Device for feeding and positioning animal semen packaging tubes and treatment system, comprising such a device

Abstract

Packaging tube treatment system (1) for packaging tubes (2) containing a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, comprising a treatment machine (3) of the tubes (2) to perform a treatment step of the tubes (2), a movable carrier (4) configured to transport the tubes (2) to the treatment machine (3), and a feeding and positioning device (5) for such tubes (2) on the movable carrier (4), wherein the feeding and positioning device (5) and the movable carrier (4) are configured to equip the treatment system (1) of the tubes (2), wherein the feeding and positioning device (5) is mounted on a frame (6) of the treatment system (1), and wherein the feeding and positioning device (5) comprises a feed hopper (20) having an interior (21) configured to receive a plurality of tubes (2), and an outlet trough (22).comprising an inlet opening (23) opening into the interior (21) of the feed hopper (20) and an outlet opening (24) configured to face the movable support (4), a singulation system (25) comprising a movable part (26) configured to make contact with the tubes (2) and to set them in motion within the interior (21) of the feed hopper (20); wherein the feed and positioning device (5) is characterized in that the feed hopper (20) comprises an inclined bottom wall (38) made at least partially of electrically conductive material and at least partially delimiting the interior (21), wherein the singulation system (25) further comprises a singulation support (70) and a mechanical connection interface configured to mechanically connect the movable part (26) to the singulation support (70),wherein the movable part (26) and the singulation carrier (70) are at least partially made of electrically conductive material, and wherein the feeding and positioning device (5) further comprises a first electrical connecting element (85) which is directly connected to both the inclined bottom wall (38) of the feeding hopper (20) and to the singulation carrier (70) of the singulation system (25), and a second electrical connecting element (86) which is directly connected to both the movable part (26) and to the singulation carrier (70) of the singulation system (25), wherein the second electrical connecting element (86) is separate from the mechanical connection interface of the singulation system (25).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention generally relates to storing a liquid-based substance containing biological material, in particular animal seeds, in packaging tubes filled with a predetermined dose of such substance.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a device for feeding and positioning such tubes onto a movable carrier of a treatment system for these tubes for a treatment step of these tubes, for example printing, filling and / or welding, as well as a treatment system comprising a tube treatment machine, such a movable carrier and such a feeding and repositioning device. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Animal semen packaging tubes are usually made of a thin plastic tube and a stopper inserted into the thin tube. This stopper is formed from two plugs of a fibrous substance enclosing a powder that, upon contact with a liquid, transforms into a paste or impermeable gel that adheres to the inner wall of the tube, thus sealing the stopper against liquids.

[0004] Treatment plants, and in particular tube filling and welding plants, are known to include a filling and welding machine configured to fill and weld tubes, a movable carrier configured to receive the tubes and transport them to the filling and welding machine, and a device for feeding and positioning the tubes onto the movable carrier.

[0005] Such a system is described, for example, in European patent application EP 1 125 870.

[0006] The filling and welding machine conventionally includes a vacuum pump and filling needles mounted on a carriage, configured to interact with the tubes and ensure their filling.

[0007] The filling and welding machine also includes a welding post configured to weld the ends of the tubes after filling.

[0008] The movable carrier generally consists of conveyor belts, each having a multitude of grooves that form receptacles configured to receive the tubes according to a predetermined orientation.

[0009] The movable carrier is configured to transport the tubes, which are thus housed on the latter, from the feeding and positioning device to the filling needles of the filling and welding machine, then from the filling needles to the welding post for welding the tubes.

[0010] The filling and positioning device includes a stationary feed hopper (supply hopper) that is mounted on a frame of the system and configured to receive a variety of tubes.

[0011] The feed hopper is equipped with an inclined ramp and a vertical chute, and the filling and positioning device also includes a singulation roller (untangling roller) of the tubes and a pallet that allows the tubes to pass from the inclined ramp to the vertical chute, for loading these tubes three at a time into the grooves of the conveyor belts that ensure the transport of the tubes to the filling and welding machine. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention aims to provide a feeding and positioning device for tubes on a movable carrier, which equips a processing plant for such tubes, of a similar type to the one described above, which is more convenient and efficient.

[0013] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a feeding and positioning device for packaging tubes containing a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, in particular animal semen, on a movable carrier for a treatment step of the tubes, wherein the feeding and positioning device and the movable carrier are configured to equip a treatment system for the tubes, which is provided with a treatment machine to carry out the treatment step of the tubes, wherein the feeding and positioning device comprises a feeding hopper having an interior configured to receive a plurality of tubes, an outlet channel comprising an inlet opening that opens into the interior of the feeding hopper and an outlet opening configured to be located opposite the movable carrier, and a singulation (untangling) system comprising a movable part configured toto come into contact with the tubes and set them in motion within the interior of the feed hopper; wherein the feed and positioning device is characterized in that the feed hopper comprises an inclined bottom wall, which is made at least partially of electrically conductive material and at least partially delimits the interior, wherein the singulation system further comprises a support and a mechanical connection interface configured to mechanically connect the moving part to the support, wherein the moving part and the support are made at least partially of electrically conductive material, and wherein the feed and positioning device further comprises a first electrical connection element that is directly connected to both the inclined bottom wall of the feed hopper and the support of the singulation system, as well as a second electrical connection element,which is directly connected to both the moving part and the support of the singulation system, wherein the second electrical connection element is separate from the mechanical connection interface of the singulation system.

[0014] The device according to the invention allows the inclined bottom wall of the feed hopper, the movable part of the singulation system, and the support of the singulation system to be electrically connected to one another via first and second electrical connecting elements. This allows an equipotential connection to be established between these electrically connected elements.

[0015] Since the tubes are formed from a thin plastic tube, since they are in sliding contact with the inclined floor wall, and since they are also in contact with the moving part of the singulation system that shakes them, static electricity can be generated, especially in the area of ​​the inclined floor wall and the moving part of the singulation system.

[0016] Due to the electrical conductivity properties of the inclined floor wall and the movable part of the singulation system, as well as due to the equipotential connection established by the device according to the invention, the latter allows the latter to dissipate static electricity, which is generated particularly in the area of ​​the inclined floor wall and the movable part of the singulation system.

[0017] Thanks to the device according to the invention, the tubes are therefore not at risk of becoming electrostatically charged to such an extent that they cannot enter the outlet channel. The feeding and removal of the tubes on the movable carrier is thus facilitated.

[0018] Furthermore, it should be noted that the feeding and positioning device, and in particular the singulation carrier, are preferably mounted on a frame of the processing plant to which the device is attached. This frame can be connected to a more general equipotential connection, for example, a so-called earth or ground connection, so that the inclined bottom wall of the feeding hopper, the movable part of the singulation system, the carrier of the singulation system, and the first and second electrical connecting elements are connected to this more general equipotential connection.

[0019] According to preferred, simple, convenient and economical features of the device according to the invention: - the first electrical connecting element is formed by a metal blade having a first end section that is firmly attached to the support of the singulation system, a second end section that is elastically stressed against the inclined bottom wall of the feed hopper, and a connecting section that joins the first and second end sections; - the movable part of the singulation system comprises a rotating drive shaft and at least one singulation finger mounted on the drive shaft and driven in rotation by the latter, and the inclined wall of the feed hopper is provided with at least one notch from which the singulation finger projects into the interior; - the second end section of the first electrical connecting element is configured to come into contact with a lower surface of the inclined floor wall; - the device is configured such that the first electrical connecting element extends at least partially around the drive axis of the moving part of the singulation system, with the first and second end sections of the first electrical connecting element extending at least partially opposite each other, and the drive axis is inserted between the first and second end sections; - the singulation system also includes an electric motor mounted on the support of the singulation system and configured to drive the drive shaft of the moving part into rotation; and the moving part also includes at least one bearing mounted on the support of the singulation system and configured to support the drive shaft; - the second electrical connecting element is configured to be in constant sliding contact with the drive shaft of the moving part of the singulation system; - the second electrical connecting element comprises a metallic shaft inserted into a shaft provided in the carrier of the singulation system, an elastic and metallic return element inserted into the shaft, and an electrically conductive consumer element inserted between the drive shaft and the elastic return element and in constant contact with the latter; - the feed hopper also comprises two opposing side walls, a rear wall that joins the two side walls, a front wall opposite the rear wall that also joins the two side walls, with the inclined bottom wall that connects to the side walls and the rear wall, with the interior space that is also at least partially separated from the side walls, the rear wall and the front wall, and with the outlet channel that is formed in the extension of the front wall at one end of the inclined bottom wall; - the feed funnel also includes at least one rib that is arranged on the inclined bottom wall projecting into the interior; - the feed hopper is removable and has positioning jaws, and the feed and positioning device also includes a hopper carrier formed from a plurality of receiving elements configured to interact with the positioning jaws; - the feed hopper is equipped with a movable closure system for the outlet channel, which is located below the inclined bottom wall and has a closure position in which it is configured to at least partially close the outlet opening of the outlet channel when the feed hopper is not positioned on the hopper support, thus preventing the tubes from emptying; and / or - the device also includes a mechanism configured to allow the movable closure system to move from its closure position to an outlet position in which it is configured to be away from the outlet opening of the outlet channel when the feed funnel is positioned on the funnel carrier, thus allowing the tubes to be discharged.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the invention also aims at a treatment plant for packaging tubes containing a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, in particular animal semen, comprising a treatment machine for the tubes, a movable carrier configured to transport the tubes to the treatment machine, and a feeding and positioning device for such tubes on the movable carrier as described above, wherein the feeding and positioning device is mounted on a frame of the plant.

[0021] According to preferred, simple, convenient and economical features of the apparatus according to the invention, the treatment machine is a tube filling and welding machine comprising a pumping mechanism associated with filling needles mounted on a carriage configured to interact with the tubes and ensure their filling, a welding post configured to weld the ends of the tubes after filling, and wherein the movable carrier is formed from conveyor belts, each having a plurality of grooves forming receptacles configured to receive the tubes according to a predetermined orientation when the receptacles are positioned opposite the outlet opening of the discharge trough of the feeding and positioning device. List of characters

[0022] The presentation of the invention will now continue with a detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which are given below for illustrative purposes only and without limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are: - illustrated Fig. 1 schematically in perspective a treatment plant, in particular a filling and welding plant for animal semen packaging tubes, comprising a feeding and positioning device, a movable carrier and a treatment machine; - illustrate the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The feed hopper of the feeding and positioning device is shown separately from two different perspective angles; - illustrated Fig. 4. In perspective, an enlargement of part of the facility. Fig. 1, which does not have a feed funnel for the feeding and positioning device; - illustrated Fig. 5 in top view the magnification that is on Fig. 4 is visible, and - are the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 sectional views labeled VI-VI and VII-VII in Fig. 5, which in particular show the feeding and positioning device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a treatment facility 1 from tubes 2 for packaging a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, in this case animal seeds.

[0024] The treatment facility 1 This is a system for filling and welding the tubes. 2 and includes a treatment machine 3 , here a filling and welding machine for tubes 2, a movable carrier 4 , which is configured to handle the tubes 2 up to the filling and welding machine 3to transport, as well as a feeding and positioning device 5 the tubes 2 on the movable carrier 4 for filling and welding the tubes 2 .

[0025] The treatment machine 3 , the movable carrier 4 and the feeding and positioning device 5 are on a rack 6 the facility 1 assembled.

[0026] The tubes 2Seed tubes used for packaging animal seeds generally extend lengthwise and consist of a thin plastic tube with two free ends and a stopper inserted into the thin tube (not shown). This stopper is formed from two plugs of fibrous material enclosing a powder that, upon contact with a liquid, transforms into a paste or impermeable gel that adheres to an inner wall of the tube, thus sealing the stopper against liquids.

[0027] The filling and welding machine 3 includes a pump mechanism 7 , which is in particular equipped with a vacuum pump, filling nozzles 8 , which are on a first movable carriage 9 are mounted, intake nozzles 10 , which are mounted on a second movable carriage 11 are mounted opposite the first movable carriage 9 is arranged, and an animal semen container12 .

[0028] The filling nozzles 8 and the intake nozzles 10 are configured to work with the tubes 2 to work together and to ensure their fulfillment.

[0029] The filling nozzles 8 and the intake nozzles 10 are on the first and second moving carriages 9 and 11 mounted to run parallel to the length of the tubes 2 to be movable between a forward filling position and a retracted position.

[0030] The filling and welding machine 3 It also includes a welding post. 13 , which is configured to fit the ends of the tubes 2 to weld after filling.

[0031] More precisely, the figure shows 1 tube 2 during the interaction with filling nozzles 8 and intake nozzles 10 .

[0032] Before filling, the stopper of each tube is removed. 2 near one of the ends of the tube of the tube 2 arranged, and it is intended that the animal semen dose contained in the tube 2 It is to be stored in the filled state between the stopper and a second of the ends of the tube, which is further away from the stopper.

[0033] To fill each tube 2 , the first end of the tube is opened thanks to the intake nozzles 10 with the pump mechanism 7 connected, while the second end thanks to the filling nozzle 8 with the container 12 , which carries the seed into the tube of the tubes 2 to be introduced, contains, is associated with.

[0034] The air that was originally between the stopper of the tubes 2and its second end is sucked in through the stopper, while the seed in the tube of the tubes 2 progresses until he encounters its plug.

[0035] The filling nozzle 8 includes a needle 14 (in Fig. 4 visible), which are connected to the container 12 connected via a flexible line (not shown) which is attached to a section of the filling nozzle 8 is connected.

[0036] The intake nozzle 10 includes a needle 16 , which is connected to the pump mechanism 7 connected via a flexible line (not shown) which is attached to an attachment of the intake nozzle. 10 is connected.

[0037] The filling and welding machine 3 also includes clamping devices 15 each of the flexible tubes that allow the fluid connection between the needle 14 and the container 12 and between the needle 16and the pump mechanism 7 to interrupt or to allow.

[0038] It should be noted that the first and second movable carriages 9 and 11 are each equipped with several filling nozzles. 8 and are equipped with 10 suction nozzles to fill multiple tubes 2 to allow it at the same time.

[0039] The clamping organs 15 are configured to simultaneously connect all lines to the filling nozzles. 8 and the intake nozzles 10 are connected, to interrupt or to allow.

[0040] The filling and welding machine 3 also includes solenoid valves 17 , which are configured to use at least one of the intake nozzles 10 to connect by means of the flexible line which connects it to the pumping mechanism 7 connects, is disconnected.

[0041] As soon as the tubes 2In their filled state, they become part of the welding station. 13 They are transported and welded near the second end of the tube, or even near the first end of the tube, and then picked up for refrigerated storage.

[0042] The movable carrier 4 consists of two conveyor belts 18 formed, each of which has a multitude of grooves that record 19 (especially in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 visible) form, which are configured to form the tubes 2 to be recorded according to a predetermined orientation.

[0043] The movable carrier 4 is configured to feed and position the tubes, which are thus housed on the latter, from the feeding and positioning device 5 up to the filling nozzles and suction nozzles 8 and 10 to transport the filling of tubes 2, then from these nozzles to the welding post.13 for welding the tubes 2 .

[0044] The feeding and positioning device 5 includes a feed funnel 20 , which has an interior 21 has, which is configured to handle a variety of tubes 2 to receive, as well as an outlet channel 22 , which has an entrance opening 23 (in the Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 visible) includes, which extends into the interior 21 of the feed funnel 20 empties in, and an exit opening 24 (those in the Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is visible), which is configured to be opposite recordings 19 of the movable carrier 4 to lie down.

[0045] The feeding and positioning device 5 It also includes a singulation system. 25 , which is configured to handle the tubes 2 in the interior 21to set the feed hopper 20 in motion.

[0046] The attachment 1 It also includes a collection container 61 , to the tubes 2 After filling and welding these latter, a control and guidance screen 27, which is connected to a control and guidance unit (not shown) of the plant 1 for the implementation, in particular, of the filling and welding steps of the tubes 2 is connected, as well as a feed and connection housing 28 , which has an interface equipped with a variety of electrical and computer connection ports, in particular with the control and management unit.

[0047] The frame 6 the facility 1 is at least partially covered by trim panels, which here consist in particular of a front panel 29 , two side plates 30 (of which in the Fig. 1 (only one is visible) and a backplate31 consist.

[0048] Now the presiding judge will refer to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described in more detail.

[0049] The feed funnel 20 includes two side walls 35 , which are opposite each other, a back wall 36 , which are attached to the two side walls 35 adds a front wall 37 opposite the back wall 36 , wherein the front wall 37 to the two side walls 35 adds, as well as a sloping floor wall 38 , which adhere to each of the side walls 35 and back wall 36 adds.

[0050] The interior 21 of the feed funnel 20 is at least partially separated from each of the side walls 35 , front wall 37 , back wall 36 and floor wall 38 delimited.

[0051] The sloping floor wall 38is made at least partially of electrically conductive material.

[0052] The side walls 35 , the front wall 37 and the back wall 36 They are also made from electrically conductive material.

[0053] The feed funnel 20 also includes a first flange 41, which extends along the front wall 37 is arranged, as well as a second flange 42 , opposite the first flange 41 under the sloping floor wall 38 is arranged.

[0054] The feed funnel 20 is removable and features positioning claws 51 on each of the side walls 35 are set up above.

[0055] The feeding and positioning device 5 It also includes a funnel carrier consisting of a variety of receiving elements. 52 (those in the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are visible) is formed, which is on a U-shaped base 56 of the frame. 6 are attached to the system and configured to work with the positioning clamps 51 of the feed funnel 20 to work together so that it is positioned in a predetermined position.

[0056] The side walls 35 and the back wall 36 are essentially flat here, while the front wall 37 with a first vertical section 39 and a second section 40, which extends from the first vertical section 39 up to the first flange 41 extends, is provided.

[0057] The second section 40 the front wall 37 has a sloping inner surface 43 up, which leads to the interior 21 is directed, and an exterior surface 44 , which is a slanted section 45 has, which extends from the first vertical section39 extends, and vertical section 46 , which extends from the slanted section 45 up to the first flange 41 extends.

[0058] The sloping floor wall 38 extends from near an upper edge 47 the back wall 36 until a free ending 50 this wall 38 , which are opposite a lower edge 48 the front wall 37 is arranged.

[0059] The open ending 50 the sloping floor wall 38 is above the second flange 42 arranged.

[0060] The outlet channel 22 is formed in the extension of the front wall 37, extending between the first and second flange 41 and 42 , with its entrance opening 23 , located in the area of ​​the free end 50 the inclined floor wall 38 lies and which leads into the interior 21empties, and with its exit opening 24 , which their entrance 23 opposite and intended to counter the recordings 19 of the movable carrier 4 to lie down.

[0061] The feed funnel 20 It also includes several notches. 53 , which are in the sloping floor wall 38 are set up in the area of ​​the free end 50 the sloping floor wall 38 to flow into.

[0062] The feed funnel 20 It also includes several ribs 54 , which are on the sloping floor wall 38 are furnished and in the interior 21 preside.

[0063] These ribs 54 extend across the entire sloping floor wall 38 , from the back wall 36 up to their free end 50 and on both sides along the notches 53 .

[0064] The sloping floor wall 38, the side walls 35 , the back wall 36 and the front wall 37 are also configured to have a lower cavity 49 under the sloping floor wall 38 , the interior 21 to be set up opposite each other.

[0065] The feed funnel 20 It also features a movable locking system 55 the outlet channel 22 provided that is located under the sloping floor wall 38 in the lower cavity 49 is arranged.

[0066] This movable locking system 55 It has a locking position in which it is configured to close the exit opening. 24 the outlet channel 22 to close at least partially if the feeder funnel 20 not on the elements 52 , which form the funnel support, is positioned so that the release of the tubes 2 is prevented.

[0067] The feeding and positioning device 5 It also includes a mechanism configured to operate the movable locking system. 55 to move from its closed position to an outlet position in which it is configured to exit from the outlet opening 24 the outlet channel 22 to be spaced apart when the receiving judge 20 on the elements 52 , which form the funnel support, is positioned so that the release of the tubes 2 is permitted.

[0068] More precisely, the movable locking system includes 55 a pole 62 , which are on each side wall 35 is attached, and two articulated arms 57 in the area of ​​an angled part 58 around the pole 62 ; where each arm 57 with a hook 59 is provided at a first end, which is located in the area of ​​the exit opening 24 the slide 22lies in order to omit the tubes 2 to prevent.

[0069] The movable locking system 55 It also features a spacer 60 (in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 visible) on, the arms 57 by a respective second end that is opposite the respective first end.

[0070] The movable locking system 55 It also features two return springs. 63 up, which around the pole 62 are arranged and the arms 57 to claim in rotation to operate the movable locking system 55 to put it into its locking position.

[0071] The feeding and positioning device 5 It also includes a pestle. 64 , which is mounted on a T-base 65 of the frame 6 the facility 1 is mounted and configured to come into contact with the spacer 60 and therefore the arms57 against return springs 63 to claim in order to allow the movable locking system to move from its locked position to its unlocked position.

[0072] It should be noted that the pestle 64 , the spacer 60 and the pole 62 here form the mechanism that is configured to operate the movable locking system 55 to allow it to transition from its closure position to its outlet position.

[0073] Now the singulation system will be used. 25 more detailed with reference in particular to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described.

[0074] The singulation system 25 is equipped with a movable part 26 which is configured to interact with the tubes 2 to come into contact and set them in motion.

[0075] The singulation system 25 includes a singulation device 70and a mechanical connection interface configured to engage the moving part 26 mechanically with the singulation carrier 70 to connect.

[0076] The moving part 26 and the isolation device 70 are made of electrically conductive material.

[0077] The isolation device 70 includes a first block 71 , which uses screws 72 on the T-base 65 of the frame 6 the facility 1 is attached, as well as a second block 73 , which is from the first block 71 separated and with the help of screws 74 is also attached to the T-base 65.

[0078] The moving part 26 is on the first block 71 It is assembled and includes a rotating drive shaft. 75 and several singulation fingers 76 , which are on the drive axle 75are mounted and are driven into rotation by the latter.

[0079] The singulation system 25 It also includes two warehouses 77 , each located between two singulation fingers 76 are arranged on both sides of the first block 71 are attached and configured to support the rotating drive shaft 75 to wear.

[0080] These camps 77 form the mechanical connection interface that the moving part 26 with the singulation device 70 mechanically connects.

[0081] The isolation fingers 76 Each has a triangular shape with three rounded points 78 on, which are configured to enter the interior 21 of the feed funnel 20 through a respective notch 53 , which are in the sloping floor wall 38 of the funnel 20 is set up to stand in front.

[0082] The moving part 26 also includes a drive pinion 79, which is fixed to the rotating drive shaft 75 is mounted.

[0083] The singulation system 25 It also includes an electric motor. 80 , which leads to the second block 73 of the isolation device 70 mounted and fitted with a second drive pinion 82 is equipped with a configuration to rotate the drive shaft 75 of the moving part 26 via a drive belt 81 to drive it into rotation.

[0084] The feeding and positioning device 5 It also includes a first electrical connecting element. 85 , which directly connects to both the sloping floor wall 38 of the feed funnel 20 as well as with the singulation device 70 is connected, as well as a second electrical connecting element. 86 , which directly affects both the moving part26 as well as with the singulation device 70 is connected.

[0085] As specified above, the second electrical connecting element is 86 from the camps 77 of the singulation system 70 separated and configured to be in constant sliding contact with the drive axis 75 of the moving part 26 of the singulation system 25 to stand.

[0086] More precisely, the second electrical connecting element comprises 86 a metal shaft 87 , which leads into a shaft 88 , which is in the first block 71 of the isolation device 70 is set up, is inserted; an elastic and metallic restoring element 89 , like a spring that goes into the shaft 87 inserted, as well as an electrically conductive consumer device 90 , like a piece of coal, placed between the drive axle 75 and the elastic restoring mechanism 89inserted and in constant contact with these latter.

[0087] The first electrical connection device 85 consists of a metallic blade 91 , which has a first final section 92 exhibits, which is firmly attached to the first block 71 of the isolation device 70 via fastening screws 93 is attached; a second end section 94 , which is elastic against the inclined floor wall 38 of the feed funnel 20 is claimed and configured to rest on a lower surface of this inclined floor wall 38 to come into contact, and a connecting section 95 , which includes the first and second final sections 92 and 94 connects.

[0088] The metallic blade 91 extends at least partially around the drive axle. 75 of the moving part 26 of the singulation system 25, with the first and second end section 92 and 94 this blade 91 , which extend at least partially opposite each other, and the drive axle 75 , which are between the first and second end section 92 and 94 is inserted.

[0089] The feeding and positioning device 5 This allows for the simultaneous electrical connection of the inclined floor wall. 38 of the feed funnel 20 of the moving part 26 of the singulation system 25 and the singulation carrier 70 among themselves via the metallic blade 91 , isolation finger 76 , the axis 75 , the coal 90 , the spring 89 and the shaft 87 ; this allows an equipotential connection to be established between these electrically connected elements.

[0090] It should be noted that the first block 71of the isolation device 70 also with the T-base 65 of the frame 6 the facility 1 is connected, with the frame 6 It may be electrically connected to a more general equipotential connection, for example to a so-called earth or ground connection.

[0091] During operation, the tubes 2 into the interior 21 of the feed funnel 20 introduced. These tubes 2 glide on the ribs 54 the sloping floor wall 38 , are formed by the rounded tips 78 the isolation finger 76 in the area of ​​the notches 53 They are shaken and fit one after the other into the vertical slide. 22 over their entrance opening and fall one after the other through the exit opening. 23 into a respective recording 19 on the conveyor belts 18 of the movable carrier 4 .

[0092] Since the tubes 2 are formed from a thin plastic tube, as they are in sliding contact with the inclined floor wall 38 are and also with the moving part 26 of the singulation system 25 , which shakes them, are in contact, can be particularly noticeable in the area of ​​the inclined floor wall 38 and the movable part 26 of the singulation system 25 Static electricity is generated.

[0093] Due to the electrical conductivity properties of the inclined floor wall 38 and the moving part 26 The singulation system, as well as the equipotential connection established by the feeding and positioning device 5, allows the latter to dissipate the static electricity that is particularly prevalent in the area of ​​the inclined floor wall. 38 and the moving part 26 of the singulation system 25 it is generated, to be removed.

[0094] Thanks to the device according to the invention 5 the tubes are running 2 Therefore, there is no danger of becoming electrostatically charged to such an extent that they cannot enter the outlet channel. 22 enter. The supply and drainage of the tubes. 2 on the movable carrier 4 are therefore made easier.

[0095] In non-illustrated versions: - the inclined bottom wall extends from a lower edge of the back wall in such a way that it has no internal cavity and no movable locking system as described above; - the funnel has no rib on its inclined wall, or the ribs are replaced by bumps distributed on this wall; - the side walls and / or the rear wall and / or the front wall of the feed hopper are not made of electrically conductive material; - the outlet channel is not vertical, but inclined with a constant and / or variable slope; - the first and second flanges, which define the outlet channel, are not firmly connected to the feed hopper, but rather mounted on the frame of the treatment plant; - the moving part of the singulation system is not movable in rotation, but rather in displacement according to an alternating movement, and the second electrical connecting element is not in sliding contact, but lies directly on the moving part and is configured to follow the alternating movement, for example thanks to a spring; - the first electrical connecting element is not formed from a metallic blade, but rather from a mechanism with a movable finger, which is actuated by a spring or a cylinder to extend the movable finger until it comes into contact with the bottom wall; - is the first section of the metallic blade, which forms the first electrical connecting element, to be elastic and in contact with the block of the singulation carrier instead of being fixed on the latter; - the second electrical connecting element is not formed from a carbon unit, a shaft and a spring as described above, but rather from a mechanism with a movable finger which is actuated by a spring or a cylinder to extend the movable finger until it comes into contact with the rotating drive shaft; - the second electrical connecting element is not formed from a carbon unit, a shaft and a spring as described above, but rather from a metallic blade which is provided with a free end that is elastic and in sliding contact on the rotating drive shaft of the singulation system; - the movable carrier is not formed by conveyor belts, but rather by a rotating drum equipped with receptacles on its circumference configured to receive the tubes, and / or - the treatment machine is not a tube filling and welding machine, but rather a machine that is only configured to fill or weld the tubes, or even a machine for printing on tubes.

[0096] Numerous other variations are possible depending on the circumstances, and it is recalled in this regard that the invention is not limited to the examples described and illustrated. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1125870

[0005]

Claims

[1] Feeding and positioning device for packaging tubes containing a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, in particular animal semen, on a movable carrier (4) for a treatment step of the tubes (2), wherein the feeding and positioning device (5) and the movable carrier (4) are configured to equip a treatment unit (1) of the tubes (2) which is provided with a treatment machine (3) to carry out the treatment step of the tubes (2), wherein the feeding and positioning device (5) comprises a feed hopper (20) having an interior (21) configured to receive a plurality of tubes (2), an outlet trough (22) comprising an inlet opening (23) opening into the interior (21) of the feed hopper (20), and an outlet opening (24) configured to face the movable carrier (4), and a singulation (untangling) system (25).comprising a movable part (26) configured to come into contact with the tubes (2) and to set them in motion within the interior (21) of the feed hopper (20); wherein the feeding and positioning device (5) characterized by is that the feed hopper (20) comprises an inclined bottom wall (38) which is made at least partially of electrically conductive material and which at least partially delimits the interior (21), wherein the singulation system (25) further comprises a support (70) and a mechanical connection interface (77) configured to mechanically connect the movable part (26) to the support (70), wherein the movable part (26) and the support (70) are made at least partially of electrically conductive material, and wherein the feeding and positioning device (5) further comprises a first electrical connecting element (85) which is directly connected to both the inclined bottom wall (38) of the feeding hopper (20) and to the support (70) of the singulation system (25), and a second electrical connecting element (86) which is directly connected to both the movable part (26) and to the support (70) of the singulation system (25), wherein the second electrical connecting element (86) is separate from the mechanical connecting interface (77) of the singulation system (25). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the first electrical connecting element (85) is formed by a metal blade (91) having a first end section (92) that is firmly attached to the support (70) of the singulation system (25), a second end section (94) that is elastically stressed against the inclined bottom wall (38) of the feed hopper (20), and a connecting section (95) that connects the first and second end sections. [3] Method according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized by , that the movable part (26) of the singulation system (25) comprises a rotating drive shaft (75) and at least one singulation finger (76) which is mounted on the drive shaft (75) and is driven in rotation by the latter, and the inclined wall (38) of the feed hopper (20) is provided with at least one notch (53) from which the singulation finger (76) protrudes into the interior (21). [4] Device according to claims 2 and 3, characterized by, that the second end section (94) of the first electrical connecting element (85) is configured to come into contact with a lower surface of the inclined floor wall (38). [5] Device according to claims 2 and 3, characterized by , that it is configured such that the first electrical connecting element (85) extends at least partially around the drive axis (75) of the movable part (26) of the singulation system (25), with the first and second end sections of the first electrical connecting element (85) extending at least partially opposite each other, and the drive axis (75) being inserted between the first and second end sections. [6] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by, that the singulation system (25) also comprises an electric motor (80) which is mounted and configured on the support (70) of the singulation system (25) to drive the drive axis (75) of the movable part (26) in rotation, and the movable part (26) also comprises at least one bearing (77) which is mounted and configured on the support (70) of the singulation system (25) to support the drive axis (75). [7] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that the second electrical connecting element (86) is configured to be in constant sliding contact with the drive shaft (75) of the moving part (26) of the singulation system (25). [8] Device according to claim 7, characterized by, that the second electrical connecting element (86) comprises a metallic shaft (87) inserted into a shaft (88) provided in the carrier (70) of the singulation system (25), an elastic and metallic return element (89) inserted into the shaft (87), and an electrically conductive consumer element (90) inserted between the drive shaft (75) and the elastic return element (89) and in constant contact with the latter. [9] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the feed hopper (20) also comprises two side walls (35) opposite each other, a rear wall (36) adjoining the two side walls (35), a front wall (37) opposite the rear wall and also adjoining the two side walls (35), with the inclined bottom wall (38) which also adjoins the side walls (35) and rear wall (36), with the interior (21) which is also at least partially delimited by the side walls (35), the rear wall (36) and the front wall (37), and with the outlet channel (22) which is formed in the extension of the front wall (37) at one end of the inclined bottom wall (38). [10] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the feed funnel (20) also includes at least one rib (54) which is arranged on the inclined bottom wall (38) projecting into the interior (21). [11] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, that the feed hopper (20) is removable and has positioning jaws (51), and the feed and positioning device also comprises a hopper carrier formed from a plurality of receiving elements (52) configured to interact with the positioning jaws (51). [12] Device according to claim 11, characterized by , that the feed hopper (20) is provided with a movable closure system (55) of the outlet channel (22) which is arranged under the inclined bottom wall (38) and has a closure position in which it is configured to at least partially close the outlet opening (24) of the outlet channel (22) when the feed hopper (20) is not positioned on the hopper support (52), thus preventing the discharge of the tubes (2). [13] Device according to claim 12, characterized by, that it also includes a mechanism (60, 62, 64) configured to allow the movable closure system (55) to move from its closure position to an outlet position in which it is configured to be spaced apart from the outlet opening (24) of the outlet channel (22) when the feed funnel (20) is positioned on the funnel carrier (52), thus allowing the discharge of the tubes (2). [14] Packaging tube treatment system for a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, in particular animal semen, comprising a tube treatment machine (3), a movable carrier (4) configured to transport the tubes (2) to the treatment machine (3), and a feeding and positioning device (5) for such tubes (2) on the movable carrier (4), according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the feeding and positioning device (5) is mounted on a frame (6) of the system (1). [15] Plant according to claim 14, characterized by, that the treatment machine (3) is a tube filling and welding machine (2) comprising a pumping mechanism (7) connected to filling needles (14) mounted on a carriage (9) configured to interact with the tubes (2) and ensure their filling, a welding post (13) configured to weld ends of the tubes (2) after filling, and wherein the movable carrier (4) is formed from conveyor belts (18) each having a plurality of grooves forming receptacles (19) configured to receive the tubes (2) in a predetermined orientation when the receptacles (19) are opposite the outlet opening (24) of the discharge trough (22) of the feeding and positioning device (5).