Device for transferring and storing objects

Abstract

Device (1) for transferring and storing objects (100), comprising: a large number of reservoirs (3), a single-row conveyor belt (4) for conveying objects (100), which is arranged upstream of the reservoirs (3), in which the objects (100) advance one after the other in a single row; at least one first and one second transfer device (10, 20) arranged upstream of the storage channels (3) for transferring the objects (100) from the conveyor belt (4) to the storage channels (3), each transfer device (10, 20) being arranged and shaped to communicate with one of the storage channels (3), wherein the at least one first and a second transfer device (10, 20) each comprising a first movable section (12, 13) and a second movable section (22, 23) which are movable along two parallel sliding directions in order to be arranged at different reservoirs (3); an alternative divider (5) which is configured to in turn, i.e. alternatively, enable the connection between the single-row conveyor belt (4) and one of the transfer devices (10, 20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for transferring and storing objects. These objects can be, in particular, bottles, containers, or the like.

[0002] In production and packaging lines, for example, between two consecutive workstations, the use of a buffer table is common. This buffer serves as a buffer for items arriving from the upstream station, especially when a jam occurs upstream and / or during maintenance. The use of a buffer table therefore prevents the upstream station from having to be stopped as well.

[0003] There are different accumulation table architectures and different accumulation logics on the market, tailored to the specific needs of the line.

[0004] For example, WO2014 / 076390 shows a storage table arranged between an input belt and an output belt, on which rows of objects are transferred and on which heads and / or handling robots work, which can move the rows on the table.

[0005] Feeding rows can cause problems during continuous operation of the system. Furthermore, the use of handling robots affects the overall dimensions and increases the complexity of the line control logic.

[0006] In addition, some types of products, especially delicate ones, require careful handling.

[0007] Another solution of the known type, described in EP3221240, shows an accumulating device for dynamically accumulating products, in which two parallel conveyor belts are connected by a transfer device (a curve) that moves along the belts. By moving the transfer device along the belts, it is possible to create a specific gap between two products, so that products do not arrive downstream of the transfer device for a specific time interval.

[0008] Such a device is used for small accumulation tables. As the table size increases, the speed and the corresponding required effort increase, resulting in a loss of efficiency (i.e., lower hourly line yield).

[0009] In this context, the present invention is based on the technical problem of proposing a device for transferring and stowing objects which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] In particular, the present invention is based on the object of providing a device for transferring and accumulating objects which makes it possible to maintain a low cycle time without affecting the production yield of the plant, regardless of the format of the objects or the size of the accumulating table.

[0011] The technical problem mentioned and the objects presented are essentially achieved by a device for transferring and stowing objects, comprising: - a multitude of reservoirs; - a single-row conveyor belt for conveying objects, arranged upstream of the accumulation channels, in which the objects advance one after the other in a single row; - at least one first and one second transfer device arranged upstream of the accumulation channels for transferring the objects from the conveyor belt to the accumulation channels.

[0012] Each transfer device is arranged and shaped to communicate with one of the storage channels. The first and second transfer devices each comprise a first and a second movable section along two parallel sliding directions for being arranged at different storage channels.

[0013] The device further comprises an alternative divider configured to enable, in turn, i.e. alternatively, the connection between the single-row conveyor belt and one of the transfer devices.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the device comprises a counter configured to count the objects transferred by the single-row conveyor belt. Upon reaching a predetermined number of objects transferred to one of the transfer devices, the divider is configured to impose an operating state on the first transfer device in which a stream of objects slides thereon toward the accumulation channels, and simultaneously impose a rest state on the second transfer device in which a stream of objects does not slide thereon, or vice versa.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each movable section comprises a loading guide arranged on one of the storage channels for guiding the items therein. Each movable section further comprises a carriage associated with the loading guide for moving it along the sliding direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each transfer device comprises a feed channel that receives articles from the conveyor belt and is shaped to convey the articles to the movable section.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the device comprises a track arranged between the feed channel and the loading guide. The track extends in a direction substantially parallel to the sliding direction. The loading guide runs along the track.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the divider comprises a stop element movable between a first engagement position in which it at least partially engages the first transfer device and a second position in which it is housed in a seat contained in the divider.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the stop element has an engagement surface shaped to guide the flow of objects to the second transfer device.

[0020] The defined technical task and the objects presented are essentially achieved by a method for transferring and accumulating objects from a single-row conveyor belt to a plurality of accumulating channels, comprising the following steps: - directing the flow of articles from the single-row conveyor belt to a first transfer device positioned at a first accumulation channel; - filling the first accumulation channel with the objects fed by the first transfer device; - upon reaching a predetermined number of objects directed to the first transfer device, diverting the flow of objects to a second transfer device positioned at a second accumulation channel; - Filling the second accumulation channel with the objects fed by the second transfer device.

[0021] During the step of diverting the flow of articles to the second transfer device and / or the step of filling the second accumulation channel, a step of moving the first transfer device to communicate with a third accumulation channel is performed.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the method, the predetermined number of objects indicates a filled state of the storage channel.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the method, the method further comprises a step of diverting the flow of objects to the first transfer device arranged on the third accumulation channel upon reaching a predetermined number of objects which are directed to the second transfer device.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the illustrative and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a device and method for transferring and storing objects, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1a - 5a illustrate a device according to the present invention in different operating steps in perspective view; Fig. 1b - 5b the device from above into the Fig. 1a - 5a; Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 illustrate two embodiments of the device according to the present invention; Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrates a detail (rotating disc) of the device of the previous figures in perspective view.

[0025] With reference to the figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a device for transferring and storing objects 100.

[0026] The device 1 comprises a plurality of accumulation channels 3. In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the plurality of accumulation channels 3 extend along a storage table 2.

[0027] Alternatively, the storage channels 3 can be part of two or more flanking storage tables. Alternatively, the storage channels 3 each form an independent unit.

[0028] In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the accumulation table 2 extends along a first direction. The accumulation channels 3 extend along a plurality of directions that are parallel to each other and to the first direction. The accumulation channels 3 are flanked along a flanking direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

[0029] Upstream of the accumulation channels 3, a single-row conveyor belt 4 is arranged, in which the objects 100 advance one after the other in a single row.

[0030] In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the conveyor belt 4 is arranged upstream of the accumulation table 2.

[0031] The device 1 comprises at least a first and a second transfer device 10, 20 arranged between the single-row conveyor belt 4 and the accumulation channels 3 (for example, of the individual accumulation table 2). Each transfer device 10, 20 is arranged and shaped such that it communicates with one of the accumulation channels 3 of the accumulation table 2.

[0032] The first and second transfer devices 10, 20 each comprise a first and a second movable section 12, 13, 22, 23, which is movable along two parallel sliding directions in order to be arranged on different storage channels 3.

[0033] Preferably, the two sliding directions are inclined with respect to the first direction. Preferably, they are substantially orthogonal with respect to the first direction. In particular, they are substantially parallel to the flanking direction of the storage channels 3.

[0034] Alternatively, the two sliding directions are substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0035] It should be noted that the terms "first transfer device" and "second transfer device" are interchangeable. That is, what is said with respect to the first transfer device should also be considered a reference to the second transfer device, and vice versa.

[0036] Preferably, the first transfer device 10 comprises a first feed channel 11 capable of receiving articles 100 from the single-row conveyor belt 4. The first feed channel 11 is shaped to deliver the articles 100 to the first movable section 12, 13.

[0037] In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the first movable section comprises a loading guide 12 arranged at one of the storage channels 3 for guiding the articles 100 therein. The first movable section further comprises a first carriage 13 associated with the first loading guide 12 for moving it along the sliding direction thereof. Thus, the articles coming from the first feed channel 11 reach the first loading guide 12, which is moved by the first carriage 13 to be positioned at one of the storage channels 3.

[0038] Preferably, the first loading guide 12 has at least one curved section for feeding the objects 100 to the accumulation channel 3.

[0039] The first feed channel 11 may be manufactured in a single piece or may comprise several tracks arranged one after the other to define such a first feed channel 11.

[0040] Preferably, the second transfer device 20 comprises a second feed channel 21 capable of receiving articles 100 from the single-row conveyor belt 4. The second feed channel 21 is shaped to deliver the articles to the second movable section 22, 23.

[0041] In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the second movable section comprises a second loading guide 22 arranged on one of the storage channels 3 for guiding the articles 100 therein. The first movable section further comprises a second carriage 23 associated with the second loading guide 22 for moving it along the sliding direction thereof.

[0042] Preferably, the second loading guide 22 has at least one curved section for feeding the objects 100 into the storage channel 3.

[0043] The second feed channel 21 may be made in a single piece or may comprise a plurality of tracks arranged one after the other to define such a second feed channel 21.

[0044] In particular, the first and second loading guides 12, 22 are motorized.

[0045] Preferably, the first and second loading guides 12, 22 are shaped so that they can communicate with two adjacent storage channels 3. In particular, the first and second loading guides 12, 22 have two corresponding surfaces intended to come into contact. Preferably, such two corresponding surfaces are shaped so that they are complementary.

[0046] According to an embodiment described and illustrated herein, the device 1 comprises an alternative divider 5 configured to enable, in turn, the connection between the single-row conveyor belt 4 and one of the transfer devices 10, 20. It is important to emphasize that when the single-row conveyor belt 4 communicates with the first transfer device 10, the second transfer device 20 cannot, under any circumstances, receive objects from the conveyor belt 4. That is, the connection established by the divider 5 is exclusive.

[0047] The first transfer device 10 then communicates selectively upstream with the conveyor belt 4 and downstream with one of the accumulation channels 3.

[0048] A device 1 with two transfer devices 10, 20 has been described herein. However, it is understood that the device 1 may also comprise a larger number of transfer devices, since the operating logic remains unchanged. The single-row conveyor belt 4 always communicates with only one transfer device 10, 20 at a time and communicates with all of them in turn.

[0049] Preferably, the device 1 comprises a control unit configured to count the objects 100 transferred by the single-row conveyor belt 4. The control unit is also configured, upon reaching a predetermined number of objects 100 transferred to one of the transfer devices 10, 20, to operate the divider 5 to impose an operating state on the first transfer device 10 in which a stream of objects 100 slides thereon to the accumulation table 2, and simultaneously impose a rest state on the second transfer device 20 in which a stream of objects 100 does not slide thereon, or vice versa.

[0050] The first and / or second transfer devices 10, 20 are moved along their sliding direction from one accumulation channel 3 to another only during their rest state. This makes it possible to sort the flow of objects 100 without flow interruptions, transitioning from one (full) channel to a new channel to begin filling. Indeed, the transfer device in the rest state has all the time to move to another channel without having to interrupt the flow of objects 100 being diverted by the other transfer device in the operating state on the corresponding channel.

[0051] This means that the idle state of a transfer device is not a dead time, but a time during which the transfer of objects takes place by means of another transfer device.

[0052] In particular, the divider 5 is configured to interrupt the connection between the single-row conveyor belt 4 and the first transfer device 10 and to enable its connection to the second transfer device 20 upon reaching a predetermined number of articles 100 transferred to the first transfer device 10. That is, the divider 5 is configured to redirect the flow of articles to the other transfer device 10, 20. "Other transfer device" herein means the transfer device 10, 20 that does not receive the flow of articles 100.

[0053] Preferably, the predetermined number of objects 100 identifies a filled condition of a storage channel 3. That is, once the first transfer device 10 has received a sufficient number of objects to fill the storage channel 3 with which it communicates downstream, the divider 5 prevents further objects 100 from reaching the first transfer device 10 and redirects them to the second transfer device 20.

[0054] In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the single-row conveyor belt 4 and the first feed channel 11 are substantially aligned. That is, an upstream end of the first feed channel 11 forms an extension of the conveyor belt 4. The divider 5 is arranged on and acts upon the first feed channel 11.

[0055] According to an embodiment described and illustrated herein, the divider 5 comprises a stop element movable between a first engagement position in which it at least partially engages the first transfer device 10 and a second position in which it is housed in a seat contained in the divider 5.

[0056] In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the stop element engages at least partially in the first feed channel 11 in the first engagement position. Preferably, the first feed channel 11 is completely crossed by the stop element.

[0057] In particular, the divider 5 imposes the rest state on the first transfer device 10 (which corresponds to imposing the operating state on the second transfer device 20), thereby bringing the stop member from the second engagement position to the first engagement position.

[0058] Similarly, the divider 5 imposes the operating state on the first transfer device 10 (which corresponds to imposing the rest state on the second transfer device 20), thereby moving the stop element from the first engagement position to the second engagement position.

[0059] Preferably, the stop element has an engagement surface shaped to guide the flow of objects to the second feed channel 21.

[0060] The divider 5 described above can also be obtained in other ways. In particular, devices of the known type can be used, which is important because they allow the single-row conveyor belt 4 to communicate with only one transfer device 10, 20 at a time.

[0061] Preferably, the device 1 comprises at least two unloading devices 30, 40 downstream of the accumulation table 2. Each unloading device 30, 40 comprises a unloading guide 31, 41 communicating upstream with one of the accumulation channels 3 to convey the objects 100 away from the accumulation channels 3 (in particular, from the accumulation table 2). The unloading guide 31, 41 is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the sliding direction to communicate with different accumulation channels 3.

[0062] It is also possible to apply the same logic to control the first and second transfer devices 10, 20 only at the exit of the storage channels 3.

[0063] In this case, the device 1 comprises a plurality of storage channels 3 arranged as described above. The feeding of the objects 100 to the storage channels 3 can be carried out according to previously known techniques.

[0064] The device 1 further comprises two unloading devices 30, 40, which are arranged downstream of the storage channels 3.

[0065] Each discharge device 30, 40 is arranged and shaped so that it communicates with one of the storage channels 3.

[0066] The first and second unloading devices 30, 40 each comprise a first and a second guide 31, 41 that communicate upstream with one of the accumulation channels 3 to convey the objects 100 away therefrom. The first and second unloading guides 31, 41 are movable along two substantially parallel sliding directions to communicate with different accumulation channels 3.

[0067] The discharge guides 31, 41 are controlled so that when the first is affected by a flow of objects 100 exiting the accumulation channel 3 with which it communicates, the second can be moved to the next accumulation channel 3 being emptied, and vice versa.

[0068] In this case, too, the minimum configuration requires two unloading devices (30, 40), but more than two can be used. Regardless, the logic described above applies.

[0069] Preferably, the first and second discharge guides 31, 41 are shaped so that they can communicate with two adjacent storage channels 3. In particular, the first and second discharge guides 31, 41 have two corresponding surfaces intended to come into contact. Preferably, such two corresponding surfaces are shaped so that they are complementary.

[0070] In the embodiment in which the loading guides 12, 22 or the unloading guides 31, 41 have a curved or curved section, the use of a rotating disc 7 (a motorized wheel) arranged inside the curve is included, which facilitates the transfer of the objects 100 entering or leaving the accumulation channel 3. In particular, the disc 7 is particularly advantageous for facilitating the movement of the last objects 100 in a row, especially the last one. In fact, the first objects 100 in a row are pushed by the objects 100 following them. This thrust is missing for the last objects 100 in the row, which therefore need to be supported.

[0071] Preferably, the rotating disc 7 has a rubberized cover.

[0072] The following describes a method for transferring and accumulating objects 100 from a single-row conveyor belt 4 to a plurality of accumulating channels 3, a subject of the present disclosure. The method is advantageously implemented by a device 1 as described above.

[0073] The method comprises the step of directing the articles 100 from the single-row conveyor belt 4 to a first transfer device 10 connected to a first accumulation channel 3a. The first accumulation channel 3a is then filled by the articles 100 directed to the first transfer device 10.

[0074] Upon reaching a predetermined number of articles 100 directed to the first transfer device 10, the method comprises the step of diverting the flow of articles 100 from the single-row conveyor belt 4 to a second transfer device 20 connected to a second accumulation channel 3b. The second accumulation channel 3b is then filled by the articles 100 diverted to the second transfer device 20.

[0075] During the step of diverting the flow of objects 100 to the second transfer device 20 and / or the step of filling the second accumulation channel 3b, the first transfer device 10 is moved to communicate with a third accumulation channel 3c. The third accumulation channel 3c differs from the first and second accumulation channels 3a, 3b. The third accumulation channel 3c is at least partially free of objects 100. Preferably, the third accumulation channel 3c is free of objects 100.

[0076] In particular, the first transfer device 10 is moved when the flow of objects 100 is directed to the second transfer device 20. As a result, the first transfer device 10 is in a rest state in which it does not receive any objects 100 upstream and can be moved to another accumulation channel 3.

[0077] Preferably, the predetermined number of objects 100 identifies a filled state of the storage channel 3.

[0078] Preferably, the method then comprises a step of diverting the flow of objects 100 to the first transfer device 10 connected to the third accumulation channel 3c upon reaching a predetermined number of objects 100 which are directed to the second transfer device 20.

[0079] Preferably, the method comprises the step of filling the third accumulation channel 3c with objects 100 which are diverted to the first transfer device 10.

[0080] Similarly, during the step of diverting the flow of articles 100 to the first transfer device 10 and / or the step of filling the third accumulation channel 3c, the second transfer device 20 is moved to communicate with a fourth accumulation channel 3d.

[0081] The processes described above can be repeated several times until all storage channels 3 are filled.

[0082] Similarly, the method should not be limited to the described use of two transfer devices 10, 20. It is also contemplated that more than two transfer devices 10, 20 may be used, since the logic of directing the flow of articles 100 to a single transfer device 10, 20 at a time remains unchanged.

[0083] The features of a device and a method for transferring and stowing objects according to the present invention will become apparent from the description, as will the advantages.

[0084] In particular, the provision of two transfer devices, which in turn communicate with the upstream conveyor belt, allows one of the loading guides to rest for a specific period of time. This time interval allows the loading guide to move from an already filled accumulation channel to a storage channel that is yet to be filled. This allows a potentially infinite number of accumulation channels to be filled using only two transfer devices, maintaining a low cycle time without affecting the plant's production yield, regardless of the item format or the size of the accumulation table. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2014 / 076390

[0004] EP 3221240

[0007]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for transferring and stowing objects (100), comprising: a multitude of storage channels (3), a single-row conveyor belt (4) for conveying objects (100), arranged upstream of the accumulation channels (3), in which the objects (100) advance one after the other in a single row; at least one first and one second transfer device (10, 20) arranged upstream of the accumulation channels (3) for transferring the objects (100) from the conveyor belt (4) to the accumulation channels (3), each transfer device (10, 20) being arranged and shaped to communicate with one of the accumulation channels (3), the at least one first and a second transfer device (10, 20) each comprising a first movable section (12, 13) and a second movable section (22, 23) which are movable along two parallel sliding directions in order to be arranged on different storage channels (3); an alternative divider (5) configured to enable, in turn, ie alternatively, the connection between the single-row conveyor belt (4) and one of the transfer devices (10, 20). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a counter (6) configured to count the objects (100) transferred by the single-row conveyor belt (4) upon reaching a predetermined number of objects (100) transferred to one of the transfer devices (10, 20), wherein the divider (5) is configured to impose on the first transfer device (10) an operating state in which a flow of objects (100) slides thereon to the accumulation channels (3) and, at the same time, to impose on the second transfer device (20) a rest state in which a flow of objects (100) does not slide thereon, or vice versa. [3] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein each movable section (12, 13, 22, 23) comprises: a loading guide (12, 22) arranged on one of the storage channels (3) to guide the objects (100) therein. a carriage (13, 23) associated with the loading guide (12, 22) for moving it along the sliding direction. [4] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each transfer device (10, 20) comprises a feed channel (11, 21) receiving articles (100) from the conveyor belt (4) and shaped to convey the articles (100) to the movable section (12, 13, 22, 23). [5] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the divider (5) comprises a stop element movable between a first engagement position in which it at least partially engages the first transfer device (10) and a second position in which it is housed in a seat contained in the divider (5). [6] Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the stop element has an engagement surface shaped to guide the flow of articles (100) to the second transfer device (20).

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