Selection elements

Abstract

A sorting element for mechanically acting on individual products in a product flow, comprising a longitudinally extending plate body, the plate body having a stopper surface capable of precisely applying a lateral thrust force to the products to be sorted in the product flow, the stopper surface being provided with a profile including at least one longitudinal groove, and the edge region of the product in contact with the stopper surface during operation being grasped shape-coupled by the engagement of the edge region with the longitudinal groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sorting element used to accurately select individual products from a product stream.

Background Art

[0002] Such sorting elements are known in the prior art and are sometimes also called pushers or pusher plates. Such sorting elements are arranged laterally just above the transport plane in which the products are transported in the transport direction X0 along the transport path. Usually, the products are transported by a transport belt, in which case its upper surface forms the transport plane. Instead of the transport belt, a sliding plate (Gleitblech), i.e., a surface on which the products slide along, is also conceivable. In that case, the sliding plate forms the transport plane.

[0003] In order to select products from the product stream, the sorting element is moved pulsatingly (impulsartig) into the product transport path and towards the product in a direction transverse to the transport direction X0 by a thrust mechanism (Schubmechanismus) to apply an impact or thrust force (Schubkraft) for a short time. Thereby, the product is greatly accelerated in the sorting direction Y0 extending transversely to the transport direction X0, whereby it is sorted from the product stream and can be conveyed, for example, into a collection container arranged next to the transport plane or the transport belt. In order to let other products pass through without hindrance or to sort them similarly by repeating the process, the sorting element is quickly returned again simultaneously and moved out of the transport path of the subsequent products.

[0004] In practice, the movement of some products, such as pre-packaged food containers, is known to proceed uncontrolled during and after the process (Beaufschlagung). Such packaging is often relatively flat and has edges that are somewhat raised, elevated, or projecting laterally from the bottom, as is typically seen in deep-drawn plastic packaging. One example is a pre-packaged cheese or sausage slice container with a flat tray, an edge that projects laterally above the bottom of the tray, and a film that is pulled to the edge to seal the tray. When such products are subjected to conventional sorting elements, the products may jump, be partially lifted from the conveying plane, or tip over, making accurate transfer of these products down from the conveying plane and into the collection container difficult. Furthermore, because there is often only a narrow contact surface between the sorting element and the edge of the product, there is little friction between these two elements to sufficiently slow down the product, which is initially moving in the conveying direction X0, and successfully redirect it in the sorting direction Y0. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a selection element that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problems are solved by the sorting element described in claim 1 and the sorting apparatus described in claim 6. Other advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0007] This invention is based on the recognition that the uncontrolled motion behavior of the above-mentioned products is related to their edges, which are somewhat raised or positioned away from their bottoms. When a known type of sorting element is moved very quickly laterally against such an edge and a thrust force is applied, this edge, which is normally easily deformable, tends to deform first upward in the initial instant due to the inertia of the package, before the package is fully accelerated in the sorting direction Y0. This creates an upward force on the edge, perpendicular to the transport plane, which then lifts and throws the package uncontrollably, making its proper sorting or transport to the collection container difficult.

[0008] The sorting element according to this invention solves the above problems. To this end, the sorting element mainly comprises a flat plate body extending in the longitudinal direction X and in the vertical height direction Z, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. Preferably, the horizontal thickness direction Y extends perpendicular to both directions X and Z. In the arrangement of the sorting element on a conveying plane or conveying belt, the longitudinal direction X of the sorting element preferably corresponds to the conveying direction X0, and the thickness direction Y preferably corresponds to the sorting direction Y0.

[0009] The plate body has a substantially flat stopper surface extending in the height direction Z and the longitudinal direction X. During operation, the stopper surface faces the products in the product flow and is positioned to act on the products to be sorted from the side as described above.

[0010] According to this invention, the stopper surface is provided with a profile including at least one longitudinal groove extending in the longitudinal direction X. Such a longitudinal groove preferably includes a groove bottom extending in the longitudinal direction X and two edges extending from there toward the surface of the stopper surface. This longitudinal groove is provided to vertically stabilize the edge region of the product that is in contact with the stopper surface during operation. This is achieved by the edge region entering or engaging with the longitudinal groove at least partially, or even to the groove bottom, or between the edges of the groove, during operation. In this case, the edge region is grasped from above (uebergreifen) by two edges located vertically in the height direction Z, particularly the edge of the longitudinal groove located directly above the edge region, so that these edges shape-coupledly prevent the upward movement of the edge region. The sorting element itself is fixed or guided so as not to move upward in the height direction Z. As a result, the edge region is unable to deform upward during operation, and instead is guided and held almost stably within the longitudinal groove until the product is fully accelerated or the feeding motion of the sorting element ends. According to this invention, throughout the entire time (preferably just a moment) that the sorting element acts on the product, the product is guided reliably and controlled by the edge region guided and held in the longitudinal groove without any vertical movement of the product during operation.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the profile of the stopper surface includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves, preferably parallel to each other and preferably similar, located vertically at equal or varying intervals in the height direction Z. This allows the same sorting element to be used for products whose edge regions are at different Z heights and can engage with longitudinal grooves positioned at corresponding heights. In this case, for the effect of the present invention, it is sufficient that each longitudinal groove grips the edge region of the product, even if the groove bottom is not at exactly the same height as the edge region of the product. The important thing is to ensure that the unhindered upward movement of the edge region (and therefore the package) is prevented by shape-coupled contact between the edge region and the upper edge of the groove.

[0012] Preferably, at least one longitudinal groove extends over the entire length X of the stopper surface. This ensures that the product is guided within the profile of the stopper surface during operation, while moving in its longitudinal direction X due to its intended movement in the transport direction X0 or along the stopper surface, allowing its edges to slide within the longitudinal groove.

[0013] Alternatively, individual longitudinal grooves at different heights, varying in length, or with interruptions can be formed to allow for a precise fit to various edge regions of different products.

[0014] The longitudinal grooves can be formed substantially symmetrically in the YZ section, which particularly facilitates their manufacture. However, according to one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at least one longitudinal groove is intended to form a sawtooth profile in the YZ section. The sawtooth profile includes an upper edge extending from the groove bottom from the plate body K partially or exclusively in the thickness direction Y. The associated lower edge extends obliquely toward the groove bottom G as the Z height increases. Such a profile particularly well prevents vertical upward movement of the edge region, especially when the upper edge extends mostly or exclusively horizontally or in the thickness direction Y. Other profiles, readily apparent to those skilled in the art, are also conceivable that allow for a vertical shape coupling between the edge region of the product and the profile of the stopper plate.

[0015] The geometry of the groove profile does not need to be constant along its entire length and can be optimized according to the shape of each product. For example, the groove depth can increase or decrease as the longitudinal direction X increases. Individual grooves can also be angled relative to each other to guide the edge region of the product being acted upon to a specific height level during movement along the stopper surface (Anschlagflaeche).

[0016] The depth of the longitudinal groove, measured in the thickness direction, can be, for example, 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm. The plate can have, for example, a length of 120 mm, a height of 60 mm, and a thickness of 5 mm.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal groove may also be formed as a step having a preferably vertical lower edge and an adjacent upper edge that preferably extends further from the plate horizontally or in the thickness direction. In this case, vertical guidance of the product edge portion is performed solely by the upper edge, and the lower side is to which the edge region abuts or is pressed during operation. Multiple such steps can be positioned vertically in the height direction such that the sorting element widens in a stepped manner in the thickness direction as the height increases, and each may protrude from the others by the dimension of its upper edge. This also advantageously achieves that if the product edge region does not initially engage with the lower step located at its height, it may be grasped by another step located above it, even during an upward movement that has already begun, and stabilized to prevent further movement. In this case, the depth of the longitudinal groove described above corresponds to the length of the upper or horizontal edge of the step.

[0018] The plate can be formed integrally with the profile. To create longitudinal grooves on the surface, for example, the sides of a substantially flat rectangular workpiece may be machined (particularly milled). Alternatively, the profile may be created by embossing or pressing the desired stopper surface. Alternatively, the plate may be a workpiece manufactured by injection molding, deep drawing, or 3D printing. Preferably, the plate, or at least its stopper surface, is made of a wear-resistant material, such as POM (polyoxymethylene). The profile may also be made by punching, upsetting, or other methods known to those skilled in the art for forming a profiled surface.

[0019] Alternatively, the profile may have one or more separate profile elements that can be detachably connected to the plate and are modularly interchangeable depending on the application.

[0020] It is also conceivable to increase or decrease the thickness of the plate as the longitudinal direction X increases, thereby forming the plate into a wedge shape. This may particularly facilitate the achievement of simultaneous engagement of the edge region with the profile of the sorting element along its entire length, taking into account all relative movements between the product and the sorting element.

[0021] According to another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a stopping element having a projection that protrudes in the thickness direction from the stopper surface is disposed on the stopper surface of the sorting element. According to the present invention, this projection is used to ensure that further movement along the original direction of movement of the product being acted upon, i.e., along the conveying direction X0, is terminated.

[0022] This allows the sorting element to guide or act upon the product in three mutually orthogonal directions, thereby ensuring particularly reliable sorting. When acting, the stopper surface of the sorting element applies a thrust force to the product in the sorting direction Y0. The stopping element according to this invention prevents movement of the sorting element in the longitudinal direction X or in the transport direction X0 of the product to be sorted. Furthermore, at least one longitudinal groove provides guidance in the height direction Z of the product or its edge region. For this purpose, the stopping element is preferably positioned at the rear end of the stopper surface A when viewed in the longitudinal direction X or the transport direction X0.

[0023] The stopping element advantageously shortens the movement of the product in the longitudinal direction X or the transport direction X0. Each product is preferably acted upon perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X0. Due to the superposition of the product's longitudinal velocity X0 and its lateral velocity, after the actuation, the product typically leaves the transport plane on a trajectory that extends diagonally with respect to the transport direction X0, i.e., not perfectly perpendicular to the transport direction X0. Therefore, the collection container holding the products to be sorted must be positioned somewhat downstream and to the side of the transport plane, which unfavorably increases the overall structural length of the assembly. In contrast, by using a stopping element, the motion component in the transport direction X0 can be almost completely eliminated, and as a result, the acted-on product then practically moves almost perpendicular to the transport direction X0. In this case, the collection container can be positioned, for example, at the same position as the sorting element with respect to the transport direction, thereby reducing the overall structural length required of the assembly.

[0024] The sorting apparatus according to the present invention comprises a conveyor belt that forms a conveyor plane for transporting individual products on the conveyor plane. The transport is carried out in the form of a transport flow along the transport path and along the transport direction X0. At least one sorting element of the above type according to the present invention is provided, wherein a plate is positioned laterally with respect to the transport path such that its stopper surface extends substantially perpendicular to the conveyor plane and preferably in the transport direction X0. In this case, the stopper surface faces the product being moved on the conveyor belt.

[0025] Furthermore, a thrust mechanism is provided coupled to the sorting element to drive the sorting element back and forth, so that it can be accurately selected and act upon the products being transported on the conveyor belt for sorting. The thrust mechanism can be designed, for example, to be pneumatic or electromechanical.

[0026] The direction of movement of the sorting element corresponds to the sorting direction Y0, which preferably extends parallel to the thickness direction Y of the plate. Preferably, the sorting element moves at a small distance above the conveyor belt so that it can act on flat products while avoiding friction with the conveyor belt.

[0027] Using a thrust mechanism, the stopper surface applies a thrust force in the sorting direction Y0 to the product, and at the same time, the sorting element of the sorting device can be moved toward the product to be sorted in the product flow until the edge portion of the product engages in a form-fitting manner with at least one longitudinal groove of the sorting element.

[0028] The sorting element according to the present invention can also be used for an ejector that moves forward and backward in a lateral direction with respect to the conveying direction without using a thrust drive device (Schubantrieb). It is also conceivable to support the sorting element such that the stopper surface faces the product flow or the product to be sorted, and an arm (flipper arm) that can pivot into or out of the conveying path about a vertical axis. A curved or straight guiding element that is movable within the conveying path and deflects the selected product out of the conveying flow along the conveying plane can also have a sorting element according to the present invention or a stopper surface provided with its profile on the side for guiding the product. Finally, the sorting element, or the stopper surface provided with its profile, can also be attached to individual, preferably flat guiding elements or thrust elements that can be tilted selectively or in segments into or out of the conveying path from above or from the side. <�

[0029] <� Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below based on exemplary figures. <�

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] <� <� [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the sorting element according to the present invention. <� <� [Figure 2] It is a side view of the sorting element cooperating with the product. <� <� [Figure 3] It is an enlarged view of the product engaged with the profile of the sorting element. <� <� [Figure 4] It is a view showing a modified shape of the stepped longitudinal groove. <� <�

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] <� Figure 1 shows a simplified perspective view of the sorting element S according to the present invention. The sorting element comprises a substantially rectangular, flat plate K extending in the longitudinal direction X, the height direction Z, and the thickness direction Y. The stopper surface A facing the observer is provided with a plurality of similar longitudinal grooves R in the longitudinal direction X, which in this embodiment are positioned vertically at equal intervals in the height direction Z and extend in the longitudinal direction X along the entire length of the plate K.

[0032] At the end region of the plate K as viewed in the longitudinal direction X, a stopping element T is positioned on the stopper surface A, forming a projection that extends from the stopper surface A in the thickness direction Y. The stopping element is used to prevent further movement of the product as it moves along the stopper surface A in the longitudinal direction X, and to fix the product in place.

[0033] Figure 2 shows the sorting element S according to the present invention in cooperation with product P, and the stopping element T is not shown in this figure. Product P is a pre-packaged food container manufactured by deep drawing of plastic. In the example shown, this is a tray with a rim that protrudes laterally and ends in a rim region E.

[0034] Product P is transported on a simplified transport plane N formed by a transport belt, with the transport direction X0 extending perpendicular to the drawing plane in this illustration and facing the observer. Instead of a transport belt, a sliding plate can be provided, for example, with a slope, which causes the product to slide or move along the transport direction X0. The sorting element S according to this invention is positioned adjacent to the side of the product flow, and its stopper surface A extends perpendicular to the transport plane N, or in the transport direction X0 and the height direction Z, and faces the product P being transported on the transport plane N.

[0035] The sorting element S is coupled to a thrust mechanism M, which is designed to move the sorting element S forward or backward in the sorting direction Y0, or vice versa. This causes the stopper surface A to collide with the product P being transported on the transport plane N from the side, causing it to be pushed off the transport plane N in the sorting direction Y0.

[0036] Figure 2 shows the moment when the sorting element S reaches the edge region E of the product P through its lateral movement. At this point, the edge region E engages with the longitudinal groove R formed in the stopper surface A, thereby preventing at least upward movement of the edge region E in a shape-coupled manner while the product is being processed.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a simplified, enlarged view of the engagement of the edge region E with the longitudinal groove R. Each longitudinal groove R is designed as a sawtooth profile, with the upper edge extending almost horizontally in the thickness direction Y from the groove bottom G which extends deep into the plate body K, while the lower edge extends diagonally upward toward the groove bottom G as the height direction Z increases. In this case, the upper edge grips the edge region E of the product P from above, shape-coupled to block unwanted upward movement.

[0038] Figure 4 shows a modified embodiment in which each longitudinal groove R is stepped, and the plate body K widens from bottom to top along with corners or steps. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] A Stopper surface E Product Edge Area G groove bottom K plate M thrust mechanism N Conveyor Plane P product R Longitudinal groove S Selection Factor T stop element X Longitudinal direction of the sorting element X0 Conveying direction Y sorting element thickness direction Y0 sorting direction Z (height direction)

Claims

1. Along the transport path, preferably in the horizontal transport direction (X ０ A sorting element (S) for the mechanical action of individual products (P) being conveyed in the form of a product flow, wherein the action is to separate individual products (P) from the product flow, preferably in the horizontal sorting direction (Y ０ This is done to move the product laterally from the transport path in the sorting direction (Y ０ ) is the transport direction (X ０ It has at least one directional component that is orthogonal to ) a) The sorting element (S) comprises a plate body (K) extending in the longitudinal direction (X), in the vertical height direction (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and in the horizontal thickness direction (Y) perpendicular to both directions (X, Z), wherein the longitudinal direction (X) and / or the thickness direction (Y) preferably extend in the conveying direction (X ０ ) or the sorting direction (Y ０ This corresponds to, b) The plate (K) is a sorting element having stopper surfaces (A) extending in the height direction (Z) and the longitudinal direction (X) that can accurately apply a thrust force from the side to the products (P) to be sorted in the product flow, c) The stopper surface (A) is provided with a profile including at least one longitudinal groove (R) extending in the longitudinal direction (X), During operation, the edge region (E) of the product (P) that is in contact with the stopper surface (A) is morphologically gripped (vertically stabilized) on at least one side in the height direction (Z) by the engagement of the edge region (E) with the longitudinal groove (R), A sorting element characterized in that, as a result, the movement of the edge region (E) relative to the stopper surface (A) in the height direction (Z) during the operation is reduced or prevented.

2. The sorting element (S) according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile comprises a plurality of similar parallel longitudinal grooves (R) located vertically in the height direction (Z), such that when in operation, the respective edge regions (E) of products (P) of different heights engage with different longitudinal grooves (R), thereby stabilizing the products of different heights vertically.

3. a) At least one longitudinal groove (R) extends over the entire X length of the stopper surface (A), and / or b) At least one longitudinal groove (R) forms a sawtooth profile in the Y-Z section having an upper edge that extends further from the plate (K) partially or exclusively in the thickness direction (Y) from the groove bottom (G), and a lower edge that extends obliquely toward the groove bottom (G) as the Z height increases. and / or c) The plate body is integrally formed with the at least one longitudinal groove (R), and / or d) At least one longitudinal groove (R) d1) By cutting or deformation or injection molding methods performed on the plate body (K) as a blank, d2) By at least one profile element, preferably detachably attached, arranged on the plate body Formed A sorting element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is a sorting element according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system further comprises a stopping element (T) that forms a protruding portion projecting from the stopper surface (A) in the thickness direction (Y), and the product (P) that reaches the stopping element (T) is transported in the transport direction (X) along the stopper surface (A). ０ A sorting element (S) according to any one of the prior claims, which blocks further movement in the longitudinal direction (X) or direction.

5. The stop element (T) is arranged at the rear end of the stopper surface (A) when viewed in the longitudinal direction (X) or the conveying direction (X ０ ), fixes the product (P) simultaneously in the X direction, and can act on and move it in the thickness direction (Y) or the sorting direction (Y ０ ), and is the sorting element (S) according to the preceding claim.

6. A sorting device, a) Individual products (P) along the conveying path in the form of a conveying flow, and in the conveying direction (X ０ A conveyor belt or slide that forms a conveyor plane (N) for conveying along the conveyor plane (N), b) The stopper surface (A) of the plate (K) is substantially perpendicular to the transport plane (N), and preferably in the transport direction (X ０ A sorting element (S) according to any one of the prior claims, which extends to the conveyor belt and is positioned laterally with respect to the conveyor path such that the stopper surface (A) faces the product (P) being moved on the conveyor belt, c) A sorting apparatus comprising a thrust mechanism (M) designed such that the stopper surface (A) applies a thrust force to the product (P) in the sorting direction (Y) to move the product (P) laterally from the product flow by force, and at the same time moves the sorting element (S) toward the product (P) until the edge portion (E) of the product (P) is shape-coupled to engage with at least one longitudinal groove (R) of the sorting element (S).

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