GB2035974A - A bottle orientation unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A Bottle Orientation Unit comprises a bottle feed device for moving bottles of a predetermined configuration along a predetermined path and a sensing apparatus 52 disposed at a sensing station for sensing a predetermined characteristic of each bottle as each bottle moves along the predetermined path. A bottle orientation station 22 is located along the predetermined path after the sensing apparatus, and includes a gate device operative between a first and a second condition for engaging the neck of each bottle to orientate into a base leading position along the predetermined path. A control apparatus is responsive to the sensing apparatus and the gate device for operating the gate device. The sensing apparatus comprises a position sensing device operative in response to the movement of a bottle into the sensing station for providing a position signal to the control apparatus. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A bottle orientation unit This invention relates to a bottle orientation unit.

While the invention is subject to a wide range of applications, it is particularly related to bottle orientation units disposed for co-action with bottles, being conveyed along a particular path, to sense the orientation of such bottles and to rotate each one so that all bottles are orientated into a base leading position.

In processing bottled commodities (such as beverages, bleach, detergents, and the like) on conveyor belts, it is necessary to pick up bottles that are randomly placed in a hopper and to orient them to stand upright on a conveyor lines. The orientation of bottles by human operators is a most time consuming process. It requires that the operator be alert and quick; especially if the bottle conveying line is moving along at a rapid pace. In fact most bottle conveyor lines today move so quickly that human operators cannot act quick enough to insure that all bottles are properly oriented. This problem is not cured by utilizing more people since there is a practical limit as to how many people can be placed along a bottle line without unduly lengthening same.

In the past, bottle feeding apparatus such as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 3,838,292 to Sullivan, U.S. Patent No. 3,868,012 to Kinsley and U.S. Patent No. 3,920,1 18 to Kroos has provided placement of bottles on a conveyor line or an upright position. However, the existing bottle orientating apparatus requires relatively complex and costly equipment. Also the existing apparatus did not accomplish the positioning of the bottles in the relatively fast, foolproof manner of the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bottle orientation unit.

According to the present invention, a bottle orientation unit comprises: (a) bottle feed means for moving bottles of a predetermined configuration along a predetermined path; (b) a sensing station located along said predetermined path; (c) sensing means disposed at said sensing station for sensing a predetermined characteristic of each bottle indicative of the bottles orientation as each bottle moves along said predetermined path; (d) a bottle orientation station located along said predetermined path after said sensing means; (e) gate means disposed at said bottle orientation station and operative between a first and second condition for engaging the neck of each bottle whereby the bottle is orientated into a base leading position along said predetermined path;; (f) control means responsive to said sensing means and said gate means for operating said gate means between said two conditions whereby said bottle is orientated into a base leading position.

Preferably the sensing apparatus comprises a position sensing device operative in response to the movement of a bottle into the sensing station on the predetermined path for providing a position signal to the control apparatus and an orientation sensing device, operative in response to the position signal, for sensing a predetermined characteristic of each bottle and sending a characteristic signal to the control apparatus upon which the gate device is responsive.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of conventional bottle transporting equipment including a bottle orientation unit in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a bottle orientation unit in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is a section taken on line 3-3 of Figure2; Figure 4 is a section taken on line 4-4 of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram for the orientation unit of Figures 1 1; and Figure 6 is a schematic eiectrical circuit diagram of a control circuit.

In accordance with the present invention, a bottle orientation unit 10 comprises a bottle feed apparatus 12 for moving bottles 1 4 of a predetermined configuration along a predetermined path 1 6. A sensing station 1 8 is located along the predetermined path 1 6. A sensing apparatus 20 is disposed at the sensing station 18 for sensing a predetermined characteristic of each bottle indicative of the bottles orientation as each bottle moves along the predetermined path 1 6. A bottle orientation station 22 is located along the predetermined path after the sensing apparatus 20.A gate device 24 is disposed at the bottle orientation station 22 and is operative between a first and second condition for engaging the neck 26 of each bottle 14 whereby the bottle is oriented into a base 28 leading position along the predetermined path. A control apparatus 30 is responsive to the sensing device 20 and the gate device 24 for operating the gate device between the two conditions whereby the bottle is orientated into a base a leading position. The sensing apparatus 20 of the present comprises a position sensing device 46 operative in response to the movement of a bottle into a predetermined position 1 8 along the predetermined path 1 6 for providing a position signal to the control apparatus 30.An orientation sensing device 52 is operative in response to the position signal for sensing a predetermined characterisitc of each bottle and sending a characterisitc signal to the control apparatus 30 upon which the gate device 24 is responsive.

Referring to Figure 1 there is generally illustrated a bottle orientation unit 10 which is a part of conventional bottle or container transporting equipment 32 used to transport the bottles during filling and/or packing. In such equipment, bottles may be picked up by moving flights 34 from a scrambled condition in a hopper 36. Several bottles are picked up on a single flight 34. The bottles tend to assume a position where their major axis is in a predominately horizontal position and the neck is either to the left or to the right. As the flight rises above the mass of bottles in the hopper, a pusher (not shown) progresses from one end of the flight and moves the bottles in the trough of flight toward one end.This action combined with the vibration of the flight itself as it travels upward and on some occasions, a series of wipers, removes all except one bottle from the trough of the flight. The remaining bottle is lying with its major axis predominately on a horizontal position and with its neck 26 to the left or right.

The bottle is then transferred to a bottle feed device 12 comprised of a series of belts 36 which carry it, in a predominately horizontal position, to a sensing station 1 8 as will be further explained.

Downstream of the sensing station is a gating device 24, as will be explained, which causes the bottle to pivot into a predominately base leading position.

The bottle then progresses further to a conventional stand-up mechanism 38. It enters this mechanism with its base always leading and is pivoted through an arc of 900 by conventional means so that it is in a predominately standing position. It is then controlled by a pair of side belts (not shown) and is transferred to the filling line conveyor 40. The side belts located on the conveyor 40 progress slightly downward in order to firmly press the bottle against the filling line conveyor surface.

The conveyor 40 may serve an additional function of properly orientating the bottles before they are filled and/or packaged. The plastic bottles which are now in widespread use come in many sizes and shapes. Many of these shapes are asymetric, having one side of a different shape than the other. Often, this difference is due to a handle or other gripping device, such as a dimple, which is positioned to permit grasping of the bottle and pouring of its contents. However, these asymmetric configurations lead to a problem in packaging and filling the bottles. The problem is that for proper packaging and filling, it is necessary that all of the bottles be positioned with the handle in the same direction.Thus, machinery 40 may be necessary to quickiy and properly determine whether the bottle is moving along a conveyor with its handle in the proper direction, and if it is not, to actuate a suitable turning mechanism which will turn the bottle so it is correctly oriented. An example of this type of conveyor is illustrated and described in U.S.

Patent No. 3,920,118 to Kroos.

Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a bottle orientation unit 10 in accordance with the present invention. Bottle feed apparatus 12 includes hold down apparatus comprised of moveable belts 36 which may be of any desired type, for example, tubular urethane belts. The belts are disposed about idler pulleys 44 which are attached to the frame assembly (not shown) of the bottle orientation unit.The idler pulleys 44 rotate in a direction as shown by arrows so that the movable belts 42 move in the direction of predetermined path 1 6 as shown by the dotted line. Aithough two pairs of moveable belts 36 are illustrated, it is within the scope of the present invention to use any number of belts in any desired configuration to accomplish the proper movement of bottles 1 4, of any desired configuration, through the orientation unit.

A sensing station 1 8 is located along the predetermined path 1 6. The sensing station may include a sensing device 20 comprised of a plurality of electronic devices which are used together for sensing a predetermined characteristic of each bottle, indicative of the bottle's orientation, as a bottle moves along the predetermined path. One of the devices, a position sensing device 46 may be comprised of a light responsive photocell device that is appropriately interconnected into the control apparatus 30. This photoelectric device may be a simple electric eye type component which includes a light source 48 and a sensor 50. When an object such as a bottle passes the beam of light from the light source 48, the sensor sends a position signal to the control apparatus indicating that an object is present.

Adjacent to the position sensing device 46 is a orientation sensing device 52 which may be comprised of a distance probing eye 54, such as for example, a light responsive photocell device.

The distance probing electric eye 54 is typically mounted with its viewing path perpendicular to the direction of travel of the bottle. It may be targeted at one end of the bottle. The focal point of the distance probing eye typically is set to reflect the most light when the base of the bottle passes it. The probing eye 54 produces a characteristic signal eyerytime a base of a bottle passes. However, when a bottle neck of a smaller diameter than the bottle base passes, the light goes beyond its focal point and is less intense as it falis upon the neck of the bottle. Therefore, less light is reflected back to the eye. The eye may be adjusted so that on signal is sent to the control apparatus 30 whenever this condition of a small amount of reflected light is sensed.

There are a number of other configurations in which one or more distant probing eyes 54 may be used alone or in conjunction with each other to determine the orientation of the bottle as it passes the probing eye. For example, two distance probing eyes may be mounted with their viewing path perpendicular to the direction of travel of the bottle and generally opposite one another. Then as a bottle passes the two probing eyes, one of the distant probing eyes produces a long signal indicating the reflective light of the base as it passes its view. The other eye produces a short signal since it senses a lesser amount of light reflecting from the smaller passing neck as compared to the light reflected from the base of the bottle. The difference in signals may be evaluated by the control apparatus 30 to determine on which side of the predetermined path the neck is facing.Other possibilities for determining the orientation of the bottle include sensing colored, smooth or rough surfaces, or possibly aiming the beam of the distance sensing eye at the bottle in an angular manner such that the beam will engage the base of the of the bottle but entirely miss the neck of the bottle. The number and position of distance sensing eyes depends on the particular configuration of the bottles and it is within the scope of the present invention to use any number of such devices in any desired position as required. In any case, the orientation sensing device is operative in response to the position signal and senses a predetermined characteristic of each bottle and provides a characteristic signal to the control apparatus as will be further explained.

Immediately downstream from the sensing station 1 8 is a bottle orientation station 22 which is located along the predetermined path. A gate device 24 is disposed at the bottle orientation station and is operative between a first and a second condition to engage the neck of each bottle whereby the bottle is oriented into a base leading position along the predetermined path.

Referring to Figure 2 and 3, there is shown the details of the device 24. A conventional clutch brake unit 56 includes a motor 58 and a clutch brake device 60. The unit 60 has a constantly rotating input shaft 62 and an output shaft 64. On the output shaft 64 is mounted a circular disk 66 having a metal flag 68 on the circumference. In addition, a linkage arm 70 is rotatably connected to the disk at a point 72.

A lever arm 74 is rotatably mounted at a point 76 to the structure of the bottle orientation unit.

The linkage arm 70 is connected to the lever arm at a point 78 in order to pivot the lever arm in response to movement of the circular disk 66.

Two pin members 80 and 82 project from either end of the lever arm to engage the neck of the bottles as will be explained.

Two proximity sensing devices 84 and 86 are aligned adjacent to the circular disk in order to sense the position of the flag 68. These proximity sensing devices 84 and 86 are metal responsive electronic devices and respond tot he disposition of the flag to provide a gate position signal to the control apparatus.

The clutch brake unit 56 is normally held in a braked condition wherein the brake 94 prevents rotation of disk 66. The flag is located opposite one of the proximity sensing devices 84 or 86, as seen in Figure 3. At this time, the gate device 24 is in a first condition with the pin member 80 down.

When the position of the gate device changes to a second condition as shown in the dotted lines, the brake aspect of the clutch brake unit disengages and the clutch 96 engages to rotate shaft 64 and disk 66 around until flag 68 is opposite the sensing device 86. At this point, the brake reengages and holds the disk in that position.

The control apparatus 30, see Figures, includes input line 90, fusing 92, clutch brake power supply 100, logic output module 102 (associated with device 52), control circuit 104, and the electric connections between the sensing apparatus 20 and the gate device 24.

Referring to the schematic of Figure 5 there is shown input line 90 connected to coils 120 and 122, associated with the control circuit 104, and to clutch brake power supply 100. The power supply 100 energizes a coil for clutch 96 and a coil for brake 94. Line 90 also supplies power directly to a conventional amplifier power supply 102, and logic output module that is connected to the orientation sensing device 52 and to circuit 104. The proximity sensing devices 84 and 86 and the light source 48 and sensor 50 are connected to circuit 104.

In Figure 6, the details of the control circuit 104 of Figure 5 are illustrated. Line 1 24 is connected to the element 102 and to sensor so through a resistor 126. Line 124 then passes through a resistor 126 having capacitors 128 and 1 30 to ground on either side. The line 124 is then connected to resistor 132, transistor 134, resistors 136 and 138, transistor 1 40 and resistor 142. Line 124 continues into logic element 144, diode 146, capacitor 148, and logic elements 150,152 and 154.

Sensor 50 is attached to line 160 which is connected to a series of electronic components including capacitor 162, resistor 1 64, capacitor 166, resistor 168, transistors 1 70 and 1 72 and resistor 1 74. The connecting point 1 76 on line 160 goes to element 144 and also to logic element 178 and point 180. Line 1 60 continues to connect diode 1 82 and points 184 and 186 which are separated by capacitor 188. Points 184 and 1 86 are connected to line 124 through resistors 190-196. Line 1 60 proceeds into logic elements 198 and 200 and joins element 1 54 in line 124.

Line 1 24 is attached to the clutch brake power supply 100 through line 218 including logic element 2-20, resistor 222, transistor 224 and module 226 or alternatively through line 230, resistor 232, transistor 234 and module 226.

Coil 120 is associated with bridge 240 and light source 48 through line 242. The proximity sensors 84 and 86 are connected to lines 246 and 248 which include resistors 250-256, resistors 258 and 260, and logic elements 260, 262. Line 246 finally connects to element 152 and line 248 to element 200. The components of the control apparatus 30 are conventionally available and inter-connected in a conventional manner.

The operation of orientation unit 10 will be explained in conjunction with the schematic circuit diagram of Figure 5. A line cord 90 is provided for connecting a control apparatus 30 to a suitable source of power. If desired, cord 90 may either be connected to the source of power through a conventional plug or by direct connection to the power line. An on-off switch (not shown) is provided for the operator's use in turning unit 10 on and off. Appropriate fusing 92 is also provided in the apparatus 30. When the unit 10 is turned on, the gate 24 is in either the first condition, as shown in Figure 3, or the second condition as illustrated in the dotted lines. In the first condition, flag 68 on the wheel 66 is disposed next to proximity sensor 84 which provides an appropriate gate position signal to the control apparatus 30.If the gate 24 is in the second condition, flag 68 is disposed next to proximity sensor 86 and provides an appropriate gate position signal. The control circuit 100 is then conditioned accordingly.

The activation of the container transporting equipment 32 causes moving flights 34 to pick up bottles of a predetermined configuration from a scrambled condition in a hopper 36 as explained above. As the moving flight rises upward, one bottle remains lying in the trough of the flight with its major axis predominately in a horizontal position. The neck of the bottle is directed to either the left or right of a predetermined path 1 6.

The bottles are then transferred to a bottle feed device 12 having hold down apparatus including a series of belts 36 which are turning around idler pulleys 44 and form a predetermined path 1 6. The bottles ride in the belts with their major axis in a predominately horizontal position as received from the moving flights 34.

For explanation purposes, the movements of one bottle 14 will be described. As a boftle 1 4 is carried long a predetermined path 1 6 in a predominately horizontal position, it passes a sensing station 1 8. A sensing device 20 located at station 1 8 includes a position sensing apparatus 46 and is operative in response to the movement of a bottle into a predetermined position. When bottle 12 is present in the predetermined position, a light beam from source 48 is interrupted and a position signal is sent by sensor 50 to control apparatus 30. An orientation sensing device 52 is operative in response to the position signal and senses a predetermined characteristic of the bottle.For example, the orientation device 52 may be set to reflect the most light when the base 28 of a bottle passes and a lesser amount of light when the next 26 passes. The setting of the device 52 may be such that a characterisitc signal is sent to the control circuit apparatus when the greater amount of light of the base is reflected.

In the event that the neck of bottle 26 is facing towards the left, as shown in Figure 3 where the bottle movement is into the drawing, the orientation sensing device 52 sends a characteristic signal to control apparatus 30. The proximity sensor 84 is sending a gate position signal indicating that the flag 68 is in the first position. Thus, the gate device 24 is in the first condition and pin member 80 is in a closed position. Since the bottle neck is oriented in the directibn of member 80, the signal from the proximity sensor and the orientation sensing device combines, and brake 94 of the clutch brake unit 56 remains engaged. Thus, gate 24 does not change its condition and when the bottle passes the lever arm 74, the neck 26 engages pin member 80 and bottle 12 pivots in the belts 36.

The bottle is now oriented into a base leading position along the predetermined path. Then the bottle proceeds along the path 1 6 and passes out of stand-up mechanism 38 onto a filling line conveyor 40.

In the event that the neck of bottle 1 2 is facing towards the right, the sensing device 52 does not send a characteristic signal and the control apparatus combines the position signal of the position sensing device 46 and the gate position signal of the proximity sensor 84. The control apparatus sends a signal to the brake clutch unit to disengage brake 94 and engage the clutch 96 to cause the circular disc 66 to rotate 1 800. The linkage arm 70 is pivotably connected to the disc 66 and to the lever arm 74. Thus, rotation of disc 66 results in the movement of the lever arm 74 to a second position, see dotted lines in Figure 3, where pin member 82 is in the closed position.As bottle 12 passes the gate device, which is now in the second condition, the neck 26 engages pin member 82 and bottle 12 pivots in belts 36 into a base leading position along the predetermined path.

The bottle then progresses further to a conventional stand-up mechanism 38. It enters this mechanism with its base always leading and is pivoted through an arc of 900 by conventional means so that it is in a predominately standing position. It is then controlled by a pair of side belts (not shown) and is transferred to the filling line conveyor 40. The side belts located on the conveyor 40 progress slightly downward in order to firmly press the bottle against the filling line conveyor surface. The conveyor 40 may serve to properly orientating the botles before they are filled and/or packaged. The machinery 40 may be necessary to quickly and properly determine whether the bottle is moving along a conveyor with its handle in the proper direction, and if it is not, to actuate a suitable turning mechanism which will turn the botle so it is correctly oriented, as explained above.

One skilled in the art will realize that there has been disclosed a new and improved bottle orientation unit, that orients each bottle to a predominately base leading position, senses the position of each bottle and changes the condition of a gate device as required, uses relatively singe and inexpensive components to properly orient the bottles.

While there has been described what is at present considered a preferred embodiment of the invenion, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention, and it is, therefore, aimed in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as followed in the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (12)

1. A bottle orientation unit comprising: (a) bottle feed means for moving bottles of predetermined configuration along a predetermined path; (b) a sensing station located along said predetermined path; (c) sensing means diposed at said sensing station for sensing a predetermined characteristic of each bottle indicative of the bottles orientation as each bottle moves along said predetermined path; (d) a bottle orientation station located along said predetermined path after said sensing means; (e) gate means disposed at said bottle orientation station and operative between a first and second condition for engaging the neck of each bottle whereby the bottle is orientated into a base leading position along said predetermined path;; (f) control means responsive to said sensing means and said gate means for operating said gate means between said two conditions whereby said bottle is orientated into a base leading position.

2. The bottle orientation unit as defined in claim 1 further characterized in that said bottle feed means comprises: hold down means carrying said bottles in a predominately horizontal position past said sensing station.

3. The sensing means as defined in claim 1 further characterized in that said sensing means comprises: position sensing means operative in response to the movement of a bottle into said sensing station on said predetermined path for providing a position signal to said control means; orientation sensing means operative in response to said position signal for sensing a predetermined characteristic of each bottle and sending a characteristic signal to said control means upon which said gate means is responsive.

4. The sensing means as defined in claim 3 further characterized in that said position sensing means includes light responsive photo cell devices appropriately interconnected into said control means.

5. The sensing means as defined in claim 4 further characterized in that said orientation sensing means includes a distance probing light responsive photo cell device appropriately interconnected into said control means.

6. The sensing means as defined in claim 5 further characterized in that said orientation sensing means includes a second distance probing light responsive photo cell device appropriately interconnected with said control means being located near and operative in conjunction with said first distance probing cell device to sense a predetermined characteristic of each bottle.

7. The bottle orientation unit as defined in claim 1 further characterized in that said gate means includes gate position indicating means to sense the position of the gate means and to send a gate position signal to the control means as to the condition of the gate means.

8. The bottle orientation unit as defined in claim 7 further characterized in that said gate means includes: a lever arm pivotable mounted to assume a first position whereby said gate means is in a first condition and to assume a second position whereby said gate means is in a second condition; and a clutch brake unit for coaction with said lever arm to either retain said lever arm in one of said positions or to pivot said lever arm to its other position in response to said control means.

9. The bottle orientation unit as defined in claim 8 further characterized in that said gate position indicating means includes: a metal flag associated with said clutch brake unit which is movable between a first flag position and a second flag position as the lever arm pivots; Proximity sensing means responsive to the disposition of said flag to provide said gate position signal to said control means.

10. The bottle orientation unit as defined in claim 9 further characterized in that said clutch brake unit includes: an output shaft with a circular disc mounted thereon and said metal flag being affixed to said circular disc; a linkage arm between said circular disc and said lever arm to pivot the lever arm between said first and second positions; said lever arm including pin means projecting from both ends of said arm wherein one of said pin means engages the neck of each bottle.

11. The bottle orientation unit as defined in claim 10 further characterized in that said proximity sensing means are metal responsive electronic devices.

12. A bottle orientation unit substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.