Filling and conveying system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of filling machines, and discloses a filling conveying system. The filling conveying system comprises a conveying chain and a guide mechanism, the conveying chain is composed of at least two rows of chain plates, each row of chain plates are connected end to end through a plurality of chain plate sections to form a butt joint, and the butt joints of the two rows of chain plates are arranged in a staggered mode in the conveying direction. The guiding mechanism is arranged in front of the butt joint position of one row of chain plates in the conveying direction and used for guiding the container from the chain plate to the other chain plate. Containers are redistributed through staggering at the butt joint and the guide mechanism, the bottle accumulation phenomenon is effectively reduced, container collision and material splashing are avoided, and the space utilization rate and the filling efficiency are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of filling machine technology, specifically to a filling and conveying system. Background Technology

[0002] The conveying system is a crucial component of a filling machine, used to transport containers (such as bottles) to the filling station for filling. Linear filling machines typically employ an intermittent conveying method, where containers stop moving during filling and resume conveying after filling is complete. This intermittent operation can result in lower overall filling efficiency.

[0003] To improve filling efficiency, existing technologies sometimes employ a double-row filling valve arrangement, which involves two conveyor chains arranged side-by-side to fill two containers simultaneously. However, when compatibility with containers of different sizes is required, such as bottles with significant size differences, the double-row conveyor chains need to be wider, resulting in an increase in the overall equipment size and space occupation.

[0004] Conveyor chains are typically formed by connecting multiple chain plate segments end to end. Containers tend to accumulate at the joints between these segments. Especially when the containers are uncapped after filling, the accumulation at the joints can cause impacts and lead to spillage. Conventional conveyor chain arrangements, such as staggered or butt joints, often fail to effectively solve the problem of bottle accumulation at the joints, while also resulting in limited space utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the issues of reducing bottle accumulation at conveyor chain junctions and optimizing space utilization, this invention provides a filling conveying system and a filling machine.

[0006] The first aspect of this invention provides a filling and conveying system, including a conveyor chain and a guiding mechanism. The conveyor chain includes at least two rows of chain plates arranged in parallel, each row consisting of multiple chain plate segments joined end-to-end. The area where the multiple chain plate segments join end-to-end is the docking point. The docking points of the two rows of chain plates are staggered along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain. The guiding mechanism is positioned along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain, before the docking point of one row of chain plates, to guide containers on one row of chain plates to another row of chain plates. By staggering the docking points of different chain plates, a depression across the conveyor chain is prevented, thus avoiding the accumulation of large containers. Combined with the guiding mechanism, small containers can be redistributed in the docking point area, avoiding the docking point, thereby effectively reducing container accumulation and collision at the docking point.

[0007] Optionally, at least two chain plates include a first chain plate and a second chain plate arranged adjacent to each other, the first chain plate having a first mating point and the second chain plate having a second mating point.

[0008] Optionally, the guiding mechanism includes a first baffle and a second baffle. The first baffle extends at an angle to the conveying direction and is positioned before the first docking point. The second baffle extends at an angle to the conveying direction and is positioned after the first docking point and before the second docking point. The angled baffles can smoothly guide the container from one column of chain plates to another, reducing jamming.

[0009] Optionally, the guide mechanism can be detached and mounted above the conveyor chain. This allows the system to flexibly install or remove the guide mechanism according to the operating mode, enhancing adaptability.

[0010] Optionally, the filling and conveying system has a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The first operating mode is suitable for conveying a first container whose size matches the width of the two rows of chain plates. In this mode, the guide mechanism moves outside the conveying path of the conveyor chain. The second operating mode is suitable for conveying a second container whose size matches the width of a single row of chain plates. In this mode, the guide mechanism is installed above the middle of the two rows of chain plates. By switching modes, a single system can efficiently adapt to containers of different sizes, improving the versatility of the equipment and saving space.

[0011] Optionally, a first baffle extends from one side of the first chain plate to the middle of the first and second chain plates, and a second baffle extends from one side of the second chain plate to the middle of the first and second chain plates. This structure helps to smoothly guide small containers to the middle area or the other side of the two chain plates.

[0012] Optionally, a central baffle is also included, which is detachable between the first and second chain plates and extends parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor chain. Installing a central baffle can divide a wider conveyor chain into independent channels when needed to accommodate double-row filling of small containers.

[0013] Optionally, the system also includes a channeling mechanism, which comprises a first angle and a second angle. At the first angle, the channeling mechanism extends parallel to the conveying direction and is positioned close to the side of the second chain plate furthest from the conveyor chain. At the second angle, the channeling mechanism extends at an angle to the conveying direction. The angle of the channeling mechanism is adjustable to accommodate the guiding requirements of containers of different sizes and to balance the load on the conveyor chain.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a filling machine, including the filling and conveying system of any of the above claims.

[0015] Optionally, the filling machine also includes a housing, a filling valve, a horizontal moving mechanism, and a lifting mechanism. The housing has a container inlet and a container outlet, through which the conveyor chain passes. The filling valve is located inside the housing. The horizontal moving mechanism drives the filling valve to move horizontally between two rows of chain plates. The lifting mechanism adjusts the height of the filling valve. The filling valve's horizontal and vertical movement allows it to be precisely positioned to fill containers above different rows of chain plates. Working in conjunction with the switchable conveyor chain, it achieves efficient and compact filling of containers of various sizes. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram (top view) of the filling machine structure provided for the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 A top view of the filling machine provided in the first embodiment of the present invention in the second working mode.

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram (top view) of the filling machine provided in the first embodiment of the present invention in the first working mode.

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the filling and conveying system provided in the first embodiment of the present invention under two working modes (side view of the conveying chain viewed along the conveying direction).

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic diagram (top view) of the joint of the chain plate segments provided in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the filling machine structure provided for the second embodiment of the present invention (side view of the filling machine viewed along the conveying direction).

[0022] Reference numerals: 1-Conveyor chain, 11-First chain plate, 12-Second chain plate, 2-Guiding mechanism, 21-First guiding mechanism, 211-First baffle, 212-Second baffle, 22-Second guiding mechanism, 3-Diamond joint, 31-First docking joint, 32-Second docking joint, 4-Middle baffle, 5-Separating mechanism, 100-Filling machine, 6-Housing shell, 7-Filling valve, 8-Horizontal moving mechanism, 9-Lifting mechanism, 10-Bottle stopping mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] <First Implementation Method> This embodiment provides a filling and conveying system.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the filling and conveying system includes a conveyor chain 1 and a guiding mechanism 2. The conveyor chain 1 includes at least two rows of chain plates arranged in parallel, such as a first chain plate 11 and a second chain plate 12. Each row of chain plates is equipped with an independent drive device, such as a servo motor or a stepper motor with a reducer. When filling small containers, the two rows of chain plates operate independently: while one row of chain plates stops for filling, the other row continues to convey the container, achieving asynchronous operation. The design of dual-row independent chain plates saves more space than traditional double-row conveyor chains. Figure 5 As shown, each column of chain plates is formed by connecting multiple chain plate segments end to end, with the connection area between the chain plate segments being the joint 3. The joints 3 (31, 32) of two columns of chain plates are staggered along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 1. That is, when the first joint 31 of the first chain plate 11 is in a certain position, the second joint 32 of the second chain plate 12 will not be aligned with it, but will be offset by a certain distance. Traditional chain plate segment joints may produce slight steps or vibrations, causing containers to pile up and collide. The staggered arrangement described above avoids all containers arriving at the gaps between the chain plate segments at the same time, thereby reducing container accumulation or jamming caused by uneven joints 3.

[0026] Chain plate segments are typically made of high-strength engineering plastics or stainless steel, with a surface designed with anti-slip textures to prevent containers from slipping or tipping during transport. This texture can be a fine, raised pattern to increase friction. The length of each chain plate segment can be customized according to the container size; for example, for small containers, chain plate segments can be shorter for increased flexibility, while for large containers, chain plate segments can be longer for improved stability. It should be noted that the number of chain plates is not limited to two rows; in some applications, three or more rows can be added to further optimize flow distribution. The staggered distance at the joints 3 is adjusted according to the actual conveying speed.

[0027] Furthermore, the middle baffle 4 is detachably installed between the first chain plate 11 and the second chain plate 12 to divide the conveying area into two independent conveying channels when filling small containers, preventing interference between the two rows of containers. A food-grade silicone sealing strip with elastic compensation function can be installed at the bottom of the middle baffle 4 to ensure a tight fit with the chain plate surface. When the middle baffle 4 is installed, the sealing strip deforms under pressure, filling gaps and preventing liquid leakage or small containers from getting stuck. This is suitable for filling volatile or high-viscosity materials, reducing cleaning burden. The middle baffle 4 can be fixed to the conveyor chain 1 using pins, bolts, or quick-release clamps. Specifically, a mounting seat can be pre-set on the conveyor chain 1, and the quick-release clamps allow for one-button locking and releasing; simply turning the clamp handle completes the installation or removal of the middle baffle 4. When filling large containers, the middle baffle 4 is removed, and the chain plates merge into a wider channel, accommodating the conveying of large containers. The central baffle 4 can be a long, flat plate structure, with its height adjustable according to the container size. It can be made of stainless steel, with a polished, smooth, and burr-free surface to prevent scratching the container or accumulating dirt. The edges can be rounded to prevent operator injuries. The control mechanism can integrate photoelectric sensors to detect the status of the central baffle 4.

[0028] The guiding mechanism 2 is arranged along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 1, located before (i.e., upstream) the docking point 3 of one chain plate. Its function is to guide the container from one chain plate to another. Through guidance, the container is redistributed before the docking point 3, avoiding concentrated impact on any one docking point 3. The guiding mechanism 2 may take the form of guiding elements such as baffles, guide rails, or rollers.

[0029] In this embodiment, the guiding mechanism 2 includes a first guiding mechanism 21, located downstream of the housing 6. The first guiding mechanism 21 includes a first baffle 211 and a second baffle 212. The first baffle 211 extends in an inclined direction to the conveying direction and is positioned before the first docking point 31 of the first chain plate 11. The second baffle 212 also extends in an inclined direction to the conveying direction, but is positioned after the first docking point 31 (i.e., downstream) and before the second docking point 32 of the second chain plate 12. The inclination angle is designed to allow the container to move smoothly laterally without violent collisions. The baffles can be made of stainless steel or polyurethane material and are slightly higher than the container's center of gravity to prevent tipping. It should be noted that the guiding mechanism 2 is not limited to the baffle form; a movable belt or pneumatic push rod can also be used to achieve the guiding function. Furthermore, the guiding mechanism 2 is detachable, facilitating adjustments according to the working mode. This detachability enhances the system's flexibility, allowing for rapid switching between different container handling modes.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, the filling and conveying system has a first working mode for conveying large-sized containers ( Figure 4 (Right figure) and the second working mold for conveying small-sized containers ( Figure 4 (Left image) to accommodate the transportation needs of containers of different sizes.

[0031] The first working mode is suitable for conveying large containers whose dimensions match the total width of the two chain plates. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in this mode, without the central baffle 4 installed, the guide mechanism 2 is moved outside the conveying path of the conveyor chain 1. The control mechanism controls the drive devices of the first chain plate 11 and the second chain plate 12 to operate synchronously, so that the first chain plate 11 and the second chain plate 12 work like a single wide chain plate. Because the docking points 31 and 32 are staggered, large containers are always supported by one side of the chain plate when being conveyed on the conveyor chain 1, preventing bottle accumulation at the docking point 3.

[0032] The second operating mode is suitable for conveying small containers whose dimensions match the width of a single-row chain plate. In this mode, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a central baffle 4 is installed between the first chain plate 11 and the second chain plate 12, forming two independent conveying channels. Simultaneously, a guiding mechanism 2 is positioned before the docking point 3, along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 1. A specific structure of the guiding mechanism 2 includes a first baffle 211 and a second baffle 212. The first baffle 211 is positioned before the docking point 31 of the first chain plate 11, and its extension direction is inclined to the conveying direction, enabling it to gradually guide the container to the second chain plate 12. The second baffle 212 is positioned after the first baffle 211 and before the docking point 32 of the second chain plate 12, and its extension direction is also inclined to the conveying direction, used to guide the container back to the original chain plate (first chain plate 11) or for further positioning. The guiding mechanism 2 can guide the container to another chain plate before the docking point 3, effectively preventing the container from jamming, colliding, or tipping over at the chain plate docking point 3, ensuring a smooth production process.

[0033] Furthermore, the filling and conveying system also includes a channeling mechanism 5. The channeling mechanism 5 is typically located in front of the conveyor chain 1 and is used to control the flow of containers, either by diverting or merging them. In this embodiment, the guiding mechanism 2 also includes a second guiding mechanism 22, which is located in front of the channeling mechanism 5 and functions similarly to the first guiding mechanism 21, both guiding containers to avoid the docking points of the chain plate segments.

[0034] In some embodiments, the diversion mechanism 5 is a plate with an adjustable angle, such as a first angle and a second angle. By switching back and forth between the first angle and the second angle, the container conveying path is adjusted according to the working mode and diversion requirements. For example, in the first working mode, such as... Figure 3As shown, the channeling mechanism 5 is at a first angle (e.g., 0°), and the extension direction of the channeling mechanism 5 is parallel to the conveying direction and closely adheres to the side of the first chain plate 11 away from the conveying chain 1. In this case, the system is suitable for confluence conveying large containers. In the second working mode, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the diversion mechanism 5 is at the second angle, and its extension direction is inclined to the conveying direction, guiding small containers from the first chain plate 11 to the second chain plate 12. It is worth noting that in the second mode, the diversion mechanism 5 can not only be at the second angle guiding small containers to another chain plate, but can also switch to the first angle to maintain the original conveying path of the containers and maintain the load balance of the conveyor chain 1. Angle adjustment can be achieved via a manual knob or an electric actuator.

[0035] It should be noted that the channeling mechanism 5 is not limited to the form of baffles; it can also employ a rotary disk or programmable guide rail to achieve dynamic path planning. The channeling mechanism 5 can also be equipped with sensors to detect container size and flow rate, controlling the automatic adjustment of the channeling mechanism angle. For example, if the sensor detects a sudden increase in the flow rate of small containers on the second chain plate 12, the channeling mechanism 5 can switch to the first angle, allowing small containers from the first chain plate 11 to continue transporting; conversely, it maintains a retracted parallel state for large containers. This intelligent design reduces manual intervention and adapts to high-efficiency production.

[0036] This embodiment, through the staggered arrangement of the docking points 3 of the conveyor chain 1 and the cooperation of the guiding mechanism 2, ensures that containers avoid the docking points 3, effectively reducing bottle accumulation and preventing container impact and splashing. Simultaneously, the working mode switching mechanism allows one system to adapt to containers of different sizes, improving equipment versatility and saving space. The detachable guiding mechanism 2 and the channeling mechanism 5 further enhance flexibility, adapting to changing production needs.

[0037] <Second Implementation Method> This embodiment provides a filling machine 100, including a filling and conveying system.

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, the filling machine 100 includes a housing 6, a filling valve 7, a horizontal moving mechanism 8, and a lifting mechanism 9. The housing 6 serves as the main frame of the filling machine 100 and has a container inlet and a container outlet. The conveyor chain 1 passes through the housing via the inlet and outlet, forming a closed conveying path. A filling station is located inside the housing 6, and the filling station is equipped with the filling valve 7. The housing 6 is typically made of stainless steel for easy cleaning. A sensor can be installed at the container inlet to detect the container type and flow rate, automatically adjusting system parameters.

[0039] The arrangement of the conveyor chain 1 within the housing 6 is the same as in the first embodiment, with the joints 3 of the two chain plates staggered. The guide mechanism 2 is positioned according to the working mode. At the filling station, the conveyor chain 1 operates intermittently: it stops when a container enters the filling station and resumes conveying after filling is completed. However, due to the staggered joints 3, the containers are evenly distributed during the stopping phase, reducing waiting time.

[0040] A filling valve 7 is housed within the housing 6 and is used to fill a container with liquid. The filling valve 7 can move horizontally and vertically via a horizontal movement mechanism 8 and a lifting mechanism 9. The horizontal movement mechanism 8 drives the filling valve 7 to reciprocate horizontally in the area above the first chain plate 11 and the second chain plate 12. One implementation of this mechanism includes a guide rail, a slider, and a drive source. The guide rail is laid parallel to the conveyor chain 1, and the slider is fixedly connected to the filling valve 7 and can slide on the guide rail. The drive source can be a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a servo motor with a lead screw. By controlling the drive source, the filling valve 7 can be precisely moved to a filling position above the first chain plate 11, a filling position above the second chain plate 12, or other specific positions. The horizontal movement mechanism 8 controls the adjustable movement speed of the filling valve 7, which is much shorter than the filling time to achieve seamless switching.

[0041] The lifting mechanism 9 receives electrical signals from the control mechanism, enabling the filling valve 7 to move vertically to accommodate containers of different heights. One implementation of the lifting mechanism 9 is driven by a motor (or cylinder), which, through precision transmission components such as ball screws, converts rotary motion into precise, repeatable linear lifting motion, thereby controlling the filling valve 7 to descend to the bottle mouth for filling, reducing liquid splashing, and then lifting back to its original position after completion.

[0042] The filling process operates in two scenarios depending on the container size. For large containers, the two rows of chain plates on conveyor chain 1 operate synchronously, and the guide mechanism 2 is removed. After the container enters the filling station, the bottle-stopping mechanism 10 activates, stopping the container below the filling valve 7. The filling valve 7 is located in the middle of the two chain plates and does not need to move horizontally, allowing for direct filling. After filling, the bottle-stopping mechanism 10 resets, and the container is ejected. For small containers, the two rows of chain plates on conveyor chain 1 operate independently, with the guide mechanism 2 and a central baffle 4 installed. After the container enters the filling station, the bottle-stopping mechanism 10 activates, stopping the container below the filling valve 7. The filling valve 7 alternately fills the containers on the two chain plates via the horizontal movement mechanism 8. For example, the container on the first chain plate 11 is filled first, while the container on the second chain plate 12 is positioned; the filling valve 7 moves to the second chain plate 12, and so on. This alternating operation improves efficiency, equivalent to double-row filling.

[0043] Specifically, the complete working process of filling machine 100 in one operation is as follows: After filling large containers in the first mode, the filling machine 100 switches to the second mode to fill small containers. A guide mechanism 2, originally outside the conveying path, is installed. This guide mechanism 2 smoothly guides the container from one chain to another before the docking point 3. A central baffle 4 is installed between the first chain plate 11 and the second chain plate 12, allowing the two chain plates to operate independently. Simultaneously, the diversion mechanism 5 is adjusted from its original retracted state (first angle) to a state where the first and second angles can be freely switched to divert small containers and balance the load on the conveyor chain 1. The container enters through the inlet of the housing 6 after passing through the second guide mechanism 22 and the diversion mechanism 5. When it reaches the filling station, the conveyor chain 1 stops intermittently. The filling valve 7 moves alternately between the two chain plates via the horizontal moving mechanism 8, and adjusts its height with the lifting mechanism 9 for precise filling. After filling, the container continues to be conveyed, exiting from the outlet of the housing 6, and is then guided by the first guide mechanism 21 to avoid the docking points 31 and 32 behind the conveyor chain 1, ultimately completing the filling and conveying process.

[0044] The filling machine 100 of this embodiment achieves efficient filling of containers of different sizes by integrating a switchable filling and conveying system and cooperating with the horizontal movement and lifting function of the filling valve 7. The precise positioning of the filling valve 7 and the optimized design of the conveyor chain 1 work together to improve filling efficiency, while the equipment has a compact structure and saves space.

[0045] The above are merely optional embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A filling and conveying system, characterized in that, include: The conveyor chain includes at least two rows of chain plates arranged in parallel. Each row of chain plates is formed by connecting multiple chain plate segments end to end. The area where the multiple chain plate segments connect end to end is the docking point. The docking points of the two rows of chain plates are staggered from each other along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain. A guiding mechanism, positioned along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain before the docking point of one column of the chain plates, guides the containers on one column of the chain plates to another column of the chain plates.

2. The filling and conveying system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two columns of chain plates include a first chain plate and a second chain plate arranged adjacent to each other, the first chain plate having a first mating point and the second chain plate having a second mating point.

3. The filling and conveying system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism includes a first baffle and a second baffle. The first baffle extends in an inclined direction to the conveying direction and is positioned before the first docking point; The second baffle extends in an inclined direction to the conveying direction and is positioned after the first docking point and before the second docking point.

4. The filling and conveying system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism can be detached and mounted above the conveyor chain.

5. The filling and conveying system as described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The filling and conveying system has a first working mode and a second working mode. The first operating mode is adapted to convey a first container whose size matches the width of the two columns of chain plates. In the first operating mode, the guiding mechanism moves outside the conveying path of the conveying chain. The second operating mode is suitable for conveying a second container whose size matches the width of a single column of the chain plates. In the second operating mode, the guide mechanism is mounted above the middle of the two columns of the chain plates.

6. The filling and conveying system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first baffle extends from one side of the first chain plate to the middle of the first chain plate and the second chain plate, and the second baffle extends from one side of the second chain plate to the middle of the first chain plate and the second chain plate.

7. The filling and conveying system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a central baffle, which can be installed and removed between the first chain plate and the second chain plate, and extends in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor chain.

8. The filling and conveying system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a lane-separating mechanism, which includes a first angle and a second angle. At the first angle, the extension direction of the separating mechanism is parallel to the conveying direction and is close to the side of the first chain plate away from the conveying chain; At the second angle, the extension direction of the channeling mechanism is inclined to the conveying direction.

9. A filling machine, characterized in that, Includes the filling and conveying system as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The filling machine as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A housing having a container inlet and a container outlet, the conveyor chain passing through the housing via the container inlet and the container outlet; The filling valve is located inside the housing; A horizontal moving mechanism drives the filling valve to move horizontally between two rows of chain plates; A lifting mechanism is used to adjust the height of the filling valve.

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