SHAPED FIREWORKS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pneumatic machine for continuous production of fireworks, more particularly to an automatic, pneumatically operated machine for the production of conical shaped fireworks including but not limited to flower pots.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The prime object of the present invention is to provide an automatic, pneumatically operated machine for manufacturing conical shaped fireworks, wherein the complete manufacturing operation is done in a safe, nonhazardous environmental condition.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic production line for making conical shaped fireworks without using electrically operated components such as electrical motors, electrical sensors, electric switches, or any other electrical components thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic, pneumatically operated machine for manufacturing conical shaped fireworks, wherein the complete flow of materials in the process is arranged in a longitudinal direction, wherein the process includes a longitudinal indexing system to enhance the production rate and improve the safety of the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic, pneumatically operated machine for manufacturing conical shaped fireworks, wherein various components of the machine are manufactured from special metallurgical materials, which are compatible for the production of fireworks with respect to safety, and preferably having properties like impact strength, tensile strength and frictional characteristics thereof. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic, pneumatically operated machine for manufacturing conical shaped fireworks comprising a firework chemical filling work station, wherein said firework chemical filling work station ensures accurate and equal amount of firework chemicals is being filled in the cones, thereby avoiding the chances of sudden bursting of fireworks when lighted, and also prevent the wastage of firework chemicals.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic, pneumatically operated machine for manufacturing conical shaped fireworks, wherein, the machine provides complete process automation, which minimizes labour, human interface and make the process cost effective.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic, pneumatically operated machine for making conical shaped fireworks, wherein said machine is having a high throughput rate of 100 to 150 finished products per minute, more preferably 100 to 120 finished products per minute. It is a further object of the invention to provide a fully pneumatic and fully automatic machine, having a provision to manufacture conical shaped fireworks of different sizes, wherein the quality of produced fireworks is consistently maintained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For further understanding of the constructional and operational features of present invention, reference should be made to the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present embodiments. FIG.1 illustrates a primary module of the production line of the machine.

FIG.2 illustrates the first work station of the primary module.

FIG.3 illustrates the second work station of the primary module.

FIG.4 illustrates the third and fourth work station of the primary module. FIG.5 illustrates the fifth work station of the primary module.

FIG.6 illustrates a secondary module of the production line of the machine.

FIG.7 illustrates a fuse insertion station of the secondary module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Description of various components of the device is provided below against respective part numbers labeled in the accompanying drawings.

1 - PALLET

2 - CONVEYOR

3 - LONGITUDINAL FRAMEWORK 4 - PNEUMATIC MOTOR DRIVE

5 - EMERGENCY STOP AND RESET PANEL BOARDS

6 - CONE EJECTION ASSEMBLY

7, 8, 9, 10 - CONTROL PANEL BOARDS 11 - SEMI ROTARY DRIVE 12 - BOBBINS

13 - PRESS TOOL (GUMMED PAPER BLANKING)

14 - PNEUMATIC DRIVES (CYLINDER)

15 - CONE RETAINER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY 16 - HOPPER 17 - VIBRATORS

18 - FIREWORK CHEMICAL TRAPPING PLATES

19 - PNEUMATIC DRIVES (CYLINDER)

20 - PRESS TOOL (LINER BLANKING)

21 - PNEUMATIC DRIVES (CYLINDER) 22 - BOBBINS

23 - RAMMING CYLINDER ASSEMBLY

24 - MUD HOPPER

25 - MUD SPREADING DRIVES 201 - PALLET

202 - CONVEYOR

203 - LONGITUDINAL FRAMEWORK

204 - PNEUMATIC MOTOR DRIVE

205 - FUSE INSERTION STATION 206 - MOUTH PIERCING PINS

207 - PNEUMATIC PIERCING DRIVE

208 - SEMI ROTARY PNEUMATIC DRIVE

209 - CUTTING AND PULLING PNEUMATIC DRIVES 210 - GRIPPERS

211- CONTROL PANEL BOARDS

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Provided according to one aspect of the invention, an automatic production line for making conical shaped fireworks, wherein said production line comprising a plurality of modules, wherein said modules include at least one primary module and at least one secondary module. Primary module comprising a first longitudinal framework (3) having a plurality of work stations arranged in series wherein said work stations are fixed on the first longitudinal framework (3). Each work station of the primary module includes at least one panel board (7, 8, 9, 10) having an emergency stop and reset controls (5), wherein said panel boards (7, 8, 9, 10) are fixed on first longitudinal framework (3) in a nearest locality of the respective work stations. Secondary module comprising a second longitudinal framework (203) having a plurality of work stations arranged in series wherein said work stations are fixed on the second longitudinal framework (203). Each work station of the secondary module includes at least one panel board (211) having an emergency stop and reset controls, wherein said panel boards (211) are fixed on second longitudinal framework (203) in a nearest locality of the respective work stations. Various structural components of both primary module and secondary module of said machine are manufactured by using any of the mechanical fabrication techniques known in the art, wherein the material used for the fabrication comprising Aluminum, Stainless steel, or alloys of one or more elements selected from carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, chromium, nickel, nitrogen, iron or any combinations thereof.

The machine disclosed in the present invention further includes at least one master emergency stop and reset control, wherein at least one master emergency stop and reset control is connected to the primary module and to the secondary module of the machine. The machine further includes at least one hand lever operated valve wherein said hand lever operated valve function as an on/off control switch for the entire machine.

The first longitudinal framework (3) further comprising a conveyor system, wherein said conveyor system includes a first conveyor (2), a plurality of pallets (1) mounted on the first conveyor (2), and a first drive system (4). The first conveyor (2) is preferably a chain conveyor, fixed at two ends of the first longitudinal framework (3). The conveyor system optionally includes a plurality of pneumatic sensors, wherein said pneumatic sensors will detect the presence of various objects including pallets (1), cones, or any other materials thereof. A plurality of pallets (1) mounted on the first conveyor (2) in series, wherein said pallets (1) are made from materials selected from aluminum, or any other suitable metals or alloys thereof. The pallets (1) mounted on the first conveyor (2) further include provisions for inserting cone blanks of various sizes wherein said cone blanks are inserted in inverted positions. Said first drive system includes a pneumatically operated motor (4), located at one end of the first conveyor (2) wherein said motor (4) is mounted on a supporting structure attached to the first longitudinal framework (3). Said pneumatically operated motor (4) is indexed by combining output signals of each work stations of the primary module, wherein said output signals are processed through various logical gates, preferably AND gates. The second longitudinal framework (203) further comprising a conveyor system, wherein said conveyor system includes a second conveyor (202), a plurality of pallets (201) mounted on the second conveyor (202) and a second drive system (204). The second conveyor (202) is preferably a chain conveyor (202), fixed at two ends of the second longitudinal framework (203). The conveyor system (202) optionally includes a plurality of pneumatic sensors, wherein said pneumatic sensors will detect the presence of various objects including pallets (201), cones, or any other materials thereof. A plurality of pallets (201) mounted on the second conveyor (202) in series, wherein said pallets (201) are made from materials selected from aluminum, or any other suitable metals or alloys thereof. The pallets (201) mounted on the second conveyor (202) further include provisions for loading conical shaped fireworks of various sizes. Said second drive system (204) includes a pneumatically operated motor (204), located at one end of the second conveyor (202) wherein said motor (204) is mounted on a supporting structure attached to the second longitudinal framework (203). Said pneumatically operated motor (204) is indexed by combining output signals of each work stations of the secondary module, wherein said output signals are processed through various logical gates, preferably AND gates.

Present invention further includes a plurality of pneumatic control panels (7, 8, 9, 10), wherein said control panels (7, 8, 9, 10) are mounted on a supporting structure and placed at near vicinity of the machine. Each control panel (7, 8, 9, 10) comprises a plurality of pneumatic control switches, wherein each and every work stations of the machine is connected to at least one control panel (7, 8, 9, 10). Said control panels (7, 8, 9, 10) are manufactured by using any of the mechanical fabrication techniques known in the art, wherein the material used for the fabrication of control panels (7, 8, 9, 10) comprising metal sheets, stainless steel, alloys of one or more elements selected from carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, chromium, nickel, nitrogen, iron or any combinations thereof. Each control panel (7, 8, 9, 10) further includes a plurality of pneumatic indicators wherein said pneumatic indicators are provided for indicating the response of various pneumatic sensors used in the device, and also for trouble shooting of the machine. The pneumatic control system of the present invention is managed by using various operation logics selected from AND gates, OR gates, direction control valves, timers, distributors, manifolds, stepper modules, any other logical components or their combinations thereof. Present invention discloses a plurality of pneumatic components wherein, said pneumatic components include pneumatic tubes, connection accessories, or any other pneumatic fittings thereof wherein, said pneumatic components are made from materials selected from the group of antistatic materials, non-magnetic materials, any other suitable materials, or their combinations thereof. The device also includes a plurality of filter regulator units, wherein the pneumatic pressure supplied to the device is controlled by said filter regulator unitsat each and every work stations.

One embodiment of the present invention describes the continuous production of conical shaped fireworks wherein, said primary module of the production line comprising a starting end and a finishing end. Blank cones are inserted in the pallets (1) located at the starting end of the primary module. The blank cones are inserted in an inverted position to the slots provided in the pallet (1), wherein the tip end of the cone is in contact with the pallet (1) and the circular end of the cone faces upward. Said first conveyor (2) connected to the first drive system (4) moves the pallets (1) in horizontal direction and the blank cones loaded in the pallets (1) reach the first work station.

First work station comprising a pneumatic cone sensor, which detects the presence of cones in the pallet (1). Any negative feedback from the pneumatic cone sensor is indicated through the pneumatic indicators mounted on the control panels (7, 8, 9, 10) and the device is immediately stopped. First work station further includes a vertical cylinder (15) of a predefined stroke length with a plate mounted thereto, wherein said cylinder is used as a retainer to avoid the cone blanks coming out of the pallet (1). First work station further comprising a gummed paper tape roll, loaded in a bobbin (12), wherein the presence of gummed paper tape is detected by using a pneumatic paper sensor. The gummed paper tape is attached to a semi rotary drive (11) through a press tool (13). First work station also comprising a mechanically operated pneumatic pallet sensor, which detects the arrival of the pallet (1) in the work station and send signals to the semi rotary drive (11). Semi rotary drive (11) rotates at a predefined angle preferably about 90 degree to 180 degree, which pulls the gummed paper tape to a predefined length. The work station further comprising a plurality of cylinders (14) provided at the bottom of the press tool (13), wherein said cylinders (14) get activated and take a forward stroke of predefined length. By the forward stroke of said cylinders (14), the gummed paper is blanked using the press tool (13) and inserted in to the cone, and subsequently seal the cone at the tip end using said gummed paper blank.

Said first conveyor (2) takes the pallets (1) further in the horizontal direction and the pallet (1) reaches a second work station. Second work station comprising a pneumatic cone sensor, wherein said pneumatic cone sensor detects whether the cones are properly sealed with the gummed paper blank. Any negative feedback from the pneumatic cone sensor is indicated through the pneumatic indicators mounted on the control panels (7, 8, 9, 10) and the device is immediately stopped. Second work station further includes a hopper (16) having a vibrator (17), wherein said vibrator (17) includes a plurality of cylinders mounted on a lid. Firework chemical is filled into the hopper (16) and the lid is kept in a locked position. Second work station also includes a mechanically operated pneumatic pallet sensor, which detects the arrival of the pallet (1) in the work station and send signals to the vibrator (17), thereby the cylinders mounted on the lid vibrates. Second work station further includes a first cylinder (19) and a second cylinder (19), wherein said first cylinder (19) is attached to a slider plate. The first cylinder (19) now gets activated and moves the slider plate to an open condition by a forward stroke of predefined length.

This action fills required amount of the firework chemical in a chemical trapping plate (18). The second work station optionally includes a pneumatic valve system in place of the chemical trapping plate (18) thereby the firework chemical is trapped from the hopper (16) by means of the pneumatic valve system, wherein said pneumatic valve system is selected from various pneumatically operated valves such as butterfly valves, ball valve, diaphragm valve, pinch valve or any other suitable pneumatic valves thereof. The first cylinder (19) then moves slider plate to closed condition by a backward stroke after a predefined time delay. Said second cylinder (19) now moves to an open position through a forward stroke and the trapped firework chemical gets filled in to the cone. Second cylinder then moves to a closed position through a backward stroke after a predefined time delay.

Said first conveyor takes the pallets (1) further in the horizontal direction and the pallet (1) reaches a third work station. Third work station includes a first liner roll mounted in a bobbin (22), wherein said first liner is selected from materials such as paper, cardboard or any other suitable liner materials thereof. The first liner is attached to a semi rotary drive through a press tool (20). Third work station further comprising one or more mechanically operated pneumatic pallet sensor, which detects the arrival of the pallet (1) in the work station and send signals to the semi rotary drive. Semi rotary drive rotates at a predefined angle preferably about 90 degree to 180 degree, which pulls the first liner to a predefined length. The work station further comprising a plurality of cylinders (21) provided at the bottom of the press tool (20), wherein said cylinders (21) then get activated and takes a forward stroke of predefined length. By the forward stroke of said cylinders (21), the first liner is blanked using the press tool (20) and falls into the cone. Third work station further includes a cylinder (23) wherein said cylinder (23) comprises a plurality of ramming punches. Said mechanically operated pneumatic pallet sensor detects the presence of the pallet (1) and sends a signal to the cylinder (23). Required amount of pressure is then applied on the first liner by means of a forward stroke of the cylinder (23) having a plurality of said ramming punches.

Said first conveyor (2) takes the pallets (1) further in the horizontal direction and the pallet (1) reaches the fourth work station. Fourth work station includes a second liner roll mounted in a bobbin (22), wherein said second liner is selected from materials such as paper, cardboard or any other suitable liner materials thereof. The second liner is attached to a semi rotary drive through a press tool (20). Fourth work station further comprising one or more mechanically operated pneumatic pallet sensor, which detects the arrival of the pallet (1) in the work station and send signals to the semi rotary drive. Semi rotary drive rotates at a predefined angle preferably about 90 degree to 180 degree, which pulls the second liner to a predefined length. The work station further comprising a plurality of cylinders (21) provided at the bottom of the press tool (20), wherein said cylinders (21) then get activated and takes a forward stroke of predefined length. By the forward stroke of said cylinders (21), the second liner is blanked using the press tool (20) and falls into the cone. Fourth work station further includes a cylinder (23) wherein said cylinder (23) comprises a plurality of ramming punches. Said mechanically operated pneumatic pallet sensor detects the presence of the pallet (1) and sends a signal to the cylinder (23). Required amount of pressure is then applied on the second liner by means of a forward stroke of the cylinder (23) having a plurality of said ramming punches.

Said first conveyor takes the pallets (1) further in the horizontal direction and the pallet (1) reaches a fifth work station, wherein said fifth work station comprising a means for applying a layer of mud at bottom portion of the cone. Fifth work station further includes a mechanically operated pneumatic pallet sensor, which detects the presence of the pallet (1) in the work station and sends signal to a cylinder. Said cylinder is then activated and gives a forward and swiveling strokes thereby, a predetermined quantity of mud is withdrawn from the mud hopper (24) and spreads uniformly throughout the bottom portion of the cone. The mud spreading means (25) comprising a plurality of drives selected from a swivel drive, a linear drive, or any other suitable drive systems or their combinations thereof. This stage further includes a means for applying a final sealing at the bottom portion of the cone, wherein said sealing is selected from a paper, cardboard, or any other suitable materials thereof. Said first conveyor (2) takes the pallets (1) further in the horizontal direction and the pallet (1) reaches the finishing end of the primary module, wherein this section includes a means (6) for ejecting the semi-finished cones from the pallet (1), wherein said means (6) comprises preferably an automatic or a manual arrangement for ejection.

Another embodiment of the present invention describes the continuous production of conical shaped fireworks wherein, said secondary module of the production line comprising a starting end and a finishing end. Semi-finished cones are inserted in to the slots of the pallets (201) located at the starting end of the secondary module, wherein the circular end of the cone is in contact with the pallet (201) and the tip end of the cone faces upward. Said second conveyor (202) connected to the second drive system (204) moves the pallets (201) in horizontal direction and semi-finished cones loaded in the pallets (201) reach the Fuse Insertion stations (205) mounted on either side of the second conveyor (202). Further, the said Fuse Insertion station (205) includes a means for performing mouth piercing of the semi-finished cones, wherein said mouth piercing is done by using a metal pin (206) selected from brass, or any other suitable metals or alloys thereof. The work station further comprises a plurality of pneumatic sensors, wherein said pneumatic sensors will detect the presence of various objects including pallets (201), cones or any other materials thereof.

The work station further comprising a means for fuse insertion (205), wherein said fuse insertion is carried out by using pneumatically operated drives selected from a rack and pinion mechanism, a swivel -linear drive, any other suitable drives or their combinations thereof. Predefined length of a fuse is pulled from a roller and cut to individual pieces using a suitable cutting means (209). The work station further comprising a plurality of gripping means (210), wherein said gripping (210) means are pneumatically operated. The cut fuse is gripped and further dipped in a chemical solution. The treated fuse is then inserted in to the tip of the pierced cone.

Said second conveyor (202) takes the pallets (201) further in the horizontal direction and the pallet (201) reaches a finishing end of the secondary module, wherein said finishing end includes a means for ejecting the cones from the pallet (201). Said ejecting means comprises preferably an automatic or a manual arrangement for ejection of products from the pallet (201) and thereby forming finished conical shaped fireworks of the invention. The above are only preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, in the public domain in the art, which there are many alternatives and variations, without departing from the essence of the meaning of the present invention premise, it is within the scope of the present invention.