insert cavity, for example from the insert sidewall and/or insert bottom wall. The inclusion of such features may help brace, stabilize and/or support the insert in the base.
  • Projections 54 are shown to extend outward from insert sidewall 62. When insert 60 is attached to base 20, projections 54 engage with corresponding supports 98, shown as corner supports that extend inward from base sidewall 22 and upward from base bottom wall 26.
  • one or more spacers may extend downward from the insert bottom wall.
  • spacers may extend downward from the insert bottom wall.
  • the inclusion of spacers allows for a gap between the insert bottom wall and the platform; such gap may be of assistance in separating the removable insert from the base.
  • the insert includes one or more drainage holes (not illustrated). Drainage holes may assist in removing product that misses or overflows from the container during filling. Where periodic washing or rinsing is part of a puck's maintenance regimen, drainage holes may be an aid to drying. When drainage holes are present, the insert cavity may be configured to channel overflow into such holes.
  • the puck is equipped with a detection post.
  • a detection post may serve as an aid to determining the arrival of a puck at a processing station and/or otherwise monitoring puck position.
  • a container support arm may, in some embodiments, also function as a detection post.
  • a detection post extends upward from the insert rim and/or insert sidewall.
  • a detection post may be included on the base. As illustrated in FIG. 2a, detection post 99 extends upward from rim 80 of insert 60.
  • Puck 10 includes coupling 100 that fastens insert 60 to base 20. Coupling 100 includes shaft 102, housing 110, and spring 120.
  • Shaft 102 includes upper shaft ledge 106, upper locking member 112 (shown as opposing lugs 112a and 112b that extend outward of upper shaft ledge 106) and lower shaft ledge 107 (shown as opposing ledge sections 107a and 107b).
  • Housing 110 has an upper end 113 and a lower end 101.
  • Housing 110 includes lower stop 108.
  • housing 110 and shaft 102 form coupling assembly or fastener 124, with upper shaft ledge 106 engaging with upper end 113 of housing 110 and lower shaft ledge 107 engaging with lower end 101 of housing 110.
  • spring 120 is positioned between lower stop 108, and platform 24. Spring 120 exerts a compressive force on lower stop 108 that draws upper rim 80 downward on base 20 and, more particularly, draws upper rim 80 downward on base sidewall 22.
  • spring 120 is shown as a torsional spring.
  • Bottom 118 of lower stop 108 includes first housing channel 109 and second housing channel 111 , such channels are shown as generally perpendicular to one another, with first housing channel 109 dividing bottom 118 into opposing sections 118a and 118b, shown as chamfered.
  • Lower shaft ledge 107 is shown to include shaft channel 121 . As illustrated, shaft channel 121 is aligned with second housing channel 111 .
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 show puck 10 with a different insert (insert 60-1 ).
  • puck 10 is shown in an assembled configuration holding container 200.
  • insert 60-1 includes container support arms 85.
  • FIG. 12 is a simplified view of a test system that includes elements of one embodiment of an insert changeover system according the present invention.
  • changeover system 300 includes: changeover unit 340, shown together with puck 10; insert router 310, configured as a robot gantry having mobile holder 320 that includes insert gripping tool 400; and insert storage unit 330, shown as including storage cassettes 332a and 332b.
  • Changeover 340 is shown in greater detail in FIG 13 holding insert 10 which, in such view, includes insert 60-2.
  • changeover unit 340 includes puck holder 342, coupling release tool 350, and stepper motor 360.
  • Storage unit 330 is shown in greater detail in FIGS.14a and 14b.
  • storage unit 330 includes cassette 332 and control unit 338, shown as a stepper motor.
  • Cassette 332 includes height adjustable carriage 334 on which inserts 60-2 are stacked in layers.
  • FIG. 14a cassette 332 is shown fully loaded with inserts; in FIG. 14b cassette 332 is only partially loaded.
  • height adjustable carriage 334 maintains the uppermost layer 605 of inserts 60-2 at a constant height.
  • FIGS. 15a and 15b show gripping tool 400 in further detail.
  • insert gripping tool 400 includes a pneumatic picking head 410, which includes bellows 420, shown in a non-expanded state in FIG.
  • FIGS. 1 1 a and 1 1 b Block diagrams of two different embodiments of puck routing in relation to the operation of the changeover system are shown in FIGS. 1 1 a and 1 1 b.
  • Example A puck as generally shown by the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2a was produced.
  • the puck was tested for bottle stability using a swinging pendulum test rig that mimicked collision impact. Robustness and function of the puck were tested using a single head robotic test bed that was run over tens of thousands of cycles to replicate insert insertion and removal. Additionally, the puck was tested in a captive, non-commercial trial on a high speed production line that incorporated the features of bottle loading, labelling, filling, capping and bottle unloading. The puck was found to perform effectively in such testing.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une palette de support (10), laquelle palette comprend un élément rapporté amovible (60) qui comprend une cavité (74) pour maintenir un récipient (200) et un rebord supérieur (80); une base (20) qui comprend une cavité (73) pour maintenir l'élément rapporté; et un accouplement à ressort (100) qui exerce une fore de compression qui tire le rebord supérieur de l'élément rapporté vers le bas sur la base de la palette; et un système de changement d'élément rapporté (300) pour cette palette de support.
PCT/EP2017/054949 2016-03-15 2017-03-02 Palette de support et système de changement d'élément rapporté pour une palette de support WO2017157687A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201662308414P 2016-03-15 2016-03-15
US62/308414 2016-03-15

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WO2017157687A1 true WO2017157687A1 (fr) 2017-09-21

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8695791B2 (en) 2009-09-04 2014-04-15 Flexlink Components Ab Carrier puck
US20140301916A1 (en) * 2011-12-28 2014-10-09 Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation Holder for transferring test tube
JP5659780B2 (ja) 2010-12-22 2015-01-28 日本電気株式会社 コンピュータ、コア割り当て方法およびプログラム

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8695791B2 (en) 2009-09-04 2014-04-15 Flexlink Components Ab Carrier puck
JP5659780B2 (ja) 2010-12-22 2015-01-28 日本電気株式会社 コンピュータ、コア割り当て方法およびプログラム
US20140301916A1 (en) * 2011-12-28 2014-10-09 Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation Holder for transferring test tube

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