Grouping device, method and facility for laterally transferring products

Abstract

The present application relates to a device (2) for grouping products (1), comprising: a conveyor (3) for conveying products (1) in a single row in an upstream-to-downstream longitudinal direction (X) from an inlet (4) to an outlet (5); a downstream module (6) for guiding the products (1) and sorting a predetermined number of products (1) released at the outlet (5); and an upstream module (9) for guiding the products (1) from the inlet (4) to the downstream sorting module (6), the upstream module having an upstream conveyor (90), the traveling conveyor (90) having a pair of upstream surfaces extending on both sides of the supply conveyor (3) and movable from a restricted position to a retracted position and from the retracted position to the restricted position. The invention also relates to a corresponding grouping method and to a device for transversally transferring products (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of conveying said products on an industrial production line.

[0002] This product can be a container, which can be a non-restricted sample bottle, jar, vial, or carton. Such containers are designed to hold fluids, liquids, powders, or granules, particularly agri-food or cosmetic types. This list is not exhaustive.

[0003] These products can be made of any type of material, such as metal, glass, or preferably plastic-based materials, particularly polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), giving the products a semi-rigid flexibility.

[0004] This product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, regular or irregular. Additionally, each product can have circular or oval sections, or polygonal sections, particularly rectangular or square sections.

[0005] In particular, products with specific shapes, such as asymmetrical or rectangular ones, are widely used in the food, home and personal care (FHPC) product sector, such as containers for holding shower gel or shampoo, and in the cleaning and maintenance sector, such as spray bottles for detergents and disinfectants.

[0006] In a known manner, the containers are moved individually or grouped into batches along the production line to route them to various successive processing stations, such as container manufacturing, for example during injection molding or stretch blow molding operations in plastic material bottles, followed by filling, and then sealing with stoppers and labeling. Following these processes, the containers are referred to as “finished.”

[0007] These finished products are packaged in batches for processing.

[0008] Each batch comprises a group of products assembled in a row or matrix arrangement, typically in a global parallelepiped shape with multiple rows and columns, usually square or rectangular. For example, a common batch consists of 6 products arranged in 2 rows and 3 columns, often referred to as a "six pack".

[0009] Once the products are grouped together, these groups are typically packaged by boxing or wrapping, particularly in the steps of stretch packing or preferably film packing, or in sheet material, especially paper or cardboard, in order to keep products of the same batch together.

[0010] Therefore, during these different steps, the product is transported along the production line in the longitudinal upstream to downstream direction between different workstations of each process through which the product must pass.

[0011] In particular, in order to form a batch, products must go through a process of grouping them into at least one row.

[0012] This application specifically relates to grouping products into a single column, i.e., conveying products sequentially in the longitudinal direction so that they are laterally conveyed toward a conveying surface that extends laterally and orthogonally relative to the longitudinal direction of movement. Background Technology

[0013] Currently, lateral transfer of products at the conveyor outlet supplying the downstream conveying surface can be achieved laterally in a transverse direction orthogonal to the upstream longitudinal direction. This lateral transfer enables the generation of one or more rows from a single column of products in the longitudinal direction and one or more columns in the transverse direction.

[0014] One known lateral transfer scheme employs a transfer member, preferably one of a series of transfer members, in the form of a collector comprising a housing, commonly referred to as a "comb". Each of the housings is shaped and sized to receive one or more products internally. Furthermore, the collector is capable of progressive lateral movement to sequentially position the free housing facing the next product to be received, thus transferring it.

[0015] Therefore, from the continuous single column of the products, one or more products are received discontinuously through the comb by the progressive lateral movement of the housing of the comb collector until the subsequent collector is filled and positioned, or the collector moves to the area where the products collected in this way are deposited before returning to the place for collecting subsequent products.

[0016] Next, the products need to be grouped into a single column upstream of the transport to ensure that the product groups to be transported are regular and continuous, with substantially equal pitch. The products are preferably adjacent, side-by-side, and in contact, i.e., an upstream product contacts an adjacent downstream product. This contact ensures that the products are correctly removed and sequentially inserted into the collector housing, especially for products with unusual shapes, i.e., irregular or asymmetrical shapes, or rectangular products, such as rectangular bottles.

[0017] This product grouping occurs during transport along a supply conveyor that moves at a constant speed during the sorting process, ensuring the release of a specific number of products at given intervals. This sorting is carried out along a channel, which, for example, includes two sidewalls extending vertically above the supply conveyor and parallel to the longitudinal direction. These sidewalls then contact the respective opposite sides of the products and serve as guides.

[0018] To this end, known solutions involve two lateral surfaces that are driven synchronously along the longitudinal direction to accompany the product movement and command the supply of multiple products corresponding to the group to be transferred. More precisely, the speeds of the two lateral surfaces are controlled in a variable manner, meaning that during a cycle of conveying one or more products from the same group to the transfer module, the lateral surfaces are stationary or move at a low initial speed (below the speed of the supply conveyor), causing the products to decelerate until they stop moving forward. The surfaces are then accelerated approximately to the conveyor speed, or even higher, to release and convey one or more products at the exit. The lateral surfaces then decelerate, possibly until they come to a standstill, and then accelerate again to release the next one or more products with specific intervals between them (i.e., intervals depending on the collector pitch). When the required number of products have been delivered to the transfer module, the surfaces decelerate to the initial low speed to begin a new cycle.

[0019] While such a sequencer enables the delivery of a predetermined number of products to the transfer module at a specific rate, the continuous acceleration and deceleration of the sequence creates gaps between upstream products. These gaps disrupt the single-line continuity required to deliver a specific number of products as regularly as possible. Gaps that are too large can lead to product loss, preventing batch formation downstream.

[0020] Another related drawback is that upstream products can move and orient themselves differently along the supply conveyor, or even move laterally relative to each other, either longitudinally or laterally. In short, products are no longer aligned and rotate on their own, which is especially problematic for irregularly shaped products, such as irregular or asymmetrical parts. Then, products at the inlet are prone to colliding with the lateral guide surfaces, again causing unnecessary gaps between products and even leading to products falling off. Summary of the Invention

[0021] The purpose of this application is to mitigate the shortcomings of the prior art by proposing to group products upstream in the lateral transfer process, thereby ensuring the continuity of a single column of products with a fixed spacing, preferably with the products in contact with each other. In other words, the product grouping device enables the filling of unwanted gaps between products.

[0022] In summary, the grouping according to this application enables products to be aligned, particularly for specific products with irregular or asymmetrical shapes.

[0023] Therefore, this application relates to a product grouping device, which includes: i) At least one supply conveyor for conveying products in a single column in the upstream to downstream longitudinal direction from the inlet to the outlet of the product grouping equipment; ii) A downstream module for sorting the products toward the outlet, including: - A device for guiding the product along the conveyor in the single column to the outlet; - A device for sorting a specific number of products at an interval at the exit.

[0024] This product grouping equipment is characterized by including: iii) An upstream module for guiding the product from the inlet to the downstream sorting module, the upstream module including at least one upstream conveyor having a pair of upstream surfaces extending on both sides of the conveyor, and the upstream surfaces of the upstream module being movable from a retracted position to a closer position and from a closer position to a retracted position. - In a closer position, the upstream surface is parallel and spaced in the longitudinal direction, thereby supporting the periphery of the product conveyed by the supply conveyor, and the upstream surface is aligned with the guide device (7); At the retracted position, the upstream surface moves apart relative to the closer position.

[0025] According to an additional non-limiting feature of this application, the upstream surface is capable of moving from a closer position to a retracted position, and from a closer position to a retracted position.

[0026] In one embodiment, the upstream surface takes the form of at least one conveyor belt.

[0027] In one embodiment, the guiding device and the sorting device take the form of at least one pair of downstream transmitters, which drive in the upstream to downstream direction.

[0028] In one embodiment, the upstream surface takes the form of at least one pair of upstream transmitters that are driven in an upstream-to-downstream direction, and the downstream transmitter and the upstream transmitter are independent.

[0029] This application also relates to an apparatus for lateral transfer of products, the apparatus including the product grouping device.

[0030] Therefore, this device for lateral transfer includes: The conveying surface, at the downstream end of the device, is driven in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; A module for laterally transferring the product includes at least one component for continuously transferring the product in the single column.

[0031] The device is characterized in that it includes product grouping equipment at its upstream end.

[0032] In one embodiment of this application, the device comprises the transfer member including at least one collector, the at least one collector comprising a plurality of housings.

[0033] This application also relates to a product grouping method, which includes at least the following steps: -The upstream to downstream longitudinal movement is at a specific speed, and the single-row products are supplied sequentially. - At the downstream end, the product is guided on either side of a channel with a predetermined width until the outlet, wherein the predetermined width preferably corresponds to the width of the product; - At the exit, the products are sorted by conveying a specific number of products released at at least one interval.

[0034] The characteristic of this method is: -Upstream, upstream guidance begins at the inlet; The upstream guide intermittently and periodically causes contact with the support of the product, thereby accelerating or decelerating the product to maintain a continuous single-row arrangement of the product.

[0035] Based on the additional non-restrictive features, this grouping method makes: - Upstream guidance is carried out via an upstream surface parallel to the longitudinal direction; The upstream surface moves periodically: -Move from the active position to the retracted position without contacting the product; - Move closer to the active position from the retracted position to create a support contact between the periphery of the product and the upstream lateral surface.

[0036] In one implementation, retractable upstream guidance is achieved by controlling the lateral movement of the upstream surface.

[0037] In one embodiment, the grouping method causes the period of moving the upstream surface of the transmitter to be controlled according to the instruction moving speed of the product.

[0038] In one embodiment, the grouping method causes the upstream surfaces to be laterally spaced apart by a width determined according to the format of the product at closer locations. The product is aligned during the approach movement of the upstream surfaces.

[0039] In one embodiment, the grouping method causes a specific number of the products released from the interval downstream of the outlet to be continuously transferred laterally to each group of products, the lateral transfer being carried out in a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment of the application, given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view schematically illustrates one embodiment of the product grouping device, specifically showing two modules: an upstream guiding module and a downstream guiding module; Figure 2 A simplified perspective view schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of a product grouping device in a lateral transfer station, particularly showing the mobility of the lateral surfaces of the upstream and downstream guide modules; Figure 3 A simplified top view of one embodiment of a product grouping device is schematically shown, with the downstream module in the form of a channel and a sorter at the outlet and inlet, and the independent upstream module in a closer position, the upstream surface in the form of a motorized belt that can be contracted by lateral movement through translation. Figure 4 A simplified top view schematically illustrates another embodiment of a product grouping device with a downstream module, wherein the guiding and sorting device is formed by a pair of downstream strips; Figure 5 A simplified top view schematically illustrates another embodiment of a product grouping device with an independent upstream module and an upstream lateral surface, wherein the independent upstream module is in a retracted position and the upstream lateral surface can be retracted by rotation; Figure 6 A simplified top view schematically illustrates another embodiment of a product grouping device including a downstream module and an upstream module, the downstream module and the upstream module having a common lateral surface in the form of a conveyor belt, wherein a portion of the upstream surface is rotated to a retracted position. Figure 7 A simplified top view of another embodiment of the product grouping device is schematically shown, in which the downstream module is in the form of a stand-alone "clamping conveyor" type conveyor, which includes a chain on which lugs for holding the products are mounted. Figure 8 A simplified top view of an example of a preferred embodiment of a product grouping device is shown schematically, wherein the products are in the form of rectangular containers, and the upstream spacing between two products is particularly shown in the device for a single-row lateral transfer of four products. Figure 9 It schematically shows the relationship with Figure 8A similar view shows the upstream gap during upstream lateral surface translation, releasing product to fill the gap, while the product is fixed downstream; Figure 10 A top view schematically illustrates another embodiment of a product grouping device for rectangular products, which employs a means of laterally conveying two columns of products via a suitable collector. Figure 11 It schematically shows the relationship with Figure 10 A similar view shows the upstream gap during upstream lateral surface translation, releasing product to fill the gap, while the product is fixed downstream; Figure 12 A top view schematically illustrates another embodiment of the product grouping device, wherein the upstream module is in a retracted position, and in particular, the figure shows misaligned products at the inlet; and Figure 13 It schematically shows the relationship with Figure 12 A similar view, where the upstream lateral surfaces are closer together, particularly highlights the alignment of the product. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This application relates to the delivery of product 1.

[0042] As previously stated, this product 1 can be a container, with non-limiting examples including bottles, jars, vials, or cartons. Such containers are designed to hold fluids, liquids, powders, or granules, particularly agri-food or cosmetic types. The above list is not exhaustive.

[0043] These products 1 can be made of any type of material, such as metal or glass, but are preferably made of plastic-based materials, particularly those based on polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), which provides the flexibility to make the product 1 semi-rigid.

[0044] Such a product 1 can have any type of shape, such as symmetrical or asymmetrical, regular or irregular. Each product 1 can have a circular or elliptical overall shape with a circular portion, or a polygonal portion, particularly a rectangular or square portion.

[0045] Product 1 is transported in the longitudinal direction X from upstream to downstream. Furthermore, the upstream transport involves a single-row product, i.e., a single row of product 1 aligned in the longitudinal direction X. In other words, product 1 is supplied sequentially to one another. The single-row product 1 is supplied continuously, meaning there are no interruptions, spaces, gaps, or gaps between two products 1 exceeding a certain distance (e.g., a distance greater than the product width or half the cross-sectional diameter of product 1).

[0046] In short, in a single column, there is an equal or approximately equal spacing between two consecutive products 1.

[0047] The products 1 in the single column are preferably adjacent or side by side, that is, the wall on the downstream side of the upstream product 1 contacts the wall on the upstream side of the adjacent downstream product 1. In this case, there is no distance between the two consecutive products 1.

[0048] More specifically, this application aims to group the product 1, that is, to arrange the product 1 in a single column into a group that includes a specific number of product 1. Such a group typically includes a matrix arrangement of the product 1, i.e., at least one row, preferably multiple columns and multiple rows (i.e., multiple rows of individual product 1 in the case of a single column).

[0049] This grouping of product 1 is achieved through dedicated product grouping equipment 2.

[0050] According to this application, the device 2 for grouping products 1 firstly includes at least one supply conveyor 3, which transports products 1 in a single column in the longitudinal upstream to downstream direction X.

[0051] Multiple supply conveyors 3 can be continuously arranged along the product grouping device 2. Each supply conveyor 3 can be of any type, but preferably in the form of at least one conveyor belt.

[0052] The supply conveyor 3 extends from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5 along the product grouping equipment 2.

[0053] Furthermore, the supply conveyor 3 is driven at a specific speed. The speed of the supply conveyor 3 is preferably constant, that is, it has a specific value specifically related to the production quantity or format of the products 1 to be processed. In principle, this supply speed does not change during the production process, except for the initial acceleration and deceleration when starting and stopping the product grouping equipment 2.

[0054] Therefore, the supply conveyor 3 is capable of conveying product 1 with at least its bottom located on the upper surface of the supply conveyor 3.

[0055] Product grouping device 2 includes a downstream module 6 for sorting products 1 toward outlet 5. The downstream module 6 sorts the products 1, i.e., it conveys a specific number of products 1 from a single column transported by supply conveyor 3 at outlet 5 of product grouping device 2. To this end, the downstream module 6 first includes a guiding device 7 for guiding the single column of products 1 along the supply conveyor 3 to outlet 5. The guiding device 7 forms a channel along which the products 1 transported by supply conveyor 3 advance, maintaining the single-column flow arrangement along product grouping device 2.

[0056] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of this application shown, the guide device 7 includes at least two vertical walls 70 parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[0057] In addition, the walls 70 are spaced at adjustable intervals, which are determined by the shape and size of the product 1, particularly by the diameter or width of the product 1. Thus, the walls 70 laterally frame the product 1 on the left and right sides.

[0058] The wall 70 can be of any type, in the form of a fixed plate against which the perimeter of product 1 slides, or equipped with bearings or free-rotating rollers to allow the perimeter of product 1 in contact with the bearings or free-rotating rollers to roll.

[0059] In another possible implementation, the guide device 7 includes a pair of downstream conveyors 71. Like the wall 70, the pair of conveyors 71 form a channel that frames the product 1 on each side, that is, around the right and left sides as the product 1 moves forward.

[0060] Additionally, each pair of downstream conveyors 71 has a surface that is driven along the longitudinal direction X. Therefore, these surfaces accompany the product 1 when the conveyor 3 is supplying the product 1, or even restrict the movement of the product 1 according to the speed at which the product 1 is moving forward.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the downstream conveyor 71 may abut against the periphery of the product 1. Therefore, the product 1 is surrounded, and its speed can be accelerated or decelerated depending on the speed of the downstream conveyor 71. Indeed, if the speed of the downstream conveyor 71 is higher than the speed of the supply conveyor 3, the product 1 accelerates. If the speed of the downstream conveyor 71 is lower than the speed of the supply conveyor 3, the product 1 decelerates by rubbing against the surface of the supply conveyor 3, or even stops.

[0062] These downstream conveyors 71 can be of any type, preferably conveyor belts, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown. In these embodiments, the conveyor belt is the belt portion on the path of the downstream conveyor 71 that accompanies the product 1 and operates by adjusting its conveying speed.

[0063] Note that the surface of the downstream conveyor 71 that comes into contact with product 1 may have adhesion characteristics determined according to product 1 to be processed. For example, the outer surface of the downstream conveyor 71 may have a polyurethane (PU) based coating.

[0064] exist Figure 6 In another possible configuration shown, the downstream conveyor 71 may take the form of a chain with lugs mounted on it for holding the product 1; the lugs then act as fingers to hold each of the products 1 located between the downstream conveyors 71.

[0065] Note that this downstream conveyor 71 can be of the "clamping" type, and the support contact with the "clamping" type downstream conveyor generates sufficient force to press the products 1 together and hold the products on the corresponding opposite side of the guide device 7.

[0066] The downstream module 6 includes a sorting device 8 for sorting a specific number of products 1 at at least one interval at the outlet 5. In other words, the sorting device 8 allows a specific number of products 1 to be conveyed at the outlet 5. Specifically, the sorting device 8 determines whether to convey products 1 to the outlet of the product grouping device 2, or to temporarily stop conveying products 1 in the downstream module 6, and also determines the number of products 1 released (one at a time or several at a time), as well as the intervals and throughput between products 1 conveyed downstream.

[0067] This sorting device 8 can be of any type.

[0068] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the sorting device 8 may include an adjoining portion that can move from a position where the product 1 is fixed at the outlet 5 (or even along the downstream module 6) to a retracted position that allows free passage and free flow of the product 1, particularly through the outlet 5 or along the channel.

[0069] In a corresponding embodiment, the sorting device 8 is formed from at least a portion of the downstream conveyor 71. In other words, the guiding device 7 and the sorting device 8 take at least the form of the pair of downstream conveyors 71.

[0070] Specifically, in some embodiments, as described above, the products 1 at the exit are then sorted by changing the speed of the downstream conveyor 71, causing closer products 1 to slow down or even stop, thereby blocking the supply at the exit 5. In other words, along the downstream module 6, the products 1 are clamped by the downstream conveyor 71, which causes the products to slide on the surface of the supply conveyor 3 when the speed of the downstream conveyor 71 is less than the speed of the supply conveyor 3. Then, in order to convey the products 1, the speed of the downstream conveyor 71 is increased to the speed of the supply conveyor 3 (or possibly even to a higher speed). Therefore, by adjusting the speed of the downstream conveyor 71, the number of products 1 conveyed at the exit and the spacing between products can be precisely controlled.

[0071] The problem with the discontinuous delivery of product 1 by downstream module 6 is maintaining the upstream single-column product 1 one after another, ideally adjacent to each other. In other words, it is necessary to maintain the pitch pattern of the single column as much as possible, that is, to maintain the distance 1 between two consecutive products. If products 1 are in contact with each other, this pitch can be reduced to the size of product 1.

[0072] When sorting product 1, the continuous acceleration increases the distance between products 1 and creates gaps between upstream products 1.

[0073] To address this problem, the product grouping device 2 advantageously includes an upstream module 9 for guiding the products 1. This upstream module 9 extends from the inlet 4 to the downstream sorting module 8. In other words, the upstream module 9 is located between the inlet 4 and the downstream sorting module 8. Preferably, the upstream module 9 is adjacent to the downstream module 8.

[0074] Additionally, the upstream module 9 includes at least one upstream conveyor 90, which has a pair of upstream surfaces extending on both sides of the supply conveyor 3. Preferably, the upstream module 9 includes two upstream conveyors 90, one on each side of the supply conveyor 3.

[0075] Each upstream conveyor 90 can be of any type. The upstream surface is preferably in the form of at least one conveyor belt. The belt portion on the forward path then corresponds to the upstream surface of the upstream conveyor 90, thus framing the product 1 on both sides, i.e., on the left and right sides of the product grouping device 2.

[0076] Note that the upstream surface of each upstream conveyor 90 in contact with product 1 may have adhesion properties. Any coating capable of achieving adhesion properties can be used. In particular, the choice of coating is determined based on the product 1 to be processed. For example, the outer surface of the upstream conveyor 90 may include a polyurethane (PU)-based coating. Additionally, in closer proximity, these upstream surfaces are aligned with the guide device 7, thereby allowing product 1 to extend along its path of movement.

[0077] Additionally, the upstream surface is driven in an upstream-to-downstream movement direction parallel to the longitudinal direction X. Furthermore, the velocity of the upstream surface can be variable, either constant during production (i.e., except during start-up or shutdown) or variable throughout the production process.

[0078] The upstream surface of the upstream module 9 is advantageously movable from the retracted position to a closer position, and from the closer position to the retracted position.

[0079] At a closer location, the upstream surface extends at specific intervals parallel to the longitudinal direction X to abut against the periphery of the product 1 conveyed by the supply conveyor 3.

[0080] Depending on the speed of the upstream conveyor 90, this contact can slow down or speed up product 1, or even enable product 1 to move forward through conveyor 3 at the same conveying speed.

[0081] In addition, at a closer position, the upstream surface is perfectly aligned with the channel formed by the guide device 7 of the downstream module 6.

[0082] Additionally, in the retracted position, the upstream surface moves away from the closer position. In other words, the upstream surface is laterally spaced by a distance larger than the size of product 1, such as the diameter of product 1, and particularly the maximum cross-section of product 1, to ensure that product 1 is no longer in contact with the upstream surface and can be freely advanced by the supply conveyor 3.

[0083] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream surface is capable of moving from a closer position to a retracted position, and from a retracted position to a closer position. In other words, the upstream surface moves laterally along the Y direction, which is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X.

[0084] exist Figure 5 In another embodiment shown, the upstream surface of the upstream conveyor 90 can be rotated from a closer position to a retracted position, and from a retracted position to a closer position. Furthermore, in the retracted position, the upstream surface converges relative to the longitudinal direction X in the upstream-to-downstream direction. In other words, the upstream end of the upstream surface moves apart, and the upstream surface tilts, thereby forming a closer funnel leading out from the inlet 4.

[0085] In some implementations, the upstream surface takes the form of at least one pair of upstream conveyors. Additionally, in a possible variation, the downstream conveyor 71 and the upstream conveyor 90 are independent; that is, the conveying speeds of the downstream conveyor 71 and the upstream conveyor 90 can be adjusted independently. This configuration is specifically as follows... Figures 1 to 5 As shown.

[0086] In a corresponding embodiment, where the upstream surface can be retracted by rotation, the downstream conveyor 71 and the upstream conveyor 90 include at least one common conveyor belt extending from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5. The conveyor belts preferably extend on each of the left and right sides. This configuration is specifically... Figure 6 As can be seen in the text.

[0087] Specifically, each common conveyor includes an idler wheel and / or drive roller for pivoting the upstream surface of the upstream conveyor 90 between the downstream module 6 and the upstream module 9.

[0088] Therefore, as it moves toward the retracted position, the upstream surface of the upstream conveyor 90 allows the product 1 to advance at the speed of the supply conveyor 3 to compensate for the upstream gap formed during the downstream release when the product 1 is still held and during the periodic acceleration and deceleration of the downstream module 6.

[0089] Note that the contraction can be triggered based on the rate at which product 1 is released at outlet 5, where product 1 is released by sorting device 8. In other words, the contraction trigger is then synchronized with the operation of sorting device 8.

[0090] In some implementations, the upstream module 9 performs a cycle of moving the upstream surface between a recessed position and a closer position. Starting from the closer position, the movement cycle sequentially includes: The duration d1 of moving from the closer position to the retracted position; The contraction duration d2 corresponds to the contraction position; The duration d3 of moving from the retracted position to the closer position; and The guidance duration d4, corresponding to the closer position, continues until a new motion cycle is triggered.

[0091] In particular, Figure 8 and Figure 9 The example shows the movement cycle.

[0092] Figure 8 An embodiment is shown where the upstream surface of the upstream conveyor 90 is in a closer position. Product 1 has been conveyed to outlet 5 and received in the housing of transfer member 103. Two more products 1 have been conveyed to outlet 5 at intervals. A fourth product is temporarily slowed down or stopped at outlet 5 to be conveyed at the stated intervals. Additionally, it can be seen that an upstream gap has been formed between the two products 1. This deceleration or stopping at outlet 5 is schematically indicated by an arrow with the arrival end marked by a horizontal line.

[0093] The movement of the collector is schematically represented by an arrow with a departing end marked by a horizontal line.

[0094] Figure 9 The diagram shows that after a certain number of products 1 have been transported to the collector of the transfer member 103, the process stops at the outlet 5. On the one hand, the duration of the stop at the outlet 5 allows time for the next collector to be positioned to receive future products 1; on the other hand, it allows the upstream surface of the conveyor 90 to move from a closer position to a retracted position in order to fill the upstream gap formed between the two products 1.

[0095] Figure 10 It shows the relationship with Figure 8 In a similar implementation, two products 1 are received in the same housing of the collector of the transfer member 103.

[0096] Figure 11 It shows the relationship with Figure 9 In a similar implementation, the upstream surface of the conveyor 90 moves from a closer position to a retracted position to accelerate product 1 in a way that fills the gap between the two products 1.

[0097] In some implementations, the operator monitors the triggered retraction via a dedicated interface of the product grouping device 2. Additionally, this interface enables monitoring of various elements and components of the product grouping device 2, particularly the speed of the conveyor and belt.

[0098] Therefore, in some embodiments, the product grouping device 2 includes a control unit, which is equipped with a memory for storing digital data, in the form of a client or a local server, particularly a standalone server.

[0099] The interface detects the gaps formed between products 1 by sensors arranged along the path of product 1, and can automatically control the triggering of the retraction of the upstream surface of the upstream conveyor 90.

[0100] In some implementations, the operator configures information related to the movement cycle in the control unit, particularly the values ​​of durations d1 to d4.

[0101] In one variant, the control unit automatically determines the movement cycle, for example, based on the product to be processed 1, the production line output, information collected by sensors, and the configuration of the group of products 1 to be conveyed at exit 5. For instance, the movement cycle is controlled based on the rate at which products 1 are released at exit 5 via the sorting device 8.

[0102] The sensor can be any type of sensor that measures the time it takes for product 1 to pass through within its detection radius, measures the time interval between two products 1 passing through, measures the distance between two consecutive products 1, or measures the speed of one or more products 1.

[0103] The control unit advantageously includes a human-machine interface. For example, the operator of the packaging line can input various setpoints through the control unit, such as the nominal speed of the supply conveyor 3, the category of the product 1 to be processed, and information related to the quantity of product 1 to be sent to the transfer module.

[0104] Specifically, the category of Product 1 is defined by its nature, such as bottled containers, small bottles, cans, carton-type containers, etc. It can also be defined based on the material of Product 1 (glass, PET, cardboard) or its shape or weight.

[0105] According to one possible additional feature, the operator can input instructions related to the sorting device 8 in the control unit, such as the quantity of product 1 to be conveyed at a given interval.

[0106] In some implementations, the control unit generates speed commands in the form of speed setpoints, which are defined as the number of products 1 conveyed by the sorting device 8 to the outlet 3. These speed setpoints corresponding to the sorting cycle can be stored in the control unit's memory.

[0107] According to a possible additional feature, the speed corresponding to the sorting cycle is synchronized with the movement cycle of the upstream surface of the upstream conveyor 90.

[0108] In some embodiments, the operator inputs instructions regarding the pitch of product 1 to be conveyed at outlet 5. The control unit advantageously processes information transmitted by various sensors via a communication network and triggers movement of the upstream lateral surface 90 to bring them closer together so that, if a difference is detected, the continuous spacing between products 1 can be re-established. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because if no difference is detected, the upstream lateral surface 90 can be held in the retracted position.

[0109] In relevant ways, such as Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the product grouping device 2 may include a structure 10 supporting various elements and components. This structure 10 serves as a base for the device 2, and in particular has multiple legs 11 located on the floor. The structure 10 includes one or more frames having vertical and horizontal members, on which modules 6, 9 are mounted.

[0110] Specifically, structure 10 may include a gantry 12 on which at least the upstream module 9 is mounted. Such a gantry 12 extends above the height of the supply conveyor 3, supporting the upstream module 9 and its upstream conveyor 90 at least above the surface of the supply conveyor 3. The gantry 12 also supports devices for driving the upstream conveyor 90 and devices responsible for moving the upstream conveyor 90 to move it apart and closer together.

[0111] Note that the device that ensures the mobility of the upstream transmitter 90 can be of any type, particularly in the form of a drive belt, an electric or pneumatic actuator, or a linear motor.

[0112] Additionally, the system driving the upstream transmitter 90 can be located on the moving part of the rack 12, while the system driving the downstream transmitter 71 is rigidly attached to the fixed part of the rack.

[0113] This application also relates to an apparatus 100 for lateral transfer of product 1.

[0114] Such a device 100 enables the product 1 to be transported at the outlet 5 in different directions Y, preferably orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X.

[0115] Therefore, the device 100 includes, at its upstream end, a product grouping device 2 as described in this application, and various embodiments of the product grouping device 2 are as described above.

[0116] Additionally, the device 100 includes a downstream conveying surface 101 along a direction Y orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X.

[0117] Such a conveying surface 101 can be of any type, in the form of a conveyor, preferably a conveyor belt or roller conveyor, or in the form of an additive surface, a fixed plate or a rigid plate.

[0118] Additionally, in some embodiments, the conveying surface 101 enables the transport of groups of products 1 released at the outlet 5 of the grouping unit to appropriate processing stations, particularly packaging stations.

[0119] The device 100 also includes a module 102 for laterally transferring the product 1. Additionally, this module 102 includes at least one component 103 for continuously transferring each of the products 1 in the single column.

[0120] Specifically, each component 103 enables a specific number of products 1 transported by the product grouping device 2, particularly the sorting device 8, to move to form a batch, wherein the specific number is the number of products 1 corresponding to the group.

[0121] The transfer module 102 preferably includes a plurality of components 103, which are driven to ensure a continuous rate of receiving the product 1 delivered at the outlet 5.

[0122] exist Figures 2 to 7 In one embodiment shown, component 103 is transferred only via transfer surface 101, but may be transferred via other related elements such as a guide channel or rail for product 1.

[0123] In another embodiment, lateral transfer can be achieved by maintaining the periphery or upper distal part of product 1, for example, the neck in the case of a bottle-shaped container.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the transfer member 103 includes at least one collector having multiple housings. Each housing is used to receive one or more products 1. Figure 8 and Figure 9 A collector is shown, wherein the dimensions of the housing are determined to receive only one product 1, while Figure 10 A collector is shown in which each housing can receive two products 1.

[0125] In addition, each collector can receive all specific quantities of product 1 delivered at outlet 5, i.e., each group, or can receive multiple groups of product 1, or multiple collectors can receive the same group of products divided among them.

[0126] It should be noted that the operation and movement of one or more transfer components 103 can be achieved in any way, such as a multi-axis robotic arm.

[0127] In some implementations, the control unit may send instructions to the transfer module 102 to coordinate the acquisition of product 1 with the product grouping device 2.

[0128] This application also relates to a method for grouping product 1.

[0129] In some implementations, this grouping method is designed to employ the product grouping device 2 as described above.

[0130] In some embodiments, this grouping method is used to implement the apparatus 100 as described above.

[0131] The grouping method includes at least the following steps: First, a continuous column of product 1 is supplied sequentially at a specific speed. Second, product 1 is supplied during upstream-to-downstream longitudinal movement in the X direction.

[0132] Downstream, for example, to outlet 5, product 1 is guided on either side of a channel of a predetermined width, the predetermined width preferably corresponding to the width of product 1.

[0133] Then, the products 1 are sorted by delivering a specific number of products 1 at at least one interval. In other words, products 1 in a single column are released by one, two, or more numbers, thus forming one or more rows (or even a row containing only one product 1). The rows are spaced apart by the said interval, such that they form one or more columns of products 1 by continuous offset during lateral transfer, thereby forming groups to form batch b for downstream processing.

[0134] Grouping methods advantageously include, for example, intermittent upstream guidance from entry 4 by periodically carrying product 1 to accelerate or decelerate product 1 in a continuous single-line manner.

[0135] In other words, upstream guidance allows contact with product 1 for a given period of time, then releases that contact during that period, and then returns to contacting product 1. Then, in the absence of contact for a given period of time, product 1 circulates at a specific supply rate.

[0136] Depending on the environment, the upstream guiding speed, and possibly during contact (i.e., with one or more electric transmitters), within the given time period: If the supply rate is equal to or substantially equal to the upstream lead rate, product 1 may maintain the same supply rate; If the supply rate is less than the upstream lead rate (i.e., the upstream lead rate is greater than the supply rate), then product 1 may accelerate; If the upstream guidance speed is less than the supply speed (i.e., the supply speed is greater than the upstream guidance speed), product 1 may slow down.

[0137] The upstream guiding speed is preferably less than the supply speed, so that product 1 slows down upon contact within the given time and accelerates conversely upon release within the given time.

[0138] In some implementations, these steps are advantageously performed by means of a control unit that transmits setpoints to the transmitters 71, 90. The setpoints non-exhaustibly include: speed commands and timing commands that trigger movement closer or further apart; and trigger commands related to detecting gaps or changes in gaps between the products 11.

[0139] Please note that these setting points can be pre-recorded in a dedicated local memory of device 2, or in a global memory, such as the global memory of the monitoring device 100 or the production line unit, or even in a remote server. These setting points can also be calculated in real time based on data transmitted from various sensors installed on said device 2 and / or said device 100.

[0140] In one embodiment, the grouping method enables upstream guidance via a parallel upstream surface extending along the longitudinal direction X. Furthermore, the upstream surface moves periodically to induce intermittent support contact with product 1.

[0141] Specifically, the upstream surface moves from the active closer position to the retracted position without contacting the product 1, and moves from the retracted position to the active closer position, thereby creating a supporting contact between the upstream lateral surface and the periphery of the product 1.

[0142] As described above, in the retracted position, the upstream surface no longer contacts product 1, and product 1 is transported only at the supply speed (particularly by the supply conveyor 3). Depending on the speed, product 1 can preferably be accelerated when it is released from the upstream guide device in this manner.

[0143] In one implementation, the grouping method allows the upstream guiding device to retract and control the lateral movement of the upstream surface.

[0144] In another embodiment, the retractable characteristic of the upstream guiding device is achieved by the rotational movement of the upstream surface and the upstream surface at the retracted position, where the retracted position converges and aligns with the upstream longitudinal direction X and the downstream longitudinal direction X.

[0145] In some implementations, the upstream surface moves during a movement cycle, starting from a closer position: The upstream surface is moved from the closer position to the retracted position for a movement duration d1; The upstream surface is in the retracted position for duration d2; During the movement duration d3, the upstream surface moves from the retracted position to a closer position; and The upstream surface is in a closer position for a duration of d4 until a new movement cycle is triggered.

[0146] In some implementations, the triggering of a new motion cycle is based on a specific cycle, with a predetermined duration d1 to d4.

[0147] In one possible variation, a new motion cycle is triggered after receiving a signal from the control unit, for example, after detecting a gap between two consecutive products 1.

[0148] According to the advantageous additional features, the grouping method allows for the control of the movement cycle, particularly the duration d4 of guidance through contact with the support of said product, based on the control of the moving speed of product 1. This control of the guidance duration d4 can be achieved by a control unit.

[0149] Note that since the supply speed is greater than the speed of the upstream surface, product 1 can be accelerated when it is released and when the upstream surface moves to the retracted position.

[0150] To enable the upstream surfaces of the upstream conveyor 90 to more precisely separate and move closer together to fill the gaps between products 1, the continuous single-row characteristic of the products 1 supplied to the guide device is maintained, and downstream sequencing is prioritized. As described above, the discontinuous downstream release of products 1 through outlet 5 can create an upstream gap.

[0151] Then, by preferably a constant specific supply speed, and appropriately, when the downstream products 1 slow down or remain at a constant speed (especially a speed different from the supply speed), or even when they stop, the upstream surface is separated, so that in the supply section from the inlet 4 to the downstream guide device, the transported product 1 is caught up by the subsequent product 1, especially by braking between the downstream guide devices.

[0152] Therefore, by controlling the separation of the upstream surface, and according to the downstream arrangement of product 1 along the upstream surface portion, product 1 can flow freely to fill the gaps and re-establish a continuous single-line flow.

[0153] In the preferred configuration, the supply speed of the conveyor 3 is constant, while the speed of the upstream surface of the upstream conveyor 90 is less than the supply speed of the conveyor 3, thereby slowing down the forward speed of the product 1 at contact, i.e., when it is pressed together or clamped by the upstream surface. Then, due to the difference between the coefficient of friction and the force applied through the contact, the bottom of the product 1 rubs against the surface of the conveyor 3.

[0154] It should be noted that the coefficient of friction, or static friction coefficient, or adhesion coefficient, hereinafter referred to as "COF (coefficient of friction)," is usually defined as the value of two surfaces, typically made of different materials, sliding against each other. A low COF indicates low adhesion between the item and the conveyor belt surface, which is the conveyor belt surface 3.

[0155] In addition, this support contact is more effective for semi-rigid products 1, i.e. products made of plastic materials, whose flexibility due to the elasticity of the material allows sufficient clamping pressure to be applied to slow down or fix product 1 without the risk of damaging product 1.

[0156] The speed of the upstream surface of the upstream conveyor 90 can also be controlled to accelerate or decelerate when pressing the products 1 together or even when spacing the products 1. In particular, this speed control makes the application more flexible in terms of contact between the upstream surface and the products 1 when pressing the products 1 together, and also limits the risk of imbalance or change in the orientation or alignment of the products 1, especially through the unit used to control acceleration and deceleration.

[0157] One implementation of the grouping method involves the upstream surfaces being laterally spaced by a specific width, according to the format of product 1, at closer positions. Therefore, as the upstream surfaces move closer, product 1 aligns. In other words, by moving the upstream surfaces closer, any misaligned product 1 is pushed back to the center, thus achieving perfect alignment with the downstream channel.

[0158] Additionally, during this alignment process, product 1 can be adjusted or reoriented by opening product 1 itself.

[0159] An example of this alignment is as follows Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown.

[0160] One implementation of the grouping method involves lateral transfer continuously applied to each group of products 1 in the specific number of products 1 released at the intervals downstream of outlet 5. Furthermore, the lateral transfer occurs in the lateral Y direction, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X.

[0161] This lateral transfer can take any form, but is preferably as described above.

Claims

1. A device (2) for grouping products (1), comprising: i) at least one supply conveyor (3) for conveying the product (1) in a single column from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5) of the product grouping device (2) in the longitudinal direction (X) from upstream to downstream; ii) Downstream module (6), for sorting the product (1) toward the outlet (5), including: -A device (7) that guides the product (1) along the supply conveyor (3) to the outlet (5) in the single column. -A device (8) for sorting a specific number of products (1) released at at least one interval at the outlet (5); The product grouping device (2) is characterized in that it includes: iii) An upstream module (9) for guiding the product (1) from the inlet (4) to the downstream sorting module (6), the upstream module (9) including at least one upstream conveyor (90) having a pair of upstream surfaces extending on both sides of the supply conveyor (3), and the upstream surfaces of the upstream module (9) being movable from a retracted position to a closer position, and being movable from the closer position to the retracted position; - At the closer position, the upstream surfaces extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (X) and are spaced apart to be able to support the periphery of the product (1) conveyed by the supply conveyor (3), the upstream surfaces being aligned with the guide device (7); - At the retracted position, the upstream surface moves apart relative to the closer position.

2. The product grouping device (2) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that, The upstream surface is capable of moving from the closer position to the retracted position, and is also capable of moving from the retracted position to the closer position.

3. The product grouping device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The upstream surface takes the form of at least one conveyor belt.

4. The product grouping device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The guiding device (7) and the sorting device (8) take the form of at least a pair of downstream transmitters driven in the upstream to downstream direction.

5. The product grouping device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, -The upstream surface takes the form of at least one pair of upstream transmitters (90) driven in the upstream to downstream direction; - The downstream transmitter (71) and the upstream transmitter (90) are independent.

6. An apparatus (100) for laterally transferring a product (1), comprising: The conveying surface (101) is driven in a direction (Y) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X); The module (102) for laterally transferring the product (1) includes at least one component (103) for transferring the product (1) in a single column. The device (100) is characterized in that: On the upstream side of the device (100), the device (100) includes a product grouping device (2) as described in any of the preceding claims.

7. The lateral transfer device (100) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that, The transfer member (103) includes at least one collector having multiple housings.

8. A method for grouping products (1), characterized in that, At least the following steps are included: The products are supplied sequentially in a single row at a specific speed in the longitudinal direction (X) from upstream to downstream (1). The product (1) is guided from top to bottom on both sides in a channel of predetermined width until it reaches the outlet (5), wherein the predetermined width preferably corresponds to the width of the product (1); At the outlet (5), the products (1) are sorted by transporting a specific number of products (1) at at least one interval; The method is characterized by: Guide upstream from the entrance (4); The upstream guide intermittently and periodically causes support contact with the product (1), thereby accelerating or decelerating the product (1) to maintain the continuous single-row arrangement of the product (1).

9. The grouping method according to the preceding claims, characterized in that: The upstream guidance is carried out through an upstream surface parallel to the longitudinal direction (X); The upstream surface moves periodically: Move from the active position to the retracted position without contacting the product (1); The product (1) moves from the retracted position to the active position, thereby creating a support contact between the periphery of the product (1) and the upstream lateral surface.

10. The grouping method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that, Scalable upstream guidance is achieved by controlling the lateral movement of the upstream surface.

11. The grouping method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The period of the upstream surface of the mobile transmitter (90) is controlled according to the indicated moving speed of the product (1).

12. The grouping method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, At a closer location, the upstream surfaces are laterally spaced by a width determined according to the format of the product (1); The product (1) aligns as it moves closer to the upstream surface.

13. The grouping method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, Downstream of the outlet (5), a continuous lateral transfer is performed from each group of products (1) of a specific number of products (1) released at the intervals, the lateral transfer being performed in a lateral direction (Y) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X).

Images