A system for receiving and transmitting multiple containers oriented in a random manner, and for arranging the containers in the same orientation.

Abstract

The system (100) includes: a feeding device (1) for receiving and transporting containers (C1, C2) supported by their first sidewalls, the longitudinal axis of which is parallel to the transport direction (T), and the associated openings (I1, I2) are randomly oriented forward or backward relative to the transport direction; an abutment member (R) for blocking the containers (C1, C2); and a sensor member (S1) for detecting the orientation of the openings (I1, I2) of the containers (C1, C2) abutting the abutment member (R). The system (100) includes a pick-up and release device (4) configured to pick up the containers (C1, C2) abutting the abutment member (R) from the feeding device (1) and rotate the containers so that they are arranged in the same orientation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of packaging products in relevant containers, such as cylindrical or polyhedral containers, such as bottles, tubes, barrels, etc. Background Technology

[0002] Containers used for packaging products are typically stored in bulk inside hoppers or at another storage location, and are gradually transferred from the hoppers to the transport path of a horizontal conveyor using appropriate conveying components. The containers are then transported to an inlet or workstation and / or automated machine designed to perform various preparation processes on the containers, and then the containers are continuously conveyed to package the products inside.

[0003] The conveying component for moving a container from a hopper to a conveyor channel is implemented and configured such that the container is supported by its first side wall (i.e., laid flat) before being conveyed to the conveyor channel, and its longitudinal axis is parallel to the forward direction of the horizontal conveyor.

[0004] For example, the conveying component may include an inclined conveyor belt with adjacent walls transverse to the driving direction of the belt, between which the container may be arranged during upward transport; or it may include a conveyor having a series of adjacent and continuously inclined plates or flat plates that are movable relative to each other such that the upper edge of the continuous plate may be raised relative to the edge of the previous plate in order to raise the container upward, thereby attempting to place the container on the edge supported by its sidewalls, and arranging it such that the longitudinal axis of the container is parallel to the forward direction of the horizontal conveyor.

[0005] In this way, the containers are released into the transport channel of a horizontal conveyor supported by its sidewalls, that is, the longitudinal axis of the containers is aligned with the transport direction of the conveyor, and they are arranged one after another in a row.

[0006] Because the containers are arranged in bulk inside the hopper, they will be oriented randomly when released into the transport channel, with some containers facing forward along the direction of the conveyor's movement, while others face backward relative to the direction of the conveyor's movement.

[0007] This random orientation of containers presents a problem because the entry point of a workstation or automated machine requires containers to be arranged and oriented in the same way.

[0008] Currently, along the transport channel of a horizontal conveyor, adjacent components called stops are arranged and utilized. These stops are designed to abut against containers that are incorrectly oriented, for example, with their openings facing backward relative to the transport direction, and to rotate the containers to align them in the correct orientation, for example, with their openings facing forward.

[0009] In this way, when the containers reach the end of the horizontal conveyor, they will all be arranged in the same orientation and picked up individually or in groups by the corresponding handling mechanism, and then conveyed and arranged to the workstation or the entrance of the automated machine after rotation.

[0010] However, these specifications have been found to be ineffective because, due to the special shape of the containers, incorrectly oriented containers cannot always be placed in the correct orientation. In addition, the conveyor must be driven at a speed that does not change the orientation of the containers, which affects productivity. Summary of the Invention

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a novel system for receiving and transmitting multiple containers oriented in a random manner and arranged in the same orientation, thereby eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a new system that can arrange multiple containers in a fast, simple and efficient manner, which are randomly oriented with respect to their conveying direction and their opening positions, all of which are in the same orientation, so that containers in the same orientation can thus be conveyed to the inlet of a workstation or automatic packaging machine.

[0013] The above objectives are achieved according to the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The features of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the system for receiving and transmitting a plurality of containers oriented in a random manner and arranged in the same orientation, according to the present invention, are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C Three possible preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the system of the present invention are shown in schematic perspective views; Figures 2A to 2H Some specific components of the system of the present invention are shown in schematic perspective views according to possible embodiments, and based on Figure 1A The preferred installation of the system, shown in its possible further operational sequence, is used to collect containers in random orientation and arrange them in the same orientation, thereby releasing the containers onto the outlet line; Figures 3A to 3H The schematic perspective view shows the situation in... Figure 2A and Figure 2H Components of the system of the present invention in the embodiments thereof, and according to Figure 1B or Figure 1CThe preferred installation of the system, with these components shown in their possible operational sequence, is for collecting containers in random orientation and arranging them in the same orientation, then releasing the containers to the workstation and subsequently to the outlet line; Figures 4A to 4E Some specific components of the system of the invention in another possible embodiment are shown in schematic perspective views, and according to Figure 1A The preferred installation of the system, with its possible alternative operating sequence, shows the collection of containers in random orientation, and the arrangement of the containers in the same orientation, followed by the release of the containers onto the outlet line; Figures 5A to 5G Each is shown in a schematic perspective view. Figures 4A to 4E The components of the system of the present invention in the actuated state, and according to Figure 1B or Figure 1C The preferred installation of the system, with these components shown in their possible other operational sequence, is for collecting containers in random orientation and arranging them in the same orientation, then releasing the containers onto the workstation and subsequently onto the outlet line. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Referring to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral (100) indicates a system for receiving and transmitting multiple containers oriented in a random manner, and for arranging the containers in the same orientation, which is the subject of this invention.

[0016] System (100) in its preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments (see, for example, see...) Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C The device includes a feeding device (1) which can be activated in a continuous mode according to the conveying direction (T) and is provided with a plurality of walls (11) arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the conveying direction (T), and these walls are configured to define a plurality of guide channels (10) between them, the guide channels being shaped to accommodate containers (C1, C2) supported by their sidewalls, and arranged in a manner parallel to the respective longitudinal axis of the conveying direction (T) so as to convey the containers (C1, C2) along the conveying direction (T).

[0017] For example, the feeding device (1) may include a conveyor belt or other equivalent conveying components.

[0018] The system (100) also includes: A conveying component (2) is arranged adjacent to the feeding device (1) and configured to feed a series of containers (C1, C2) that are bulkly arranged at the terminal portion (20) of the conveying component (2). The terminal portion is located near the feeding device (1) and the containers (C1, C2) are arranged such that their longitudinal axis is parallel to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1), and their respective openings (I1, I2) are oriented at random positions relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1). The conveying device (3) is movable laterally to the feeding device (1) from the first pick-up position (A0) of the terminal part (20) of the conveying component (2) to collect containers (C1, C2) present in the terminal part (20) of the conveying component (2) and consecutive different release positions (A1, A2..., AN) above the respective guide channels (10) of the feeding device (1) for releasing the containers (C1, C2) into the respective guide channels (10). The containers are supported by their sidewalls on the feeding device (1) and are arranged in a way that their openings (I1, I2) are oriented forward or backward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1) at random positions.

[0019] The system (100) also includes: Adjacent component (R), which is arranged near the end portion of the feeding device (1) and configured to block containers (C1, C2) transported along the guide channel (10) of the feeding device (1) so that they are laterally aligned with each other relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1). A sensor component (S1) is arranged and configured to detect the orientation of the openings (I1, I2) of containers (C1, C2) abutting against adjacent components (R), and to provide data relating to the arrangement and forward or backward orientation of the openings (I1, I2) of containers (C1, C2) abutting against adjacent components (R) relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1). Pick-up and release device (4), which is arranged near the terminal portion of the feeding device (1), is configured to move a head (40) comprising a plurality of pick-up and release elements (41; 42, 43), each of which corresponds to a corresponding guide channel (10) of the feeding device (1).

[0020] Pick-up and release elements (41; 42, 43) are aligned and mounted along a common support axis (5) having a rotation axis (50) arranged horizontally and transverse to the conveying direction (T) of the feed device (1), such that each pick-up and release element (41; 42, 43) is arranged above and movable above the corresponding guide channel (10) of the feed device (1) in order to pick up and hold the corresponding container (C1, C2) against the adjacent part (R).

[0021] In detail, the head (40) of the pickup and release device (4) can be implemented in one or another form as described below.

[0022] The head (40) is configured with a pick-up and release element (41) rigidly mounted on a common support shaft (5), wherein the pick-up and release element (41) rotates together with the common support shaft (5) about the rotation axis (50) of the common support shaft (5) as the common support shaft (5) is rotated.

[0023] In this way (see, for example, from) Figures 2A to 2H , or from Figures 3A to 3H After the pick-up and release element (41) has picked up the container (C1, C2) abutting against the adjacent part (R) from the feeding device (1), the common support shaft (5) can be driven to rotate about the rotation axis (50), thereby rotating the pick-up and release element (41) and arranging the container (C1, C2) vertically. Based on information provided by the sensor part (S1), these pick-up and release elements (41) hold any corresponding container (C1) with its corresponding opening (I1) oriented upwards or downwards along a predetermined common direction. The pick-up and release element can be activated to release the container (C1). And then the common support shaft (5) can be driven to rotate about the rotation axis (50) to rotate the pick-up and release element (41) and arrange any remaining containers (C2) still held by the remaining other pick-up elements (41) in such a way that their respective openings (I2) are oriented upward or downward in the predetermined common direction of the opening (I1) of the previously released container (C1), and then these remaining other pick-up elements (41) can be activated to release any remaining containers (C2), and then these remaining containers will be arranged in the same orientation as the previously released container (C1).

[0024] Alternatively, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the head (40) is configured with pickup and release elements (42, 43) mounted on a common support shaft (5), such that after the common support shaft (5) is driven to rotate, the pickup and release elements can rotate about the rotation axis (50) of the common support shaft (5), and can also be driven to rotate independently relative to each other about corresponding rotation axes (V) perpendicular to the rotation axis (50) of the common support shaft (5).

[0025] In this way (see, for example, from) Figures 4A to 4E , or from Figure 5A to Figure 5GAfter the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) have picked up the containers (C1, C2) abutting against the adjacent member (R) from the feeding device (1), the common support shaft (5) can be driven to rotate about the rotation axis (50), thereby rotating the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) and arranging the containers (C1, C2) vertically, wherein these pick-up and release elements (43) hold any corresponding container (C2) based on information provided by the sensor member (S1), the corresponding openings (I2) of these corresponding containers being oriented upward or downward along a predetermined common direction, which is different from the predetermined orientation of the remaining other containers (C1) held by other pick-up and release elements (41). In the common direction, the mouths of the remaining other containers face upward or downward, and the pickup and release element can be driven to rotate about the corresponding rotation axis (V) of the rotation axis (50) perpendicular to the common support axis (5) so as to arrange any container (C2) with the corresponding mouth (I2) oriented in a predetermined common direction of the remaining other containers (C1), so that all containers (C1, C2) will be arranged such that their corresponding mouths (I1, I2) are oriented in the predetermined common direction and in the same orientation, wherein the pickup and release element (42, 43) is able to hold the container (C1, C2) so as to perform processing steps thereon, or to be activated to release the container (C1, C2).

[0026] Figures 2A to 2H A possible operating sequence of the pickup and release device (4) is shown, wherein the head (40) is configured with a pickup and release element (41) rigidly mounted on a common support shaft (5), and wherein the pickup and release element (41) rotates together with the common support shaft (5) about the rotation axis (50) of the common support shaft (5) as the common support shaft (5) is rotated.

[0027] In these figures, the system (100) of the present invention is implemented according to a first possible configuration, wherein the system includes an outlet line (6) arranged laterally downstream of the feed device (1), on which containers will be released, all containers being in the same orientation and their respective openings facing upwards.

[0028] The pick-up and release device (4) moves its head (40) so that the pick-up and release elements (41) are positioned at each guide channel (10) to pick up stationary containers (C1, C2) abutting against adjacent parts (R) (see Figure 2A Furthermore, the sensor component (S1) has detected the positioning status of the container's openings (I1, I2).

[0029] Some of these containers (C1) may be arranged with their respective openings (I1) facing forward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1), while other containers (C2) will be arranged with their respective openings (I2) facing backward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1).

[0030] Then, the pick-up and release device (4) raises the head (40) and moves the head (40) to position it above the outlet line (6), wherein the pick-up and release element (41) holds the respective containers (C1, C2) (see Figure 2B ).

[0031] At the same time, the feeding device (1) will convey other containers (C1, C2) that abut against the adjacent part (R).

[0032] Then, the common support shaft (5) rotates about the rotation axis (50) so that the pick-up and release element (41) rotates (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 2C As shown, rotate 90° clockwise to make the containers (C1, C2) vertically arranged. For example, the containers (C1) with their openings (I1) facing forward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1) are arranged so that their openings (I1) are now facing upwards. The containers (C2) with their openings (I2) facing backward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1) are arranged with their respective openings (I2) facing downwards.

[0033] The common support shaft (5) can also be rotated in the opposite direction so that the containers are arranged in the opposite way to the diagram, that is, the opening (I1) of container (C1) faces downward and the opening (I2) of container (C2) faces upward.

[0034] In other words, when containers in different orientations arrive at and abut against the adjacent component (R), rotating the common support axis to align the containers vertically will result in some containers having their openings facing down, while others have their openings facing up.

[0035] Therefore, the pick-and-release device (4) moves its head (40) toward the outlet line (6), and some of the pick-and-release elements (41) will be able to release the container (C1) onto the outlet line (6), i.e., the container with its opening (I1) facing upwards, while the remaining pick-and-release elements (41) hold the container (C2) with its opening (I2) facing downwards (see See Figure 2D ).

[0036] Subsequently, the pickup and release device (4) lifts the head (40) Figure 2E), and again drive the common support shaft (5) to rotate 180° (clockwise or counterclockwise) around the rotation axis (50) to arrange the remaining container (C2) still held by some pick-up and release elements (41), with its associated opening (I2) facing upward (see Figure 2F ).

[0037] Finally, the pick-up and release device (4) can move its head (40) toward the outlet line (6) so that the pick-up and release element (41) can release the remaining containers (C2) thereon (see Figure 2G Then raise the head (40) so that the exit line (6) can be correctly oriented toward the continuous workstation to deliver all containers (C1, C2) (see Figure 2H ).

[0038] If the containers collected from the feed device (1) by the pick-up and release element (41) are all oriented in the same way (both with their mouths facing forward or backward), then the containers can be arranged with their mouths facing upward by simply rotating the common support shaft (5) about the rotation axis (50), and the head (40) can be activated to position the containers directly on the outlet line (6).

[0039] Figures 3A to 3H Another possible operating sequence of the pickup and release device (4) is shown, wherein the head (40) is configured with a pickup and release element (41) rigidly mounted on a common support shaft (5), and wherein the pickup and release element (41) rotates together with the common support shaft (5) about the rotation axis (50) of the common support shaft (5) as the common support shaft (5) is rotated.

[0040] In these figures, the system (100) is implemented according to another possible configuration in which the system includes an outlet line (6) and a workstation (7) (e.g., a cleaning station and / or a container control station) arranged downstream and laterally of the feed device (1), the workstation being located on the side of the outlet line (6); at the workstation, the containers are initially arranged in the same orientation (e.g., mouth facing down) in order to enable working operations, so that the containers must be transferred to the outlet line (6).

[0041] The pick-up and release device (4) moves its head (40) so that the pick-up and release elements (41) are arranged at the respective guide channels (10) of the feeding device (1) to pick up stationary containers (C1, C2) abutting against adjacent parts (R) (see Figure 3A Furthermore, the sensor component (S1) has detected the positioning status of the container's openings (I1, I2).

[0042] Some of these containers (C1) may be arranged with their respective openings (I1) facing forward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1), while other containers (C2) will be arranged with their respective openings (I2) facing backward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1).

[0043] Then, the pick-and-release device (4) raises and moves the head (40) to position it above the workstation (7), wherein the pick-and-release element (41) holds the corresponding containers (C1, C2) (see Figure 3B ).

[0044] At the same time, the feeding device (1) will transport other containers (C1, C2) that abut against the adjacent component (R).

[0045] Then, the common support shaft (5) rotates about the rotation axis (50) so that the pick-up and release element (41) rotates (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 3C As shown, rotate 90° clockwise to make the containers (C1, C2) vertically arranged, for example, so that the containers (C1) with their openings (I1) facing forward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1) are arranged such that their openings (I1) are now facing upward, while the containers (C2) with their openings (I2) facing backward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1) are arranged with their respective openings (I2) facing downward.

[0046] The common support shaft (5) can also be rotated in the opposite direction of rotation so that the containers are arranged in the opposite way to the diagram, i.e., the opening (I1) of container (C1) faces downward and the opening (I2) of container (C2) faces upward.

[0047] In other words, when containers in different orientations arrive at and abut against the adjacent component (R), the rotation of the common support axis causes the containers to be arranged vertically, resulting in some containers having their openings facing down while others have their openings facing up.

[0048] Then, the pick-and-release device (4) moves its head (40) toward the workstation (7), and some of the pick-and-release elements (41) will be able to release the container (C2) onto the workstation (7), i.e., the container with its mouth (I2) facing down, such that the mouth (I2) is located at the position of the nozzle (71) in the workstation (7), which is designed to clean the inside of the container (C2), or at the position of other components designed to perform other operations (e.g., control functions), while the remaining other pick-and-release elements (41) hold their containers (C1) with their mouths (I1) facing up (see... Figure 3D ).

[0049] Subsequently, the pick-up and release device (4) raises the head (40) and drives the common support shaft (5) to rotate 180° (clockwise or counterclockwise) about the rotation axis (50) to arrange the remaining container (C1) still held by some pick-up and release elements (41), with its associated opening (I1) facing downwards (see...). Figure 3E ).

[0050] Then, the pick-and-release device (4) can move its head (40) toward the workstation (7) so that the pick-and-release element (41) can release the remaining containers (C1) thereon, such that the mouth (I1) is located at the position of the nozzle (71) designed to clean the inside of the container (C2), or at the position of other components designed to perform other operations (e.g., control functions) (see See Figure 3F ).

[0051] Once the cleaning or other control operations are completed, the pick-and-release element (41) holds the containers (C1, C2) in place and the head (40) can be raised, allowing the common support shaft (5) to rotate 180° about the rotation axis (50) so that the openings (I1, I2) of the containers (C1, C2) are positioned facing upwards (see...). Figure 3G Then, the head (40) can move above the exit line (6) to release all containers (C1, C2) and deliver them to the exit line (6) in the same orientation (see...). Figure 3H ).

[0052] If the containers collected from the feed device (1) by the pick-up and release element (41) are all in the same orientation (both with their mouths facing forward or backward), then by rotation of the common support shaft (5) about the rotation axis (50), all the containers may have been arranged in the same orientation and with their mouths facing downward, and the head (40) can therefore be activated to position the containers directly at the position of the nozzle (71) or other components of the workstation (7).

[0053] If the workstation (7) is designed to perform other types of processing on the containers, which requires the containers to be arranged with their mouths facing upwards, then after the common support axis is rotated for the first time to arrange the containers vertically, the head (40) will be activated to release those containers with their mouths facing upwards onto the workstation, and then rotate the remaining containers with their mouths facing downwards by 180° to arrange the containers with their mouths facing upwards onto the workstation.

[0054] Figures 4A to 4EThe possible operating sequence of the pickup and release device (4) is shown, wherein the head (40) is configured with pickup and release elements (42, 43) rigidly mounted on a common support shaft (5) such that after the common support shaft (5) is driven to rotate, the pickup and release elements can rotate about the rotation axis (50) of the common support shaft (5) and can also be driven independently of each other to rotate about their respective rotation axes (V) perpendicular to the rotation axis (50) of the common support shaft (5).

[0055] In these figures, the system (100) of the present invention is implemented according to a first possible configuration, wherein the system includes an outlet line (6) arranged laterally downstream of the feed device (1), on which containers are released in a supported manner, all containers being in the same orientation and their respective openings facing upwards.

[0056] The pick-up and release device (4) moves its head (40) so that the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) are positioned at the respective guide channels (10) to pick up stationary containers (C1, C2) abutting against adjacent parts (R) (see Figure 4A Furthermore, the sensor component (S1) has detected the positioning status of the container's openings (I1, I2).

[0057] Some of these containers (C1) may be arranged with their respective openings (I1) facing forward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1), while other containers (C2) will be arranged with their respective openings (I2) facing backward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1).

[0058] Then, the pick-up and release device (4) raises the head (40) and moves the head (40) to position it above the outlet line (6), and the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) hold the corresponding containers (C1, C2) (see Figure 4B ).

[0059] At the same time, the feeding device (1) will transport other containers (C1, C2) that abut against the adjacent component (R).

[0060] Then, the common support shaft (5) rotates about the rotation axis (50) so that the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) rotate (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 4CAs shown, rotate 90° clockwise so that the containers (C1, C2) are arranged vertically, for example, so that the containers (C1) with their openings (I1) facing forward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1) are arranged such that their openings (I1) are now facing upward, while the containers (C2) with their openings (I2) facing backward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1) are arranged with their respective openings (I2) facing downward.

[0061] The common support shaft (5) can also rotate in the opposite direction so that the containers are arranged in the opposite way to the diagram, that is, the opening (I1) of container (C1) faces downward and the opening (I2) of container (C2) faces upward.

[0062] In other words, when containers in different orientations arrive at and abut against the adjacent component (R), the common support axis rotates to make the containers vertically arranged, resulting in some containers having their openings facing down while others have their openings facing up.

[0063] Therefore, the pick-up and release elements (43) that can drive the containers (C2) with their openings (I2) facing downwards rotate relative to their respective rotation axes (V) on the rotation axis (50) perpendicular to the common support axis (5) so that the containers (C2) rotate 180° and keep their respective openings (I2) facing upwards (see...). Figure 4D ).

[0064] In this way, all containers (C1, C2) held by the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) of the head (40) will be in the same orientation, with their respective openings (I1, I2) facing upwards.

[0065] Then, the movable head (40) positions the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) above the exit line (6), thereby releasing the containers (42, 43) sideways on the exit line (6), all of which are oriented in the same orientation with their mouths facing upwards (see...). Figure 4E ).

[0066] Figure 5A to Figure 5G The possible operating sequence of the pickup and release device (4) is shown, wherein the head (40) is configured with pickup and release elements (42, 43) rigidly mounted on a common support shaft (5) such that after the common support shaft (5) is driven to rotate, the pickup and release elements can rotate about the rotation axis (50) of the common support shaft (5) and can also be driven independently of each other to rotate about their respective rotation axes (V) perpendicular to the rotation axis (50) of the common support shaft (5).

[0067] In these figures, the system (100) is implemented according to another possible configuration in which the system includes an outlet line (6) and a workstation (7) (e.g., a cleaning station and / or a container control station) arranged downstream and laterally of the feed device (1), the workstation being located on the side of the outlet line (6); at this workstation, the containers are initially arranged in the same orientation (e.g., mouth facing down) in order to enable working operations, so that the containers must be transferred to the outlet line (6).

[0068] The pick-up and release device (4) moves its head (40) so that the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) are arranged at the respective guide channels (10) of the feeding device (1) to pick up stationary containers (C1, C2) abutting against adjacent parts (R) (see Figure 5A Furthermore, the sensor component (S1) has detected the positioning status of the container's openings (I1, I2).

[0069] Some of these containers (C1) may be arranged with their respective openings (I1) facing forward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1), while other containers (C2) will be arranged with their respective openings (I2) facing backward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1).

[0070] Then, the pick-and-release device (4) raises the head (40) and moves the head (40) to position it above the workstation (7), wherein the pick-and-release elements (42, 43) hold the corresponding containers (C1, C2) (see Figure 5B ).

[0071] At the same time, the feeding device (1) will convey other containers (C1, C2) that abut against the adjacent part (R).

[0072] Then, the common support shaft (5) rotates about the rotation axis (50) so that the rotation causes the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) to (e.g., as...) Figure 5C As shown, rotate 90° clockwise to make the containers (C1, C2) vertically arranged, for example, so that the containers (C1) with their openings (I1) facing forward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1) are arranged such that their openings (I1) are now facing upward, while the containers (C2) with their openings (I2) facing backward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1) are arranged with their respective openings (I2) facing downward.

[0073] The common support shaft (5) can also rotate in the opposite direction so that the containers are arranged in the opposite way to the diagram, that is, the opening (I1) of container (C1) faces downward and the opening (I2) of container (C2) faces upward.

[0074] In other words, when containers in different orientations arrive at and abut against the adjacent component (R), the common support axis rotates to make the containers vertically arranged, resulting in some containers having their openings facing down while others have their openings facing up.

[0075] Therefore, the pick-up and release elements (43) that can drive the containers (C1) holding their openings (I1) facing upwards can rotate relative to their respective rotation axes (V) of the rotation axis (50) perpendicular to the common support axis (5), so that the containers (C1) are rotated 180° and arranged with their respective openings (I1) facing downwards (see...). Figure 5C and Figure 5D ).

[0076] In this way, all containers (C1, C2) held by the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) of the head (40) will be in the same orientation, with their respective openings (I1, I2) facing downwards.

[0077] Then, the pick-and-release device (4) moves its head (40) toward the workstation (7) using pick-and-release elements (42, 43), which, while holding all containers (C1, C2), position the containers (C1, C2) with their respective openings (I1, I2) at the nozzle (71), which is located in the workstation (7) and designed to clean the interior of the container (C2), or is located at other components designed to perform other operations (e.g., control functions) (see See Figure 5E ).

[0078] Subsequently, once the cleaning and / or control operations have been completed, the pick-and-release device (4) raises the head (40) and drives the common support shaft (5) to rotate 180° (clockwise or counterclockwise) about the rotation axis (50) so that the containers (C1, C2) held by the pick-and-release elements (42, 43) are arranged vertically with the relevant openings (I1, I2) facing upwards (see...). Figure 5F ): Then, the pick-up and release device (4) can move the head (40) above the outlet line (6) and drive the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) to release all containers (C1, C2) onto the outlet line (6) in the same orientation for correct orientation (see Figure 5G ).

[0079] With all containers collected from the feed device (1) by the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) in the same orientation (both mouths facing forward or backward), all containers can be arranged in the same orientation and with their mouths facing downward by simply activating the common support shaft (50) to rotate about the rotation axis (5), and thus the head (40) can be activated to position the containers directly at the nozzle (71) or other components of the workstation (7).

[0080] If the workstation (7) is designed to perform other types of processing on the container, which requires the container to be positioned with its mouth facing upwards, then the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) can be driven to rotate about the rotation axis (50) of the common support axis (5), and may also rotate about a corresponding rotation axis (V) perpendicular to the rotation axis (50) so that the container is positioned with its mouth facing upwards before being transferred to the workstation (7).

[0081] Other advantageous features of the system of the present invention are described and provided below.

[0082] The system (100) may also include a second sensor component (S2) arranged upstream of the adjacent component (R) relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1), and configured to detect and provide minimum loading data of each guide channel (10) related to the presence and number of containers (C1, C2) transported by the feeding device (1) and arriving at the adjacent component (R), such that the head (40) can be activated by the pick-up and release device (4) according to whether there is a predetermined minimum number of containers (C1, C2) abutting against the adjacent component (R) in the guide channel (10) to clamp the containers (C1, C2).

[0083] In another aspect, the system (100) may include a third sensor component (S3) arranged upstream of the second sensor component (S2) relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1). The sensor component is configured to detect the presence of containers (C1, C2) in each guide channel (10) and provide data on their filling status, thereby activating the conveying device (3) to collect containers (C1, C2) from the terminal portion (20) of the conveying component (2) and preferentially release the containers (C1, C2) into the guide channels (10) in which a small number of containers (C1, C2) have previously been released, such that each guide channel (10) can accommodate substantially the corresponding number of containers (C1, C2) inside it.

[0084] The system (100) can be manufactured as follows: the conveying device (3) includes a series of clamping components (30) which are aligned in the same direction parallel to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1).

[0085] Specifically, the conveying device (3) is configured to move the clamping member (30) from the first pick-up position (A0) to successive different release positions (A1, A2, ..., AN) above the feeding device (1), wherein the clamping member (30) is arranged at the terminal portion (20) of the conveying member to collect the containers (C1, C2) present in the terminal portion (20), such that each clamping member (30) can release the corresponding container (C1, C2) held by it into the corresponding guide channel (10), the container being supported by its sidewall on the feeding device (1), and its opening (I1, I2) being oriented at a random position relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1).

[0086] In the first form, the process of releasing containers (C1, C2) into the respective guide channels can be set sequentially, or it can be adjusted and set based on data received from the third sensor component (S3) regarding the filling and presence of containers in each channel, giving priority to those channels with fewer containers.

[0087] In another aspect, the conveying component (2) can be implemented according to different possible preferred embodiments.

[0088] The conveying component can be manufactured as follows: Includes a plate conveyor (21) having a series of plates (22) arranged adjacent to each other and in an inclined configuration, wherein each plate (22) can be activated by alternating translational motion and stroke amount, which causes the corresponding upper edge (220) to reach a higher height relative to the previous plate (22), thereby conveying containers (C1, C2) received from the previous plate (22) in an upward direction, placing the containers on their sidewalls as support on the corresponding edge (220) and arranging them such that their respective longitudinal axes are parallel to the conveying direction (T) of the feed device (1); Alternatively, it may be configured as follows: either alone or arranged upstream and in combination with the plate conveyor (21), it includes a transport component (23) having a series of blades (24) that have a blocking function, arranged laterally and defining between them supports (230) for receiving and transporting containers (C1, C2), which are placed in the supports (230), supported by their sidewalls, and arranged such that their respective longitudinal axes are parallel to the conveying direction (T) of the feed device (1).

[0089] The pick-up and release device (4) shown in the attached figure can be implemented as a Cartesian anthropomorphic robot, which includes a series of articulated arms for moving the head (40) according to mutually perpendicular Cartesian axes, for moving the head (40) from the feed device (1) to the exit line (6) and / or the workstation (7) and from the workstation (7) to the output line (6), and for driving the common support shaft (5) to rotate about the rotation axis (5).

Claims

1. A system (100) for receiving and transmitting a plurality of containers (C1, C2) oriented in a random manner, and for arranging the containers (C1, C2) in the same orientation, the system comprising: A feeding device (1) is available for continuous operation according to a conveying direction (T) and is provided with a plurality of walls (11) arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the conveying direction (T), and configured to define a plurality of guide channels (10) between the plurality of walls. The guide channels are shaped to accommodate containers (C1, C2) which are side-supported by their side walls and arranged with their respective longitudinal axes parallel to the conveying direction (T). A conveying component (2) is arranged adjacent to the feeding device (1) and configured to feed a series of containers (C1, C2) that are bulkly arranged at the terminal portion (20) of the conveying component (2). The conveying component (2) is located on one side of the feeding device (1) and the containers (C1, C2) are arranged such that their longitudinal axis is parallel to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1). The corresponding openings (I1, I2) of the containers (C1, C2) are oriented at random positions relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1). A conveying device (3) is movable laterally to the feeding device (1) from a first pick-up position (A0) located at the terminal portion (20) of the conveying member (2) to collect the containers (C1, C2) present in the terminal portion (20) of the conveying member (2), and laterally to the feeding device from consecutive different release positions (A1, A2..., AN) above the respective guide channels (10) of the feeding device (1) to release the containers (C1, C2) into the respective guide channels (10), the containers being side-supported on the feeding device (1) with their sidewalls as support, and arranged with their openings (I1, I2) oriented forward or backward relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1) at random positions; Adjacent component (R), the adjacent component is arranged near the terminal portion of the feeding device (1) and configured to block the containers (C1, C2) transported along the guide channel (10) of the feeding device (1) so that the containers are laterally aligned with each other relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1). A sensor component (S1) is arranged and configured to detect the orientation of the openings (I1, I2) of the containers (C1, C2) abutting the adjacent component (R), and to provide data relating to the arrangement and forward or backward orientation of the openings (I1, I2) of the containers (C1, C2) abutting the adjacent component (R) relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1). A pick-up and release device (4) is arranged above the terminal portion of the feeding device (1) and configured to move a head (40) comprising a plurality of pick-up and release elements (41; 42, 43), each pick-up and release element corresponding to a corresponding guide channel (10) of the feeding device (1), wherein the pick-up and release elements (41; 42, 43) are aligned along a common support axis (5) having a rotation axis (50) arranged horizontally and transverse to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1), such that each pick-up and release element (41; 42, 43) is arranged above and movable above the corresponding guide channel (10) of the feeding device (1) to pick up and hold a corresponding container (C1, C2) abutting against the adjacent member (R). Wherein, the head (40): The pickup and release elements (41) are rigidly mounted on the common support shaft (5), and wherein the pickup and release elements (41) rotate together about the rotation axis (50) of the common support shaft (5) as the common support shaft (5) is rotated, so that after the pickup and release elements (41) have picked up the containers (C1, C2) abutting against the adjacent member (R) from the feed device (1), the common support shaft (5) can be driven to rotate about the rotation axis (50) to rotate the pickup and release elements (41) and arrange the containers (C1, C2) vertically, wherein these pickup and release elements (41) can be activated to release the container (C1), the pickup and release elements being based on the sensor The information provided by component (S1) holds the corresponding opening (I1) of the corresponding container (C1) oriented upward or downward in a predetermined common direction; and then the common support shaft (5) can be driven to rotate about the rotation axis (50) to rotate the pick-up and release element (41) and arrange any remaining containers (C2) still held by the remaining other pick-up and release elements (41) in such a way that the corresponding opening (I2) is oriented upward or downward in the predetermined common direction of the opening (I1) of the previously released container (C1); and then these remaining other pick-up and release elements (41) can be activated to release any remaining containers (C2), which will then be arranged in the same orientation as the previously released container (C1). Alternatively, the head (40) may be configured as follows: The pick-up and release elements (42, 43) are mounted on the common support shaft (5) in such a way that, with the rotational drive of the common support shaft (5), the pick-up and release elements can rotate about the rotational axis (50) of the common support shaft (5), and can also be driven to rotate independently of each other about corresponding rotational axes (V) perpendicular to the rotational axis (50) of the common support shaft (5). Thus, after the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) have picked up the containers (C1, C2) abutting against the adjacent member (R) from the feed device (1), the common support shaft (5) can be driven to rotate about the rotational axis (50) so that the pick-up and release elements (42, 43) can rotate and the containers (C1, C2) can be arranged vertically. The corresponding rotations of these pick-up and release elements (43) about the rotational axis (50) perpendicular to the common support shaft (5) can be driven. As the axis (V) rotates, the pickup and release element, based on the information provided by the sensor component (S1), holds any corresponding container (C2) with its corresponding opening (I2) oriented upwards or downwards along a predetermined common direction, which differs from the predetermined common direction of the remaining other containers (C1) held by other pickup and release elements (41), whose openings are either upwards or downwards. This arrangement ensures that any container (C2) is positioned such that its corresponding opening (I2) is oriented along the predetermined common direction of the remaining containers (C1), such that all containers (C1, C2) are arranged such that their corresponding openings (I1, I2) are oriented along the predetermined common direction and are in the same orientation. The pickup and release element (42, 43) is able to hold the container (C1, C2) so that processing steps can be performed on it, or so that it can be activated to release the container (C1, C2).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, the system comprising a second sensor component (S2) arranged upstream of the adjacent component (R) relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1), and configured to detect and provide minimum loading data of the respective guide channels (10) related to the presence and quantity of the containers (C1, C2) transmitted by the feeding device (1) and arriving at the adjacent component (R), such that the head (40) can be activated by the pick-up and release device (4) according to whether there is a predetermined minimum number of containers (C1, C2) abutting against the adjacent component (R) in the guide channel (10) to clamp the containers (C1, C2).

3. The system (100) according to claim 2, comprising a third sensor component (S3) arranged upstream of the second sensor component (S2) relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1), configured to detect the presence of the containers (C1, C2) in the respective guide channels (10) and provide data on their filling status, thereby activating the conveying device (3) to collect the containers (C1, C2) from the terminal portion (20) of the conveying component (2) and preferentially release the containers (C1, C2) into the guide channels (10) with a smaller number of previously released containers, such that the respective guide channels (10) can accommodate substantially the corresponding number of containers (C1, C2).

4. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conveying device (3) includes a series of clamping members (30) arranged in the same direction parallel to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1). The conveying device (3) is configured to move the clamping members (30) from the first pick-up position (A0) to the successive different release positions (A1, A2, ..., AN) above the feeding device (1). The clamping members (30) are arranged at the terminal portion (20) of the conveying member (2) to collect the containers (C1, C2) present in the terminal portion (20), such that each clamping member (30) can release the corresponding container (C1, C2) held therein into the corresponding guide channel (10). The container is supported by its sidewall on the feeding device (1), and its opening (I1, I2) is oriented at a random position relative to the conveying direction (T) of the feeding device (1).

5. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conveying component (2) is manufactured in the following manner: Includes a plate conveyor (21) having a series of adjacent plates (22) arranged at an angle, wherein each plate (22) can be activated by alternating translational motion and stroke, the stroke causing the corresponding upper edge (220) to reach a higher height than the previous plate (22), thereby conveying containers (C1, C2) received from the previous plate (22) in an upward direction, placing the containers on their sidewalls supported on the corresponding edges (220), and with their respective longitudinal axes parallel to the feed device (1). Arranged in the manner described in the conveying direction (T); or configured in such a manner as to include, alone or arranged upstream and in combination with the plate conveyor (21), a transport component (23) having a series of blades (24) having a blocking function, laterally arranged and defining between them supports (230) for receiving and transporting the containers (C1, C2), the containers being placed in the supports (230), supported by their sidewalls and arranged in a manner with their respective longitudinal axes parallel to the conveying direction (T) of the feed device (1).

Images