Apparatus and method for positioning products in a packaging line

Abstract

The present invention relates to a product (P) positioning device in a manufacturing line, and more particularly to a device for positioning a product from a conveyor belt into a container, such as a box, comprising a buffer (2) and at least one robot (3). The buffer (2) includes at least two conveyor belts (2a, 2b) for transporting the product (P) and two switches (4) for transporting the product (P) from one side of the conveyor belts (2a, 2b) to the other. The at least one robot (3) is configured to pick up at least one product (P) from a first conveyor belt (2a) and place it in a transport belt (5) or a container placed thereon, the transport belt (5) being positioned substantially parallel and close to the first conveyor belt (2a), and enabling the robot (3) to position the product from the first conveyor belt (2a) onto the transport belt (5). The first conveyor belt (2a) and the transport belt (5) are configured to move in opposite directions. The present invention also relates to the use of the above apparatus and to two packaging methods using the apparatus of the present invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices or machines for supplying products to a production line. In particular, the present application relates to a device that enables efficient transfer of products from a production line to a packaging line. The present application also relates to the use of the device according to the present invention and two methods for packaging products by the device according to the present invention.

Background Art

[0002] When manufacturing products using a production line, it is common practice to use buffers (or shock absorbers) to separate processes and improve efficiency. In a production line, products manufactured in rows by production equipment such as an oven or casting (or forging) equipment are loaded onto a wide main belt. To improve efficiency and maintain hygiene standards when the product is food, the main belt enables the product to be conveyed to the packaging equipment over the shortest possible distance. Such products are, for example, cookies, chocolate tablets or chocolate bars.

[0003] Depending on production capacity, multiple packaging lines are required to package a given quantity while minimizing the proportion of scrap (waste). A packaging line includes a plurality of packaging machines connected in series. For example, it includes a bagging machine at a first position, a multi-packer at a second position, a boxing device at a third position, and finally a palletizer. If one of the machines on this line stops due to a malfunction, the entire line stops. To avoid overflow while maintaining the production level, an additional packaging line (known as a standby line, etc.) takes over, or a buffer receives excess products to avoid product overflow.

[0004] The latest technologies include belt buffers, which are located at the end of the supply line and can absorb the overflow of multiple rows of products that cannot be assigned to the packaging machine located upstream. An overflow of rows of products can occur if the packaging line supplied by the supply line stops, and as a result, it is not possible to assign multiple rows of supplied products. To transfer products from the supply line to the packaging line, it is known that robots, for example, which are continuously positioned along the flow of products, are used to pick up products from the belt on the supply line and place these products in a space without containers, such as boxes that are transported by the belt on the packaging line.

[0005] One problem with manufacturing lines that have known buffers is that the lines can become too long, which means higher associated costs. In fact, in this case, one or more buffers are provided upstream of the equipment, including the transport robots, and it is necessary to provide curved belts to create a meandering manufacturing line in order to avoid a straight manufacturing line that is tens of meters long. With these curved belts, there is a challenge in that products are not transported at the same speed depending on the position relative to the center of rotation. Furthermore, curved belts need to be provided downstream to rearrange the rows of products. As a result, the manufacturing line becomes long and costs are high. Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide equipment that enables the shortening of the length of the manufacturing line, thereby increasing efficiency and lowering associated costs.

[0006] Another challenge with known devices is that the last robot in the direction of product flow may only have a limited number of products because, in that configuration, many products have already been transported by the upstream robots. At the same time, if the packaging line belt is configured to transport containers in the direction of product flow, the last robot in that direction of flow will only see (or perceive) boxes that are already loaded (or full). This is inefficient and results in many products that cannot be placed in the containers. To address this problem, operation in "counterflow mode" has been proposed. This means that the manufacturing line belt through which robots transport products and the packaging belt transporting containers move in opposite directions. In this case, the last robot in the line will see fewer products but empty boxes. Meanwhile, the upstream robots will see many products and filled boxes. Known manufacturing lines employing so-called "counterflow mode," while more efficient than lines that do not employ this configuration, are very long and occupy a lot of space, making them very costly.

[0007] As a result, when adopting a counter-flow system in a manufacturing line, there is a need for equipment that does not increase the length of the line. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] An objective of the present invention is to provide a counter-flow apparatus that enables the shortening of the length of the manufacturing line. Another objective of the present invention is to provide the use of the apparatus according to the present invention and two packaging methods using the apparatus according to the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The above object of the present invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. More specific embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and specification.

[0010] More specifically, one object of the present invention is achieved by a product positioning device on a manufacturing line, and in particular by a device for positioning products being transported by a conveyor belt from a conveyor belt into a container, such as a box. The device comprises a buffer and at least one robot. The buffer includes at least two conveyor belts for transporting products, and two switches for transporting products from one side of the conveyor belt to the other side of the conveyor belt, and from both sides of the conveyor belt. At least one robot is configured to pick up at least one product from a first conveyor belt and place the product on the conveyor belt or in a container placed on the conveyor belt. The above-mentioned conveyor belt is positioned substantially parallel to and close to the first conveyor belt, enabling the robot to position the products on the first conveyor belt onto the conveyor belt, and The first conveyor belt and the transport belt are configured to move in opposite directions.

[0011] The above-described apparatus, through the combination of the buffer, robot, and conveyor belt proposed in this invention, enables a reduction in the length of the manufacturing line, while simultaneously providing advantages from the buffer and the positioning (or placement) robot. Since the first conveyor belt and the conveyor belt are configured to move in opposite directions, the apparatus enables the implementation of so-called counterflow robots, thereby increasing the efficiency of the manufacturing line. It is also possible to maintain alignment with the production flow. The manufacturing apparatus delivers products in one direction, and at the output side of the apparatus according to the present invention, the products exit along the same direction. This avoids the need for an upstream conveyor system that needs to transport the flow in the opposite direction, resulting in a shorter line overall.

[0012] In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprises at least two robots, which increases the number of products that can be processed per unit time. Advantageously, the device includes artificial recognition means that enable the robot to visually perceive the shape and position of the product. Advantageously, the artificial recognition means is configured so that the robot can place the product in an empty space on the conveyor belt or in an empty space in the container.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first conveyor belt and the transport belt are configured to have individually adjustable speeds. This makes it possible to match the speed of these belts as a whole to the speed of the production line.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the direction of movement of the first conveyor belt, the second conveyor belt, and the transport belt can be reversed. This allows the device to be used in different operating modes and to be implemented on different production lines.

[0015] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switch comprises at least one switch belt having two belt rollers. The switch belt is configured such that the height of at least one of the belt rollers is adjustable with respect to the height of a first conveyor belt and the height of a second conveyor belt.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switch belt is tiltable such that the height of the second belt roller is adjustable with respect to the height of the first conveyor belt and the height of the second conveyor belt.

[0017] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes an elevator mechanism configured such that the heights of two belt rollers are adjustable with respect to the height of a first conveyor belt and the height of a second conveyor belt.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprises at least three conveyor belts. This makes it possible to increase the buffer capacity of the buffer and, consequently, the buffer capacity of the entire apparatus.

[0019] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the robot is a delta robot (parallel link robot) or a SCARA robot.

[0020] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method (use) for placing products from a manufacturing line belt into containers using an apparatus according to the present invention. In this method, a robot picks up products placed on a first conveyor belt of a buffer and places them in the empty space of a container on the conveyor belt, or in the empty space of the conveyor belt, while the first conveyor belt and the conveyor belt move in opposite directions. This use is preferable because, along the direction of movement of products on the first conveyor belt, the first robot can spot many products and place them in the remaining empty space on the conveyor belt or in the remaining empty space of a container being transported by the latter. Along the direction of product transport, a second robot can spot a limited number of products, but only empty boxes. Therefore, this embodiment of using an apparatus according to the present invention makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the manufacturing line.

[0021] One of the objectives of the present invention is achieved by a first method for packaging products in a production line using an apparatus according to the present invention. This method includes the following steps: a. Load the product onto the first switch belt, b. Transfer the product onto the second conveyor belt of the buffer. c. The product is transferred by the second conveyor belt toward the second switch belt. d. The product is transferred from the second conveyor belt to the first conveyor belt via the second switch belt. e. The product is transferred by the first conveyor belt toward the first switch belt. f. The robot picks up the product, g. The robot places the removed product in the empty space of the container on the conveyor belt or in the empty space of the conveyor belt. At this time, the conveyor belt moves in a direction opposite to that of the first conveyor belt, and h. The conveyor belt transfers the product placed on the conveyor belt to the packaging device. Each step is included.

[0022] Finally, one of the objects of the present invention is achieved by a second method for packaging products in a production line using the device according to the present invention. This method includes the following steps. That is, a. Load the product onto the first switch belt. b. Transfer the product onto the first conveyor belt of the buffer. c. The robot takes out the product. d. The robot places the removed product in the empty space of the container on the conveyor belt or in the empty space of the conveyor belt. At this time, the conveyor belt moves in a direction opposite to that of the first conveyor belt, and e. The robot transfers the product not taken out from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt via the second switch belt. f. The product placed on the conveyor belt is transferred to the packaging device by the conveyor belt. Each step is included.

[0023] It should be noted that many advantageous methods become possible using the apparatus according to the present invention. In addition to the two methods described above, advantageous methods include, for example, loading products onto the buffer's second conveyor belt by a first switch. These products are transported by the second conveyor belt to the second switch. By the latter, the products are then transferred to a third conveyor belt, and then by the latter, to the first switch. Using the first switch, the products are transferred from the third conveyor belt onto the first conveyor belt, where they are picked up by a robot and transported by the robot to a conveyor belt. In this embodiment, the first conveyor belt moves in the direction of the flow of products leaving the production equipment, and the conveyor belt moves in the opposite direction. Thus, a counter-flow robot can be employed. Furthermore, this embodiment makes the buffer's full storage capacity available.

[0024] The maximum storage capacity is also achieved by a first switch that allows products to be loaded onto second and third conveyor belts. These products can then be transferred by a second switch onto a first conveyor belt moving in the opposite direction to the flow of products from the production equipment. Finally, the products can be picked up by a robot and transferred onto a conveyor belt moving along the direction of product flow.

[0025] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description by illustrating non-limiting embodiments with reference to the two accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a product P positioning device 1 in a manufacturing line according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the buffer (or buffer) 2 of the device 1 includes three conveyor belts 2a, 2b, and 2c, and the direction of travel of each conveyor belt is represented by arrows Da, Db, and Dc. These directions can be selected independently of each other. It is also possible to adjust the travel speed of these belts individually. The buffer 2 also includes two switches 4, each of which has the form of an inclined belt, and each switch 4 is located at one end of the conveyor belts 2a to 2c. The switches 4 allow product P to be loaded onto the second conveyor belt 2b or the third conveyor belt 2c via belt 6 from production equipment (not shown in Figure 1). Then, the products loaded onto the second and third conveyor belts of the buffer 2 can be reloaded onto the first conveyor belt 2a via the switch 4 furthest from the belt 6 line.

[0028] Once the product is loaded onto the first conveyor belt 2a, it is picked up by the robot 3 and moved to an empty space on the conveyor belt 5, or an empty space in the container, such as a box (not shown), and placed there. The container filled with product P is then transported by the conveyor belt 5 along direction 5a to the packaging device (or mounting device) 8.

[0029] As can be seen from Figure 1, in this embodiment, the conveyor belt 5 and the first conveyor belt 2a move in opposite directions. Therefore, the device 1 can be used in a so-called counterflow mode. In this embodiment, the first robot along the Da direction can "sight" multiple products P and, positioned on the conveyor belt 5, can be placed in the remaining empty space of containers moving along direction 5a. As part of this, the second and third robots along the Da direction can sight fewer products P but also sight empty containers. The counterflow mode ensures efficient container filling. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction of the production flow in the production line can be kept constant. Products enter from left to right in Figure 1 and exit from left to right toward the packaging device 8.

[0030] Buffer 2 allows for buffering or loading of the product P flow coming from the production line. This has the advantage of eliminating the need to stop the production line when the packaging line, for example, the conveyor belt 5, needs to be stopped. Note that buffer 2 is a first-in, first-out system, which has certain advantages in the food sector, and in this case, products cannot be kept waiting for a long time before packaging.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a product P positioning device 1 in a manufacturing line according to a second embodiment. The device 1 in Figure 2 is similar to the device in Figure 1, except for the direction of movement 5a of the conveyor belt 5. In order to accommodate the products in the opposite direction 5a to the direction of flow of products coming from the production equipment 7, it is necessary to use the buffer 2 in a different operating mode than that described in relation to Figure 1. In this embodiment, products P coming from the production equipment 7 can be loaded onto the first conveyor belt 2a via belt 6 by switch 4. Once products are loaded onto the first conveyor belt 2a, they are picked up by robot 3 and moved to an empty space on the conveyor belt 5 or an empty space in a container, such as a box (not shown), and placed there. Containers filled with products P are then transported by conveyor belt 5 along direction 5a to the packaging device 8. Products P that have not been picked up by robot 3 can then be moved to the second or third conveyor belts 2b, 2c via switch 4 furthest from the production equipment 7. Next, these products can be transported toward the first switch belt, returned onto the first conveyor belt 2a, picked up by a robot, and finally transported onto the conveyor belt 5.

[0032] Furthermore, in Figure 2, buffer 2 is configured so that each of the directions Da, Db, and Dc can be selected independently of each other. It is also possible to adjust the movement speed of these belts individually.

[0033] As can be seen from Figure 2, the conveyor belt 5 and the first conveyor belt 2a move in opposite directions in this embodiment. Therefore, the apparatus 1 of the second embodiment can be used in a so-called counterflow manner. Thus, the first robot along the Da direction can "sight" multiple products P, and can be positioned on the conveyor belt 5, within the remaining empty space of containers moving along direction 5a. As part of this, the robot along the Da direction can sight fewer products P, but can also sight empty containers. In this embodiment, the direction of the manufacturing flow is reversed. Products enter from left to right in Figure 2 and exit from right to left. This makes the manufacturing line very compact and, at the same time, allows for efficient filling of containers as the robot can be used in a counterflow manner.

[0034] Buffer 2 in Figure 2 allows for a buffer in the flow of product P coming from the production line. This is advantageous because it avoids the need to stop the production line when the packaging line, for example, the conveyor belt 5, needs to be stopped. Note that buffer 2 is a first-in, first-out system, which has certain advantages in the food sector, and in this case, it is not possible to keep products waiting for a long time before packaging.

[0035] Importantly, it should be noted that the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be combined. In fact, it is possible to provide two conveyor belts 5 that move in opposite directions. The direction of movement of the buffer 2's conveyor belts 2a to 2c can be selected so that the robot can be applied in a counterflow manner to the two conveyor belts. In particular, the direction Da of the first conveyor belt is selected opposite to the direction of movement 5a of the supplied conveyor belt. Then, directions Db and Dc are adjusted relative to direction Da so that belts 2b and 2c can operate as buffers.

[0036] It is obvious that the present invention can be modified in many ways when put into practice. While several embodiments have been illustrated in a non-limiting sense, it should be understood that it is impossible to comprehensively list all possible modifications. Of course, it is possible to replace the described means with equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, all of these modifications are in the general knowledge of those skilled in the art in the field of automated manufacturing lines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1. Device (or positioning device) 2. Buffer (or buffer) 2a, 2b, 2c Conveyor belt 3. Robots (or Delta robots (parallel link robots), SCARA robots) 4. Switch (switch belt) 4a, 4b Belt rollers 5. Conveyor belt 6 belts 7 Production Equipment 8. Packaging equipment (or mounting equipment)

Claims

1. A product (P) positioning device (1) in a manufacturing line, more particularly a device (1) for positioning a product from a conveyor belt into a container, such as a box, comprising a buffer (2) and at least one robot (3), The buffer (2) includes at least two conveyor belts (2a, 2b) for transporting the product (P), and two switches (4) for transporting the product (P) from one side of the conveyor belts (2a, 2b) to the other side of the conveyor belts (2a, 2b), from both sides of the conveyor belts (2a, 2b). The at least one robot (3) is configured to pick up at least one product (P) from the first conveyor belt (2a) and place the product (P) on the conveyor belt (5) or in a container placed on the conveyor belt (5), the conveyor belt (5) being positioned substantially parallel to and close to the first conveyor belt (2a), thereby enabling the robot (3) to position the products from the first conveyor belt (2a) onto the conveyor belt (5), The apparatus (1) is characterized in that the first conveyor belt (2a) and the transport belt (5) are configured to move in opposite directions.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least two robots.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising artificial visual means that enables the robot to visually perceive the shape and position of the product.

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein the artificial visual means is configured such that the robot can place the product in an empty space on the conveyor belt (5) or in an empty space in the container.

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first conveyor belt (2a) and the transport belt (5) are configured to have their respective speeds individually adjustable.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the direction of movement of the first conveyor belt (2a), the second conveyor belt (2b), and the transport belt (5) can be reversed.

7. The switch comprises at least one switch belt (4) having two belt rollers (4a, 4b), The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the switch belt is configured such that the height of at least one of the belt rollers (4a, 4b) can be adjusted with respect to the height of the first conveyor belt (2a) and the height of the second conveyor belt (2b).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the switch belt (4) is tiltable so that the height of the second belt roller (4b) can be adjusted with respect to the height of the first conveyor belt (2a) and the height of the second conveyor belt (2b).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises an elevator mechanism configured such that the heights of the two belt rollers (4a, 4b) can be adjusted with respect to the height of the first conveyor belt (2a) and the height of the second conveyor belt (2b).

10. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least three conveyor belts (2a, 2b, 2c).

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the robot is a delta robot or a SCARA robot.

12. A method of using the apparatus (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 11 to place a product in a container, The robot (3) removes the product (P) placed on the first conveyor belt (2a) of the buffer (2) and places it in an empty space on the conveyor belt (5) or in an empty space on the conveyor belt (5), while the first conveyor belt (2a) and the conveyor belt (5) move in opposite directions. How to use.

13. A method for packaging a product (P) in a manufacturing line using the apparatus (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 11, a. Load the product (P) onto the first switch belt (5a), b. Transfer the product (P) onto the second conveyor belt (2b) of the buffer (2). c. The product (P) is transported by the second conveyor belt (2b) toward the second switch belt (4), d. The product (P) is transferred from the second conveyor belt (2b) to the first conveyor belt (2a) via the second switch belt (4). e. The product (P) is transported by the first conveyor belt (2a) toward the first switch belt (4), f. The robot (3) takes out the product (P), g. The robot (3) places the removed product (P) in an empty space on the conveyor belt (5) or in an empty space on the conveyor belt (5), and at this time, the conveyor belt (5) moves in the opposite direction to the first conveyor belt (2a), and h. The product (P) is transported to the packaging device by the conveyor belt (5). A method that includes each step.

14. A method for packaging a product (P) in a manufacturing line using the apparatus (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 11, a. Load the product onto the first switch belt, b. Transfer the product onto the first conveyor belt of the buffer. c. The robot removes the product, d. The robot places the removed product in an empty space on the conveyor belt or in an empty space on the conveyor belt, and at this time, the conveyor belt moves in the opposite direction to the direction of the first conveyor belt. e. Transferring products not picked up by the robot from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt via the second switch belt, f. The product placed on the conveyor belt is transported by the conveyor belt to the packaging device. A method that includes each step.

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