BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a monitoring arrangement for a lubricating system.

[0002] Conveyor belt transport systems are used in many industries to transport containers such as bottles between different work stations. It is vital to the effectiveness of this type of processing activity that the bottles should be moved in an ordered and predictable manner.

[0003] For example in the brewing industry bottles are moved on a chain conveyor to which a lubricant is applied. If an excess of lubricant is applied to a surface which carries the botties then frictional forces between the surface and the bottles are much reduced and the conveyor can move with the bottles slipping over the conveyor surface and staying behind. On the hand if lubricant is not applied at least to a predetermined minimum level then, for example, when the bottles reach a work station in large numbers, in excess of what the work station can handle at the time, then it is not possible for the bottles to slide over the conveyor surface. The bottles instead are moved in synchronism with the conveyor and the work station becomes overloaded with bottles. This can cause damage to, or breakage of, the bottles and the work station can become clogged, resulting in significant down time.

[0004] The application of the lubricant in a correct and controlled manner is thus essential, in this type of operation, to ensure effective throughput. [0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement which addresses the aforementioned requirement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention provides a monitoring arrangement for a lubricating system of a chain conveyor which includes a mass which is representative of one or more objects carried by the conveyor, a retention member, engaged with an anchor, for retaining the representative mass resting on, and in sliding engagement with, an upper surface of the chain conveyor, and a measuring device which produces a signal which is dependent on the magnitude of a force generated between the retention member and the anchor upon movement of the chain conveyor.

[0007] The monitoring arrangement may include a processor which is responsive to the signal for providing a visual or data-based indication of the magnitude or nature of the signal which, in turn, is indicative of the quantity of lubricant on or required for the chain conveyor.

[0008] The measuring device may be a strain gauge or a similar apparatus.

[0009] The retention member may comprise a cage or enclosure for the representative mass. The representative mass may comprise a member which is made for the purpose or, alternatively, one or more of the objects in question.

[0010] The processor may be connected to a control mechanism for automatically applying lubricant to the chain conveyor in response to the signal. [0011] An output signal from the processor may be connected to a communication system, for example, an infranet arrangement or the internet so that information on the operation of the monitoring system is available for inspection at a remote location or locations. The information may be uniquely linked to the conveyor in question and, in a compound monitoring system, the operation of the lubricating systems of a plurality of conveyors may be monitored in parallel. The data on each respective lubricating system may be made available on selective basis at one or more remote locations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0012] The invention is further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a schematic representation of a monitoring arrangement according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] The accompanying drawing illustrates a chain conveyor 10 used, in this example, for conveying a plurality of bottles 12 between different work stations, not shown. The conveyor is supported on suitable structure 14 as is known in the art.

[0014] A selected number of bottles, in this case two bottles 12A and 12B respectively, are held captive inside a small enclosure 16 which is in the nature of a cage. The bottles rest on an upper surface 10A of the conveyor belt 10 and, when the belt is moved in normal operation, the bottles are held in position with the conveyor belt sliding below. The enclosure 16 is linked via an intermediate strain gauge 18 to an anchor 20 which is attached to the fixed structure 14. A signal which is produced by the strain gauge is applied to a computer 24 which produces a first signal 26 which is connected to an input terminal of a control unit 28, and a second signal 30 which goes to a communication network, for example the internet 32.

[0015] The controller 28 is connected to a lubricant applicator 34 which has one or more spray nozzles 36 positioned so that, when actuated, lubricant 38 is sprayed onto the upper surface 10A of the conveyor belt 10.

[0016] A dedicated website 40 is established for a given area, for example a bottling facility which includes a plurality of conveyor belts with the conveyor belt 10 being one of those belts. Information output by the computer 24 is available via the internet link on the website. This information can be partitioned or divided according to requirement. For example information 42 relating to a first bottling facility can be available through a coded access system to authorised users and information 44 on a second bottling system, distinct from the first bottling system, can be available in a controlled and regulated manner to different authorised users.

[0017] In use of the monitoring arrangement the conveyor belt 10 is operated in a conventional manner to convey the bottles 12 between different work stations. The bottles 12A and 12B are held captive and remain essentially in the same position at all times. Frictional forces exerted on the undersides of the bottles by the moving belt 10 tend to move the bottles in the direction of an arrow 50. As the bottles are held captive in the enclosure 16 a restraining force 52 in a direction which opposes the direction 50 is generated and this is measured by the strain gauge 18. A signal which is output by the strain gauge is thus dependent on the frictional interaction between the bottoms of the bottles 12A and 12B and the upper surface 10A of the conveyor belt and this, in turn, is dependent at least partly on the amount of lubricant on the conveyor belt surface. The computer 24 monitors the signal constantly and by using historical and other data is able to generate the output signals 26 and 30 which provide an indication of the quantity of lubricant on the belt and the need to apply lubricant to the belt to ensure that the bottles 12 are moved in a desired manner by the belt.

[0018] Under the control of the unit 28 lubricant can automatically be sprayed onto the belt to maintain the lubricant level at a desired value. Also, information on the state of operation of the belt can be made available via the website 40 to one or more authorised users.