intermediate feed shaft

Abstract

An intermediate feeding machine unit for a machine production line and a machine production line having an intermediate feeding machine are disclosed. The intermediate feeding machine unit includes an intermediate feeding chute for feeding articles into the article handling stream of the machine production line. The intermediate feeding machine unit also includes: an intermediate shaft configured to receive a feeding star wheel for conveying articles from the feeding chute into the article handling stream, and the intermediate shaft configured to receive an idle conveyor star wheel for receiving articles from an upstream conveyor star wheel of an upstream machine unit in the article handling stream of the machine production line. The intermediate feeding machine unit also includes a motor configured to rotate the intermediate shaft at at least two rotational speeds, the at least two rotational speeds rotating the feeding star wheel and the idle conveyor star wheel at different revolutions per minute.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 599,857, filed November 16, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 705,173, filed October 9, 2024, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to the control of star wheels within a machine production line. More specifically, the present invention relates to a speed-changing shaft for controlling star wheels within a machine production line. Background Technology

[0003] Figure 1 This is a front view of machine production line 100. Machine production line 100 can be used to process articles, such as container preforms, by performing a series of mechanical operations on the preforms. Machine production line 100 is formed by multiple machine units 102a-102e (collectively referred to as "machine units 102"). Each machine unit 102 can be a separate, independent unit connected to one or more adjacent units to form machine production line 100. For example, machine units 102e, 102b, and 102d are separate units whose boundaries are typically defined by... Figure 1 The dashed lines shown indicate that machine unit 102b can be connected to machine units 102e and 102d, either directly (e.g., through the housing of adjacent units) or indirectly (e.g., through gears connecting adjacent units). Each of the machine units 102 can be configured to perform operations on items passing through the machine production line 100, such as mechanical operations or operations to pass items to the next machine unit.

[0004] The machine production line 100 includes a feed chute 104. The feed chute 104 feeds articles into the machine production line 100, such as feeding articles into the first machine unit 102a in the machine production line 100.

[0005] The machine production line 100 may also include an intermediate feed chute 106. The intermediate feed chute 106 feeds items from machine unit 102b, which is not the first machine unit, into the machine production line 100.

[0006] After the item passes through the machine production line 100, such as after passing through the final machine unit 102c, the item leaves the machine production line 100 at the discharge chute 108.

[0007] Focusing on machine unit 102b, machine unit 102b has a specific configuration for receiving articles from upstream within machine production line 100, or a specific configuration for receiving articles from intermediate feed chute 106. Specifically, according to one configuration, machine unit 102b may include an idle conveyor wheel 118a configured to receive articles from a conveyor wheel 120e of machine unit 102e, which is immediately upstream of machine unit 102b within machine production line 100. The idle conveyor wheel 118a is configured to transfer articles to the conveyor wheel 120a of machine unit 102b. From there, the articles are transferred to a processing turret 114d of machine unit 102d, which is immediately downstream of machine unit 102b within machine production line 100. Turret 114d can perform mechanical operations on the articles, then transfer the articles to the conveyor wheel 120d of machine unit 102d.

[0008] According to another configuration, machine unit 102b may include a feed star wheel 112b, such as a second-stage feed star wheel. The feed star wheel 112b receives items from a feed chute star wheel 112a (also referred to as a first-stage feed star wheel) immediately downstream of the intermediate feed chute 106. The feed star wheel 112b conveys items from the feed chute star wheel 112a to the transfer star wheel 120a of machine unit 102b.

[0009] Machine unit 102b must include various shafts to support the aforementioned star wheels. For example, machine unit 102b must include shaft 110a for the feed chute star wheel 112a, shaft 110b for the idle conveying star wheel 112b, shaft 116a for the idle conveying star wheel 118a, and shaft 116b for the conveying star wheel 120a.

[0010] although Figure 1 A machine unit 102b is shown, having both a feed star wheel 112b and an idle transfer star wheel 118a; however, in operation, machine unit 102b includes only one of these star wheels. If machine unit 102b is configured to transfer items into machine production line 100 via feed chute 106, then machine unit 102b includes the feed star wheel 112b but not the idle transfer star wheel 118a. Alternatively, if machine unit 102b transfers items from machine unit 102e to machine unit 102d, then machine unit 102b includes the idle transfer star wheel 118a instead of the feed star wheel 112b. However, although machine unit 102b includes only one of the feed star wheel 112b and the idle transfer star wheel 118a at a time, machine unit 102b must include both shafts 110b and 118a, or at least provide space for shafts 110b and 118a. Machine unit 102b must also include the necessary gear mechanism (not shown) to rotate shafts 110b and 118a. This results in wasted space and / or overly complex configuration of machine unit 102b.

[0011] Therefore, it is desirable to have a machine unit that can perform the functions of machine unit 102 with feed star wheel 112b and idle conveyor star wheel 118a without redundant additional components (such as the absence of both shafts 110b and 118a). Summary of the Invention

[0012] A first embodiment of this disclosure includes an intermediate feeding machine unit for a machine production line. The intermediate feeding machine unit includes an intermediate feed chute for feeding articles into an article handling stream of the machine production line. The intermediate feeding machine unit also includes an intermediate shaft configured to receive a feed star wheel for conveying articles from the feed chute into the article handling stream, and the intermediate shaft is configured to receive an idle conveyor star wheel for receiving articles from an upstream conveyor star wheel of an upstream machine unit in the article handling stream of the machine production line. The intermediate feeding machine unit also includes a motor configured to rotate the intermediate shaft according to at least two rotational speeds. The at least two rotational speeds are used to rotate the feed star wheel at different revolutions per minute and to rotate the idle conveyor star wheel.

[0013] One aspect of the first embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first embodiment) includes: an idle conveyor star wheel connected to an intermediate shaft for receiving articles from an upstream conveyor star wheel of an upstream machine unit in an article processing stream of a machine production line.

[0014] One aspect of the first embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first embodiment) includes: an idle conveyor star wheel having 12 recesses configured to receive articles.

[0015] One aspect of the first embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first embodiment) includes: a feed star wheel connected to an intermediate shaft for conveying articles from a feed chute into an article processing stream.

[0016] One aspect of the first embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first embodiment) includes: a feed chute shaft for rotating a feed chute star wheel that receives an article from a central feed chute and conveys the article to the feed star wheel.

[0017] One aspect of the first embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first embodiment) includes: a feed chute star wheel that receives an article from a central feed chute and conveys the article to the feed star wheel.

[0018] One aspect of the first embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first embodiment) includes: a downstream conveyor shaft for rotating a downstream conveyor star wheel that receives an article from a feed chute star wheel and conveys the article to a downstream machine unit.

[0019] One aspect of the first embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first embodiment) includes: a downstream conveyor star wheel that receives an article from a feed chute star wheel and conveys the article to a downstream machine unit.

[0020] One aspect of the first embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first embodiment) includes: the intermediate feed machine unit has only three shafts.

[0021] One aspect of the first embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first embodiment) includes: a feed star wheel having 14 recesses configured to receive articles.

[0022] A second embodiment of this disclosure includes a machine production line for processing articles. The machine production line includes a first machine unit and a main feed chute configured to feed articles into the first machine unit. The machine production line also includes a final machine unit and an outlet chute configured to discharge processed articles from the final machine unit in the machine production line. The machine production line also includes an intermediate feed chute and an intermediate machine unit located between the first machine unit and the final machine unit. The intermediate machine unit is connected to the intermediate feed chute to receive articles from the intermediate feed chute. The intermediate machine unit includes an intermediate shaft configured to receive a first star wheel and a second star wheel, the first star wheel being for receiving articles originating from the intermediate feed chute, and the second star wheel being for receiving articles originating from the feed chute.

[0023] One aspect of the second embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second embodiment) includes a motor configured to rotate an intermediate shaft at at least two rotational speeds. The at least two rotational speeds are used to rotate a first star wheel at different revolutions per minute and to rotate a second star wheel.

[0024] One aspect of the second embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second embodiment) includes: an idle conveyor star wheel having 12 recesses configured to receive articles.

[0025] One aspect of the second embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second embodiment) includes: a feed star wheel having 14 recesses configured to receive articles.

[0026] A third embodiment of this disclosure includes a method for setting the function of a machine unit within a machine production line for processing articles. The method includes providing one of an idle conveyor wheel or a feed wheel on a shaft of the machine unit. The idle conveyor wheel is configured to receive articles from an upstream conveyor wheel of an upstream machine unit in the machine production line. The feed wheel is configured to convey articles from a feed chute of the machine unit into the article processing flow of the machine production line. The method also includes setting a rotational speed of a motor connected to the shaft of the machine unit based on one of the installed idle conveyor wheel or feed wheel. The method further includes operating the machine production line and the machine unit at the set rotational speed.

[0027] One aspect of the third embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the third embodiment) includes: an idle conveyor star wheel having 12 recesses configured to receive articles.

[0028] One aspect of the third embodiment (alone or in combination with any other aspect of the third embodiment) includes: a feed star wheel having 14 recesses configured to receive articles.

[0029] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and do not limit the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.

[0031] Figure 1 A front view of a conventional machine production line (formed by a series of machine units) used to process articles is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 A front view of a machine production line according to aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 Aspects according to this disclosure are shown Figure 2 Rear view of the machine production line.

[0034] While the invention is readily adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, its specific forms have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed; rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] A machine production line with an intermediate machine unit is disclosed. The intermediate machine unit has the capability to receive articles processed by the machine production line from an intermediate feed chute and to transfer articles between upstream and downstream machine units. However, unlike conventional machine units with similar capabilities, the intermediate machine unit of this disclosure requires a single axis and an associated star wheel connected to that axis to perform both functions. The star wheel can be selectively configured to receive articles from the intermediate feed chute or from a star wheel of an upstream machine unit. Depending on the desired configuration, the star wheel can be controlled at different speeds via the same axis.

[0036] refer to Figure 2 The diagram shows a front view of a machine production line 200 according to aspects of this disclosure. The machine production line 200 is similar to... Figure 1 Machine production line 100. Therefore, components in machine production line 200 that are similar to those in machine production line 100 share the same reference numerals.

[0037] However, unlike the machine production line 100 which has machine unit 102b, Figure 2 Instead of machine production line 200, machine unit 202b is included. Machine unit 202b lacks the shafts 110b and 116a associated with the feed star wheel 112b and idle conveyor star wheel 118a of machine production line 100. Instead, machine unit 202b includes a single shaft 240 that replaces shafts 110b and 116a. Therefore, machine unit 202b may include only three shafts, such as shaft 240, as well as shafts 110a and 116b.

[0038] Shaft 240 is an intermediate shaft 240 configured to receive a feed star wheel 242 for conveying articles from the feed chute 106 (or the idle feed star wheel 112a immediately preceding the feed chute 106) into the article handling stream. The intermediate shaft 240 is also configured to receive an idle transfer star wheel for receiving articles from the upstream transfer star wheel 120e of the upstream machine unit 102e of the article handling stream of the machine production line 200. However, for convenience, only the feed star wheel 242 is shown. However, the feed star wheel 242 and the idle transfer star wheel are generally similar, differing in that, for example, the idle transfer star wheel may include 12 recesses configured to receive articles, and the feed star wheel 242 may have more or fewer recesses. For example, the feed star wheel may include 14 recesses configured to receive articles.

[0039] refer to Figure 3The diagram shows a rear view of a machine production line 200 according to aspects of this disclosure. An intermediate shaft 240 is connected to a motor 208. The motor 208 is configured to rotate the intermediate shaft 240 at at least two rotational speeds. The at least two rotational speeds are used to rotate a feed star wheel at different revolutions per minute and to rotate an idle conveyor star wheel. This allows the intermediate shaft 240 to perform two different functions and allows machine unit 202b to have a single shaft 240 instead of two shafts, such as... Figure 1 The two axes 110b and 116a of the machine unit 102b. For example, motor 208 may be a servo motor that rotates at two different specified rotational speeds.

[0040] According to some embodiments, other axes of machine unit 202b may be mechanically connected to machine units 102e and 102d via gears, thereby being rotated by one or more motors (which rotate other axes of machine production line 200). Alternatively, each axis on machine unit 202b may be rotated by its own servo motor. Even further alternatively, combinations of the first two embodiments are possible, such as axes 110a and 240 being rotated by a single servo motor mechanically connected to axes 110a and 240 via one or more belts, one or more gears, or a combination thereof. In the same embodiment, axis 116b may be rotated by gears coupled to machine unit 102d, or by its own servo motor. Alternatively, axes 116b and 240 may be connected, and axis 110a may be rotated by gears coupled to machine units 102e or 102d, or by its own servo motor.

[0041] Therefore, machine unit 202b allows a single axis to operate at multiple speeds to adapt to its operational usage patterns. The elimination of the axis reduces the number of parts on machine unit 202b. The elimination of the axis also creates more space within machine unit 202b, allowing for the implementation of additional features in that area. Furthermore, the additional open area simplifies maintenance and replacement, and also reduces replacement time, which is particularly problematic in conventional layouts.

[0042] The layout disclosed allows for "gradation," where the tangential velocity of an item (e.g., a can) gradually increases as it passes through the feed star wheel. This layout can be used to maximize the effect of "gradation" by allowing smaller diameter cans to have more cavities in the first-stage feed star wheel, thereby reducing the velocity difference of the item pile within the chute 106.

[0043] Although it has been disclosed above that shaft 240 is configured to receive a feed star wheel 242 and an idle conveyor star wheel (each star wheel for a different function), according to some embodiments, shaft 240 may receive a single star wheel for performing both functions. For example, a single star wheel may be driven (e.g., rotated) at different times and at different speeds to perform the functions of both the feed star wheel 242 and the idle conveyor star wheel. This allows the same star wheel to be used for both functions on machine unit 202b, thereby allowing changes to the function of machine unit 202b without replacing the star wheel on shaft 240.

[0044] Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the number of recesses in the star wheel for both functions can be configured based on the number of recesses in the upstream conveying star wheel 120e and the feed chute star wheel 112a, or the number of recesses in the star wheel can be configured based on the acceleration grading requirements of the articles from the chute 106 or the upstream conveying star wheel 120e.

[0045] Although the focus of this disclosure is on a motor capable of rotating shaft 240, according to some aspects, this arrangement can also be applied to gear-driven machines with gear sets to achieve speed variation.

[0046] Each embodiment described above, and its obvious variations, are considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, as set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, this concept explicitly includes any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the foregoing elements and aspects.

[0047] As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common usage generally accepted by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of certain described and claimed features without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or irrelevant modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to fall within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0048] It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that these embodiments are possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that these embodiments are necessarily particularly good or superior examples).

[0049] Any references to element locations (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below", etc.) herein are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

[0050] Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the size, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, values ​​of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or changed. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An intermediate feeding machine unit for a machine production line, the intermediate feeding machine unit comprising: An intermediate feed chute is used to feed articles into the article processing flow of the machine production line; An intermediate shaft is configured to receive a feed star wheel for conveying the article from a feed chute into the article processing flow, and the intermediate shaft is configured to receive an idle conveyor star wheel for receiving an article from an upstream conveyor star wheel of an upstream machine unit in the article processing flow of the machine production line. as well as A motor configured to rotate the intermediate shaft at at least two rotational speeds, the at least two rotational speeds rotating the feed star wheel and the idle conveyor star wheel at different revolutions per minute.

2. The intermediate feeding machine unit according to claim 1, further comprising: The idle conveyor wheel connected to the intermediate shaft is used to receive items from the upstream conveyor wheel of the upstream machine unit of the item processing flow in the machine production line.

3. The intermediate feeding machine unit according to claim 2, wherein, The idle conveyor wheel includes 12 recesses configured to receive the item.

4. The intermediate feeding machine unit according to claim 1, further comprising: The feed star wheel, connected to the intermediate shaft, is used to convey items from the feed chute into the item processing stream.

5. The intermediate feeding machine unit according to claim 4, further comprising: A feed chute shaft is used to rotate a feed chute star wheel, which receives an item from the intermediate feed chute and transfers the item to the feed star wheel.

6. The intermediate feeding machine unit according to claim 5, further comprising: The feed chute star wheel receives the item from the intermediate feed chute and conveys the item to the feed star wheel.

7. The intermediate feeding machine unit according to claim 5, further comprising: A downstream conveyor shaft is used to rotate a downstream conveyor star wheel, which receives an item from the feed chute star wheel and conveys the item to a downstream machine unit.

8. The intermediate feeding machine unit according to claim 7, further comprising: The downstream conveyor wheel receives the item from the feed chute wheel and conveys the item to the downstream machine unit.

9. The intermediate feed machine unit according to claim 7, wherein, The intermediate feed machine unit comprises only three axes.

10. The intermediate feed machine unit according to claim 4, wherein, The feed star wheel includes 14 recesses configured to receive the article.

11. A machine production line for processing articles, the machine production line comprising: First machine unit; A main feed chute, configured to feed articles to the first machine unit; Last machine unit; A discharge chute configured to discharge processed articles from the final machine unit in the machine production line; Intermediate feed chute; and An intermediate machine unit is located between the first machine unit and the last machine unit. The intermediate machine unit is connected to the intermediate feed chute to receive articles from the intermediate feed chute. The intermediate machine unit includes an intermediate shaft configured to receive a first star wheel and a second star wheel, the first star wheel being used to receive articles originating from the intermediate feed chute and the second star wheel being used to receive articles originating from the feed chute.

12. The machine production line according to claim 11, further comprising: A motor configured to rotate the intermediate shaft at at least two rotational speeds, the at least two rotational speeds rotating the first star wheel and the second star wheel at different revolutions per minute.

13. The machine production line according to claim 12, wherein, The idle conveyor wheel includes 12 recesses configured to receive the item.

14. The machine production line according to claim 12, wherein, The feed star wheel includes 14 recesses configured to receive the article.

15. A method for setting the function of a machine unit within a machine production line for processing articles, the method comprising: One of an idle conveyor star wheel or a feed star wheel is provided on the shaft of the machine unit, the idle conveyor star wheel being configured to receive the article from an upstream conveyor star wheel of an upstream machine unit in the machine production line, and the feed star wheel being configured to convey the article from a feed chute of the machine unit into the article handling stream of the machine production line. The rotational speed of the motor connected to the shaft of the machine unit is set according to one of the installed idle conveyor star wheel or the feed star wheel; and The machine production line, which includes the machine units, operates at a set rotational speed.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The idle conveyor wheel includes 12 recesses configured to receive the item.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The feed star wheel includes 14 recesses configured to receive the article.

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