MXPA00003278A - Container handling system - Google Patents

Abstract

A container handling system (10) comprises a first belt conveyor (14), an air bed conveyor (16) adjacent the outlet (34) of the first belt conveyor (14), a second belt conveyor (18) adjacent the outlet (54) of the air bed conveyor (16), a pattern forming apparatus (110) including first and second partitions (114) defining therebetween a lane (118), a top cover (154) slidably positionable over the air bed conveyor (16) and over a portion of the pattern forming apparatus (110), and an alignment mechanism (170). The lane (118) has an inlet (138) positioned over the air bed conveyor (16) and an outlet (142) positioned over the second belt conveyor (18). The top cover (154) is movable along the direction of flow of containers (C) between covered and uncovered positions. The top cover includes a solid portion (158), and a perforated portion (162) allowing air to flow therethrough. The alignment mechanism (170) aligns the top cover (154) relative to the pattern forming apparatus (110) when the top cover (154) is in the covered position.

Description

CONTAINER HANDLING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to the apparatus for loading containers and more in particular, to the apparatus for loading circular containers arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The invention also relates to the apparatus for arranging circular containers in a honeycomb pattern.

RELATED PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Empty containers and cans of traditionally 340.2 gr drinks are generally transported to canneries or bottlers on loading platforms. The individual layers of cans on pallets are commonly arranged in a honeycomb pattern, ie, in parallel rows and spliced with alternating row containers with the radius of one container being offset relative to the containers of the remaining rows. The cans are normally adjusted to the pattern of the cargo conveyor. Various methods and apparatuses for arranging cans in a honeycomb pattern on a loading platform are known. See, for example, the patent of E.U.A. No. 2,949,179, published to Busse on August 16, 1960; and patent of E.U.A. Do not. 4,834,605, published to Jerred on May 30, 1989. Another known method for arranging cans in a honeycomb pattern is to provide fences or guide rails on opposite sides of the conveyor and then allow the cans to be "stacked" on the conveyor and form them. same the honeycomb pattern. This method is known as "pattern self-training".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A problem with some conventional container handling systems is that the systems only include conventional belt conveyors which transport containers at a lower speed than other types of conveyors, such as air bed conveyors. Another problem with some conventional container handling apparatuses is that the use of an air bed conveyor in the pattern forming apparatus, especially while transporting containers through the descending portion of the pattern forming apparatus and toward the sweeping apparatus , causes that the pattern of the containers is less organized and more easily interrupted. Another problem even with some conventional container handling systems is that the top cover is not easily movable so that the air bed conveyor and the portion of the pattern forming apparatus under the top cover are not easily accessible to correct any malfunction or blocking. An additional problem with some conventional container handling systems is that the top cover does not include any alignment mechanism to ensure that the top cover is properly positioned during transportation operations. Another problem with some conventional container handling systems is that the top cover assembly does not include the multiple flow configuration, limiting the operation of the air bed conveyor and the pattern forming apparatus portion placed under the assembly of the supepor cover. The invention provides an apparatus for forming generally circular containers in a honeycomb pattern. The pattern forming apparatus includes a plurality of spaced apart divisions generally extending in the direction of flow of the container and dividing the upper surface of the conveyor into a plurality of rails each having an amplitude slightly greater than the diameter of a container. Preferably, the divisions are strips of metal sheet placed at the end and having a height greater than the height of a container. The metal strips are supported on the upper surface of the conveyor by suitable means. For example, the stripes may be suspended from a frame extending over the upper surface of the conveyor.

The divisions direct the containers as they are transported so that the containers are spliced on previously formed rows to form successive rows of containers. The pattern-forming apparatus actually "places" a container in each position of a honeycomb pattern, so that you get a pattern without gaps. In one embodiment, the invention provides a container handling sm comprising a fluid conveyor, a belt conveyor adjacent to the fluid conveyor, and a pattern forming apparatus including a first division and a second division defining a rail between each other. . The rail has an inlet placed on the fluid conveyor and an outlet positioned on the belt conveyor. The fluid conveyor transports the containers to the rail entrance and to the belt conveyor. The conveyor belt transports the containers from the exit of the lane. Preferably, the first division includes a straight portion and an angular portion, and the angular portion is positioned on the band conveyor. In addition, a substantial portion of the straight portion is placed on the belt conveyor. In other words, the first and second divisions are configured so that the rail has a straight portion and an angular portion, and the angular portion and a substantial portion of the straight portion of the rail are positioned on the web conveyor. In another embodiment, the invention provides a container handling sm that includes a first belt conveyor, an air bed conveyor adjacent to the first belt conveyor and a second belt conveyor adjacent to the air bed conveyor. The first belt conveyor transports the containers to the air bed conveyor, the air bed conveyor transports the containers to the second A belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor carries the containers at the exit of the second belt conveyor. In another embodiment, the invention provides a container handling apparatus that includes an bed conveyor and an upper cover selectively positioned on the bed conveyor. The upper cover is movable along said flow direction of the containers ^ 10 between a covered position, in which the bed conveyor is covered and an uncovered position. Preferably, the top cover is slidable in a direction opposite to the direction of flow from the covered position to the uncovered position. In addition, the container handling system further includes a support assembly for movably supporting the top cover. The support assembly includes a first and a second support rail generally oriented parallel to said flow direction, and a first and second bearing elements respectively supported on the lateral edges of the upper cover. The bearing elements move the 20 support rails movably. In a further embodiment, the invention provides an alignment mechanism for aligning the top cover relative to the pattern formed apparatus when the top cover is positioned on the bed conveyor. Preferably, the alignment mechanism includes a slot defined in the top cover and an alignment element resting on the pattern forming apparatus and positioned in the slot to align the top cover relative to the pattern forming apparatus. In addition, the top cover preferably includes a solid portion and a perforated portion that allow from the bed conveyor to flow therethrough. The slot is defined in the perforated portion of the top cover. An advantage of the present invention is that the use of the bed conveyor to move containers to the pattern forming apparatus and through the rising portion of the pattern forming apparatus takes advantage of the high speed of the bed conveyor. Another advantage of the present invention is that the use of a downstream conveyor of the bed conveyor to transport the containers through the descending portion of the pattern forming apparatus and the sweeping apparatus allows the pattern of the containers be better trained and maintained. Another advantage of the present invention is that the assembly of the top cover is easily movable so that the bed conveyor and the portion of the pattern forming apparatus under the top cover are easily accessible. As a result, any malfunction or blockage can be easily corrected and operations can be quickly summarized. A further advantage of the present invention is that the upper cover assembly has an alignment mechanism for cooperating with the pattern forming apparatus to ensure that the top cover is properly positioned during transportation operations. Another advantage of the present invention is that the multiple flow configuration through the upper cover assembly provides for increased operation of the bed conveyor and the portion of the pattern forming apparatus positioned below the upper cover assembly. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to the detailed description, claims and drawings below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top view of a container handling system that modalizes the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a container handling system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view taken generally along the line 3--3 in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a view taken generally along the line 4-4 in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a view taken generally along line 5-5 in Figure 3; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the container handling system shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a side view of the portion of the container handling system shown in Figure 6 with portions cut away; Figure 8 is a top view of a portion of the container handling system shown in Figure 1; Figure 9 is a view taken generally along the line 9-9 in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a view taken generally along the line 10-10 in Figure 1; Figure 11 is a view taken generally along line 11-11 in Figure 10. Before a mode of the invention is explained in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the invention. construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other modalities and of being practiced or performed in different ways. In addition, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used in it is intended to describe and should not be considered as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY A container handling system that modalizes the invention is illustrated partially in the drawings. The system loads layers of generally circular objects, preferably beverage cans of 340.2 gr. However, it should be understood that the invention has other uses in addition to loading and is applicable to other objects and to other sizes and types of containers. For example, the system of the present invention could be used to adjust plastic containers or cans of other sizes to the pattern. The container handling system includes (see Figures 1 and 2) a conveyor assembly 10 having a longitudinal axis and a generally horizontal upper surface. The conveyor assembly 10 receives a stream of containers C in mass from a metering conveyor (not shown), arranges the containers C in a pattern without gaps and transfers the fitted containers C to a loader (not shown). The conveyor assembly 10 includes a first belt conveyor or riser conveyor 14, a fluid conveyor, such as an air bed conveyor 16 and a second belt conveyor or descending conveyor 18. A frame 20 supports the conveyors 14, 16 and 18. Generally, the external parallel guide rails 22 form side walls for the conveyors 14, 16 and 18. The guide rails 22 are supported in an adjustable manner by the frame 20 so that the width of the guides can be adjusted. conveyors 14, 16 and 18.

The riser conveyor 14 includes (see FIGS. 1-3) a conveyor belt 26 having an inlet or upstream end. and an exit or descending end 34. In this section, the containers C are transported in the flow direction 12 from the inlet end 30 to the outlet end 34 in a disorganized and mismatched arrangement. As shown in Figure 3, at the exit end 34 of the upward conveyor 14, a transfer plate 42 is placed to receive the containers C of the ascending conveyor belt 26. The containers C are forced through the conveyor plate. transfer 42 to the air bed conveyor 16 by back pressure of the containers C running from the ascending conveyor belt 26. The air bed conveyor 16 includes (see FIGS. 2-4) an inlet or rising end 50 that is located downstream of the transfer plate 42 and exit or descending end 54. The containers C are accelerated from the transfer plate 42 through the air bed conveyor 16 in the downward direction of the flow 12 in a further discussed manner. ahead. The air bed conveyor 16 includes (see FIGS. 3-4) a base plate 58 having a plurality of openings 62 formed therein. The openings 62 extend through the base plate 58 to allow the passage of fluid, such as pressurized air, through them. As shown in Figure 4, the thickness of the base plate 58 tapers towards an end 66 near the exit end 54 of the air bed conveyor 16.

The air bed conveyor 16 further includes (see Figures 2-4) a plenum bed 70 located below the base plate 58. The plenum bed 70 communicates with a source of fluid or pressurized air to provide the fluid or air. through the openings 62 in the base plate 58 for transporting containers C through the section of the air bed conveyor 16. As described below more fully, the air bed conveyor 16 includes a high section. pressure 74 near the inlet end 50 of the air-bed conveyor section 16 and a low-pressure section 78 descending the high-pressure section 74. The down-band conveyor 18 includes (see FIGS. 2 and 4) a band conveyor 90 having an inlet or upstream end 94 located downstream of the outlet end 58 of the air bed conveyor 16 and having an outlet or downstream end 98. As described below In a more complete manner (see FIG. 1), as the containers C pass along the down-band conveyor 18, the containers C are formed in a pattern P and transferred by a descending conveyor belt 90 to the loading apparatus (FIG. not shown). The loading apparatus receives a pattern P from the containers C of the conveyor assembly 10. The loading apparatus includes means (not shown) for moving a layer of the fitted containers C on a loading platform (not shown) or on a sheet separator (not shown) located on top of a previously deposited layer (not shown) of containers C. The loading apparatus further includes an elevator or hoists (not shown) for lowering the magazine so that the top of the magazine or the upper part of the previously deposited layer of containers C is even with the upper surface of the band conveyor 90. This arrangement is known in the art and will not be described in greater detail. However, it must be understood that other loading devices can be used. The container handling system further includes (see Figures 1 and 8-11) a pattern forming apparatus 110. The pattern forming apparatus 110 may be in the manner described in the US patent. No. 4,834,605, published to Jerred and which is incorporated herein by reference. Generally, pattern forming apparatus 110 includes (see Figure 1) a pair of central divisions 114 extending generally parallel to the flow direction 12 and forming a central single-row rail 118 therebetween. The pattern forming apparatus 110 further includes a plurality of outer divisions 122 each having a straight upward portion 126 which extends generally parallel to the flow direction 12 and an angular downward portion 130 which extends at an angle toward in the direction of center rail 118. Angular descending portions 130 of outer divisions 122 may be arched or straight. The alignment elements 132 (see FIGS. 8-11) are supported in each of the divisions 114 and 122, for the reasons described below. As shown in Figure 1, the single-lane external lanes 134 are formed between the adjacent external divisions 122 and between an outer division 122 and an adjacent central division 114. The single-lane lanes 118 and 134 can accommodate only containers C in a single fixed. Each division 114 and 122 has an ascending end 138 and a descending end 142. A number of the ascending ends 138a extends more upwardly than the adjacent ascending ends 138b. The multiple row lanes 146, capable of accommodating containers C in multiple rows positioned laterally, are formed between adjacent rising ends 138a. The pattern forming apparatus 110 includes (see 1 and 8-11) a support member 150 which is movably supported by the frame . In this way, the pattern forming apparatus 110 can be replaced with another pattern forming apparatus (not shown) having a different configuration in division and / or rail. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, a hybrid type conveyor configuration is provided under the pattern forming apparatus 110 which includes both the air bed conveyor 16 and the falling web conveyor 18. The forming apparatus of pattern 110 is positioned so that the upstream ends 138 of the partitions 114 and 122 are positioned on a portion of the conveyor bed of air 16 with lanes multiple 146 rows and a rising portion of the rails of a single row 118 and 134 on the air bed conveyor 16. Further, the pattern forming apparatus 110 is positioned such that the remaining descending portion of the single row rails 118 and 134 are positioned on the conveyor belt 90 of the falling web conveyor 18. A substantial portion of the straight ascending portion 126 of the outer divisions 122 extends to the section of the descending conveyor 18, and the descending portions 130 are placed on the conveyor section down strip 18 on the conveyor belt 90. As shown in Figure 1, the containers C flow through the forming apparatus pattern 110 as follows: the containers C flowing from the inlet end 50 of the conveyor bed of air 16 flowing into multiple rows rails 146. the containers C are then transported by conveyor 16 to air bed rails a single row 118 and 134. in this point, the containers C between the straight flow of external divisions 126 122. containers C rising portions pass through the straight portions 126 and through upward rails 118 and 134 and transferred to the downstream conveyor 18. the containers C are transported by the conveyor belt 90 through the remainder of the straight portion of the rails 118 and 134. The conveyor belt 90 tra It then supplies the containers C through the angular descending portions 130 of the external divisions 122. As described in the patent of E.U.A. No. 4,834,605, at the outlet of the pattern forming apparatus 110, a spliced P pattern without gaps is formed. The conveyor belt 90 transports the containers C to a sweeping apparatus 152 and keeps the containers C in the pattern P as the containers C are transported. The conveyor assembly 10 further includes (see figures 1-3 and 5-11) an assembly of top cover 154. Upper cover assembly 154 includes (see FIGS. 8 and 9) an upper cover 156 having a solid portion 158 and a perforated portion 162. Perforated portion 162 is supported on the downward end of solid portion 158 and has openings 166 that extend therethrough to allow passage of some amount of air flowing from the air bed conveyor 16 to pass through the top cover 156. As explained below, the configuration of air flow provided by the solid portion 158 and the perforated portion 162 improves the flow of containers C through the air bed conveyor 16. At the downward end From the perforated portion 162, longitudinal grooves 170 are formed (see FIGS. 8 and 10). These slots 170 accommodate the vertical built alignment 132 supported and which extend over the divisions 114 and 122 of forming apparatus pattern 110. The top cover 156 is movable between a first position or closed position (shown in solid lines in Figures 1 and 2) and a second open position or position (shown in imaginary lines in Figures 1 and 2). The upper cover 156 is preferably axially slidable between the first and second positions. To accommodate the sliding of the upper cover 156 between the open end and closed positions, the upper cover assembly 154 includes (see Figures 5-11) a pair of support rails 174 supported on the frame 20 and extending parallel to the flow direction 12. A plurality of bearing assemblies 178 are supported on the rails 174 and support the opposite sides of the solid portion 158 of the top cover 156. The bearings 178 rotate along the support rails 174 to provide movement of the top cover 156 between the first and second positions. The upper cover assembly 154 further includes (see Figures 1-3) an operator handle 182 for use in moving the top cover 156 between the first and second positions. When the top cover assembly 154 is in the first position or closed position, the top cover 156 extends over a portion of the descending end 34 of the riser conveyor 14. The top cover 156 also extends over the transfer plate 42 and a portion of the rising end 50 of the air bed conveyor 16. In this position, the solid portion 158 of the top cover 156 is placed over the high pressure section 74 of the air bed conveyor 16. In this area, the containers C move at a high speed downwardly toward the low pressure section 78 of the air bed conveyor 16. When the top cover assembly 154 is in the first position, the perforated section 162 of the top cover assembly 154 is extends over a portion of the rising ends 138 of the divisions 114 and 122 of the pattern forming apparatus 110. The grooves 170 formed at the descending end of the perforated portion 162 are scored with the alignment elements 132 resting on the divisions 114 and 122.

When the top cover assembly 154 is in the second position, the top cover 156 moves in an upward direction opposite to the flow direction 12 on the rails 174. The top cover 156 is moved so that the portions are previously discovered covers of air bed conveyor 16 and pattern forming apparatus 110. In the second position, any container C in the now discovered section is accessible to correct for any malfunction, such as a container C inclined or blocked. Other diverse characteristics of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (20)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A container handling system comprising: a fluid conveyor having an inlet and an outlet: a belt conveyor having an inlet adjacent said inlet of said fluid conveyor, and an outlet; and a pattern forming apparatus including a first division and a second division defining a rail therebetween, said rail having an inlet positioned on said fluid conveyor and an outlet positioned on said web conveyor; wherein the containers are received in said inlet of said fluid conveyor, wherein said fluid conveyor transports the containers towards said entrance of said rail and said entrance of said belt conveyor, wherein said conveyor belt transports the containers from said exit of said lane.

2. The container handling apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that said first division includes a straight portion and an angular portion oriented at an angle in relation to said straight portion, and wherein said angular portion is positioned on said angle portion. said belt conveyor.

3. - The container handling apparatus according to claim 2, further characterized in that a substantial portion of said straight portion is placed on said belt conveyor.

4. The container handling apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that said first division and second division are configured such that said rail has a straight portion and an angular portion oriented at an angle relative to said straight portion. , and wherein said angular portion of said rail is positioned on said web conveyor.

5. The container handling apparatus according to claim 4, further characterized in that a substantial portion of said straight portion of said rail is placed on said belt conveyor.

6. The container handling apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises an upper cover assembly positioned on said air bed conveyor and on a portion of said pattern forming apparatus.

7. The container handling apparatus according to claim 6, further characterized in that it comprises an alignment mechanism for aligning said upper cover assembly in relation to said pattern formed apparatus.

8. The container handling apparatus according to claim 7, further characterized in that said alignment mechanism includes a longitudinal slot defined in said upper cover assembly, and an alignment element supported by said first division, and wherein said Alignment element is positioned in said groove to align said upper cover assembly in relation to said pattern forming apparatus.

9. A container handling apparatus comprising: a first belt conveyor having an inlet and an outlet; an air bed conveyor having an inlet adjacent said outlet of said first band conveyor and an outlet; and a second belt conveyor having an inlet adjacent said outlet of said air bed conveyor and an outlet; where the containers are received in said entrance of Said first belt conveyor, wherein said first belt conveyor transports the containers to said air bed conveyor, wherein said air bed conveyor transports the containers to said second belt conveyor, wherein said second belt conveyor. transports the containers to said outlet of said second conveyor 15 of band.

10. The container handling apparatus according to claim 9, further characterized in that said pattern forming apparatus. • includes a descending portion placed on said second belt conveyor, where the containers are transported by said second conveyor. 20 conveyor belt through said descending portion of said pattern forming apparatus and from said output of said pattern forming apparatus towards the pattern and wherein said second belt conveyor transports the containers in the pattern to said output of said second conveyor of band.

11. The container handling apparatus according to claim 9, further characterized in that it comprises a top cover assembly positioned on said air bed conveyor.

12. A container handling apparatus comprising: an air bed conveyor for transporting containers in a flow direction; and a top cover selectively positioned on said air bed conveyor, said top cover being movable along said flow direction between a covered position, in which said air bed conveyor is covered, and an uncovered portion. .

13. The container handling apparatus according to claim 12, further characterized in that said upper cover is movable in a direction opposite said flow direction from said covered position to said open position.

14. The container handling apparatus according to claim 12, further characterized in that said upper cover slides • between said covered position and said discovered position.

15. The container handling apparatus in accordance with the 20 claim 12, further characterized in that said top cover has opposite first and second side edges, wherein said container handling system further comprises: a frame supporting said air bed conveyor; and a support assembly for movably supporting said top cover, said support assembly includes first and second support rails supported by said frame and generally oriented to said flow direction and first and second bearing elements respectively supported on said side edges First and second opposite said upper cover f 5, said first and second bearing elements meshing movably with said first and second support rails, respectively.

16. A container handling system comprising: an air bed conveyor for transporting containers in a flow direction; an apparatus for forming the containers in a pattern, said apparatus The pattern former includes an ascending portion placed on said air bed conveyor; a top cover placed on said air bed conveyor and on at least said ascending portion of said pattern forming apparatus; and an alignment mechanism for aligning said top cover relative to said pattern forming apparatus when 15 said upper cover is placed on said air bed conveyor.

17. The container handling apparatus according to claim 16, further characterized in that said alignment mechanism F includes a slot defined in said upper cover and an alignment element supported on said pattern forming apparatus, and wherein said The alignment element is positioned in said slot to align said upper cover relative to said pattern forming apparatus.

18. The container handling apparatus according to claim 17, further characterized in that said upper cover is movable along said direction running between a covered position, wherein said air bed conveyor and at least said portion Ascending said pattern forming apparatus is covered, and an uncovered position, f and wherein, as said upper cover moves from said uncovered position 5 to said covered position, said alignment element meshes with said slot to align said upper cover.

19. The container handling apparatus according to claim 17, further characterized in that said upper cover includes a solid portion and a perforated portion that allows the air of ffc 10 air bed conveyor to flow therebetween, and wherein said slot is defined in said perforated portion of said top cover.

20. A container handling system comprising: an air bed conveyor for transporting containers in a flow direction; a belt conveyor positioned adjacent to said 15 air bed conveyor for transporting articles in the direction of flow; and a top cover placed on said air bed conveyor, said The upper cover includes a solid portion and a perforated portion that allows air from said air bed conveyor to flow therebetween, said upper cover being movable in relation to said air bed conveyor. 20 air so that a portion of said upper cover is located on said belt conveyor.