Flexible pitch product metering system

Abstract

The product management system includes a continuous first track including a lug waiting section, a lug engaging section, and a product engaging section, each section configured and adapted to perform a specific lug moving step; a continuous chain partially following the first track, the continuous chain configured and adapted to actuate lugs for at least a portion of the first track; a series of lugs movably disposed along the first track, the series of lugs configured to move products along the product engaging section of the first track; a starwheel disposed in the lug engaging section of the first track, the starwheel configured to engage the chain from the lug waiting section of the first track and to meter the lugs to control a variable pitch between each of the lugs along the transporting chain; and a magnetic source configured to direct the lugs to the lug waiting section.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a product metering system, and more particularly to a product metering system having a flexible product pitch. [Background technology]

[0002] In product movement equipment and systems, it is common and necessary to space multiple products as required by downstream packaging steps. Traditionally, fixed pitch product conveyors have been used, requiring the system to be stopped and tooled to prepare the system for a different size of package or a different size product. This is often undesirable. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Although conventional methods and systems have generally been considered sufficient for their intended purposes, there remains a need in the art for a product metering system having improved pitch control and improved reliability. The present disclosure may provide a solution to at least one of those remaining problems.

[0004] 1. A product management system comprising: a continuous first track including a lug parking section, a lug engagement section, and a product engagement section, each section configured and adapted to perform a specific lug moving step; a continuous chain partially following the first track, the continuous chain configured and adapted to actuate a plurality of lugs for at least a portion of the first track; a series of lugs movably disposed along the first track, the series of lugs configured to move products along the product engagement section of the first track; a star wheel disposed in the lug engagement section of the first track, the star wheel configured to engage the chain from the lug parking section of the first track and for metering lugs to control a variable pitch between each of the lugs along the transferring chain; and a magnetic source configured to direct the lugs to the lug parking section.

[0005] The chain and the first track can be disposed within a panel, with the chain disposed within a secondary channel within the panel and below the first track. The first track can be oriented in a horizontal plane. Each lug can include an arm configured and adapted to engage the product.

[0006] The star wheel is programmed to move independently of the chain. The star wheel is actuated by a controller to control the pitch between each of the lugs along the chain. The star wheel is disposed on and actuated by a vertical shaft, and a controller is programmed to rotate the vertical shaft at a speed corresponding to a desired spacing between each of the lugs along the product engaging section of the first track. The star wheel includes a series of slots configured to complement the bases of the lugs.

[0007] The chain includes a series of vertically aligned members configured and adapted to engage the lugs to drive the lugs along the first track. Each lug includes a cylindrical portion disposed within the first track configured and adapted to hold the lug in place along the first track. The cylindrical portion of each lug includes a flange projecting radially therefrom. The chain includes a series of vertically aligned members, each of the series of vertically aligned members configured and adapted to engage a leading cylindrical member projecting from a base of each lug to drive the lug along the first track. Each lug includes a trailing cylindrical member configured and adapted to improve stability of each lug within the first track.

[0008] A release mechanism is disposed along the first track and configured to release the lugs from the chain and direct the lugs to the lug parking area. Each lug includes a magnetically responsive material, and the magnetic source is configured and adapted to bias each lug toward an end of the lug parking area proximate the lug engagement area. The product management system can also further include a conveyor configured to supply the plurality of products to the product engagement area.

[0009] These and other features of the systems and methods of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.

[0010] Preferred embodiments thereof are described in detail below with reference to certain drawing figures so that those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains can readily understand how to make and use the apparatus and method of the present invention without undue experimentation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a product management system. [Figure 1a] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 showing a cross-sectional view with the panel removed to expose the first track. [Figure 1b] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 showing a cross-sectional view with the panel removed to expose the chain. [Figure 1c] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 showing a cross-sectional view with the panel removed to expose the entire chain. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connection between the lug and the star wheel of FIG. 1, showing the star wheel in a first position. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connection between the lug and the star wheel of FIG. 1, showing the star wheel in a first position. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connection between the lug and the star wheel of FIG. 1, showing the star wheel in a third position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like structural features or aspects of the invention, for purposes of explanation and illustration, but not limitation, a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management system having a flexible pitch in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and generally designated by reference numeral 100. Other embodiments of a product management system in accordance with the present invention or aspects thereof are provided in FIGS. 2a-2c, as will now be described. The method and system of the present invention can be used to seamlessly move products at a desired pitch along a track without stopping the system to provide a changeover.

[0013] 1 shows a product management system 100 including a panel 102 with a first continuous track 104 thereon. The panel can be made up of multiple panels, each panel including a portion of the first continuous track 104. The first continuous track 104 provides a path and support for product engaging lugs 106. The first continuous track 104 includes a lug waiting section 108, a lug engaging section 110, and a product engaging section 112. In each section, the product engaging lugs 106 are meant to perform a different operation, as described in more detail below.

[0014] FIG. 1a shows a second continuous track 114. The second continuous track 114 follows and is located below the first continuous track 104. The second continuous track 114 continues in a straight line, but the first continuous track 104 branches off towards the lug waiting section 108. The second continuous track 114 houses a continuous chain 116 (shown in FIGS. 1b and 1c). The chain moves the lugs 106 relative to the product engagement section 112 of the track. The lugs 106 are movably disposed along the first continuous track 104 and are configured to drive or push the products along the product engagement section 112. A conveyor (not shown) for feeding and supporting the products is disposed adjacent to the panel and adjacent to the product engagement section 112. Thereby, the product management system 100 can be part of a larger product management system including other product management devices.

[0015] With further reference to FIG. 1 , the star wheel 120 is located in the lug engagement section 110 of the first continuous track 104. As the star wheel 120 rotates, it engages with each lug 106. The speed at which the star wheel 120 rotates is varied as required by the type and size of the product and the speed of the product entering the system. The star wheel 120 is operated independently of the chain 116. A magnetic source 122 is located adjacent to or within the lug parking section 108. The magnetic source directs or attracts the lugs 106 into and to the end of the lug parking section 108. When the magnetic source 122 is turned on or engaged, the magnetic material 128 in each of the lugs reacts and is attracted to the magnetic source 122. A release mechanism 124, such as a wedge, can be positioned within the first continuous track 104 to release the lugs 106 from the chain 116 and to direct the lugs 106 into the lug parking section 108. The wedge 124 forces each lug 106 to slip from the chain 116 and continues to move each lug 106 into the lug parking section 108 while the chain 116 continues to move in the same direction.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1b, each lug 106 includes a base 126, a magnetic material 128, a cylindrical member 130 protruding from the base 126, and an arm 132 configured and adapted to engage a product. Each cylindrical member 130 disposed within the first continuous track 104 is configured and adapted to hold the position of the lug 106 along the first continuous track 104. Each lug's cylindrical member 130 includes a flange 131 protruding radially therefrom. The cylindrical member 130 and the flange 131 act as a horizontal train wheel disposed between two train rails. The cylindrical member 130 may also include bearings. The chain 116 includes a series of vertically aligned members 136. Each of these vertically aligned members 136 is configured and adapted to engage with the cylindrical member 130 to drive the lug 106 along the first continuous track 104.

[0017] 2a-2c, the star wheel 120 is disposed on and actuated by a vertical shaft 140. A controller (not shown) connected to the vertical shaft 140 is programmed to rotate the vertical shaft 140. The vertical shaft 140 and the star wheel 120 rotate at a speed that controls the desired spacing between each of the plurality of lugs 106 along the product engagement section 112 of the first continuous track 104. The drawing shows the progression of the lugs 106 and the star wheel 120. The star wheel 120 first engages the lugs 106 at the end of the lug waiting section 108. The star wheel 120 includes a series of slots 142 configured to complement the bases 126 of the lugs. As the star wheel 120 rotates, the lugs 106 move to be in the path of the vertically aligned members 136 of the chain 116. At this point, the chain 116 engages the lugs 106 and no portion of the star wheel 120 prevents the lugs 106 from moving forward with the chain 116 at the speed of the chain 116. The star wheel 120 is programmed to move independently of the chain 116. Each lug 106 also includes a trailing cylindrical member 138 having a flange 139 that is configured and adapted to improve the stability of each lug 106 within the first continuous track 104 and to prevent the lugs 106 from rotating in place and to prevent a vertically aligned member 136 of the chain from slipping with the lug.

[0018] As described above and shown in the drawings, the method and system of the present disclosure provides a product management system having superior characteristics, including increased reliability, stability, and pitch flexibility. While the apparatus and method of the present disclosure have been shown and described with reference to embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and / or modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0019] 100 Product Management System Panel 102 104 Tracks 106 Product engagement lugs, lugs 108 Lag Waiting Area 110 Lug engagement section 112 Product Engagement Section 114 Tracks 116 Chain 120 Star Wheel 122 Magnetic Sources 124 Release mechanism, wedge 126 Base 128 Magnetic materials 130 Cylindrical member 131 Flange 132 Arm 136 Vertically Aligned Members 138 Rear cylindrical member 139 Flange 140 Vertical Shaft 142 Slots

Claims

1. 1. A product management system comprising: a continuous first track including a lug waiting section, a lug engaging section, and a product engaging section, each section configured and adapted to perform a particular lug moving step; a continuous chain partially following the continuous first track, the continuous chain being configured and adapted to actuate a lug about at least a portion of the continuous first track; a series of lugs movably disposed along the continuous first track, the series of lugs configured to move products along the product engagement section of the continuous first track; a star wheel disposed in the lug engagement section of the continuous first track, the star wheel configured to meter the lugs from the lug waiting section of the continuous first track into engagement with the chain and configured to control a variable pitch between each of the lugs along the transporting chain; a magnetic source disposed near or within the lug parking area and configured to attract the lug to the lug parking area during operation; A product management system that includes:

2. The product management system of claim 1 , wherein the continuous chain and the continuous first track are disposed within a panel.

3. The product management system of claim 2 , wherein the continuous chain is disposed in a secondary channel within the panel and beneath the first track.

4. The product management system of claim 1 , wherein the continuous first track is oriented in a horizontal plane.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein each lug includes an arm adapted and configured to engage the product.

6. The product management system of claim 1 , wherein said starwheel is programmed to move independently of said continuous chain.

7. The product management system of claim 6 , wherein the star wheels are actuated by a controller to control the pitch between each of the lugs along the continuous chain.

8. 2. The product management system of claim 1, wherein the star wheel is disposed on and actuated by a vertical shaft, and a controller is programmed to rotate the vertical shaft at a speed corresponding to a desired space between each of the lugs along the product engagement section of the continuous first track.

9. The product management system of claim 1 , wherein the star wheel includes a series of slots configured to complement the base of the lug.

10. 2. The product management system of claim 1, wherein the continuous chain includes a series of vertically aligned members configured and adapted to engage the lugs to drive the lugs along the continuous first track.

11. 2. The product management system of claim 1, wherein each lug includes a cylindrical portion disposed within the continuous first track configured and adapted to maintain a position of the lug along the continuous first track.

12. The product management system of claim 11 , wherein the cylindrical portion of each lug includes a flange projecting radially therefrom.

13. 2. The product management system of claim 1, wherein the continuous chain includes a series of vertically aligned members, each of the series of vertically aligned members configured and adapted to engage a leading cylindrical member protruding from a base of each lug to drive the lug along the continuous first track.

14. The product management system of claim 13 , wherein each lug includes a rear cylindrical member configured and adapted to improve stability of each lug within the continuous first track.

15. 2. The product management system of claim 1, including a release mechanism disposed along the continuous first track, the release mechanism configured to release the lugs from the continuous chain and to direct the lugs to the lug parking area.

16. The product management system of claim 1 , wherein each lug includes a magnetically responsive material.

17. A method for manufacturing a continuous first track including a lug waiting section, a lug engaging section, and a product engaging section, each section configured and adapted to perform a particular lug movement step; a continuous chain partially following the continuous first track, the continuous chain being configured and adapted to actuate a lug about at least a portion of the continuous first track; a series of lugs movably disposed along the continuous first track, the series of lugs configured to move products along the product engagement section of the continuous first track; a star wheel disposed in the lug engagement section of the continuous first track, the star wheel configured to meter the lugs from the lug waiting section of the continuous first track into engagement with the chain and configured to control a variable pitch between each of the lugs along the transporting chain; a magnetic source configured to direct the lug to the lug parking area; a release mechanism disposed along the continuous first track and configured to release the lug from the continuous chain and guide the lug to the lug parking section; In a product management system comprising: The magnetic source is adapted and configured to bias each lug toward an end of the lug waiting section adjacent the lug engagement section with each lug including a magnetically responsive material.

18. The system of claim 1 further comprising a conveyor configured to supply the product to the product engagement section.

19. A product management system having a panel, The panel comprises: a first continuous track including a lug waiting section, a lug engaging section, and a product engaging section, each section configured and adapted to perform a particular lug moving step; a second continuous track partially following the first continuous track, the second continuous track being positioned below the first continuous track; and a continuous transport chain disposed within the second continuous track, the continuous transport chain configured and adapted to actuate a lug relative to at least a portion of the track; a series of lugs movably disposed along the first continuous track, the series of lugs being configured to drive a product along the product engagement section of the first continuous track, each lug including a base, a magnet, a cylindrical member protruding from the base, the cylindrical member being disposed within the first continuous track, and an arm adapted and configured to engage the product; a star wheel disposed in the lug engagement section of the first continuous track, the star wheel being configured to meter lugs for engagement with the transport chain from the lug waiting section of the first continuous track, the star wheel being operated independently of the transport chain; a magnetic source configured to direct the lug to the lug parking area; A product management system comprising:

20. A product management system as described in claim 1, wherein the magnetic source is attached directly to the continuous first track.

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