Conveyor system for packaging machines and packaging machines

Abstract

A conveyor device (6) for transporting articles (2) is described, the conveyor device comprising a plurality of carriers (7), each carrier (7) configured to receive and transport at least one article (2), and including at least one electrically drivable component (10, 18) and a receiver (8) configured to receive electrical energy and supply power to the component (10, 18); a planar motor (11) for moving the carriers (7) independently and selectively from each other; at least one power supply station (P); and a transmitter (12) located at the power supply station (P) for transmitting electrical energy, wherein the planar motor (11) is configured to selectively move each carrier (7) through the power supply station (P), thereby causing the receiver (8) to receive electrical energy from the transmitter (12) and supply power to the components (10, 18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor device for a packaging machine, particularly to a conveyor device configured to advance articles within a packaging machine.

[0002] Particularly, the present invention relates to a conveyor device for advancing packages containing pourable products, preferably food products, within a packaging machine configured to form, seal and fold a plurality of packages containing pourable products without sacrificing generality.

Background Art

[0003] As is generally known, many pourable foods such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc. are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging materials.

[0004] As a typical example, a rectangular parallelepiped package for fluid foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark) can be cited. This is manufactured by folding and sealing a web of laminated packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure in which both sides of a base material layer made of, for example, paper are covered with layers of heat-sealable plastic materials such as polyethylene.

[0005] In the case of a sterile package for long-term preservation products such as UHT milk, the packaging material further includes a layer of an oxygen barrier material such as aluminum foil, which is overlaid on the layer of the heat-sealable plastic material and finally covered with another layer of a heat-sealable plastic material forming the inner surface of the package that contacts the food.

[0006] This type of package is usually manufactured by a fully automatic packaging machine that forms and fills the package from a multi-layer packaging material.

[0007] In particular, in such packaging machines, the web of the packaging material is first wound onto a reel and fed through multiple unwinding rollers to form a continuous tube. The web of the packaging material is sterilized within the packaging machine by applying a chemical sterilizer, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution. Once sterilization is complete, it is removed from the surface of the packaging material by heating, for example, by evaporation. The thus sterilized web is then maintained in a closed, sterile environment and, while being fed out by the aforementioned unwinding rollers, is folded longitudinally and sealed by a known web folding device to form a tube.

[0008] The tubes are fed continuously along a first direction, which is usually a vertical, straight line, and filled with sterilized food from above. They are then molded, sealed, and cut along cross-sections that are spaced at equal intervals along a second direction, which is usually perpendicular to the first direction.

[0009] To perform molding and sealing operations, known packaging machines include a molding unit that molds the tube to give it an outer shape corresponding to the desired package shape, and a sealing unit that seals the tube with equally spaced cross-sections perpendicular to the direction of the tube's forward movement.

[0010] Generally, the above type of packaging machine is equipped with a pair of alternatingly moving forming and sealing jaws, which are controllable by reciprocating motion in a first direction and a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and interact with the continuous portion of the tube.

[0011] This results in a so-called pillow pack having a vertical seal, an upper horizontal seal, and a lower horizontal seal. The pillow pack is cut at a cross section that can be separated from each other and sent to the folding unit of the packaging machine for final folding.

[0012] Once the cutting operation is complete, the sealing unit and molding unit are moved to prepare to grasp the next portion of the tube.

[0013] This will result in the completed package.

[0014] Conveyor devices interposed between specific units of a packaging machine are known in this field.

[0015] For example, at least one conveyor device is interposed between the sealing unit and the folding unit, moving the pillow packs, which are separated from each other, toward the folding unit.

[0016] Another conveyor system is known to advance the finished packages (i.e., packages that have been molded, sealed, separated, and folded) from the final folding unit to a downstream unit (e.g., a grouping / palletizing unit).

[0017] For example, this type of conveyor system includes a belt system that defines a transport path, comprising a pair of endless (or closed-loop) belts arranged facing each other on either side of the transport path. Each package is sandwiched (compressed) between the two opposing belts, and the relative motion between these belts causes the sandwiched package to move forward along the transport path. In this way, the packages move sequentially along the transport path and between the two units.

[0018] In this field, there is a need for more flexible and scalable methods for handling packages after they have been formed, particularly for transporting them.

[0019] In this field, there is a growing need to reduce wear on components of known packaging machinery, particularly their conveyor systems.

[0020] Furthermore, in this field, there is a perceived need to simplify the structure of known packaging machines and reduce the number of components. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0021] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor device for conveying articles, preferably a conveyor device for a packaging machine configured to convey packages containing pourable products, which is designed to simply and cost-effectively satisfy at least one of the above needs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0022] This object is achieved by the conveyor device according to claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view of a packaging machine provided with a conveyor device according to the present invention, with a part removed for clarity. [Figure 2] It is a schematic top view of the conveyor device according to the present invention, with a part removed for clarity. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the carrier of the conveyor device according to the present invention, with a part removed for clarity. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged schematic side view of the conveyor device according to the present invention, with a part removed for clarity. [Figure 5a] It is a schematic side view of a part of the conveyor device of the present invention in different operating states, with a part removed for clarity. [Figure 5b] It is a schematic side view of a part of the conveyor device of the present invention in different operating states, with a part removed for clarity. [Figure 5c] It is a schematic side view of a part of the conveyor device of the present invention in different operating states, with a part removed for clarity.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, number 1 shows a non-limiting example of a packaging machine for producing multiple packages 2 containing pourable products, preferably pasteurized or UHT milk, water, fruit juice, wine, peas, legumes, and other pourable food products.

[0026] In detail, the packaging machine 1 is configured to take a tube 3 of packaging material and form, seal, and fold such a package 2.

[0027] Preferably, the packaging material has a multilayer structure (not shown), in which a layer of fibrous material (e.g., paper) is covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material (e.g., polyethylene).

[0028] In the case of aseptic packaging 2 for long-term storage products such as UHT milk, the packaging material further includes a gas and light barrier material layer (e.g., aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film), which is superimposed on a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and further covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material. The latter layer forms the inner surface of packaging 2 that ultimately comes into contact with the dispenseable product.

[0029] Preferably, the packaging material is first provided in the form of a web 4.

[0030] As schematically shown in Figure 1, the packaging machine 1 includes the following: - A tube folding device 5 that folds the web 4 into the tube 3 in a known manner (details omitted) and seals the tube 3 longitudinally; - A filling device (not shown) for filling tube 3 with a product that can be dispensed; - Although this is well known and will not be explained in detail, a forming and sealing apparatus (not shown) for forming and sealing tube 3, thereby obtaining multiple pillow packs 2a, - A pillow pack folding device (not shown) for folding pillow pack 2a to obtain the package 2, although this is well known and will not be described in detail.

[0031] Therefore, the packaging machine 1 is configured to start from the web 4 and tube 3, form and seal a plurality of pillow packs 2a containing the dispenseable product, and then fold the pillow packs 2a to obtain the formed, sealed, and folded package 2 (containing the dispenseable product).

[0032] The packaging machine 1 further includes at least one conveyor device 6 for transporting the packages 2.

[0033] According to this preferred non-limiting embodiment, the conveyor device 6 is configured to receive the package 2 from the pillow pack folding device and to further transport the received package 2 downstream of the packaging machine 1 (or packaging line), for example toward a grouping / palletizing unit.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the conveyor device 6 can, for example, receive the pillow pack 2a from a molding and sealing device and transport it toward a pillow pack folding device.

[0035] Generally, the conveyor device 6 according to the present invention is configured to receive and deliver articles, and in this embodiment, the articles are defined by sealed packages 2 containing dispensable products, and this specification refers to these sealed packages 2 without loss of generality.

[0036] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may include a plurality of conveyor devices 6. Two or more conveyor devices 6 may be arranged parallel to each other. That is, each conveyor device 6 may receive each part of the package 2 when in use.

[0037] Alternatively, or additionally, two or more conveyor devices 6 may be arranged in series with respect to each other. That is, two or more conveyor devices 6 advance multiple identical packages 2.

[0038] The conveyor device 6 is configured to move the package 2 forward from the inlet station I to the outlet station O.

[0039] Referring to Figures 2 to 5c, the conveyor device 6 (or each conveyor device 6 if there are multiple conveyor devices on the packaging machine 1) is, - A plurality of carriers 7, each carrier configured to receive and transport at least one package 2, and each carrier includes at least one electrically drivable component 10, 18 and a receiver 8 configured to receive electrical energy and power the component 10, 18; - Planar motors 11 that move multiple carriers 7 selectively and independently of each other; - At least one power supply station P; and - Transmitter 12 located at power supply station P and configured to transmit electrical energy, It is equipped with.

[0040] More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the carrier 7 includes a support plate or platform 13 configured to receive and support the package 2.

[0041] More specifically, the support plate 13 is configured to receive and support at least one package 2 at a time on its upper surface 13a.

[0042] Package 2 has a bottom wall 2b. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, package 2 is configured to be supported by its bottom wall 2b and housed on the top surface 13a.

[0043] Preferably, the planar motor 11 is of a known type. - An induction base element or table or surface 14 equipped with a power supply induction coil (not shown); and - A plurality of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic elements (not shown), such as permanent magnets, each embedded in one carrier 7, more precisely in one support plate 13, and configured to interact electromagnetically with an induction coil to determine the movement of the carrier 7 on and along the table 14, It is equipped with.

[0044] Therefore, the planar motor 11 is configured to control the selective movement of the carrier 7 along the table 14 so that the support plates 13 move independently of each other on the table 14.

[0045] More specifically, the planar motor 11 may be configured to selectively control the movement of each carrier 7 independently of the other carriers 7. In this context, "independently" means that the planar motor 11 can selectively accelerate and decelerate each carrier 7, and that this acceleration and deceleration may differ from the acceleration and deceleration of the other carriers 7. Furthermore, the planar motor 11 may control the movement of each carrier 7 in order to avoid undesirable collisions with one or more other carriers 7.

[0046] For this purpose, the planar motor 11 may include a control unit (not shown) for controlling and managing the movement of the carrier 7 along the table 14.

[0047] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the planar motor 11 may be configured to control the carrier 7 along three linear axes and around three rotational axes. In other words, the carrier 7 has six degrees of freedom.

[0048] More specifically, the planar motor 11 can be configured to move the carrier 7 along a first linear axis X, a second linear axis Y perpendicular to the first linear axis X, and a third linear axis Z perpendicular to both the first linear axis X and the second linear axis Y (Figure 2). This makes it possible to control the position of the carrier 7 (and its corresponding package 2) in three-dimensional space.

[0049] Furthermore, the planar motor 11 may be configured to control the angular motion of the carrier 7 about a first rotation axis, a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and a third rotation axis perpendicular to the first and second rotation axes. This makes it possible to control the angular position of the carrier 7 (and together with the package 2).

[0050] By providing six degrees of freedom, it becomes possible to precisely control the angular and spatial positions of package 2 relative to table 14, for example.

[0051] According to an important aspect of the present invention, the planar motor 11 is configured to selectively move the carrier 7 by passing it through the power supply station P. As a result, the receiver 8 receives electrical energy from the transmitter 12 and supplies power to the components 10 and 18.

[0052] Carrier 7 is configured to transport package 2 along transport path A, which extends from receiving station R to release station Q (Figure 2).

[0053] For convenience, both receiving station R and releasing station Q are placed on table 14.

[0054] According to the present invention, at least a portion of the transport path A extends through the power supply station P.

[0055] In one embodiment, the transmitter 12 includes a power supply track 12a that extends along a portion of the transport path A, particularly along the power supply station P, and is configured to supply electrical energy to the receiver 8.

[0056] Therefore, the carrier 7 is configured to move the receiver 8 forward along the power supply track 12a (while passing through the power supply station P), so that the receiver 8 interacts with the power supply track 12a and is powered.

[0057] In particular, as shown in Figure 4, the power supply track 12a may have a C-shaped profile. In this case, the receiver 8 may include a receiving portion 8a configured to engage with a recess in the power supply track 12a as the carrier 7 passes through the power supply station P.

[0058] Alternatively, the receiving section 8a may have a C-shaped profile, and as the carrier 7 passes through the power supply station P, the power supply track 12a may engage with the recess of the C-shaped receiving section 8a to transfer energy thereto.

[0059] According to the present invention, the power supply station P is located at the receiving station R and / or the release station Q, as described later.

[0060] Advantageously, the transmitter 12 is configured to transmit electrical energy to the receiver 8 via wireless transmission.

[0061] This significantly reduces wear caused by non-contact interaction between these two components.

[0062] Preferably, the transmitter 12 includes a first electrical circuit, and the receiver 8 includes a second electrical circuit. The transmission of electrical energy from the first electrical circuit to the second electrical circuit is carried out by electrical induction, thereby defining the wireless transmission (i.e., wireless electrical connection) between the transmitter 12 and the receiver 8.

[0063] Alternatively, the transmitter 12 and receiver 8 may cooperate to slide against each other using, for example, conductive brushes. In this case, although wear increases compared to the wireless transmission described above, the transmission of electrical energy is more efficient and less lossy.

[0064] During use, as described above, the planar motor 11 controls the movement of each carrier 7 along the movement path A and the operation of passing through the power supply station P.

[0065] As carrier 7 passes through power supply station P, receiver 8 interacts with transmitter 12, receives electrical energy, and supplies power to components 10 and 18.

[0066] According to the present invention, the transmitter 12 is positioned at a suitable distance from the table 14 and is electrically isolated from its induction coil.

[0067] Considering the above, the carrier 7 can collect electrical energy to supply power to the electrically drivable components 10 and 18 in a relatively simple manner without interfering with the power supply to the carrier 7 itself (especially the support plate 13) by the planar motor 11.

[0068] Advantageously, the carrier 7 further includes a control unit 15 (shown schematically only) connected to the receiver 8 and components 10, 18, supplied with electrical energy from the receiver 8, and configured to control the operation of components 10, 18.

[0069] Preferably, the control unit 15 is embedded in the support plate 13.

[0070] As carrier 7 passes through power supply station P, receiver 8 interacts with transmitter 12 and receives electrical energy. As a result, receiver 8 supplies the received electrical energy to control unit 15. This allows control unit 15 to control components 10 and 18.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the carrier 7 includes a gripping unit 10 configured to grip at least one package 2 at a time at a receiving station R, to hold the package 2 while the carrier 7 is moving (forward), and to release the articles at a release station Q.

[0072] According to such a preferred embodiment, the electrically drivable component comprises a gripping unit 10. In particular, the gripping unit 10 defines an electrically drivable component.

[0073] In particular, the gripping unit 10 is - A gripping member 10a for receiving or releasing package 2 in the open state, and for gripping and holding each package 2 in the closed state; and - An operating member 10b for controlling the gripping member 10a between the open and closed states, It is equipped with.

[0074] Figures 5a and 5b show the gripping member 10a in the open state, and Figure 5c shows the gripping member 10a in the closed state.

[0075] For the sake of brevity, we will refer to a single carrier 7 below. All the characteristics described below apply equally to each carrier 7.

[0076] According to the present invention, the receiver 8 is configured to supply electrical energy received from the transmitter 12 at the power supply station P to the operating member 10b.

[0077] Specifically, as the carrier 7 passes through the power supply station P (by the planar motor 11), the power supply track 12a and the receiving unit 8a interact with each other (preferably by the aforementioned wireless connection). As a result, the receiver 8 supplies the received electrical energy to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 controls the operating member 10b, thereby driving the gripping member 10a between the open and closed states.

[0078] As described above, the carrier 7 is configured to move (or transport) the package 2 along the transport path A from the receiving station R to the release station Q. Furthermore, the gripping member 10a grips the package 2 received at the receiving station R and releases the gripped package 2 at the release station Q.

[0079] For this purpose, in one embodiment, the conveyor device 6 is - A first power supply station P comprising a first transmitter 12 located at a receiving station R for transmitting electrical energy to the components of the carrier 7, particularly to the gripping unit 10 of the carrier 7; - A second power supply station P, which includes a second transmitter 12 located at a release station Q (not shown), for transmitting electrical energy to the components of the carrier 7, particularly to the gripping unit 10 of the carrier 7. It is equipped with.

[0080] Preferably, the second power supply station P is substantially identical to the first power supply station P. Similarly, the first transmitter 12 is substantially identical to the second transmitter 12 (i.e., it comprises the power supply track 12a of the type described above).

[0081] Based on the above, at the receiving station R, the operating member 10b drives the gripping member 10a from the open state to the closed state to grip the received package 2. Meanwhile, at the release station Q, the operating member 10b drives the gripping member 10a from the closed state to the open state to release the sent-out package 2.

[0082] More specifically, as shown in Figures 5a to 5c, when in use, the carrier 7 is moved to the receiving station R (by the planar motor 11) (Figure 5a). After the support plate 13 of the carrier 7 receives the package 2 at the receiving station R (Figure 5b), the support plate 13 passes through the first power supply station P, where the receiver 8 and the first transmitter 12 interact with each other along the way. This interaction according to the present invention supplies electrical energy to the operating member 10b, which in turn drives the gripping member 10a to the closed state (Figure 5c).

[0083] This ensures that package 2 is retained.

[0084] Once package 2 is held and grasped, carrier 7 moves the received grasped package 2 along transport path A toward release station Q (Figure 2).

[0085] Similar to the first power supply station P and receiving station R described above, the carrier 7 is moved (by the planar motor 11) to the release station Q. There, the power receiver 8 interacts with the second transmitter 12 and supplies power to the operating member 10b again. Through this interaction according to the present invention, the operating member 10b is driven by electrical energy, and consequently the gripping member 10a is driven to the open state.

[0086] This will unlock package 2.

[0087] Subsequently, the carrier 7 is moved away from the release station Q and transport path A by the planar motor 11 and heads back towards the receiving station R. At this station, the carrier 7 receives the newly transported package 2. This operation is repeated periodically.

[0088] In this way, a relatively simple, reliable, flexible, safe, and wear-resistant conveyor system 6 for transporting package 2 is obtained.

[0089] In fact, because the support plate 13 floats on the table 14, and the receiver 8 and transmitter 12 interact with each other with little or no contact, wear is substantially reduced and, in some cases, eliminated.

[0090] Furthermore, thanks to the planar motor system 11, the movement of the carrier 7 is much more flexible compared to, for example, a simple belt conveyor, and can easily adapt to any fluctuations in production speed.

[0091] Preferably, the conveyor device 6 is - An entrance conveyor 16 that sends a line of packages 2 from entrance station I to receiving station R, and the packages 2 are transferred from the entrance conveyor 16 to carrier 7; and - A discharge conveyor 17 transports package 2 from release station Q, where package 2 is released from carrier 7, to exit station O. It is equipped with.

[0092] Therefore, the first power supply station P and the first transmitter 12 are located on the entrance conveyor 16, and the second power supply station P and the second transmitter 12 are located on the exit conveyor 17.

[0093] As shown in this non-limiting embodiment, the inlet conveyor 16 and outlet conveyor 17 are defined by belt conveyors, each comprising a pair of endless belts facing each other in part and configured to hold each package 2 at its sidewalls.

[0094] Conveniently, the planar motor 11 is configured to synchronize the progress of the carrier 7 with that of the package 2 when the package 2 is transported by the inlet conveyor 16 or the outlet conveyor 17 during use.

[0095] Conveniently, the inlet conveyor 16 and the outlet conveyor 17 extend at least partially over the table 14, thereby reaching the receiving station R and the release station Q.

[0096] For convenience, the inlet conveyor 16 and outlet conveyor 17 are configured to move each package 2 forward with a gap between it and the table 14 of the flat motor 11 when in use. This creates a gap between the table 14 and the package 2, and each support plate 13 engages with this gap, allowing it to be interposed between the package 2 and the table 14.

[0097] In this way, the support plate 13 can be placed between the table 14 and the package 2, allowing the package 2 to be placed on the support plate 13 from the entrance conveyor 16 at the receiving station R, and allowing the package 2 to be unloaded from the support plate 13 and supplied onto the exit conveyor 17 at the release station Q (Figures 4 and 5a to 5c).

[0098] Therefore, the carrier 7 is configured to transport the package 2 from the inlet conveyor 16 to the outlet conveyor 17 by moving along the transport path A.

[0099] Advantageously, the first transmitter 12 is fixed to the inlet conveyor 16. Similarly, the second transmitter 12 is fixed to the outlet conveyor 17.

[0100] For example, the first transmitter 12 may be connected to the entrance conveyor 16 so as to extend from the frame 16a of the entrance conveyor 16 and be interposed between the table 14 and the belt member 16b.

[0101] Similarly, the second transmitter 12 may be connected to the exit conveyor 17 so as to extend from its frame 17a and interposed between the table 14 and the belt member 17b.

[0102] This configuration allows the transmitter 12 to be easily attached to the conveyor device 6 without obstructing the movement of the carrier 7 on the table 14 (for example, compared to when the transmitter 12 was fixed to the table 14).

[0103] In one embodiment, the carrier 7 may include at least one sensor member 18 configured to detect a physical quantity that correlates with the package 2 that the carrier 7 itself receives, i.e., a quantity that represents the package 2. The sensor member 18 may be located on the surface of the carrier 7, or it may be embedded within the carrier 7.

[0104] As an example, the sensor component 18 is - Weight of package 2; - Filling level of package 2, in particular the filling level of the dispenseable product; - The presence of package 2 on carrier 7; - Nominal position of package 2 on carrier 7; - A predetermined holding state of the package 2 on the carrier 7, in particular the gripping state of the package 2 by the gripping unit 10, It may be configured to detect one or more of the physical quantities.

[0105] According to one aspect of the present invention, the electrically drivable component includes a sensor member 18. In particular, the sensor member 18 defines an electrically drivable component.

[0106] Therefore, the receiver 8 is configured to supply power to the sensor member 18 using the electrical energy received from the transmitter 12 as the carrier 7 passes through the power station P.

[0107] For example, while the carrier 7 passes through the power supply station P, the sensor member 18 is powered (via the receiver 8) and detects the weight of the received package 2.

[0108] In this way, power can be supplied to the sensor member 18 on the carrier 7 in a simple and effective manner without interfering with the planar motor 11 and without requiring a complex electrical energy transmission system (such as cables or other complex and / or cumbersome means) that is incompatible with the planar motor 11.

[0109] Preferably, the carrier 7 includes an electrical energy storage member 19, such as a battery, which is electrically connected to the receiver 8 and components 10 and 18, and is configured to store electrical energy supplied from the receiver 8, particularly for a predetermined time, and to supply the stored electrical energy to components 10 and 18.

[0110] More specifically, the energy storage component is powered when the carrier 7 passes through the power supply station P (for example, the first power supply station P mentioned above).

[0111] Subsequently, while the carrier 7 moves along the transport path A from the receiving station R to the release station Q, the storage member can hold the electrical energy of the receiver.

[0112] In this way, the components 10 and 18 can be effectively powered between these two stations R and Q, and especially between the two first and second transmitters 12 (and thus between the two first and second power supply stations P).

[0113] With this configuration, the sensor member 18 can continue to detect the aforementioned physical quantities even when the receiver 8 is not interacting with the transmitter 12.

[0114] Similarly, the gripping unit 10 can be powered between the receiving station R and the release station Q, for example, at an intermediate station M (Figure 2) located between two stations R and Q. In this way, there is no need to install an additional power supply station (and additional transmitter) at the intermediate station M, maintenance of the carrier 7 is facilitated, and defective packages can be disposed of at the intermediate station M.

[0115] In one embodiment, if the carrier 7 includes the aforementioned storage member, the conveyor device 6 may have only one power supply station P equipped with a single transmitter 12, which is located between the sending / receiving station R or the release station Q, or at an appropriate position along the table 14.

[0116] In this case, components 10 and 18 are powered once per cycle by the interaction between the receiver 8 and a single transmitter 12. As a result, only one power supply station P is required, further reducing wear and simplifying the structure.

[0117] The advantages of the conveyor device 6 according to the present invention should be clear from the above description.

[0118] In particular, a relatively simple, reliable, flexible, safe, and wear-resistant conveyor system 6 for transporting package 2 can be obtained.

[0119] In fact, because the support plate 13 floats above the table 14, and the receiver 8 and transmitter 12 interact with each other with little or no contact, wear is substantially reduced and, in some cases, eliminated.

[0120] Furthermore, thanks to the planar motor system 11, the movement of the carrier 7 is much more flexible compared to, for example, a simple belt conveyor, and can therefore easily adapt to any fluctuations in production speed.

[0121] Modifications to the conveyor device 6 described herein may be made without departing from the scope of protection set forth in the attached claims.

[0122] In particular, the carrier 7 may include only the gripping unit 10 and the sensor member 18, or both the gripping unit 10 and the sensor member 18.

[0123] In other words, the electrically drivable components of carrier 7 may include one or both of the above, and may be specifically defined.

[0124] Furthermore, the electrically driven components may include, and may be defined in particular by, other electrically driven devices or components not specifically disclosed herein, such as labeling devices, tag readers (e.g., QR code® readers), capping devices, devices for rotating received packages, and printing devices for printing on received packages.

[0125] In one embodiment, one or more carriers 7 may include an electrical energy storage member 19, which includes a supercapacitor, and the storage member is electrically connected to the receiver 8 and components 10, 18, and is configured to store electrical energy supplied from the receiver 8 and to supply the stored electrical energy to the components 10, 18. In this specification, a supercapacitor is, for example, a high-capacitance capacitor having a higher capacitance value than a solid capacitor. A supercapacitor can store 10 to 100 times more energy per unit volume or unit mass than an electrolytic capacitor, can absorb and release charge faster than a battery, and / or can withstand more charge-discharge cycles than a rechargeable battery.

[0126] The carrier 7 may be configured to advance the receiver 8 along the power supply track 12a and power it by interacting with it (e.g., wirelessly or by sliding contact). The received energy may be at least partially stored in an energy storage member including a supercapacitor.

[0127] The use of supercapacitors can reduce the time required for the receiver to interact with the power track, insofar as the supercapacitor's charging time is reduced.

[0128] In particular, some of the energy may be used on the power supply track 12a, and some of the energy may be used in a location away from the power supply track 12a, i.e., as energy stored in the energy storage member 19. Alternatively, by discharging the energy storage member 19, the entire amount of energy received may be used in a location away from the power supply track 12a, for example, at a processing station.

[0129] Advantageously, supercapacitors can discharge very quickly, which allows them to supply sufficient power to the components. This power is then available to onboard actuators that perform operations during the application's basic cycle (such as active movement of the gripping unit, increasing degrees of freedom, etc.).

[0130] Advantageously, supercapacitors are lightweight components, do not increase the payload, and do not limit the application of conveyor systems.

Claims

1. A conveyor device (6) for transporting articles (2), wherein the conveyor device (6) is A plurality of carriers (7), each carrier (7) configured to receive and transport at least one article (2), and including at least one electrically drivable component (10, 18) and a receiver (8) configured to receive electrical energy and supply power to the component (10, 18), A planar motor (11) configured to move the carriers (7) selectively and independently from each other, At least one power supply station (P) and A transmitter (12) is located at the aforementioned power supply station (P) and configured to transmit electrical energy, Equipped with, The planar motor (11) is configured to selectively move the carrier (7) through the power supply station (P), and the receiver (8) receives electrical energy from the transmitter (12) and supplies power to the components (10, 18). Conveyor device (6).

2. The transmitter (12) is configured to transmit electrical energy to the receiver (8) by wireless power transmission. The conveyor device according to claim 1.

3. The carrier (7) is configured to advance at least one received article (2) along the transport path (A), The transport route (A) extends, at least in part, through the power supply station (P). The transmitter (12) includes a power supply track (12a) that extends along at least a portion of the power supply station (P) and is configured to supply electrical energy to the receiver (8). The carrier (7) is configured to move the receiver (8) along the power supply track (12a) and interact with it to supply power. The conveyor device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The carrier (7) comprises a gripping unit (10) configured to grip at least one of the articles (2) at a receiving station (R), to hold the article (2) while the carrier (7) is moving, and to release the article (2) at a release station (Q). The conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The gripping unit is, A gripping member (10a) for receiving or releasing the article (2) in the open state, and for gripping and holding the article (2) in the closed state, An operating member (10b) controls the gripping member (10a) between the open state and the closed state, Equipped with, The receiver (8) is configured to supply electrical energy received from the transmitter (12) at the power supply station (P) to the operating member (10b). The conveyor device according to claim 4.

6. The carrier (7) comprises at least one sensor member (18) configured to detect a physical quantity indicating the article (2) received by the carrier (7), The electrically drivable component comprises the at least one sensor member (18), The conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The receiver (8) is configured to supply electrical energy received from the transmitter (12) to the sensor member (18) at the power supply station (P), and The sensor member (18) is The weight of the item (2) received; The temperature of the dispenseable product within the article (2); The angular acceleration and / or linear acceleration of the carrier (7); The angular velocity and / or linear velocity of the carrier (7); Humidity level; The filling level of the received container (2); The presence of the article (2) on the carrier; The nominal position of the article (2) on the carrier (7); The predetermined holding state of the received articles (2) on the carrier (7), It is configured to detect one or more of the following: The conveyor device according to claim 6.

8. The carrier (7) is electrically connected to the receiver (8) and the components (10, 18), and includes an electrical energy storage member (19) configured to store electrical energy supplied from the receiver (8) and to supply the stored electrical energy to the components (10, 18). Preferably, the electrical energy storage member (19) is a supercapacitor. The conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The conveyor device (6) is configured to transport the article (2) from the entrance station (I) to the exit station (O), The conveyor device (6) is configured to transport the article (2) from the receiving station (R) to the release station (Q), The conveyor device (6) is An entrance conveyor (16) configured to transport the article (2) from the entrance station (I) to the receiving station (R), wherein at the receiving station (R), the article (2) is transferred from the entrance conveyor (16) to the carrier (7), and the entrance conveyor (16) A first power supply station (P) is provided with a first transmitter (12) located on the inlet conveyor (16) for transmitting electrical energy to the components (10, 18) of the carrier (7) at the receiving station (R), Equipped with, and / or the conveyor device (6) An exit conveyor (17) is configured to transport the article (2) from the release station (Q), where the article (2) is released from the carrier (7), to the exit station (O), A second power supply station (P) is provided with a second transmitter (12) located on the exit conveyor (17) for transmitting electrical energy to the components (10, 18) of the carrier (7) at the release station (Q), It is equipped with. The conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first transmitter (12) is fixed to the inlet conveyor (16), and the second transmitter (12) is fixed to the outlet conveyor (17). The conveyor device according to claim 9.

11. The planar motor (11) is A base element (14) equipped with multiple electrically drivable induction coils, A plurality of magnetic elements and / or ferromagnetic elements, each embedded in the carrier (7) and configured to electromagnetically interact with the induction coil to determine that the carrier (7) moves on and along the base element (14), Equipped with, The conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The transmitter (12) is positioned at a distance from the base element (14) and is electrically isolated from the induction coil. The conveyor device according to claim 11.

13. The carrier (7) is connected to the receiver (8) and the components (10, 18), and includes a control unit configured to receive electrical energy from the receiver (8) to control the operation of the components (10, 18). The conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A packaging machine (1) configured to form, seal, and fold a package (2) containing a dispenseable product, wherein the packaging machine (1) comprises a conveyor device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and is configured to receive the package (2) from a folding device and to advance the received package (2), Packaging machine (1).

15. A method for moving an object forward, a) A step of transporting a plurality of carriers (7) along a transport path (A) using a planar motor, wherein each carrier (7) includes at least one electrically drivable component (10, 18) and a receiver (8) configured to receive electrical energy and supply power to the component, b) A step of transporting the article along the transport path (A) using one carrier (7), c) A step of selectively moving the carrier (7) to pass through a power supply station (P) which includes a transmitter (12) configured to transmit electrical energy, d) The step of transmitting electrical energy from the transmitter (12) to the receiver (8) when the carrier (7) passes through the power supply station (P), e) A step of supplying the energy received from the transmitter (12) to the components (10, 18), A method that includes [a certain feature].

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