Product transfer tool support with safety system, as well as associated product transfer tool, installation and process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tool holder (9) for a product transfer installation, said holder (9) comprising at least one slide (10) having an upper end (100) and a lower end (101); at least one slide (11) provided with at least one space (110) for receiving at least a portion of said lower end (101) of the slide (10); said slide (10) being movably mounted within said space (110) by sliding relative to said slide (11); additional compensating means (12) capable of exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least a portion of the lower end (101) of said slide (10), said sliding being carried out in a direction extending from the upper end (100) to the lower end (101). The invention also relates to the tool, the installation, and the associated product transfer method. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 6

Description

Title of the invention: Product transfer tool holder with safety system, as well as associated product transfer tool, installation and method Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the conveying of products within an industrial line for the continuous processing of said products. The invention is particularly concerned with the transfer of products to or from an accumulation surface.

[0002] For the purposes of this invention, the term "product" encompasses an individual object. Such a product may be a container, such as a bottle or flask, or a can, or even a cardboard carton. A product may be made of any type of material, including plastic or composite materials, metal, cardboard, or glass. A product may be rigid or semi-rigid. A product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular. A container is intended to hold, but not limited to, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, particularly of an agri-food or cosmetic type, or dedicated to maintenance or personal hygiene.

[0003] As is known, such products are obtained along an industrial production line, undergoing several successive treatments by passing through dedicated stations, such as, for example, blowing plastic bottles or flasks, filling and capping, labeling, or even sterilization or pasteurization. Once processed, the finished products are grouped into batches through a packaging stage, in preparation for handling and transport. Along an industrial line, products are moved, generally longitudinally, from upstream to downstream, between successive processing stations, using suitable conveyors, primarily endless belts. Furthermore, these products are processed and conveyed sequentially in one or more parallel lines, i.e., in a single-line or multi-line flow. The products are arranged upright, usually vertically, with their bottoms resting on a conveyor surface. In addition, during this conveying process, the products in each line can be arranged in a specific way, including spacing and / or orientation.

[0004] Generally, in order to ensure the continuous production of such an industrial line, despite the shutdown of a processing station or due to different processing rates between two stations, one or more accumulation surfaces are provided of said products, each accumulation surface ensuring the temporary storage of a variable quantity of products between a station located upstream and a station located downstream with respect to said accumulation surface.

[0005] According to a particular configuration, such an accumulation surface allows the products, grouped in rows, to be received and moved from an inlet to an outlet. Upstream, an inlet conveyor extends along an inlet edge and feeds the accumulation surface according to an inlet flow at the inlet edge, the accumulation surface then extending transversely with respect to the inlet conveyor. Groups of products are transferred transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction from the inlet conveyor to the accumulation surface, successively forming the rows on the accumulation surface. Along the accumulation surface, the rows are moved from the infeed edge to an outfeed edge located opposite the infeed edge. Downstream, an outfeed conveyor receives one or more rows of product from the accumulation surface.

[0006] In order to move the products, in the form of groups and rows, to and from the accumulation surface, and possibly along the latter, a sequential transfer by pushing of said products is carried out. The accumulation surface can be a dead plate type surface, with products passing through said surface from the inlet to the outlet by means of one or more transfer tools, such as a pusher or a conveyor belt. The latter allows the products, once on the accumulation surface, to move to the outlet edge, where they will be picked up by at least one transfer tool. Prior art

[0007] Furthermore, the pushing of the products is carried out by means of at least one transfer tool, moving along the infeed conveyor and / or the outfeed conveyor, and possibly along said accumulation surface, from the infeed conveyor to the outfeed conveyor. Moreover, such a transfer tool is equipped with at least one pusher-type transfer element, in the form of a plate extending vertically downwards. Thus each transfer tool includes a beam and motorization means which ensure the movement of said beam relative to a chassis above the conveyors and possibly the accumulation surface, and / or the movement of at least one transfer element relative to said beam. Furthermore, the transfer tool moves, under the action of the movement of said beam and / or through a motorization relative to said beam, to ensure a The pusher is positioned by lowering it opposite a group of products being fed into the infeed. It then makes contact with the sides of the products and, by moving the tool (and / or pusher(s)), pushes the group towards the infeed edge of the accumulation surface (and, conversely, towards the outfeed edge, by pushing a row from the outfeed edge of the accumulation surface towards the outfeed conveyor). Once the transfer is complete, the tool is raised to return to its vertical position at the level of the next group (or the next row of products) to be moved.

[0008] In a related manner, the tool and / or the components can be moved longitudinally, to follow the progress of the products during their transfer. In addition, organs can also be moved in other directions and other movements, through a combination of transverse and longitudinal translational displacements.

[0009] In summary, motorization means ensure a transverse and / or longitudinal displacement of the tool and / or of the transfer element(s) relative to the tool beam.

[0010] More specifically, the pusher-type element(s) in the form of a plate are fixed to the beam, suspended by means of several supports distributed along said plate. These supports thus serve as a link between the transfer element and the beam.

[0011] A constraint during product transfers lies in the fact that, during a transfer, a product that has shifted or fallen due to an impact or imbalance forms an obstacle to the descent of the tool. The lower edge of one or more components, namely the lower edge of the corresponding plate, then strikes the product, risking damage to it but, more importantly, to the tool and the installation.

[0012] To avoid these risks, a support in the form of a sliding block, mounted to move vertically, provides upward movement of the tool plate during its descent in the event of contact with an underlying obstacle. More specifically, each support is equipped with a sliding block having an upper end connected to a beam of a transfer tool acting as a reference point, and a lower end connected to the plate in a movable vertical translation. Therefore, in the event of contact during the downward movement of the tool plate, the plate moves vertically upward relative to the lower end of the sliding block, thus limiting the impact. An existing solution consists of plates attached to said plate, with a spacing providing an internal housing allowing vertical sliding translation of the lower end of said slider.

[0013] However, due to the speed of the movements induced by the high transfer rate, a latency regularly occurs between the impact and the movement vertical of the tool, causing product deterioration and damage to the tool, particularly its plate. This risk is further increased by friction between the surface materials of the plates and the lower end of the slide, which are mounted in a sliding contact. This sliding connection can seize due to wear over time or irregular maintenance. Consequently, intervention is required for a maintenance operation, blocking a crucial accumulation section of the production line, which is normally intended to act as a buffer for the other processing stations in this scenario. Description of the invention

[0014] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing to provide a support with a safety system that, during the downward movement of the tool, protects against impact of at least one tool component in the event of contact with an underlying obstacle. In other words, during the descent of the tool and / or the transfer component(s), in the event of a collision, shock, or blockage of the lower edge of the component, namely the lower edge of one or more plates, the support's safety system is equipped with additional means to compensate for the downward movement of each of the tool components. These compensation means are configured to offset the impact and improve the sliding of the lower end of the slide.This compensation therefore ensures that the movement of the organ opposite to its descent is accompanied by the application of a compensating force, preferably by exerting a force in the opposite direction extending vertically and upwards. Such compensation can be achieved in particular by elastic, pneumatic or mechanical means, preferably in the form of elastic return means, in particular at least one compression spring.

[0015] In addition, the compensating force can be exerted by damping, in particular by means of a shock absorber, during an impact during the descent of the tool.

[0016] Furthermore, according to an additional feature, the invention provides means for detecting a movement of even minimal amplitude occurring during the sliding between the member and the slider, in particular its lower end, reducing the reaction time to transmit the emergency stop command, limiting the risks of product deterioration and damage to said member concerned. Furthermore, the invention allows for the modulation of several different supports, with compensation means determined for some of them, for a given tool according to its characteristics, including its dimensions and mass, but also its movements during transfers, particularly speed and acceleration during its downward movement.

[0017] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a product transfer tool support, comprising - at least one slide with an upper end and a lower end; - at least one slide provided with at least one space for receiving at least a part of said lower end of the slide; - said at least one slide being mounted movable within said space according to a sliding relative to said at least one slide. Such a support is characterized by the fact that it includes - additional compensation means capable of exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least a part of the lower end of said at least one slider, the sliding being oriented in a direction extending from the upper end to the lower end.

[0018] According to additional, non-limiting features, said additional compensation means may exert a force in the opposite direction through damping means in the form of at least one damper forming a link between said at least one slide and said at least one slide, when said sliding is operated in a direction extending from the upper end to the lower end.

[0019] According to one embodiment, said at least one slide comprises at least one mounting plate braced in a way said support with a member of said tool, providing said receiving space.

[0020] According to one embodiment, said at least one slide comprises at least one housing; and additional compensation measures include - at least one spring positioned within said at least one housing; - said at least one spring being compressed within said housing.

[0021] According to one embodiment, said at least one slide comprises two housings located on either side of said at least one slide; and the additional compensation means include two springs, each of the two springs being positioned within one of said two housings.

[0022] According to one embodiment, said support includes means for detecting a movement of said at least one slide between the lower end and said at least one slide.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the detection means comprise at least one proximity detector of said lower end of said at least one slider, said detector being in the form of an inductive sensor.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a product transfer tool equipped with such a support. In particular, said transfer tool includes - a beam; - at least one push transfer element for said products, said at least one element extending vertically and having at least one face intended to come into contact with at least a part of a peripheral wall of the products to be transferred; - means of connecting an upper part of each suspended component under said beam. Such a transfer tool is characterized by the fact that - said means of connection comprise at least one support according to the invention, the upper end of the slide being connected to said beam and said slide being connected to said at least one component.

[0025] In embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said beam relative to a chassis.

[0026] In embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said at least one component relative to said beam.

[0027] In embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said beam relative to a chassis and said at least one component relative to said beam.

[0028] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, said connecting means comprise at least two supports.

[0029] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a product transfer installation comprising at least one such transfer tool. In particular, the said installation includes - at least one product accumulation surface with an entry edge and an opposite exit edge; - at least one infeed conveyor extending along the infeed edge and motorized in a longitudinal direction, so as to convey products in one or more rows; - at least one output conveyor extending along the output edge and motorized in said longitudinal direction, so as to convey products in one or more rows; - motorized transfer means at least in one transverse and / or longitudinal direction of movement of at least one group of products from said at least inlet conveyor to said accumulation surface and / or at least one row of products from said accumulation surface to said at least one output conveyor; - said transfer means being controlled in movement according to at least one downward vertical movement from an elevated position to a low pushing position of said at least one group or of said at least one row of products. Such an installation is characterized by the fact that - said transfer means comprise at least one transfer tool according to the invention; the additional compensation means of said at least one support of each member of each tool being capable of performing compensation by exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least one part of the lower end of said slide, during said downward vertical movement of said at least one tool and / or of a member of said transfer means.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for compensating the movement of a product transfer tool.

[0031] In particular, such a transfer method includes at least the following steps: - the descent is controlled by a downward vertical movement of at least one transfer member of a transfer tool from a high position to a low position; - in the lower position of the transfer element, a transfer of at least one group of products and / or at least one row of products is carried out by pushing at least one element of said tool into contact with at least part of a peripheral wall of the products to be transferred. Such a process is characterized by the fact that - in the event of contact of a transfer element of said tool with a product during said descent, said downward vertical movement of said at least one element of the tool is compensated by exerting a force in the opposite direction.

[0032] According to additional, non-limiting features, said transfer process may include the following step: - in case of contact of said transfer element of said tool with a product during said descent, said downward vertical movement is dampened.

[0033] According to one embodiment, in the event of contact of said transfer member of said tool with a product during said descent, a movement of said at least one member is detected and at least the stopping of the descent of said tool is controlled.

[0034] According to one embodiment, in the event of contact of said transfer member of said tool with a product during said descent, an upward vertical movement of said tool is controlled back to said high position. Presentation of the drawings

[0035] 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:

[0036] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a perspective view of an example of a transfer installation, equipped with an input tool and an output tool, highlighting the movement of the products and the respective transfers;

[0037] [Fig.2] schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a transfer tool, with an enlargement showing a first type of support;

[0038] [Fig.3] schematically represents a side view of a first type of support, showing in particular compensation means in the form of two springs in a compressed position;

[0039] [Fig.4] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.3], with the two springs in the deployed position, during the raising of the slide;

[0040] [Fig.5] schematically represents a side view of a second type of support, with compensation means in the form of a single spring in a compressed position;

[0041] [Fig.6] schematically represents a side view of a support equipped with a means for detecting the movement of the slider, showing on the left the support in the retracted position and on the right the detection of said movement from a distance threshold;

[0042] [Fig.7] schematically represents a simplified view of the transfer of input products, showing in particular the transfer cycle of a group of products to an accumulation surface;

[0043] [Fig.8] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.7], when an impact occurs during the descent of the tool;

[0044] [Fig.9] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.8], compensation in the opposite direction of descent, raising the tool during impact;

[0045] [Fig. 10] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig. 9], showing in particular the stopping of the tool's movement; and

[0046] [Fig.11] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.10], showing in particular the raising of the tool to a high position, as well as the return to the original position of the compensation means and the tool element. Detailed description

[0047] The invention relates to the transfer of products 1.

[0048] As mentioned previously, each of the products 1 is an individual object. Such a product 1 could be a container, like a bottle or flask, or a can, or even a cardboard carton. A product 1 can be made of any type of material, including plastic or composite materials, metal, cardboard, or glass. A product 1 can be rigid or semi-rigid. A product 1 can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular. A product 1 of container type is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive way, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of agri-food or cosmetic type, or dedicated to maintenance or personal hygiene.

[0049] Such products 1 are conveyed along an industrial production line, undergoing several successive treatments as they pass through dedicated stations, such as plastic bottle or flask blowing, filling and capping, labeling, or even sterilization or pasteurization. Once processed, the finished products 1 are grouped into batches through a packaging stage, in preparation for handling and transport. Along said industrial line, the products 1 are moved in a direction extending longitudinally, hereinafter referred to as the "longitudinal direction" unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, the products 1 are conveyed one after the other in one or more parallel lines, i.e., in a single-line or multi-line flow. Moreover, the products 1 are arranged upright, essentially vertically, and their base rests on a conveying surface. Furthermore, during this conveying, the products 1 in each line can be arranged in a specific way, including spacing and / or orientation.

[0050] In particular, along said industrial line, several products 1 can be transferred, by group(s) or row(s), between different conveying and accumulation surfaces.

[0051] The invention is particularly aimed at such a transfer of products 1.

[0052] To this end, the invention relates to a product transfer installation 2. Such an installation 2 comprises at least one product 1 accumulation surface 3 with an inlet edge 30 and an opposite outlet edge 31. Such an accumulation surface 3 comprises a flat surface along which the products 1, accumulated in rows, are moved. This movement can be carried out by the motorized surface provided, in the form of one or more conveyors, or by one or more dedicated means, the accumulation surface 3 then being in the form of a dead plate.

[0053] It is therefore understood that the accumulation surface 3 is oriented orthogonally to the input conveyor 4 and the output conveyor 5 substantially in the same plane.

[0054] In addition, the installation 2 includes at least one infeed conveyor 4 extending along the infeed edge 30 and motorized in said longitudinal direction, so as to convey products 1 in one or more lines.

[0055] The installation 2 further includes at least one output conveyor 5 extending along the output edge 31 and motorized in said longitudinal direction, so as to convey products 1 in one or more rows. It should be noted that at the input, the input conveyor 4 can move the products 1 in one direction, while at the output, the output conveyor 5 can move the products 1 in the same direction or in the opposite direction.

[0056] In particular, the installation 2 includes motorized transfer means 6 at least in one transverse direction of movement. Such a transverse direction extends in a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane, perpendicular to said longitudinal direction. In short, the transverse direction is horizontal and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0057] Furthermore, said transfer ensures the movement along said transverse direction of at least one group of products 1 from said at least input conveyor 4 to said accumulation surface 3 and / or of at least one row of products 1 from said accumulation surface 3 to said at least one output conveyor 4. In other words, depending on the configuration of the installation 2, transfer means 6 include one or more of the transfer tools 7, hereinafter referred to as "tool 7", unless otherwise specified. These tools 7 are dedicated to infeed transfer, or outfeed transfer, or both (the tool 7 then traveling along the accumulation surface 3 from the infeed edge 30 to the outfeed edge 31, and can in particular ensure the movement of the products 1 along said accumulation surface 3).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the transfer means 6 comprise a tool 7 including a plurality of transfer elements 70 that traverse the entire installation 2, ensuring the transfer of the products 1 at the inlet and outlet by passing along the accumulation surface 3. Preferably, two tools 7, separate from the transfer means 6, are each dedicated to the inlet transfer and the outlet transfer.

[0059] Furthermore, the transfer means 6 can be motorized in other directions of movement, in particular longitudinally, for example to accompany the longitudinal movement of the products 1 on the conveyors 4,5. The transfer means 6 can also be motorized in movement according to a combination of longitudinal and transverse translation.

[0060] Furthermore, said transfer means 6 are controlled in displacement according to at least one downward vertical movement from an elevated position to a lowered thrust position of said at least one group or of said at least one row of products 1. Such a downward vertical movement therefore consists of a descent of the tool 7. Preferably, said means 6 of transfer are controlled according to a cycle with several successive displacements, namely: - said descent mentioned above; - a movement from the lower position along a transverse horizontal motion; - an upward vertical movement from the height of said low position to the height of the elevated position; - a return movement to the elevated position, preferably along a translation opposite to the transverse horizontal movement. Such a cycle is represented in a simplified way in [Fig.1], showing means 6 of transfer comprising two distinct tools 7 for the transfers of products 1 into input and output.

[0061] As mentioned previously, other movements of the transfer means 6 are possible, such as a longitudinal movement, accompanying the advance of the products 1 on the conveyors 4,5 during their transverse transfer, or a rotation in the form of a combination of longitudinal and transverse translations to enclose and / or hold the products 1 during said transfer.

[0062] It should be noted that the transfer installation 2 may include dedicated control means 20, managing and supervising its operation, as well as one and / or another of its elements, such as its motorization of the movements of the conveyor surfaces 4,5, possibly the movement of the accumulation surface 3, but also the movements of the transfer means 6 as mentioned above.

[0063] Further on, the transfer of products 1, in group(s) or in row(s), is carried out by pushing by means of at least one transfer tool 7, the object of the invention.

[0064] Such a tool 7 comprises a beam. Located at the top, this beam serves as a load-bearing structure for at least one transfer element 70, in the form of a plate, located below. Such a frame is generally in the form of a longitudinal member, often referred to as a "frame beam". In embodiments of installation 2, it is the beam which is controlled in displacement, according to the aforementioned movement(s). In embodiments of installation 2, at least one transfer element 70 is controlled in motion, according to the aforementioned movement(s).

[0065] In addition, the installation 2 and / or the tool 7 may include control means 20 and suitable motorization means, in order to ensure the movements of said beam and / or at least one transfer element 70, and thus those of the tool 7.

[0066] In embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said beam relative to a chassis.

[0067] In embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said at least one component relative to said beam.

[0068] In embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said beam relative to a chassis and said at least one component relative to said beam.

[0069] Thus, the tool 7 comprises at least one thrust transfer element 70 for said products 1. This element 70 extends vertically and has at least one face 71 intended to come into contact with at least a portion of a peripheral wall of the products 1 to be transferred. Such an element 70 is often called a "shovel" or "pusher" or even a "plate".

[0070] According to one embodiment, the organ 70 has a ridged face 71, forming a rake, the ridges of which are shaped complementaryly to a part of said peripheral wall, so that the products 1 are partially retained within the ridges, when the organ 70 comes into contact with and when it moves said products 1 transversely during their transfer. According to a preferred embodiment, the component 70 has a face 71 that is flat or essentially flat.

[0071] Furthermore, said organ 70 may comprise a single plate, coming into contact with and pushing a single group or a single row of products 1, or several parallel plates spaced apart according to the dimensions of the products 1, thus framing a group or a row of products 1 in order to hold them during the pushing, but also simultaneously transferring an additional group or row of products 1. Thus, the number of groups or rows of products 1 transferred is equal to the number of plates, less one. In addition, in the case of several plates, they can be mounted movably relative to said beam, so as to modify the spacing between them, to adapt to the dimensions of the products 1, but also to allow them to be clamped and held and accompanied during their transfer, and then to release this hold after transfer.

[0072] Therefore, the installation 2 may include first means of motorizing the beam and / or the tool 7 may include second means of motorizing said at least one component 70 with respect to said beam, and / or possibly third means of motorizing several components 70 with respect to said beam.

[0073] Furthermore, the tool 7 includes means 8 for connecting an upper portion of each component 70 suspended beneath said beam. These connecting means 8 thus ensure the connection between the frame beam and each underlying component 70. In addition, these connecting means 8 may include dedicated means for ensuring the vertical suspension of one or more plates, as well as their mobility relative to one another. As mentioned previously, said connecting means 8 may include second, or even third, motorization means.

[0074] In particular, the connecting means 8 include at least one tool holder 9, which is the subject of the invention. Such a tool holder 9 is hereinafter referred to as "holder 9", unless otherwise specified. According to one embodiment, said connecting means 8 comprise at least two supports 9. These two supports 9 are then spaced on either side of a balance point of said member 70, preferably with respect to the center of gravity of the corresponding member 70 of the tool 7. Preferably, said connecting means 8 comprise a larger number of supports 9, spaced at intervals along said member 70, regularly or irregularly, depending on the weight and dimensions of said member 70 to be supported uniformly along its entire length. Such a configuration is notably visible in [Fig. 2], where a member 70 is equipped with six supports 9. For example, a tool 7 may include a component 70 in the form of a plate with a length of 6 m (meters) and a weight of 35 kg (kilograms), the component then being equipped with six supports 9 distributed regularly on either side of the center of gravity of said component 70.

[0075] Further on, each tool support 9 7 for product transfer installation 2 1, includes at least one slide 10 with an upper end 100 and a lower end 101. In particular, it is the upper end 100 of each support 9 that is intended to be connected to said beam, thus keeping it suspended beneath the latter. The upper end 100 can be mounted directly under the beam, or indirectly, via other elements of the connecting means 6.

[0076] The support 9 also includes at least one slide 11. Within the tool 7, it is the slide 11 which is connected to said at least one component 70. Furthermore, said slide 11 is provided with at least one space 110 for receiving at least a part of said lower end 101 of the slide 10. Therefore, the space 110 provided within the slide 11 is dimensioned additionally to allow the insertion of the lower end 101 of the slide 10, with the clearance allowing its movement. Accordingly, the slide 10 is mounted to move within the space 110 by sliding relative to the slide 11. Such sliding can be achieved by sliding in contact with the materials of the different parts, with materials specifically chosen to improve this sliding. As an example, said slide 10 may be made of metal, preferably stainless steel or "inox", possibly with a surface treatment to reduce the coefficients of friction, in particular by heat treatment; said slide 11 may be made of metal, preferably of steel, possibly with a surface treatment or coating reducing the coefficients of friction, in particular in PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or in Teflon® (tetrafluoroethylene). Furthermore, once assembled to connect component 70 to tool 7, this sliding movement, which occurs in the event of an impact, takes place vertically or essentially vertically. According to one embodiment, the overall sliding of all the slides 10 of the same component 70 within their respective slide 11 is parallel to each other, ensuring a perfectly flat descent of said component 70 (i.e., the edge of component 70 remains perfectly horizontal). According to another embodiment, a functional set allows a slight rotation of the slides 10 within the slide 11 for the same organ 70, allowing the organ 70 to rotate (i.e. the edge of the organ 70 tilts relative to the horizontal depending on the point of impact).

[0077] According to different embodiments, a support 9 includes a slide 10 per slide 11, or several slides 10 for the same slide 11 which then presents a receiving space 110 for each of said slides 10.

[0078] In particular, the support 9 may include a stop 90 attached to the lower end 101 of the slide 10 and limiting the stroke of said slide 10 when stopped against said slide 11. Figures 3 to 5 show a limitation of the upward stroke of the slide 10 when stopped by the stop 90. Preferably, said stop 90 is located under the slide 11 and comes to rest against a lower face 111 of said slide 11. Such a stop 90 can be of any shape, preferably in the form of a plate or plate, mounted by screw fixing with the lower end 101 of said slide 10. Thus, when the stop 90 is stopped, the slide 10 is in a position supporting the slide 11, and consequently the member 70 to which it is connected within the tool 7 and in particular the beam.

[0079] According to one embodiment, said slide 11 comprises at least one mounting plate 112 for spaced attachment of said support 9 to a member 70 of said tool 7, providing said receiving space 1101. In other words, the slide 11 comprises at least one mounting plate 112, attached at intervals to a face of the member 70, preferably the contact face 71, notably by means of several spacers 1120. The receiving space 110 is thus provided within the volume delimited peripherally by said spacers 1120. In the corresponding embodiment, the stop 90 then comes to rest against the lower edge of said plate 112.

[0080] In particular, the slide 10 may also include a complementary stop 102, located on the side of the upper end 100, relative to said slide 11 (i.e. above said slide 11), so as to limit the stroke in the other direction of said slide 10. In short, correspondingly, this complementary stop 102 limits the downward stroke of said slide 10.

[0081] Advantageously, the invention provides for compensating the downward vertical movement of at least one component 70, namely each component 70 of the tool 7, in the event of an impact, during a collision or strike with a product 1, in particular a product 1 that is offset from its line or row, or that has fallen onto its conveying surface. The invention therefore provides compensation during the descent of said component 70, in order to avoid impact with a product 1, in particular said product 1 that has fallen, so as not to damage it or to damage said tool 7, in particular the component 70 that strikes said product 1.

[0082] To do this, the support 9 includes additional compensation means 12 capable of exerting a force compensating for the sliding of said slide 10 along a path extending from the upper end 100 to the lower end 101, namely when the slide 10 slides from top to bottom within the receiving space 110 of said slide 11. Preferably, said force is exerted in the opposite direction to the direction of sliding of said at least a part of the lower end 101 of said slider 10.

[0083] It will be noted that this compensating force exerted is understood in the sense of the resultant of the forces applied by the compensating means 12, in particular according to a component extending along the longitudinal direction of the slide 10, namely along a longitudinal median axis extending from the upper end 100 to the lower end 101 of said slide 10.

[0084] Thus, with one or more supports 9 equipping each of the organ(s) 70 of the tool(s) 7 of a transfer installation 2, the means 12 for compensating said at least one support 9 of each organ 70 are capable of performing compensation by exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least a part of the lower end 101 of said slide, during said downward vertical movement of said transfer means. In other words, during the descent of the tool 7 and / or the component 70, upon impact on the lower edge of a component 70, the slide 10 follows the movement and the lower end 101 of the slide 10 extends downwards relative to said slide 11. The slide 11 therefore rises with the component 70, being fixed at its upper part relative to said slide 10. Consequently, the additional compensation means 12 accompany this relative upward movement. of the slide 11, by providing an upward vertical force to said slide 11, and consequently to the component 70 to which the slide 11 of the corresponding support 9 is connected. The compensation thus amounts to reducing part of the weight of the component 70 during its descent and at the moment of impact. In other words, the compensation limits the deceleration and / or the force of said impact.

[0085] According to one embodiment, said additional compensation means 12 exert a force in the opposite direction through damping means in the form of at least one damper forming a link between said slide 10 and said slide 11, when said sliding is oriented in a direction extending from the upper end to the lower end. In other words, the shock absorber(s) provide said force in the opposite direction (i.e. a resultant of the forces of each shock absorber), which dampens the impact of the component 70 against the obstacle.

[0086] It should be noted that the compensation means 12 can be of any type, mechanical or electrical, even electromechanical, or pneumatic or fluidic, or even elastic. By way of example, the compensation means 12 may include at least one pneumatic or fluid piston, or a gear such as a rack and pinion, or even a linear motor.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, said slide 1 includes at least one housing 113. Such a housing 113 is provided between a fixed surface of the slide 11 and a surface connected to said slide 10. According to one embodiment, as shown in the figures, the housing 113 is provided inside a casing 114 forming a housing for said slide 11. This casing 114 is secured to the mounting plate 112, in particular by means of the spacers 1120. In addition, each housing 113 is closed at the top and open at the bottom, ensuring the deployment of the compensating means 12 and the force to be exerted between the slide 11 and the slide 10.

[0088] Furthermore, the additional compensation means 12 include at least one spring 120 positioned within said at least one housing 113. [Fig.5] shows an embodiment of a support 9 equipped with a single housing 113 and a single spring 120 located on one side of the slide 11.

[0089] According to another preferred embodiment, said slide 11 comprises two housings 113 located on either side of said slide 11. Furthermore, the additional compensation means 12 include two springs 120, each of the two springs 120 being positioned within one of said two housings 113. [Fig.3] shows such an embodiment with two housings 113 located symmetrically with respect to said space 110 receiving the slide 11.

[0090] Furthermore, in both of the aforementioned embodiments, said at least one spring 120 is compressed within said housing 113. It should be noted that each spring 120 is in a compressed position within the housing 113 when there is no force applied to the member 70, apart from its own weight, namely that there is no contact exerted against the lower edge of said member 70 and that the slide 10 returns to a stop against the slide 11. In other words, in normal operation of the installation 2, each spring 120 is in a compressed position within the housing 113. Figures 3 and 5 show such a compressed configuration of the spring(s) 120, while [Fig. 5] shows two springs 120 in their deployed configuration. Furthermore, when a spring 120 is deployed, it extends towards each of its ends, against the housing 113 and against the plate or base forming the stop 90. Such a deployment is shown schematically in [Fig. 9].

[0091] It should be noted that the springs 120 are specifically chosen according to the number of springs 120 within a support 9, as well as the number of supports 9 for a single component 70. In particular, the springs 120 are chosen with a determined stiffness, in relation to the characteristics of the tool 7.

[0092] Further, according to one embodiment, the invention provides for detecting directly at the level of the support 9 the slightest movement of the sliding of said slider 10.

[0093] To do this, the support 9 includes means 13 for detecting a travel D of said slide 10 between the lower end 101 and said slide 11. According to the corresponding embodiment, the travel D of the slide 10 is detected with respect to the displacement of the plate forming the stop 90 and connected to said slide 10.

[0094] According to a preferred embodiment, the detection means 13 comprise at least one proximity detector 130 of said lower end 101 of the slider 10.

[0095] Said detector 130 can be of any type, including mechanical or electromechanical, optical, magnetic, wave emission, or ultrasonic.

[0096] Preferably, such a detector 130 can be of the electromechanical type, preferably in the form of an inductive sensor. This type of inductive sensor makes it possible to detect with optimal precision a displacement as soon as it exceeds 1 mm (millimeter), with high responsiveness in detection and transmission of a detection signal. Such detection of the displacement D by means of a detector 130 in the form of an inductive sensor is shown in a simplified manner in [Fig. 6]. In particular, as can be seen on the right, as soon as a displacement D is detected, notably by loss of contact in a dedicated element of the inductive sensor of detector 130, a signal is then transmitted to dedicated control means 20, including managing the operation of the transfer installation 2.

[0097] It should therefore be noted that a component 70 of the same tool 7 can comprise different supports 9, in particular:

[0098] - one but preferably several supports 9 equipped with compensating means 12 additional, namely for example equipped with one or more 120 springs; - at least one other support 9 equipped with detection means 13, namely a detector 130, and incorporating or being devoid of additional compensation means 12; - one or more other supports without additional compensation means 12 and without detection means 13; these supports 9 then only ensure the sliding of the slider 10 relative to the slide 11. When a single support 9 includes additional compensation means 12, as well as detection means 12, the additional compensation means 12 may be located on one side of the slide 11, in particular in the form of a single spring 120, while the detection means 13 are located on the other side.

[0099] The invention further relates to a product transfer method 1, providing for compensation in case of impact.

[0100] Said transfer method may preferably, but not exclusively, be adapted for the implementation of all or part of the transfer installation 2, according to the aforementioned embodiments, taken alone or in combination.

[0101] According to the invention, such a product transfer method 1 comprises, without limitation, at least the steps described below. First, we control the descent by means of a downward vertical movement of one or more organs 70 of a transfer tool 7 from a high position to a low position.

[0102] Then, in the lower position of at least one member 70, a transfer of at least one group of products 1 and / or at least one row of products 1 is carried out by pushing at least one member 70 of said tool 7 into contact with at least a part of a peripheral wall of the products 1 to be transferred. As mentioned previously, a longitudinal movement and / or a combination of other movements along longitudinal and transverse translations can be applied to said tool 7 and / or to one or more organs 70.

[0103] As mentioned previously, tool 7 can be controlled according to other movements, the succession of which forms the transfer cycle.

[0104] Advantageously, in the event of contact between said tool 7 and a product 1 during said descent, said downward vertical movement of said at least one component 70 of the tool 7 is compensated by exerting a force in the opposite direction. In other words, if the tool 7, In particular, if the lower edge of one or both of its components 70 strikes and blocks against a product 1, especially a product 1 that is misaligned or has fallen, then the descent is compensated by exerting a force in the opposite direction. As mentioned previously, this opposite force raises the component 70 in question, by sliding the slide 10 within the slide 11, with an accompanying movement of said component 70. Figures 8 and 9 show in a simplified way respectively the impact and then the compensation by means of an initially compressed spring which relaxes, following the sliding movement of the slider 10 and accompanying the induced upward movement of the organ 70 attached to the slider 11.

[0105] According to one embodiment, if a component 70 of said tool 7 comes into contact with a product 1 during said descent, said downward vertical movement is dampened. Such damping can be achieved as mentioned above.

[0106] According to one embodiment, in the event of contact of a component 70 of said tool 7 with a product 1 during said descent, a movement D of said at least one component 70 is detected and at least the stopping of the descent of said tool 7 and / or of one or more components 70 is checked. In particular, in the corresponding embodiment, the travel D of any slide 10 relative to the corresponding slide 11 is detected for each component 70 of each tool 7 of the installation 2.

[0107] According to one embodiment, in the event of detection of a displacement D, the stopping of all or part of the components or means of the installation 2 is controlled, preferably the total stopping of the installation 2 is controlled. Such a step is represented in a simplified way in [Fig. 10].

[0108] According to one embodiment, in the event of contact of a component 70 of said tool 7 with a product 1 during said descent, an upward vertical movement is controlled back towards said high position H. Such a step is represented in a simplified way in [Fig. 11]. Furthermore, during the upward movement of tool 7 and / or component 70, the corresponding component 70 returns to its initial position, namely that the slide 10 moves upward within the slide 11, due to the weight of component 70 which pulls the slide 11 downwards. At this point, the total mass of said component 70 compresses the spring(s) 120.

[0109] The invention therefore advantageously allows the integration of a safety system into a support for a transfer element, in order to limit the negative consequences of a shock or impact between said transfer element and an obstacle on the operation of a product transfer installation.

Claims

Demands

1. Tool support (9) for a product transfer installation (2) (1), comprising: - at least one slide (10) with an upper end (100) and a lower end (101); - at least one slide (11) having at least one space (110) for receiving at least a portion of said lower end (101) of said slide (10); - said at least one slide (10) being mounted movably within said space (110) by sliding relative to said at least one slide (11); characterized in that it comprises: - additional compensating means (12) capable of exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least a portion of the lower end (101) of said at least one slide (10), said sliding being oriented in a direction extending from the upper end (100) to the lower end (101).

2. Support (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said additional compensation means (12) exert a force in the opposite direction through damping means in the form of at least one damper forming a link between said at least one slider (10) and said at least one slide (11), when said sliding is operated in a direction extending from the upper end (100) to the lower end (101).

3. Support (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - said at least one slide (11) comprises at least one plate (112) for fixing said support (9) in a braced manner with a member (70) of said tool (7), providing said receiving space (110).

4. Support (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - said at least one slide (11) comprises at least one housing (113); and in that the additional compensation means (12) include - at least one spring (120) positioned within said at least one housing (113); - said at least one spring (120) being compressed within said housing (113).

5. Support (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said at least one slide (11) comprises two housings (113) located on either side of said slide (11); and in that the additional compensation means (12) comprise - two springs (120), each of the two springs (120) being positioned within one of said two housings (113).

6. Support (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises - means (13) for detecting a deflection (D) of said at least one slide (10) between the lower end (100) and said at least one slide (11).

7. Support (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - the detection means (13) comprise at least one proximity detector (130) of said lower end (100) of said at least one slider, said detector (130) being in the form of an inductive sensor.

8. Product transfer tool (7), comprising - a beam; - at least one product transfer element (70) (D), said at least one element (70) extending vertically and having at least one face (71) intended to come into contact with at least one part of a peripheral wall of the products (1) to be transferred; - means (8) for connecting an upper part of each element (70) suspended under said beam; characterized in that - said connecting means (8) comprise at least one support (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, the upper end (100) of said at least one slide (10) being connected to said beam and said at least one slide (11) being connected to said at least one element (70).

9. Transfer tool (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said means (8) of connection comprise at least two supports (9).

10. Product transfer installation (2), comprising - at least one product accumulation surface (3) (1) with an inlet edge (30) and an opposite outlet edge (31); - at least one infeed conveyor (4) extending along the infeed edge (30) and motorized in a longitudinal direction, so as to convey products (1) in one or more rows; - at least one output conveyor (5) extending along the output edge (31) and motorized in said longitudinal direction, so as to convey products (1) in one or more rows; - motorized transfer means (6) at least in a transverse direction of movement of at least one group of products (1) from said at least input conveyor (4) to said accumulation surface (3) and / or of at least one row of products (1) from said accumulation surface (3) to said at least one output conveyor (5); - said transfer means (6) being controlled in displacement along at least one downward vertical movement from an elevated position to a lowered pushing position of said at least one group or of said at least one row of products (1); characterized in that - said means (6) of transfer comprise at least one transfer tool (7) according to any one of claims 8 and 9; - the additional compensation means (12) of said at least one support (9) of each component (70) of each tool (7) being capable of performing compensation by exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least one part of the lower end (100) of said slide (10), during said downward vertical movement of said at least one tool (7) and / or of a component (70) of said transfer means (6).

11. A product transfer method (1), comprising at least the following steps: - the descent is controlled by a downward vertical movement of at least one transfer element (70) of a transfer tool (7) according to claim 8 or 9, from a high position to a low position; - in the lower position of said transfer member (70), a transfer of at least one group of products (1) and / or at least one row of products (1) is carried out by pushing at least one member (70) of said tool (7) into contact with at least a part of a peripheral wall of the products (1) to be transferred; characterized in that - in the event of contact of a transfer member (70) of said tool (7) with a product (1) during said descent, said downward vertical movement of said at least one member (70) of the tool (7) is compensated by exerting a force in the opposite direction.

12. Transfer method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - in the event of contact of a component (70) of said tool (7) with a product (1) during said descent, said downward vertical movement is dampened.

13. Transfer method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that - in the event of contact of an element (70) of said tool (7) with a product (1) during said descent, a movement (D) of said at least one element (70) is detected and at least the stopping of the descent of said tool (7) is controlled.

14. Transfer method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that - in the event of contact of an element (70) of said tool (7) with a product (1) during said descent, an upward vertical movement of said tool (7) is controlled back to said high position.

Images