Transport device for conveyors

Abstract

The present invention relates to an object transport device (9) for a transport apparatus, said device (9) comprising a main object transport path (C P ) and a plurality of rotary drive elements (11), wherein the rotary elements (11) are arranged along a main path (C P ) and a lower position located below the main path (C P ) and a raised position projecting above the transfer path (C T , C T The present invention also relates to a conveying apparatus comprising a transfer device according to the present invention.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of devices for transporting objects, also commonly called conveyors. More particularly, the invention relates to the transfer of objects from or to a conveyor, i.e. to collecting (or inserting) or sorting the objects (it should be noted that with regard to the collecting function it can also be said to converge the flow of objects to be transported). [Background technology]

[0002] The one or more conveyors are configured to define a main conveying path having a collection lane and / or a sorting lane. More specifically, the main conveying path along which the flow of objects circulates has branches that respectively allow objects to be inserted into the flow of objects circulating on the main path (in which case it is referred to as collection) and / or allow objects to be sorted (i.e., extracted) from the flow of objects circulating on the main path.

[0003] Currently, for a flow of objects circulating on a main transport path, it is necessary to have two different devices to collect and sort the objects.

[0004] Therefore, to collect the objects on the main path, cylindrical roller conveyors are generally used, which are arranged at an angle to the main transport path. The insertion (or collection) point of the main conveyor path is usually formed by a conveyor belt.

[0005] The problem with this type of collection device is that the speed of the conveyor belt must be moderate (e.g., with a flow rate of about 2000 objects per hour for objects in an unstable equilibrium state) and the distance between two successive objects on the main path must be large enough for the collection to take place under good conditions, i.e. without collisions with other objects or conveyor components or any other problems that would stop the conveyor (rotating objects, objects falling, accumulation of objects causing obstructions, etc.).

[0006] Unstable equilibrium objects are objects that have a non-parallelopipedal shape, a high center of gravity (i.e., in terms of distance from the base of the object), a high length to width ratio (e.g., greater than 3), and / or a non-flat base (such as a petal-shaped base), thus giving rise to their instability during the object's motion (e.g., a water bottle is an unstable equilibrium object).

[0007] For the sorting of objects circulating on a main conveyor path, the sorting device (usually called a sorter) is a set of retracted rotating elements arranged below the conveyor path, which itself consists of separate conveyor elements spaced apart from one another, such as belts or rollers. These rotating elements, which allow the objects to be extracted from the flow of objects on the main path, are thus directed towards an outlet branch for sorting the objects. Thus, when an object to be sorted comes into contact with the set of rotating elements, the set of rotating elements rises through the conveying elements, comes into contact with the object (thus separating it from the conveying elements of the main path) and drives the object towards the branch direction intended for sorting. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] One disadvantage of this type of sorting device is that the rotating elements are configured to apply the same force to the objects being sorted regardless of their position. This generally results in undesirable and unpredictable displacement of the objects relative to the main path, e.g., rotation of the objects themselves or, for some types of objects, even tilting. These uncontrolled behaviors cannot be tolerated as they can disrupt or even stop the flow of objects circulating on the main conveyor path.

[0009] It should also be noted that prior art sorting devices are unable to exceed a flow of 3000 unstable equilibrium objects per hour. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention therefore aims to remedy at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages and to propose a new type of object transfer device for a transport apparatus, said device comprising a main transport path for one or more objects and a plurality of rotary drive elements, said rotary elements being: - a lower position in which said element is located below (or retracted from) a main transport path and does not drive objects; a raised position in which said element projects above the main transport path for driving objects; and configured to use at least two positions of Rotary drive elements are characterized by having a drive surface with an outer diameter that varies along the length of the element (also referred to as a variable diameter or cross-section along its length).

[0011] The transfer device is capable of transporting objects at high throughput rates, for example more than 7000 objects / hour, and this for objects in an unstable equilibrium state.Furthermore, two devices according to the invention can be used in the transport apparatus, one for collecting the objects and the other for sorting them.

[0012] According to one possible feature, the plurality of rotational drive elements defines a curved (or rounded) transport path followed by the object.

[0013] In fact, it is advantageous for the drive path defined by the rotary drive elements to have a certain curvature. For example, when an object in an unstable equilibrium state follows a curved trajectory (e.g., circular, elliptical, or parabolic) during collection or sorting, the path allows for gradual deviation but minimizes the instantaneous forces acting on the object to deflect it, so that there is little tendency for it to roll over. It should be noted that for transfer paths of a further curved shape, it is possible to define one or more centers of curvature, which are imaginary points whose distance from the trajectory of the deviated object corresponds to a given radius of curvature.

[0014] According to another possible feature, the outside diameter of the drive surface of at least one rolling element increases as a function of the distance from the centre of curvature of said transport path.

[0015] Varying the outer diameter of the driving surface of the rotating driving element (corresponding to the contact area between the rotating element and the object to be transported) according to the distance from the center of curvature makes it possible to increase the speed of the driving element in the direction of the outside of the transport path than in the direction of its inside. In this way, the driving force applied to the object to be transported is as uniform as possible, thus preventing it from rotating or tilting on itself when an unstable equilibrium object is present.

[0016] According to another possible feature, the drive surface of the rotary drive element has an outer diameter that varies according to the angular position of said rotary element on the transport path (which may also be called an angle-dependent variable section).

[0017] This change in diameter of the drive surface of the rotating element with angle makes it possible, among other things, to induce a gradual acceleration and deceleration of the object to be transported, so that the latter is subjected as little as possible to forces which would tend to tilt or rotate the object by themselves.

[0018] According to an optional feature, the rotary drive element comprises a plurality of rollers attached to the roller, the diameter of said rollers varying according to the angular position of each roller relative to the transport path.

[0019] According to an optional feature, for rollers located outside the average path, which is substantially the center of the roller, the diameter of said roller increases from 0° to β / 2 and then decreases from β / 2 to β, whereas for rollers located inside this center path, the diameter of said roller decreases from 0° to β / 2 and then increases from β / 2 to β.

[0020] According to another possible feature, the rotary drive element moves continuously from a lowered position to a raised position, the rotary element being in the raised position when the object to be driven is located relative to said element.

[0021] It should be noted that the rotational drive elements can be raised and lowered as a unit to transport objects, however, it is particularly advantageous if one or more rotational elements can be raised or lowered independently of each other, for example in pairs.

[0022] Indeed, in case of object insertion (or collection), if all rotating elements rise and fall while inserting an object between two successive objects circulating on the main transport path, the distance between the two objects must be greater than the length of the transport path in order not to disturb the flow of objects circulating on said main transport path, otherwise the rotating elements will come into contact with objects that are not desired to be deflected (or transferred) and disturb the flow of objects on the main path.

[0023] Thus, being able to raise and lower the rotational drive elements, for example, in pairs, reduces the distance required between two successive objects so that a new object can be inserted between them. In addition, doing so allows objects to be inserted onto the main conveyor path more quickly by reducing the minimum distance between two successively inserted objects.

[0024] The reasoning applies analogously to the sorting of objects, the device according to the invention making it possible to reduce the minimum distance between the objects circulating on the main transport path in order to sort them. It should be noted that a transfer step can thus be defined which corresponds to the minimum distance between the objects moving on the main path and which corresponds to several rotationally driven elements configured to rise and / or fall independently. The transfer step is therefore substantially equal to or greater than the lateral dimension of the rotating element or elements capable of successively rising and falling.

[0025] According to another possible feature, the transport device includes a sensor for detecting the presence of an object on the device.

[0026] According to another possible feature, the drive surface of the rotary drive element is discontinuous (i.e. the entire rotary element does not contact the object to be moved, but only certain areas of said element).

[0027] In order not to interfere with the transport of objects on the main path, the rotary drive elements have distinctive drive surfaces distributed along the main transport path (eg on either side of and / or within said path).

[0028] Moreover, doing so avoids interruption of the transport path when inserting the device according to the invention.

[0029] According to another possible feature, the device according to the invention comprises at least one sensor configured to measure an extension dimension of an object to be transported and / or a distance between two successive objects traveling on the main conveying path, said measured extension dimension extending along the conveying direction of the objects.

[0030] It should be noted that "extension dimension" is understood to be the extension dimension of an object that is substantially parallel to the direction of movement (or transport) of the object on the main transport or transfer path.

[0031] The sensor allows optimizing the collection or sorting of objects of different sizes by minimizing the distance between successive objects, thereby optimizing the occupation of the space available on the main path for transporting the objects.

[0032] According to another possible feature, the device comprises a sensor configured to measure the distance between two successive objects moving on the main transport path.

[0033] According to another possible feature, the sensor is configured to measure the overall dimensions of the objects being transported (whether the objects are being collected or sorted).

[0034] According to another possible feature, the main conveyor path comprises another drive element, such as a drive belt.

[0035] Providing the main conveying path with a separate drive element allows the rotational drive element to be distributed over the lateral extension of the object being transported ("lateral extension" being understood to be the dimension of the object substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the object on the main conveying path).

[0036] According to another possible feature, the main transport path comprises a slide suitable for receiving the drive belt.

[0037] If the drive element of the main conveyor path is a separate one, such as a belt, the slide allows for guiding the drive belt and prevents the belt from shifting laterally to change the path of the objects on the main conveyor path and / or of the objects being transported.

[0038] According to another possible feature, said slide is made from a flexible material.

[0039] The advantage of having a slide made from a flexible material such as polymer, plastic, etc. allows good safety for the operator in the vicinity of the device according to the invention: indeed, if the operator gets his finger or hand pinched by the actuation element, the flexibility of the slide allows him to disengage his finger or hand if he applies enough force to deform the slide.

[0040] According to another possible feature, the one or more rotary drive elements comprise at least one roller and one or more rollers mounted on said roller.

[0041] Having a single drive roller with one or more rollers attached reduces the number of motors and / or connecting elements between the rotational drive elements.

[0042] According to another possible feature, the device according to the invention comprises at least one actuator configured to raise and / or lower the at least one rotary drive element.

[0043] The invention also relates to an apparatus for conveying objects, said apparatus comprising at least two conveyors and a transfer device as described above, said transfer device being inserted between said at least two conveyors and thus defining at least one main conveying path and at least one transfer path.

[0044] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages will become more apparent, in the course of the following description of particular embodiments thereof, given by way of example only and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is a highly schematic view from above of a part of an apparatus for conveying objects, comprising a transfer device according to the invention according to a first application (as a collector). [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a highly schematic view from above of a part of an apparatus for conveying objects, comprising a transport device according to the invention according to a second application (as a sorter). [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the transfer device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a slide of the device of FIG. 3. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an extract of FIG. 3 with the actuator of the drive element highlighted. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic view from above of a transfer device according to a variant of the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Figure 1 shows a very schematic view from above of a part of an apparatus 1 for conveying objects, which includes three conveyors 3, 5 and 7, as well as a transport device 9 according to the invention. Figure 1 shows a first possible application of the transport device 9 according to the invention, namely when the latter is used in the transport apparatus 1 as a collector or collecting device for objects.

[0047] More specifically, the apparatus 1 comprises an upstream conveyor 3 arranged upstream of a device 9, a downstream conveyor 5 arranged downstream of the device 9 and a collecting conveyor 7 also arranged upstream of said device 9.

[0048] The upstream conveyor 3, the downstream conveyor 5 and the transport device 9 define a main path C for transporting objects. P On that basis, the flow of the object is in the direction S P The transfer device 9 also circulates to the transfer path C T Therefore, the objects are collected by the collection conveyor 7 in the direction S T When the object is inserted into the T via main route C P (if device 9 is activated).

[0049] 2 shows a conveying apparatus 1' in which a transport device 9 is used as a sorter. It should be noted that in the following the same references are used to designate objects similar to those in FIG.

[0050] The conveying apparatus 1 ′ thus comprises an upstream conveyor 3 arranged upstream of the device 9 , a downstream conveyor 5 arranged downstream of the device 9 and a sorting conveyor 7 ′ arranged downstream of said device 9 .

[0051] Thus, the upstream conveyor 3, the downstream conveyor 5 and the transport device 9 define a main path C for transporting objects. P On the basis of the flow of the object in the direction S P It circulates to.

[0052] More specifically, the device 9 (when activated) drives the main conveyor path C P It allows the extraction (or sorting) of the objects circulating on the conveyor 7' and transports (or diverts) them (by means of an exit ramp) in the direction of the sorting conveyor 7', which causes the objects to follow a transport path C T This is done by following '.

[0053] The flow of the object is along the main path C P Along the direction S P (from the upstream conveyor 3 towards the downstream conveyor 5), whereas the objects transported towards the sorting conveyor 7' are transported in the direction S T ' to transfer route C T ' Follow.

[0054] Therefore, whatever the use of the transport device 9, the transport path C T or C T ' has a substantially curved shape. In this manner, the objects being transported follow a trajectory that is likewise substantially curved. The transport path and / or trajectory of the objects may be circular, elliptical, parabolic, etc.

[0055] The transfer path C is determined by one or more radii of curvature ρ and a center of curvature Ω. T or C T '. The one or more radii of curvature ρ may, for example, be between 900 mm and 1300 mm.

[0056] Moreover, in an embodiment not mentioned, it is particularly advantageous to have a transfer path with two successive radii of curvature ρ1 and ρ2 with respective centers of curvature Ω1 and Ω2, ρ1 being less than ρ2. T or C T An object moving along ' will therefore follow a trajectory defined first by ρ1 and then by ρ2.

[0057] Furthermore, it should be noted that the upstream conveyor 3 and the downstream conveyor 5 may be a single conveyor (or transport apparatus) arranged to receive the transport device 9 .

[0058] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective top view of a transfer device 9 according to the invention.

[0059] More specifically, the transport device 9 comprises: - a main transport path C along which the flow of objects is arranged to move P At least a portion of - Transport Route C T A plurality of rotary drive elements 11 defining a (or bypass) path; The plurality of rotary drive elements 11 are configured to drive an object in contact with them, i.e., the elements 11 rotate so as to transmit motion, by mechanical contact, to the object to be transported. More specifically, the rotary elements 11 include drive faces, which are surfaces that contact an object and enable it to move.

[0060] Main Route C P It should be noted that the surface of the conveyor 10 is substantially planar and the stream of conveyed objects moves on the surface of said surface.

[0061] The rotating element 11 has at least two positions, namely: - Element 11 is the main transport path C P (hence below the plane), - Element 11 is the main transport path C P a raised position where the object is transferred by projecting above the surface (and thus above the plane); The present invention is configured to use

[0062] Therefore, element 11 is the transport path C P If it protrudes above the main path C P The object being conveyed on is thus shifted (or transferred) by element 11 and then transferred along transfer path C T or C T ' Follow.

[0063] This shifting of the objects allows for sorting or collection of the objects depending on the application (as well as the position) of the transport device 9 in the transport apparatus 1 .

[0064] The transport device 9 also comprises a number of slides 13 each adapted to receive a drive belt (not shown).P (or at least a part of said main path). It should be noted that the drive belt may be included in the transport device 9, but may also be an element of the upstream conveyor 3 and / or the downstream conveyor 5.

[0065] The slides 13 are separate elements spaced apart from each other by a distance d. Said slides 13 are made from a flexible material, such as a plastic or polymeric material.

[0066] More specifically, Fig. 3a shows a schematic, enlarged cross-sectional view of the slide 13. The slide 13, which is for example made in one piece, comprises a base 13a from which two walls 13b and 13c project. The base 13a and the walls 13b and 13c thus define a housing 13d for the drive belt. It is noted that said walls 13b and 13c also have the function of limiting the lateral displacement of the drive belt.

[0067] Furthermore, one of the walls 13b defining the housing 13d is provided with a barb located in the upper part of the wall 13b and directed towards said housing 13d. This particular shape (substantially square) makes it possible to limit the risk of the belt "going off", i.e. escaping from the housing 13d, for example after a collision between objects or deformation of the object (such as cardboard).

[0068] It is noted that it is advantageous for the rotary drive element 11 to have a drive surface with an outer diameter that varies along its length (one could also say a cross-section that varies along its length).

[0069] Thus, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the rotating element 11 comprises, for example, a cylindrical roll 11a and one or more rollers 11b mounted on said roll 11a. The rollers 11b are the areas that come into contact with the object when the rotating element 11 is in the upper position, and thus the object / rotating element 11 contact is made individually. The rollers 11b therefore define the drive surface of the rotating element 11, said drive surface being discontinuous.

[0070] Moreover, it is particularly advantageous to vary the diameter of the roller 11b according to the position of the roller 11b on the roll 11a, since as the diameter of the roller 11b increases, the peripheral speed (i.e., the drive speed) of the roller increases. More specifically, the transfer path C T or C T ' by placing rollers 11b with diameters that increase with distance from the center of curvature Ω.

[0071] Roller 11b is attached to roll 11a in such a way that it does not come into contact with slide 13 when rotational drive element 11 is in the raised position.

[0072] In an embodiment not shown, the roll of rotating elements is tapered and includes substantially identical rollers, the roller taper associated with the rollers resulting in a change in the outer diameter of the drive surface of the rotating elements. More specifically, the outer diameter of the drive surface of the rotating elements varies with the transfer path C. T or C T ' increases with distance from the center of curvature Ω.

[0073] Therefore, regardless of the embodiment, the rotary drive element 11 is P , which has a specific driving surface distributed at the level of the main path C P on either side of the main path C (e.g., by framing the path), and / or P In the raised position, the roller 11b may be located within the main path C, for example between the slides 13. P are at the same height on the conveying surface.

[0074] Furthermore, the transport device 9 also comprises one or more actuators 15 configured to raise and lower the one or more rotational drive elements 11 .

[0075] Actuators such as cylinders can be hydraulic, electric, or the like.

[0076] The actuator 15 can be seen in more detail in FIG. 4, which is an extracted view of FIG. 3, with the casing 16 housing the actuator 15 removed.

[0077] In the embodiment shown, the actuator 15 is capable of raising or lowering two successive rotating elements 11 .

[0078] That being said, it should be noted that the actuator 15 can raise and lower any number of rotational elements (1 to n, where n is a natural number greater than 1).

[0079] In the present case, the device 9 comprises connection pieces 17 a and 17 b connecting two successive rotating elements 11 at their opposite ends.

[0080] Thus, the ends of the two rotating elements 11 closest to the center of curvature Ω are connected by a first connecting part 17a, which itself is connected to the actuator 15. The opposite ends, i.e. the ends furthest from the center of curvature Ω, are then connected to each other by a second connecting part 17b. Said second connecting part 17b is attached to the support structure 19 by a hinge 21. Thus, under the action of the actuator 15, the first connecting part 17a is lifted (moved in the direction of the conveying path) and further displaces the second connecting part 17b via the hinge 21. This results in the movement of the two rotating elements 11 from a lowered position to a raised position and vice versa. The actuator 15, the connecting parts 17a and 17b as well as the hinge 21 are able to transform the rotating elements 11 from one substantially horizontal plane to another.

[0081] Furthermore, the rotating elements 11 are driven in rotation by a motor. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, one of the rotating elements 11 is driven by a motor, i.e. it comprises, for example, a motor inside the roll 11a configured to rotate said roll 11a about its axis of rotation.

[0082] Generally, only some of the rotating elements 11 are motor-driven and the device 9 comprises a transmission belt 23 connecting the rolls 11a of said elements 11 to each other, in this way the motor-driven rotating elements 11 rotate the other rotating elements 11 via the transmission belt 23.

[0083] Preferably, the rotating elements 11 are connected adjacent to one another by a transmission belt 23 .

[0084] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the transmission belt 23 to be elastic in order to withstand fluctuations in the distance between the rotating elements 11 when it is raised and lowered (more specifically, when the two rotating elements 11 connected by the belt are in different positions).

[0085] In order to optimize the flow of objects to be conveyed and diverted, whether for collection or sorting, each of the actuators 15 is configured to individually move at least two rotary drive elements 11 in succession and independently. The rotary elements 11 are in a raised position when an object to be conveyed is located relative to said element 11, and when the object is deflected by the element 11, the rotary elements 11 are in a lowered position relative to the main conveying path C. P The latter returns to a lower position so as not to interfere with other objects circulating above.

[0086] It can therefore be seen that in this embodiment, the two rotating elements 11 connected by the connecting portions 17a and 17b define a transfer step, which corresponds to the minimum distance between the objects circulating on the main path that can be shifted without disrupting the flow of objects on the main path.

[0087] Of course, the number of linked rotating elements 11 that can be raised and / or lowered independently can vary depending on the nature of the objects (dimensions, weight, etc.) and the desired flow rate of the objects. More specifically, the transfer step is substantially equal to the lateral dimension of a rotating element 11 or set of rotating elements 11 that can be raised and lowered in succession.

[0088] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the transport device according to the invention is adapted to one or more extension dimensions of the object to be transported and / or to the main transport path C P The system includes at least one sensor configured to measure the distance between two successive objects moving thereover.

[0089] When inserting an object, the most relevant extension dimension to measure is the dimension of the object extending along the object's conveying direction, but the sensor or sensors can also be configured to measure other dimensions of the object depending on whether the object travels on the collection conveyor 7, the downstream conveyor 3 and / or on the transfer device 9.

[0090] The sensor or sensors are connected to the actuators, directly or indirectly by electronic means, and allow the distance between successive objects travelling on the main conveyor path to be minimized in order to optimise the collection and / or sorting of the objects. The transport device 9 can thereby operate with minimal transport steps, thus allowing a greater flow of objects on the main transport path. It is noted that the above mentioned sensors can be arranged on the transport device 9, on the upstream conveyor 3 and / or on the collection conveyor 7 of the transport apparatus 1. Said sensors are for example cameras, optical readers cooperating with barcodes, etc.

[0091] In an alternative embodiment, the outer diameter of the drive surface of the rotating element 11 is equal to or larger than the transfer path C defined by the plurality of rotating elements 11. T (or C depending on the application of the device according to the present invention) T 11') depends on the angular position of said element 11 relative to the

[0092] For example, transport route C T or C T It is the diameter of the rollers 11b of the rotating element 11 that varies depending on the angular position of each roller 11b relative to '.

[0093] More specifically, Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of a transfer device 9 according to this alternative embodiment. It should be noted that the same references are used below to designate elements similar to those described in the previous embodiment of Figures 1 to 4.

[0094] The transport device 9 comprises a number of rotational drive elements 11 including, among other things, a rotational input element 11E and a rotational output element 11S.

[0095] Thus, the transfer path C defined by the plurality of rotational drive elements 11 T has a circular sector of angle β (i.e. an angle β is formed between the axis of the input rotating element and the axis of the output rotating element; note also that while the example given is a circular sector, this can get more complicated).

[0096] Therefore, the rotation input element 11E of the transfer path and the transfer path C T There is a change in the diameter of roller 11b determined by the angle between the angular positions of roller 11b at.

[0097] The transfer device 9 has the following characteristics: - the input rotating element 11E, which is the element 11 directly downstream of the input conveyor (3 or 7, depending on the application of the transport device 9), comprises rolls 11a and rollers 11b whose drive speed is adapted to match the speed of the input conveyor (3 or 7); - the rotating output element 11S, which is the element 11 directly upstream of the output conveyor (5 or 7', depending on the application of the transport device 9), is provided with rollers 11b whose drive speed is adapted to match the speed of the output conveyor (5 or 7'); the diameter of the rollers 11b of the rolling elements 11, 11' and 11" varies as a function of the angle β, more specifically for the rollers located outside the mean path substantially in the middle of the rollers 11b, the diameter of said rollers 11b increasing from 0° to β / 2 and decreasing from β / 2 to β; It should be noted that it is particularly advantageous to have one or more of the following: On the other hand, for the rollers located inside this intermediate path, the diameter of said roller 11b decreases from 0° to β / 2 and then increases from β / 2 to β.

[0098] The rollers of the input rotating element 11E can have the same diameter as the rollers of the output rotating element 11S, for example when the input conveyor has the same speed as the output conveyor, but in other examples the diameter of the rollers of the input rotating element can be different from the diameter of the rollers of the output rotating element.

[0099] According to the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5, the angle β is 30°. In other embodiments, the angle β can have a value between 0° and 360°, for example, 15°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 180°, 270°, etc.

[0100] The diameter of the roller 11b depends on the position of the roller 11b relative to the center of curvature Ω (as explained previously) and / or the transfer path C T The angular position β of the roller with respect to

[0101] Therefore, in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the transfer path C T The diameter of the roller 11b located on the outer side of the transfer path C T 11b has a larger diameter than the roller 11b located toward the inside of the roller 11a.

[0102] Furthermore, for rotating element 11", located immediately downstream of rotating element 11', with respect to rollers referenced 11b2 and 11b1, respectively, that are located at substantially the same distance from the center of curvature Ω, the diameter of roller 11b2 of element 11" is larger than the diameter of roller 11b1 of element 11'. This is because roller 11b1 is disposed at an angle β1 and roller 11b2 is disposed at an angle β2, where β1 is less than β2 (β2 is less than β / 2).

[0103] Thus, for purposes of illustration, the diameter of the rollers affects the drive speed of said rollers, and so the variation of diameter as a function of the angle β, and its distance from the centre of curvature Ω, is shown by arrows corresponding to the velocity vectors generated by each of the rollers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 Equipment, transport equipment 3 Conveyors, upstream conveyor, input conveyor 5 Conveyor, downstream conveyor, output conveyor 7 Collection conveyor, input conveyor 7' sorting conveyor, output conveyor 9. Transport Devices 11 Rotational drive element, rotational element 13 Slides 13a Base 13b Wall 13c Wall 13d Housing 15 Actuator 16 Casing 17a Connection parts, connection parts 17b Connection parts, connection parts 19 Support structure 21 Hinge 23 Transmission Belt C P Main transport route, main conveyor route C T Transport route C T 'Transport route

Claims

1. A device (9) for transferring one or more objects for a transport apparatus, said device (9) comprising a main transport path (C) for transporting one or more objects Ｐ ) and a plurality of rotary drive elements (11), each of which has: said rotational drive element (11) is connected to said main conveying path (C Ｐ ) and a lower position where the object is not driven; - said rotary drive element (11) is connected to said main conveying path (C Ｐ ) and the raised position protruding above and configured to use at least two positions of The plurality of rotational drive elements (11) are arranged to define a curved transport path (C) followed by the object. Ｔ , C Ｔ ') is defined, The rotary drive element (11) has a drive surface, - an outer diameter that varies along the length of said rotary drive element (11); - the transport path (C Ｔ , C Ｔ an outer diameter that varies as a function of the angular position (β) of the rotary drive element (11) at having A device (9), characterized in that said main transport path (C P ) comprises slides (13) each capable of receiving a drive belt.

2. The outer diameter of the rotary drive element (11) is Ｔ , C Ｔ 2. The device (9) according to claim 1, characterized in that the axial length of the curvature (Ω) of the axial curvature (Ω) increases with the distance of the axial curvature (Ω) of the axial curvature (Ω).

3. 3. The device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotary drive element (11) advances continuously from a lower position to a raised position, the rotary drive element being in the raised position when the object to be driven is located relative to the rotary drive element (11).

4. The main transport path (C Ｐ 4. A device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive belt comprises a drive belt.

5. The device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the slide (13) is made from a flexible material.

6. 6. The device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the one or more rotary drive elements (11) comprise at least one roll (11a) and one or more rollers (11b) attached to said roll (11a).

7. An apparatus (1, 1') for conveying objects, said apparatus (1, 1') comprising at least two conveyors (3, 5, 7, 7') and a transport device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for one or more objects, said transport device (9) being interposed between said at least two conveyors (3, 5, 7, 7') and thus at least one main transport path (C Ｐ ), and at least one transport path (C Ｔ , C Ｔ The apparatus (1,1') defines a first region (1,1') and a second region (1,1').

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