Pneumatic device and object sorting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic device (10) comprising modules (100), each module having compressed air supply valves (12), the intensity of the compressed air jet supplied by each module (100) being variable according to the combination of valves (12) activated, and outlet nozzles (14) of one or more air jets coming from the modules (100), according to the number of modules (100) activated, the nozzles having aligned outlet orifices. The invention also relates to an object sorting system comprising the pneumatic device.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic device and an object sorting system comprising the pneumatic device. Previous art

[0002] The increasing production rates of objects, for the pharmaceutical industry for example, necessitate methods to ensure a high level of quality. It also appears that inspecting an entire population of objects, rather than just a sample, is increasingly preferred. Online object analysis devices exist for this purpose, allowing for the precise measurement of each object's physical properties and composition. Once the objects have been analyzed, a decision is made as to whether or not to keep them; those not kept are removed from the production lines. Given the speed of production, the problem encountered is that the time available for sorting the objects is very limited.

[0003] Documents EP2923777, US2015 / 266062, and US2005 / 205472 describe a sorting device suitable for sorting parts using air pulses. The device has at least one sorting unit with a valve holder equipped with sorting valves. Each sorting valve is optionally able to connect a sorting channel terminating in a sorting nozzle to a feed channel or to disconnect it from that feed channel. Document US4225089 describes a fluid flow manifold for supplying pressurized fluid to a series of outlets from a common feed line. Document US7014126 describes a sorting machine for diverting an item from an item flow. The machine includes a manifold, a first valve, and a second valve. The manifold is equipped with a first and a second discharge line.The first valve is in fluidic communication with the first discharge duct of the manifold to provide a fluid jet through a first discharge port in order to divert an item from a flow of items. Document AT8634 describes a device for blowing a gaseous or liquid medium onto individual pieces of a material flow conveyed on a free-fall track or articulated belt. Document CN111654274 describes an electromagnetic valve control device and an intelligent dry separator. The electromagnetic valve control device includes a communication module, an FPGA, several electromagnetic valve control modules, and several digital signal output modules. According to the technical diagram, the opening or closing action of the electromagnetic valve can be rapidly controlled to provide precise control of the electromagnetic valve's behavior.The purpose of document US10525508 is to provide a compressed gas blowing apparatus supplied by a compressed gas supply unit through a nozzle hole of a nozzle unit by opening a piezoelectric valve.

[0004] US20160016200 describes a pneumatic device for sorting products in the food industry, such as seeds or grains of rice or wheat. The device includes solenoid valves, each with a series of air jet orifices. Each solenoid valve has an air inlet in a compartment; the air is then distributed to each orifice via a respective valve, which is opened by the electrification of a coil or held closed by an elastic element. However, because the pneumatic device in this document is intended for sorting seeds, it has a large number of orifices expelling air jets that must all be of the same volume. This makes it bulky and imprecise.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a device that allows objects to be sorted quickly and accurately while limiting clutter. Description of the invention

[0006] To this end, the invention proposes a pneumatic device, comprising modules, each module having compressed air supply valves, the intensity of the compressed air jet supplied by each module being variable depending on the combination of valves activated, outlet nozzles of one or more air jets from the modules, depending on the number of modules activated, the nozzles having aligned outlet orifices.

[0007] According to one variant, the modules are fan-shaped relative to the nozzles.

[0008] According to one variant, the modules have a conduit directing compressed air from the valves to the nozzles, with the valves on either side of the conduit relative to the direction of flow of compressed air in the conduit.

[0009] According to one variant, the valves are connected via an orifice to the conduit, each valve having a different orifice diameter.

[0010] According to one variant, the valves are arranged along the conduit according to the diameter of the orifices, with the valve having the smallest diameter orifice being at the distal end of the conduit relative to the nozzles.

[0011] According to one variant, the device comprises six modules, each module having at least four valves, preferably five valves.

[0012] According to one variant, the device also includes a pressure sensor at the inlet of the modules, capable of measuring pressure drops caused by successive openings of the valves.

[0013] The invention also relates to an object sorting system, comprising at least one pneumatic device as described above.

[0014] According to one variant, the system further includes a channel guiding objects along a scrolling direction, with nozzles directing one or more jets of air in the channel towards the objects to be sorted according to the characteristics of the objects to be sorted.

[0015] According to one variant, the channel has a width that is adjustable transversely to the direction of scrolling of the objects depending on the characteristics of the objects.

[0016] According to one variant, the system also includes an analysis chamber for the characteristics of the objects to be sorted at least one sorting lane towards which the objects are diverted by actuation of one or more air jets according to the characteristics analyzed in the analysis chamber.

[0017] According to one variant, the system further includes a control unit activating all or part of the modules and valves depending on the characteristics of the objects analyzed in the analysis chamber.

[0018] According to one variant, the control unit activates all or part of the modules and valves depending also on the pressure available upstream of the valves.

[0019] The use of the verb "comprendre" (to understand), its variants, and its conjugations in this document does not in any way preclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article "un" (a / an) or the definite article "le" (the / it) to introduce an element does not preclude the presence of multiple such elements.

[0020] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc., are used in this document exclusively to differentiate different elements, without implying any order between these elements.

[0021] All the preferred embodiments and all the advantages of the pneumatic device are transposed mutatis mutandis to the sorting system. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying figures which show: there figure 1 , a schematic view of a part of a pneumatic device according to an example of the invention; the figure 2 , a cross-sectional view of the device; the figure 3 , a rear view of the device figure 2 ; THE Figures 4 and 5, perspective views of a sorting system according to an example of the invention; the figure 6 , a schematic top view of the sorting system; the figure 7 , a schematic view of the sorting system.

[0023] The drawings in the figures are not to scale. Similar features are generally denoted by similar reference numerals in the figures. Within the scope of this document, identical or analogous features may bear the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the presence of reference numerals or letters in the drawings shall not be considered limiting, even when such numerals or letters are specified in the claims. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0024] The invention relates to a pneumatic device comprising modules, each module having compressed air supply valves. The intensity of the compressed air jet supplied by each module is variable depending on the combination of activated valves. The device further includes nozzles for emitting one or more air jets from the modules, depending on the number of modules activated, the nozzles having aligned outlet orifices. Such a device combines the adjustment of the number of air jets with the intensity of the air jets. This makes it possible to apply a deflection force to objects that one wishes to sort very quickly, with an accuracy adapted to the characteristics of the objects, while limiting the device's size.

[0025] There figure 1This illustrates a schematic view of part of the pneumatic device 10. The device 10 comprises modules, of which only module 100 is shown. Other modules containing the same elements are shown in the diagrams. figures 2 And 3 Module 100 comprises a plurality of valves 12, for example four or five as can be seen on the figure 1 The valves are supplied with compressed air from a reservoir of sufficient volume (minimum 5 liters, maximum 15 liters) and whose pressure is precisely regulated by a precision pressure regulator; this ensures the most stable possible supply to the valves 12. On the figure 1The valves 12 are thus supplied via a supply line 11. At the inlet of the module 100's power supply, a pressure sensor 15 on the supply line 11 measures the pressure drops caused by successive openings of the valves. The pressure sensor 15 corrects the opening of the valves 12 according to the inlet pressure. The valves 12 may or may not be identical within a module or from one module to another. When the valves are identical, it simplifies valve control; different valves allow for even finer control. The valves 12 can be of various types, such as proportional valves, but preferably on / off valves. On / off valves are very responsive, which is an advantage when there is a high object flow rate. These on / off valves are also smaller in size.It is preferable to use several smaller valves rather than one larger valve capable of allowing a large flow rate at full opening. Indeed, . il There are more forces to overcome to open a large valve (spring return force, inertia of the spool masses and other moving parts, and friction of the seals) so that opening or closing times are, for example, on the order of a few milliseconds. In order to produce air jets in very small "firing windows," the opening time of the valves 12 is less than 3 ms, preferably less than 2 ms, and preferably less than 1 ms.

[0026] Module 100 also includes a nozzle 14 for the outlet of the air jet from Module 100. The intensity of the single compressed air jet supplied by each Module 100 varies depending on the combination of activated valves 12. Modules 100 can be selectively activated, and within each Module 100, the valves 12 can be selectively activated. Each jet is therefore proportional to the characteristics of the objects to be sorted. The nozzle 14 allows for optimal positioning of the air jet specific to each module relative to the objects to be sorted. The nozzle is a conduit machined into a housing 16, the housing 16 being then fixed to the module. The geometry of the nozzle outlet is chosen according to the characteristics of the air jets. A non-circular geometry, oval for example, can be advantageous. The entire set of nozzles can be an interchangeable modular element of the device 10 in order to adapt to the conditions of use of the device and the objects to be sorted.The diameter of the nozzle outlet orifice is between 1 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 2.5 mm and 4 mm, for example 3 mm, to obtain an air jet per module allowing efficient sorting.

[0027] Module 100 also includes a conduit 18 directing compressed air from the valves to the nozzle 14. Arrow 20 indicates the direction of airflow in conduit 18 to the nozzle outlet 14. The valves can be positioned along conduit 18 within a module. Preferably, the valves 12 are located on either side of conduit 18 relative to the direction of compressed air flow in conduit 18 within a module; in other words, the valves are either opposite each other (without necessarily being directly across from each other) or on both sides of conduit 18. This valve arrangement reduces the required volumes in the device (both the space occupied by the valves and the volumes of the conduits). Conduit 18 is thus more compact at the valves 12.

[0028] The conduit 18 can comprise several sections arranged to accommodate the valve dimensions within the module. These sections also allow for the arrangement of valves within a module and of modules relative to one another, ensuring a consistent pressure drop between the different modules. The length of the conduit 18 is kept as short as possible to minimize the distance between the valve outlets and the nozzle outlets.

[0029] The duct may include a first section 181 to which the valves 12 are connected as described above. The duct 18 may include a second section 182 connecting the first section 181 at its end to the nozzle 14. The arrangement of the second duct 182 within the module is chosen to reduce the overall size of the modules within the device. The second section 182 may be oblique to the first section 181, and is preferably straight, which generates less pressure loss. The diameter of the duct 181 is between 2 and 5 mm, preferably between 2.5 and 4 mm, for example 3 mm, and the diameter of the duct 182 is between 3 and 6 mm, preferably between 3.5 and 5 mm, for example 4 mm – this ensures an air jet exiting the device, allowing for efficient sorting of objects while limiting the overall size of the ducts.The conduit 18 opens at its end 183 at the outlet of the module 100; the nozzle 14 is positioned at the end 183 of the module 100 and precisely directs the compressed air jet specific to each module towards the objects to be sorted.

[0030] The valves 12 are connected to the conduit 18, in particular to the first section 181, by outlet orifices 13. Each valve has a different orifice diameter 13. There may be a relationship between these conduits 13, in terms of diameter or area. This allows the intensity of the air jets to be varied. Within a module 100, if 'x' is the number of valves 12, 2x< is the number of possible valve opening combinations, one of which corresponds to all valves closed. Within the module 100, the valve 12 with the smallest diameter orifice is at the distal end of the conduit 18 relative to the nozzles 14; This prevents the airflow propelled by valves with a smaller diameter orifice in duct 18 from being disturbed by the turbulence of an airflow propelled by valves with a larger diameter orifice.

[0031] The valve outlet orifices are between 0.4 and 3 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 2.5 mm. This allows for rapid release of compressed air into the duct 18 while limiting the valves' size.

[0032] There figure 2Illustrated by a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic device 10. The device 10 is mounted in a housing 80. The nozzles 14 are shown at the outlet of the device 10, expelling air jets 20, and are connected to the ends 183 of the conduits 18 supplied by the valves 12. The orifices of the nozzles 14 are aligned. The orifices of the nozzles 14 are in the same plane. The nozzle orifices have a spacing (between the central axes) of between 3 and 5 mm, preferably between 3.5 and 4.5 mm, and even more preferably 4 mm, to ensure both nozzle compactness and air jets enabling efficient sorting. The outlet orifices of the nozzles 14, each orifice corresponding to a module 100 comprising several valves 12, are such that the arrangement of the jets is planar, or, in other words, the air jets form a planar curtain.The area over which the jets act from the orifices, and depending on the direction of the jets, is 5 to 50 mm, preferably 10 to 35 mm, i.e., an area of ​​25 mm. This allows for a compact device, while ensuring sufficient space to accommodate a number of jets, corresponding to the number of modules, adapted to the characteristics of the objects to be deflected.

[0033] The arrangement of the valves 12 within the modules 100 on either side of the conduit 18, and in particular of the conduit 182, is particularly advantageous for limiting the size of the device 10. On the figure 2 Some of the valves 12 are shown in the upper part of the modules 100 and some of the valves 12 are shown in the lower part of the modules 100. As shown on the Figures 1 And 2 , three valves 12 are in the upper part and two valves are in the lower part of the modules 100.

[0034] The 100 modules can be arranged in a fan shape relative to the 14 nozzles. In other words, the 100 modules are arranged like orange segments relative to the 14 nozzles. This is visible on the top of the figure 2where three valves 12 of each module 100 are radially aligned around the nozzles. This allows for an identical arrangement of the modules 100 with respect to each nozzle 14 while ensuring the compactness of the device 10 within the housing 80. This guarantees precisely the same airflow channels for each nozzle, particularly in terms of length, geometry, and volume. The modules 100 can be of modular construction; one or more modules are used depending on the desired performance of the device 10, and the modules can be grouped. The modules 100 can be built in groups of several modules. This makes the device 10 easier to manufacture. Furthermore, the modules 100 are identical from a "pneumatic" point of view in that the valves 12 of the modules are connected in the same way to the nozzle outlets from one module to the next. There is therefore the same response time for the formation of each air jet.Furthermore, modular construction allows for the production of smaller parts in greater quantities. Modular construction of the 100 modules can also be done in groups of several 100 modules, for example, three 100 modules grouped together.

[0035] There figure 3 illustrates a rear view of the device figure 2 in which the fan-shaped arrangement of the 100 modules is more clearly visible. The 12 valves of each 100 module are arranged in a line along radii converging towards the nozzles (not visible). Following the example of the figure 3 The modules 100 have three valves 12 in their upper part and two valves 12 in their lower part; the five valves 12 of each module 100 are arranged in fan-shaped plans around the nozzles 14. The valves 12 can be arranged on bars 22.

[0036] The invention also relates to an object sorting system comprising the pneumatic device 10. The objects to be sorted can be nominal objects (nominal sample diverted to the testing station) or non-conforming objects (debris, partially or completely empty capsules, etc.). Through the combination of selective activation of the number of modules and the number of valves within each module, the air jets are adapted to the objects so as to sort them efficiently. Such a system can be used in the pharmaceutical industry to divert objects such as pharmaceutical tablets or capsules (capsules, empty or filled), from 20 mg to several grams.

[0037] THE Figures 4 and 5Figures 30 illustrate perspective views of the sorting system. The system includes a chamber 32 for analyzing the characteristics of the objects to be sorted. Chamber 32 analyzes all the objects. A pneumatic device 10 is capable of diverting the objects according to the characteristics analyzed in the analysis chamber 32. A control unit selectively activates all or part of the modules 100 and valves 12 based on the characteristics of the objects analyzed in the analysis chamber 32. Objects can be accelerated to pass individually through chamber 32 in front of a microwave sensor that allows the prediction of their mass and / or moisture content, and which precedes the sorting device. This measuring chamber 32 also allows the quantification of the objects' speed and their arrival time at the sorting jets. The objects travel in a line at high speed – between 5 m / s and 25 m / s. The objects exit chamber 32 through tube 36.The objects travel past the device 10, which deflects them according to non-conformity or other criteria detected in chamber 32. The orifices of the nozzles 14 are aligned along an axis transverse to the direction of travel of the objects. This allows for efficient interception of the objects. The air jets then form a plane, or curtain, transverse to the direction of travel of the objects. A plurality of devices 10 can be used. For example, two (. figure 4Three or even four devices 10 can be used to better adapt to the sorting rates imposed by the speed at which the objects pass. One of the devices 10 can be dedicated to diverting non-conforming objects and another device 10 to test sampling (possibly in addition to systematic analysis in chamber 32). The devices 10 can be arranged around the direction of object flow, for example, one above the other, on either side of the object flow.

[0038] The system may include a channel 34 for guiding objects exiting chamber 32 along a direction of travel. The channel 34 allows the objects to be conveyed in a line along a nearly straight path. This enables the objects to be presented one by one to the device 10, thus facilitating their deflection. The channel has two flat surfaces 341 and 342 that guide the objects.

[0039] The width of channel 34 is adjustable transversely to the direction of movement of the objects to be sorted. The channel width is also adjustable in the direction of alignment of the nozzles 14. The space between the flat surfaces 341 and 342 is adjusted to the width of the objects to be sorted. Channel 34 is adjustable to direct objects with widths ranging from 3 mm to 25 mm, depending on the size of the product to be sorted. The nozzles 14 direct one or more jets of air within channel 34 towards the objects to be sorted, according to their characteristics.

[0040] There figure 6 shows a schematic top view of the sorting system 30. figure 6This demonstrates how to adapt the air jets to objects according to their width by varying the number of activated modules—in addition to the fact that the intensity of each jet varies depending on the combination of valves activated within each module. Exiting chamber 32, the objects are guided into channel 34, between flat surfaces 341 and 342. For narrow objects, the flat surfaces are brought as close together as possible so that a single nozzle 14 directs the air jet from device 10 into channel 34. Only one module 100 is then activated. For larger objects, the flat surfaces are spaced further apart so that two nozzles 14 direct the air jet from the device 10 into the channel 34. For even larger objects, the flat surfaces are spaced further apart so that three nozzles 14 direct the air jet from the device 10 into the channel 34. According to the example of the figure 6Up to six nozzles 14 can dispense air jets, corresponding to the activation of six modules 100. The channel width 34 is, for example, between 5 and 50 mm, preferably between 5 and 30 mm, and preferably between 5 and 25 mm, to best suit the number of air jets. The device 10 and the sorting system 30 allow for the generation of a jet of variable width and intensity. Such variation makes the system 30 versatile, adaptable to objects of varying mass, size, geometry, speed, etc.

[0041] There figure 7Figure 30 shows a schematic view of the sorting system, in particular, with one or more sorting lanes 38, 40. Exiting chamber 32, the objects are guided by channel 34 and then pass the nozzles of one or more devices 10. The objects to be diverted pass through the air jets 20 forming a curtain. The device(s) 10 divert the objects towards one or the other of the sorting lanes – as indicated by arrows 42, 44 – due to an inconclusive sampling or conformity test. The unsorted objects continue their trajectory along arrow 46. According to the figure 7 The deflection is carried out in the vertical plane; a device 10 can be placed above the movement of objects to deflect them towards a lower track 40 and another device 10 can be placed below the movement of objects to deflect them towards an upper track 38. The sorting can be in a horizontal plane.

[0042] The distance between the exit of chamber 32 and the position of the nozzles 14 is chosen to allow the object time to exit chamber 32 before being deflected if necessary. Otherwise, the object could already be subjected to a transverse force while still partially guided by the tube 36, thus potentially hindering the object's deflection.

[0043] The number of air jets and the intensity of each air jet produced by a module 100 vary according to an input setpoint from the control unit. This setpoint determines the number of activated modules 100 and the combination of valves 12 activated within each module 100. The operation of each jet is therefore proportional to this setpoint. This setpoint is calculated based on several characteristics analyzed in chamber 32. The mass of the objects is taken into account, with a different combination of valves 12 being activated to increase or decrease the jet intensity. The speed of the objects is also considered, as well as the time at which the object reaches the height of the jets. Furthermore, the shape and volume of the objects influence the number and intensity of activated air jets, as well as the width of channel 34.The force applied to the object, as well as the pressure upstream of the valves, are also taken into account to prevent damage to the objects. This ensures that sorting quality is maintained even if the tanks are unable to recover their nominal pressure as quickly in cases of multiple openings in quick succession. The distance between the device 10 and the objects to be sorted is a factor to consider to guarantee sorting performance. The distance between the jet outlet (nozzle outlets 14) and the axis of object movement is between 10 and 40 mm, preferably between 15 and 30 mm, for example, 20 mm. This allows the objects to be presented to the jet in an area where the deflection will be most effective while preserving their integrity.

[0044] The control unit comprises a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), an input / output board with highly responsive digital outputs (including an onboard FPGA – Field-Programmable Gate Array – processor), and a power control board (equipped with FPGAs and MOSFETs – Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors). This architecture enables response times of a few microseconds and ensures a sorting process with valve opening and closing times on the order of a few milliseconds.

[0045] The sequence for establishing an air jet occurs as follows. The PLC commands the opening of valves 12. The digital output that activates valve(s) 12 is energized. The time elapsed since the command depends on the architecture of the control system implemented (PLC programming and cycle times, communication between the PLC and the digital output card, type of digital output card, etc.). This time can be as short as 1 millisecond. Then, the current builds up in the actuating coil of the respective valves until sufficient force is reached to begin moving the valves (up to a few milliseconds). Depending on the valve combination, the controlled valves open and air begins to flow. Depending on the geometry of the ducts and the nozzle, the air will take some time to exit through the nozzle orifices. Finally, the jet is established.First, there are transient phenomena over a short period of time, before reaching a stable jet. The time between the activation signal and the moment when the jets are fully established is less than 5 ms, preferably less than 4 ms, preferably less than 3 ms, preferably less than 2 ms.

[0046] Under the effect of the air jet(s), the objects are deflected from their essentially straight path towards the sorting lanes 38 and 40. Thanks to the sorting lanes 38 and 40, the device 10, and the adjustment of the number and intensity of the air jets, the deflected objects are not damaged. These objects can then undergo a further conformity check, during which a device 10 can be used again; the objects can then be returned to the main circuit as they have not been damaged.

[0047] The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which are purely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. Generally, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and / or described above.

Claims

1. A pneumatic device (10), comprising - modules (100), each module having valves (12) for supplying compressed air, the intensity of the compressed air jet delivered by each module (100) being variable as a function of the combination of valves (12) activated, - outlet nozzles (14) for discharging one or more air jets coming from the modules (100), according to the number of modules (100) activated, the nozzles (14) having aligned outlet orifices.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modules (100) are in a fan-like pattern relative to the nozzles (14).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the modules have respectively a conduit (18) directing the compressed air from the valves (12) towards the nozzles (14), the valves (12) being on either side of the conduit with respect to the flowing orientation of the compressed air in the conduit.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the valves (12) are connected by an orifice (13) to the conduit (18), each valve having a different orifice diameter.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the valves (12) are arranged along the conduit (18) according to the diameter of the orifices (13), the valve with the orifice of smallest diameter being at the distal end of the conduit (18) with respect to the nozzles (14).

6. The device according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising six modules (100), each module (100) comprising at least four valves (12), preferably five valves (12).

7. The device according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a pressure sensor (15) at the inlet of the modules, capable of measuring the pressure losses caused by successive opening of the valves.

8. A system (30) for sorting objects, comprising at least one pneumatic device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The system (30) according to claim 8, further comprising a channel (34) guiding the objects along a direction of travel, the nozzles (14) directing one or more air jets in the channel (34) towards the objects to be sorted according to the characteristics of the objects to be sorted.

10. The system (30) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the channel (34) has a width which can be adjusted transversely to the direction of travel of the objects as a function of the characteristics of the objects.

11. The system (30) according to one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising - a chamber (32) for analysing the characteristics of the objects to be sorted - at least one sorting pathway (38, 40) towards which the objects are deflected by actuating one or more air jets according to the characteristics analysed in the analysis chamber (32).

12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a control unit activating all or some of the modules (100) and of the valves (12) as a function of the characteristics of the objects analysed in the analysis chamber (32).

13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the control unit activates all or some of the modules (100) and of the valves (12) as a further function of the pressure available upstream of the valves (12).

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