Gripping assembly for handling containers

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a gripping assembly (100) for handling containers and related methods of using the gripping assembly. The clamping assembly includes a shaft (102) configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The clamp assembly also includes a clamp coupled to the first end of the shaft. The gripper includes at least two rollers (108) configured to move to a first position to extend radially beyond a periphery of the gripper, and to move radially from the first position to extend to align with or inside the periphery of the gripper.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of invention patent application No. 202080041667.X filed on June 3, 2020.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62,857,996, filed on June 6, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of equipment for container processing systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a clamping device for clamping an open end of a container. Background Art

[0005] Mechanical production lines for container manufacturing typically have multiple mechanical devices that perform various processing steps during container formation. The mechanical equipment has different various gripping devices or systems for gripping the container. For example, the arrangement has a cup, a belt or a toothed rotating claw for engaging the container. However, these existing gripping devices or systems have the potential for slippage and / or may generate dust (e.g., small particles of the container), which may interfere with subsequent processing steps.

[0006] While addressing other problems associated with existing clamping devices and systems, it would be desirable to have a better way to clamp containers that would reduce or eliminate slippage, dust, or both. Summary of the invention

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a clamping assembly for operating a container with an opening. The clamping assembly includes a shaft configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The clamping assembly also includes a clamp located at a first end of the shaft, which is configured to at least partially fit within the opening of the container. The clamp includes at least two rollers and a cam having at least two cam surfaces. Each of the at least two rollers is configured to (i) engage the inner surface of the opening of the container and the cam surface of the at least two cam surfaces when the shaft rotates in the first direction, and (ii) disengage the inner surface and the cam surface of the opening against the container when the shaft rotates in the second direction.

[0008] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a gripper assembly for manipulating a container. The gripper assembly includes a shaft configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The gripper assembly also includes a gripper coupled to a first end of the shaft. The gripper includes at least two rollers configured to move to a first position to radially extend beyond the periphery of the gripper, and to move radially from the first position to extend to align with or inside the periphery of the gripper.

[0009] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a spindle assembly for operating a container. The spindle assembly includes a rotating ball spline and a clamping assembly connected to the rotating ball spline. The clamping assembly includes a shaft configured to translate and rotate based on the rotating ball spline. The clamping assembly also includes a clamp connected to the first end of the shaft. The clamp is configured to fit at least partially within the opening of the container. The clamp includes at least two rollers and a cam having at least two cam surfaces. Each of the at least two rollers is configured to (i) engage the inner surface of the opening of the container and the cam surface of the at least two cam surfaces when the shaft rotates in a first direction, and (ii) disengage the inner surface and cam surface of the opening of the container when the shaft rotates in a second direction. The spindle assembly also includes a first drive mechanism configured to translate the clamping assembly and a second drive mechanism configured to rotate the clamping assembly.

[0010] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a mechanical device having a support plate configured to rotate. The support plate includes at least one spindle assembly connected thereto. At least one spindle assembly is configured to process a container and includes a rotating ball spline; a clamping assembly connected to the rotating ball spline, the rotating ball spline being configured to translate and rotate; a first drive mechanism configured to transfer translational motion to the clamping assembly; and a second drive mechanism configured to transfer rotational motion to the clamping assembly. The mechanical device also includes a reverse rotating plate and a fixed belt, the reverse rotating plate being configured to contact the second drive mechanism to transfer rotational motion to the second drive mechanism in a first direction, and the fixed belt being configured to contact the second drive mechanism to transfer rotational motion to the second drive mechanism in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0011] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method for trimming a container. The method includes inserting a gripper at least partially into an opening of the container. The gripper has at least two rollers and a cam having at least two cam surfaces. Each roller of the at least two rollers corresponds to a corresponding cam surface of the at least two cam surfaces. The method also includes rotating the gripper in a first direction so that the at least two rollers engage the inner surface of the container opening and the at least two cam surfaces. The method also includes trimming the container by applying at least one cutting device to the container as the container engages the at least two rollers and rotates with the gripper. The method also includes, when the trimming is completed, rotating the gripper in a second direction that is substantially opposite to the first direction so that the at least two rollers disengage from the inner surface of the container opening. The method also includes withdrawing the gripper from the opening of the container.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following specification, appended claims, and accompanying exemplary embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which will be briefly described below.

[0014] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for clamping a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1B According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1A Side view of the device.

[0016] Figure 1C According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1B Cross-sectional view along line 1C-1C.

[0017] Figure 2A is a side view of inserting and withdrawing a device into and out of a container to grip the container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2B According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2A Cross-sectional view along line 2B-2B.

[0019] Figure 2C According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of line 2C-2C

[0020] Figure 2D According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2A Cross-sectional view of line 2D-2D

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a spindle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a mechanical device having multiple spindle assemblies for processing containers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4B According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4A Another schematic diagram of the mechanism.

[0024] Figure 4C According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4A Detailed drawing of a part of a mechanical device.

[0025] Figure 4D According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4A A detailed view of another part of the mechanical equipment.

[0026] Figure 4E According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4A A detailed view of another part of the mechanical equipment.

[0027] Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings by way of example and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and substitutes falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] During various processing steps, mechanical devices are needed to handle containers, such as metal cans, glass jars, bottles, containers for food or beverages, any other similar items, etc. The container generally has an open end, an opposite closed end, and a sidewall extending from the open end to the closed end. Alternatively, the container can be open at both ends. The present disclosure provides a gripping assembly configured to handle a container. The gripping assembly reduces or eliminates the sliding and / or dust generation of the container faced by existing equipment for handling containers.

[0029] The clamping assembly includes a clamp at one end of the shaft. The clamp can be at least partially inserted into an opening at a first end of the container. The clamp includes a cam brake roller that engages the inner surface of the opening of the container when the clamp is rotated. Subsequent processing can then be performed on the container. For example, during trimming of excess plastic material and / or removal of domes, the plastic container can be rotated by the clamp, which is just one example. The shaft and clamp can be driven (e.g., rotated) by a system that processes the container during processing.

[0030] Although the embodiments described below are directed to removing excess plastic from plastic containers, the gripper assembly can have a variety of other applications, such as any application that requires processing containers with cylindrical or similar openings. The gripper assembly described herein can also be used to process containers made of other materials, including but not limited to metals.

[0031] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B , respectively show a schematic diagram and a side view of a clamping assembly 100 for clamping a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The clamping assembly 100 includes a shaft 102 having a first end 102a and a substantially opposite second end 102b. The shaft 102 can be formed of any material commonly used in mechanical devices, such as steel, aluminum, another metal, and combinations thereof. Although shown as a cylinder with a substantially circular cross-section, the shaft 102 may alternatively have a variety of other shapes and cross-sections, such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, etc. As shown below in Figure 3-4E As discussed further in , shaft 102 connects clamp assembly 100 to a mechanical device at second end 102b.

[0032] The holder 104 is connected to the first end 102a of the shaft 102. The size and shape of the holder 104 are configured to be inserted into the open end of a container (discussed below). The cross-sectional profile of the holder 104 is generally approximately the same as the opening of the container in which it is used (e.g., circular). However, the holder 104 can have various other suitable profiles without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] The gripper 104 includes a cam 106, a plurality of gripper rollers 108 that engage the cam 106 at a plurality of cam surfaces 110, and a plurality of grooves 112. In one or more embodiments, the cam 106 can be formed of any material commonly used for mechanical devices, such as steel, aluminum, another metal, and combinations thereof. In one or more alternative embodiments as discussed below, the cam 106 can be formed of one or more elastic materials, such as rubber, to help grip the container. In one or more embodiments, the cam 106 can be formed of one or more non-elastic materials, such as steel, and the cam surface 110 can be formed of one or more elastic materials, such as rubber. For example, the cam surface 110 can be one or more inserts fixed to the cam 106.

[0034] The rollers 108 may be formed of any material commonly used in mechanical devices, such as steel, aluminum, another metal, and combinations thereof. In one or more alternative embodiments, as discussed below, the rollers 108 may alternatively be formed of an elastic material, such as rubber, to help grip the container. The rollers 108 are arranged generally vertically and are located within and between the grooves 112. The rollers 108 are guided by the grooves 112 and are configured to roll along and between the grooves 112. Pins 116 extend from the top and bottom of the rollers 108 and fit within the grooves 112. The pins 116 help guide the rollers 108 as the rollers 108 move within the grooves 112. The corresponding rollers 108, cam surfaces 110, and grooves 112 may be spaced generally evenly around the gripper 104.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the first end 104a of the holder 104 includes a guide 118. The guide 118 facilitates inserting the holder 104 into the container opening. The guide 118 includes an edge 120 ( Figure 1B ), the edge 120 can contact the container and guide the container and / or the holder 104 to be properly aligned to insert the holder 104 into the container opening. The edge 120 can be generally rounded, chamfered, tapered, or include any other geometric shape or contour that helps the holder 104 to align with the container.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the gripper 104 can include a lip 122 located at a second end 104b generally opposite the first end 104a. The lip 122 can contact an edge of an opening of a container into which the gripper 104 is inserted. Thus, the lip 122 prevents or inhibits the gripper 104 from being inserted too far into the container, such as beyond a position where the roller 108 can engage an inner diameter of the container opening.

[0037] Reference Figure 1C A cross-sectional view of the gripper 104 along line 1C-1C of FIG. B is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The groove 112 is configured adjacent to the roller 108 relative to the periphery 114 of the gripper 104 such that the edge 108a of the roller 108 extends beyond the periphery 114 at the first end 112a of the groove 112 and does not extend beyond the periphery 114 at the second end 112b of the groove 112. This configuration allows the roller 108 to contact the inner surface of the opening of the container when the roller 108 is positioned toward the first end 112a of the groove 112, and allows the gripper 104 to be inserted into the opening of the container when the roller 108 is positioned toward the second end 112b of the groove 112. The cam surface 110 has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the groove 112 such that the roller 108 contacts the cam surface 110 as the roller 108 travels along the length of the groove 112. In one or more alternative embodiments, the cam surface 110 may be arranged relative to the slot 112 such that the roller 108 contacts the cam surface 110 only along a portion of the slot 112. Specifically, in one example, the cam surface 110 may be generally radially positioned and arranged relative to the slot 112 such that the roller 108 contacts the cam surface 110 where the slot 112 is proximate to a periphery 114 of the gripper 104.

[0038] Despite Figure 1C 1, three sets of rollers 108, cam surfaces 110, and grooves 112 are shown, but the gripper 104 can have more or less than three sets of rollers 108, cam surfaces 110, and grooves 112. For example, the gripper 104 can have two, four, five, six, or more sets of rollers 108, cam surfaces 110, and grooves 112, depending on the size of the container opening and / or other characteristics of the container. Some applications of the gripper 104 have more sets of rollers 108, cam surfaces 110, and grooves 112 if, for example, greater clamping strength and / or more clamping contact between the rollers 108 and the inner surface of the opening is required.

[0039] Figure 1CThe gripper 104 is configured as an internal drive gripper. As an internal drive gripper, the cam surface 110 is generally radially inward of the roller 108, and the inner surface of the container opening is radially outward relative to the roller 108. In one or more embodiments, the gripper 104 can alternatively be configured as an external drive gripper. As an external drive gripper, the roller 108 can alternatively contact the outer surface of the container opening. In such an embodiment, the outer surface of the container opening is radially inward relative to the roller 108, and the cam surface 110 is radially outward of the roller 108.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of cam surfaces 110 and the plurality of grooves 112 may be combined such that the plurality of grooves 112 are configured to also serve as the plurality of cam surfaces 110. For example, the radially inner surfaces 112c of the grooves 112 may also serve as the plurality of cam surfaces 110. In this case, the plurality of cam surfaces 110 may be omitted.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of grooves 112 may alternatively be a pair of continuous grooves 112 extending around the gripper 104. For example, there may be a continuous bottom groove 112 and a continuous top groove 112 on opposite sides of the roller 108. In this case, the travel distance of the roller 108 may be limited by the cam surface 110 rather than by each of the first end 112a and the second end 112b of the groove 112, respectively.

[0042] Figure 2A Side views of different non-limiting arrangements 200a-200c between a clamp assembly 100 and a container 202 are shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The container 202 shown is a plastic bottle. However, the container 202 can be a variety of other types of containers (e.g., having different shapes, formed of different materials, etc.), depending on, for example, the intended function of the mechanical device including the clamp assembly 100.

[0043] Reference Figure 2A The starting arrangement shown is the loading arrangement 200a. In the loading arrangement 200a, the gripper assembly 100 is initially positioned above the container 202, wherein the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 of the gripper assembly 100 are generally vertically aligned with the opening 204 of the container 202. In the loading arrangement 200a, the gripper assembly 100 is generally translated downward according to arrow A1, so that the gripper 104 is at least partially inserted into the opening 204 of the container 202 (see arrangement 200b). As the gripper assembly 100 is generally translated downward, the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 are rotated in the direction of arrow A2. The rotation of the gripper 104 in the direction of arrow A2 ensures that the roller 108 is positioned toward the second end 112b of the groove 112, so that the roller 108 does not hinder the gripper 104 from being inserted into the opening 204 of the container 202.

[0044] Figure 2B Shown along Figure 2A 2B-2B is a projected cross-section of the gripper 104 and the container 202 in the loading arrangement. As shown, the roller 108 is retracted toward the second end 112b of the groove 112 and relative to the periphery 114. As shown in the enlarged portion, there is a gap 208 between the roller 108 and the inner surface 206 of the container 202. As the roller 108 is retracted toward the second end 112b of the groove 112, the gripper 104 can be inserted into the opening 204 of the container 202, thereby forming the gap 208.

[0045] Return to reference Figure 2A , the gripper 104 and the container 202 then advance to the drive arrangement 200b, wherein, after the gripper 104 is inserted into the opening 204 of the container 202, the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 are rotated in the direction of arrow A3, which is generally opposite to the direction of arrow A2. The rotation of the gripper 104 in the direction A3 causes the roller 108 to slide along the groove 112 and contact the inner surface 206 of the container opening 204. The continued rotation of the gripper 104 causes the roller 108 to engage the inner surface 206 of the opening 204 and the cam surface 110 at a first position within the groove 112. The first position may be at the first end 112a of the groove 112. Alternatively, the first position may be along the groove 112, but not at the first end 112a. Engagement occurs when the roller 108 is fixed against the inner surface 206. More specifically, engagement occurs when the roller 108 is fixed against the inner surface 206 and the cam surface 110, which causes the gripper 104 to grip the container 202. Upon engagement, the container 202 begins to rotate with the gripper 104 and shaft 102 in the direction of arrow A3.

[0046] Figure 2C Shown along Figure 2A A cross section of the gripper 104 and the container 202 in the drive arrangement 200b is shown at line 2C-2C. As shown, the roller 108 engages toward the first end 112a of the groove 112 and against the inner surface 206 of the opening 204 of the container 202, so that the gap 208 no longer exists.

[0047] Return to reference Figure 2A, when the operation on the container 202 is completed, the drive arrangement 200b is switched to the unloading arrangement 200c to release the container 202. In order to release the container 202, the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 rotate in a direction substantially opposite to the arrow A3, as shown by arrow A4 (similar to the direction of arrow A2). The reverse rotation causes the rollers 108 to disengage from the inner surface 206 of the opening 204 of the container 202. The disengagement of the rollers 108 causes them to lose their grip on the inner surface 206 and release the container 202. The shaft 102 and the gripper 104 can be generally translated upward while rotating to withdraw the gripper 104 from the opening 204, as shown by arrow A5. Alternatively, the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 can be translated upward after they stop rotating and / or release the container 202.

[0048] Figure 2D Shown along Figure 2A 2D-2D is a projected cross-section of the gripper 104 and the container 202 in the unloading arrangement 200c. As shown, the roller 108 is retracted toward the second end 112b of the groove 112 and relative to the periphery 114 to release the container 202. The gap 208 is again located between the roller 108 and the inner surface 206 of the opening 204 of the container 202.

[0049] although Figure 2A The clamping assembly 100 is shown arranged in a vertical direction, other directions are also possible. For example, the clamping assembly 100 can be arranged in a horizontal direction or a direction between the horizontal and vertical directions. Depending on the arrangement of the container within the mechanical device including the clamping assembly 100, other directions can be used.

[0050] Although the present disclosure describes the clamp assembly 100 as translating relative to a fixed container 202, the present disclosure also contemplates that the container 202 can translate relative to the fixed clamp assembly 100. For example, when the clamp assembly 100 remains generally stationary, the container 202 can be located or connected to a device (e.g., a pushing device) that can move the container 202 relative to the clamp assembly 100 (e.g., raise and lower). In addition, the present disclosure also contemplates that the container 202 and the clamp assembly 100 can both translate toward each other. For example, the container 202 can be connected to a pushing device that translates the container 202 relative to the clamp assembly 100, while the clamp assembly 100 also translates toward the container 202.

[0051] The mechanism for causing the clamp assembly 100 to translate generally upward and downward and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise may vary depending on the configuration of the mechanical device comprising the clamp assembly 100. Various configurations of belts, gears, motors, brakes, hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, other similar mechanical structures, and any combination thereof may be used to control the translation and / or rotation of the clamp assembly 100. Figure 3-4E An exemplary but non-limiting structure for a brake clamp assembly 100 is shown in

[0052] Figure 3 1 shows a spindle assembly 300 including the clamping assembly 100 according to an embodiment described herein. The spindle assembly 300 includes a clamping assembly 100 for use in a mechanical device (e.g., as described below with respect to Figure 4A-4E 1 and 10. The components of the inner brake clamp assembly 100 are discussed. One such component is a rotating ball spline 302. The rotating ball spline 302 is connected to the end of the shaft 102 opposite the clamp 104. The rotating ball spline 302 is configured to provide two degrees of motion for the shaft 102 of the clamp assembly 100. According to a first degree of motion, the rotating ball spline 302 allows the shaft 102 to translate generally upward and downward. According to a second degree of motion, the rotating ball spline 302 allows the shaft 102 to rotate generally clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the rotating ball spline 302 is connected to the drive pulley 304. In one or more alternative embodiments, the drive pulley 304 can be directly connected to the shaft 102. The drive pulley 304 is a drive mechanism (e.g., a first drive mechanism) configured to transfer rotation to the clamping assembly 100. The circumference of the drive pulley 304 includes a plurality of racks 312, which can be engaged with, for example, a belt, a gear, or a similar mechanical structure to transfer rotational motion to the drive pulley 304. However, although shown as a plurality of racks, the drive pulley 304 can have other configurations. For example, the drive pulley 304 can be a gear or have some other type of outer surface to transfer rotation to the drive pulley 304.

[0054] Drive pulley 304 is one exemplary embodiment of a drive mechanism configured to transfer rotational motion to clamp assembly 100. Other drive mechanisms configured to transfer rotational motion may be used, such as any type of gears, pulleys, wheels, motors, any combination thereof, etc.

[0055] The second end 102b of the shaft 102 (see Figure 1A-1B ) is connected to a translation wheel 306. The translation wheel 306 is another drive mechanism (e.g., a second drive mechanism), but is configured to impart translational motion to the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 of the clamping assembly 100. As discussed further below, the translation wheel 306 is configured to ride on an undulating surface that causes the shaft 102 to rise and fall, thereby imparting translation.

[0056] The translation wheel 306 is one exemplary embodiment of a drive mechanism configured to translate the clamp assembly 100. Other drive mechanisms configured to cause translational motion may be used, such as any type of gears, pulleys, wheels, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, linear brakes, motors, any combination thereof, etc.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the spindle assembly 300 also includes an anti-rotation bar 308. As discussed further below, the anti-rotation bar 308 is configured to connect the spindle assembly 300 to a mechanical device. As discussed further below, the connection of the anti-rotation bar 308 to the mechanical device or an element within the mechanical device prevents or inhibits the spindle assembly 300 from moving (e.g., rotating and / or translating) during rotation and translation of the shaft 102 and the clamp 104. Although a pair of anti-rotation bars 308 are shown, in one or more embodiments, there may be one, three, four, or more anti-rotation bars 308.

[0058] In embodiments where the clamp assembly 100 is configured to remain stationary (the container is brought toward the clamp assembly 100), the rotating ball spline 302 and the translating wheel 306 may be omitted from the spindle assembly 300. Alternatively, the spindle assembly 300 may have a mechanism configured to only rotate the clamp assembly 100 according to the second angle of motion. For example, the drive pulley 304 may be directly connected to the shaft 102 without the rotating ball spline 302.

[0059] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a mechanical device 400 having a plurality of spindle assemblies 300 for processing containers, such as Figure 2A Container 202. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Another schematic diagram of the mechanical device 400 from a different angle. Figure 4C-4E Detailed views of other parts of the mechanical device 400 are shown.

[0060] The mechanical device 400 includes a main turntable 404 supported by a frame 402. Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 402 includes three legs 402a and a frame plate 402b spanning between the legs 402a. However, it is contemplated that the frame 402 may be Figure 4A and Figure 4B The illustrated frame 402 is different. For example, the frame 402 may be connected to a ceiling or another mechanism (such as a mechanism that drives the main turntable 404, which may have fewer or more legs 402a, or a combination thereof, etc.).

[0061] The main turntable 404 includes a main turntable shaft 406. As discussed further below, the main turntable shaft 406 provides the primary rotational motion of the elements of the mechanical device 400. The main turntable shaft 406 is configured to be connected at a first end 406a to a motor, such as a servo motor (not shown), which rotates the main turntable shaft 406. The main turntable shaft 406 is configured to be connected to the frame plate 402b at a generally opposite second end 406b.

[0062] The main turntable 404 also includes a support plate 408 that holds a plurality of spindle assemblies 300. The support plate 408 is connected to the main turntable shaft 406 and rotates with the main turntable shaft 406. The combination of the main turntable shaft 406 and the support plate 408 enables the elements of the mechanical device 400 (e.g., the spindle assembly 300) to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the spindle assembly 300 is connected to the support plate 408 at the rotating ball spline 302 so that portions of the shaft 102 and the clamp 104 can extend below the support plate 408 and independently rotate and translate relative to the support plate 408. The anti-rotation bar 308 of the spindle assembly 300 is connected to the support plate 408 to stop or prevent the spindle assembly 300 from rotating and translating relative to the support plate 408 when the shaft 102 and the clamp 104 move.

[0063] As shown, the support plate 408 includes six spindle assemblies 300, with the individual spindle assemblies 300 being generally evenly spaced along the periphery of the support plate 408. However, depending on the desired specifications of the mechanical device 400, the support plate 408 may alternatively be configured to hold more or less than six spindle assemblies 300, such as one, two, three, four, five, seven, eight, etc.

[0064] The mechanical device 400 also includes a tension shaft 410 extending downward from the frame plate 402b. At the end of the tension shaft 410 is an idler wheel 412. The tension shaft 410 and the idler wheel 412 support a fixed belt 414 wrapped around the idler wheel 412. The opposite ends of the tension shaft 410 are connected to the frame plate 402b at respective holes 416. The holes 416 determine the position of the tension shaft 410 and the idler wheel 412, which in turn determine the position of the fixed belt 414 around the circumference of the support plate 408. Therefore, there can be multiple holes 416 in the frame plate 402b for controlling the position of the tension shaft 410 and the idler wheel 412.

[0065] like Figure 4C As shown, the retaining belt 414 can be connected at a first end 414a to a joint 415 extending from the frame plate 402b. The retaining belt 414 is a drive mechanism that is configured to contact the drive pulley 304 of the main shaft assembly 300 when the main shaft assembly 300 rotates about the axis of the main turret shaft 406 within the mechanical device 400. The contact between the retaining belt 414 and the drive pulley 304 causes the drive pulley 304 to rotate, which in turn causes the shaft 102 and the clamp 104 to rotate.

[0066] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the retaining belt 414 is located only a portion of the circumference around the support plate 408. Therefore, as the corresponding spindle assembly 300 rotates with the support plate 408 about the main turntable axis 406, the retaining belt 414 causes the drive pulley 304 to rotate only when the corresponding spindle assembly 300 of the drive pulley 304 is adjacent to the retaining belt 414. Therefore, the user can control where along the circumference of the support plate 408 that rotation is imparted on the drive pulley 304 by the retaining belt 414 (i.e., the timing of the retaining belt 414) by positioning the tension shaft 410 and the corresponding idler pulley 412 at selected holes in the plurality of holes 416.

[0067] like Figure 4B and Figure 4D As shown, the substantially opposite second end 414b of the fixed belt 414 can be coupled to a tensioner 418. The tensioner 418 can be any device capable of extending and retracting in length, such as a pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical cylinder. The first end 418a of the tensioner 418 can be connected to the joint 415, and the second opposite end 418b of the tensioner 418 can be connected to the fixed belt 414. The tensioner 418 is configured to adjust the tension of the fixed belt 414 by extending or retracting the second end 418b as needed. The tensioner 418 can also be used to adjust the effective length of the fixed belt 414 required according to the position of the tension shaft 410. For example, the arm 418c of the cylinder can be extended or retracted as needed according to the required length of the fixed belt 414, depending on the number and / or position of the spindle assembly 300 that engages the fixed belt 414. Although the length of the fixed belt 414 is not changed, the length of the fixed belt 414 that can be used to rotate the drive pulley 304 is increased.

[0068] like Figure 4A , Figure 4C and 4E As shown, the mechanical device 400 includes a counter-rotating plate 420. The counter-rotating plate 420 is connected to the main turntable 404, but does not rotate with the main turntable shaft 406. Instead, the position of the counter-rotating plate 420 is stationary within the mechanical device 400 relative to the rotating main turntable shaft 406 and the support plate 408.

[0069] Similar to the fixed belt 414, the reverse rotating plate 420 is configured to contact the drive pulley 304 of the main shaft assembly 300 when the main shaft assembly 300 rotates about the axis of the main turret shaft 406. The contact between the reverse rotating plate 420 and the drive pulley 304 causes the drive pulley 304 to rotate, which in turn causes the shaft 102 and the clamp 104 to rotate. The length of the reverse rotating plate 420 that contacts the drive pulley 304 can be varied depending on how long the reverse rotating plate 420 is required to rotate the drive pulley 304 (i.e., the timing of the reverse rotating plate 420). The timing of the reverse rotating plate 420 is based on the roller 108 disengaging from the inner surface 206 of the opening 204 to release the container 202 from the clamp 104 (see Figure 2A-2C ) is determined by the time taken.

[0070] The fixed belt 414 contacts the driving pulley 304 on the radially outer side, with the axis of the main turntable shaft 406 as a radial reference system. In contrast, the counter-rotating plate 420 contacts the driving pulley 304 on the radially inner side, also with the axis of the main turntable shaft 406 as a radial reference system. Since the fixed belt 414 contacts the driving pulley 304 on the opposite side to the side where the counter-rotating plate 420 contacts the driving pulley 304, the counter-rotating plate 420 causes the driving pulley 304 to rotate in the opposite direction to that of the fixed belt 414. More specifically, the contact between the fixed belt 414 and the driving pulley 304 causes the driving pulley 304 to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation of the main turntable shaft 406, while the contact between the counter-rotating plate 420 and the driving pulley 304 causes the driving pulley 304 to rotate in the same direction as the main turntable shaft 406.

[0071] The mechanism 400 also includes a translation cam 422. The translation cam 422 is connected to the main turntable 404, but does not rotate with the main turntable shaft 406. Instead, the position of the translation cam 422 is stationary within the mechanism 400 relative to the rotating main turntable shaft 406 and the support plate 408.

[0072] The translation wheel 306 of the spindle assembly 300 is configured to contact and travel over the translation cam 422 when the spindle assembly 300 rotates about the axis of the main turret shaft 406 (see, e.g., Figure 4C ). The translating cam 422 may have an uneven top surface 422a that causes the translating wheel 306 to move generally upward and downward as the translating wheel 306 travels over the top surface 422a of the translating cam 422. Alternatively, the translating cam 422 may have one or more elements (e.g., ramps, bumps, nubs, ridges, etc.) on which the translating wheel 306 rides. The generally upward and downward movement of the translating wheel 306 causes the clamping assembly 100 connected to the translating wheel 306 to also translate generally upward and downward.

[0073] The generally upward and downward movement of the translation wheel 306 can be configured to align with the gripper 104 on a container (e.g., Figure 2B The opening of the container 202) (e.g., Figure 2A The position of the uneven top surface 422a or one or more elements on the translating cam 422 that cause the generally upward and downward movement of the translating wheel 306 is determined based on the desired position of the generally upward and downward movement of the translating wheel 306 (i.e., the timing of the translating cam 422). The timing of the translating cam 422 corresponds to the position of the gripper 104 engaging and disengaging the container within the mechanical device 400.

[0074] In embodiments where the gripper assembly 100 is configured to remain stationary (the container is brought toward the gripper assembly 100), the translating cam 422 may be omitted from the mechanism 400. Alternatively, rather than configuring the gripper assembly 100 to translate downwardly toward the container, the container may be brought toward the gripper assembly 100 by a separate mechanism, or may be brought toward the gripper assembly 100 by another component within the mechanism 400, or both.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the primary purpose of the mechanical device 400 may be to trim excess material from the opening of a container. For example, the mechanical device 400 may be configured to trim excess plastic material from a blow molded plastic container. In such an embodiment, the mechanical device 400 includes a cutter 424 (see Figure 4A-4C ). In one or more embodiments, the cutter 424 can be coupled to the support plate 408 and configured to rotate about the axis of the main turntable shaft 406. The cutter 424 can also be configured to rotate about its respective axis to assist in cutting the plastic. Alternatively, the cutter 424 can be configured to remain rotationally fixed about its respective axis and, as discussed in more detail below, cut the plastic based on the rotation of the clamping assembly 100. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the cutter 424 can be within the mechanical device 400 but not connected to the support plate 408. Instead, for example, the cutter 424 can be connected to and extend from one or more legs 402a-402c and contact a plastic container engaged with the clamping assembly 100.

[0076] The process for trimming excess plastic from a plastic container (or any material from a corresponding container, such as metal) begins by placing the container in a designated location within the mechanical device 400. After the container is placed in the mechanical device 400 corresponding to Figure 2A After the spindle assembly 300 is brought to the position of the loading arrangement 200a, the spindle assembly 300 is brought over the container (or is already over the container) so that the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 are generally aligned with the opening of the container. At the same time, or subsequently, the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 are generally translated downward so that the gripper 104 is at least partially inserted into the opening of the container. The translation occurs by the translation wheel 306 leaving the bump or other element of the translation cam 422, so that the translation wheel 306 is generally translated downward.

[0077] Once the gripper 104 is at least partially within the opening of the container, the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 rotate due to the contact between the drive pulley 304 of the spindle assembly 300 and the fixed belt 314. The rotation of the gripper 104 causes the roller 108 to engage the inner surface of the container opening and the cam surface 110. The engagement of the gripper 104 with the container causes the container to rotate in a first direction. Then, one or more cutters 424 can contact the container to trim excess plastic from the opening. As described above, the cutter 424 can be configured to rotate about its axis, or the cutter can be stationary about its axis, and the rotation of the container can help the cutter 424 cut the plastic.

[0078] The container keeps rotating when the drive pulley 304 contacts the fixed belt 414 and when the main shaft assembly 300 rotates around the axis of the main turret shaft 406. Once the main shaft assembly 300 passes the fixed belt 314, the drive pulley 304 stops rotating. Thereafter, the drive pulley 304 contacts the counter-rotating plate 420.

[0079] The counter-rotating plate 420 rotates the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. As described above, the rotation in the second direction disengages the roller 108 from the inner surface of the opening of the container, thereby disengaging the container from the gripper 104. At the same time or thereafter, the translating wheel 306 contacts a ramp, bump or other element on the translating cam 422, which causes the translating wheel 306 to translate generally upward. As a result, the shaft 102 and the gripper 104 also translate generally upward with the translating wheel 306, so that the gripper 104 is withdrawn from the opening of the container. The container can then be removed. When the spindle assembly 300 is positioned above a new container to be trimmed, the translating wheel 306 can then translate in a downward direction, and the process can then be repeated.

[0080] Although the spindle assembly 300 is disclosed as rotating once clockwise and once counterclockwise during a single rotation of the support plate 408, it is conceivable that the spindle assembly 300 can rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise more than once for each rotation of the support plate 408. For example, the spindle assembly 300 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise twice or more in each rotation of the support plate 408. Such an embodiment can be associated with each spindle assembly 300 matching two containers for each rotation of the support plate 408. For such an embodiment, the mechanical device 400 may include, for example, a separate fixed belt 414, a separate counter-rotating plate 420, or both, to cause multiple clockwise and counterclockwise rotations. Alternatively, each discrete rotation of the spindle assembly 300 may include different parts of the same fixed belt 414, different parts of the same counter-rotating plate 420, or both. When rotation is required, the spindle assembly 300 can contact different parts of the same fixed belt 414, different parts of the same counter-rotating plate 420, or both.

[0081] Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof are considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention as set forth in the following claims.In addition, the disclosed concepts expressly include any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the aforementioned elements and aspects.

[0082] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art who read the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims.

[0083] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representing and / or illustrating possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily specific or general examples).

[0084] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "connected," "attached," and the like refer to the connection of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such connection may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such connection may be achieved by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being connected to one another.

[0085] References to the position of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) herein are only used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may be different according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0086] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the mechanical modules and / or mechanical devices as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, the value of parameters, the mounting arrangement, the use of materials, colors, directions, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the element may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity or position of the discrete element may be modified or changed. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered according to an alternative embodiment. The design operating conditions and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments may also be replaced, modified, changed and / or omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A gripping assembly for handling a container having an opening, the gripping assembly comprising: a shaft configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; as well as a holder, located at the first end of the shaft, configured to fit at least partially within the opening of the container, the holder comprising: a cam having at least two cam surfaces; as well as At least two rollers, each of the at least two rollers is configured to engage with the inner surface of the opening of the container and a cam surface of the at least two cam surfaces when the shaft rotates in the first direction, and to disengage from the inner surface of the opening of the container and the cam surface when the shaft rotates in the second direction.

2. The clamping assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least two rollers include three rollers evenly spaced around the clamp.

3. The clamping assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp comprises at least two pairs of grooves, and each of the at least two rollers is configured to be located within and between at least one pair of grooves of the at least two pairs of grooves.

4. The clamp assembly of claim 3, wherein each pair of the at least two pairs of grooves are arranged such that a first end of each groove is closer to a periphery of the clamp than a second end of each groove.

5. The clamp assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least two cam surfaces are arranged such that a first end of each cam surface is closer to a periphery of the clamp than a second end of each cam surface.

6. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp comprises two grooves, and the at least two rollers are configured to be located within and between the two grooves.

7. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least two cam surfaces are arranged such that a first end of each cam surface is closer to a periphery of the clamp than a second end of each cam surface.

8. A gripping assembly for handling a container, the gripping assembly comprising: a shaft configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; as well as a holder coupled to the first end of the shaft, the holder comprising: At least two rollers are configured to move to a first position to extend radially beyond the periphery of the gripper and to move radially from the first position to extend aligned with or inside the periphery of the gripper.

9. A spindle assembly for operating a container, the spindle assembly comprising: Rotary ball spline; A clamping assembly connected to the rotating ball spline, the clamping assembly comprising: a shaft configured to translate and rotate based on the rotational ball spline; and a holder coupled to the first end of the shaft and configured to fit at least partially within the opening of the container, the holder comprising: a cam having at least two cam surfaces; and at least two rollers, each of the at least two rollers being configured to engage with an inner surface of the opening of the container and a cam surface of the at least two cam surfaces when the shaft rotates in a first direction, and to disengage from the inner surface of the opening of the container and the cam surfaces when the shaft rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first drive mechanism configured to translate the clamping assembly; and The second driving mechanism is configured to rotate the clamping assembly.

10. The spindle assembly of claim 9, wherein the first drive mechanism is a translating wheel coupled to the shaft.

11. The spindle assembly of claim 9, wherein the second drive mechanism is a drive pulley coupled to the rotating ball spline.

12. The spindle assembly of claim 9, further comprising a pair of anti-rotation rods coupled to the rotating ball splines.

13. A mechanical device comprising: a support plate configured to rotate, the support plate including at least one spindle assembly coupled thereto, the at least one spindle assembly configured to operate the container and comprising: Rotary ball spline; a clamping assembly connected to the rotating ball spline and configured to translate and rotate; a first drive mechanism configured to impart translational motion to the clamping assembly; and a second drive mechanism configured to transmit rotational motion to the clamping assembly; a counter-rotating plate configured to contact the second drive mechanism to transmit the rotational motion in a first direction to the second drive mechanism; and A fixed belt is configured to contact the second drive mechanism to transmit the rotational movement to the second drive mechanism in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

14. The mechanical device of claim 13, further comprising: A translation cam has an uneven top surface that enables the first drive mechanism to generate the translation motion.

15. The mechanical device of claim 14, wherein the first drive mechanism is a translating wheel connected to the clamping assembly, the translating wheel being configured to travel over one or more elements of the translating cam to produce the translational motion.

16. The mechanical device of claim 13, further comprising: a main turntable shaft configured to rotate the support plate within the mechanical device; The rotation of the main turret shaft causes the second drive mechanism of each main shaft assembly to contact the counter-rotating plate and the fixed belt to transmit the rotational motion in a first direction and a second direction, respectively.

17. The mechanical device of claim 13, wherein the second drive mechanism is a drive pulley connected to the rotating ball spline.

18. The mechanical device of claim 17, wherein the clamping assembly comprises: a shaft configured to translate and rotate based on said rotating ball spline; as well as a holder coupled to the first end of the shaft and configured to fit at least partially within the opening of the container, the holder comprising: a cam having at least two cam surfaces; as well as At least two rollers, each of the at least two rollers is configured to engage with the inner surface of the opening of the container and the cam surface of the at least two cam surfaces when the shaft rotates in the first direction, and to disengage from the inner surface of the opening of the container and the cam surface when the shaft rotates in the second direction.

19. A method of trimming a container through an opening of the container, the method comprising: inserting a holder at least partially into the opening of the container, the holder having at least two rollers and a cam having at least two cam surfaces, each roller of the at least two rollers corresponding to a respective cam surface of the at least two cam surfaces; rotating the gripper in a first direction so that the at least two rollers engage an inner surface of the opening of the container and the at least two cam surfaces; trimming the container by applying at least one cutter to the container as the container engages the at least two rollers and rotates with the gripper; When trimming is completed, rotating the clamp in a second direction opposite to the first direction to disengage the at least two rollers from the inner surface of the opening of the container; as well as The holder is withdrawn from the opening of the container.

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