MOTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GROUPING ITEMS - Patent application

Abstract

at least one pushing device (103, 103') disposed along the conveyor (101) and movable in a transverse direction (104) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (102) to push groups of items (201, 201') from the conveyor (101) in the transverse direction (104); and at least one item guide (105, 106) movable along the transverse direction (104) to cross between the items (200) as they move along the conveyor (101); This discloses a motion system (100) for grouping items (200) moving in a longitudinal direction (102) along a conveyor (101), wherein at least one item guide (105, 106) is movable to limit the longitudinal (102) movement of the item groups (201, 201') and to guide the transverse (104) movement of the item groups (201, 201') upon pressing by at least one pressing tool (103, 103'). [Selected Figure] Figure 1a

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of arranging and guiding items, such as packages containing liquid or pourable foods, and more particularly to a motion system and associated method for grouping items moving along a conveyor. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of arranging and guiding items, such as packages containing liquid or pourable foods, there are various applications in which it is desirable to group items being conveyed along a conveyor. For example, a number of pourable foods are manufactured and sold in packages made of sheet-like packaging material. A certain number of finished packages are grouped and packed in packaging material, e.g. cardboard and / or plastic film, to form modules for transport to retailers. For this purpose, for example, rows of packages from a folding machine need to be arranged and grouped to form a number of package batches, each of which is made up of a certain number of packages. The packages conveyed from such a folding machine need to be manipulated to be spaced at a certain distance from each other and then combined into groups or batches.

[0003] While there are continuous attempts to increase production line capacity, there is an associated challenge of achieving sufficient package operation speeds in a resource-efficient manner to increase the throughput of manufactured packages. Thus, challenges with previous solutions have typically involved limited operation speeds and / or complex, resource-demanding solutions to achieve higher throughput. Accelerating production speeds can also lead to compromises in package motion control, which can cause disruptions to the product line due to malfunctions. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome one or more limitations of the prior art, and in particular to provide an improved motion system and associated method that provides greater efficiency and level of control for ordering and grouping items along a conveyor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In a first aspect of the invention, this is achieved by a motion system for grouping items moving longitudinally along a conveyor comprising at least one pusher disposed along the conveyor and movable in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to push the group of items transversely off the conveyor, the motion system comprising at least one item guide disposed along the conveyor and movable along the transverse direction to cross between the items as they move along the conveyor, whereby the at least one item guide is movable to restrict longitudinal movement of the group of items and to guide transverse movement of the group of items when pressed by the at least one pusher.

[0006] In a second aspect of the invention, this is achieved by a method of grouping items moving longitudinally along a conveyor comprising the steps of moving at least one item guide in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to traverse between the items as they move along the conveyor, the method including the steps of pushing the group of items transversely off the conveyor while restricting the longitudinal movement of the group of items and guiding the transverse movement of the group of items with the at least one item guide.

[0007] In a third aspect of the invention, this is achieved by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when said program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to the second aspect.

[0008] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, this is achieved by a packaging machine comprising a motion system according to the first aspect and / or performing the method according to the second aspect.

[0009] Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims, in which features for the first aspect may be implemented for the second aspect and vice versa.

[0010] Providing at least one item guide movable to limit the longitudinal movement of the item group along the conveyor and to guide the transverse movement of the item group upon pressing by at least one pressing device allows for manipulation of the transverse position of the item group while achieving a minimum spacing therebetween and a stable control of the item movement, thereby grouping the items more efficiently even at higher production speeds.

[0011] Further objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings as well as the following detailed description.

[0012] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1a] 1 is a top schematic view of a motion system for grouping items traveling along a conveyor with at least one item guide in a retracted position; FIG. [Figure 1b] 1 is a top schematic view of a motion system for grouping items traveling along a conveyor with at least one item guide in an extended position for crossing between the items. FIG. [Figure 1c] 1 is a top schematic view of a motion system for grouping items moving along a conveyor, with at least one pusher pushing against a group of items guided by at least one item guide; FIG. [Figure 1d]1 is a more detailed view of a motion system for grouping items, in which at least one pusher is pushing a group of items guided by at least one item guide; FIG. [Figure 2a-c] 1 is a side schematic view of a motion system for grouping items moving along a conveyor, with at least one pusher moving along a transverse direction to push against the items. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a motion system for grouping items moving along a conveyor. [Figure 4a] 1 is a flow chart of a method for grouping items traveling along a conveyor. [Figure 4b] 5 is a further flow chart of a method for grouping items traveling along a conveyor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown, but in which: The present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments provided herein;

[0015] 1a-c are schematic top views of a motion system 100 for grouping items 200 moving in a longitudinal direction 102 along a conveyor 101 at three different successive instants of time. The motion system 100 comprises at least one pusher 103, 103' arranged along the conveyor 101. The at least one pusher 103, 103' is movable in a transverse direction 104 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 102, as shown in the example of FIG. 1c, to push the item groups 201, 201' from the conveyor 101 in the transverse direction 104. The motion system 100 comprises at least one item guide 105, 106 arranged along the conveyor 101. The at least one item guide 105, 106 is movable along the transverse direction 104 to traverse between the items 200 as they move along the conveyor 101, as shown in the example of FIG. 1b. The at least one item guide 105, 106 is movable to limit the movement of the item groups 201, 201' in the longitudinal direction 102, as shown successively in the example of Figures 1b and 1c, and is movable to guide the movement of the item groups 201, 201' in the transverse direction 104 upon pressing by the at least one pusher 103, 103'. Upstream of the at least one pusher 103, 103' and the item guides 105, 106, a belt brake 114 may be provided for releasing a predetermined number of items 200, for example three item groups 201, 201' as shown in the example of Figures 1b and 1c. The at least one item guide 105, 106 moves in the transverse direction 104 into a position between the item groups 201, 201', thereby restricting the movement of the item groups 201, 201' in the longitudinal direction 102 and guiding their movement in the transverse direction 104 upon pressing by the at least one pusher 103, 103'. This results in a stable and controlled movement of the item groups 201, 201' in the transverse direction 104. The at least one item guide 105, 106 thereby acts on the items 200 to guide them upon pressing by the at least one pusher 103, 103', thereby preventing any deviation of the item groups 201, 201' from the desired movement trajectory.Furthermore, any spacing between items 200 in groups 201, 201' is effectively minimized for improved grouping, and thus, more efficient grouping of items 200 can be achieved, for example to increase production line capacity by increasing the speed of conveyor 101, or to provide more stable handling of items 200 while maintaining capacity.

[0016] 1a-b show multiple pushers 103, 103′ and item guides 105, 106, it should be understood that the beneficial advantages discussed above apply equally to an example motion system 100 having a single pusher 103 and a single item guide 105. For example, looking at FIG. 1b, item guide 105 has guide elements 110 arranged to prevent downstream movement of item group 201 in longitudinal direction 102 and transverse direction 104, thereby guiding group 201 while it is being pushed by pusher 103.

[0017] At least one pusher 103, 103' may include a first engagement surface 107 arranged to engage a side surface 202 of the item group 201, 201' extending in the longitudinal direction 102. At least one item guide 105, 106 may include a second engagement surface 108 arranged to engage a side surface 203 of the item group 201, 201' extending in the transverse direction 104. FIG. 1d is a more detailed top schematic diagram of the motion system 100 according to one example. In this example, the pusher 103 includes a first engagement surface 107 and the item guide 105 includes a second engagement surface 108. The first engagement surface 107 may be perpendicular to the second engagement surface 108 as shown. Thus, the first engagement surface 107 engages a side 202 of the group of items 201 extending in the longitudinal direction 102, and the second engagement surface 108 engages a side 203 of the group of items 201 extending in the transverse direction 104. This effectively controls the position of the items 200 on the conveyor 101 and stably manipulates their position in the transverse direction 104. The group of items 201 can thereby be safely transported in a controlled manner at right angles to the conveyor 101, even at increased conveyor speeds.

[0018] At least one pusher 103, 103' may be arranged at a pusher position (p, p'), for example as illustrated in Fig. 1d. At least one item guide 105, 106 may be movable to arrange the item group 201, 201' at the pusher position (p, p'). The item group 201, 201' may thus be controllably arranged at each pusher position (p, p'). At least one item guide 105, 106 may be arranged immediately adjacent to at least one pusher 103, 103', i.e. the items 200 of the group 201, 201' do not extend in the longitudinal direction 102 beyond the end of the pusher 103, 103'. The pushers 103, 103' may thus engage the entire length of the surface 202 of the group 201 extending in the longitudinal direction 102, for example with reference to Figure 1d, further improving the degree of control when pushing the item group 201 in the transverse direction 104. For example, as shown in Figure 1d, the first pusher 103' may be located at a first pusher position (p') and the second pusher 103 may be located at a second pusher position (p). The first item guide 105 may position the first item group 201' at the first pusher position (p') and the second item group 201 at the second pusher position (p), as further described below. The second item guide 106 is movable to position the second item group 201 at the second pusher position (p), and the third item guide 112 may further position the first item group 201' at the first pusher position (p').

[0019] At least one of the article guides 105, 106 may be in a retracted position (g 102 ) in which the article 200 is freely movable beyond the at least one of the article guides 105, 106 when the article 200 is being conveyed in the longitudinal direction 102. 1 ) to an extended position (g) in which at least one article guide 105, 106 traverses between the articles 200 when pressed by at least one pressing tool 103, 103' and guides the movement of the article groups 201, 201' in the transverse direction 104. 2 ) to the retracted position (g 1) is a schematic diagram of an example shown in dashed lines. Once the groups of items 201, 201' have passed each of the item guides 105, 106, they are moved to the retracted position (g 1 ) to the extended position (g 2 ) to guide the lateral movement of the article groups 201, 201' when pressed by the associated pressing tools 103, 103', and then return to the retracted position (g 1 ) to allow further subsequent groups of articles to pass along the conveyor 101. Efficient and stable control of the grouping can thereby be achieved.

[0020] At least one pressing tool 103, 103' is arranged to have a first axial position (a) at which the at least one pressing tool 103, 103' is movable in a transverse direction 104 to press the item groups 201, 201'. 1 ) and a second axial position (a ) in which the pusher 103, 103′ can be moved in a direction 104′ opposite to the transverse direction 104 over the successively conveyed groups of articles 201″. 2 2a-c show a first axis position (a 1 2c), the pusher 103 is rotated back to the second axial position (a) so that the pusher 103 is ready to push the subsequent group of items 200'' after rotating back to the second axial position (a). 2 2b), the pressing tool 103 is rotated to a first axial position (a 1 2a) while in the cross direction 104. The pusher 103 may thereby be moved in a rolling manner above the items 200 conveyed on the conveyor 101 and may be rapidly positioned in a correct position for pushing successively arriving items 200'' in successive grouping cycles. This allows the overall speed of the grouping process to be increased.

[0021] At least one article guide 105, 106 is arranged such that at least one pressing tool 103, 103' is in a first axial position (a 1 ) in the extended position (g 2That is, the article guides 105, 106 may be in an extended position (g) as shown in FIG. 1c when pressed by the pressing tools 103, 103' as shown in FIG. 1c and FIG. 2a. 2 ) in a state in which the position of the item 200 can be guided and controlled.

[0022] As mentioned, the at least one item guide may comprise a first item guide 105. The first item guide 105 may comprise a first guide element 110', a second guide element 110, and a linkage 111 pivotally connected to the first and second guide elements 110, 110'. The first and second guide elements 110, 110' and the linkage 111 are illustrated in the example of Figures 1a-c. The first item guide 105 may be configured in a retracted position (g 1 ) to an extended position (g 2 1a shows the first and second guide elements 110, 110', arranged closely together due to the link 111 being in a first folded state in which the first guide element 110' is pressed against the second guide element 110. The link 111 can be moved to an extended position (g) as seen in FIG. 1b. 2), pivots outwardly and moves the first guide element 110' from the second guide element 110 in the longitudinal direction 102. This causes the first item guide 105 to increase its length along the longitudinal direction 102, i.e., to widen. As further illustrated in FIG. 1d, the first guide element 110' may thereby move to position the first item group 201' at a first pusher position (p') and the second guide element 110 may move to position the second item group 201 at a second pusher position (p'), which is upstream in the longitudinal direction 102 of the first pusher position (p'). Thus, by having the first item guide 105 expandable in the longitudinal direction 102 while moving in the transverse direction 104, the positions of the two different item groups 201, 201' are controlled and guided simultaneously along the conveyor 101 without the need to introduce further lateral movement of the item guide. This may minimize parts count and provide a more reliable system with fewer synchronization requirements. Such a stable configuration of the first item guide 105 may also improve the efficiency and speed of grouping the items 200.

[0023] The motion system 100 may include a second item guide 106 arranged upstream of the first item guide 105 in the longitudinal direction 102 in which the items 200 are conveyed, as illustrated in FIG. 1c for example. The second item guide 106 may be arranged in an extended position (g) such that the second item group 201 is confined in the longitudinal direction 102 between the second item guide 106 and the first item guide 105. 2 ) along the transverse direction 104. This effectively fixes the group 201 and allows both the first item guide 105 and the second item guide 106 to be in the extended position (g 2 ), forces can be efficiently applied to the groups of items 201 in both downstream and upstream directions, thereby minimizing the spacing between the items 200.

[0024] The second article guide 106 is in an extended position (g 2) may also be present.

[0025] The motion system 100 may comprise a first pusher 103′ and a second pusher 103 disposed upstream of the first pusher 103′. The first pusher 103′ may thereby be movable to push the first group of items 201′ confined in the longitudinal direction 102 between the first item guide 105 and the third item guide 112 in the transverse direction 104, for example as illustrated in FIG. 1c. The second pusher 103 may be movable to push the second group of items 201 confined in the longitudinal direction 102 between the first item guide 105 and the second item guide 106 in the transverse direction 104. This further enhances the effectiveness and speed of the grouping mechanism while efficiently controlling both the leading and trailing positions of the items in each group in both the longitudinal direction 102 and the transverse direction 104. It should be noted that the number of items in each group may vary and the size of the pushers 103, 103' as well as the location of the pushers 103, 103' and item guides 105, 106 may vary accordingly while still providing the beneficial advantages as discussed above. It should also be appreciated that the number of item groups 201, 201' simultaneously processed as described along the conveyor 101 may also vary and thus the number of item guides 105, 106 and pushers 103, 103' may vary depending on the particular application while still providing the increased control and effectiveness as discussed above.

[0026] Retracted and extended positions (g 1 , g 2) may be initiated by a motion sensor 113 which detects the position of the first group of items 201'. FIG. 1d shows an example of the location of such a motion sensor 113. It should be understood that the location may be varied and optimized for the particular grouping application. This allows the first group 201' to move forward of the first pusher 103' and the item guide 105 to move to the extended position (g) at the correct time, as the timing of the first group of items 201' is determined by the motion sensor 113 and an associated control unit (not shown) in communication with the item guide 105 and the sensor 113. 2 ) can be correctly positioned in the retracted and extended positions (g 1 , g 2 ) can be triggered by a motion sensor 113 detecting the position of the second group of items 201. A high degree of accuracy is achieved for the trajectories of the pushers 103, 103' as well as the movement of the item guides 105, 106, further increasing the production speed. The pushers 103, 103' can also be in communication with the control unit mentioned above. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a motion system 100 for grouping items. The first item guide 105 and the second item guide 106 are connected to respective actuators or drives 115, 116, which are configured to control their positions. An example item 200 as well as the first pusher 103' are shown for a clearer explanation.

[0027] 4a illustrates a flow chart of a method 300 for grouping items 200 moving in a longitudinal direction 102 along a conveyor 101. The method 300 includes a step 301 of moving at least one item guide 105, 106 in a transverse direction 104 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 102 to cross between the items 200 as the items move along the conveyor 101. The method 300 includes a step 302 of restricting 303 the longitudinal 102 movement of the item groups 201, 201' and pushing 304 the item groups 201, 201' in the transverse direction 104 from the conveyor 101 while guiding 304 the transverse 104 movement of the item groups 201, 201' by the at least one item guide 105, 106. This provides the beneficial advantages of motion system 100 as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-3 while still implementing method 200, ie, improved and more efficient grouping of items 200.

[0028] FIG. 4b shows a further flow chart of a method 300 for grouping items 200 moving along a conveyor 101. A step 301 of moving at least one item guide 105, 106 in a transverse direction 104 includes moving a first item guide 105 and a second item guide 106 in the transverse direction 104 to respective extended positions (g 2 ) to restrict 3012 the item group 201 in the longitudinal direction 102 between the first item guide 105 and the second item guide 106, and position 3013 the item group 201 in a pressing tool position (p) where at least one pressing tool 103 is disposed.

[0029] The at least one item guide may comprise a first item guide 105. The first item guide 105 may comprise a first guide element 110', a second guide element 110, and a linkage 111 pivotally connected to the first and second guide elements 110, 110'. The first item guide 105 may be positioned in an extended position (g 2) may include a step 3014 of rotating the connecting portion 111 to spread the first item guide 105 in the longitudinal direction 102, thereby moving the first guide element 110' to position the first item group 201' at a first push tool position (p') and moving the second guide element 110 to position the second item group 201 at a second push tool position (p), which is upstream of the first push tool position in the longitudinal direction 102.

[0030] The computer program product comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method 300 as described above in relation to Figures 4a-b.

[0031] A packaging machine (not shown) is provided that includes a motion system 100 as described above in relation to Figures 1-3 and / or performs the method 300 as described in relation to Figures 4a-b.

[0032] From the foregoing description, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, the present invention is not limited thereto but may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. at least one pusher (103, 103') arranged along the conveyor (101) and movable in a transverse direction (104) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (102) so as to push the groups of articles (201, 201') from said conveyor (101) in said transverse direction (104); at least one item guide (105, 106) disposed along said conveyor (101) and movable along said transverse direction (104) to traverse between said items (200) as the items move along said conveyor (101); whereby said at least one article guide (105, 106) is movable to limit the movement of said article group (201, 201') in said longitudinal direction (102) and to guide the movement of said article group (201, 201') in said transverse direction (104) upon pressing by said at least one pressing tool (103, 103'); the at least one item guide comprises a first item guide (105) comprising a first guide element (110'), a second guide element (110) and a linkage (111) pivotably connected to the first and second guide elements (110, 110'), the linkage (111) pivoting the first item guide (105) from a retracted position (g1) to an extended position (g2) such that the first guide element (110') moves to position a first item group (201') at a first pusher position (p') and the second guide element (110) moves to position a second item group (201) at a second pusher position (p) upstream of the first pusher position (p') in the longitudinal direction (102); A motion system (100) for grouping said items (200) moving in said longitudinal direction (102) along said conveyor (101).

2. 2. The motion system of claim 1, wherein the at least one pusher (103, 103') comprises a first engagement surface (107) arranged to engage a side (202) of the item group (201, 201') extending in the longitudinal direction (102), and the at least one item guide (105, 106) comprises a second engagement surface (108) arranged to engage a side (203) of the item group (201, 201') extending in the transverse direction (104), whereby the first engagement surface (107) is perpendicular to the second engagement surface (108).

3. 3. The motion system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one presser (103, 103') is positioned at a presser position (p, p') and the at least one item guide (105, 106) is movable to position the item group (201, 201') at the presser position (p, p').

4. 4. The motion system of claim 1, wherein the at least one item guide (105, 106) is movable from a retracted position (g1), in which the at least one item guide (105, 106) is freely movable past the at least one item guide (105, 106) when the items (200) are being transported in the longitudinal direction (102), to an extended position (g2), in which the at least one item guide (105, 106) crosses between the items (200) and guides movement of the item group (201, 201') in the transverse direction (104) upon pressing by the at least one pressing tool (103, 103').

5. 5. The motion system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one presser (103, 103') is pivotable about a rotation axis (109) between a first axial position (a1) at which the at least one presser (103, 103') is movable in the transverse direction (104) so ​​as to press the group of items (201, 201') and a second axial position (a2) at which the presser (103, 103') is movable in a direction opposite to the transverse direction (104') above a subsequently transported group of items (201'').

6. 6. The motion system of claim 5, wherein when the at least one pusher (103, 103') is in the first axial position (a1), the at least one article guide (105, 106) is in the extended position (g2).

7. 2. The motion system of claim 1, further comprising a second item guide (106) arranged upstream of the first item guide (105) in the longitudinal direction (102) in which the items (200) are transported, the second item guide (106) being movable along the transverse direction (104) to an extended position (g2) in which the second item group (201) is confined in the longitudinal direction (102) between the second item guide (106) and the first item guide (105).

8. 8. The motion system of claim 7, wherein the second item guide (106) is in the extended position (g2) for guiding movement of the second item group (201) in the transverse direction (104) upon pressing by the at least one pressing tool (103).

9. a first pressing tool (103') and a second pressing tool (103) arranged upstream of said first pressing tool (103'), said first pressing tool (103') being movable to press in said transverse direction (104) a first group of items (201') confined in said longitudinal direction (102) between said first item guide (105) and a third item guide (112); 9. The motion system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the second pressing tool (103) is movable to press a second item group (201) constrained in the longitudinal direction (102) between the first item guide (105) and the second item guide (106) in the transverse direction (104).

10. the movement of the first article guide (105) between the retracted and extended positions (g1, g2) is initiated by a motion sensor (113) that detects the position of the first article group (201′); and / or 9. The motion system of claim 7 or 8, wherein movement of the second article guide (106) between the retracted and extended positions (g1, g2) is initiated by a motion sensor (113) that detects the position of the second article group (201).

11. moving (301) at least one article guide (105, 106) in a transverse direction (104) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (102) so as to cross between the articles (200) as the articles move along the conveyor (101); and pushing (302) the group of items (201, 201') from the conveyor (101) in the transverse direction (104) by at least one pusher while restricting (303) the movement of the group of items (201, 201') in the longitudinal direction (102) by the at least one item guide (105, 106) and guiding (304) the movement of the group of items (201, 201') in the transverse direction (104), the at least one article guide comprises a first article guide (105) comprising a first guide element (110'), a second guide element (110) and a linkage (111) pivotally connected to the first and second guide elements (110, 110'), and the step of moving the first article guide (105) to an extended position (g2) comprises: and pivoting (3014) said connecting portion (111) to spread said first article guide (105) in said longitudinal direction (102) so that said first guide element (110') moves to position a first article group (201') at a first pusher position (p') and said second guide element (110) moves to position a second article group (201) at a second pusher position (p) upstream in said longitudinal direction (102) of said first pusher position. A method (300) for grouping the items (200) moving in the longitudinal direction (102) along the conveyor (101).

12. Moving the at least one article guide (105, 106) in the transverse direction (104) comprises:

12. The method for grouping items according to claim 11, further comprising the step of: moving (3011) a first item guide (105) and a second item guide (106) in the transverse direction (104) to respective extension positions (g2) in order to confine (3012) the item group (201) in the longitudinal direction (102) between the first item guide (105, 106) and to position (3013) the item group (201) in a pressing tool position (p) in which at least one pressing tool (103) is arranged.

13. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause said computer to carry out the steps of the method according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A packaging machine comprising a motion system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or performing the method (300) according to claim 11 or 12.

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