Conveyor apparatus with pivotable arms

Abstract

Provided herein is a conveyor apparatus and a conveyor system including the conveyor apparatus. The conveyor apparatus includes a frame that extends a length between a first end and a second end and which has a topside and an underside, a closed-loop conveyor belt that has a belt surface, and a plurality of arms which are arranged on the belt surface. Further, each arm is configured to pivot relative to the belt surface between a first position and a second position. The conveyor system has at least first and second tracks arranged in parallel with each other, and each track includes a respective conveyor apparatus. A method of conveying containers with the conveyor apparatus is also provided.

Description

Conveyor Apparatus with Pivotable ArmsField of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to conveyor apparatuses and methods for transporting containers, and particularly, to conveyor apparatuses with pivotable or moveable arms, which can be configured to manage container spacing (e.g., for transition between intermittent processes and continuous processes), and conveyor systems including the conveyor apparatuses. Methods of conveying containers are also provided herein.Background

[0002] Conveyor systems are widely used in various industries for transporting and handling containers, boxes, or other items. These systems typically consist of a continuous belt or chain that move items from one location to another, typically on a linear path. In many applications, such as packaging and product loading, it is necessary to transition from an intermittent process, where containers are prepared or erected, to a continuous process, where the containers are filled or loaded with products.Summary

[0003] In prior art conveyor systems, transition between different modules may not be smooth; especially when elements or belts are operating at different speeds. This may then cause delays and / or decrease in capacity, for example, containers which are yet to be filled may not be optimally spaced apart on the loading conveyor. This could then result in, for example, a large gap between successive containers, resulting in decreased efficiency and loading capacity of the conveyor not being maximized.

[0004] Prior art systems also typically lack flexibility regarding container size, and working with containers of different sizes. When changing between containers of different sizes, manual adjustments are typically required, which often requires a specialized technician and / or line downtime, thereby decreasing overall efficiency further.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for further improvements to the prior art conveyor systems, and particularly with respect to managing the transition of conveyed containers from an intermittent process to a continuous process and / or for managing a high loading capacity of the overall conveyor system.

[0006] An objective of the present disclosure is thus to provide apparatuses, systems and / or methods for a more seamless transition of conveyed articles, for example, when going from an intermittent process (e.g., in which the container is constructed / erected) to a continuous process (e.g., in which the same container is loaded / filled with product(s)). The transition may be performed seamlessly with little to no downtime of the manufacturing line and / or at minimal expense. Additionally, such conveyor apparatuses, systems and / or methods can help to promote an automatic transition whereby manual adjustments are not needed, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the system. These can also be useful when conveying different sized containers,allowing for automatic adjustment while continually receiving and handing containers, thereby reducing or avoiding downtime and maintaining fast processing and high overall loading capacity.

[0007] Accordingly, in a first aspect, there is provided a conveyor apparatus having a frame that extends a length between a first end and a second end, the frame having a topside and an underside, a closed-loop conveyor belt which moves around the frame, and having a belt surface; and a plurality of arms arranged on the belt surface. Further, each arm is configured to pivot or rotate relative to the belt surface between a first position and a second position via contact of a container with a front surface of the arm. The conveyor belt is typically configured to move around the frame in a conveying direction from the first end to the second end and loop back in a return direction from the second end to the first end.

[0008] Such a conveyor apparatus allows for the accommodation of different sized containers, sometimes automatically, while maintaining efficient operations. The ability of arms to move between a first and second position also allows for efficient operations, even in systems where there is transition from intermittent to continuous operation (or vice versa) because arms can be positioned (in first or second position) to receive the container at whichever position the conveyor belt is at the time that the container is ready to be placed on the apparatus. Thus, providing a conveyor belt with arms able to transition from first to second positions, and vice versa, provides an overall more flexible system resulting in less downtime (e.g., for rearranging dividers / arms or waiting for the belt to rotate to a certain place to load a container) and more efficient operations.

[0009] According to an embodiment, each arm may comprise a block. Such a block is connected to the belt, and can be configured to be the connection between arm and the conveyor belt surface (or other connection point of the conveyor system) as well as the stationary point or position around which the arm rotates. Optionally, the block can also provide the arm with a pivot axis above the belt to allow for easy pivoting from the first position to the second when needed.

[0010] In some embodiments, a block can also help to ensure that the arm remains in the desired position. The block can be, for example, connected to the belt surface by adhesive or a mechanical fastening connector.

[0011] In some embodiments, the block could have another configuration (e.g., snap lock) to stop and / or secure an arm in the first or the second position. In other embodiments, the rotation of the arm can be restricted by the belt frame or another surface causing the arm to be able to only rotate about 90 degrees to the first position. Such a surface would need to be parallel to the direction of motion and relatively low in friction to enable sliding contact. For example, the arm could be restricted by a non-moving surface such as a guide, belt support bed or frame, with arm sliding along the surface parallel to the direction of motion when in the first position.

[0012] According to an embodiment, a pin extends through each arm and block along a pivot axis of the respective arm. Optionally, each pin extends beyond the respective arm and block on one or both sides, and fits into a complementary slot extending along the belt. Further optionally, the slot extends along a guide extending adjacent to the belt. Such a configuration can help to reduce or eliminate forces acting on the block and therefore the belt from forces on the arm. Thus, when the arm and therefore the block is subject to forces from either pushing a container or being pivoted tothe second position, the pin in the slot can ensure that the forces on the arm do not cause the block and therefore the belt to move up and down. Therefore, the use of a complementary pin and slot can provide for a smoother conveyance.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the first position extends substantially perpendicularly from the belt surface in a conveyance direction (CD) along a conveyance axis (X). This typically means that a top end of the arm is positioned at a height above the belt surface. Thus, the first position could be a position useful for alignment, placement and / or guidance of containers along the conveyor apparatus.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the second position is substantially parallel with the belt surface in a conveyance direction (CD) along a conveyance axis (X). This could mean that one of the front or back surfaces lies parallel to and in contact with the belt surface when the arm is in the second position. Such a second position allows for lying substantially flat along the conveyor belt surface, allowing a container to be placed on top of the arm in the second position for transfer along the conveyor belt. By having a second position in which the container can be placed on the arm (or on another surface extending above the arm, e.g., a guide, support or rail), the conveyor apparatus is able to easily accommodate different sized containers and receive a new container at any position of the conveyor belt whenever that new container is available to be placed on the conveyor belt. Thus the conveyor belt can have a higher loading capacity as the boxes can be placed as close together as possible (including any spacing requirements). This results in an overall more efficient system with less downtime than a static divider system which requires waiting for specific placement points, or systems in which the guides needed to be manually adjusted to accommodate different sized or configured containers.

[0015] Each arm has a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface. In some embodiments, the front surface and / or the back surface is planar.

[0016] In some embodiments, the front surface is arranged to contact one or more conveyed containers in the second position, and the back surface is arranged to contact the belt surface in the second position, meaning that the rotation or pivot of the arm from the first position to the second position is in a forward or movement direction. In other embodiments, the arm folds or pivots in the other direction and the front surface is arranged to contact the belt surface in the second position. By having the arm able to contact the belt surface in the second position (on the front or back surface), the arm is able to flexibly go to the first or second position to receive a container of any size, allowing the container to sit on top of or above the arm (or another surface) when in the second position with the arm being stably supported by the conveyor belt (or the frame or a support strip). Thus, the arm folds down but is still able to sturdily support the container placed on top of it and / or move out of the way to allow the container to be guided on another surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the arm can also be configured to contact the frame (or a support strip, guide or rail on the frame) supporting the conveyor belt when in the second position. This can then generate a sliding contact between the arm and the frame (or support strip), helping to avoid direct perpendicular force pressing on the conveyor belt and therefore reducing the risk ofinterference with belt movement. This can be especially useful when the frame is metallic (e.g., stainless steel) and the arm is plastic (e.g., High Density Polyethylene or Polyoxymethylene).

[0018] According to an embodiment, each arm extends between a base and a top end. Optionally, the arm tapers from the base to the top end. Further optionally, each arm has a wedge shape and / or a slanted surface. The taper or wedge shape can be from a slanted surface from the top end to the base end on one or more of the front or back surface, for example, extending at an angle of about 5-30 degrees from vertical. Such a slanted surface, taper and / or wedge shape can help to ensure that the arm is easily moved into the second position by the placement of the box while keeping the arm to a width or size suitable for spacing between arms and containers. Having such a slanted surface on only one side (e.g., the front surface) helps to ensure that the arm only folds in the desired direction, and the arm is not stuck in the first position or is forced in the other direction when a container is placed on the belt. Alternatively, such a surface could help to receive and guide a container into proper positioning for movement along the conveyor apparatus. While wedge shape is mentioned, the arm could be another shape, for example, triangular or rectangular depending on the system and / or containers to be received.

[0019] According to an embodiment, any arm arranged in the second position at the second end is configured to revert to the first position during rotation around a return hub at the second end. This can be, for example, through gravity simply moving the arm back into the first position as it rotates around a return hub and moves in the return direction along the underside of the conveyor apparatus back to the first end. The arms are then properly positioned and held there due to gravity and / or movement of the conveyor. Alternatively, or in addition, a mechanical configuration (e.g., gear or further arm) could force the arm back into and / or hold the arm in the first position as it moves around the return hub and along the conveyor. Mechanical forcing can be useful in conveyor systems which may be subject to dust and debris, causing some arms to become stuck in the second position without some force. Such an automatic return to the first position ensures that the arms are ready to receive a new container at any position on the conveyor belt. Other embodiments do not have any specific configuration of the second end, and the first end is configured to place the arms in one position or the other (e.g., through a mechanical force at the first end pushing the arms into the first position).

[0020] According to an embodiment, the closed-loop conveyor belt may be rotated at a constant speed. The constant speed rotation is possible from the flexible arms, each arm able to be a guiding arm (e.g., pushing the container) when in the first position, and being pivotable to the second position to allow for placing a container at that position if not needed for guiding. Thus, the conveyor apparatus can then work in tandem with intermittent systems, but still continue at a constant speed.

[0021] In a second aspect, there is provided a conveyor system comprising a first track and a second track, each of the first track and second track comprising a respective conveyor apparatus as previously described. Further, the first and second tracks are arranged parallel with each other, typically spaced apart from each other. The first and second tracks are also arranged such that arms on the conveyor belt of the first track align and move at the same speed as arms on the conveyor belt of the second track.

[0022] Other embodiments, for example, when handling large or heavy containers could include even more tracks, each comprising a further conveyor apparatus.

[0023] Tracks can also be driven independently (e.g., by separate motors) to give more flexibility for adjustments. Such a conveyor system, with a plurality of tracks formed of conveyor apparatuses, allows for flexible and efficient movement of containers. The ability for arms on each track to move between the first and second positions allows for accommodation of different sized containers as well as accommodating transfers between intermittent and continuous systems. The ability to use as many tracks as needed provides additional flexibility to the system for use with varying containers.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the conveyor system may further comprise a container handler configured to transfer at least one container to the respective conveyor apparatus. Such a container handler can take many different forms, and can allow for better transitions by dynamically adjusting for any inconsistencies in the output of the preceding process. This can be especially useful when it is an intermittent process, such as forming or assembling the containers.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the conveyor system may further comprise at least one product loading unit configured to load product into one or more conveyed containers. Such a product loading unit can take many forms, and can work with the conveyor apparatus which can provide an inexpensive and reliable way of providing consistent and stable container positions at a constant speed for varying box sizes to be loaded without requiring changing parts or procedures.

[0026] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of conveying containers is provided. The method comprises providing at least one conveyor apparatus as described herein, supplying a container to the at least one conveyor apparatus, and releasing the container onto the conveyor belt when the container handler comes into contact with an arm arranged in the first position at the first end. Optionally, supply of the container may involve sliding the container over the surface of at least one arm, whereby the arm pivots from the first position to the second position.

[0027] Such a method provides a simple way of properly positioning the container on the conveyor apparatus, as well as automatically moving any arms not needed for guidance into a second position where they do not interfere with the receiving and movement of the container along the conveyor. This method thus provides an efficient way of receiving containers onto the container apparatus at any position, while still ensuring they are guided to be properly positioned and moved with the conveyor belt as it rotates around the frame of the conveyor apparatus.

[0028] Further objectives, features and advantages are described in the detailed description below with reference to the appended drawings.Brief description of the drawings

[0029] The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a conveyor apparatus;

[0031] Figure 2 shows an arm;

[0032] Figure 3 shows a conveyor system; and

[0033] Figures 4A-4D show a further embodiment of a part of a conveyor apparatus with arm.Detailed description

[0034] A conveyor apparatus 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Figure 1. The conveyor apparatus 10 generally includes a frame 2 with topside 21 , underside 22, first end 23, second end 24 and return hub 25; conveyor belt 3 and arms 4. Conveyor belt 3 can have a number of different configurations, including a typical conveyor belt, with smooth upper and / or back surfaces, or a toothed belt such as a toothed timing belt.

[0035] Conveyor apparatus 10 could be used with, for example, the apparatus and system for filling a container with articles shown and described in patent application no. WO2024 / 210752, titled “Apparatus and Method for filling a Container with Articles,” filed April 5, 2024; and / or the systems and methods of WO 2021 / 260154, titled “Packing Machine for Horizontal and Vertical Packing of Articles into a Packing Box”, filed June 24, 2021; each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Conveyor apparatus 10 could also be used with other systems.

[0036] Frame 2 extends from first end 23 to second end 24 with conveyor belt 3 extending around frame 2 and moveable around frame 2 in conveying direction CD on topside 21 and in return direction RD on underside 22 to form an endless track. Conveyor belt 3 can be driven, for example, on first end 23 and / or second end 24, with return hub 25 guiding the movement of belt 3 from topside 21 to underside 22. Frame 2 can be formed of a metal, e.g., stainless steel, or other suitable material.

[0037] Arms 4 can function as dividers and / or guides on conveyor belt 3. Shown in detail in Fig. 2, arms 4 are arranged on an upper surface of belt 3 spaced apart from each other, either at fixed or varying distances. Each arm 4 is configured to pivot in one direction (as shown in Fig. 2, in a forward direction according to arrow A) relative to stop 5 and belt 3 between a first position and a second position. The first position can be substantially perpendicular to belt 3 on the topside 21 of frame 2 as shown in Figs. 1-2. The second position can be with the arm 4 extending substantially parallel to the belt 3, and extending along the topside 21 of frame 2 and belt 3 (see. Fig. 3). The pivoting movement can be around pivot axis P, moving in the direction of arrow A from the first position to the second position such that back surface 44 lies against belt 3 or against topside 21 of frame 2. Pivot axis P extends through arm 4 and block 5 ,as shown in Fig. 2, and would typically include a pin around which arm 4 rotates.

[0038] Arm 4 can be configured to remain in the first position if there is a container on the conveyor for back surface 44 to push against. If there is no container at that position, the arm 4 can in some embodiments rotate forward to the second position as it moves around first end 23 or can be pushed into the second position by an incoming container. In some embodiments, a spring loaded hinge or other mechanism could be used to push arm 4 into the first position, which can be overcome to move arm 4 into the second position when a container 9 pushes arm 4 into the second position for container placement at that position on conveyor belt 3.

[0039] When container 9 has been moved along frame 2 by conveyor belt 3 (pushed by an arm 4) and is removed from conveyor apparatus 10, typically at second end 24, return hub 25 can thenreturn any arms 4 that are in the second position (laying parallel to conveyor belt 3) to the first position (perpendicular to conveyor belt 3). This can be done automatically, using gravity, as the respective arm 4 moves around return hub 25 at second end 24 to underside 22 of frame, then moving to first end 23 of conveyor 10. Alternatively, the movement from the second to the first position could be prompted or forced, for example, through a mechanical configuration where the arm is pushed or allowed to move back to the first position. For example, a brush could rub against the arm 4 from the sides, or a pin could contact the top 41 or back 44 briefly to ensure the arm 4 is moved into the first position.

[0040] Each arm 4 extends from a base 42 which rests upon belt 3 in the first position to a top end 41 and includes a front surface 43 and back surface 44, both of which are typically planar. In the embodiment shown, arm 4 tapers from the base 42 to the top end 41 , with a slanted front surface 43 to form a wedge shape, which a cut-out portion at the middle of the base to receive block 5. While arms 4 are shown as having a wedge shape, other embodiment can have different shapes and / or configurations of arms, for example, rectangular. Arms 4 can be formed of a plastic material, for example, High Density Polyethylene (“HDPE”) or Polyoxymethylene (“POM”), though could be formed of other suitable materials.

[0041] Each arm 4 can also include or connect to a block 5, which can provide the connection point of the arm 4 to the conveyor belt (or other surface), and be the point through which the axis of rotation extends. In some embodiments, the block can also help to ensure that arm 4 is maintained in the first position and is not over-extended, even when forces are applied, for example, when receiving a box or other container. Base 42 and / or the location of the pivot axis P (through block 5) can also help to ensure that arm 4 is not pivoted in the wrong direction.

[0042] Figure 3 shows conveyor system 100 in use, for example, as a packing container conveyor to provide empty packing containers (e.g., boxes) to a packing apparatus. Conveyor system 100 includes first track 110 and second track 210 extending parallel to each other and spaced from each other. Each of first track 110 and second track 210 is formed of a conveyor apparatus 10 as shown and described with respect to Figs. 1 -2. Each of first track 110 and second track 210 can be driven separately to give more flexibility for adjustments to the system.

[0043] The system 100 can further comprise a container handler 300 (shown only schematically) configured to transfer a container (e.g., box, case, tray) to the conveyor system 100 and / or a product loading unit 400 (shown only schematically) configured to load product into the containers 9 as they are being conveyed along the system 100. Each of first track 110 and second track 210 include guide rails 6 for helping guide and stabilize container 9 movement along rails 110, 210. In the embodiment shown, guide rails 6 are positioned to sit just above arms 4 in the second position to help ensure stable continuous support for containers in conveyor system 100, and provide the path along which containers are pushed by arms 4. Guide rails 6 could have a different configuration and / or one or more of the guide rails 6 could even not be present in other embodiments.

[0044] In operation, conveyor belts 3 on first track 110 and second track 210 are driven at (the same) constant speed (e.g., by one or more motors, not shown), and arms 4 typically align at the same positions on first track 110 and second track 210 between first and second ends to move inunison and parallel to each other along topside 21 of frame 2. As can be seen, some arms 4 are in the first position to guide and move containers 9, and some arms 4 are in the second position to accommodate the size of container 9. The movement from first position to second position of one or more arms 4 typically happens automatically as a container 9 is loaded into conveyor system 100, thereby moving some arms 4 into the second position, though in some embodiments, arm positions can be set in advance or the transition at first end 23 from circular to linear motion in the cornering moves arms 4 from the first position to the second position if no container comes into contact with the arm 4 in the movement around first end 23.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows conveyor apparatus 100 moving an empty first container 9a along first and second tracks 110, 210, specifically along guide rails 6 of each of first and second tracks 110, 210. Arms 4 guide container 9a, pushing on panel 15 of container 9a, to move container 9a along guide rails 6 to ensure that container 9a moves with the movement of the conveyor belts 3 on each of tracks 110, 210. Any arms located between the guiding / pushing arms 4 (in the first position), are moved into the second position, lying parallel to and / or against conveyor belt 3, with container 9a lying on top of or over these arms 4. In some embodiments, arms 4 in the second position would contact the frame 2 and / or a support strip instead of or in addition to the contacting of the belt 3 surface. This can help to minimize forces on the belt which could potentially cause issues with movement around frame 2. In some embodiments, container 9a has an open top and / or side for loading while container 9a moves along the topsides 21 of tracks 110, 210, and arms 4 and guide rails 6 help to ensure container 9a remains properly positioned for loading despite the forces from movement along tracks 110, 210, and from loading. In some embodiments, tracks 110, 210 would momentarily stop for loading, for example if loading device 400 is a robot or other mechanism which has no degree of freedom in the conveying direction.

[0046] A second container 9b is shown being loaded onto tracks 110, 210. This could be through a container handler 300 (shown only schematically) or manually. If using a container handler, the handler could release the box onto the conveyor system 100 after contact with a first set of arms 4 in first positions. The release or placement of container 9b then moves some arms from the first position to the second position according to the size of the container. The slanted front surface 43 of arms 4 can help guide the arms 4 from the first position to the second position when the container 9 is placed onto the guide rails 6 (and arms) on first and second tracks 110, 210. Arms 4 can also help to guide the placement, thereby properly placing the container 9 within the sets of arms 4 in the first position for pushing the container 9 along rails 6 of tracks 110, 210.

[0047] As tracks 110, 210 operate continuously, if they are receiving containers 9 only intermittently (e.g., if containers are being constructed and then placed onto conveyor system 100), the flexibility of arms 4 allows for accommodating the container 9 whenever it is ready for loading and transporting, allowing for an overall higher loading capacity of the system. This is in part through all arms 4 being placed into the first position as they transition over return hub 25 when moving from the topside 21 to the underside 22 of the conveyor apparatus 10. Thus, when the next container 9 is ready to be placed onto tracks 110, 210, all arms 4 at the first side of the conveyor apparatus are properly arranged (all in the first position) to accommodate the container 9, andplacement of the container 9 (or movement onto top side 21) moves some arms into the second position automatically.

[0048] This is in contrast to past systems where there were only certain positions on the belt that containers could be placed, and an operator would have to wait for the conveyor belt to move to a placement position before the container could be placed on the belt. Additionally, if there were arms or other guides to help guide containers along the conveyor belts in past systems, these were typically non-moveable guides. This meant that only certain dimensions of containers could be accommodated on each belt, and that the system would need to be stopped to change the spacing of guides on the belt if different sized containers needed to be transported. In other systems, the fixed guides or arms would be configured such that the pitch or spacing between two consecutive guides was large enough to accommodate the largest container expected fortransport. This would then dictate the spacing for all containers, resulting in needing very high conveyor speeds to have the containers pass the loading units at the required rate of containers per minute. The container capacity or rate is always a function of the number of products per container, so at a constant product infeed, the smaller containers with fewer products would still be required to be separated at this large fixed pitch. That then required extremely high conveyor speeds in order to keep up with the incoming products and loading robots, which resulted in making the system wear more quickly, typically negatively impacting the stability and positioning accuracy of the boxes and products.

[0049] By providing conveyor apparatuses 10 with flexible or moveable arms 4, conveyor system 100 is able to flexibly accommodate different sizes of containers as well as different speeds of intake and transport of containers 9 while maintaining high loading capacity. Arms 4 can flexibly be moved into first or second positions according to the size, configuration and spacing of containers 9, allowing for differently sized containers to be transported efficiently on the same tracks or system. Furthermore, tracks 110, 210 are able to receive a container at any time and position due to the flexibility of arms 4 to be moved from the first position, substantially perpendicular to the conveyor belt 3 for guiding a container, to the second position, substantially parallel to the conveyor belt 3, if not needed for guiding. This can provide for a more efficient and seamless transition of conveyed articles, particularly when going from an intermittent process (e.g., in which the container is constructed / erected) to a continuous process (e.g., in which the same container is loaded / filled with product(s)). The transition may be performed automatically and seamlessly with little to no downtime of the manufacturing line and / or at minimal expense due to the ability to receive containers at many different positions along the conveyor belt. The use of one or more conveyor apparatuses with flexible arms 4 also allows for automatic transition whereby manual adjustments are not needed, reducing or avoiding downtime and maintaining fast processing of containers thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the system.

[0050] Figures 4A-4D show a further embodiment of a part of a conveyor apparatus 10’ with an arm 4. Fig. 4A shows conveyor apparatus 10’ with supports 11 ; Figures 4B-4C show perspective side views of arm 4 with supports 11 removed for viewing purposes, and Fig. 4D shows a cross-sectional view of Fig. 4A. Similar parts will have the same numbering as those of the embodimentdiscussed in Figs. 1-2, with only differences being discussed in detail. Conveyor apparatus 10’ includes belt 3, arm 4, block 5, pin 7, supports 11 , slot 12 and ridge 13.

[0051] Arm 4 rotatingly connects to block 5 through pin 7, which extends along the pivot axis P. Pivot axis P extends above conveyor belt 3, and below the location where a container would rest when arm is in the second position. Supports 11 can help to guide or support a container, for example, with the container resting on supports 11 to be pushed along supports 11 by arm 4 back surface 44. In such an embodiment, pivot axis P is below an upper edge of supports 11 (where the container would sit), and arm 4 in a second position (rotated downward to be generally parallel to belt 3) would be fully or mostly beneath the upper edge of supports 11.

[0052] Pin 7 extends through block 5, (sides of) arm 4, and further outward, beyond the lateral sides 45 of arm 4 to fit into slots 12 extending on an inside surface of supports 11 , as shown in Fig.4D. Pins 7 and slots 11 would typically have complementary shapes such that pins 7 cannot move out of slots 12 while conveyor apparatus 10’ is in use. Because block 5 is connected to belt 3, pins 7 move with block 5 and conveyor belt 3 along slots 12 as conveyor belt 3 moves around the frame. In some embodiments, slots 12 would only be along the topside 21 of conveyor apparatus 10’. Other embodiments could have guides and slots extend along the underside 22 as well. Fig. 4D also shows ridges 13, which can act as a stop to not allow arm 4 to rotate beyond the first position (or approximately perpendicular to belt 3). Restricting the rotation of arms 4 with non-moving ridges 13 allows for making the ridges of a hard durable material set exactly parallel to the direction of motion, thus ensuring that arms 4, when in the first position are blocked by these ridges 13, and are exactly perpendicular to the direction of motion.

[0053] Slots 12 typically extend the length of supports 11 , and can be a non-friction material or have another surface to minimize friction between the pins 7 and slots 12. Pins 7 can also be a plastic and / or non-friction material to help with sliding contact. Such pins 7 help to ensure that block 5 stays in position and help to minimize any forces pulling on block 5 and therefore conveyor belt 3 due to rotation of arm 4.

[0054] In some embodiments, particularly when arm 4 is pushing a container with back surface 44, or when arm 4 is being rotated and pushed downward (in the second position) by a container, the forces on arm 4 put a force on block 5, pulling the front or the back of block 5 upward depending on the position of arm 4. Because block 5 is connected to belt 3, and belt 3 has elasticity, such pulling forces on block 5 could pull belt 3 up and down, negatively affecting the desired steady and smooth conveyance. By fitting pins 7 into slots 12, block 5 is held at a steady position for movement with belt 3 despite forces acting on arm 4. Thus, the use of pins 7 through block 5, and extending into slots 12 can provide for a smoother conveyance, minimizing or avoiding undesirable forces on and movement of belt 3 from arm 4 pushing and / or rotation.

[0055] While the description refers to a container, conveyor apparatus could be used to convey other devices, for example, a box, tray or anything that needs to be moved along a path, and is useful in conveying anything that needs to be conveyed with variable spacing and / or a known, reliable, stable and fixed position (relative to the conveyor motion)..

[0056] While the invention has been described herein by reference to certain embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications in addition to those described herein may be made to the structures and techniques described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, they are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1. A conveyor apparatus (10) comprisinga frame (2) that extends a length between a first end (23) and a second end (24), the frame (2) having a topside (21) and an underside (22),a closed-loop conveyor belt (3) which moves around the frame (2), the belt (3) having a belt surface, anda plurality of arms (4) arranged on the belt surface, each arm (4) configured to pivot relative to the belt surface between a first position and a second position via contact of a container (9) with a front surface (43) of the arm (4).

2. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to claim 1 , wherein each arm (4) comprises a respective block (5), preferably wherein the block (5) is connected to the belt surface.

3. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to claim 2, wherein a pin (7) extends through each arm (4) and block (5) along a pivot axis of the respective arm (4) to allow the arm (4) to rotate with respect to the block (5).

4. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to claim 3, wherein each pin (7) extends beyond the respective arm (4) and block (5) and fits into a complementary slot (12) extending along the belt (3), preferably wherein the slot (12) extends along a support (11) extending adjacent to the belt (3).

5. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first position extends perpendicularly from the belt surface in a conveyance direction (CD) along a conveyance axis (X).

6. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the second position the arm (4) is substantially parallel with the belt surface in a conveyance direction (CD) along a conveyance axis (X).

7. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each arm (4) has a back surface (44) opposite the front surface (43), preferably wherein the front surface (43) and / or the back surface (44) is planar.

8. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each arm (4) extends between a base (42) and a top end (41), and preferably wherein each arm (4) tapers from the base (42) to the top end (41).

9. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each arm (4) has a wedge shape.

10. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein any arm (4) arranged in the second position at the second end (24) is configured to revert to the first position during rotation around a return hub (52) at the second end (24).

11. The conveyor apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closed-loop conveyor belt (3) is rotated at a constant speed.

12. A conveyor system comprising at least first and second tracks (110, 210), each track comprising a respective conveyor apparatus (10) according to any of claims 1-11 , wherein the first and second tracks (110, 210) are arranged parallel with each other.

13. The conveyor system according to claim 12, and further comprising a container handler (300) configured to transfer at least one container (9) to the respective conveyor apparatus (10).

14. The conveyor system according to any of claims 12-13, and further comprising at least one product loading unit (400) configured to load product into one or more conveyed containers (9).

15. A method of conveying containers (9), the method comprisingproviding at least one conveyor apparatus (10) according to any of claims 1-11 , supplying a container (9) to the at least one conveyor apparatus (10) with a container handler (300), andreleasing the container (9) onto the conveyor belt (3) when the container handler (300) comes into contact with an arm (4) arranged in the first position at the first end (23).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein supplying comprises sliding the container (9) over the front surface (43) of at least one arm (4), whereby the at least one arm (4) pivots from the first position to the second position.

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