Device and method for grouping products, and installation for lateral transfer of products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a product grouping device (2), comprising a product feeder (3) in a single-line flow along a longitudinal direction (X) from upstream to downstream, from an inlet (4) to an outlet (5); a downstream module (6) for guiding said products (1) and sequencing a predetermined number of products (1) released at the outlet (5); and an upstream module (9) for guiding said products (1) from said inlet (4) to said downstream sequencing module (6), with an upstream conveyor (90) provided with a pair of upstream surfaces extending on either side of said feeder (3) and provided to be movable from a retracted position to a retracted position, and vice versa. The invention also relates to a corresponding grouping method and a lateral transfer installation for said products (1). Figure for the abridged version: Fig. 8

Description

Title of the invention: Device and method for grouping, and installation for lateral transfer of products Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of conveying products within an industrial production line for said products.

[0002] Such products may be containers, including but not limited to bottles, cans, vials, or cardboard cartons. Such a container is intended to hold, but not limited to, a fluid, a liquid, powders, or granules, particularly of the food or cosmetic type. These products can be made of any type of material, metal, glass, but preferably plastic-based, especially polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) which gives the product a flexibility that makes it semi-rigid. Such products can have any type of shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, regular or irregular. Furthermore, each product may have a rounded cross-section, generally circular or oval in shape, or a polygonal cross-section, such as a rectangle or a square. In particular, the use of a product with a specific shape, for example asymmetrical or oblong, is widespread in the food, home care and personal care (FHPC) sector, for example for a container intended to hold shower gel or shampoo, or in the cleaning and maintenance sector, such as a bottle with a sprayer for detergents and disinfectants.

[0003] In a known manner, said containers are moved along said production line, individually or grouped into batches, to be conveyed to different successive processing stations, such as the manufacture of the container, for example during a plastic injection or stretch blow molding operation in the case of a plastic bottle, followed by filling, then closing with a cap and labeling. After these processes, the containers are said to be "finished".

[0004] For the purpose of handling, such finished products undergo batch packaging. Each lot comprises a group of several products, arranged in a row or in a matrix, generally rectangular in shape, often square or rectangular, with several rows and columns. For example, a typical lot groups six products in two rows and three columns, often referred to as a "pack". Once the product groups have been made, the groups generally undergo packaging by crating or wrapping, in particular through a filming step or preferably bundling, or by wrapping with a sheet, in particular made of paper or cardboard material, in order to keep the products of the same batch together.

[0005] During these different stages, the products are therefore transported along the production line, according to a direction of movement extending longitudinally, from upstream to downstream, between and within the different stations dedicated to each treatment that the products must undergo. In particular, in order to produce the batches, the products must undergo a grouping step, according to at least one row.

[0006] The invention specifically aims at grouping products from a single-line flow, namely that the products are conveyed one after the other along said longitudinal direction, with a view to their lateral transfer to a conveying surface extending transversely and orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal direction of movement. State of the art

[0007] Currently, the lateral transfer of products exiting the infeed conveyor to a conveying surface located downstream can be carried out transversely, along a transverse direction orthogonal to the upstream longitudinal direction. Such a lateral transfer makes it possible to create, from a single-line flow of products, one or more rows along said longitudinal direction, but also one or more columns along the transverse direction.

[0008] A known lateral transfer solution comprises, by means of a transfer element, preferably several successive ones, in the form of a collector equipped with compartments, often referred to as a "comb". Each compartment is shaped and sized to internally receive one or more products. Furthermore, the collector is designed to move laterally, step by step, to successively position an empty compartment opposite the next product to be received for transfer. Thus, from a continuous single-line flow of incoming products, the receipt of one or more products by the comb is carried out discontinuously, by step-by-step transverse movement of the compartments of said comb-collector, until a subsequent collector is filled and positioned, or alternatively, until said collector is moved to a deposit zone for the products thus received before its return to the collection point for the next products.

[0009] Therefore, prior to the transfer, it is necessary to group the products of the single-line flow, ensuring that the groups of products to be transferred follow one another regularly, with a roughly equal spacing. Preferably, the products are placed side-by-side and in contact, that is, in a configuration where an upstream product touches the adjacent product located downstream. This contact ensures their proper handling and successive insertion into each of the collector's compartments, particularly for products with specific shapes, namely irregular or asymmetrical, or oblong in shape, such as bottles with an oblong cross-section.

[0010] Such product grouping occurs during transport along a feed conveyor advancing at a constant speed, in a sequencing process that ensures the release of a predetermined number of products at a given interval. This sequencing is carried out along a corridor, for example, consisting of two lateral walls extending essentially vertically above the feed conveyor and parallel to its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, these lateral walls come into contact with the products on either side, thus serving as guides. To achieve this, a known solution involves two lateral surfaces, each motorized along the longitudinal direction and moving synchronously, to guide the products as they move and control the flow of a number of products corresponding to the batch being transferred. More specifically, the speed of the two lateral surfaces is variably controlled. During a delivery cycle of one or more products from the same batch to the transfer module, the lateral surfaces are stationary or at a low initial speed (lower than the speed of the infeed conveyor), slowing the products until their progress is complete. Then, the surfaces are accelerated to approximately the speed of the infeed conveyor, or even higher, to release and dispense one or more products at the output.The lateral surfaces are then decelerated, possibly to a stop, and then accelerated again to release the next product(s), with a specific interval between them (i.e., an interval dependent on the collector pitch). When the desired number of products is delivered to the transfer module, the surfaces are decelerated back to the initial low speed before restarting the cycle. If such a sequencer delivers a predefined number of products to a transfer module at a set rate, the successive accelerations and decelerations of the sequencing process generate gaps between the upstream products. These gaps disrupt the required continuity of the single-line flow, hindering the delivery of a specific number of products as regularly as possible. A gap that is too large can result in a missing product, making it impossible to form the downstream batch.

[0011] Furthermore, a related drawback lies in the fact that upstream, the products may move and orient themselves differently along the infeed conveyor, or even be The products are offset from each other, both longitudinally and transversely. In short, they are no longer aligned and rotate on their own axes, which is particularly problematic for irregularly shaped products, such as those with an irregular or asymmetrical cross-section. Consequently, upon entry, the products are likely to strike the lateral guide surfaces, again creating unwanted spacing between them, or even causing them to fall. Description of the invention

[0012] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a grouping of products upstream of a lateral transfer, ensuring the continuity of the single-line flow of products at a regular interval, with the products preferentially in contact with each other. In other words, the grouping device makes it possible to fill unwanted gaps between products.

[0013] In a related manner, the grouping according to the invention makes it possible to ensure the alignment of products, in particular for specific products, of irregular or asymmetrical shape.

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a grouping device comprising: (i) at least one infeed conveyor transporting products in a single-line flow in a longitudinal direction from upstream to downstream, from an inlet to an outlet of said grouping device; ii) a downstream module for sequencing the products to said output provided - means of guiding said products according to said single-line flow along said infeed conveyor to said outlet; - means of sequencing a determined number of products released according to at least one output interval. Such a grouping device is characterized by the fact that it includes iii) an upstream guidance module for said products from said input to said downstream sequencing module, said upstream module comprising at least one upstream conveyor provided with a pair of upstream surfaces extending on either side of said conveyor and in that said upstream surfaces of the upstream module are movable from a retracted position to a retracted position, and vice versa; - in a closed position, the said upstream surfaces extend parallel along the said longitudinal direction, according to a determined spacing, so as to come into contact with the periphery of the products transported by the said feed conveyor, the said upstream surfaces being in alignment with the said guiding means (7); - in the retracted position, the upstream surfaces are separated from the closed position. According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, said upstream surfaces are movable in translation from the closed position to the retracted position, and vice versa.

[0015] According to one embodiment, said upstream surfaces are in the form of at least one belt conveyor.

[0016] According to one embodiment, said guiding means and said sequencing means are in the form of at least one pair of motorized downstream conveyors from upstream to downstream. According to one embodiment, said upstream surfaces are in the form of at least one pair of motorized upstream conveyors from upstream to downstream and said downstream conveyors and upstream conveyors being independent.

[0017] The invention further relates to a lateral product transfer installation, said installation being equipped with said grouping device. To achieve this, such a lateral transfer system includes: - downstream, a motorized conveying surface in a direction orthogonal to said longitudinal direction; - a lateral transfer module for said products, provided with at least one successive transfer element for each of said products in said single-line flow. The installation is characterized in that, upstream, it includes a grouping device as described previously.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the installation provides that said transfer unit includes at least one collector provided with a plurality of housings.

[0019] The invention further relates to a product grouping method comprising at least the following steps: - a continuous single-line flow of products is brought to a determined speed, one after the other, according to a displacement along a longitudinal direction from upstream to downstream; - downstream, up to an exit, the products are guided on both sides along a corridor of predetermined width, preferably corresponding to the width of said products; - at the output, the products are sequenced by delivering a determined number of products released according to at least one interval. Such a grouping process is characterized by the fact that - upstream, from an input, upstream guidance is performed; said upstream guidance being planned to be intermittent, periodically providing support in contact with said products, accelerating or slowing down said products in such a way as to maintain the continuous single-line flow of products.

[0020] According to additional, non-limiting features, such a grouping process provides that - the upstream guidance is achieved by means of upstream surfaces extending parallel along said longitudinal direction; said upstream surfaces being moved periodically - by moving from an active position to a retracted position, without contact with said products; - tightening from said retracted position towards said active position generating support at the contact of the periphery of said products by said upstream lateral surfaces.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the upstream guidance is provided to be retractable and is carried out by controlling the transverse displacement of said upstream surfaces.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the grouping process provides that the movement cycle of the upstream surfaces of the upstream conveyor is controlled, as a function of the command of the movement speed of said products.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the grouping process provides that, in the tightening position, said upstream surfaces are separated laterally by a width determined according to the format of said products. The products are aligned during the tightening of said upstream surfaces.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the grouping process provides that downstream of the outlet, a lateral transfer is carried out successively of each group of products from among the determined number of said products released according to said interval, said lateral transfer being carried out in a transverse direction extending orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal direction. Presentation of the drawings

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0026] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a product grouping device, showing in particular two upstream and downstream guidance modules;

[0027] [Fig.2] schematically represents a simplified perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a product grouping device within a lateral transfer installation, showing in particular the mobility of the upstream lateral surfaces of the upstream guidance module;

[0028] [Fig.3] schematically represents a simplified elevation view of an embodiment of the grouping device, with a downstream module in the form of a corridor with a type of sequencer at the output, as well as at the input, with an independent upstream module in a narrowed position, with upstream surfaces in the form of motorized and retractable strips according to a transverse translation;

[0029] [Fig.4] schematically represents a simplified elevation view of another mode implementation of the grouping device, with a downstream module whose guidance and sequencing means are formed by a pair of downstream bands;

[0030] [Fig.5] schematically represents a simplified elevation view of another embodiment of the grouping device, with an independent upstream module in a retracted position, with upstream lateral surfaces that can be retracted according to a rotation;

[0031] [Fig.6] schematically represents a simplified elevation view of another mode implementation of the grouping device, equipped with upstream and downstream modules, the latter being equipped with lateral surfaces in the form of common belt conveyors, with portions of the upstream surfaces in a retracted position according to a rotation;

[0032] [Fig.7] schematically represents a simplified elevation view of another mode implementation of the grouping device, with upstream and downstream modules in the form of independent conveyors of the "clamping conveyor" type, equipped with chains on which product gripping lugs are mounted;

[0033] [Fig.8] schematically represents a simplified elevation view of an example of implementation of a preferred embodiment of the product grouping device, in the form of oblong-shaped containers, within a single-column lateral transfer installation of four products, showing in particular an upstream spacing between two products;

[0034] [Fig.9] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.8], showing upstream the translational separation of the upstream lateral surfaces, freeing the products to fill said separation, while the products are blocked downstream;

[0035] [Fig. 10] schematically represents an elevation view of another example of implementation of the product grouping device, in the form of oblong-shaped containers, within an installation with a lateral transfer of two columns of four rows of products, by means of a suitable collector;

[0036] [Fig.11] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.10], showing upstream the translational separation of the upstream lateral surfaces, releasing the products to fill said separation, while the products are blocked downstream;

[0037] [Fig. 12] schematically represents an elevational view of another example of the grouping device implementation, in the retracted position of the upstream module, showing in particular non-aligned products at the input; and

[0038] [Fig.13] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.12], with the upstream lateral surfaces tightened, highlighting in particular an alignment of the products. Detailed description

[0039] The present invention relates to the conveying of products 1. As mentioned previously, such products 1 can be containers, including but not limited to bottles, cans, flasks, or cardboard cartons. Such a container is intended to hold, but is not limited to, a fluid, a liquid, powders, or granules, particularly those of the food or cosmetic type. These products 1 can be made of any type of material, such as metal or glass, but preferably of plastic, particularly polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), which provides flexibility and makes the product 1 semi-rigid. Such products 1 can have any type of shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, regular or irregular. Furthermore, each product 1 can have a rounded cross-section, generally circular or ovoid in shape, or a polygonal cross-section, particularly rectangular or square.

[0040] Further on, the conveying of products 1 is carried out from upstream to downstream, along a longitudinal direction X. Moreover, the conveying is carried out at least upstream in a single-line flow of products, namely in a single line of products 1 aligned along said longitudinal direction X. In other words, the products 1 follow one another in succession. Therefore, the single-line flow of products 1 is fed continuously, that is, without interruption, or without the presence of any spacing, separation, or gap between two products 1 over a determined distance (for example: a distance greater than half the width, diameter, or cross-section of a product 1). In summary, the single-line flow exhibits a regular step, with an equal or nearly equal distance between two successive products 1. Preferably, the products 1 of said single-line flow are located side-by-side or adjacent, that is to say, the wall located downstream of an upstream product 1 touches the wall located upstream of an adjacent downstream product 1. In this case, the distance between two successive products 1 is zero.

[0041] More specifically, the invention relates to the grouping of said products 1, namely the distribution of the products 1 of the single-line flow into a group comprising a determined number of products 1. Such a group generally has a matrix distribution of said products 1, namely according to at least one column, preferably several, as well as several rows (i.e. several rows of a single product 1 in the case of a single column). Such grouping of products 1 is carried out by means of a dedicated grouping device 2.

[0042] According to the invention, the grouping device 2 for products 1 comprises firstly at least one infeed conveyor 3 transporting the products 1 in a single-line flow in the longitudinal direction X from upstream to downstream. Several 3 feeder conveyors can follow one another along the grouping device 2. Each 3 feed conveyor can be of any type, preferably in the form of at least one endless belt conveyor. The infeed conveyor 3 extends along the grouping device 2, from an inlet 4 to an outlet 5. Furthermore, the infeed conveyor 3 is motorized at a predetermined speed. Preferably, the speed of the infeed conveyor 3 is constant, that is, at a value determined in particular by the production rate or the format of the products 1 to be processed. In principle, such an infeed speed does not vary during production, except for the initial acceleration and deceleration during the start-up and shutdown of the grouping device 2. Thus, the infeed conveyor 3 allows the products 1 to be transported, resting at least on their bottom on the upper face of said infeed conveyor 3.

[0043] Further on, the grouping device 2 includes a downstream module 6 for sequencing the products 1 towards said output 5. The role of this downstream module 6 is to sequence the products 1, namely, from the single-line flow transported by the infeed conveyor 3, to deliver a predetermined number of products 1 at the output 5 of the grouping device 2. To do this, said downstream module 6 is firstly provided with means 7 for guiding said products 1 along said single-line flow along said infeed conveyor 3 to said output 5. These guiding means 7 form a channel along which the products 1 transported by the infeed conveyor 3 progress, maintaining the alignment of the single-line flow along the grouping device 2.

[0044] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig.3], the guiding means 7 comprise at least two walls 70, extending vertically and parallel to each other, as well as in the longitudinal X direction. Furthermore, the walls 70 are spaced apart, with the spacing adjustable according to the shape and dimensions of the products 1, particularly their diameter or width. The walls 70 thus frame the products 1 laterally, on the right and left sides. The walls 70 can be of any type, in the form of fixed plates against which the products 1 slide around their perimeter, or equipped with bearings or rollers that freely rotate, allowing the perimeter of the products 1 to roll in contact with them.

[0045] According to another possible embodiment, the guiding means 7 comprise a pair of downstream conveyors 71. Like the walls 70, the pair of conveyors 71 forms the corridor, framing the products 1 on each side, i.e. on the right and left sides during their progression. Furthermore, the downstream conveyors 71 of each pair have motorized surfaces along the longitudinal X direction. These surfaces therefore accompany the products 1 during their transport by the infeed conveyor 3, and may even limit their movement depending on their speed of progression. In a preferred embodiment, the downstream conveyors 71 can make contact against the periphery of the products 1. Thus, the products 1 are framed and, depending on the speed of said downstream conveyors 71, they can be accelerated or decelerated. Indeed, if the speed of the downstream conveyors 71 is higher than the speed of the infeed conveyor 3, the products 1 are accelerated. If the speed of the downstream conveyors 71 is lower than the speed of the infeed conveyor 3, the products 1 are then slowed down, or even stopped, rubbing against the surface of the infeed conveyor 3. These downstream conveyors 71 can be of any type, preferably endless belt conveyors, as seen in figures 4 to 6. In these embodiments, it is the portions of belts on the forward path of the downstream conveyors 71 that accompany the products 1, and that act on their movement via the modulation of their conveying speed. It should be noted that the faces of the downstream conveyors 71 that come into contact with the products 1 may have adhesion characteristics, determined according to the products 1 to be processed. For example, the external surfaces of the downstream conveyors 71 may include a polyurethane (PU) based coating. According to another possible configuration, shown in [Fig.6], the downstream conveyors 71 can be in the form of chains on which are mounted lugs for gripping the products 1; the lugs then act like fingers to hold each of the products 1 located between the downstream conveyors 71. It should be noted that such downstream conveyors 71 can be of the "clamping conveyor" type, whose contact by support ensures sufficient force to grip the products 1 and hold them on either side of the guiding means 7.

[0046] Further on, said downstream module 6 includes means 8 for sequencing a determined number of products 1 released according to at least one interval at output 5. In other words, the sequencing means 8 make it possible to deliver a determined number of products 1 at output 5. In other words, the sequencing means 8 determine the sending of the products 1 at the output of the grouping device 2, or their temporary stop within the downstream module 6, but also the number of products 1 released (one by one, or several at a time), as well as the rate and the interval between the products 1 sent downstream.

[0047] Such sequencing means 8 can be of any type. According to an embodiment shown in [Fig.3], the sequencing means 8 may include removable stops, from a position blocking products 1 at exit 5 (or even along the downstream module 6), to a retracted position, leaving the passage free and allowing products 1 to circulate freely, in particular through said exit 5 or along the corridor.

[0048] According to a corresponding embodiment, the sequencing means 8 are formed by said at least one portion of downstream conveyor 71. In other words, said guiding means 7 and said sequencing means 8 are in the form of at least said pair of downstream conveyors 71. In particular, in some embodiments and as previously mentioned, the sequencing of the output products 1 is achieved by varying the speed of the downstream conveyors 71, allowing the clamped products 1 to decelerate, or even stop, thus blocking the output feed 5. In other words, along the downstream module 6, the products 1 are pinched on both sides by the downstream conveyors 71, and this clamping causes them to slide down the face of the infeed conveyor 3 when the speed of said downstream conveyors 71 is lower than the speed of the infeed conveyor 3. Then, to deliver the products 1, the speed of the downstream conveyors 71 is increased until it reaches that of the infeed conveyor 3 (or possibly accelerated to a higher speed). Thus, by modulating the speed of the downstream conveyors 71, it is possible to precisely control the number of products 1 delivered at the output, as well as the interval between each of them.

[0049] One challenge of the discontinuous delivery of products 1 by the downstream module 6 lies in maintaining the upstream single-line flow of products 1 one after the other, preferably adjacent or "touch-to-touch". In other words, it is necessary to maintain the most regular possible step in the single-line flow, namely the distance between two successive products 1. Such a step can be reduced to the size of the products 1 when the products 1 are in contact one behind the other.

[0050] During the sequencing of the products 1, the successive accelerations generate an increase in the distance between the products 1 and gaps are created between the upstream products 1. To solve this problem, advantageously, said grouping device 2 includes an upstream module 9 for guiding said products 1. Such upstream module 9 extends from said inlet 4 to said downstream sequencing module 8. In other words, the upstream module 9 is located between inlet 4 and the downstream sequencing module 8. Preferably, the upstream module 9 is adjacent to the downstream module 8.

[0051] Furthermore, said upstream module 9 comprises at least one upstream conveyor 90 provided with a pair of upstream surfaces extending on either side of said feeder conveyor 3. Preferably, the upstream module 9 includes two upstream conveyors 90, on each side of the infeed conveyor 3. Each upstream conveyor 90 can be of any type. Preferably, said upstream surfaces are in the form of at least one endless belt conveyor. It is then the portion of the belt on the forward path that corresponds to the upstream surfaces of the upstream conveyor 90 which therefore frame the products 1 on both sides, that is to say, the left and right sides of the grouping device 2. It should be noted that the upstream surfaces of each conveyor 90, which come into contact with the products 1, may exhibit adhesion characteristics. Any coating that provides adhesion characteristics may be used. In particular, the choice of coating is determined according to the products 1 to be processed. For example, the external surfaces of the upstream conveyors 90 have a polyurethane (PU)-based coating. Furthermore, in a narrowed position, these upstream surfaces extend in alignment with the said guiding means 7, prolonging the corridor along which the products 1 are moved. Furthermore, the upstream surfaces are motorized and have a direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal X direction, from upstream to downstream. In addition, the speed of the upstream surfaces can be adjusted, either to a constant speed during production (i.e., except at the start or end of production), or to a variable speed during production.

[0052] Advantageously, said upstream surfaces of the upstream module 9 are mobile from a retracted position to a closed position, and vice versa. In the closed position, the upstream surfaces extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction X, at a predetermined distance, so as to bear against the periphery of the products 1 transported by the infeed conveyor 3. This bearing can, depending on the speed of the upstream conveyor 90, slow down or accelerate the products 1, or even allow them to advance at the same transport speed by the infeed conveyor 3. Furthermore, it is in a narrowed position that the upstream surfaces are totally aligned with the corridor formed by the guiding means 7 of the downstream module 6. Furthermore, in the retracted position, the upstream surfaces are spaced further apart compared to the closed position. In other words, the upstream surfaces are spaced transversely, by a distance greater than the dimensions of the products 1, in particular their largest cross-section and their diameter, ensuring that the products 1 are no longer in contact with the upstream surfaces and are free to advance under the action of the infeed conveyor 3.

[0053] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, said upstream surfaces are translationally mobile from the retracted position to the retracted position, and vice versa. In other words, the upstream surfaces move transversely, along a Y direction orthogonal or essentially orthogonal to the longitudinal X direction.

[0054] According to another embodiment shown in [Fig. 5], the upstream surfaces of the upstream conveyor 90 are rotationally mobile from the retracted position to the retracted position, and vice versa. Furthermore, in the retracted position, the upstream surfaces converge from upstream to downstream with respect to the longitudinal direction X. In other words, the upstream ends of the upstream surfaces spread apart and the upstream surfaces become inclined, forming a funnel that narrows from the inlet 4.

[0055] In some embodiments, said upstream surfaces are in the form of at least one pair of upstream conveyors. Furthermore, according to one possible variant, said downstream conveyors 71 and said upstream conveyor 90 are independent, i.e., their conveying speed can be set independently. Such a configuration is notably shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0056] According to a corresponding embodiment, in the case of rotating retractable upstream surfaces, the downstream conveyors 71 and said upstream conveyor 90 comprise at least one common belt conveyor, extending from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5. Preferably, a belt conveyor extends on each right and left side. Such a configuration is notably visible in [Fig. 6]. In particular, each shared conveyor has return and / or drive rollers, ensuring between the downstream module 6 and the upstream module 9, a pivoting of the upstream surfaces of the upstream conveyor 90.

[0057] Thus, by moving to the retracted position, the upstream surfaces of the upstream conveyor 90 allow the products 1 to advance at the speed of the feed conveyor 3, to make up for the gaps formed upstream, during the release downstream of the products 1 which are always held and periodically accelerated and decelerated by the downstream module 6.

[0058] It should be noted that the triggering of the retraction can be controlled according to the release rate of products 1 at output 5, the release of products 1 being carried out by the sequencing means 8. In other words, the triggering of the retraction is then synchronized with the sequencing means 8. In some embodiments, the upstream module 9 includes a cycle for moving the upstream surfaces between the retracted and retracted positions. This movement cycle comprises, starting from a retracted position: - a duration dl of movement from said compressed position to a retracted position; - a retraction time d2, which corresponds to the said retracted position; - a duration d3 of movement from said retracted position to a retracted position and - a guidance duration d4, which corresponds to the said tightened position, until the triggering of a new movement cycle.

[0059] The displacement cycle is visible in particular in the examples in figures 8 and 9.

[0060] Figure 8 shows an example of an embodiment in which the upstream surfaces of the upstream conveyor 90 are in a constricted position. A product 1 has been delivered at outlet 5 and received in a compartment of a transfer unit 103. Two other products 1 have been delivered at a predetermined interval at outlet 5. A fourth product is momentarily slowed down or stopped at outlet 5 in order to be delivered at the said interval. Furthermore, it can be seen that a gap has formed upstream between two products 1. This stop or slowing down at outlet 5 is schematically represented by an arrow comprising an arrival end with a transverse line. The movements of the collector are schematically represented by an arrow including a starting end with a transverse line. Figure 9 shows a stop at output 5, after delivering the determined number of products 1 into a collector of the component 103. The duration of the stop at output 5 allows, on the one hand, time for the next collector to position itself for the reception of the coming products 1, and on the other hand, the passage of the upstream surfaces of the conveyor 90 from a narrowed position to a retracted position in order to fill the gap formed upstream between the two products 1.

[0061] Fig. 10 shows an example of an implementation similar to Fig. 8, in which two products 1 are received in the same housing of a collector of a transfer unit 103.

[0062] Fig. 11 shows an example of an implementation similar to Fig. 9, in which the upstream surfaces of the conveyor 90 have moved from a narrowed position to a retracted position, in order to accelerate the products 1 so as to bridge the gap between the two products 1.

[0063] In some embodiments, the retraction triggering is supervised by an operator via a dedicated interface provided on the grouping device 2. Furthermore, such an interface allows control of the various elements and components of said grouping device 2, in particular the speeds of the conveyors and belts.

[0064] To this end, the grouping device 2 includes, in embodiments, a control unit equipped with a digital data storage memory, in the form of a local client or server, in particular an independent server. Furthermore, the interface can automatically control the triggering of the retraction of the upstream surfaces of the upstream conveyor 90, by detecting the gaps formed between the products 1, via sensors positioned along the path of said products 1.

[0065] In embodiments, the operator configures the information relating to the movement cycle, in particular the values ​​of the durations dl to d4, in the control unit. According to one variant, the control unit automatically determines the movement cycle, for example based on the products 1 to be processed, the production line speed, the information collected by the sensors, the configuration of the group of products 1 to be delivered at output 5, etc. For example, the movement cycle is controlled based on the release rate of products 1 at output 5, the release being carried out by the sequencing means 8.

[0066] The sensors can be of any type, measuring the passage of a product 1 in its detection range, measuring the time interval between the passage of two products 1, or measuring a distance between two successive products 1, or measuring the speed of one or more products 1.

[0067] Advantageously, the control unit includes a human-machine interface. An operator on the packaging line can, for example, enter various instructions via the control unit, such as the nominal speed of the infeed conveyor 3, the product category 1 to be processed, information relating to the number of products 1 to be delivered to the transfer module, etc. A product category 1 is defined in particular by the nature of the products 1, for example containers such as bottles, flasks, cans, or cartons. It can also be defined according to the material of the products 1 (glass, PET, cardboard), or even their shape or weight. According to a possible additional feature, an operator can input instructions to the control unit relating to the sequencing means 8, such as the number of products 1 to be delivered, according to a given interval.

[0068] In some embodiments, the control unit generates speed instructions in the form of speed setpoints, the speed setpoint being defined according to the number of products 1 to be delivered at output 3 by the sequencing means 8. Such a speed setpoint corresponding to the sequencing cycle can be stored in the memory of the control unit.

[0069] According to a possible additional feature, the speed corresponding to the sequencing cycle is synchronized with the movement cycle of the upstream surfaces of the upstream conveyor 90. In some embodiments, an operator enters instructions regarding the spacing of the products 1 to be delivered at output 5. Advantageously, the control unit processes the information transmitted by the various sensors, via a communication network, and triggers the tightening of the upstream lateral surfaces 90, in order to restore the continuous spacing between said products 1, in the event of a deviation being detected. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it then allows the upstream lateral surfaces 90 to remain in the retracted position as long as no deviation is detected. Relatedly, as shown in the embodiment of [Fig. 1], the grouping device 2 may include a structure 10 supporting the various elements and components. Such a structure 10 serves as a base for said device 2, notably by means of several feet 11 resting on the ground. This structure 10 comprises one or more frames, with uprights and crossbeams, on which the modules 6, 9 are mounted. In particular, the structure 10 may include a gantry 12, on which at least the upstream module 9 is mounted. Such a gantry 12 extends vertically above the infeed conveyor 3, supporting at least the upstream module 9 and its upstream conveyors 90 above the surface of the infeed conveyor 3. This gantry 12 also supports the drive system for said upstream conveyors 90, as well as the means ensuring their movement in spacing and narrowing. It should be noted that such means ensuring the mobility of the upstream conveyor 90 can be of any type, including belt drives, electric or pneumatic cylinders, or linear motors. In addition, the motorization of the upstream conveyor 90 can be mounted on the mobile part of the gantry 12, while the motorization of the downstream conveyors 71 is attached to the fixed part of said gantry. The invention further relates to a lateral transfer installation 100 of products 1. Such an installation 100 allows the products 1 to be transferred at the outlet 5 in a different direction Y, preferably orthogonal or substantially orthogonal, with respect to said longitudinal direction X.

[0070] To do this, the installation 100 includes upstream, a grouping device 2 according to the invention, according to the different embodiments previously described.

[0071] Furthermore, the installation 100 includes downstream, a conveying surface 101 in a direction Y orthogonal to said longitudinal direction X. Such a conveying surface 101 can be of any type, in the form of a conveyor, preferably with an endless belt or roller, but also in the form of an accumulation surface, or even a fixed or dead plate. Furthermore, in embodiments, said conveying surface 101 allows the groups of products 1 released at the output 5 of the grouping unit to be transported to a suitable processing station, in particular a packaging station.

[0072] The installation 100 further includes a lateral transfer module 102 of said products 1. In addition, such a module 102 is provided with at least one successive transfer element 103 of each of said products 1 of said single-line flow. In particular, each organ 103 can enable the movement of the determined number of products 1 delivered by the grouping device 2, and in particular by the sequencing means 8, namely the number of products 1 corresponding to a group in order to form a batch. Preferably, the transfer module 102 comprises several components 103, motorized according to a cadence ensuring successive handling of the products 1 delivered at output 5.

[0073] According to one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 7, the member 103 ensures the transfer simply by means of the conveying surface 101, possibly with other related elements, such as rails or a guide channel for the products 1.

[0074] According to another embodiment, the lateral transfer can be carried out by grasping the periphery or the upper distal part of the products 1, such as the neck in the case of containers in the form of bottles.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, said transfer element 103 comprises at least one collector provided with a plurality of housings. Each housing is intended to receive one or more products 1. Figures 8 and 9 show a collector whose housings are sized to receive a single product 1, while [Fig. 10] shows a collector in which each housing allows for the reception of two products 1. Furthermore, each collector can receive the entire specified number of products 1 delivered at outlet 5, namely each group, or can receive several groups of products 1, or several collectors can receive the same group of products distributed among them.

[0076] It should be noted that any means can be used to manipulate and move the transfer element(s) 103, for example, by means of a multi-axis robotic arm. In some embodiments, the control unit sends instructions to the transfer module 102 to coordinate the collection of the products 1 with the grouping device 2.

[0077] The invention also relates to a method of grouping products 1.

[0078] In embodiments, such a grouping process is provided for the implementation of the grouping device 2 as previously described.

[0079] In embodiments, such a grouping process is provided for implementation within the installation 100 as previously described.

[0080] Furthermore, the grouping process comprises at least the following steps. First, a continuous single-line flow of products 1 is brought in one after the other at a predetermined speed. Moreover, the delivery of the products 1 is carried out along a longitudinal X direction from upstream to downstream.

[0081] Further downstream, for example up to an exit 5, the products 1 are guided on both sides along a corridor of predetermined width, preferably corresponding to the width of said products 1.

[0082] Next, the products 1 are sequenced by delivering a predetermined number of released products 1 according to at least one interval. In other words, the products 1 in the single-line flow are released one by one, two by two, or more, forming one or more rows (even a single row of product 1). The rows are spaced apart by said interval, so that, through successive shifts during lateral transfer, they form one or more columns of products 1, thus forming the group for batch formation by downstream processing.

[0083] Advantageously, the grouping process provides that upstream, for example from an inlet 4, an intermittent upstream guidance system is in place, periodically ensuring contact with said products 1, accelerating or decelerating said products 1 so as to maintain the continuous single-line flow of the products. In other words, the upstream guidance ensures contact with the products 1 for a given duration, then releases this contact for a period of time, before re-establishing contact. Therefore, in the absence of contact during said period of time, the products 1 flow at the predetermined feed speed. Depending on the case, depending on the speed of the upstream guidance possibly applied during the application of the contact (i.e. by means of a contact made by one or more motorized conveyors), during the said given time, the products 1 can be: - maintained at the same feed speed, if said feed speed is equal to or substantially equal to the upstream guidance speed; - accelerated if the incoming speed is less than the upstream guiding speed (i.e., if the upstream guiding speed is greater than the incoming speed; - decelerated if the upstream guidance speed is less than the supply speed (i.e., the supply speed is greater than the upstream guidance speed). Preferably, the upstream guiding speed is lower than the supply speed, so that the products 1 are slowed down when contact is applied during said given duration, and conversely accelerated upon their release during said period of time.

[0084] In embodiments, these steps are advantageously implemented using a control unit, which transmits instructions to the conveyors 71, 90, including, but not limited to, speed instructions and timing instructions for triggering tightening or spreading, as well as triggering instructions related to the detection of a gap or variation in gap between the products 11. It should be noted that these instructions can be pre-recorded in a dedicated memory, either locally within device 2, or in a global memory, such as that of a supervisory unit of installation 100, or of the production line, or even a remote server. These instructions can also be calculated in real time, based on data transmitted by various sensors equipping said device 2 and / or said installation 100.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the grouping process provides that the upstream guidance is achieved by means of upstream surfaces extending parallel to each other along said longitudinal direction X. In addition, said upstream surfaces are moved periodically in order to impart an intermittent nature to the contact bearing on the products 1. In particular, the upstream surfaces are moved, spreading out from an active position to a retracted position, without contact with said products 1, and also tightening from said retracted position to said active position generating support at the contact of the periphery of said products 1 by said upstream lateral surfaces. As mentioned previously, in the retracted position, the upstream surfaces are no longer in contact with the products 1, which are transported solely according to the feed speed (particularly by the feed conveyor 3). Depending on the corresponding speeds, the products 1 can then be preferentially accelerated when they are thus freed from the upstream guidance.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the grouping process provides that the upstream guidance is provided to be retractable and is carried out by controlling the transverse displacement of said upstream surfaces. According to another embodiment, the retractable nature of the upstream guidance is achieved by rotating the said upstream surfaces, with the retracted position of the said upstream surfaces provided according to a convergent inclination from upstream to downstream along the longitudinal X direction.

[0087] In some embodiments, the upstream surfaces are moved according to a displacement cycle in which, starting from a compressed position: - the upstream surfaces are moved according to a displacement time dl from said compressed position to a retracted position; - the upstream surfaces are in a retracted position for a duration d2; - the upstream surfaces are moved from said retracted position to the compressed position according to a displacement time d3 and - the upstream surfaces are in a compressed position for a guidance duration d4, until a new movement cycle is triggered.

[0088] In embodiments, the triggering of a new movement cycle is done according to a defined cycle, the durations dl to d4 being predetermined.

[0089] According to one possible variant, the triggering of a new movement cycle occurs following the reception of a signal emitted by the control unit, for example following the detection of a difference between two successive products 1.

[0090] According to an additional advantageous feature, the grouping process provides that the movement cycle, and in particular the duration d4 of guidance by contact support of said products 1, is controlled as a function of the control of the movement speed of said products 1. Such control of the duration d4 of guidance can be carried out via the control unit.

[0091] It will be noted that, because the delivery speed is greater than the speed of said upstream surfaces, the products 1 can therefore be accelerated during their release and the passage of said upstream surfaces into the retracted position. More specifically, the widening and narrowing of the upstream surfaces of conveyor 90 serves to fill the gaps and spaces occurring between the products 1, so as to maintain the continuous flow of product 1 feeding the guidance and, above all, the sequencing downstream. As explained previously, it is the discontinuous release of the products 1 downstream through outlet 5 that is likely to generate a gap upstream. Therefore, with a determined supply speed, preferably constant, it is necessary to move the upstream surfaces apart when the downstream products 1 are slowed down, maintained at a constant speed (in particular different from said supply speed), or even when they are stopped, so that on the supply portion from the inlet 4 to the downstream guidance, the transported products 1 catch up with the following products 1, in particular slowed down between the downstream guidance. Thus, by spacing the upstream surfaces in a controlled manner, according to the sequencing of the downstream products 1, along the portion of said upstream surfaces, the products 1 can circulate freely until they fill the gaps and return to a continuous single-line flow.

[0092] According to a preferred configuration, the feed speed of conveyor 3 is constant, while the speed of the upstream surfaces of upstream conveyor 90 is lower than the feed speed of said conveyor 3, slowing the advance of the products 1 at the moment of contact, namely the pinching or gripping by said upstream surfaces. The products 1 then rub at their base against the surface of the feed conveyor 3, due to the difference between the coefficient of friction and the force applied by said contact. It should be noted that the coefficient of friction, also known as the static coefficient of friction or adhesion, hereinafter referred to as "COF", is generally defined as the value at which two surfaces, often made of different materials, slide against each other. A low COF indicates low adhesion of the items to the surface of the conveyor belt, namely the surface of the infeed conveyor 3.

[0093] In addition, such contact support is all the more effective for semi-rigid products 1, namely made of plastic material whose flexibility allows sufficient pinch pressure to be applied to slow down or block the products 1, without risking damage to said products 1 due to the elasticity of its material.

[0094] Relatedly, it is also possible to control the speed of the upstream surfaces of the upstream conveyor 90 in order to accelerate or decelerate the products 1 during tightening or even spreading. Such speed control makes it possible, in particular, to smoother the application of contact between said upstream surfaces and the products 1 during tightening, also limiting the risks of imbalance or alteration of the orientation or alignment of said products 1, notably via an acceleration and deceleration control unit.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the grouping process provides that, in the tightening position, said upstream surfaces are separated laterally by a width determined according to the format of said products 1. Thus, when the upstream surfaces are tightened, the products 1 are aligned. In other words, by bringing the upstream surfaces closer together, the products 1 which may be misaligned are pushed towards the center, in perfect alignment with the downstream corridor. Furthermore, during this alignment, it is possible to straighten or reorient the products 1, by rotating them on themselves. An example of such an alignment is shown in Figures 12 and 13. In one embodiment, the grouping process provides that, downstream of outlet 5, a lateral transfer is successively performed of each group of products 1 from among the determined number of said products 1 released according to said interval. Moreover, said lateral transfer is carried out along a transverse Y direction extending orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal X direction. Such a lateral transfer can be carried out by any type of means, preferably as previously described.

Claims

Demands

1. Product grouping device (2), comprising i) at least one infeed conveyor (3) transporting products (1) in a single-line flow in a longitudinal direction (X) from upstream to downstream, from an inlet (4) to an outlet (5) of said grouping device (2); ii) a downstream module (6) for sequencing products (1) to said outlet (5) provided with - means (7) for guiding said products (1) in said single-line flow along said infeed conveyor (3) to said outlet (5); - means (8) for sequencing a determined number of products (1) released according to at least one interval at the outlet (5);characterized in that said grouping device (2) comprises iii) an upstream module (9) for guiding said products (1) from said inlet (4) to said downstream sequencing module (6), said upstream module (9) comprising at least one upstream conveyor (90) provided with a pair of upstream surfaces extending on either side of said feed conveyor (3), and in that said upstream surfaces of the upstream module (9) are movable from a retracted position to a closed position, and vice versa; - in the closed position, said upstream surfaces extend parallel to each other along said longitudinal direction (X), at a determined spacing, so as to come into contact with the periphery of the products (1) transported by said feed conveyor (3), said upstream surfaces being aligned with said guiding means (7); - in the retracted position, the upstream surfaces are separated from the closed position.

2. Grouping device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said upstream surfaces are movable in translation from the compressed position to the retracted position, and vice versa.

3. Grouping device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said upstream surfaces are in the form of at least one belt conveyor.

4. Grouping device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said guiding means (7) and said sequencing means (8) are in the form of at least one pair of downstream conveyors motorized from upstream to downstream.

5. Grouping device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: - said upstream surfaces are in the form of at least one pair of upstream conveyors (90) motorized from upstream to downstream; - said downstream conveyors (71) and upstream conveyors (90) being independent.

6. Lateral product transfer installation (100) comprising: - downstream, a motorized conveying surface (101) in a direction (Y) orthogonal to said longitudinal direction (X); - a lateral product transfer module (102) provided with at least one transfer element (103) for said single-line flow; installation (100) characterized in that - upstream, said installation (100) comprises a grouping device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. Lateral transfer installation (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said transfer member (103) comprises at least one collector provided with a plurality of housings.

8. A product grouping method (1), characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: - a continuous single-line flow of products (1) is brought to a predetermined speed, one after the other, along a longitudinal direction (X) from upstream to downstream; - downstream, up to an outlet (5), the products (1) are guided on either side along a corridor of a predetermined width, preferably corresponding to the width of said products (1); - at the outlet (5), the products (1) are sequenced by delivering a predetermined number of products (1) released according to at least one interval; a method characterized in that - upstream, from an inlet (4), upstream guidance is performed; said upstream guidance being planned to be intermittent, periodically providing support in contact with said products (1), accelerating or slowing down said products (1) so as to maintain the continuous single-line flow of products (1).

9. Grouping method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - the upstream guidance is carried out by means of upstream surfaces extending parallel along said longitudinal direction (X); said upstream surfaces being periodically moved - apart from an active position to a retracted position, without contact with said products (1); - in close proximity from said retracted position to said active position generating a support in contact with the periphery of said products (1) by said upstream lateral surfaces.

10. Grouping method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the upstream guidance is provided to be retractable and is carried out by controlling the transverse displacement of said upstream surfaces.

11. Grouping method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the movement cycle of the upstream surfaces of the conveyor (90) is controlled as a function of the control of the movement speed of said products (1).

12. Grouping method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that - in the tightening position, said upstream surfaces are separated laterally according to a width determined according to the format of said products (1); - the products (1) are aligned during the tightening of said upstream surfaces.

13. Grouping method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that - downstream of the outlet (5), a lateral transfer is carried out successively of each group of products (1) from among the determined number of said products (1) released according to said interval, said lateral transfer being carried out along a transverse direction (Y) extending orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal direction (X).

Images