Item conveying unit including extendable arm conveyor

Abstract

Article conveying unit including extendable arm conveyor. The present invention relates to an article conveying unit (1) for conveying articles between a first zone and a second zone, the conveying unit (1) comprising: a frame (2) having a first cam track (21) and a second cam track (22) mounted on the other; at least one article conveying device (4), each conveying device (4) comprising: an arm (41), a clamp (5), a guide roller (6) cooperating with the first cam track (21), and a clamp (5) directional roller (7) cooperating with the second cam track (22) to orient the clamp (5); the clamp (5) having a straddle support (51) supporting the guide roller (6) and the directional roller (7), the straddle support being rotatably mounted on the arm (41) to allow the clamp (5) to rotate on the arm (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of this invention is the design and manufacture of goods conveying systems.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an article conveying unit comprising a support member driven to rotate continuously about a main rotation axis, the support member supporting a conveying device.

[0003] Each transmission device includes an extendable arm having an inner radial portion fixed to a support and an outer radial portion that can slide relative to the inner radial portion in a plane transverse to the main rotation axis. The extension of the arm is controlled by a cam system. Background Technology

[0004] This transmission unit is described in more detail in the patent document published under patent number FR 2 802 191.

[0005] The transmission unit includes:

[0006] - A frame that defines the main axis of rotation and has a first cam track and a second cam track;

[0007] - A support member rotatably mounted on the frame relative to the main axis of rotation, and

[0008] - At least one transmission device installed on the support.

[0009] Each transmission device, in addition to the extendable arm as described above, also includes:

[0010] - A clamp rotatably mounted on the outer radial portion of the arm about a second rotation axis parallel to the main rotation axis;

[0011] - The clamp guide roller, which engages with the first cam track to move the clamp away from or towards the support according to the angular position of the extendable arm about the main axis of rotation, and

[0012] - A clamping guide roller that engages with the second cam track to orient the clamp in the transverse plane according to the angular position of the extendable arm around the main rotation axis.

[0013] In this transmission unit, guide rollers and orientation rollers are mounted on a connecting rod, which itself is rotatably mounted on an arm.

[0014] The secondary linkage ensures the connection between the clamp and the orientation roller to allow the clamp to rotate relative to the arm, thereby enabling the clamp to be well positioned in the transverse plane.

[0015] In fact, this structure presents serious inconveniences in terms of maintenance.

[0016] In fact, the use of connecting rods and auxiliary connecting rods carries the risk of premature wear of the transmission device. This is because the connecting rods and auxiliary connecting rods are movable parts relative to the arm and clamp. Therefore, due to the repeated movement of the connecting rods and auxiliary connecting rods, they rub against the arm and / or clamp and wear down.

[0017] In addition, the presence of the secondary linkage increases the weight of the transmission device, which limits the maximum operating speed for transporting items using the transmission device.

[0018] Furthermore, in the event of a broken secondary linkage, the arm is in its maximum extended state, and the clamp may be damaged by colliding with surrounding components.

[0019] Therefore, it is necessary to set up regular maintenance for these transmission units to check the condition of the gripping device and replace defective components of the gripping device when necessary.

[0020] This maintenance requires a complete shutdown of the transmission unit, which leads to a disruption in the production of goods.

[0021] To limit production downtime caused by maintenance of the transmission equipment, an alternative structure was developed.

[0022] In this alternative configuration, the connecting rod and the secondary connecting rod are omitted. The guide roller is then rotatably mounted on the fixture, coaxial with the second axis of rotation. The orientation roller is rotatably mounted on a finger-shaped member fixed to the fixture.

[0023] The clamp also has a bracket fixed to a spring, which forms a connection between the clamp and the support to keep the directional roller in close contact with the second cam track.

[0024] However, like connecting rods and secondary connecting rods, springs are also wear parts, and they will be stretched and contracted multiple times during the use of the transmission unit.

[0025] Therefore, even though maintenance is limited to a single part (spring), frequent and regular maintenance is still required, which still affects the production efficiency of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0026] The present invention is particularly intended to overcome these shortcomings of the prior art.

[0027] More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a solution that, compared with prior art devices, allows for a reduction in the maintenance requirements of the extendable arm conveyor of the article conveying unit.

[0028] This invention also aims to provide a solution that is simple to design and maintain.

[0029] The present invention also aims to provide a solution that allows for quick changing of clamps depending on the item to be transferred.

[0030] These objectives, and others as shown below, are achieved by the present invention, which relates to an article conveying unit for conveying articles between a first zone and a second zone, the conveying unit comprising:

[0031] - A frame, the frame having a first cam track and a second cam track, the first cam track and the second cam track being mounted one above the other.

[0032] - A support component, rotatably mounted on the frame about the main axis of rotation.

[0033] - At least one article conveying device mounted on the support.

[0034] Each transmission device includes:

[0035] - An extendable arm has a proximal portion and a distal portion fixed to a support, the distal portion being movable relative to the proximal portion in a transverse plane transverse to the main rotation axis.

[0036] - A clamp mounted on the distal portion of the arm;

[0037] -Guide rollers, which cooperate with the first cam track to move the clamp away from or towards the support, and

[0038] - The orientation roller of the orientation fixture engages with the second cam track to orient the fixture in the transverse plane.

[0039] The fixture is characterized by having a straddle support for supporting guide rollers and directional rollers, the straddle support being rotatably mounted on an arm about a second rotation axis parallel to the main rotation axis to allow the fixture to rotate on the arm;

[0040] The guide rollers and orientation rollers are positioned on both sides of the arm.

[0041] Furthermore, the straddle support can pivot on the arm from an extended configuration to a shortened configuration:

[0042] - In the extended configuration of the arm, the directional roller or guide roller is radially further away from the main rotation axis, and accordingly pushes the guide roller or steering roller against the first cam track or the second cam track by pivoting around the second rotation axis via the straddle support.

[0043] - In the shortened configuration of the arm, the guide roller or directional roller is radially further away from the main rotation axis, and the directional roller or guide roller is correspondingly pushed against the second cam track or the first cam track by pivoting around the second rotation axis via the straddle support.

[0044] The positioning of the rollers on both sides of the arm allows for compensation of the force provided by each roller on the cam track that allows it to pass through, thereby ensuring both guidance and orientation of the fixture.

[0045] In addition, the positioning of the rollers on both sides of the arm prevents the gripper from pivoting 360° relative to the arm, which could damage the arm or any other part of the conveying unit that the gripper might collide with.

[0046] Maintenance of the conveying unit according to the invention is also convenient because the number of vulnerable parts is limited compared to conveying units according to the prior art. This is especially true because springs are eliminated, which are parts that wear out rapidly during use due to their continuous stretching and contraction.

[0047] Furthermore, the use of a straddle support and positioning the directional rollers and guide rollers on both sides of the arm allows one roller to push the other roller radially inward when the other roller is pushed radially outward by the cam track through which it passes, so that the other roller is pressed against the cam track through which it passes.

[0048] In other words, the two rollers are always in close contact with their respective cam tracks.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment, the straddle support is V-shaped, having a base and two wings. The straddle support is rotatably mounted on an arm via the base, and the two wings extend and widen from the base toward the arm. Each wing supports one of a guide roller and a directional roller at its free end.

[0050] The V-shaped shape of the straddle supports allows one roller to be pushed against its cam track when the other roller is pushed radially outward by the cam track through which the other roller passes.

[0051] Therefore, this V-shape causes each roller to contact the cam track for its passage, thus allowing the fixture to be well oriented and well guided when using the conveyor unit.

[0052] In other words, the V-shape allows the pivot point of the clamp on the arm to be offset, which facilitates the rotation of the clamp and thus improves the contact between the rollers and their respective cam tracks.

[0053] Preferably, the proximal portion of the arm is rotatably mounted on the support.

[0054] The proximal portion of the arm is rotatably mounted on the support, which allows for extended spatial movement of the clamp relative to the frame.

[0055] More specifically, the movement of the fixture relative to the frame can be performed in the transverse plane by translation and rotation.

[0056] Therefore, the clamp can move in planar motion throughout the entire transverse plane.

[0057] Advantageously, the proximal portion of the arm has fingers, and a drive roller is rotatably mounted at the end of the fingers. The frame also has a third cam track through which the drive roller travels to drive the arm to rotate relative to the support.

[0058] The drive roller, in engagement with the third cam track, allows the arm to pivot relative to the frame, and especially relative to the support. The combination of the guide roller and the directional roller engaging with the first and second cam tracks, respectively, maximizes the displacement of the clamp in the transverse plane.

[0059] Preferably, the clamp includes two jaws, the first jaw of which is fixed and the second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw.

[0060] This type of clamp allows for a gentle grip on items, meaning there is no risk of damaging them.

[0061] In fact, unlike the fork which may damage the item due to friction when gripping it, the mobility of the second jaw relative to the first jaw ensures that the clamp opens and closes around the item, thus avoiding damage to the item due to friction.

[0062] Therefore, the second jaw preferably includes a jaw lug, a control roller is rotatably mounted at the end of the jaw lug, and the frame also has a fourth cam track on which the control roller travels to control the movement of the second jaw relative to the first jaw.

[0063] The opening and closing of the clamps are controlled by a control roller and a fourth cam track, which allows for mechanical control of the clamps, making the conveying unit more reliable.

[0064] In fact, compared to electronically controlled clamps opening and closing, mechanical control allows for a reduction in the risk of electronic malfunctions, which can prevent clamps from opening and closing, thus causing some damage to items as they pass through the conveyor unit.

[0065] In addition, electronic control requires the addition of a power supply for each fixture, which complicates the design, installation and maintenance of the transmission unit and makes it expensive.

[0066] Advantageously, the conveying unit includes at least one angular sector for the rotation of the support, in which a third cam track has a concave portion, while the first and second cam tracks each have ridge portions, to ensure movement of the arm and support and to keep the clamp in a constant or nearly constant position relative to the frame.

[0067] This corner sector is particularly helpful for clamps to grip items.

[0068] In fact, when a clamp holds an item, it is preferable to reduce the speed at which the clamp moves close to the item to avoid damaging it.

[0069] Therefore, although the support rotates relative to the frame, and thus the arm moves with the support, the gripper can remain stationary or nearly stationary near the item to be gripped when opening and closing, which helps to grip the item without the risk of damaging it.

[0070] Afterward, the clamp can resume its movement to transfer the item from the first position to the second position.

[0071] According to an advantageous aspect, for each article conveying device, the arm is a telescopic arm, and the article conveying device includes a reset member inserted between a distal portion and a proximal portion of the arm, the reset member tending to reset the distal portion of the arm toward the proximal portion.

[0072] The reset component allows the distal portion of the arm to approach the proximal portion, thereby bringing it closer to the support.

[0073] This causes the spandrel of the fixture to fit snugly against the support, especially the directional roller and guide roller to fit snugly against the first cam track and the second cam track, respectively.

[0074] This thus helps one roller to be pushed against its cam track when the other roller is pushed radially outward.

[0075] Furthermore, this allows the rollers to remain against the cam path they travel on, even when one of the rollers is pushed radially outward and at high speeds.

[0076] According to another advantageous aspect, the clamp includes a body and a head, with the head detachably mounted on the body.

[0077] The fact that the head of the clamp is detachable from the body allows for the clamp to be changed according to the item to be transported.

[0078] In fact, since production lines are not necessarily designed to produce the same items continuously, it may be necessary to change the fixtures depending on the items to be transported.

[0079] Therefore, the fixture body can remain fixed to the arm while the fixture head is replaced.

[0080] This allows for shorter fixture change times and simplifies the operator's work, as only the fixture head needs to be changed.

[0081] In addition, this allows the fixtures to be adjusted before they are installed on the transfer unit (i.e., adjusting the fixtures in the background), thereby reducing production downtime.

[0082] In addition, this reduces the cost of the conveyor unit because only a portion of the fixture needs to be replaced, thus avoiding the need to set aside a large space for storing the fixture, especially when multiple different fixtures need to be stored so that the production line can ensure the production of different models of items.

[0083] Therefore, the clamp advantageously includes a quick-fixing system for rapidly securing the head to the body, the quick-fixing system comprising:

[0084] - A trapezoidal groove is formed in the main body;

[0085] - A pyramidal component, fixedly connected to the head, is to be inserted into a trapezoidal groove, and

[0086] - A limiting component used to limit the pyramidal member within the trapezoidal groove.

[0087] This quick-fixing system allows for rapid replacement of the clamp head during the clamp change phase.

[0088] In addition, the use of trapezoidal grooves and pyramidal components allows for limiting the relative clearance between the fixture head and the fixture body.

[0089] Finally, the presence of limiting components ensures that the clamp head and clamp body are correctly positioned relative to each other. This allows the risk of damaging the clamp and items to be avoided when using the conveyor unit.

[0090] Preferably, the limiting component includes:

[0091] - A stop pin, which can be movably installed in a housing that is fixedly connected to one of the body and the head, and the stop pin can be in a locked position where the stop pin protrudes from the housing;

[0092] - A cavity, opened in one of the head and the body, is received in the cavity in the locked position;

[0093] - The reset component, installed in the housing, pushes the stop pin to the locked position.

[0094] This type of limiting component is easy to use and maintain.

[0095] In fact, during use, the stop pin is movable within the housing, which allows the head to be easily pushed relative to the body and locked relative to the body automatically via the reset component. This prevents translational movement of the head relative to the body, providing the operator with safety and proper positioning guidance when changing the fixture head.

[0096] In fact, when the head moves relative to the body, the head pushes the stop pin into the housing, and when the stop pin contacts the cavity, it locks the head relative to the body.

[0097] Therefore, the stop pin generates force to resist translation, which allows the head to lock relative to the body. The operator continues to press down to allow the head to translate relative to the body, allowing the stop pin to be pushed into the housing and allowing the head to move relative to the body to disengage for replacement.

[0098] Therefore, during the fixture changing phase, no tools are needed to detach the fixture head from its body, and the operator is assisted or at least guided to position the head on the body.

[0099] Advantageously, the quick-fix system includes fastening components that secure the head to the body, the fastening components including:

[0100] - A threaded rod passing through the head;

[0101] - The handle is fixedly connected to the threaded rod; and

[0102] - A nut fixed to the pyramidal component, the nut engaging with the threaded rod via a screw thread.

[0103] The rotation of the threaded rod in the first direction causes the pyramidal member to translate along the threaded rod toward the handle, thereby securing the head of the clamp to the body.

[0104] This fastening component ensures that the clamp head is secured to the clamp body.

[0105] More specifically, the fastening components allow for the elimination of the disassembly clamps, particularly the residual clearance necessary to remove the head relative to the body. This ensures high reliability when using the conveyor unit.

[0106] Furthermore, the presence of fastening components limits or even eliminates the risk of clamp damage during use of the conveying unit, especially due to vibration. Attached Figure Description

[0107] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting illustrative example and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0108] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of the conveying unit according to the present invention;

[0109] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of a support member of the frame of a conveying unit according to the present invention, the support member having a plurality of cam tracks;

[0110] Figure 3 This is a top perspective view of a detailed conveying unit according to the present invention, showing the gripping device mounted on the frame support;

[0111] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a clamp of the gripping device of the conveying unit according to the present invention;

[0112] Figure 5 This is a top perspective view of the gripper of the gripping device of the conveying unit according to the present invention;

[0113] Figure 6 This is a top perspective view of the head of the clamp of the conveying device of the conveying unit according to the present invention;

[0114] Figure 7This is a top perspective view of the main body of the clamp of the conveying unit or the transmission device according to the present invention;

[0115] Figure 8 This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the clamping component of the conveying device of the conveying unit according to the present invention.

[0116] Figure 9 This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the fastening component of the clamp of the conveying device of the conveying unit according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0117] Figure 1 An article conveying unit 1 according to the present invention is shown.

[0118] The purpose of conveyor unit 1 is to transfer items between the first and second zones. This type of transfer is particularly useful so that items can undergo a processing step in the second zone.

[0119] As an illustrative and non-limiting example, the article is a preform made of plastic material intended to be processed into a container. A first zone integrates a heating unit to allow the preform to be heated above the glass transition temperature of the plastic it constitutes, and a second zone integrates a blowing unit in which the preheated preform is introduced to be blown into a container with the final shape.

[0120] Therefore, items must be picked up in the first zone in order to be stored in the second zone.

[0121] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveying unit 1 includes:

[0122] - Rack 2;

[0123] -Support component 3; and

[0124] - At least one transmission device 4.

[0125] The frame 2 is in the form of a column, with a first cam track 21 and a second cam track 22 mounted on top of each other.

[0126] The support member 3 is rotatably mounted on the frame 2 about the main rotation axis R1.

[0127] like Figure 1 As shown, the support member 3 extends laterally to the frame 2, and the main rotation axis R1 extends generally parallel to the extension of the column forming the frame 2.

[0128] More specifically, the conveying unit 1 includes at least one conveying device 4, and preferably includes multiple conveying devices 4.

[0129] For clarity, Figure 1 Only a single transmission device 4 is shown.

[0130] As in Figure 1 As can be seen, each transmission device 4 is mounted on the support 3.

[0131] Each transmission device 4 includes:

[0132] -Arm 41;

[0133] - Clamp 5 is fixedly connected to arm 41;

[0134] -Guide roller 6; and

[0135] - Orientation roller 7.

[0136] The clamp 5 is rotatably mounted on the arm 41 about a second axis of rotation R2. The second axis of rotation R2 is advantageously parallel to the main axis of rotation R1.

[0137] As in Figure 3 As can be seen, arm 41 is an extendable arm, having a proximal portion 411 fixed to the support 3 and a distal portion 412 that is slidable relative to the proximal portion 411 in a transverse plane transverse to the main rotation axis R1.

[0138] according to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, as described above, arm 41 is a telescopic arm. According to a variation not shown, the proximal portion 411 and the distal portion 412 are rotatably mounted relative to each other, and their relative pivoting allows arm 41 to be lengthened or shortened.

[0139] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The guide roller 6 engages with the first cam track 21 to move the clamp 5 away from or close to the support member 3.

[0140] Because the arm 41 is extendable, it makes it particularly possible for the clamp 5 to move away from or closer to the support 3.

[0141] The directional roller 7 cooperates with the second cam track 22 to orient the clamp 5 in the transverse plane.

[0142] like Figure 1 As shown, the first cam path 21 is located above the second cam path 22. However, a variation in which the first cam path 21 is located below the second cam path 22 is also possible.

[0143] Reference Figure 4 , 5 6 and 7, now let’s describe fixture 5.

[0144] The clamp 5 has a cavalier 51 that supports the guide roller 6 and the orientation roller 7.

[0145] The straddle bracket 51 is rotatably mounted on the arm 41 about the second rotation axis R2.

[0146] Therefore, the clamp 5 is rotatably mounted on the arm 41 via a straddle bracket 51. More specifically, the clamp is rotatably mounted on the distal portion 412 of the arm 41.

[0147] Reference Figure 4 The straddle bracket 51 is V-shaped and has a base 511 and two wings 512. The straddle bracket is rotatably mounted on the arm 41 via the base, and the two wings 512 extend and widen from the base toward the arm 41.

[0148] Each wing 512 has a free end 513, on which one of the guide rollers 6 and the orientation rollers 7 is rotatably mounted.

[0149] Therefore, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As can be seen, guide roller 6 and orientation roller 7 are positioned on both sides of arm 41.

[0150] The straddle support 51 can be extended from the arm 41 in an extended configuration (especially as shown in the image). Figure 1 and Figure 3 The shortened configuration (not shown in the figure) of arm 41 pivots to the arm 41.

[0151] In the extended configuration of arm 41, the directional roller 7 or guide roller 6 is further radially offset from the main rotation axis R1, accordingly pushing the guide roller 6 or steering roller 7 against the first cam track 21 or the second cam track 22.

[0152] By pivoting the straddle support 51 about the second rotation axis R2, it is ensured that one of these rollers is pushed by the other of these rollers.

[0153] In the shortened configuration of arm 41, the guide roller 6 or the directional roller 7 is further radially offset from the main rotation axis R1, which correspondingly pushes the directional roller 7 or the guide roller 6 against the second cam track 22 or the first cam track 21.

[0154] By pivoting the straddle support 51 about the second rotation axis R2, it is ensured that one of these rollers is pushed by the other of these rollers.

[0155] Therefore, due to the rotation of the straddle support 51 on the arm 41, when one of the guide rollers 6 and the orientation roller 7 is radially offset further away from the main rotation axis R1, that roller pushes the other roller of the orientation roller 7 against the cam track it traverses. The offset of the guide roller 6 from the orientation roller 7 (or vice versa) is in particular due to the difference in the relative radial distance between the first cam track 21 and the second cam track 22 relative to the main rotation axis R1.

[0156] Therefore, guide roller 6 and directional roller 7 are in contact with their respective cam tracks at all times.

[0157] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 Arm 41 is rotatably mounted on support 3.

[0158] More specifically, the proximal portion 411 of the arm 41 is rotatably mounted on the support 3 about the third axis of rotation R3.

[0159] Still refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The proximal portion 411 of the arm 41 has a finger 42, and the drive roller 8 of the arm 41 is rotatably mounted on the end of the finger 42.

[0160] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3, the frame 2 also has a third cam track 23, through which the drive roller 8 travels to drive the arm 41 to rotate relative to the support 3 about the third rotation axis R3.

[0161] Reference Figure 2 The third cam track 23 is radially located within the first cam track 21 and the second cam track 22.

[0162] In other words, the first cam track 21 and the second cam track 22 surround the third cam track 23.

[0163] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, each transmission device 4 includes a reset component 43 inserted between the distal portion 412 and the proximal portion 411 of the arm 41.

[0164] The reset component 43 tends to reset the distal portion 412 of the arm 41 toward the proximal portion 411.

[0165] exist Figure 1 and Figure 3 The image shows that the reset component 43 is in the off state.

[0166] More specifically, the reset component 43 takes the form of a tension spring, shown in its shorter length. The shorter length refers to the length of the tension spring when it is not under force, while the longer length refers to the length of the tension spring when it is under force, i.e., when it is stretched.

[0167] The reset component 43 is connected to the connector 413, which is fixedly connected to the clamp 5.

[0168] When arm 41 is in the extended configuration, the reset member 43 tends to return to its smaller length. In the extended configuration of arm 41, the reset member 43 is stretched, i.e., at its larger length, tending to bring the clamp 5, and thus the straddle support 51, closer toward the main rotation axis R1.

[0169] This has the particular function of ensuring that each guide roller 6 and orientation roller 7 are in close contact with the first cam track 21 and the second cam track 22, respectively.

[0170] As from Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the connection between the reset component 43 and the connector 413 is located radially on the side of the rotation axis of the guide roller 6 and the orientation roller 7 relative to the main rotation axis R1.

[0171] Therefore, this forces the guide roller 6 and the orientation roller 7 to contact the first cam track 21 and the second cam track 22, respectively.

[0172] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The clamp 5 includes two jaws 52 and 53.

[0173] More specifically, the clamp 5 includes a fixed first jaw 52 and a second jaw 53 movable relative to the first jaw 52.

[0174] Reference Figure 4 The second claw 53 includes a claw lug 54, and the control roller 9 is rotatably mounted on the end of the claw lug.

[0175] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3, the frame 2 then has a fourth cam track 24, on which the control roller 9 travels.

[0176] The engagement between the control roller 9 and the fourth cam track 24 allows control of the movement of the second jaw 53 relative to the first jaw 52.

[0177] More specifically, the movement of the second jaw 53 relative to the first jaw 52 is achieved by rotation.

[0178] Therefore, the second jaw 53 is rotatably mounted on the first jaw 52 via the pivot connector P.

[0179] Reference Figure 2 The fourth cam track 24 is divided into two parts, namely the first part 241 and the second part 242.

[0180] The first part 241 may correspond to the position of the clamp 5 in the first zone, for example, for gripping an item, while the second part 242 may correspond to the position of the clamp 5 in the second zone, for example, for releasing an item.

[0181] Reference Figure 2The conveying unit 1 includes at least one corner sector S in which the support 3 rotates. In the corner sector, the third cam track 23 has a concave portion, and the first cam track 21 and the second cam track 22 each have a ridge portion.

[0182] This arrangement of the first cam track 21, the second cam track 22, and the third cam track 23 allows for the movement of the support 3 and the arm 41 while keeping the clamp 5 in a constant or nearly constant position relative to the frame 2.

[0183] These corner sectors S are advantageously located in the area near the first and second zones.

[0184] More specifically, along Figure 2 The transmission device 4 shown in the figure moves in the direction D relative to the frame 2, and each corner sector S is positioned upstream of the first part 241 or the second part 242 of the fourth cam track 24.

[0185] In fact, the control roller 9, which controls the opening or closing of the clamp 5, is positioned downstream of the guide roller 6 and the orientation roller 7 along the movement direction D. The clamp 5 is thus in a stationary or nearly stationary state relative to the item to be gripped or put down, controlling the clamp located downstream along the movement direction D.

[0186] Therefore, in the corner sector S, the clamp 5 is kept in a nearly constant position. Except for moving forward or disengaging to grab or release an item, the opening or closing of the clamp is controlled by the cooperation of the control roller 9 with the first part 241 or the second part 242 of the fourth cam track 24 downstream of the corner sector S.

[0187] The first cam track 21 and the second cam track 22 are formed, in particular, by the side of the disc platform. Therefore, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, two trays are stacked to define the first cam track 21 and the second cam track 22, respectively.

[0188] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The third cam track is advantageously made by milling the disc that defines the first cam track 21 on its side.

[0189] Finally, the fourth cam track, or more precisely, the first part 241 and the second part 242, is made of plates that define the field of the fourth cam track 24.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the clamp 5 is held in a normally closed state by a reset element 55.

[0191] More specifically, refer to Figure 6 The clamp 5 includes a reset element 55 inserted between the first jaw 52 and the second jaw 53.

[0192] When the clamp 5 moves from its closed position to its open position through the engagement between the control roller 9 and the fourth cam track 24, the reset element 55 is compressed.

[0193] When the clamp 5 should be closed, especially when gripping an item or when there is no item to be transferred, the control roller 9 is no longer in contact with the fourth cam track 24. This causes the reset element 55, which tends to separate the second jaw 53 from the first jaw 52, ​​to extend, so that the second jaw 53 rotates relative to the first jaw 52, ​​thereby closing the clamp 5.

[0194] Reference Figure 6 , 7 8 and 9, now let’s describe the other features of fixture 5.

[0195] The fixture 5 includes a main body 56 and a head 57.

[0196] The head 57 is advantageously and movably mounted on the body 56.

[0197] This allows for a simple and quick replacement of the head 57 of the clamp 5 according to the type of item to be transferred, as described below.

[0198] For this purpose, the clamp 5 includes a quick-fixing system 10 for quickly fixing the head 57 to the body 56.

[0199] Reference Figure 6 , 7 And 8, the quick fixation system 10 includes:

[0200] - A trapezoidal groove 101 is formed in the main body 56;

[0201] - A pyramidal component 102 is fixedly connected to the head 57. The pyramidal component is to be inserted into the trapezoidal groove 101.

[0202] -Limiting component 11 is used to limit the pyramidal component 102 in the trapezoidal groove 101.

[0203] In a variant, the trapezoidal groove 101 can be formed on the head 57, while the pyramidal member 102 is supported by the body 56.

[0204] The limiting component 11 includes:

[0205] -Sales halted for item 111;

[0206] -Cavity 113;

[0207] - and reset component 114.

[0208] More specifically, refer to Figure 8 The stop pin 111 is installed in the cover 112 which is fixedly connected to one of the body 56 and the head 57.

[0209] like Figure 8 As shown, the stop pin 111 can be in the locked position where the stop pin protrudes from the cover 112.

[0210] According to an advantageous embodiment, the stop pin 111 takes the form of a ball.

[0211] Cavity 113 is formed in one of head 57 and body 56 for receiving stop pin 111 in the locking position of the stop pin.

[0212] like Figure 8 As shown, the stop pin 111 and the cover 112 are fixedly connected to the main body 56, while the cavity 113 is opened in the head 57.

[0213] like Figure 8 As shown, the reset member 114 is installed in the housing 112 and pushes the stop pin 111 to its locked position.

[0214] The reset member 114 is, for example, a compression spring.

[0215] In addition, the quick-fix system 10 includes a fastening component 12 for securing the head 57 to the body 56.

[0216] Reference Figure 5 , 6 And 9, the fastening component 12 includes:

[0217] -Threaded rod 121 passing through head 57;

[0218] -The handle 122, which is fixedly connected to the threaded rod 121, and

[0219] - A nut 123 is fixedly connected to the pyramidal member 102, and the nut is screwed into the threaded rod 121.

[0220] Nut 123 is advantageously embedded in pyramidal member 102.

[0221] Rotation of the threaded rod 121 in the first direction causes the pyramidal member 102 to translate along the threaded rod 121 toward the handle 122. This serves to secure the head 57 of the clamp against the body 56.

[0222] This is especially true because the approach of the pyramidal member 102 to the handle 122 causes the head 57 to move against the body 56 to secure it.

[0223] The head 57 is installed on the body 56 as follows.

[0224] First, the operator arranges the pyramidal protrusion 103 within the pyramidal member 102 to be opposite the trapezoidal groove 101.

[0225] The operator then slides the pyramidal protrusion 103 within the trapezoidal groove 101, causing the stop pin 111 to move into the housing 112. The stop pin 111 rubs against the bottom of the trapezoidal groove 101, although it is pushed away by the reset member 114. The operator then slides the head 57 relative to the body 56 until a clicking sound is heard.

[0226] More specifically, the operator moves the pyramidal protrusion 103 inside the groove 101 until the stop pin 111 is opposite the cavity 113.

[0227] At this point, the reset member 114 causes the stop pin 111 to be in its locked position, even though the stop pin protrudes at least partially from the housing 112, as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0228] At this moment, the stop pin 111 extends outside the cover 112, causing the pyramidal protrusion 103 to stop translating in the trapezoidal groove 101.

[0229] The operator applies a large force to the head 57 to make the pyramidal protrusion 103 translate in the trapezoidal groove 101, causing the stop pin 111 to retract into the cover 112 against the action of the reset member 114.

[0230] This greater force is particularly useful for detaching the head 57 from the body 56 to replace the head.

[0231] Then, the operator can fasten the head 57 to the body 56 to ensure that the head 57 is fixed relative to the body 56.

[0232] To this end, the operator manipulates handle 122, which in turn pivots threaded rod 121. Through the helical engagement between threaded rod 121 and nut 123 embedded in pyramidal member 102, pyramidal member 102 is brought closer to handle 122. The edge of groove 101 is then clamped between pyramidal member 102 and head 57 of clamp 5, ensuring that head 57 remains fixed relative to body 56.

[0233] Remove the head 57 of the clamp 5 from the body 56 in the reverse order.

Claims

1. An article conveying unit (1) for conveying articles between a first zone and a second zone, the article conveying unit (1) comprising: - Frame (2), the frame having a first cam track (21) and a second cam track (22), the first cam track and the second cam track being mounted one above the other. - Support member (3) is rotatably mounted on frame (2) about the main rotation axis (R1). - At least one article conveying device (4) is mounted on the support (3). Each item transfer device (4) includes: - An extendable arm (41) having a distal portion (412) and a proximal portion (411) fixed to a support (3), the distal portion being movable relative to the proximal portion (411) in a transverse plane transverse to the main rotation axis (R1). - A clamp (5) is mounted on the distal portion (412) of the arm (41); -Guide roller (6), cooperating with the first cam track (21) to move the clamp (5) away from or closer to the support (3), and - The orientation roller (7) of the orientation fixture (5) cooperates with the second cam track (22) to orient the fixture (5) in the transverse plane. The fixture (5) is characterized in that it has a straddle bracket (51) supporting the guide roller (6) and the orientation roller (7), the straddle bracket (51) being rotatably mounted on the arm (41) about a second rotation axis (R2) parallel to the main rotation axis (R1) to allow the fixture to rotate on the arm (41); Guide rollers (6) and directional rollers (7) are positioned on both sides of the arm (41); Furthermore, the straddle support (51) can pivot on the arm (41) from an extended configuration to a shortened configuration: - In the extended configuration of the arm (41), the directional roller (7) or guide roller (6) is radially further away from the main rotation axis (R1), and accordingly pushes the guide roller (6) or steering roller (7) against the first cam track (21) or the second cam track (22) by pivoting the straddle bracket (51) about the second rotation axis (R2). - In the shortened configuration of the arm (41), the guide roller (6) or the directional roller (7) is further radially offset from the main rotation axis (R1), and the directional roller (7) or the guide roller (6) is pressed against the second cam track (22) or the first cam track (21) by pivoting around the second rotation axis (R2) via the straddle bracket (51).

2. The article conveying unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The straddle bracket (51) is V-shaped and has a base (511) and two wings (512). The straddle bracket is rotatably mounted on the arm (41) via the base. The two wings (512) extend from the base (511) toward the arm (41) and each wing (512) supports one of the guide roller (6) and the orientation roller (7) at its free end (513).

3. An article conveying unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The proximal portion (411) of the arm (41) is rotatably mounted on the support (3).

4. The article conveying unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The proximal portion (411) of the arm (41) has fingers (42), and a drive roller (8) is rotatably mounted on the end of the fingers. The frame (2) also has a third cam track (23) through which the drive roller (8) travels to drive the arm (41) to rotate relative to the support (3).

5. The article conveying unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamp (5) includes two jaws (52, 53), the first jaw (52) of which is fixed and the second jaw (53) is movable relative to the first jaw (52).

6. The article conveying unit (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second jaw (53) includes a jaw lug (54), and a control roller (9) is rotatably mounted on the end of the jaw lug. The frame (2) also has a fourth cam track (24) on which the control roller (9) travels to control the movement of the second jaw (53) relative to the first jaw (52).

7. The article conveying unit (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The article conveying unit includes at least one corner sector (S) for the rotation of the support (3), in which the third cam track (23) has a concave portion, while the first cam track (21) and the second cam track (22) each have a ridge portion to ensure the movement of the arm (41) with the support (3) and to keep the clamp (5) in a constant or nearly constant position relative to the frame (2).

8. The article conveying unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, For each article transfer device (4), the arm (41) is a telescopic arm, and the article transfer device (4) includes a reset member (43) inserted between the distal portion (412) and the proximal portion (411) of the arm (41), the reset member (43) tending to reset the distal portion (412) of the arm (41) toward the proximal portion (411).

9. The article conveying unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamp (5) includes a body (56) and a head (57), the head (57) being detachably mounted on the body (56).

10. The article conveying unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The clamp (5) includes a quick-fix system (10) for quickly fixing the head (57) to the body (56), the quick-fix system (10) including: - A trapezoidal groove (101) is formed in the main body (56); - A pyramidal component (102), fixedly connected to the head (57), is to be inserted into the trapezoidal groove (101), and - A limiting component (11) is used to limit the pyramidal member (102) in the trapezoidal groove (101).

11. The article conveying unit (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The limiting component (11) includes: - A stop pin (111) is movably mounted in a housing (112) that is fixedly connected to one of the body (56) and the head (57), and the stop pin (111) can be in a locked position where the stop pin protrudes from the housing (112). - A cavity (113) is formed in one of the head (57) and the body (56), and a stop pin (111) is received in the cavity in the locked position; - A reset member (114) is installed in the housing (112) to push the stop pin (111) to the locked position of the stop pin.

12. The article conveying unit (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The quick-fixing system (10) includes a fastening component (12) for securing the head (57) to the body (56), the fastening component (12) including: - The threaded rod (121) passes through the head (57); - A handle (122) fixedly connected to the threaded rod (121); - A nut (123) fixedly connected to the pyramidal member (102), the nut being screwed into the threaded rod (121). The rotation of the threaded rod (121) in the first direction causes the pyramidal member (102) to translate along the threaded rod (121) toward the handle (122) so that the head (57) of the clamp (5) is fastened to the body (56).

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