Palletizing method comprising a step of producing two layers on a false pallet and device for its implementation

Abstract

Palletizing method comprising a step of producing two layers on a false pallet and device for its implementation The invention relates to a palletizing method comprising a step of filling each pallet (34) during which the pallet (34) positioned on a support (46) descends progressively and the bags are arranged layer by layer on a false pallet (52), a step of removing each full pallet (34) and a step of supplying an empty pallet during which an empty pallet located on the support (46) is positioned just below the false pallet (52); characterized in that, for each new pallet (34), the palletizing method comprises a step of producing more than one layer on the false pallet (52) during the step of removing the previous pallet and the step of supplying the new empty pallet. Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Palletizing method comprising a step of producing two layers on a false pallet and device for its implementation

[0001] The present application relates to a palletizing method comprising a step of producing two layers on a false pallet as well as to a device for its implementation.

[0002] According to a known embodiment visible in Figures 1 and 2, a palletizing device 10 comprises: a. at least one elevator 12 configured to vertically move a pallet 14 during its filling, b. a false pallet 16, positioned above the elevator 12, configured to occupy a closed state (solid line) in which a layer of bags is formed on the false pallet 16 and an open state (dotted line) in which the layer of bags formed on the false pallet 16 is placed on the last layer of bags of the pallet 14, c. a frame 18, positioned above the false pallet 16, making it possible to shape the layer of bags formed on the false pallet 16, d. a bag feeding system 20 configured to feed the palletizing device with bags one after the other, e. a laying system 22, positioned above the false pallet 16, configured to grip the bags at the outlet of the bag supply system 20 and position them in a determined arrangement on the false pallet 16.

[0003] Except for its opening and closing movements, the false pallet 16 is stationary and connected to the elevator 12.

[0004] According to one configuration, the bag feeding system 20 is configured to feed the bags at a fixed given height and in an identical orientation for all the bags.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the laying system 22 comprises a head 24, configured to occupy a closed state in which it supports a bag and an open state in which it drops the bag onto the false pallet 16, as well as a robotic arm 26, supporting the head 24, configured to move it in space according to at least one rotation around a vertical axis Z and according to two substantially horizontal translations X and Y.

[0006] The palletizing device 10 also comprises a system for feeding empty pallets 28 as well as a system for removing full pallets 29.

[0007] According to one operating mode, when a pallet 14 is full as illustrated in [Fig.l], it is evacuated to the full pallet evacuation system 29. In parallel, an empty pallet 14' is introduced into the elevator 12, from the empty pallet supply system 28, then raised by the elevator 12 to be positioned just below the false pallet 16.

[0008] In certain cases, the time required to create a layer on the false pallet 16 is less than that required to remove the full pallet 14 and position a new empty pallet 14' just below the false pallet 16. In these cases, it is then necessary to slow down the palletizing rate when changing the pallet.

[0009] To overcome this problem, document FR3040375 proposes positioning the empty pallet supply system at height at the level of the false pallet 16 so that each empty pallet is introduced via the false pallet 16. The height positioning of the empty pallet supply 28 can prove problematic. In addition, it is necessary to slow down the palletizing rate to allow an empty pallet to be introduced from the false pallet 16.

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a palletizing method for placing bags on a pallet, layer by layer, in a predetermined arrangement for each layer. The method comprises a step of filling each pallet during which the pallet positioned on a support descends progressively and the bags are arranged layer by layer on a false pallet, a step of removing each full pallet and a step of supplying empty pallets during which an empty pallet located on the support is positioned just below the false pallet.

[0012] According to the invention, for each new pallet, the palletizing method comprises a step of producing more than one layer on the false pallet during the step of removing the previous pallet and the step of supplying the new empty pallet.

[0013] Unlike the prior art, two layers of bags are placed, one on top of the other, on the false pallet when changing the pallet so that it is not necessary to slow down the palletizing rate.

[0014] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0015] [Fig.l] is a schematic side view of a palletizing device illustrating a prior art embodiment at a first instant,

[0016] [Fig.2] is a schematic side view of a palletizing device which illustrates an embodiment of the prior art at a second time,

[0017] [Fig.3] is a schematic side view of a palletizing device which illustrates an embodiment of the invention at a first instant,

[0018] [Fig.4] is a schematic side view of a palletizing device which illustrates an embodiment of the invention at a second time,

[0019] [Fig.5] is a schematic side view of a palletizing device which illustrates an embodiment of the invention at a third instant,

[0020] [Fig.6] is a schematic side view of a palletizing device which illustrates an embodiment of the invention at a fourth instant,

[0021] [Fig.7] is a schematic side view of a palletizing device which illustrates an embodiment of the invention at a fifth instant,

[0022] [Fig.8] is a schematic side view of a palletizing device which illustrates an embodiment of the invention at a sixth instant,

[0023] [Fig.9] is a schematic side view of a palletizing device which illustrates an embodiment of the invention at a seventh instant, and

[0024] [Fig. 10] is a schematic side view of a palletizing device that illustrates an embodiment of the invention at an eighth instant.

[0025] In Figures 3 to 10, a palletizing device 30 is shown, adapted to store bags 32.

[0026] The bags have an approximately parallelepiped shape. On the pallet 34, the bags 32 are grouped in layers which are superimposed on each other. Each layer comprises several bags. In each layer, the bags 32 are positioned according to a predetermined arrangement. Thus, some bags 32 are oriented in a first laying direction X and others in a second laying direction Y.

[0027] The palletizing device 30 comprises a bag feed system 36 configured to convey the bags one after the other to a given point and according to a given feed orientation. According to one configuration, the feed orientation is parallel to one of the first or second laying directions X or Y.

[0028] The bag supply system 36 conveys the bags at a fixed given height. Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration. The bag supply system 36 could convey the bags at variable heights, depending in particular on the filling level of the pallet 34.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the bag supply system 36 comprises at least one conveyor 36.1.

[0030] The palletizing device 30 comprises a laying system 38, positioned in the extension of the bag supply system 36, configured to support at at least one bag 32 at the outlet of the bag supply system 36 and orient it according to one of the first or second laying directions X or Y. According to one arrangement, the laying system 38 is positioned in the extension of the conveyor 36.1.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the laying system 38 comprises a head 40 configured to occupy a closed state in which it supports a bag and an open state in which it drops the bag. This head 40 is not described further because it may be identical to those of the prior art. The laying system 38 comprises at least one joint 42 connecting the head 40 to a fixed frame 44 as well as at least one actuator configured to move the head 40 relative to the fixed frame 44.

[0032] According to one configuration, the articulation 42 is configured to allow the head 40 to pivot only around a vertical axis Z. According to another configuration, the articulation 42 is configured to allow the head 40 to move in a horizontal plane X, Y. According to another configuration, the laying system 38 comprises several articulations, such as a polyarticulated arm for example, configured to allow the head 40 to move according to several translations and / or according to several rotations.

[0033] Whatever the embodiment, the palletizing device 30 comprises a feeding and placing system 38, in one or more parts, configured to place bags above the pallet 34.

[0034] The palletizing device 30 comprises a vertically movable support 46 on which rests a pallet 34 to be filled. According to one configuration, this movable support 46 is secured to a vertical telescopic cylinder. Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Thus, the support 46 could be integrated into an elevator, in particular a chain elevator.

[0035] The palletizing device 30 also comprises an empty pallet supply system 48 and a full pallet removal system 50. The mobile support 46, the laying system 38, the empty pallet supply system 46 and the full pallet removal system 50 are not described further because they may be identical to those of the prior art.

[0036] The palletizing device 30 comprises a false pallet 52 on which each layer of bags is formed before being placed on the pallet 34.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the false pallet 52 comprises two half-plates 52.1, 52.2 configured to occupy a closed state in which they are joined to allow the formation of at least one layer and an open state in which they are separated so that the layer(s) of bags formed on the false pallet 52 are placed on the last layer of bags of the pallet or on the empty pallet.

[0038] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the false pallet 52. Whatever the embodiment, the false pallet 52 is positioned between the laying system 38 and the support 46 on which a pallet 34 to be filled is positioned, and configured to occupy a first state in which the false pallet 52 supports bags so as to form layers of bags and a second state in which the false pallet 52 drops the bags, previously supported by the false pallet 52, onto the pallet 34.

[0039] According to an important characteristic, the false pallet 52 is sized to support at least two layers of bags, as illustrated in [Fig.5] for example.

[0040] According to one embodiment, at least one element among the false pallet 52 and the laying system 38 is movable relative to the other so that the distance separating the laying system 38 and the bag laying surface positioned on the false pallet 52 is substantially constant. Thus, when the laying system 38 places bags on the false pallet 52, the laying system 38 is separated from the false pallet 52 by a first distance. When the laying system 38 positions bags on a complete layer already positioned on the false pallet 52, the laying system 38 is separated from the complete layer by a second distance substantially equal to the first distance. Thus, the bags dropped by the laying system 38 always fall from the same height.

[0041] According to one configuration, the false pallet 52 is fixed in height. Only the laying system 38 changes position in height depending on the layer placed on the false pallet 52, the laying system 38 being shifted upwards after the production of a layer of bags directly placed on the false pallet 52, to produce a second layer of bags placed on the layer of bags already placed on the false pallet 52.

[0042] According to another configuration, the laying system 38 remains fixed in height. Only the false pallet 52 changes position in height depending on the layer placed on the false pallet 52, the false pallet 52 being shifted downwards after the production of a layer of bags directly placed on the false pallet 52, to produce a second layer of bags placed on the layer of bags already placed on the false pallet 52.

[0043] According to another configuration, the laying system 38 and the false pallet 52 change position in height depending on the layer laid on the false pallet 52.

[0044] According to one embodiment, at least one element among the laying system 38 and the false pallet 52 moves horizontally when placing the bags on the false pallet 52.

[0045] According to one configuration, the laying system 38 remains stationary and can only pivot about a vertical axis in order to modify the orientation of the bags. According to this configuration, the false pallet 52 moves horizontally so that the bag laid by the laying system 38 is correctly positioned on the false pallet 52.

[0046] According to another configuration, the false pallet 52 is stationary in a horizontal plane. Only the laying system 38 moves in a horizontal plane to po- position each bag correctly on the false pallet 52.

[0047] According to another configuration, the laying system 38 and the false pallet 52 can move horizontally.

[0048] The false pallet 52 is connected to the fixed frame 44 by a connection which can be more or less complex depending on the kinematics of the false pallet 52. According to one configuration, the connection is a sliding connection allowing the change of state of the false pallet 52. According to another configuration, the false pallet 52 is connected to a structure by a first connection allowing the change of state of the false pallet 52 and the structure is connected to the fixed frame by at least a second connection allowing the structure to move vertically and / or horizontally.

[0049] As illustrated in [Fig.3], all the layers of bags placed on the pallet 34 have a constant horizontal section.

[0050] The palletizing device 30 comprises a first shaping system 54 positioned just above the false pallet 52 and configured to shape at least one layer of bags positioned on the false pallet 52 as well as a second shaping system 56 positioned just below the false pallet 52 and configured to shape at least one layer of bags positioned under the false pallet 52.

[0051] By "positioned just above or just below" is meant a distance less than the height of a layer of bags.

[0052] According to one configuration, at least one of the first and second shaping systems 54, 56 has a height sufficient to compact two layers of bags. According to one embodiment, the first and second shaping systems 54, 56 each have a height sufficient to compact two layers of bags.

[0053] The first and second shaping systems 54, 56 are kinematically linked to the false pallet 52. When the latter is connected to a structure that is mobile vertically and / or horizontally relative to the fixed chassis 44, the first and second compacting systems 54, 56 are connected to this mobile structure.

[0054] According to one embodiment, each of the first and second shaping systems 54, 56 has a constant horizontal section equal to the horizontal section of a layer of bags. Each of them can be configured to shape one or two layers. According to another embodiment, at least one of the first and second shaping systems 54, 56 is movable between a tightened state in which it has a horizontal section equal to the horizontal section of a layer of bags and a spaced state in which it has a horizontal section greater than that of a layer of bags.

[0055] The palletizing device 30 comprises a control system configured to control the height position of the support 46, the movements of the laying system 38, the open / closed state of the head 40 of the laying system, the state of the false pallet 52 and its possible movements as well as the state of the first and second conformation systems 54, 56.

[0056] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 10, the palletizing method comprises a step of removing a full pallet 58. Almost simultaneously, the filling of a new pallet 34 begins. Thus, during this removal step, the false pallet 52 is in the first state and a new layer of bags is made directly on the false pallet 52. The first shaping system 54 is in the tightened state and the second shaping system 56 is in the separated state. The fact that the first shaping system 54 is in the tightened state during the production of the layers placed on the false pallet 52 makes it possible to shape these layers. As illustrated in [Fig. 4], a new empty pallet 34 is positioned on the support 46 which rises to position it just under the false pallet 52, as illustrated in [Fig. 5].When the full pallet 58 is evacuated and a new pallet 34 arrives just under the false pallet 52, unlike the prior art, two layers of bags C1, C2 are placed, one on top of the other, on the false pallet 52. Consequently, the palletizing rate is not slowed down. The two layers of bags C1, C2 are compacted by the first shaping system 54.

[0057] As soon as the empty pallet 34 is positioned just below the false pallet 52, the latter changes state and opens, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], so that the first two layers C1 and C2 fall onto the pallet 34. During this fall, the first and second shaping systems 54, 56 are in the spaced-apart state so as not to interfere with the layers C1 and C2. Just after the false pallet 52 has opened, the support 46 shifts downwards by a distance substantially equal to twice the thickness of a layer of bags.

[0058] As soon as the support 46 is sufficiently shifted downwards (the second layer C2 being positioned just below the false pallet 52), the false pallet 52 returns to the first closed state, as illustrated in [Fig.7], and a new layer of bags C3 is placed by the laying system 38 directly on the false pallet 52. As soon as the latter is closed, the first and second shaping systems 54, 56 change state and move to the tightened state. Thus, the first and second layers C1, C2 just placed on the pallet 34 are compacted laterally to compensate for any misalignment during their fall. As soon as the first and second layers C1 and C2 are compacted, the second shaping system 56 returns to the separated state. The first shaping system 54 remains in the tightened state. Thus, the layers produced on the false pallet 52 are correctly shaped.

[0059] According to a first operating mode, as soon as the third and fourth layers are produced on the false pallet 52, the latter opens and the third and fourth layers fall onto the pallet 34. Just after the false pallet 52 is opened, the support 46 shifts downwards by a height substantially equal to twice the height of a layer of bags. As soon as the support 46 is sufficiently shifted downwards (the fourth layer C4 being positioned just below the false pallet 52), the false pallet 52 returns to the first closed state and a new layer of bags is placed by the laying system 38 directly on the false pallet 52. As soon as the latter is closed, the first and second shaping systems 54, 56 change state and move to the tightened state. Thus, the two new layers C3, C4 just placed on the pallet 34 are compacted laterally to compensate for any misalignment during their fall. As soon as the two new layers C3 and C4 are compacted, the second shaping system 56 returns to the spread state. The first shaping system 54 remains in the tightened state.Thus, the layers made on the false pallet 52 are correctly shaped.

[0060] This two-layer laying cycle is repeated until the pallet 34 is filled.

[0061] According to a second operating mode, after the two first and second layers C1, C2 have been placed on the pallet 34, the layers are produced one by one on the false pallet 52. Thus, after the formation of each layer on the false pallet 52, the latter passes into the open state and the layer formed on the false pallet 52 falls onto the last layer of the pallet 34.

[0062] According to a third operating mode, the palletization process comprises several cycles, each comprising: a. a step of producing a complete layer C3 and an incomplete layer C4 on the false pallet 52, b. before the end of the production of the incomplete layer C4, a step of opening the false pallet 52 so that the complete layer C3 and the incomplete layer C4 fall onto the last layer located on the pallet 34, c. a bag-laying step to finish the incomplete layer C4, d. a step of lowering the pallet 34 so that all the layers located on the pallet 34 are positioned under the false pallet 52, and e. a step of closing the false pallet 52.

[0063] During the step of producing the complete layer C3 and the incomplete layer C4 on the false pallet 52, the first shaping system 54 is in the tightened position to shape the two layers C3, C4. During the step of opening the false pallet 52, the second shaping system 56, which is in the separated state, passes to the tightened state after the two layers C3, C4 have fallen. As soon as the incomplete layer C4 is finished, the second shaping system 56 returns to the state spaced apart so as not to interfere with the layers placed on the pallet 34, and the support 46 is shifted downwards until the fourth layer C4 is positioned just below the false pallet 52. The false pallet 52 is then closed. After closing the false pallet 52, the second shaping system 56 shapes the last two layers C3, C4 placed on the pallet 34, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], then returns to the spaced apart state. A new cycle of two new layers can begin again.

[0064] Whatever the operating mode, the palletizing method comprises a step of filling each pallet 34 during which the pallet 34, positioned on a support 46, descends progressively and the bags are arranged layer by layer on a false pallet 52, a step of evacuating each full pallet 34 and finally a step of supplying empty pallets during which an empty pallet positioned on the support 46 is positioned just below the false pallet. According to an essential characteristic, for each new pallet 34, the palletizing method comprises a step of producing more than one layer on the false pallet 52 during the step of evacuating the previous pallet and the step of supplying a new empty pallet.According to one operating mode, two complete layers are produced on the false pallet 52 during the step of removing the previous pallet and the step of supplying the new empty pallet. According to another operating mode, one complete layer and one incomplete layer are produced on the false pallet 52 during the step of removing the previous pallet and the step of supplying the new empty pallet.

Claims

Claims

1. Palletizing method for placing bags (32) on a pallet (34), layer by layer, in a predetermined arrangement for each layer, the method comprising a step of filling each pallet (34) during which the pallet (34) positioned on a support (46) gradually descends and the bags are arranged layer by layer on a false pallet (52), a step of removing each full pallet (34) as well as a step of supplying empty pallets during which an empty pallet located on the support (46) is positioned just below the false pallet (52); characterized in that, for each new pallet (34), the palletizing method comprises a step of producing more than one layer on the false pallet (52) during the step of removing the previous pallet and the step of supplying the new empty pallet.

2. Palletizing method according to claim 1, characterized in that two complete layers are produced on the false pallet (52) during the step of evacuating the previous pallet and the step of supplying the new empty pallet.

3. Palletizing method according to claim 1, characterized in that a complete layer and an incomplete layer are produced on the false pallet (52) during the step of evacuating the previous pallet and the step of supplying the new empty pallet.

4. Palletizing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the palletizing method comprises several cycles each comprising: a. a step of producing a complete layer (C3) and an incomplete layer (C4) on the false pallet (52), b. before the end of the production of the incomplete layer (C4), a step of opening the false pallet (52) so that the complete layer (C3) and the incomplete layer (C4) fall onto a last layer located on the pallet (34), c. a step of placing bags to finish the incomplete layer (C4), d. a step of lowering the pallet (34) so ​​that all the layers located on the pallet (34) are positioned under the false pallet (52), and e. a step of closing the false pallet (52).

5. Palletizing method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that during the step of producing the complete layer (C3) and the incomplete layer (C4) on the false pallet (52), a first shaping system (54) shapes the two layers (C3, C4) located on the false pallet (52).

6. Palletizing method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that during the step of placing bags to finish the incomplete layer (C4), a second shaping system (56) shapes the two layers (C3, C4) just placed on the pallet (34).

7. Palletizing method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that during the step of lowering the pallet (34), the second shaping system (56) is moved aside.

8. Palletizing method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that after the step of closing the false pallet (52), the second shaping system (56) shapes the last two layers (C3, C4) placed on the pallet (34) and is then moved apart.

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