초록 ▼

Device and method are disclosed for palletizing unstable articles such as containers. Articles, such as glass or plastic bottles, are conveyed in single file to an accumulating area, with the containers at the accumulating area being formed into a pattern, preferably in nested relationship. A convey

Device and method are disclosed for palletizing unstable articles such as containers. Articles, such as glass or plastic bottles, are conveyed in single file to an accumulating area, with the containers at the accumulating area being formed into a pattern, preferably in nested relationship. A conveyor system is provided to urge articles from the accumulating area to, and partially through, a sweep area, and a movable retainer unit having retractable plungers is provided to control the movement of articles from the accumulating area by groups to the sweep area with the sweep area having a positioner unit thereat that includes a plurality of movable sweep arms adjacent ones of which are utilized to engage the first and last rows of each group of articles to capture each group therebetween and thereafter conduct each group of articles through the sweep area to a pallet loading area where each group is successively deposited as a layer on a pallet.

대표청구항 ▼

A device for palletizing articles, said device comprising: accumulating means at an accumulating area for receiving articles to be palletized, said accumulating area having a discharge end for discharging articles therefrom in a downstream direction; a retainer unit movable in said downstream direct

A device for palletizing articles, said device comprising: accumulating means at an accumulating area for receiving articles to be palletized, said accumulating area having a discharge end for discharging articles therefrom in a downstream direction; a retainer unit movable in said downstream direction from a home position adjacent to said discharge end of said accumulating area, said retainer unit having retaining means separately movable with respect to movement of said retainer unit in said downstream direction with said retaining means being movable to an extended position to engage articles at said discharge end of said accumulating area for preventing downstream movement of said articles from said accumulating area when said retainer unit is at said home position and said retaining means, while in said extended position, leading said articles from said accumulating area when said retainer unit is moved in said downstream direction away from said accumulating area; conveyor means for urging articles in said downstream direction from said accumulating area; pallet positioning means for positioning a pallet to receive articles thereon; and a positioner unit having a plurality of sweep arms operable within at least a sweep area downstream from said accumulating area for engaging articles led from said accumulating area by said retaining means and positioning said articles on said pallet.