Container Transfer Wheel and Linear Grippers for Pitch Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer systems for thermoplastic containers between linear and rotary machines are complex and cumbersome, and they struggle with pitch differences between blowing and filling machines, often requiring accumulation means or complex chuck chain systems.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system with first and second linear transfer devices, retaining and gripping mechanisms, and a wheel with sawtooth-shaped seats, allowing direct transfer without intermediate means, and enabling pitch change without accumulation or complex systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connection belts are used to create accumulation of containers, then pitch difference between blowing and filling machines is resolved, but device complexity and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pitch adaptation function from complex intermediate systems (connection belts, accumulation zones) and integrates it directly into the gripper mechanism itself. The gripper becomes a multi-functional element that both transports containers and dynamically adjusts pitch, eliminating the need for separate pitch-changing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is designed as a universal element that performs multiple functions: container gripping, linear transport, pitch adjustment, and synchronization with the rotary machine. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Reliability
If complex chuck chain systems are used for pitch changing, then synchronization between linear blowing machine and rotary filling machine is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pitch changing function from complex chuck chain systems and relocates it to the gripper mechanism. This eliminates the need for intermediate pitch-changing devices while maintaining reliable synchronization between the linear blowing machine and rotary filling machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the linear motion of the blowing machine and the rotary motion of the filling machine. By incorporating pitch adjustment capability directly in the gripper, it serves as a smart mediator that resolves the pitch difference without requiring complex intermediate transmission systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accumulation means are used to handle pitch differences, then container transfer is enabled, but dimensions and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pitch adaptation function from separate accumulation means and integrates it into the gripper mechanism. This eliminates the need for additional accumulation zones and reduces the overall footprint of the transfer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the pitch adjustment function with the container transport function in a single integrated gripper mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate accumulation means and reduces the spatial requirements of the transfer system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A transfer system for transferring thermoplastic material containers (3) from a linear operating machine to a rotary operating machine, comprising - a first linear transfer device (2) apt to pick the containers from the linear operating machine in a picking zone (A) and to translate along a first axis (X) from the picking zone (A) to an exchange zone (B) and vice versa, - a wheel (32) cooperating with the rotary operating machine peripherally provided with seats (34) for the containers, and apt to rotate about a second axis (Z) perpendicular to the first axis, at least one second linear transfer device (112) apt to pick the containers from the first linear transfer device in the exchange zone (B), and to transfer them to the seats, said at least one second linear transfer device being apt to translate parallel to the first axis (X) from the exchange zone (B) to an unloading zone (C) proximal to the wheel, and vice versa.