Article handling apparatus

Abstract

An article handling apparatus is disclosed for moving heated articles, formed in a manufacturing process, from a support plate to a conveyor, comprises a rear wall and at least one paddle mounted thereon, the paddle having a longitudinal paddle axis extending away from the rear wall, the rear wall and the paddle forming a pocket for receiving one of the articles, wherein the paddle includes a contact portion for contacting the article in use, and wherein the contact portion is mounted moveably on the paddle for adjusting the size of the pocket. Also disclosed is an article handling apparatus for moving heated articles, formed in a manufacturing process, from a support plate to a conveyor, wherein the handling apparatus comprises a rear wall and a plurality of paddles mounted thereon, the paddles each having a longitudinal paddle axis extending away from the rear wall, so that the rear wall and the paddles form a plurality of pockets each for receiving an article; wherein at least one of the paddles is moveably mounted on the rear wall so that the distance between the paddles may be adjusted.

Description

The present invention relates to an article handling apparatus, and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with an apparatus for handling hot, still-soft moulded glass articles. Articles, such as glass containers, are manufactured industrially in a so-called Individual Section Machine. After the container has been formed, it is deposited, in a hot, still-soft condition on a surface, known as a "deadplate", from which it is transferred to a conveyor before travelling to another processing stage. Specialised handling apparatus is used to move the hot container from the dead-plate to the conveyor. The apparatus is sometimes referred to as a "sweep out" and comprises moveable paddles or "fingers" mounted on a wall member which together form pockets for retaining the containers. A group of pockets are moveable together, typically through 90 degrees on a rotating, and optionally telescopically extending, arm so as to sweep the containers onto the conveyor, before being retracted and rotated back to their starting position. Parts of the sweep out apparatus that contact the semi-molten container must be capable of withstanding considerable temperatures and are formed as separate, replaceable contact portions known as "inserts". In a previously considered handling apparatus, the contact inserts are vulnerable to damage and often require premature replacement as a result. In addition, the fingers forming the pockets must be chosen to accommodate the correct size of container. The process of replacing the fingers, when a differently-sized container is being produced, takes time during which the production is halted. Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a handling apparatus in which the aforementioned problems are addressed. The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Further, preferred features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto . According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article handling apparatus for moving heated articles, formed in a manufacturing process, from a support plate to a conveyor, wherein the handling apparatus comprises a rear wall and at least one paddle mounted thereon, the paddle having a longitudinal paddle axis extending away from the rear wall, the rear wall and the paddle forming a pocket for receiving one of the articles, wherein the paddle includes a contact portion for contacting the article in use, and wherein the contact portion is mounted moveably on the paddle for adjusting the size of the pocket. In a preferred arrangement, the contact portion is mounted for movement along the paddle axis. Preferably, the contact portion is mounted for slideable engagement on the paddle. The slideable engagement may be controlled by a release device, such as a button. The contact portion may have a plurality of preset positions on the paddle, which pre-set positions may correspond to differently sized articles. Preferably the contact portion comprises a contact pad. The contact pad may be removably mounted on the paddle. More preferably, the contact pad is removably mounted on the paddle by a resiliently biased bearing. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article handling apparatus for moving heated articles, formed in a manufacturing process, from a support plate to a conveyor, wherein the handling apparatus comprises a rear wall and a plurality of paddles mounted thereon, the paddles each having a longitudinal paddle axis extending away from the rear wall, so that the rear wall and the paddles form a plurality of pockets each for receiving an article; wherein at least one of the paddles is moveably mounted on the rear wall so that the distance between the paddles may be adjusted. The paddle may be mounted for slideable movement on the rear wall. In a preferred arrangement, The slideable engagement may be controlled by a release device, such as a button. The paddle may have a plurality of preset positions on the rear wall, which pre-set positions may correspond to differently sized articles. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article handling apparatus for moving heated articles, formed in a manufacturing process, from a support plate to a conveyor, wherein the handling apparatus comprises a rear wall and at least one paddle mounted thereon, the paddle having a longitudinal paddle axis extending away from the rear wall, the rear wall and the paddle forming a pocket for receiving one of the articles, wherein the article handling apparatus comprises a gas flow directing apparatus comprising a gas flow conduit arranged to draw in gas from around the container in use. Preferably, the gas conduit includes at least one primary gas inlet, at least one main gas exhaust outlet and at least one secondary gas inlet, wherein the exhaust outlet comprises a wider portion of conduit to create, in use, a reduced pressure in the conduit in the region of the secondary inlet, so that gas is drawn into the conduit in the vicinity of the article . The gas may comprise air. The presence of the wider portion may create a venturi effect in the conduit. The secondary inlet is preferably positioned close to the article, more preferably in the paddle and / or substantially in a corner of a pocket formed by the paddle and a rear wall. As air is drawn into the conduit close to the article, the article is held within the pocket. There may be one or more secondary inlets in each pocket. The invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein, except such a combination of features as are mutually exclusive, or mutually inconsistent. A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows schematically a sweep out apparatus according to the prior art; Figures 2a-2c show respectively in plan and front view a pocket of an article handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in an un-extended configuration; Figures 3a to 3c show respectively in plan and front view the pocket of Figures 2a-2c in an extended configuration; Figures 4a and 4b show respectively in plan and cross-sectional views a contact insert of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 shows the insert of Figures 4a and 4b inserted into a contact portion of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 4; Figure 6 shows an air directing apparatus of the prior art; and Figure 7 shows an air directing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Turning to Figure 1, this shows schematically a sweep-out apparatus according to the prior art. Hot bottles B are deposited on a dead-plate DP which has holes for directing cooling air upwards onto the bottles. The bottles are positioned in pockets of an arm A formed by a rear wall RW and spaced-apart fixed paddles or "fingers" F, each having heat resistant inserts I fixed thereon by screws (not shown), all under the control of a rotating shaft S. When the bottles have remained on the dead-plate for a few seconds to cool somewhat, the arm A rotates through 90 degrees and the bottles become swept onto a conveyor C, on which they are transported to the next stage of manufacture. As previously discussed, the prior art apparatus has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, the paddles must be replaced according to the requirements of differently sized bottles (or other containers). Paddles of different lengths and / or at different spacing may be required. Secondly, the heat-resistant inserts I are vulnerable to damage and must in any case be replaced at the end of their working life. All of the above is time consuming and may lead to substantial downtime for the plant. Figures 2a-2c show generally at 1000 an embodiment of a sweep-out arm according to the present invention. The arm 1000 is for mounting in a sweep-out assembly of the kind shown in Figure 1 and comprises rear wall portions 1200 mounted on a rear wall member (not shown in these drawings) and first and second paddles 1400, which together define pockets 1600 on the dead-plate (not shown). In the drawing only a pair of paddles is shown, whereas in reality the number would be greater, so that multiple pockets are formed by the paddles and the rear wall. Heat-resistant inserts 1800 are mounted on the rear wall and on contact portions of the paddles for contacting the hot articles in use. The inserts 1800 are releasably mounted on the rear wall and paddles by engagement with spring biased clips 2000, as will be described later. Air ducts 2100 are provided on the rear wall and paddles to draw air in and thus help to retain the articles in their pockets. Figures 3a-3c show the apparatus of Figures 2a-2c in an extended configuration. The rear wall portions 1200 have been spaced further apart to reveal the rear wall member 2200 on which they are slideably mounted. This is achieved by pressing a release button 2300. A number of preset positions for the rear wall portions are provided. In addition, the paddles themselves have been extended by sliding contact portions 1410 on paddle mounts 1420. The extension of the paddles has been effected by pressing a release button 2300. The paddles may adopt one of a plurality of preset positions. The paddle shown on the left has been extended further than the one shown on the right. Figure 4a shows an insert 1800 from above (Figure 4a) and in cross section (Figure 4b). The insert is provided with two, spaced hemispherical recesses 1800a on each of its upper and lower faces for easily mounting and removing the insert, as will be described below. Figure 5 shows one of the inserts 1800 mounted in a portion of the rear wall 1200. The wall 1200 is provided with a slot 1220 into which the insert is pair of resiliently biased bearings 1230, each comprising a ball bearing 1232 biased by a spring 1234 (in this case a leaf spring)held in place by a fixture (e.g., a screw) 1236 holds the insert in place, with the ball bearings being received into the hemispherical recesses 1800a. To remove the inserts one need only overcome the biasing force of the springs 1234. Having recesses on both sides, the inserts are capable of being reversed and re-used when one side becomes worn, or else to accommodate both left and right-handed pockets. The use of tools is not necessary. The sweepout assembly (excluding contact material on the rear wall and paddles) is preferably made from predominantly aluminium, with structural components (i.e., the paddle mount) preferably of steel and aluminium. The heat resistant inserts are preferably made of carbon, graphite, polymer and composite materials and carbon fibre, although stainless steel braid may be used in some applications . Figure 6 shows a previously considered apparatus for directing gas - such as air - onto the article through the paddle . In previously considered sweep-out apparatus, represented schematically at 3000 in Figure 6, compressed air at 5-6 bar is supplied to the pocket from an air inlet 3100 via nozzles 3200 which are screwed to the rear wall (not shown) . The air, flowing between the article and the pocket creates a low air-pressure zone which helps to keep the article in place in the pocket. Figure 7 shows a gas directing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, generally at 4000. Air is introduced via a supply inlet 4100 and travels along a conduit 4150 towards exhaust ports 4200 where it is expelled. Secondary inlets, 4300, located between the article and the pocket, and preferably in the corner of the pocket, draw air inwards. The diameter of the exhaust ports is greater than the conduit pipe in the region of the secondary inlets and so a reduced pressure is created in the latter. A venturi effect is the result. Air supply arrangements according to embodiments of the present invention offer advantages over the prior art. Firstly, the previously considered designs require the use of different length nozzles which are selected and screwed into the back wall to accommodate different size containers. As the present apparatus creates a low pressure in the corner of the pocket (suction) utilising the venturi effect this is not necessary, hence easing use and set up times. With fewer parts protruding, the chance of oil / lubricant ingress and blockages is greatly reduced. Secondly, the previously considered design uses approximately 5-6 bar compressed air pressure to create suction. Due to creating a constriction (venturi) and thereby increasing air flow through the inlet ports 4300, the compressed air pressure may be reduced, using less power and resulting in lower operating costs. Certain embodiments of the present invention offer advantages when compared to the previously considered machines . Contact material inserts are mounted with spring clips to aid quick fitting and replacement. No holes need be drilled through insert to create weak points so reducing chance of breakage . Inserts are recessed on both faces, hence can be used on left or right-handed machines and also reversed once worn on first contact edge increasing material utilization. Inserts are mounted in a full length housing thus eliminating protruding contact material which could be easily damaged or broken off entirely. The arm on which the "fingers" are mounted extends and retracts at the push of a button, meaning that no tools are required to change the size of the pocket to accommodate larger or smaller glass containers. The adjustment permissible is to preset lengths / increments allowing a quick and repeatable set up. This feature also means that only one 'finger' length is required to cover the full range of container diameters. This is in contrast with previous designs which need multiple lengths or even complete sweepout assemblies to cover different glass containers. Hence customers can enjoy greatly reduced inventories of different 'fingers' . The rear wall portions are mounted on an adjustable dove tail rail of the rear wall. Their position can be changed again at the push of a spring-loaded button and slid to the desired preset spacing required quickly and easily, again reducing customers inventories which currently have sweep out assemblies to cover the multitude of different shapes and diameters of containers that they produce. Many sweepout assemblies currently available have the ability to use compressed air supplied via an inlet at the back of the mounting plate and delivered to the 'pocket' (location for glass container) via a drilled hole and externally mounted nozzle near the bottom of the arm / finger. As this jet of air blows upward it draws the containers back into the pocket. The present apparatus instead utilizes the venturi effect, where the compressed air is channeled through a restricted diameter with inlet ports directed at the glass container to create suction and draw it back into the pocket without the need for externally mounted nozzles. Due to the nature of the spacing adjustment possible with this design, the compressed air is supplied to the adj ustable / moving pocket via a sliding fit pipe, so compressed air can be used for the full range of movement. Embodiments of the present invention aim to deliver a robust sweepout to customers that requires fewer spare parts therefore greatly reduce inventories. It can stay on the machine and be adjusted quickly, easily and repeatably without the need for tools to produce glass containers of different shapes and diameters. The compressed air function using the Venturi effect will create a more reliable and efficient means of 'drawing the container into position to be swept off of the dead plate and onto the conveyor. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein, and / or 5 shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. An article handling apparatus for moving heated articles, formed in a manufacturing process, from a support plate to a conveyor, wherein the handling apparatus comprises a rear wall and at least one paddle mounted thereon, the paddle having a longitudinal paddle axis extending away from the rear wall, the rear wall and the paddle forming a pocket for receiving one of the articles, wherein the paddle includes a contact portion for contacting the article in use, and wherein the contact portion is mounted moveably on the paddle for adjusting the size of the pocket.

2. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the contact portion is mounted for movement along the paddle axis.

3. Apparatus according Claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact portion is mounted for slideable engagement on the paddle.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the slideable engagement is controlled by a release device, such as a button.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the contact portion has a plurality of preset positions on the paddle, which pre-set positions may correspond to differently sized articles.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the contact portion comprises a contact pad.7 . Apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein the contact pad is removably mounted on the paddle.

8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the contact pad is removably mounted on the paddle by a resiliently biased bearing.

9. An article handling apparatus for moving heated articles, formed in a manufacturing process, from a support plate to a conveyor, wherein the handling apparatus comprises a rear wall and a plurality of paddles mounted thereon, the paddles each having a longitudinal paddle axis extending away from the rear wall, so that the rear wall and the paddles form a plurality of pockets each for receiving an article; wherein at least one of the paddles is moveably mounted on the rear wall so that the distance between the paddles may be adjusted.

10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the paddle is mounted for slideable movement on the rear wall.

11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein the slideable engagement is controlled by a release device, such as a button.

12. Apparatus according to any of Claims 9-11, wherein the paddle has a plurality of preset positions on the rear wall, which pre-set positions may correspond to differently sized articles.

13. An article handling apparatus for moving heated articles, formed in a manufacturing process, from a support plate to a conveyor, wherein the handling apparatus comprises a rear wall and at least one paddle mounted thereon, the paddle having a longitudinal paddle axis extending away from the rear wall, the rearwall and the paddle forming a pocket for receiving one of the articles, wherein the article handling apparatus comprises a gas flow directing apparatus comprising a gas flow conduit arranged to draw in gas from around the container in use.

14. Apparatus according to Claim 13, wherein the gas conduit includes at least one primary gas inlet, at least one main gas exhaust outlet and at least one secondary gas inlet, wherein the exhaust outlet comprises a wider portion of conduit to create, in use, a reduced pressure in the conduit in the region of the secondary inlet, so that gas is drawn into the conduit in the vicinity of the article.

15. Apparatus according to Claim 13 or 14, wherein the gas comprises air.

16. Apparatus according to any of Claims 13-15, wherein the secondary inlet is positioned close to the article, more preferably in the paddle and / or substantially in a corner of a pocket formed by the paddle and a rear wall.Application No: GB2319818.7Examiner: Contract Unit ExaminerClaims searched: 1-8Date of search: 9 August 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-8 WO2011 / 060289 Al (ENTEGRIS INC; MONTION JOSEPH M ET AL) paragraph [0046] -paragraph [0047]; figure 4 X 1-8 US5324340 A (WITHROW SHELBY M ET AL) page 4, line 50 - page 5, line 2; figures 1-3 X 1-8 US5129613 A (LLOYD PATRICK H ET AL) figures 1, 3, 5, 6Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB. EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC____________C03B_____________________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search reportInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From C03B 0009 / 453 01 / 01 / 2006Application No: GB2319818.7Examiner: Dr Shane HenryClaims searched: 9-12Date of search: 24 February 2025Patents Act 1977Further Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance v A 9-12 US 5056648 A (HUBER et al.) See Abstract, Figures 1-2, Col 2 lines 32-50 X 9-12 WO2011 / 060289 Al (ENTEGRIS INC) See Abstract, Figure 9-11, Page 12, para [0062] X 9-12 US 2006 / 0042912 Al (SASSO et al.) See Abstract, Figure 8, Page 4 para [0045] X 9-12 EP 1886977 Bl (BDF HOLDING SPA) See Abstract, Figure 3, Page 4 para [0021] X 9-12 JP S4833607B1 (ALPHONSE W. FAURE) See Abstract, Figures 9-10, Page 6 col 11 X 9-12 US 4923499 A (NEWKIRK) See Abstract, Figure 11, Col 7 lines 21-37 X 9-12 US 6494063 Bl (MALEK) See Abstract, Figure 2, Col 4 lines 54-64 X 9-12 EP 1577271 A2 (GPS GLASPROD SERV GMBH) See Abstract, Figure 1, Page 3 para [0022]Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC____________ C03B_____________________________________________________ The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report SEARCH-PATENTInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From C03B 0009 / 453 01 / 01 / 2006

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