NO CHANGE SPROCKETS

An application I run across from time to time connects a cartoner to a pouch or bag forming machine. One application was a pudding mix that was packed 1, 2 or 3 pouches per carton.

The machines were linked mechanically. The problem came when they needed to change the number of pouches per carton. In order to have the cartoner cycle 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1 with the poucher, they had to physically change sprockets. This was a time consuming operation.

We modified the system and permanently mounted 3 sprockets on each shaft. The chain was made long enough to fit all 3 combinations and a chain tensioner took up the slack.

Now, to change ratios, they release the chain tension, lift the chain off one pair of sprockets. They adjust the timing to timing marks on the sprockets to be used and place the chain on them. The chain tensioner is moved in to take up the slack.

This allows the ratio to be changed without tools and without removing or replacing any parts, saving considerable time.

The illustration shows only 2 sprocket pairs for simplicity but any number could be used, space permitting.