Patent Description:
Conventional techniques for applying a label to a product have been developed, the product being for example a plastic bottle for containing food or cosmetics. One such technique is to introduce the products from a production line to a labelling machine and then returning them to the production line. The product is rotated as the label is applied, especially in the case of wraparound labels. A known technique is to place a plurality of cylindrical products on a rotating carousel, the products rotating also on their respective axes, as they are introduced to the labelling machine. The production rate is limited by the rotation speed and capacity of the carousel. The production rate can be increased by increasing the carousel capacity, for example by increasing the carousel diameter. But this results in an increase in the footprint of the carousel.

Precise control of the product's orientation is needed in the case where a predetermined orientation of the label is desired, such as in the case of non-cylindrical products. Precise product orientation is also needed for laser marking and inspection, for example. Furthermore after labelling, the products typically need to have a predetermined orientation for a subsequent process. Conventional techniques include providing a downstream aligning device or employing human operators.

Generally there is a need to convey products while having a high level of control of their orientation and maintaining a high production rate.

<CIT> discloses a workpiece positioning device that aligns the rotational position of a workpiece held by a jig conveyed by a conveyor in a certain direction; the conveyor is a pair of endless belts.

A conveyor system comprising a linear motor is known from <CIT>.

Document <CIT> discloses a conveying system according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. Document <CIT> discloses a further conveying system.

It is an object of the invention to provide a way to more precisely control the orientation of a product while it is being conveyed. The object is achieved by the respective subject-matters of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are subject-matter of the dependent claims.

Disclosed is a conveying system according to the invention, comprising: a track, a plurality of carriages to be conveyed on the track, each carriage comprising: a main body which is held along the track; a receptacle rotatably supported by the main body and configured for receiving a product, and a pulley rotatably supported by the main body to rotate with the receptacle, and further comprising a receptacle-rotating member advanceable at a defined advancing speed, along a region provided at at least a portion of the track, wherein the receptacle-rotating member is one of: a belt, a roller chain and a rotatable corkscrew-like member; wherein each carriage can be in engagement, such as via its pulley, with the receptacle-rotating member; said engagement is conditional on the respective carriage being in the region, and the rotational orientation of the receptacle of each carriage relative to the carriage's main body is controllable by controlling a difference between a conveyance speed of the carriage and the advancing speed of the receptacle-rotating member; furthermore the conveying system is configured to control the rotational orientation of the receptacle of each carriage relative to the carriage's main body by controlling each carriage's conveyance speed in the region independently of the conveyance speeds of the other carriages.

In other words a receptacle can be rotated by being in engagement with a receptacle-rotating member provided alongside the track (which may be a loop). The rotational speed depends on the relationship (e.g. is proportional - such as linearly proportional - to a difference) between the conveyance speed of the carriage under engagement and the advancing speed of the receptacle-rotating member. So the track in an orienting (e.g. labelling) area can be straight - the design of the conveying system is simplified; for example carousel transports with a plurality of servo-motor-driven supports are not needed. As well as being able to set a predetermined orientation of the support at a predetermined position on the track, it is possible to set a predetermined speed and/or range of rotation. Without engagement of the carriage with the receptacle-rotating member, the receptacle would be free to rotate in an uncontrolled way. But since each carriage can be in engagement, such as via its pulley, with the receptacle-rotating member, the conveying system can control, such as by setting and/or regulating, the rotational orientation of the receptacle of each carriage due to the relationship between said carriage's conveyance speed in the region and the advancing speed.

When the conveyance speed of each carriage is independent of the advancing speed, the advancing speed has no effect on the conveyance speeds, so control is simplified.

The conveying system may comprise at least one sensor for determining a rotational orientation of a product to be received on a receptacle (preferably each receptacle). The conveying system may also be configured to determine the rotational orientation of the product, and optionally to adjust the conveyance speed of said receptacle's carriage, based on a signal from the sensor. So it is not to needed for the products to have a common orientation as it enters the region. Preferably the conveying system may be configured to control the speed of conveyance of the carriage and the speed of advancing of the driving member, based on the determination, preferably by means of a control unit.

When at least one (preferably each) carriage has a restricting mechanism configured to restrict rotation of the receptacle relative to the main body in dependence on the position or positions of the carriage on the track, and preferably the restricting mechanism is released at least when said carriage is in the region, a desired orientation of each product can be reliably set.

The receptacle-rotating member may preferably be a belt engageable with the pulley, and further preferably the conveyance of said carriage may be by means of a transmission of force to the main body, the transmission path to the main body bypassing the pulley. So the pulley and the belt can engage and disengage easily. So it is easily provided that any force reaching the main body via the pulley achieves only rotation.

It may be provided that at least one (preferably each) carriage comprises a product-holding mechanism that is configured to urge a product to be received by the receptacle towards the receptacle. Further preferably the urging may be releasable in dependence on a position or positions of said carriage on the track, such as by means of a mechanism comprising a cam roller on the carriage and a cam follower fixed to the track. So orientation of each product can be reliably held and released at predetermined places.

The product holding-mechanism may be provided above the receptacle and/or may be rotatably supported and/or configured to rotatably support the product.

It may be provided that the product-holding mechanism comprises a biasing member such as a spring. So the urging is by means of the biasing member. The product-holding mechanism, especially the spring, may have a predetermined vertical stroke so that products having a range of sizes can be mounted and removed.

The product-holding mechanism may have a jack being a component that can contact the (e.g. top of) the product while being urged toward the product by the biasing member. The jack may be configured to be quickly removable from the product-holding mechanism, for example by pressing a button which releases a lock. So a jack having a suitable length can be chosen according to the size and/or shape of the product.

The conveying system may be configured to adjust a pitch between carriages. So by achieving irregular pitches, especially in the region, the desired orientation of the products can be easily achieved. For example conveying system may be configured to bring a product received by the receptacle to a predetermined orientation or orientations when the carriage reaches a predetermined position or positions on the track. Multiple labels can be applied by achieving intermittent rotations.

The conveying system may preferably control the speeds of conveyance of the carriages independently from each other, further preferably at all places on the track.

The conveying system may be configured to vary the conveyance speed of a carriage, such as when the carriage is in the region. So the carriage can accelerate and/or decelerate when in the region, allowing intermittent rotation for example. The advancing speed may be variably controlled.

The conveying system may be configured to stop the carriage's receptacle from rotating by conveying the carriage in at least a part of the region at a speed equal to the advancing speed. So by matching a conveyance speed with the advancing speed, zero rotation of the receptacle is easily achieved, even when the carriage is still travelling.

The receptacle-rotating member may extend along the track.

The receptacle-rotating member may be configured to advance by being conveyed along a path that is parallel to the portion of the track.

The carriage comprises a pulley for engaging the receptacle-rotating member, the pulley may be provided below the receptacle, preferably coaxially with the receptacle.

It may be provided that said engagement comprises the respective pulley directly or indirectly engaging with the receptacle-rotating member.

It may be provided that under said engagement the carriage makes contact with the receptacle-rotating member on (only) one side of the carriage, which is a side facing the track. In other words for each carriage that is in engagement, the respective carriage makes contact with the receptacle-rotating member on (only) one side of the carriage, which is a side facing the track. So more space on the other side of the carriage can be made available for production devices.

It may be provided that, for each carriage: parts or all of the track and parts of or all of the receptacle-rotating member are disposed on the same side with respect to the axis of rotation of the receptacle, when viewed in the conveying direction of said carriage, when said carriage is in engagement. So more space on the other side of the axis can be made available for production devices.

It may be provided that, for each carriage, the maximum extent of said carriage (such as the maximum extent of its receptacle) is equal to or greater than the track's maximum extent, in the lateral direction, when said carriage is in engagement. So with the track extending less than the carriage at least on a side, a more compact arrangement is possible; more space on the side can be made available for production devices.

A maximum extent according to the invention may be measured starting from the receptacle-rotating member, such as when viewed in a conveying direction of the respective carriage.

The lateral direction may be understood to be a direction that is perpendicular to the conveying direction and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the receptacle, such as a direction from the receptacle-rotating member towards the receptacle's axis of rotation.

It may be provided that for each carriage: the receptacle-rotating member is provided on one side with respect to the axis of rotation of the receptacle, and the track is supported on the same side, when viewed in the conveying direction of said carriage, when said carriage is in engagement. So more space on the other side of the axis can be made available for production devices.

Wheels on each carriage may engage with at least partly laterally facing surfaces on the track. The wheels may have axes of rotation being (partially or completely) vertical and/or be provided lower than (such as under) the receptacle. So when the centre of gravity of the carriage is in a lower region, the wheels can be provided nearer the centre of gravity. So the receptacle is supported more reliably, and more space on the laterally facing side of the track can be made available for production devices.

It may be provided that the wheels contact the track on one side, such as on only one side, of the wheels. So carriage is reliably supported while being easily removable from the track.

It may be provided that the maximum extent of the receptacle is greater than the maximum extent of the wheels, in the lateral direction. So the interface between each carriage and the track can be more compact; more space on a side of the carriage can be made available for production devices.

Each carriage may be a rotor comprising a magnet that engages with a stator to produce a conveying force. The track may comprise the stator. The magnet may further preferably be provided below the receptacle, such as to be aligned with the rotation axis of the receptacle. When the centre of gravity of the carriage is in a lower region, the magnet can be provided nearer the centre of gravity. In this way conveying loads are more evenly transmitted. It may be provided that the maximum extent of the receptacle is greater than the maximum extent of the magnet, in the lateral direction. When the design is more compact in this way, more space on a side of the carriage can be made available for production devices.

In the case that each carriage comprises the magnet, the magnetic engagement may also effect a (magnetic) force that urges the magnet to the stator, and that may be partly or wholly in the lateral direction. The carriage may preferably be held to/on the track by means of the attractive force. So there is no need to provide the carriage with wheels that face the track from opposing sides. And it is easier to remove the carriage from the track laterally, merely by countering the attractive force.

In the case that each carriage comprises the magnet, it may be provided that a wheel or set of wheels is provided on the carriage above the magnet and/or a wheel or set of wheels is provided below the magnet. So, especially when the magnet is urged toward the track by an attractive (e.g. magnetic) force, the wheel(s) can stably hold the carriage and maintain a given gap between the magnet and the track; smooth advancing is further facilitated. The wheels may be the aforementioned wheels.

Any or all of the wheel(s) and the magnet may be provided below any or both of the receptacle and the pulley; in this way the carriage and its load can be more securely conveyed.

The receptacle-rotating member may be provided to be higher than the track, preferably above the track. So a more compact design is achieved.

Each carriage comprises a pulley rotatably supported by the main body to rotate with the receptacle.

It may be provided that, for each carriage that is in engagement, the respective pulley engages with the receptacle-rotating member.

It may be provided that, for each carriage that is in engagement, the receptacle-rotating member contacts the said carriage in a lateral direction, preferably by contacting said carriage's pulley.

It may be provided that for each carriage: the main body comprises a structural member that extends away from the receptacle and parallel to the receptacle's axis of rotation, and the structural member and the receptacle-rotating member are disposed on the same side with respect to the axis of rotation of the receptacle, when viewed in the conveying direction of said carriage, when said carriage is in engagement. Since the structural member and the receptacle-rotating member are provided on the same side, more space on the other side can be made available for production devices. The product holding-mechanism may be fixed to the structural member. The structural member may extend vertically away from the receptacle.

A method, according to the invention, of conveying a plurality of products using the conveying system of the present invention, comprises: providing each product on the receptacle of a respective carriage, determining a target rotational orientation of each product, and achieving the target rotational orientations while conveying carriages through the region by controlling the advancing speed and each carriage's conveyance speed in the region. The determining of the rotational orientation of each product may be by means of a sensor.

A preferred embodiment is described in more detail in the following with the help of the appended figures, wherein:.

<FIG> shows a representation of a conveying system <NUM> (hereinafter "system") according to an embodiment of the invention. The system <NUM> comprises a stationary track <NUM> which is formed as a loop (oblong circuit) and on which a plurality of carriages <NUM> are arranged so that they can be conveyed while being held along the track <NUM>. The track <NUM> has a modular form and comprises electric windings which can be energised to create a magnetic field. Each carriage <NUM> comprises e.g. a magnet <NUM> which can interact with the magnetic field. The track <NUM> and each carriage <NUM> forms a respective linear synchronous motor, the track <NUM> forming a common stator and each carriage <NUM> forming a rotor, as is known in the art. Thus it is possible to control the conveyance (such as speed and/or conveyance position) of each carriage <NUM> independently. The carriages <NUM> can be conveyed or be kept stationary at all portions of the track <NUM>, by means of the linear motor.

As shown best in <FIG>, each carriage <NUM> has a turntable-like receptacle <NUM> for receiving a respective product <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> is plate-like and rotatably supported by a non-rotating main body <NUM> of the carriage, such as via a bearing. The axis of rotation is vertical. The receptacle <NUM> has a top surface suited for receiving a particular product. A lower part of the main body <NUM> comprises the aforementioned magnet <NUM> and a plurality of wheels <NUM> for engaging with raceways on the track <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> has a product-holding mechanism <NUM> configured to urge a product <NUM> (<FIG>) to be received by the receptacle <NUM> towards the receptacle <NUM>. The product-holding mechanism <NUM> is provided on the carriage <NUM> at a predetermined height above the receptacle <NUM> by being supported by a vertical beam <NUM> and comprises a jack <NUM> which can move within a predetermined range in the vertical direction. The jack <NUM> is a columnar member with a lower portion <NUM> having a closed end. The vertical movement is enabled by means of a bearing having a limited stroke corresponding to the predetermined range. To this end the jack <NUM> is attached to the lower end of a rod <NUM> which is slidingly received in a though-hole in a bearing block <NUM> fixed to the upper end of the vertical beam <NUM>. The rod <NUM> and the bearing block <NUM> form a linear plain bearing. The jack <NUM> is spring-loaded so as to be urged downward (parallel to the rotation axis of the receptacle <NUM>) within the predetermined range, by means of two upper compression springs <NUM> provided on respective linear guides on either side of the rod <NUM>. The jack <NUM> is rotatable relative to the rod <NUM> via a rotational thrust bearing <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition the lower portion <NUM> may be rotatably attached to the rest of the jack <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> is configured to hold a product <NUM> between the receptacle <NUM> and the jack <NUM> (see <FIG>), while the lower portion <NUM> of the jack <NUM> is in contact with a top surface of the product <NUM> to urge it toward the receptacle <NUM>. A product <NUM> is thus firmly holdable and releasable by the carriage <NUM>.

An upper cam roller <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the upper end of the rod <NUM> and is configured to engage with an upper cam surface <NUM> (<FIG>) which is fixed relative to the track <NUM>. When the carriage <NUM> is in a predetermined region of the track <NUM> where the upper cam surface <NUM> is provided, the upper cam roller <NUM> moves upward, by being urged by the upper cam surface <NUM>, and so the rod <NUM> is also urged upwards to overcome the spring load from the upper compression springs <NUM> which become compressed. Thus the rod <NUM> slides upwards in the bearing block <NUM>. In this way the urging load on any product <NUM> from the carriage <NUM> can be released. When the upper cam roller <NUM> disengages from the upper cam surface <NUM> the rod <NUM> is urged by the upper compression springs <NUM> so the product <NUM> is again firmly held.

An intermediate cam roller <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the bearing block <NUM> and is configured to engage with an intermediate cam surface <NUM> which is fixed relative to the track <NUM>. When the carriage <NUM> is in a predetermined region of the track <NUM> where the intermediate cam surface <NUM> is provided, the intermediate cam roller <NUM> makes contact with the intermediate cam surface <NUM> without significant urging. The intermediate cam roller <NUM> need not be configured to move up or down, nor be spring-loaded. Thus the carriage <NUM> is reliably guidingly supported by the contact between the intermediate cam roller <NUM> and the intermediate cam surface <NUM>. So any upward urging forces from the upper cam surface <NUM> to the upper cam roller <NUM> are isolated to the product-holding mechanism <NUM> and so not transferred to the rest of the carriage. As shown in <FIG>, the upper <NUM> and intermediate <NUM> cam surfaces are executed as a single beam-like member that comprises guide walls to control lateral movement of the upper cam rollers <NUM>. As a modification the intermediate cam rollers <NUM> may be guided correspondingly.

The carriage <NUM> comprises a pulley <NUM> rotatably supported by the main body <NUM> to rotate with the receptacle <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> and the pulley <NUM> may be supported by a common rotational bearing (not shown) which can support thrust loads. The pulley <NUM> has an outer peripheral surface provided with teeth. The vertical beam <NUM> is fixed at its lower end to the main body <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> so that it does not rotate with the receptacle <NUM> and pulley <NUM>. The pulley <NUM> is at least partially covered by a housing <NUM>.

As shown best in <FIG> and <FIG>, the carriage <NUM> is provided with a restricting mechanism <NUM> which restricts (and preferably locks) the rotation of the receptacle <NUM>. The restricting mechanism <NUM> has a pad <NUM> which is fixed to the end of a pad-holding member <NUM>. The pad-holding member <NUM> is spring-loaded (by means of a lower spring <NUM>) so as to urge the pad <NUM> against an upper surface of the pulley <NUM>. The pulley <NUM> and therefore also the receptacle <NUM> can be restricted from rotating by means of the frictional force between the pad <NUM> and the pulley <NUM>. The contacting surfaces of the pad <NUM> and the pulley <NUM> may be surface-treated to provide a suitable coefficient of friction. In alternative arrangements the restricting mechanism <NUM> may have a friction clutch or dog clutch.

As shown best in <FIG> and <FIG>, the pad-holding member <NUM> is connected to a lower cam roller <NUM> which is configured to engage with a lower cam surface <NUM> fixed relative to the track <NUM>. When the lower cam roller <NUM> engages with the lower cam surface <NUM> (by means of the carriage <NUM> moving into the region of the track where the lower cam surface <NUM> is provided) the lower cam roller <NUM> is urged upward which compresses the lower spring <NUM>. Thus the pad <NUM> moves away from the pulley <NUM> and the restriction on the rotation of the pulley <NUM> is released. When the lower cam roller <NUM> disengages from the lower cam surface <NUM> the pad <NUM> is urged down under the returning force of the lower spring <NUM> so that the pulley <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> are restricted from rotating.

<FIG> shows a part of the system in operation. As can be seen from this figure (and also <FIG>), the system <NUM> comprises a receptacle-rotating mechanism for orienting the receptacle <NUM> of each carriage <NUM>. The receptacle-rotating mechanism is provided beside the track <NUM> and comprises a toothed belt <NUM> engaging a series of driven belt-pulleys <NUM> and a servo-motor-operated driving belt-pulley <NUM> which has teeth engaging the teeth of the belt <NUM>. The belt-pulley axes are vertical and fixed relative to the track <NUM>. The belt-pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> and belt <NUM> are arranged so that a straight part of the belt <NUM> extends alongside a region (hereinafter "belt region") of the track <NUM>. The pulley <NUM> of each carriage <NUM> can pass though the belt region. The teeth of the belt <NUM> face the track <NUM>. The belt <NUM> supported on its side facing away from the track <NUM> by a support beam <NUM> having a flat surface. The upper and lower extents of the flat surface are provided with two wall portions <NUM> extending away from the flat surface so that the belt <NUM> is received between these with a clearance. The support beam <NUM> guides and supports the portion of the belt <NUM> in the belt region. The belt <NUM> may have teeth on both sides and the belt-pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> may each have teeth. Alternatively the belt <NUM> and the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have no teeth. The belt <NUM> may be driven at a constant advancing speed. The belt <NUM> is an example of a receptacle-rotating member. Other examples include a roller chain or rotating corkscrew-like member. In the case of a roller chain each pulley <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided as a sprocket.

When a carriage <NUM> enters the belt region, its pulley <NUM> mechanically engages with the belt <NUM> via their respective teeth, wherein the belt <NUM> makes tangential contact with the pulley <NUM>. This is an example of engagement between the receptacle <NUM> (and thus the carriage <NUM>) and the receptacle-rotating member <NUM>. At the same time (or at about the same time), the lower cam roller <NUM> engages with the lower cam surface <NUM> so as to raise the lower cam roller <NUM> and the pad <NUM>, thus releasing the blocking function of the restricting mechanism <NUM>. The pulley <NUM> is then free to be rotated by the belt <NUM>. For example if the conveyance speed of the carriage <NUM> is higher than the advancing speed of the belt <NUM>, the pulley <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> rotate in one direction. If the conveyance speed falls below the advancing speed of the belt <NUM>, the pulley <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> rotate in the other direction. In both cases the speed of rotation of the pulley <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> is proportional to the difference between the conveyance speed of the carriage <NUM> and the advancing speed of the belt <NUM>. If the conveyance speed of the carriage <NUM> is equal to the advancing speed of the belt <NUM>, the carriage <NUM> is conveyed without rotation of the pulley <NUM> and receptacle <NUM>, and in this case the engagement between the belt <NUM> and the pulley <NUM> has a function of restricting rotation of the pulley <NUM> and receptacle <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> need not have a constant speed. Controlling the conveyance of the carriage may include any of generating, stopping, increasing the speed of, and decreasing the speed of, the conveyance.

The conveyance speed of the carriage <NUM> can be set to match the advancing speed, in particular at the time when it enters and/or leaves the belt region. For example the receptacle <NUM> can be set into rotation (and the restricting mechanism <NUM> is released) only after the carriage <NUM> has entered and travelled a predetermined distance in the belt region. So the ends of the belt region represent transition phases wherein shock loads resulting from sudden changes in receptacle rotation are reduced. The start and end positions of the lower cam surface <NUM> can be adjusted accordingly.

In this way the rotational orientation of any receptacle <NUM> in the belt region can be controlled by adjusting the conveyance of the respective carriage <NUM> independently of the orientations of the other receptacles <NUM> or conveyance speeds of the other carriages <NUM>. The belt movement does not influence the conveyance speeds. In other words the receptacle-rotating mechanism does not convey the carriage <NUM> at any time. Preferably there is no relative sliding at the contact between the belt <NUM> and the pulley <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments a transmission (e.g. an epicyclic gearbox) may be provided between the receptacle <NUM> and the pulley <NUM> so that these can relatively rotate with a predetermined gear ratio other than <NUM>:<NUM>. The pad <NUM> may alternatively or in addition contact the receptacle <NUM> or a moving element of any transmission.

When the carriage <NUM> leaves the belt region, its pulley <NUM> disengages from the belt <NUM>. The lower cam roller <NUM> disengages from the lower cam surface <NUM>, so the pad <NUM> of the restricting mechanism <NUM> urges against the pulley <NUM>. Even though the belt no longer effects the rotation of the receptacle <NUM>, the rotational orientation of the receptacle <NUM> is controlled by the restricting mechanism <NUM>.

In a typical use of the system <NUM>, products <NUM> which are not yet received on the carriages <NUM> approach the track <NUM> from an upstream production stage, such as by means of a separate conveyor (not shown). The products <NUM> are sequentially transferred to respective carriages <NUM> by means known in the art such as an infeeding star wheel (not shown) which may be provided at a straight portion of the track <NUM> away from the belt <NUM>, said straight portion being parallel to the separate conveyor.

The operation of a carriage <NUM> will be described (with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>), but it is to be understood that each carriage <NUM> operates accordingly. Shortly before a product <NUM> is transferred to the carriage <NUM> the state of the product-holding mechanism <NUM> changes from the held to the released state. Shortly after the product <NUM> is received by the receptacle <NUM>, the state of the product-holding mechanism <NUM> changes to the hold state. The releasing and holding by the product-holding mechanism <NUM> is achieved by providing the upper <NUM> and intermediate <NUM> cam surfaces in the region of the track <NUM> where the product <NUM> is transferred. By providing the upper <NUM> and intermediate <NUM> cam surfaces only in the region of the product transfer (where the product is loaded to/unloaded from the track <NUM>), the product <NUM> is reliably held on its carriage <NUM> by the product-holding mechanism <NUM> at all other regions on the track <NUM>. When each carriage <NUM> is described as conveyed on the track, this may be understood to include the carriage <NUM> being coupled to the track <NUM> so as to be conveyed along the track <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> carrying the firmly held product <NUM> is conveyed (e.g. counterclockwise) toward the belt region, whereupon the carriage's pulley <NUM> engages with the belt <NUM>, and the restricting mechanism <NUM> releases the pad <NUM> from the pulley <NUM>. While the carriage <NUM> is in the belt region, the rotational orientation of the receptacle <NUM> is dependent on the speed of conveyance of the carriage <NUM> and the advancing speed or the belt <NUM>, as described above.

The belt region is configured so that various (not-shown) production devices known in the art can be arranged alongside the belt region on the opposite side of the track <NUM> to the belt <NUM>, such as on the opposite side of the carriage <NUM> to the belt <NUM>. Such production stations may comprise one or more labelling devices. For example when a carriage <NUM> is conveyed past a labelling device, its conveyance speed relative to the advancing speed of the belt <NUM> can be controlled to create an optimum rotation of the product <NUM> during the labelling process. Various types of label can be applied to various shapes of product <NUM>. For example a wraparound label covering the circumference of a bottle having circular section can be applied. Alternatively a label covering a predetermined part of the circumference of a bottle of elliptical section (e.g. <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) can be applied.

The system <NUM> may be configured to set a predetermined rotational orientation of the product <NUM> at the time that the product <NUM> approaches the labelling device. As an example an optical sensor (not shown) may be provided at a predetermined position in the belt region which is upstream of the labelling device. The carriage <NUM> can be stopped at the optical sensor (not shown), whereupon the belt <NUM> which advances at a constant speed effects a rotation of the product <NUM>. An index mark provided in a predetermined place on the circumference of the product <NUM> can be detected by the optical sensor, and the instantaneous rotational orientation of the product <NUM> can be determined. The subsequent conveyance speed and rotation of the receptacle <NUM> can be set in accordance with the measured instantaneous orientation.

In addition a marking device may be provided at a second predetermined position in the belt region and the system <NUM> can be configured to mark (e.g. by laser) the product <NUM> at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of its outer surface, in accordance with a determined orientation. The product <NUM> may be rotated or may be stationary during the marking.

Other examples of production devices that make use of the advantages of the system <NUM> include sealing devices such as bottle top applicators.

The carriage <NUM> is subsequently conveyed out of the belt region to a downstream portion of the track <NUM> (the urging of the pad <NUM> is reapplied) where the product <NUM> can be transferred from the carriage <NUM> to the aforementioned separate conveyor by means known in the art such as an outfeeding star wheel (not shown). The products <NUM> may be transferred from the track <NUM> at a straight portion of the track <NUM> away from the belt <NUM>, the straight portion being parallel to the separate conveyor. The system <NUM> can ensure that each product <NUM> has a predetermined orientation at a predetermined position on the track <NUM> to ensure the correct function of any star wheel and/or efficient packing of a plurality of products.

Advantageously the carriages <NUM> need not be connected with an electricity supply via cables, for example. There is no need to provide a receptacle-rotating device on each carriage <NUM>, such as an electric motor on each carriage, or on an auxiliary carriage that follows or leads each carriage.

The belt <NUM> engages with the receptacle <NUM> via the pulley <NUM>, thus imparting a rotation movement on the receptacle <NUM>. So rotation and conveyance of the products <NUM> is not by direct tangential forces on the product's surface. Non-circular products <NUM> can be easily rotated. The carriage <NUM> makes belt contact on only one side (being the carriage's track-facing side). This ensures that conveyance is independent of any belt movement. The conveyance of the carriage <NUM> is by means of a conveyance force acting on the main body <NUM>, from below the receptacle <NUM>.

The magnet <NUM> is laterally urged toward the laterally facing track <NUM> by a magnetic force, so when required the carriage <NUM> can be easily removed from the track <NUM> by pulling it away from the track <NUM>. Wheels <NUM> above and below the magnet <NUM> keep the magnet <NUM>, and therefore the carriage <NUM>, a fixed distance from the track. The carriage <NUM> can be securely held and smoothly conveyed since the magnet <NUM> and wheels <NUM> are provided below the receptacle <NUM> and the pulley <NUM>, in particular as the lowermost parts of the carriage <NUM>.

Any or all of the track <NUM>, the receptacle-rotating member <NUM>, and the vertical beam (structural member) <NUM> may be on the same side of the carriage <NUM> with respect to the axis of rotation of the receptacle <NUM>. So there is more space on the other side of the carriage <NUM> for production devices. The maximum extent of the track <NUM> need not be greater than the maximum extent of the carriage <NUM>, in the lateral direction. So when the track <NUM> does not extend further to the other side than the carriage <NUM>, in the lateral direction, this leads to a more compact construction as well as more space for production devices.

The track <NUM> may be supported by a structure, for example so as to be fixed at ground level, or alternatively so as to be raised to a given height above the ground. The support of the track <NUM> may be from any of below, above and to the sides of the track, When viewed along the conveying direction (such as with the track profile shown in cross-section). In particular the track <NUM> is supported (such as on one of its sides), wherein parts or all of the support are on the same side of the axis of rotation of the receptacle <NUM> that the receptacle-rotating member <NUM> is provided on. This leads to more space for production devices on the opposite side of the axis.

The belt region is straight. The belt <NUM> may be provided alternatively or in addition on a curved part of the track <NUM>. For example the belt <NUM> may be guided by a pulley having an axis of rotation coaxial with the centre of a curve radius. The belt <NUM> may be provided over the entirety of the track path. Alternatively two or more belts <NUM> may be provided along the track <NUM>.

More than one carriage <NUM> can be in the belt region at the one time. Alternatively the carriages <NUM> pass through the belt region one at a time.

As the conveyance speed of each carriage <NUM> is independent of the conveyance speeds of the other carriages <NUM>, it is to be understood that the speeds of the carriages <NUM> can be adjusted individually so that the pitch between a pair of carriages <NUM> can be changed, to the extent that the carriages <NUM> do not collide or overtake each other.

The term "speed" may include zero speed. In a preferable embodiment the advancing speed of the belt <NUM> is non-zero and constant and the conveyance speeds of the carriages <NUM> are independently controlled to achieve a desired orientation or rate of change of orientation of each receptacle <NUM>. The conveyance direction may be the same as the advancing direction of the belt <NUM>. When the conveyance direction opposes the advancing direction, the relative directions can be accounted for by considering the velocity differences of the moving elements.

In the disclosed detailed embodiment the track <NUM> is provided below the carriage. The track <NUM> may be provided above the carriage <NUM> so that the carriage <NUM> and products <NUM> are supported by the track <NUM> from above. The receptacle <NUM> may face upwards or downwards.

The upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> springs may be configured as coil springs or as any suitable resilient members such as ones known in the art.

The product-holding mechanism <NUM> need not urge the products <NUM> from above, but may urge the products <NUM> from its sides, for example.

The conveyance speeds of each carriage <NUM> and the advancing speed of the belt <NUM> may be controlled by a control unit, which can preferably control other units such as any star wheels and/or labelling devices, according to a PLC program.

The shape of the receptacle <NUM> and the product-holding mechanism <NUM>, especially the lower portion <NUM> of the jack <NUM>, may be chosen to suit a particular product. Different products can be processed by changing or adapting these two. The receiving face of the receptacle may have a protrusion and/or a cutout. The height of the upper <NUM> and intermediate <NUM> cam surfaces can be adjusted in accordance with the height of a particular product, by means of a mechanism driven by a motor <NUM> shown in <FIG>. By selecting a suitable stroke of the product-holding mechanism <NUM>, the carriage <NUM> can accommodate a range of product sizes. The track <NUM> may be provided with a second loop for performing offline changes to the carriages <NUM>.

The advancing speed of the receptacle-rotating member may be uniform at all places on the receptacle-rotating member.

It is to be understood that the engagement of each carriage, via its receptacle, with the receptacle-rotating member may be direct or indirect.

Claim 1:
Conveying system comprising
a track (<NUM>),
a plurality of carriages (<NUM>) to be conveyed on the track, each carriage comprising: a main body (<NUM>) which is held along the track; a receptacle (<NUM>) rotatably supported by the main body (<NUM>) and configured for receiving a product (<NUM>), and a pulley (<NUM>) rotatably supported by the main body (<NUM>) to rotate with the receptacle (<NUM>), and
a receptacle-rotating member (<NUM>) advanceable at a defined advancing speed, along a region provided at at least a portion of the track (<NUM>), wherein the receptacle-rotating member (<NUM>) is one of: a belt, a roller chain and a rotatable corkscrew-like member, wherein
each carriage (<NUM>) can be in engagement, via its pulley (<NUM>), with the receptacle-rotating member (<NUM>), wherein said engagement is conditional on the respective carriage (<NUM>) being in the region, wherein
the rotational orientation of the receptacle (<NUM>) of each carriage (<NUM>) relative to the carriage's main body (<NUM>) is controllable by controlling a difference between a conveyance speed of the carriage (<NUM>) and the advancing speed of the receptacle-rotating member (<NUM>), characterized in that
the conveying system is configured to control the rotational orientation of the receptacle (<NUM>) of each carriage (<NUM>) relative to the carriage's main body (<NUM>) by controlling each carriage's conveyance speed in the region independently of the conveyance speeds of the other carriages (<NUM>).