Flexible pitch product weighing system

Abstract

A product management system (100) including a first panel (102) having a first continuous track (106) including an alignment section, a product engagement section, and a return section, and a first series of magnetic force sources (115) disposed circumferentially along the first continuous track (106), a first series of lugs (116) movably distributed about the first continuous track (106) and configured to respond to the first series of magnetic force sources to increase or decrease the speed of each lug (116) in the first series of lugs along the first continuous track (106), and a product engagement member (118) attached to each lug and configured and adapted to operate to engage a product.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to product metering systems, and more particularly to flexible pitch product metering systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Various devices are known in the product weighing art. Various systems are used that use conveyors and lugs to move products. Conventional methods and systems are generally considered sufficient for their intended purposes. However, there remains a need in the art for systems that allow easier and faster system changeover from one product to another. To increase productivity, systems need to provide less downtime between production lines. There also remains a need in the art for systems that are economically feasible. The present disclosure may provide a solution to at least one of these conventional problems. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The product management system includes a first panel having a first continuous track including an alignment section, a product engagement section, and a return section, a first series of magnetic sources disposed circumferentially along the first continuous track, a first series of lugs movably distributed around the first continuous track and configured to respond to the first series of magnetic sources to increase or decrease the speed of each lug in the first series along the first continuous track, and a product engagement member attached to each lug, the product engagement member configured and adapted to operate to engage the product. A second series of magnetic sources may be circumferentially along a second continuous track disposed parallel to the first continuous track, the second series of lugs movably distributed around the second continuous track and configured to respond to the second series of magnetic sources to increase or decrease the speed of each lug in the second series along the first continuous track. The lugs of the first series of lugs and the lugs of the second series of lugs are alternately arranged along the first track and alternately arranged along the second track.

[0004] The product engaging member can include at least one arm actuable in two Cartesian coordinate directions, and each lug can include a first product engaging member base and a second product engaging member base, each base including a product engaging member. The arm can include at least one semicircular end configured and adapted to engage a can or bottle product, or a paddle configured and adapted to engage a trailing or leading side of the product.

[0005] Each lug may include a first paddle and a second paddle, the first paddle and the second paddle being attached to the lug by a pantograph linkage. Each lug may include a main base and a secondary base, the main base being controlled by the magnetic source and the secondary base not being affected by the magnetic source, and each base including a paddle.

[0006] The first series of magnetic force sources can include a series of magnetic plates disposed tangentially along the first trajectory and a series of coils configured and adapted to actuate each of the magnetic plates. A controller controls each of the magnetic plates, the controller configured and adapted to provide a configurable speed profile to the lug moving along the first trajectory. The speed profile includes an acceleration section, a deceleration section, and a constant speed section.

[0007] At least one star wheel is disposed proximate the lug-engaging section of the first continuous track and configured and adapted to meter product toward the lug-engaging section.

[0008] The product management system may include a second star wheel. The panel may include a first cam and a second cam configured to support a series of lugs. Each of the cams may partially follow the first track, and each of the cams may include at least one pair of undulations.

[0009] These and other features of the systems and methods of the subject 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 will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to certain figures so that those skilled in the art to which the subject invention pertains will readily understand, without undue experimentation, how to make and use the apparatus and methods of the subject invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a product weighing system. [Figure 1A] A second series of magnetic sources is shown circumferentially arranged along a second continuous track parallel to the first continuous track. [Figure 2A] 2 is a perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing a first embodiment of a product engagement member. [Figure 2B] 1 showing a second embodiment of a product engagement member. [Figure 2C] 1, showing a third embodiment of a product engagement member; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing the placement of magnetic sources. [Figure 4A] 1 is a graphical representation showing the possible position, velocity, and acceleration profiles of each lug at a given point in the cycle. [Figure 4B] 1 is a graphical representation showing the possible position, velocity, and acceleration profiles of each lug at a given point in the cycle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Reference will now be made to the drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject invention. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a product weighing system in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 100. Other embodiments of systems or aspects thereof in accordance with the present invention are provided in FIGS. 2-4, which will be described below. The methods and systems of the present invention can be used to improve the adaptability of the system to changing product packaging and sizing requirements. The system can be flexibly changed in configuration without the need for machine shutdowns and the movement and replacement of parts.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a product management system 100 for transporting and spacing products, such as beverage cans, as needed. Spacing the products allows for seamless packaging of the products into various pack sizes, such as 2x3, 2x2, 3x4, etc. The system includes a first panel 102. The panel 102 is upright and defines a vertical plane. Proximate where the system 100 engages the product, a pair of star wheels 104 are disposed for metering and pushing the product into the system.

[0014] The panel 102 includes within it a first continuous track 106 and first and second cams 108, 110 configured to support the lugs. The cams 108, 110 partially follow the first track 106, deviating only slightly from the path of the track at one location, a pair of undulations 112. The first continuous track 106 includes an alignment section, a product-engaging section, and a return section. A first series of magnetic force sources 114 are circumferentially disposed along the first continuous track 106. The first series of lugs 116 are movably distributed around the first continuous track 106 and are supported by the cams 108, 110. The lugs 116 are configured to respond to the first series of magnetic force sources to increase or decrease the speed of each lug while sliding or rolling along the first continuous track 106. Each lug includes a product engaging member 118 attached thereto and configured and adapted to contact a respective product in the set of products.

[0015] FIG. 1A shows a second series of magnetic sources 115 circumferentially disposed along a second continuous track 107 parallel to the first continuous track. The second track 107 and second series of magnetic sources 115 may be located within a second panel 103 opposite the first panel 102. A second series of lugs 117 is movably distributed around the second continuous track 107 and configured to respond to the second series of magnetic sources 115. The lugs of the first series of lugs 116 and the second series of lugs 117 alternate along the first track 106 and the second track 107. Both tracks cause both sets of lugs 116 and 117 to slide, but the lugs are controlled accordingly by each of the magnetic sources 114 and 115. A single magnetic source cannot control the lugs at the desired speed with the desired spacing between each lug. For the system to be able to handle the required product throughput, each of the lugs must be spaced no closer than 100 cm. Given the constraints of the system from a magnet standpoint, each of the lugs in the first series of lugs 116 cannot meet the 100 cm spacing requirement. The use of a second series of lugs 117 that are spaced apart from the first series of lugs 116 allows the system to meet the desired 100 cm spacing between each successive lug.

[0016] 1 and 1A, each product engaging member 118 includes at least one arm 120 actuable in two Cartesian coordinate directions. Arm 120 slides back and forth along the base of each product engaging member 118. Arm 120 can also slide along the direction of movement of lugs 116, 117. Arm 120 slides to precisely contact the desired product or bottle.

[0017] Figure 1A and As shown in Figure 2A, In the first embodiment, each lug 116, 117 is controlled by a respective magnetic source 114, 115. a first product engagement member base 122; and Spaced apart from and depending from the first product engaging member base Second product engagement member base 124 (shown in Figure 1A) and , with each base including a product engagement member 118. In this embodiment, the arms 120 include a pair of semi-circular ends that are configured and adapted to engage a can or bottle product.

[0018] 2B shows an alternative embodiment of arm 120. In this embodiment, each lug 116 includes a first paddle 126 and a second paddle 128 coupled to arm 120, with each paddle configured and adapted to engage either the trailing or leading side of a product. First paddle 126 and second paddle 128 are attached to the lug by pantographic links 130, which allow paddles 126, 128 to move away from each other and toward a product to grip it. An end 132 of the pantographic link is also translatable in a single direction along the base.

[0019] 2c shows a third embodiment of arm 120, in which each lug includes a main base 136 and a sub-base 138 that is dependent from main base 136, and each base includes a paddle 140. Main base 136 is controlled by a magnetic source, and sub-base 138 is spaced from main base 136 according to its position on the track.

[0020] 3, the first series of magnetic force sources 114 includes a series of magnetic plates 146 disposed tangentially along the first trajectory 106 and a series of coils 148 configured and adapted to actuate each of the magnetic plates 146. Each of the plates 146 is individually controlled and actuated by a controller (not shown). The controller is configured and adapted to provide a configurable speed profile to the lug moving along the first trajectory. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, possible speed profiles include an acceleration section, a deceleration section, and a constant speed section for the lug.

[0021] The methods and systems of the present disclosure, as described above and illustrated in the drawings, provide a flexible pitch product metering system with superior properties, including increased reliability and stability and reduced size, and greater adaptability to various product requirements. While the apparatus and methods of the subject disclosure have been shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that changes and / or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0022] 100 Product Management System 102 First Panel Panel 103 104 Star Wheel 106 First Continuous Orbit 107 Second Continuous Orbit 108 First Cam 110 Second Cam 112 Undulating area 114 First series of magnetic sources 115 Second series of magnetic sources 116 First set of lugs 117 Second Set of Lugs 118 Product engagement member 120 Arm 122 first product engaging member base 124 second product engaging member base 126 First Paddle 128 Second Paddle 130 Pantograph Link 132 End of pantograph link 136 Main base 138 Subbase 140 paddles 146 Series of Magnetic Plates 148 series of coils

Claims

1. a first continuous track including a product engaging section and a return section; a first series of magnetic sources disposed along the first continuous track; a first series of lugs movably distributed about the first continuous track, the first series of lugs configured to respond to a magnetic force source in the first series of lugs to increase or decrease the speed of each lug in the first series along the first continuous track; a product engagement member attached to each lug and configured and adapted to operate to engage a product; A product management system comprising: Each lug is (i) a main base controlled by a magnetic source and a secondary base not affected by said magnetic source; and (ii) a first product engagement member base controlled by the magnetic force source and a second product engagement member base not affected by the magnetic force source; 1. A product management system including at least one of:

2. a second series of magnetic sources disposed along a second continuous track disposed parallel to the first continuous track; a second series of lugs movably distributed about the second continuous track, the second series of lugs configured to respond to the second series of magnetic force sources to increase or decrease the speed of each lug in the second series along the second continuous track; and The product management system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. A first continuous track including a product engagement section and a return section; a first series of magnetic sources disposed along the first continuous track; a first series of lugs movably distributed about the first continuous track, the first series of lugs configured to respond to a magnetic force source in the first series of lugs to increase or decrease the speed of each lug in the first series along the first continuous track; a product engagement member attached to each lug and configured and adapted to operate to engage a product; a second series of magnetic sources disposed along a second continuous track disposed parallel to the first continuous track; a second series of lugs movably distributed about the second continuous track, the second series of lugs configured to respond to the second series of magnetic force sources to increase or decrease the speed of each lug in the second series along the second continuous track; and A product management system comprising: wherein the lugs of the first series of lugs and the lugs of the second series of lugs are alternately positioned along the first continuous track and along the second continuous track such that the lugs alternate in direction of movement.

4. The product management system of claim 1 , wherein the product engagement member includes at least one arm actuable in two Cartesian coordinate directions.

5. Each lug includes a first product engaging member base and a second product engaging member base; The product management system of claim 3 , wherein the first product engaging member base includes a first product engaging member and the second product engaging member base includes a second product engaging member.

6. The product management system of claim 4 , wherein the arm includes at least one semicircular end configured and adapted to engage a can or bottle product.

7. The product management system of claim 4 , wherein the arm includes a paddle configured and adapted to engage a trailing side or a leading side of the product.

8. The product management system of claim 7 , wherein each lug includes a first paddle and a second paddle.

9. A first continuous track including a product engagement section and a return section; a first series of magnetic sources disposed along the first continuous track; a first series of lugs movably distributed about the first continuous track, the first series of lugs configured to respond to a magnetic force source in the first series of lugs to increase or decrease the speed of each lug in the first series along the first continuous track; a product engagement member attached to each lug and configured and adapted to operate to engage a product; A product management system comprising: Each lug includes a first paddle and a second paddle; The product management system, wherein the first paddle and the second paddle are attached to the lug by a pantograph linkage.

10. 10. The product management system of claim 9, wherein each lug comprises a main base and a secondary base, the main base being controlled by the magnetic source and the secondary base not being affected by the magnetic source, and each base including one of the first paddle and the second paddle.

11. 10. The product management system of claim 1, wherein the first series of magnetic force sources includes a series of magnetic plates disposed along the first continuous track and a series of coils configured and adapted to actuate each of the magnetic plates.

12. The product management system of claim 11 , wherein a controller controls each of the magnetic plates.

13. The product management system of claim 12 , wherein the controller is configured and adapted to provide a configurable speed profile to a lug moving along the first continuous track.

14. The product management system of claim 13 , wherein the speed profile includes an acceleration section, a deceleration section, and a constant speed section.

15. 10. The product management system of claim 1, including at least one star wheel disposed proximate to a lug-engaging section of the first continuous track and configured and adapted to meter product toward the lug-engaging section.

16. The product management system of claim 15 further comprising a second starwheel.

17. A product management system as described in claim 1, further comprising a first cam and a second cam configured to support the series of lugs.

18. 18. The product management system of claim 17, wherein each of the cams partially follows the first continuous track and includes at least a pair of undulations.

19. A product management system as described in claim 2, wherein the lugs of the first series of lugs and the lugs of the second series of lugs are arranged alternately along the first continuous track and along the second continuous track so as to alternate in the direction of movement of the lugs.

20. Each lug includes a first product engagement member base and a second product engagement member base; The product management system of claim 1 , wherein the first product engaging member base includes a first product engaging member and the second product engaging member base includes a second product engaging member.

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