Transport system and method for transporting a plurality of products

Abstract

A conveying system is disclosed, comprising: a track (2); and a plurality of carriages (4) carried on the track (2), each carriage including a body held along the track (2) and a receiver rotatably supported by the body and configured to receive a product; the conveying system further comprising a receiver rotation member (60) configured to advance along an area provided on at least a portion of the track (2) at a predetermined advancement speed and to control the rotational orientation of the carriage's receiver, wherein each carriage can engage with the receiver rotation member (60) via its receiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying system, and more particularly to a conveying system including a track and a plurality of carriages, and a method of conveying a plurality of products using the conveying system.

Background Art

[0002] Prior art has been developed for applying labels to products, which are, for example, plastic bottles for containing food or cosmetics. One such technique is to introduce the products from the production line into a labeling machine and then return them to the production line. In the case of wrap-around labels in particular, the products are rotated as the labels are applied. Known techniques involve placing a plurality of cylindrical products on a rotating carousel, which also rotate on their respective axes as they are introduced into the labeling machine. The production speed is limited by the rotational speed and capacity of the carousel. By increasing the capacity of the carousel, for example by increasing its diameter, the production speed can be increased. However, this leads to an increase in the installation area of the carousel.

[0003] When a predetermined orientation of the label is desired, such as in the case of non-cylindrical products, precise control of the orientation of the product is required. Precise orientation of the product is also required, for example, with respect to laser marking and laser inspection. Furthermore, after labeling, the products typically need to have a predetermined orientation for subsequent processes. Prior art involves providing a downstream alignment device or employing a human operator.

[0004] Generally, it is necessary to control the orientation of the products at a high level and convey the products while maintaining a high production speed.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-003771 discloses a workpiece positioning device that aligns the rotational position of a workpiece held by a jig conveyed by a conveyor in a specific direction, and the conveyor is a pair of endless belts.

[0006] A conveyor system equipped with a linear motor is known from European Patent Application Publication No. 3385803 (A1).

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for more accurately controlling the orientation of a product while the product is being conveyed. The object is achieved by the respective subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject matters of the dependent claims.

[0008] A conveying system according to the present invention includes a track and a plurality of carriages conveyed on the track. Each carriage includes a main body held along the track and a receiver rotatably supported by the main body and configured to receive a product. The conveying system further includes a receiver rotating member configured to advance at a predetermined forward speed along a region provided in at least a part of the track and to control the rotational orientation of the receiver of each carriage. Each carriage can engage with the receiver rotating member, for example, via the receiver of each carriage. This engagement is conditional on each carriage being within the region. The rotational orientation of the receiver of each carriage with respect to the main body of the carriage depends on the relationship between the conveying speed and the forward speed of the carriage within the region. Furthermore, the conveying system is configured to control the rotational orientation of the receiver of each carriage with respect to the main body of the carriage by controlling the conveying speed of each carriage within the region independently of the conveying speeds of other carriages.

[0009] In other words, the receiver can be rotated by engaging with a receiver rotating member provided in parallel with the track (which may be a loop). The rotation speed depends on the relationship between the conveyance speed of the carriage under engagement and the forward speed of the receiver rotating member (for example, proportional to the difference, for example, linearly proportional). Therefore, the track within the orientation setting (for example, labeling) area can be linear, simplifying the design of the conveyance system. For example, carousel transportation involving a plurality of servo motor-driven supports is not required. At a predetermined position on the track, not only can a predetermined orientation of the support be set, but a predetermined rotation speed and / or rotation range can also be set. When the carriage and the receiver rotating member are not engaged, the receiver will rotate freely in an uncontrolled manner. However, since each carriage can engage with the receiver rotating member, for example, via its receiver, the conveyance system can control the rotation direction of the receiver of each carriage, such as by setting and / or adjusting it, based on the relationship between the conveyance speed and the forward speed of the carriage within the area.

[0010] The conveyance system can be configured to control the rotation direction of the receiver of the carriage or the rotation direction of the product received by the receiver by controlling the difference between the conveyance speed and the forward speed of the carriage.

[0011] When the conveyance speed of each carriage is independent of the forward speed, the forward speed does not affect the conveyance speed, thus simplifying the control.

[0012] The conveying system may comprise at least one sensor for determining the rotational orientation of the product received on the receiver (preferably, each receiver). The conveying system may also be configured to determine the rotational orientation of the product based on the signal from the sensor and, optionally, to adjust the conveying speed of the carriage of the receiver. Therefore, the products do not need to have a common orientation when entering the area. Preferably, the conveying system may be configured to control the conveying speed of the carriage and the advancing speed of the drive member based on a determination preferably made by a control unit.

[0013] At least one (preferably, each) carriage has a limiting mechanism configured to limit the rotation of the receiver relative to the body according to the position of the carriage on the track. Preferably, when the limiting mechanism is released at least when the carriage is within the area, the desired orientation of each product can be surely set.

[0014] At least one (preferably, each) carriage may have a pulley connected to the receiver, and the receiver is rotatable according to the rotation of the pulley. The receiver rotating member may preferably be a belt engageable with the pulley. More preferably, the conveyance of the carriage may be by transmission of force to the body, and the transmission path to the body bypasses the pulley. Therefore, the pulley and the belt can be easily engaged and disengaged. Therefore, any force reaching the body via the pulley can easily achieve only rotation.

[0015] At least one (preferably, each) carriage may be provided with a product holding mechanism configured to urge the product received by the receiver towards the receiver. More preferably, the biasing may be releasable according to the position of the carriage on the track by a mechanism including a cam roller on the carriage and a cam follower fixed to the track. Therefore, the orientation of each product can be surely held and released at a predetermined location.

[0016] The product holding mechanism may be provided above the receiver and / or may be rotatably supported and / or configured to rotatably support the product.

[0017] The product holding mechanism may include a biasing member such as a spring. Therefore, the biasing is by the biasing member. The product holding mechanism, particularly the spring, may have a predetermined vertical stroke so that products of various sizes can be attached and removed.

[0018] The product holding mechanism may have a jack, which is a component capable of contacting the product (e.g., the top of the product) while being biased toward the product by the biasing member. The jack can be configured to be quickly removable from the product holding mechanism, for example, by pressing a button to release the lock. Therefore, a jack with a suitable length can be selected according to the size and / or shape of the product.

[0019] The conveying system can be configured to adjust the pitch between the carriages. Therefore, particularly within a region, the desired orientation of the product can be easily achieved by realizing an irregular pitch. For example, the conveying system can be configured to cause the product received by the receiver to reach a predetermined orientation when the carriage reaches a predetermined position on the track. By realizing intermittent rotation, a plurality of labels can be applied.

[0020] The conveying system preferably can control the conveying speed of the carriages independently of each other, and more preferably can control it at all locations on the track.

[0021] The conveying system can be configured to change the conveying speed of the carriage when the carriage is within a region, etc. Therefore, the carriage can accelerate and / or decelerate when it is within the region, for example, intermittent rotation becomes possible. The forward speed may be variably controlled.

[0022] The conveying system can be configured to stop the rotation of the receiver of the carriage by conveying the carriage at a speed equal to the forward speed within at least a part of the area. By matching the conveying speed with the forward speed, zero rotation of the receiver can be easily achieved even when the carriage is still moving.

[0023] The receiver rotating member may be any one of a belt, a roller chain, and a rotatable corkscrew-shaped member.

[0024] The receiver rotating member may extend along the track.

[0025] The receiver rotating member can be configured to move forward by being conveyed along a path parallel to a portion of the track.

[0026] When the carriage includes a pulley for engaging with the receiver rotating member, the pulley can be provided below the receiver, preferably coaxially with the receiver.

[0027] This engagement may include each pulley engaging directly or indirectly with the receiver rotating member.

[0028] Under the engagement, the carriage can be defined to contact the receiver rotating member only on one side of the carriage that faces the track. In other words, for each engaged carriage, each carriage contacts the receiver rotating member only on one side of the carriage that faces the track. Therefore, more space on the other side of the carriage can be utilized for the production device.

[0029] For each carriage, when the carriage is engaged, when viewed in the conveyance direction of the carriage, part or all of the track and part or all of the receiver rotating member may be arranged on the same side with respect to the rotation axis of the receiver. Therefore, more space on the other side of the axis can be utilized for the production device.

[0030] For each carriage, when the carriage is engaged, the maximum range of the carriage (such as the maximum range of its receiver) may be greater than or equal to the maximum range of the track in the lateral direction. Therefore, at least laterally, since the track extends less than the carriage, a more compact arrangement is possible, and more space on that side can be utilized for the production device.

[0031] The maximum range according to the present invention can be measured starting from the receiver rotating member, for example, when viewed in the conveyance direction of each carriage.

[0032] The lateral direction can be understood as a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction and perpendicular to the rotation axis of the receiver, such as the direction from the receiver rotating member toward the rotation axis of the receiver.

[0033] For each carriage, when the carriage is engaged, when viewed in the conveyance direction of the carriage, the receiver rotating member may be provided on one side with respect to the rotation axis of the receiver, and the track may be supported on the same side. Therefore, more space on the other side of the axis can be utilized for the production device.

[0034] The wheels on each carriage can engage with at least a partially lateral surface on the track. The wheels may have a (partially or completely) vertical rotation axis and / or can be provided below the receiver (such as under the receiver). Therefore, when the center of gravity of the carriage is in the lower region, the wheels can be provided closer to the center of gravity. Therefore, the receiver can be supported more reliably, and more space on the lateral side of the track can be utilized for the production device.

[0035] The wheel may contact the track on one side only, such as on one side of the wheel. Therefore, the carriage is securely supported while being easily removable from the track.

[0036] The maximum range of the receiver may be greater than the maximum range of the wheel in the lateral direction. Therefore, the interface surface between each carriage and the track can be made more compact, and more space on the side of the carriage can be utilized for the production device.

[0037] Each carriage may be a rotor including a magnet that engages with a stator to generate a conveying force. The track may include a stator. The magnet can preferably be provided below the receiver, for example, so as to be aligned with the rotation axis of the receiver. When the center of gravity of the carriage is in the lower region, the magnet can be provided closer to the center of gravity. In this way, the conveying load is transmitted more evenly. The maximum range of the receiver may be greater than the maximum range of the magnet in the lateral direction. Thus, when the design is more compact, more space on the side of the carriage can be utilized for the production device.

[0038] When each carriage includes a magnet, the magnetic engagement can also provide a (magnetic) force that biases the magnet towards the stator and can be at least partially or entirely lateral. The carriage can preferably be held on / onto the track by gravitational force. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide wheels on the carriage that face the track from both sides. Also, it becomes easier to remove the carriage laterally from the track simply by counteracting the gravitational force.

[0039] If each carriage includes a magnet, a wheel or a set of wheels may be provided above the magnet and / or a wheel or a set of wheels may be provided below the magnet on the carriage. Therefore, especially when the magnet is biased towards the track by an attractive force (e.g., magnetic force), the wheel can stably hold the carriage and maintain a given gap between the magnet and the track, making smoother forward movement even easier. The wheel may be the aforementioned wheel.

[0040] One or all of the wheel and the magnet can be provided below one or both of the receiver and the pulley, and in this way, the carriage and its load can be conveyed more reliably.

[0041] The receiver rotating member can be preferably provided above the track so as to be higher than the track. Therefore, a more compact design is achieved.

[0042] At least one (preferably each) carriage may include a pulley that is rotatably supported by a body so as to rotate with the receiver.

[0043] For each engaged carriage, each pulley may engage with the receiver rotating member.

[0044] For each engaged carriage, the receiver rotating member may preferably contact the carriage laterally by contacting the pulley of the carriage.

[0045] For each carriage, the main body includes a structural member that extends in a direction away from the receiver and parallel to the rotation axis of the receiver. When the carriage is engaged, the structural member and the receiver rotating member may be arranged on the same side with respect to the rotation axis of the receiver when viewed in the conveyance direction of the carriage. Since the structural member and the receiver rotating member are provided on the same side, more space on the other side can be utilized for the production device. The product holding mechanism can be fixed to the structural member. The structural member may extend vertically in a direction away from the receiver.

[0046] A method according to the present invention for conveying a plurality of products using the conveying system of the present invention includes providing each product on the receiver of its respective carriage, determining the target rotation direction of each product, and achieving the target rotation direction while conveying the carriage through the area by controlling the forward speed and the conveyance speed of each carriage within the area. The determination of the rotation direction of each product can be by means of a sensor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0047] Preferred embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a depiction of a transport system 1 (hereinafter, the "system") according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 1 includes a fixed track 2 formed as a loop (elliptical circuit), and a plurality of carriages 4 are arranged on the fixed track so as to be conveyed while being held along the track 2. The track 2 has a modular form and includes an electric winding that can be energized to generate a magnetic field. Each carriage 4 includes, for example, a magnet 6 that can interact with the magnetic field. The track 2 and each carriage 4 form respective linear synchronous motors, and as is known in the art, the track 2 forms a common stator and each carriage 4 forms a rotor. Therefore, it is possible to independently control the conveyance (such as speed and / or conveyance position) of each carriage 4. The carriage 4 can be conveyed or kept stationary at all parts of the track 2 by the linear motor.

[0049] As best shown in FIGS. 2-5, each carriage 4 has a turntable-like receiver 12 for receiving respective products 10. The receiver 12 is plate-shaped and is rotatably supported by a non-rotating main body 14 of the carriage via a bearing or the like. The rotation axis is vertical. The receiver 12 has an upper surface suitable for receiving a specific product. The lower part of the main body 14 includes the aforementioned magnet 6 and a plurality of wheels 8 for engaging with the traveling path on the track 2.

[0050] Carriage 4 has a product holding mechanism 18 configured to bias product 10 (Fig. 5) received by receiver 12 towards receiver 12. Product holding mechanism 18 is provided on carriage 4 at a predetermined height above receiver 12 by being supported by vertical beam 19, and includes a jack 20 capable of moving vertically within a predetermined range. Jack 20 is a cylindrical member having a lower portion 28 with a closed end. The vertical movement is made possible by a bearing having a limited stroke corresponding to a predetermined range. For this purpose, jack 20 is attached to the lower end of rod 22, which is slidably received in a through hole in bearing block 24 fixed to the upper end of vertical beam 19. Rod 22 and bearing block 24 form a linear motion plain bearing. Jack 20 is spring-biased to be biased downward within a predetermined range (parallel to the axis of rotation of receiver 12) by two upper compression springs 26 provided on respective linear guides on both sides of rod 22. Jack 20 is rotatable relative to rod 22 via a rotary thrust bearing 27. Alternatively or additionally, lower portion 28 can also be rotatably attached to the remainder of jack 20. Carriage 4 is configured to hold product 10 between receiver 12 and jack 20 (see Fig. 5), while the lower portion 28 of jack 20 contacts the upper surface of product 10 and biases the product towards receiver 12. Therefore, product 10 can be firmly held and released by carriage 4.

[0051] The upper cam roller 32 is rotatably fixed to the upper end of the rod 22 and is configured to engage with an upper cam surface 34 (FIG. 1) fixed to the track 2. When the carriage 4 is within a predetermined region of the track 2 where the upper cam surface 34 is provided, the upper cam roller 32 is urged upward by the upper cam surface 34, and thus the rod 22 is also urged upward, overcoming the spring bias from the upper compression spring 26, and the upper compression spring is compressed. Therefore, the rod 22 slides upward within the bearing block 24. In this way, the biasing load from the carriage 4 on any product 10 can be released. When the upper cam roller 32 is disengaged from the upper cam surface 34, the rod 22 is urged by the upper compression spring 26, so that the product 10 is firmly held again.

[0052] The intermediate cam roller 36 is rotatably fixed to the bearing block 24 and is configured to engage with an intermediate cam surface 38 fixed to the track 2. When the carriage 4 is within a predetermined region of the track 2 where the intermediate cam surface 38 is provided, the intermediate cam roller 36 contacts the intermediate cam surface 38 without being significantly biased. The intermediate cam roller 36 does not need to be configured to move up and down, nor does it need to be spring-biased. Therefore, the carriage 4 is reliably guided and supported by the contact between the intermediate cam roller 36 and the intermediate cam surface 38. Therefore, any upward biasing force from the upper cam surface 34 to the upper cam roller 32 is isolated from the product holding mechanism 18 and is not transmitted to the rest of the carriage. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper cam surface 34 and the intermediate cam surface 38 are formed as a single beam-like member including a guide wall for controlling the lateral movement of the upper cam roller 32. As a modified form, the intermediate cam roller 36 may be correspondingly guided.

[0053] The carriage 4 is rotatably supported by a main body 14 so as to rotate together with the receiver 12, and includes a pulley 40. The receiver 12 and the pulley 40 can be supported by a common rotary bearing (not shown) capable of supporting a thrust load. The pulley 40 has an outer peripheral surface provided with teeth. The vertical beam 19 is fixed to the main body 14 of the carriage 4 at its lower end portion, and thus does not rotate together with the receiver 12 and the pulley 40. The pulley 40 is at least partially covered by a housing 42.

[0054] As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the carriage 4 is provided with a limiting mechanism 46 that limits (and preferably locks) the rotation of the receiver 12. The limiting mechanism 46 has a pad 48 fixed to an end of a pad holding member 50. The pad holding member 50 is spring-biased (by a lower spring 52) so as to bias the pad 48 against the upper surface of the pulley 40. The pulley 40, and thus the receiver 12 as well, can be restricted from rotating by the frictional force between the pad 48 and the pulley 40. The contact surfaces of the pad 48 and the pulley 40 can be surface-treated to provide a suitable coefficient of friction. In an alternative configuration, the limiting mechanism 46 can have a friction clutch or a meshing clutch.

[0055] As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pad holding member 50 is connected to a lower cam roller 54, and this lower cam roller is configured to engage with a lower cam surface 56 fixed to the track 2. When the lower cam roller 54 engages with the lower cam surface 56 (by the carriage 4 moving within the region of the track where the lower cam surface 56 is provided), the lower cam roller 54 is biased upward to compress the lower spring 52. Therefore, the pad 48 moves away from the pulley 40, and the restriction on the rotation of the pulley 40 is released. When the lower cam roller 54 is disengaged from the lower cam surface 56, the pad 48 is biased downward by the restoring force of the lower spring 52, thereby restricting the rotation of the pulley 40 and the receiver 12.

[0056] Figure 6 shows a part of the operating system. As can be seen from this figure (and Figure 1), the system 1 includes a receiver rotation mechanism for setting the orientation of the receiver 12 of each carriage 4. The receiver rotation mechanism is provided beside the track 2 and includes a toothed belt 60 that engages with a series of driven belt-pulleys 62, and a servo-motor actuated drive belt-pulley 64 that has teeth engaging with the teeth of the belt 60. The axes of the belt-pulleys are vertical and fixed to the track 2. The belt-pulleys 62, 64, and the belt 60 are arranged such that the linear portion of the belt 60 extends parallel to a region of the track 2 (hereinafter, the "belt region"). The pulley 40 of each carriage 4 can pass through the belt region. The teeth of the belt 60 face the track 2. The belt 60 is supported on the side surface of the support beam 66 facing away from the track 2 by a support beam 66 having a flat surface. Two wall portions 68 extending in a direction away from the flat surface are provided in the upper and lower ranges of the flat surface, whereby the belt 60 is received with a margin between the two wall portions 68. The support beam 66 guides and supports the portion of the belt 60 within the belt region. The belt 60 may have teeth on both sides, and the belt-pulleys 62, 64 may each have teeth. Alternatively, the belt 60 and the pulleys 40, 62, 64 may not have teeth. The belt 60 can be driven at a constant forward speed. The belt 60 is an example of a receiver rotating member. Other examples include a roller chain or a rotary corkscrew-shaped member. In the case of a roller chain, each pulley 40, 62, 64 can be provided as a sprocket.

[0057] When the carriage 4 enters the belt area, its pulley 40 mechanically engages with the belt 60 via the respective teeth, and the belt 60 is in tangential contact with the pulley 40. This is an example of the engagement between the receiver 12 (and thus the carriage 4) and the receiver rotating member 60. At the same time (or almost simultaneously), when the lower cam roller 54 engages with the lower cam surface 56, the lower cam roller 54 and the pad 48 are lifted, and thus the blocking function of the limiting mechanism 46 is released. Then, the pulley 40 is freely rotated by the belt 60. For example, when the conveying speed of the carriage 4 is faster than the forward speed of the belt 60, the pulley 40 and the receiver 12 rotate in one direction. When the conveying speed is lower than the forward speed of the belt 60, the pulley 40 and the receiver 12 rotate in the opposite direction. In both cases, the rotation speed of the pulley 40 and the receiver 12 is proportional to the difference between the conveying speed of the carriage 4 and the forward speed of the belt 60. When the conveying speed of the carriage 4 is equal to the forward speed of the belt 60, the carriage 4 is conveyed without the rotation of the pulley 40 and the receiver 12. In this case, the engagement between the belt 60 and the pulley 40 has the function of restricting the rotation of the pulley 40 and the receiver 12. The carriage 4 does not necessarily have a constant speed. Controlling the conveyance of the carriage can include any of starting the conveyance, stopping, increasing the conveyance speed, and decreasing the speed.

[0058] The conveying speed of the carriage 4 can be set to match the forward speed, particularly when entering and / or leaving the belt area. For example, the receiver 12 can be set to rotate (and release the limiting mechanism 46) only after the carriage 4 has entered the belt area and moved a predetermined distance. Therefore, the end of the belt area represents a transition stage where the impact load caused by a sudden change in the rotation of the receiver is reduced. The start position and the end position of the lower cam surface 56 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0059] In this way, the rotational direction of any of the receivers 12 within the belt region can be controlled by adjusting the conveyance of each carriage 4 independently of the direction of other receivers 12 or the conveyance speed of other carriages 4. The movement of the belt does not affect the conveyance speed. In other words, the receiver rotation mechanism never conveys the carriage 4. Preferably, there is no relative slippage at the contact point between the belt 60 and the pulley 40.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, a transmission device (e.g., a planetary gear transmission) can be provided between the receiver 12 and the pulley 40 so that they can rotate relative to each other at a predetermined gear ratio other than 1:1. The pad 48 can alternatively or additionally contact the receiver 12 or a movable element of any transmission device.

[0061] When the carriage 4 leaves the belt region, the pulley 40 of the carriage 4 is disengaged from the belt 60. By disengaging the lower cam roller 54 from the lower cam surface 56, the pad 48 of the limiting mechanism 46 biases against the pulley 40. Even though the belt no longer causes the rotation of the receiver 12, the rotational direction of the receiver 12 is controlled by the limiting mechanism 46.

[0062] In a typical use of the system 1, products 10 that have not yet been received on the carriage 4 approach the track 2 from an upstream production stage by means of a separate conveyor (not shown) or the like. The products 10 are sequentially transferred to each carriage 4 by means known in the art, such as a feed star wheel (not shown) that can be provided in the linear portion of the track 2 away from the belt 60, and this linear portion is parallel to the separate conveyor.

[0063] The operation of the carriage 4 will be described (with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6), but it should be understood that each carriage 4 operates accordingly. Immediately before the product 10 is transferred to the carriage 4, the state of the product holding mechanism 18 changes from the holding state to the released state. Immediately after the product 10 is received by the receiver 12, the state of the product holding mechanism 18 changes to the holding state. The release and holding by the product holding mechanism 18 are achieved by providing the upper cam surface 34 and the intermediate cam surface 38 within the region of the track 2 along which the product 10 is transferred. By providing the upper cam surface 34 and the intermediate cam surface 38 only within the region of product transfer (where the product is loaded and unloaded onto the track 2), the product 10 is securely held on its carriage 4 by the product holding mechanism 18 in all other regions on the track 2. When each carriage 4 is described as being conveyed on the track, it can be understood to include that the carriage 4 is connected to the track 2 so as to be conveyed along the track 2.

[0064] When the carriage 4 carrying the firmly held product 10 is conveyed (e.g., counterclockwise) towards the belt region, the pulley 40 of the carriage engages with the belt 60 and the limiting mechanism 46 releases the pad 48 from the pulley 40. While the carriage 4 is within the belt region, the rotational direction of the receiver 12 depends on the conveying speed of the carriage 4 and the forward speed of the belt 60 as described above.

[0065] The belt area is configured such that various (not shown) production devices known in the art can be arranged in parallel with the belt area on the side opposite to the belt 60, such as on the side opposite to the carriage 4 with respect to the belt 60, i.e., on the side opposite to the track 2 with respect to the belt 60. Such a production station may include one or more labeling devices. For example, when the carriage 4 is conveyed through the labeling device, the conveyance speed of the carriage with respect to the forward speed of the belt 60 can be controlled to cause an optimal rotation of the product 10 during the labeling process. Various types of labels can be applied to products 10 of various shapes. For example, a wound label that covers the outer periphery of a bottle having a circular cross-section can be applied. Alternatively, a label that covers a predetermined portion of the outer periphery of a bottle having an elliptical cross-section (e.g., 10 in FIGS. 5 and 6) can also be applied.

[0066] The system 1 can be configured to set a predetermined rotational orientation of the product 10 when the product 10 approaches the labeling device. As an example, an optical sensor (not shown) can be provided at a predetermined position within the belt area upstream of the labeling device. The carriage 4 can be stopped at the optical sensor (not shown), and at this time, the belt 60 advancing at a constant speed causes the rotation of the product 10. An index mark provided at a predetermined location on the outer periphery of the product 10 can be detected by the optical sensor, and the instantaneous rotational orientation of the product 10 can be determined. According to the measured instantaneous orientation, the subsequent conveyance speed and the rotation of the receiver 12 can be set.

[0067] Furthermore, a marking device can be provided at a second predetermined position within the belt area, and the system 1 can be configured to mark the product 10 at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of its outer surface (e.g., by a laser) according to the determined orientation. The product 10 may be rotated or stationary during the marking.

[0068] As another example of a production device that takes advantage of the benefits of System 1, there are sealing devices such as bottle cap applicators.

[0069] Subsequently, the carriage 4 is carried out from the belt area to the downstream part of the track 2 (the biasing of the pad 48 is applied again), and at this downstream part, the product 10 can be transferred from the carriage 4 to the aforementioned separate conveyor by means known in the art, such as a feed star wheel (not shown). The product 10 can be transferred from the track 2 in a direction away from the belt 60 at the linear part of the track 2, and this linear part is parallel to the separate conveyor. The System 1 can ensure that each product 10 has a predetermined orientation at a predetermined position on the track 2 to ensure the proper functioning of any star wheel and / or the efficient packaging of multiple products.

[0070] Advantageously, the carriage 4 does not need to be connected to a power supply, for example via a cable. It is not necessary to provide a receiver rotation device on each carriage 4, such as an electric motor on each carriage or an electric motor on an auxiliary carriage that follows or leads each carriage.

[0071] The belt 60 imparts a rotational movement to the receiver 12 by engaging with the receiver 12 via the pulley 40. Therefore, the rotation and conveyance of the product 10 are not due to a direct tangential force on the surface of the product. Non-circular products 10 can be easily rotated. The carriage 4 contacts the belt only on one side (the side of the carriage facing the track). This ensures that the conveyance is independent of any belt movement. The conveyance of the carriage 4 is due to a conveyance force acting on the main body 14 from below the receiver 12.

[0072] Since the magnet 6 is laterally biased by magnetic force toward the lateral track 2, when necessary, the carriage 4 can be easily removed from the track 2 by pulling it in a direction away from the track 2. The upper and lower wheels 8 of the magnet 6 keep the magnet 6 and thus the carriage 4 at a certain distance from the track. Since the magnet 6 and the wheels 8 are provided below the receiver 12 and the pulley 40, particularly as the lowermost part of the carriage 4, the carriage 4 can be securely held and smoothly conveyed.

[0073] Any or all of the track 2, the receiver rotating member 60, and the vertical beam (structural member) 19 may be on the same side of the carriage 4 with respect to the rotation axis of the receiver 12. Therefore, there is more space for the production device on the other side of the carriage 4. The maximum extent of the track 2 need not be greater than the maximum extent of the carriage 4 in the lateral direction. Therefore, if the track 2 does not extend farther to the other side than the carriage 4 in the lateral direction, this results in a more compact structure and more space for the production device.

[0074] The track 2 can be supported by a structure so as to be fixed, for example, at the ground level or alternatively lifted to a given height above the ground. The support of the track 2 can be from any of below, above, and lateral of the track when viewed along the conveying direction (such as when the track profile is shown in cross-section). In particular, the track 2 is supported (such as by one of its sides), and part or all of the support is on the same side of the rotation axis of the receiver 12 where the receiver rotating member 60 is provided. This provides more space for the production device on the opposite side of the axis.

[0075] The belt region is linear. The belt 60 can alternatively or additionally be provided on the curved portion of the track 2. For example, the belt 60 can be guided by a pulley having a rotation axis coaxial with the center of the curve radius. The belt 60 can also be provided over the entire orbital path. Alternatively, two or more belts 60 can be provided along the track 2.

[0076] Two or more carriages 4 can exist within the belt region at one time. Alternatively, the carriage 4 passes through the belt region one by one at a time.

[0077] Since the conveying speed of each carriage 4 is independent of the conveying speed of the other carriages 4, the speed of the carriage 4 can be adjusted individually, whereby the pitch between a pair of carriages 4 can be changed to such an extent that the carriages 4 do not collide with or overtake each other. It should be understood.

[0078] The term "speed" can include zero speed. In a preferred embodiment, the forward speed of the belt 60 is non-zero and constant, and the conveying speed of the carriage 4 is independently controlled so as to achieve the desired direction or rate of change of direction of each receiver 12. The conveying direction may be the same as the forward direction of the belt 60. When the conveying direction is opposite to the forward direction, their relative directions can be explained by considering the speed difference of the movable elements.

[0079] In the disclosed detailed embodiment, the track 2 is provided below the carriage. The track 2 can also be provided above the carriage 4 so that the carriage 4 and the product 10 are supported by the track 2 from above. The receiver 12 can be upward or downward.

[0080] The upper spring 26 and the lower spring 52 can be configured as coil springs or as any suitable elastic member such as those known in the art.

[0081] The product holding mechanism 18 does not need to bias the product 10 from above, but for example, can bias the product 10 from its side.

[0082] The conveyance speed of each carriage 4 and the forward speed of the belt 60 can be controlled by a control unit, which can preferably control other units such as any star wheel and / or labeling device according to a PLC program.

[0083] The shapes of the receiver 12 and the product holding mechanism 18, particularly the shape of the lower portion 28 of the jack 20, can be selected to fit a specific product. By changing or adapting these two shapes, different products can be processed. The receiving surface of the receiver may have protrusions and / or notches. The heights of the upper cam surface 34 and the intermediate cam surface 38 can be adjusted according to the height of a specific product by a mechanism driven by the motor 39 shown in FIG. 1. By selecting a suitable stroke of the product holding mechanism 18, the carriage 4 can accommodate various product sizes. The track 2 can also be provided with a second loop for performing an offline exchange on the carriage 4.

[0084] The forward speed of the receiver rotating member can be made uniform at all locations on the receiver rotating member.

[0085] It should be understood that the engagement of each carriage with the receiver rotating member via its receiver can be either direct or indirect.

[0086] The embodiments shown in the figures and described above are merely representative of possible implementations of the claimed invention defined by the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1 Conveying system (system) 2 Track 4 Carriage 6 Magnet 8 Wheels 10 Products 12 Receivers 14 Bodies 18 Product Holding Mechanisms 19 Vertical Beams 20 Jacks 22 Rods 24 Bearing Blocks 26 Upper Compression Springs 27 Rotary Thrust Bearings 28 Lower Parts of Jacks 32 Upper Cam Rollers 34 Upper Cam Surfaces 36 Intermediate Cam Rollers 38 Intermediate Cam Surfaces 39 Motors for Cam Surfaces 40 Pulleys 42 Housings 46 Limiting Mechanisms 48 Pads 50 Pad Holding Members 52 Lower Springs 54 Lower Cam Rollers 56 Lower Cam Surfaces 60 Belts (Receiver Rotating Members) 62 Driven Belt - Pulleys 64 Driving Belt - Pulleys 66 Support Beams 68 Wall Parts of Support Beams

Claims

1. A conveying system, a track (2), a plurality of carriages (4) conveyed on the track, each carriage including a main body (14) held along the track and a receiver (12) rotatably supported by the main body and configured to receive a product (10), a receiver rotating member (60) configured to advance at a predetermined forward speed along a region provided in at least a part of the track and to control the rotational direction of the receiver (12) of each carriage (4), comprising, each carriage can engage with the receiver rotating member via the receiver of each carriage, the engagement being conditional on each said carriage being within the region, the rotational direction of the receiver of each carriage with respect to the main body of the carriage depends on the relationship between the conveyance speed of the carriage within the region and the forward speed, the conveying system is configured to control the rotational direction of the receiver of each carriage with respect to the main body of the carriage by controlling the conveyance speed of each carriage within the region independently of the conveyance speeds of the other carriages, at least one carriage (4) has a limiting mechanism (46) configured to limit the rotation of the receiver (12) with respect to the main body (14) according to the position of the carriage on the track (2), the limiting mechanism is released at least when the carriage is within the region, conveying system.

2. The conveying system according to claim 1, configured to control the rotational direction of the receiver (12) of the carriage or the rotational direction of the product (10) received by the receiver by controlling the difference between the conveyance speed of the carriage (4) and the forward speed.

3. The conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiver rotating member (60) is one of a belt, a roller chain, and a rotatable corkscrew-shaped member.

4. A conveying system, comprising: An orbit (2); A plurality of carriages (4) conveyed on the orbit, each carriage including a main body (14) held along the orbit, a receiver (12) rotatably supported by the main body and configured to receive a product (10), and a pulley (40) connected to the receiver (12), wherein the receiver is rotatable according to the rotation of the pulley; a plurality of carriages (4); A receiver rotating member (60) which is one of a belt, a roller chain, and a rotatable corkscrew-shaped member, configured to advance at a predetermined forward speed along a region provided in at least a part of the orbit and to control the rotation direction of the receiver (12) of each carriage (4); Comprising: Each carriage can engage with the receiver rotating member via the pulley (40), and the engagement is conditional on each of the carriages being within the region; The rotation direction of the receiver of each carriage with respect to the main body of the carriage depends on the relationship between the conveyance speed of the carriage within the region and the forward speed; The conveying system is configured to control the conveyance speed of each carriage within the region independently of the conveyance speed of the other carriages, and to control the rotation direction of the receiver of each carriage with respect to the main body of the carriage by controlling the difference between the conveyance speed of the carriage and the forward speed of the receiver rotating member (60). Conveying system.

5. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conveyance speed of each carriage (4) is independent of the forward speed.

6. Comprising at least one sensor for determining the rotational orientation of a product (10) received on a receiver (12). The conveying system is configured to determine the rotational orientation of the product (10) based on a signal from the sensor and, optionally, to adjust the conveying speed of the carriage (4) of the receiver. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. At least one carriage (4) has a pulley (40) connected to the receiver (12), and the receiver is rotatable in accordance with the rotation of the pulley. The receiver rotating member (60) is a belt (60) engageable with the pulley. The conveyance of the carriage is by transmission of force to the main body (14), and the transmission path to the main body bypasses the pulley. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. At least one carriage (4) is provided with a product holding mechanism (18) configured to bias a product (10) received by the receiver (12) towards the receiver, and the biasing is released according to the position of the carriage on the track (2). The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, configured to adjust the pitch between carriages (4) by controlling the conveying speeds of the carriages independently of each other.

10. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, configured to change the conveying speed of the carriage (4) when the carriage is within the region.

11. In at least a portion of the area, the receiver (12) of the carriage (4) is configured to stop rotating by transporting the carriage (4) at a speed equal to the forward speed. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. For each carriage (4), when the carriage is engaged, in the transport direction of the carriage, all of the tracks (2) and part or all of the receiver rotation member (60) are arranged on the same side with respect to the rotation axis of the receiver (12). The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. For each carriage (4), when the carriage is engaged, in the transport direction of the carriage, the receiver rotation member is provided on one side with respect to the rotation axis of the receiver (12), and the track (2) is supported on the same side. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. For each carriage (4), the main body (14) includes a structural member (19) that extends in a direction away from the receiver (12) and parallel to the rotation axis of the receiver. When the carriage is engaged, in the transport direction of the carriage, the structural member and the receiver rotation member (60) are arranged on the same side with respect to the rotation axis of the receiver. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method of transporting a plurality of products (10) using the transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, providing each product on the receiver (12) of each respective carriage (4); determining the target rotation direction of each product; By controlling the forward speed and the conveyance speed of each carriage within the area, while conveying the carriage through the area, achieving the target rotational direction, A method including.

16. The determination of the rotational direction of each product (10) being by a sensor, The method according to claim 15.

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