GB2341374A

GB2341374A - Article handling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2341374A
Application number: GB9819876A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Bennett
Original assignee: Ishida Europe Manufacturing Ltd
Current assignee: Ishida Europe Manufacturing Ltd
Priority date: 1998-09-11
Filing date: 1998-09-11
Publication date: 2000-03-15
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-11
Also published as: JP2000095340A; GB2378933B; GB0228283D0; GB2378933A; GB9819876D0; GB2341374B

Abstract

Two packing machines 2 feed articles 4 onto outer ends 6 of respective ones of two feed conveyors 8 which convey them to an outlet conveyor 10. There are control means for controlling the operation of the feed conveyors (40, Figure 5) and/or the packing machines 2 so that the discharging of articles by the feed conveyors onto the outlet conveyors 10 is staggered. The packing machines 2 may include discharge device, eg. a vacuum pick-up device 20 for discharging articles onto the feed conveyors under the control of the control means. The two feed conveyors 8 may be disposed in line, on opposite sides of the outlet conveyor 10 for conveying articles 4 in opposite conveying directions from respective outer end region to the outlet conveyor 10.

Description

2341374 ARTICLE HANDLING APPARATUS The present invention relates to an

article handling apparatus, more particularly apparatus for combining articles discharged from multiple packaging apparatus into a single output stream.

GB 1587715 describes a known arrangement for forming a single stream of articles from a series of parallel streams. Four substantially identical packaging machines form and fill pouches containing a product and discharge these pouches onto respective output conveyors. At a first marshalling station the four streams of pouches on the output conveyors are converged into two parallel streams and then, at a second marshalling station, these two streams are combined únto one. Each is marshalling station has pairs of vertically opposed upper and lower rollers, one pair for each stream. Downstream of the paired rollers, to either side of a conveyor on which the pouches are carried, there are two vertically disposed belts which converge in the downstream direction.

In use, the paired rollers of this known arrangement accelerate the pouches onto the downstream conveyor. The timing of this acceleration is controlled to give a desired spacing between pouches in adjacent streams so that they can be converged by the downstream side belts without the pouches colliding with one another.

2 A general aim of the present invention is to provide a new and useful article handling apparatus for converging multiple streams of packages discharged from respective packaging machines into a single output stream.

In a first aspect the present invention provides an article handling apparatus comprising outlet conveyor means, first and second conveyor means for conveying packages from respective outer end regions to said outlet conveyor means, first and second packaging means arranged for discharging packages onto said respective outer end regions for conveyance by said first and second conveyor means to said outlet conveyor means, and control means for controlling the operation of the packaging means so that the discharging of packages onto the outlet conveyor means from said first and second conveyor means is staggered so that packages are not overlapped on the outlet conveyor means.

Thus, in contrast to the known arrangement described above in which the packaging machines are operated at the same nominal speed but independently of one another, the present proposal is to control the packaging means themselves, for example to operate out of phase with one another, to provide the desired staggered output onto the outlet conveyor means. Advantageously, this obviates the need for complicated control arrangements downstream of the packaging means, such as seen in GB 1587715, and it becomes possible to utilize 3 simple, conventional and relatively inexpensive conveyor means.

In a further development, it is proposed that the first and second conveyor means are disposed in line on respective different sides of the outlet conveyor means and are arranged for conveying packages in opposite conveying directions. This arrangement of the conveying means can lead to a considerable reduction in the floor space required in a factory for the article handling apparatus. Preferably, this arrangement is used in conjunction with the above-described control of the packaging means, but it may also be useful in systems in wihch the desired staggering of the packages is achieved, if necessary, in an alternative manner, for example by controlling the operation of the first and second conveyor means.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides an article handling apparatus comprising outlet conveyor means for conveying packages in a first conveying direction, first and second conveyor means disposed in line on respective different sides of said outlet conveyor means and arranged for conveying packages in opposite conveying directions from respective outer end regions to-said outlet-conveyor means, and first and second.packaging means arranged for discharging packages onto said respective outer end regions for conveyance by said first and second conveyor means to said outlet conveyor means.

4 In either aspect, where the packaging means are to be controlled to provide the staggered output onto the outlet conveyor means, this may be achieved by controlling respective discharge means of the packaging means to discharge the packages onto the outer end regions of the first and second conveyor means at predetermined time intervals.

one preferred form of discharge means that can be controlled in this manner includes a vacuum pick-up device. A package is picked up using a vacuum head of the device, manoeuvred to a position over the outer end region of a respective one of the first and second conveyor means, and then the package is released, by releasing the vacuum, to deposit the package onto the conveyor means. By controlling the timing of the release of the vacuum the discharge of packages onto the conveyor can be controlled in the desired manner.

As an alternative way of controlling the timing of the deposit of packages onto the first and second conveyor means, holding flaps may be used. These flaps are disposed over the outer end regions of the conveyor means, each flap having a holding position in which a package delivered to the flap, for example via a delivery chute or using a vacuum pick-up device, is held on the flap. The flap is tiltable from this holding position to release the package onto the conveyor means, as the flap tilts the package sliding from the flap onto the conveyor means. The timing of the tilting of the flaps, and hence the deposit of the packages onto the first and second conveyor means can be controlled to achieve the desired staggering of the packages discharged onto the outlet conveyor means.

A third alternative way of controlling the discharge from the packaging means onto the outer end regions of the first and second-conveyor means is to use a variable speed conveyor means as the discharge means from each packaging means. Packages can be discharged from the variable speed conveyor means at predetermined time intervals on to the outer end regions by controlling the speed of the variable speed conveyor means.

Irrespective of the manner by which the packages are discharged onto the outer end regions of the first and second conveyor means, it is preferred that each of these conveyor means includes a first conveyor onto which the packages are discharged from the respective packaging means, and a second conveyor from which the packages are discharged onto the output conveyor means. With this arrangement, it is possible to run the first conveyor at a relatively slow speed to aid a smooth transfer of packages from the packaging means onto this conveyor, whilst the second conveyor can be run at a somewhat higher speed to aid discharge onto the outlet conveyor means.

Conveniently, a system for ejecting faulty packages may be incorporated in the packaging means.

This ejecting system is preferably arranged to eject the 6 faulty packages before they are discharged onto the first and second conveyor means and may, for example, be incorporated in the discharge means. Any appropriate ejection system can be used, many examples of which are known. Typically, they will include some form of sensor to detect a property of each package, for example its length, weight, the integrity of a seal, etc, and an ejecting means to eject faulty packages detected by the sensor, that is packages which do not meet a desired standard of the property that is sensed.

To help provide a smooth transfer of packages from the first and second conveyor means to the outlet conveyor means and/or to control the timing of this transfer, a drop plate arrangement may be used. The packages are discharged from the first and second conveyor means onto the drop plate when it is in a raised position forming a platform on which the package is held above the outlet conveyor means. The drop plate is then lowered to deposit the package onto the outlet conveyor means. If desired, the timing of this lowering of the drop plate can be controlled, for example to control the spacing of packages on the outlet conveyor means. To facilitate the operation of the drop plate arrangement, the outlet conveyor means may be formed as a multi-strand belted conveyor, the drop plate being formed in a number of sections which can protrude upwardly between the strands of the conveyor.

Embodiments of the invention are described below, 7 by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of an article handling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a section on A-A of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a section on B-B of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a front elevation of an article handling apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 is a front elevation of an article handling apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present ivention; Fig. 7 is a section on C-C of Fig. 6 showing an alternative discharge means; Fig. 8 is a front elevation of a modified version of the apparatus of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 shows, on an enlarged scale, an operating mechanism for a vacuum pick-up device used in the apparatus of Fig. 1; and Figs. 10(a) to (d) are plan views of four further article handling apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

The article handling apparatus of Figs. 1-4 includes two packaging machines 2, for example vertical Form Fill Machines (VFFM) or Horizontal Form Fill Machines (HFFM). These machines discharge packages 4 8 onto the outer ends 6 of respective first and second conveyor systems 8 which convey the packages 4 in opposite conveying directions towards a central output conveyor 10 extending perpendicularly to the first and second conveyor systems 8.

Each of the first and second conveyor systems 8 includes two continually running conveyor belts; a first belt 12 onto which the packages are discharged from the packaging machine 2, and a second belt 14 from which the packages are discharged onto the outlet conveyor 10. The first belts 12 are driven at a relatively slow speed to allow a smooth transfer of packages from the packaging machines. The packages are then transferred to the second belt 14, which runs at a faster speed to ensure a reliable transfer onto the outlet conveyor 10.

This two-belt arrangement may not be necessary in all cases. For example, it may be possible to have a single, relatively fast running belt, which nevertheless allows for smooth transfer of packages from the packaging machine and onto the outlet conveyor.

To transfer the packages from the first and second conveyor systems 8 to the outlet conveyor 10 a drop plate 16 is used in combination with a multi-strand belt conveyor as the outlet conveyor. The drop plate 16 is located below the outlet conveyor 10, between the first and second conveyor systems 8. It is vertically displaceable to a raised position 18 in which discrete platform sections of the drop plate protrude upwardly 9 between the strands of the outlet conveyor 10 to provide a platform raised above that conveyor onto which a package can be discharged from either the first or second conveyor system 8.

Once a package has arrived on the drop plate 16, it is lowered, typically a few milliseconds after the package arrives, to retract the platform elements below the outlet conveyor 10 thus depositing the package onto that conveyor to be carried away.

If desired, this drop plate transfer of the packages can be used to control the spacing between packages on the outlet conveyor 10, by controlling the timing of the lowering of the drop plate 16 and thus the timing of the deposit of packages on the outlet conveyor.

The presence of a bag on the drop plate 16 may be detected, for example by a photocell. This detection of the package can be used to trigger the operation of the drop plate 16.

In some cases, the drop-plate can be dispensed with, in which case it is not essential that the outlet conveyor be multi-stranded. If no drop plate is used, the speed of the fast belts 14 is preferably sufficient to propel the packages from the end of the belt to hit the opposite wall of a well 18 in which the outlet conveyor 10 is positioned between the first and second conveyor systems 8. This can help to orientate any packages that are not correctly aligned on the first and second conveyor systems 8.

The discharge of packages from the packaging machines 2 onto the outer ends of the first, slow belts 12 is carried out by a controllable discharge device, in this case a vacuum pick-up device 20. As best seen in Fig. 3, once the packages have been formed and sealed they are fed into a chute 22. At the lower end of the chute they are retained by an upturned lip 24 in a holding location 26 from which they are picked up by a vacuum pick-up head 28 of the discharge device. The head then transports the package to a position over the outer end 6 of the respective first belt 12 and the vacuum is released to drop the package onto the belt.

The operation of the two pick-up heads, one at each packaging machine, in particular the timing of the release of the vacuum, is controlled in synchronism so that packages are discharged alternately, preferably with equal spacing, onto the outlet conveyor 10. In the present example, where the first and second conveyor systems 8 are the same length, assuming they are also run at the same speed, the vacuum pick-up heads 28 will be run 180' out of phase with one another to achieve the desired discharge timing.

As seen in Fig. 3, the chute 22 comprises a reject flap 30 at its lower end. Normally this is in the position seen in Fig. 3, to catch the packages as they slide down the chute 22. If, however, a faulty package 32 is detected, for example it is detected that the package is too long or too heavy, the reject flap 30 is pivoted downwards to allow the package to fall from the chute 22.

Fig. 9 shows a possible operating mechanism for moving the vacuum pick-up head 28 to transfer packages 4 from the holding position 26 at the bottom of the chute 22 to the first belt 12. This is a cam and lever mechanism 34 used to drive a lever arm 36 carrying the vacuum pick-up head 28 in a reciprocal manner between the two desired positions. When the head is in position over the holding position 26 the vacuum is switched on to pick up a waiting package 4. The head is then swung into position over the respective conveyor belt 12 and the vacuum switched off at the appropriately determined time to release the package 4 onto the belt 12 for discharge onto the outlet conveyor 10 at the desired moment.

To achieve the synchronised operation of the two discharge devices 20, their operating mechanisms can be directly, mechanically linked. Alternatively, they can be separately driven, the two drives being controlled in synchronism from a central processing unit. In the latter case, positional feedback is preferably provided to the processing unit, for example using a sensor to detect rotation of the lever arm 36 on which the vacuum head 28 is carried.

Turning to Fig. 5, the apparatus shown is similar in many respects to that of Figs. 1-4 and so will not be described in detail. In this apparatus, however, the means for discharging packages from each packaging 12 machine includes a variable speed, controllable belt 40.

Packages to be discharged from-the packaging machine are placed onto this variable speed belt 40, for example by a vacuum pick-up device or directly from a chute, and the speed of the belt 40 is controlled to discharge packages onto the outer end 6 of the first belt 12 of the respective conveyor system 8 at a predetermined time to achieve the desired staggering of packages on the outlet conveyor. Thus, the two variable speed belts 40 can be controlled in synchronism to discharge packages alternately at regular intervals onto the respective conveyor systems 8, from where they are discharged onto the outlet conveyor 10.

Figs. 6 and 7 show a further alternative discharge device. Here the device comprises a holding flap 42 positioned above the outer end 6 of the first belt 12. A package can be delivered to this holding flap 42, when it is in a generally horizontal position, to be held above the first belt 12. The flap 42 can then be tilted, allowing the package to slide off onto the first belt 12. The timing of the tilting of the holding flaps 12 of the packaging machines can be controlled in synchronism to provide the desired staggered discharge of packages onto the outlet conveyor 10.

To deliver packages to each holding flap 42, a vacuum pick-up head may be used, or alternatively a chute 44 can deliver the packages directly to the flap 42 (see Fig. 7).

13 Fig. 8 shows a modified version of the apparatus of Fig. 6. Here, rather than the packages being transferred directly to the holding flap 42 from the packaging machine, an intermediate conveyor system 46 is used to transfer packages from the packaging machine to a discharge position, from which they are transferred onto the holding flap 42 by a vacuum pick up device 48.

The invention is not limited to arrangements employing only two packaging machines. Three, four, five or more packaging machines may be arranged in accordance with the present invention to discharge packages at controlled time intervals to be combined into a single outlet stream in which the packages are not overlapped. Figs. 10(a) to (d) illustrate several such arrangements.

is Their operation is similar to the apparatus already described, a central controller being provided to control operation of discharge means associated with each packaging machine 50.

The various apparatus described can allow difficult products to be packed at high speed, by integrating a plurality of slow, efficient, inexpensive packaging machines (WFMs or HFFMs for example) into one high speed system, allowing capital equipment costs to be kept low. The arrangements described also enable good factory floor space utilization.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the invention is not limited to the arrangements specifically described, and various modifications are possible without --I 14 departing from the scope of the invention. For example, one or more of the belts in the system, for example the first, slow belt of each conveyor system, may be used as the weighing belts of a check weighing device, further reducing the floor space needed for a complete system.

i is

Claims

1. An article handling apparatus comprising:

outlet conveyor means; first and second conveying means for conveying packages from respective outer end regions to said outlet conveyor means; first and second packaging means arranged for discharging packages onto said respective outer end regions for conveyance by said first and second conveyor means to said outlet conveyor means; and control means for controlling the operation of the packaging means so that the discharging of packages onto the outlet conveyor means from said first and second conveyor means is staggered so that packages are not is overlapped on the outlet conveyor means.

2. An article handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said outlet conveyor means conveys packages in a first conveying direction; and said first and second conveyor means are disposed in line on respective different sides of said outlet conveyor means and are arranged for conveying packages in opposite conveying directions from said respective outer end regions to said outlet conveyor means.

3. An article handling apparatus comprising:

outlet conveyor means for conveying packages in a 16 first conveying direction; first and second conveyor means disposed in line on respective different sides of said outlet conveyor means and arranged for conveying packages in opposite conveying directions from respective outer end regions to said outlet conveyor means; and first and second packaging means arranged for discharging packages onto said respective outer end regions for conveyance by said first and second conveyor means to said outlet conveyor means.

4. An article handling apparatus according to claim 3 including control means for controlling the operation of the packaging means and/or the first and second conveyor means so that the discharging of packages onto the outlet conveyor means from said first and second conveyor means is staggered so that packages are not overlapped on the outlet conveyor means.

5. An article handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein each said packaging means includes a discharge means for discharging said packages onto said respective outer end region, said discharge means being controlled by said control means to provide said staggered discharge of said packages onto said outlet conveyor means.

6. An article handling apparatus according to claim 17 5, wherein each said discharge means includes a vacuum pick up device for transferring a package to a position over said respective outer end region and thereafter releasing the package onto said outer end region, said control means controlling the operation of both said pick up heads to release packages onto said outer end regions at predetermined time intervals to provide said staggered discharge onto said outlet conveyor means.

7. An article handling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each said discharge means includes a tiltable holding flap above said respective outer end region, said flap having a holding position in which a package delivered to said flap is held on it above said outer end region, and being tiltable from said holding position to release said package onto said outer end region, said control means controlling the tilting of both said holding flaps to release packages onto said outer end regions at predetermined time intervals to provide said staggered discharge onto said outlet conveyor means.

8. An article handling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each said discharge means includes a variable speed conveyor means from which packages are discharged onto said respective outer end region, said control means controlling the speed of both said variable speed conveyor means to discharge packages onto said outer end regions at predetermined time intervals to provide said 18 staggered discharge onto said outlet conveyor means.

9. An article handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second conveyor means each comprise a first conveyor onto which said packages are discharged from a respective packaging means, and a second conveyor from which said packages are discharged onto said output conveyor means, said second conveyor conveying said packages at a greater speed than said first conveyor.

10. An article handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including sensing means associated with each packaging means for sensing a predetermined property of each package and means for ejecting from said article handling apparatus faulty packages which do not meet a desired standard of said property, said ejecting means being arranged to eject said faulty packages before they are discharged onto said first or second conveyor means.

11. An article handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including a drop plate for transferring said packages from said first and second conveyor means to said outlet conveyor means, said drop plate being moveable from a raised position for receiving a package from either of said first and second conveyor means and in which said received package is held above 19 said outlet conveying means, to a lowered position to deposit the received package on the outlet conveyor means.

12. A method of operating article handling apparatus having outlet conveyor means, first and second conveyor means for conveying packages from respective outer end regions to said outlet conveyor means, and first and second packaging means arranged for discharging packages onto said respective outer end regions for conveyance by said first and second conveyor means to said outlet conveyor means; the method comprising controlling the packaging means so that the discharging of packages onto the outlet conveyor means from said first and second conveyor means is staggered so that packages are not overlapped on the outlet conveyor means.

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