Machine for tying a first product to a second product

Abstract

Machine (1) for tying together a first product (30) from a string (31) of first products (30) to a second product (32), said machine (1) comprising a module (2) for separating the first product (30) from the string (31), a tying station (3) and a transfer device (4) for the first product (30) separated from the separation module (2) to the tying station (3).The machine (1) comprises a receiving surface (5) for the first products (30) equipped with at least one through opening; the separation module (2) comprises a separating element disposed opposite said opening and a drive device for raising and lowering the separating element in the direction of moving the receiving surface (5) away from or towards it; and the transfer device (4) comprises a drive system for the first separated product disposed at least partially between the separation module (2) and the tying station (3) to allow the first separated product (30) to be moved from the string (31) of first products (30) in the separation module (2) to the tying station (3). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Machine for tying a first product to a second product

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for tying together a first product to a second product, the first product being from a string of first products linked together by a linking zone.

[0002] It relates in particular to a machine for tying together a first product, such as a bag, from a string of first products linked together by a linking zone, preferably provided with a pre-cut, to a second product, such as a bouquet of flowers, said machine comprising a separation module of the first product said to lead from the string of first products, a tying station and a device for transferring the first product, separated from the string of first products, from the separation module to the tying station.

[0003] A machine for tying a sachet, also called a bundle, for example of nutrients, to a bouquet of flowers by means of string, exists on the market. However, this machine is not satisfactory in terms of speed and reliability. The sachet comes from a line of sachets separated from each other by a tear line. The machine's purpose is to separate the sachet from the rest of the line of sachets before attaching it to the bouquet with string. The separation operation is carried out using a gripper that grasps the sachet and, by pulling on it, separates it from the rest of the line of sachets, called a string. Once the sachet is separated, it is brought by the same gripper near the bouquet to be tied to it. This design limits the speed.Furthermore, it excludes the processing of sachets containing a solution and is limited to sachets containing powder, otherwise there is a risk of bursting and contamination of the machine.

[0004] An object of the invention is to provide a machine of the aforementioned type whose design allows the processing of first products containing liquid or a preparation in powder form.

[0005] Another object of the invention is to propose a machine of the aforementioned type whose design makes it possible to achieve high production rates while limiting the risks of breakdown or stoppage linked to damage to the first product.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a machine for tying together a first product, such as a sachet made from a string of first products linked together by a connecting zone, to a second product such as a bouquet of flowers, said machine comprising a separation module for the first product leading from thea string of first products, a tying station and a device for transferring the first product separated from the string of first products from the separation module to the tying station, characterized in that the machine comprises a first product receiving surface equipped with at least one through opening called a separation opening, in that at least a part of the separation module extends above the first product receiving surface, in that the separation module comprises at least one separation element disposed opposite at least a part of the through opening of the first product receiving surface and a device for raising and lowering the separation element(s) for moving the separation element(s) in a direction of movement in the direction of moving away from or towards the first product receiving surface,and in that the transfer device comprises a drive system disposed at least partially between the separation module and the tying station to allow the first product separated from the string of first products to move on said first product receiving surface in a predetermined direction of movement for the transfer of the first product separated from the string of first products from the separation module to the tying station.

[0007] The drive system of the transfer device is active by pushing on the first separated product. Implementing a punch-type separation element active directly at the junction zone between two first products allows for increased separation efficiency with an extremely limited risk of damage to the first products. High production rates can be achieved. A further increase in production rate can be observed when the string of first products is equipped at each junction zone between two first products with at least one pre-cut, for example in the form of a dashed line, this pre-cut constituting a break initiation point.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the separating member(s) extend in a low position close to the receiving surface of first products at least partially protruding from the through opening of the receiving surface of first products.

[0009] Thus, the separating element(s) extend in a low position close to the receiving surface of the first products, at least partially protruding from the through opening of the receiving surface so as to extend at least partially below the receiving surface. Each separating element acts like a punch that bears against the bonding zone to break it. The separating element(s) are equipped with a cutting edge to facilitate this separation. The direction of movement of the or separation devices for a movement of the separation device(s) in the direction of a separation or a movement closer to the receiving surface of first products is a direction called vertical substantially orthogonal to the predetermined direction of movement of the first product for the transfer of the first product from the separation module to the tying station.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the separation module includes at least one pressure member coupled to the up and down drive device of the separation member(s) to allow movement of the pressure member(s) between an inactive position away from the first product receiving surface and an active position resting on the first product receiving surface.

[0011] The pressure element(s) are configured to, in the active position, exert pressure on the receiving surface of the first products at locations on said receiving surface framing a location on the receiving surface occupied by the separating element(s) in a position close to said receiving surface. The pressure element(s) maintain the bonding zone between two first products to facilitate their separation, in particular cutting, by the separating element(s).

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one pressure member and at least one separation member are mounted movable relative to each other to allow, in the active position of at least one pressure member, a movement of at least one separation member independently of at least one pressure member.

[0013] Thus, in a position of support on the receiving surface of the pressing member(s), the separating member(s) can move to act.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one pressure member and at least one separation member are mounted to slide movablely relative to each other in the direction of approaching or separating each other and the machine includes at least one return member of at least one pressure member and at least one separation member in a position separated from each other.

[0015] This design allows, firstly, the pressure element(s) to press against the receiving surface of the first products to frame the bonding zone of the first two products together, and then, secondly, the actuation of the separating element(s) to act on said bonding zone held in position.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive device for raising and lowering the separating member(s) comprises a motor associated with a connecting rod / crank assembly.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive system moves the first product separated from the string of first products on said first product receiving surface in a direction of movement A predetermined transfer mechanism for the first product separated from the string of first products in the separation module to the tying station comprises a carriage mounted to move back and forth between the separation module and the tying station, and a transfer finger coupled to said carriage by an elastically deformable linkage. This finger has at least one transfer support position in which it extends behind a cutting plane passing through at least one separation member and extending orthogonally to the direction of the carriage's reciprocating motion. The rear of this plane corresponds to the side of the plane opposite the one facing the tying station. This design allows the finger to support the first product during its separation.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the carriage and the elastically deformable coupling link of the transfer finger to the carriage are arranged under the receiving surface of first products, in that the transfer finger is configured to protrude through the opening of the receiving surface of first products extending at least partially opposite the separating member(s) at least in the receiving position to extend over said receiving surface.

[0019] The design of the finger protruding through the opening in the receiving surface also allows the finger to assist in the separation of the first two products by acting on the bonding zone between said products. Ideally, the receiving surface has a median longitudinal slot extending from the opening, and the transfer finger, which extends from said longitudinal slot in the receiving position to extend above the receiving surface, is held in said position while being moved by the trolley to the tying station, this movement corresponding to the forward motion of said trolley.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elastically deformable coupling link of the transfer finger to the carriage comprises at least one arm extending laterally cantilevered from the carriage, this arm which extends under the receiving surface of first products being configured to be elastically returned to a position close to said receiving surface, the finger being disposed on the arm, preferably at the end of said arm.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the finger is associated with a guide called an active wire pusher at the tying station, this guide comprising at least one elongated element coupled directly or indirectly to the carriage and extending in front of the finger taken with respect to the direction of movement of the carriage towards the tying station.

[0022] The wire pusher guide has the function of pushing the wire from the binder or knotter equipping the tying station in order to maximize the space available for the first product in the tying area.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transfer device comprises at least one switch disposed under the surface of the first product reception, this switch disposed on the path followed by the carriage / elastically deformable linkage / transfer finger assembly in the driven state during the movement of the carriage from the tying station towards the separation module being configured to drive the finger in the direction of a separation of the first product reception surface over a part of the stroke of said finger in the driven state during the movement of the carriage from the tying station towards the separation module.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the separation module is arranged between the stringing station and a device for feeding the string of first products to the separation module, this feeding device comprising at least two rollers, at least one of which is equipped with a motor for rotating said roller, said rollers extending one above the other and being arranged, one at least partially above, the other at least partially below, the surface receiving first products, these rollers delimiting between them a passage for the circulation of the string of first products, at least one of the rollers being mounted movable in the direction of a spacing of the other roller in order to be able to vary the dimension of said passage.

[0025] The ability of the rollers to move closer together or further apart allows, by varying the size of the opening, the acceptance of initial products of varying thickness. Preferably, one of the rollers is returned to a position closer to the other roller by its own weight.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the machine comprises a control unit and at least one position sensor disposed between the separation module and the tying station, this position sensor being configured to detect one of the so-called leading ends of the string of first products, the control unit being configured to control the drive device in raising and lowering of the separation member(s) for a movement of the separation member(s) in the direction of a separation away from or a movement towards the receiving surface of the first products, and the drive system in moving the first product separated from the string of first products on said receiving surface of first products according to at least the data provided by said position sensor.

[0027] The position sensor is separated from the separating element(s) by a predetermined distance corresponding to a multiple of the known predetermined length of a first product in order to detect one of the so-called leading ends of the string of first products in a position in which the connection zone of the first product of said string of first products extends vertically from the separating element(s). separation and at least above at least part of the opening of the receiving surface.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method of linking by stringing a first product, such as a sachet, made from a string of first products linked together by a linking zone, to a second product, such as a bouquet of flowers, said method comprising: - a step of separating the first product, known as the leading product, from the chain of first products, - a step of transferring the first product, separated from the string of first products, to a tying station, and - a tying step from the first product to the second product, the separation, transfer and tying steps being implemented by a tying machine, comprising a separation module, a transfer device and said tying station characterized in that the machine comprises a receiving surface for the first products provided with at least one through opening called a separation opening and the separation module, which extends at least partially above the receiving surface for the first products, comprising at least one separation element disposed opposite at least part of the through opening of the receiving surface for the first products, this at least one separation element being mounted to move up and down,The separation step includes at least one drive step involving the movement of said at least one separating element in the direction of a separation and a relocation of said at least one separating element from the receiving surface of the first products, and the transfer step includes a drive step involving the movement of the first product separated from the string of first products onto the receiving surface of the first product, following a predetermined direction of movement from the separation module towards the tying station. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] represents a schematic partial perspective view of a machine according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] represents a partial perspective view of the separation module;

[0032] [Fig.3] represents, in the form of schematic views, the movement of a separating element;

[0033] [Fig.4] represents a partial schematic view of the transfer device;

[0034] [Fig.5] represents, in the form of schematic views, the movement of a transfer finger;

[0035] [Fig.6] represents a schematic partial view of a feeding device.

[0036] As mentioned above, the invention relates to a machine 1 for tying together a first product 30 and a second product 32, the first product 30 being from a string 31 of first products, i.e. a line of first products with each first product 30 separated from another first product 30 by a linking zone 33, this linking zone 33 being generally provided with pre-cuts 34 forming a break point to help separate a first product 30. These pre-cuts 34 generally extend along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the line formed by the succession of first products 30.

[0037] In the examples shown, the first product is a sachet of flower nutrients in powder form. This product could also have been in liquid form. The second product is a bouquet of flowers to which the first product is tied. Obviously, other applications can be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0038] The machine 1 includes a module 2 for separating the first product 30 from the chain 31 of first products. This separation module 2 is active on the first product 30, referred to as the leading product of the chain 31 of first products 30, that is to say, on the first product which constitutes one of the ends of the chain 31 of first products, this end corresponding to the front end of the chain 31 during its movement relative to the direction of movement of the chain 31 for the purpose of separating a first product.

[0039] This machine 1 includes a transfer device 4 for the first product 30, separated from the string 31 of first products, from the separation module 2 to a tying station 3 and the tying station itself. This tying station 3 is generally equipped with a knotter, tying machine, or binder. The knotter, tying machine, or binder may be a commercially available machine. It may include, as in the example shown, an arm for supplying twine, this arm being configured to move the twine around a space intended to be occupied by the second product and the first product, as illustrated in [Fig. 1].

[0040] This string drive makes it possible to generate a loop around the first and second products, and to keep them linked to each other.

[0041] The 3rd tying station will not be described in further detail, as it is well known to those versed in this art.

[0042] The machine 1 further comprises a feeding device 16 for the string 31 of first products 30 to the separation module 2, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 6, and a receiving surface 5 for the first products 30 on which the first products 30 circulate for their movement from the feeding device 16 to the tying station 3 via the separation module 2, and being assisted during their movement both by the supply device 16 and the transfer device 4. This receiving surface 5 includes at least one through opening 20.

[0043] At least part of the separation module 2 extends above the receiving surface 5.

[0044] The string 31 of first products can be stored in the wound state. The string 31 feeds the feed device 16 through one end of the string forming the front end of the string 31, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 6.

[0045] This feeding device 16 comprises at least two rollers 17, at least one of which is equipped with a motor 18 for driving the rotation of the roller 17. The rollers 17 extend one above the other and are arranged, one at least partially above, the other at least partially below the surface 5 for receiving the first products 30.

[0046] These rollers 17 delimit between them a passage 19 for the circulation of the string 31 of first products 30. At least one of the rollers 17 is mounted movable in the direction of a spacing of the other roller 17 in order to be able to vary the dimension of the passage 19.

[0047] In the example of [Fig.6], the upper roller 17 is coupled to the machine frame by a pivot joint 27 with an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller 17 to allow free movement of the upper roller 17 in the direction of a separation or a coming together of the lower roller 17 depending on the thickness of the first products circulating between said rollers 17.

[0048] Thus, any risk of damage to the first product, in particular of bursting of the first product under the effect of excessive pressure when it is a sachet, is excluded.

[0049] The simplicity of this feeding device 16 limits the risk of failure. Indeed, the upper roller 17 is brought back into position close to the lower roller 17 solely by its own weight. The rotational drive of the rollers 17, through contact with the first product string, drives the first product string 31 30 to the separation module 2.

[0050] The separation module 2 includes at least one separation member 6 disposed opposite at least part of the opening 20 through the surface 5 receiving the first products, and a drive device 7 for raising and lowering the separation member(s) 6 for moving the separation member(s) 6 along a direction of movement in the direction of moving away from or towards the surface 5 receiving the first products 30.

[0051] In the examples shown, a single separating member 6 is provided, but several separating members, acting in parallel along a line transverse to the drive line in displacement of the string of first products by the The feed device could have been provided in an equivalent manner. Therefore, only one separation element 6 will be described below.

[0052] This separating member 6 functions as a punch. This separating member 6 extends, in a lower position close to the first product receiving surface, at least partially protruding from the opening 20 through the first product receiving surface 5 so as to extend at least partially below the first product receiving surface.

[0053] This separation module 2 includes at least one pressure member 9 coupled to the drive device 7 for raising and lowering the separation member 6 to allow movement of the pressure member 9 between an inactive position away from the surface 5 for receiving first products 30 and an active position resting on the surface 5 for receiving first products 30.

[0054] In practice, the pressure member(s) 9 are configured to, in active position, exert pressure on the receiving surface 5 of the first products in locations of said receiving surface 5 framing a location of the receiving surface 5 occupied by the separating member(s) in a position close to the separating member(s) of said receiving surface 5.

[0055] In other words, the pressure member(s) are configured to, in active position, exert pressure on the first product receiving surface 5 on either side of the opening 20 provided on the first product receiving surface 5 to frame in at least one position the separating member(s), as illustrated in the middle view of [Fig.3].

[0056] The or at least one pressure member 9 and the at least one separation member 6 are mounted movable relative to each other to allow, in the active position of the at least one pressure member 9, a displacement of the at least one separation member 6, independently of the at least one pressure member 9.

[0057] In particular, at least one pressure member 9 and at least one separation member 6 are mounted to slide movablely relative to each other in the direction of approaching and moving apart relative to each other, and the machine 1 includes at least one return member 21 of at least one pressure member 9 and at least one separation member 6 in a position apart from each other.

[0058] This return member 21 is here formed by a spring visible in [Fig. 3]. This spring is compressed in a position close to the pressure member 9 and the separating member 6, as illustrated in the last view of [Fig. 3]. The pressure member 9 is shown here in the form of a sleeve, inside which the separating member 6 slides, the spring being arranged between a part of the pressure member and a part of the separating member 6.

[0059] In the example of [Fig. 2], the drive device 7 for raising and lowering the separation member(s) 6 comprises a motor 22 associated with a connecting rod 23 / crank 24 assembly. Thus, at the beginning of a separation cycle corresponding to the top view of [Fig. 3], the separation member, which is in the form of a blade with a beveled cutting edge, is driven in movement with the pressure member 9 along a downward vertical direction D towards the separation surface 5, and the return member 21 is in the unloaded position. This movement continues until the pressure member 9 comes into contact with the receiving surface 5. In this contact position, the pressing member 9 has two support parts extending on either side of the through opening 20, that is to say on either side of the linking zone 33 between the first two products.

[0060] The pressure member 9 is the first to bear against the receiving surface 5 because it extends between the receiving surface 5 and the separating member 6, which is positioned away from the receiving surface 5. Once the pressure member 9 is in contact with the receiving surface 5, the continued movement of the separating member 6 and the pressure member 9 towards the receiving surface 5 causes the separating member 6 to move independently of the pressure member 9, so that the separating member 6 protrudes from the pressure member 9 and extends through the opening 20 in the receiving surface 5, as illustrated in the last view of [Fig. 3]. This movement simultaneously compresses the return member 21.

[0061] As the separation member 6 passes through the opening 20 of the receiving surface 5, it creates a tear in the bonding zone 33 between the first leading product and the first product following the leading product. This tear in the bonding zone 33 occurs at the pre-cut portion of the bonding zone 33. This tear causes the first leading product to detach or separate from the remaining leading products. The continued operation of the drive device 7, moving the separation member 6 up and down, causes the separation member 6 to rise, the return member 21 to gradually relax, and then the pressure member 9 to rise, allowing a new separation cycle to begin.

[0062] It is noted that the direction of movement of the separation element(s) 6, for a movement of the separation element(s) 6 in the direction of a separation or a movement closer to the receiving surface 5 of the first product 30, is a so-called vertical direction substantially orthogonal to the predetermined direction of movement of the first product for the transfer of the first product from the separation module to the tying station.

[0063] The first product leading, separated from the string of first products, can be moved by the transfer device 4 onto the receiving surface 5 in a direction of predetermined DI displacement for a transfer of the first product 30 separated from the string 31 of first products 30 to the tying station 3.

[0064] This transfer device 4 includes a drive system 8 for moving the first product disposed at least partially between the separation module 2 and the tying station 3.

[0065] This drive system 8 is visible in [Fig.4] and the detail of its operation is shown in [Fig.5].

[0066] The drive system 8 for moving the first product 30, separated from the string of first products 30 on the receiving surface 5 of first products 30, along a predetermined direction DI of movement for transferring the first product separated from the string of first products from the separation module 2 to the tying station 3, comprises a carriage 10 mounted to move back and forth between the separation module 2 and the tying station 3, and a transfer finger 11 coupled to said carriage 10 by an elastically deformable link 12. The finger 11 has at least one position, called the transfer support position, in which it extends behind a plane P, called the cutting plane, passing through at least one separation member 6 and extending orthogonally to the direction DI of the reciprocating movement of the carriage 10, that is to say, parallel to the upward and downward movement of the separation member 6.The rear of plan P corresponds to the side of plan P opposite to the one facing the tying station 3.

[0067] The carriage 10 is, for its drive in reciprocating movement, coupled to a belt of an endless loop transmission 28.

[0068] The forward and return strands of the endless transmission belt 28 extend here perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the rollers of the feed device 16.

[0069] The carriage 10 and the elastically deformable coupling 12 connecting the transfer finger 11 to the carriage 10 are arranged below the first product receiving surface 30 5. The transfer finger 11 is configured so that, at least in the pick-up position, it protrudes through the opening 20 of the first product receiving surface 30 5, extending at least partially opposite the separating element(s) 6 to extend above said receiving surface 5. This finger 11 travels along a longitudinal slot 13 formed in the first product receiving surface 5 to bring the first product to the tying station 3.

[0070] The elastically deformable linkage 12 connecting the transfer finger 11 to the carriage 10 comprises at least one arm 121 extending laterally in a cantilevered fashion from the carriage 10. This arm 121 extends below the first product receiving surface 30 (5) and is configured to be elastically returned to a position close to the receiving surface 5. The finger 11 is disposed on the arm 121 at one end of the arm 121. The arm 121 therefore extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the rollers of the feeding device 16.

[0071] The finger 11 is associated with a guide 14 called an active thread pusher at the tying station 3. This guide 14 comprises an elongated element coupled directly or indirectly to the carriage 10 and extending forward of the finger 11 relative to the direction of movement of the carriage 10 towards the tying station 3. This elongated element can act on the thread at the tying station.

[0072] Finally, the transfer device 4 includes a switch 15 arranged under the receiving surface 5 of the first products 30. This switch 15, arranged on the path followed by the assembly carriage 10 / link 12 elastically deformable / transfer finger 11 in the driven state during the movement of the carriage 10 from the tying station 3 towards the separation module 2, is configured to drive the finger 11 in the direction of a separation of the receiving surface 5 of the first products 30 in the driven state during the movement of the carriage 10 from the tying station 3 towards the separation module 2.

[0073] This switch 15 is in the form of an elastic blade located under the receiving surface 5 for the first products. This blade of the switch 15 is inclined from a low point to a high point closer to the tying station 3 than the low point. This blade forms an ascending ramp from the separation module 2 towards the tying station 3.

[0074] During the forward stroke of the carriage 10, from the position where the finger 11 extends through the opening 20 of the first product receiving surface 5 30 to the tying station, the arm 121 / finger 11 assembly passes over the top of the inclined ramp forming the switch 15 and tends to move this inclined ramp away from the receiving surface 5, as illustrated in the last view of [Fig.5].

[0075] During the return movement of the carriage 10, the finger 11 / arm 121 assembly passes under the inclined ramp constituting the switch 15 and the ramp which has been elastically returned to a position close to the receiving surface 5, tends to move the finger 11 / arm 121 assembly away from the receiving surface 5 until the finger 11 returns to its starting position where the inclined ramp of the switch 15 ceases its action, so that the finger 11 can approach the receiving surface 5 and protrude through the opening 20 of the receiving surface 5 to take charge of a first product 30 which has just been at least partially separated.

[0076] It should be noted that the finger 11, when it rises to protrude through the opening 20 of the receiving surface 5, participates in completing the rupture of the bond zone 33 between the first leading product and the first following product if the rupture was not perfectly completed.

[0077] It is also noted that the finger connects a free end in the shape of an open V towards the tying station 3, so that the arms of the V are positioned respectively on the top and bottom of the first separated product and then driven by a push. The presence of a switch 15 allows the finger to be driven with a simple back-and-forth movement. This results in a simplification of the machine 1.

[0078] The finger 11 brings the first product 30 to a location in the tying station where the first product can be taken up by the knotter or binder or tying machine of the tying station 3.

[0079] To enable perfect synchronization of movement between the transfer finger 11, the separating element(s) 4, and the rollers 17 of the feeding device 16, the machine 1 includes a control unit. The control unit, shown in Figures 25, is in the form of an electronic and / or computer system that includes, for example, a microprocessor and working memory. In one particular configuration, the control unit may be in the form of a programmable logic controller (PLC). In other words, the functions and steps described can be implemented either as a computer program or via hardware components (e.g., programmable gate arrays).In particular, the functions and steps performed by the control unit or its modules can be carried out by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller, or by dedicated electronic components, or by components such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It is also possible to combine computer and electronic components.When it is specified that the unit or means or modules of said unit are configured to perform a given operation, this means that the unit includes computer instructions and the corresponding means of execution which enable said operation to be performed and / or that the unit includes corresponding electronic components.

[0080] The machine 1 further includes a position sensor 26 disposed between the separation module 2 and the stringing station 3. This position sensor 26 is configured to detect one of the ends, called the leading end, of the string 31 of first products 30 in a position in which the linking zone 33 of the first product 30 of the string of first products 30 extends vertically from the separation member(s) 6 and at least partially above the opening 20 of the receiving surface 5.

[0081] The control unit 25 is configured to control: - the device 7 for driving the separation element(s) 6 upwards and downwards, for moving the separation element(s) 6 in the direction of moving the surface 5 receiving the first products 30 further apart or closer together, and - the system 8 for moving the first product 30 separated from the string 31 of first products on said surface 5 for receiving the products 30, according to at least the data provided by the position sensor 26.

[0082] The position sensor 26 is offset from the opening 20 in the receiving surface 5 by a distance substantially equal to the length of a first product taken along the longitudinal axis of the string. This position sensor 26 is located between the separation module 2 and the tying station 3. Upon detection, this sensor 26 stops the string's movement and activates the separation module.

[0083] The operation of a machine as described above is as follows.

[0084] It is assumed that the chain has been introduced by its leading end between the rollers 17 of the feeding device 16 and is driven in motion until this leading end of the chain is detected by the position sensor 26.

[0085] When the control unit receives a signal from the position sensor 26, it interrupts the rotation of the rollers 17 of the feeding device 16, which is a step-by-step feeding device, and activates the descent of the separating member(s) and the associated pressing member(s) until the separating member(s) protrude through the opening 20 of the receiving surface 5.

[0086] Once the cutting is complete, the separating element(s) and the associated pressing element(s) retract, while the transfer finger 11 protrudes from the opening 20 of the receiving surface at the point of separation between the first feeder product and the first follower product. It then takes charge of the separated first feeder product and transports it to the tying station.

[0087] Ideally, this transfer takes place while a new first product is being loaded into the separation module 2. At the tying station, the first product is tied to the second product already present in the tying station, and then the first / second product assembly is removed from machine 1.

Claims

Demands

1. Machine (1) for tying together a first product (30) from a string (31) of first products (30) connected to each other by a connecting zone (33), to a second product (32), said machine (1) comprising a module (2) for separating the first product (30) said leading from the string (31) of first products (30), a tying station (3) and a transfer device (4) of the first product (30) separated from the string (31) of first products (30) from the separation module (2) to the tying station (3), characterized in that the machine (1) comprises a receiving surface (5) for the first products (30) provided with at least one through opening (20) said separation, in that at least a part of the separation module (2) extends above the receiving surface (5) for the first products (30),in that the separation module (2) comprises at least one separation element (6) disposed opposite at least a part of the opening (20) through the surface (5) receiving the first products (30) and a device (7) for driving the separation element(s) (6) upwards and downwards for moving the separation element(s) (6) along a direction of movement in the direction of moving away from or towards the surface (5) receiving the first products (30),and in that the transfer device (4) comprises a drive system (8) disposed at least partially between the separation module (2) and the tying station (3) to allow movement of the first product (30) separated from the string (31) of first products (30) on said first product (30) receiving surface (5) in a predetermined direction (D1) of movement for a transfer of the first product (30) separated from the string (31) of first products (30) from the separation module (2) to the tying station (3).

2. Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating member(s) (6) extend in a low position close to the first product receiving surface (5) (30) at least partially protruding from the opening (20) through the first product receiving surface (5) (30).

3. Machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separation module (2) comprises at least one component presser (9) coupled to the drive device (7) in the up and down movement of the separating organ(s) (6) to allow movement of the presser organ(s) (9) between an inactive position away from the surface (5) receiving first products (30) and an active position resting on the surface (5) receiving first products.

4. Machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one press member (9) and the at least one separating member (6) are mounted movable relative to each other to allow, in the active position of the at least one press member (9), a movement of the at least one separating member (6) independently of the at least one press member (9).

5. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one pressure member (9) and at least one separation member (6) are mounted to slide movablely relative to each other in the direction of approaching or separating from each other and in that the machine (1) includes at least one return member (21) of at least one pressure member (9) and at least one separation member (6) to a position separated from each other.

6. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drive device (7) for raising and lowering the separating member(s) (6) comprises a motor (22) associated with a connecting rod (23) / crank (24) assembly.

7. Machine (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the drive system (8) for moving the first product (30) separated from the string (31) of first products (30) on said receiving surface (5) of first products (30) in a predetermined direction (D1) of movement for a transfer of the first product (30) separated from the string (31) of first products (30) from the separation module (2) to the tying station (3) comprises a carriage (10) mounted to move back and forth between the separation module (2) and the tying station (3) and a transfer finger (11) coupled to said carriage (10) by an elastically deformable link (12),said finger (11) having at least one so-called transfer support position in which it extends behind a so-called cutting plane (P) passing through at least one separating member (6) and extending orthogonally to the direction of reciprocating movement of the carriage (10), the rear of the, plan (P) corresponding to the side of the plan (P) opposite to that facing the tying station (3).

8. Machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the carriage (10) and the elastically deformable coupling link (12) of the transfer finger (11) to the carriage (10) are disposed under the first product receiving surface (5) (30), in that the transfer finger (11) is configured to protrude through the opening (20) of the first product receiving surface (5) extending at least partially opposite the separating member(s) (6) at least in the pick-up position to extend over said receiving surface (5).

9. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the elastically deformable coupling link (12) of the transfer finger (11) to the carriage (10) comprises at least one arm (121) extending laterally cantilevered from the carriage (10), this arm (121) which extends below the receiving surface (5) of first products (30) being configured to be elastically returned to a position close to said receiving surface (5), the finger (11) being disposed on the arm (121), preferably at the end of said arm (121).

10. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the finger (11) is associated with a guide (14) called an active wire pusher at the tying station (3), this guide (14) comprising at least one elongated element coupled directly or indirectly to the carriage (10) and extending in front of the finger (11) taken with respect to the direction of movement of the carriage (10) towards the tying station (3).

11. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the transfer device (4) comprises at least one switch (15) disposed under the surface (5) of the first product receiving (30), this switch (15) disposed on the path followed by the carriage (10) / elastically deformable linkage (12) / transfer finger (11) assembly in the driven state during the movement of the carriage (10) from the tying station (3) towards the separation module (2) being configured to drive the finger (11) in the direction of a separation of the first product receiving surface (5) (30) over a part of the stroke of said finger in the driven state during the movement of the carriage (10) from the tying station (3) towards the separation module (2).

12. A machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the separation module (2) is disposed between the tying station (3) and a feeding device (16) for the string (31) of first products (30) to the separation module (2), this feeding device (16) comprising at least two rollers (17), at least one of which is equipped with a motor (18) for rotating said roller (17), said rollers (17) extending one above the other and being disposed, one at least partially above and the other at least partially below, the first product (30) receiving surface (5), these rollers (17) delimiting between them a passage (19) for the circulation of the string (31) of first products (30), at least one of the rollers (17) being mounted to move in the direction of a spacing of the other roller (17) to be able to vary the dimension of said passage (19).

13. A machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (25) and at least one position sensor (26) disposed between the separation module (2) and the tying station (3), said position sensor (26) being configured to detect one of the so-called leading ends of the string (31) of first products (30), the control unit (25) being configured to control the drive device (7) for raising and lowering the separation element(s) (6) to move the separation element(s) (6) in the direction of moving away from or towards the surface (5) for receiving the first products (30), and the drive system (8) for moving the first product (30) separated from the string (31) of first products (30) on said surface (5) for receiving the first products (30) according to at least the data provided by said sensor (26) of position.

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