Pneumatic device and object sorting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic device 10 comprising modules 100, each having a compressed air supply valve 12, the strength of the jet of compressed air provided by each module 100 being variable according to the combination of valves 12 activated, and an outlet nozzle 14 of one or more air jets coming from the modules 100, depending on the number of activated modules 100, the outlet nozzle 14 having aligned outlet holes. The invention also relates to an object sorting system comprising this pneumatic device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic device and an object sorting system including the pneumatic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Increasing the production rate of objects, for example in the pharmaceutical industry, requires effort and resources to ensure a high level of quality. Also, it is increasingly desirable to test entire populations of objects, and not just samples. For this purpose, there are online object analyzers that are able to precisely measure each of the physical quantities and compositions of the objects. Once an object has been analyzed, a decision is made to keep or not keep the object, and objects that are not kept are removed from the production line. The challenge is that, given the speed of production, there is very little time to perform a sorting of the objects.

[0003] The document US20160016200 describes a pneumatic device for sorting products in the food industry, such as rice or wheat seeds or kernels. The device comprises solenoid valves each having a series of air jet holes. The solenoid valves each have an air inlet in a compartment. Air is then distributed to each hole through the respective valve, which is opened by energizing a coil or held closed by an elastic member. However, since the pneumatic device in this document is intended for sorting seeds, there is a large number of holes that emit jets of air, and all the holes must have the same volume. This makes the pneumatic device bulky and not precise. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20160016200 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that can quickly and accurately sort objects while limiting the overall required size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] For this purpose, the present invention provides - modules, each having a valve for supplying compressed air, the strength of the jet of compressed air delivered by each module being variable according to the combination of valves actuated; an outlet nozzle for discharging one or more air jets coming from the modules according to the number of modules in operation, the outlet nozzle having aligned outlet holes; The present invention proposes a pneumatic device comprising:

[0007] In one variation, the modules are in a fan-shaped pattern relative to the nozzle.

[0008] In one variation, the modules each have a conduit for directing compressed air from the valve towards the nozzle, with the valves on either side of the conduit relative to the direction of flow of the compressed air in the conduit.

[0009] In one variation, the valves are connected to the pipeline by holes, the holes of each valve having a different diameter.

[0010] In one variation, the valves are positioned along the conduit according to hole diameter, with the valve with the smallest hole diameter being at the distal end of the conduit from the nozzle.

[0011] In one variant, the device comprises six modules, each module containing at least four valves, preferably five valves.

[0012] In one variant, the device also comprises a pressure sensor at the inlet of the module capable of measuring the pressure loss caused by the successive opening of the valve.

[0013] The invention also relates to a system for sorting objects, comprising at least one pneumatic device as described above.

[0014] According to one variant, the system also comprises a channel for guiding the objects along the direction of movement, the nozzle directing one or more air jets towards the objects to be sorted in the channel according to the characteristics of the objects to be sorted.

[0015] In one variation, the width of the channel may be adjusted transverse to the direction in which the object is moving, depending on the properties of the object.

[0016] In one variation, the system also includes: a chamber for analyzing the characteristics of the objects to be sorted; at least one sorting path along which the objects are deflected by activating one or more air jets according to the characteristics analyzed in the analysis chamber; Equipped with.

[0017] In one variant, the system also comprises a control unit for actuating all or some of the modules and valves depending on the properties of the objects analyzed in the analysis chamber.

[0018] In one variation, the control unit activates all or some of the modules and valves depending on the available pressure upstream of the valves.

[0019] The use of the verb "to comprise" and its variants and conjugations in this document does not in any way exclude the presence of elements other than those stated. The use of the indefinite article "a", "an" or "it" to introduce an element in this document does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0020] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used in this scope of this document solely to distinguish between various elements and do not imply any order between those elements.

[0021] All preferred embodiments and all advantages of the present pneumatic device apply mutatis mutandis to the present sorting system.

[0022] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a pneumatic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sorting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sorting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of the present sorting system. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the present sorting system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The drawing figures are not to scale. Generally, similar elements are marked by similar reference numbers in the drawings. Within this document, the same or similar elements may have the same reference numbers. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings cannot be considered limiting, even if these numbers or letters are shown in the claims.

[0025] The present invention relates to a pneumatic device, which comprises modules, each module having a valve for supplying compressed air. The strength of the jet of compressed air delivered by each module is variable according to the combination of valves activated. The device also comprises an outlet nozzle for ejecting one or more air jets coming from the modules, depending on the number of modules activated, the nozzle having aligned outlet holes. Such a device combines the regulation of the number of air jets at the outlet with the strength of the air jets. This makes it possible to apply a deflecting force to objects that need to be sorted very quickly, with a precision that is adapted to the characteristics of the objects, while limiting the overall dimensions of the device.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a part of a pneumatic device 10. The device 10 comprises modules, of which only module 100 is shown. In FIGS. 2 and 3 other modules with the same elements are shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the module 100 comprises several, for example 4 or 5, valves 12. The valves are supplied with compressed air from a tank of sufficient volume (minimum 5 liters, maximum 15 liters), the pressure of which is precisely regulated by a precision pressure regulator. This ensures the most stable possible supply to the valves 12. In FIG. 1 the valves 12 are supplied via a supply line 11. At the inlet of the supply to the module 100, a pressure sensor 15 on the supply line 11 makes it possible to measure the pressure loss caused by the successive opening of the valve. The pressure sensor 15 makes it possible to correct the opening of the valve 12 depending on the pressure present at the inlet. The valves 12 may be identical or not identical within a module or between one module and another. The same valves allow easier control of the valves, and different valves allow even finer control. Valve 12 can be of different types, such as proportional valves, but is preferably an "on / off" type valve. "On / off" valves are more responsive, which is advantageous when the object is moving at high speed. These "on / off" valves are also smaller. It is preferable to use multiple smaller valves rather than one larger valve that can pass a large flow rate when fully open. In fact, there are more forces to overcome to open a large valve (spring return force, inertia of the mass of the spool and other moving elements whose movement must be set, as well as friction of the seals), resulting in opening or closing times on the order of, for example, several milliseconds. The opening time of valve 12 is less than 3 ms, preferably less than 2 ms, more preferably less than 1 ms, in order to generate an air jet in a very small "firing window".

[0027] The modules 100 also comprise an outlet nozzle 14 for discharging the air jet coming from the module 100. The strength of the single jet of compressed air delivered by each module 100 is variable according to the combination of valves 12 activated. The modules 100 can be selectively activated and within each module 100 the valves 12 can be selectively activated. Each jet is therefore matched to the characteristics of the objects to be sorted. The nozzles 14 allow the air jet specific to each module to be optimally positioned with respect to the objects to be sorted. The nozzles are conduits machined into a casing 16, which is attached to the module. The geometry of the nozzle outlet hole is chosen according to the characteristics of the air jet. A non-circular geometry, such as an ellipse, may be advantageous. To adapt to the conditions of use of the device and the objects to be sorted, the set of nozzles may be an exchangeable modular element of the device 10. The diameter of the nozzle outlet hole is between 1 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 2.5 mm and 4 mm, for example 3 mm, to obtain a jet of air per module that allows efficient sorting.

[0028] The module 100 also comprises a conduit 18 which directs the compressed air from the valve towards the nozzle 14. The arrow 20 indicates the direction in which the air flows through the conduit 18 to the outlet of the nozzle 14. The valves can be positioned along the conduit 18 in the module. The valves 12 are preferably on either side of the conduit 18 in the module with respect to the direction in which the compressed air flows in the conduit 18, in other words the valves are opposite each other (not necessarily facing each other) or on either side of the conduit 18. Such an installation of the valves makes it possible to reduce the required volume of the device (both the space occupied by the valves and the volume of the conduits). The conduit 18 is therefore more compact at the level of the valves 12.

[0029] The conduit 18 may have several extensions arranged to take into account the overall dimensions of the valves within the module, and these extensions allow the valves within the module and the modules to be arranged relative to each other to ensure the same pressure drop between the different modules. The length of the conduit 18 is as short as possible to minimize the distance between the outlet holes of the valves and the outlet holes of the nozzles.

[0030] The conduit may comprise a first telescopic section 181 to which the valve 12 is connected as described above. The conduit 18 may comprise a second telescopic section 182 at its end, connecting the first telescopic section 181 to the nozzle 14. The arrangement of the second conduit 182 within the module is chosen to reduce the overall dimensions of the module within the device. The second telescopic section 182 may be oblique to the first telescopic section 181, but is preferably straight, which creates less pressure loss. The diameter of the conduit 181 is between 2 and 5 mm, preferably between 2.5 and 4 mm, for example 3 mm, and the diameter of the conduit 182 is between 3 and 6 mm, preferably between 3.5 and 5 mm, for example 4 mm. This ensures an air jet at the outlet of the device, allowing efficient sorting of objects while limiting the overall dimensions of the conduit. The conduit 18 opens at its end 183 at the outlet of the module 100. And the nozzles 14 are positioned at the ends 183 of the modules 100 to precisely direct a jet of compressed air specific to each module toward the objects to be sorted.

[0031] The valves 12 are connected by their outlet holes 13 to the conduits 18, in particular to the first telescopic section 181. The diameter 13 of the holes of each valve is different. There may be a relationship between these conduits 13 in terms of diameter or area. This allows the strength of the air jet to be varied. If there is "x" number of valves 12 in a module 100, then 2 xis the number of possible open valve combinations, one of which corresponds to all valves being closed. In module 100, valves 12 with smaller hole diameters are at the distal end of conduit 18 relative to nozzle 14. This prevents turbulence in the airflow propelled by the valves with larger hole diameters from disrupting the airflow propelled into conduit 18 by the valves with smaller hole diameters.

[0032] The valve outlet hole is between 0.4 and 3 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 2.5 mm, allowing for rapid release of compressed air into the line 18 while limiting the overall size of the valve.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the pneumatic device 10. The device 10 is mounted in a casing 80. At the outlet of the device 10, a nozzle 14 is shown which emits a jet 20 of air, which is connected to the end 183 of a line 18 supplied by a valve 12. The holes of the nozzle 14 are aligned. The holes of the nozzle 14 are on the same plane. The holes of the nozzle have a spacing (between the central axes) of between 3 and 5 mm, preferably between 3.5 and 4.5 mm, and even more preferably 4 mm, to ensure that the nozzle is compact and allows effective sorting by the air jet. The outlet holes of the nozzle 14 correspond to modules 100, each of which comprises several valves 12, so that the arrangement of the jet is flat, or in other words the air jet forms a flat curtain. The area that the jet acts from the hole and covers in the direction of the jet is between 5 and 50 mm, preferably between 10 and 35 mm, i.e. an area of ​​25 mm. This allows the device to be compact, corresponding to a number of modules to suit the characteristics of the object to be deflected, whilst providing sufficient spacing to provide several jets.

[0034] The placement of the valves 12 on either side of the conduits 18, particularly conduit 182, within the module 100 is particularly advantageous for limiting the overall size of the apparatus 10. Figure 2 shows a portion of the valves 12 at the top of the module 100 and a portion of the valves 12 at the bottom of the module 100. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, there are three valves 12 at the top of the module 100 and two valves 12 at the bottom.

[0035] The modules 100 may be arranged in a fan-shaped pattern relative to the nozzle 14. In other words, the modules 100 are arranged in the shape of a bunch of oranges relative to the nozzle 14. This can be seen in the upper part of FIG. 2, where the three valves 12 from each module 100 are aligned radially around the nozzle. This allows the modules 100 to be arranged identically for each nozzle 14 while ensuring that the device 10 is compact inside the casing 80. This allows the air flow channel to be completely the same for each nozzle in terms of length, geometry and volume. The modules 100 may be of modular construction, and one or more modules may be used depending on the desired performance of the device 10, and the modules may be grouped together. The modules 100 may be assembled in groups of several modules. This makes the device 10 easier to manufacture. Furthermore, the modules 100 are identical from the "pneumatic" point of view in that the valves 12 on the modules are connected to the nozzle outlets in the same way from one module to the other. Thus, the response time for the formation of each air jet is the same. A modular structure also means that smaller parts can be manufactured in greater numbers. The modular structure of the module 100 can also be a group of several modules 100, for example three modules 100 grouped together.

[0036] Figure 3 is a rear view of the apparatus shown in Figure 2, in which the sector-shaped arrangement of the modules 100 is more clearly visible. The valves 12 of each module 100 are aligned along radii that converge towards a nozzle (not visible). As shown in the example of Figure 3, the module 100 has three valves 12 at the top and two valves 12 at the bottom, with the five valves 12 of each module 100 arranged in the plane of a sector centered on the nozzle 14. The valves 12 may be arranged on a bar 22.

[0037] The invention also relates to an object sorting system comprising the pneumatic device 10. The objects to be sorted can be nominal objects (nominal samples diverted towards a test station) or non-compliant objects (debris, capsules with little or no filling, etc.). By combining the number of selectively activated modules and the number of valves in each module, the air jets can be adapted to the objects, so that the objects can be efficiently sorted. Such systems are used in the pharmaceutical industry and can divert objects such as pharmaceutical tablets or capsules (softgels, empty or filled) weighing from 20 mg to several grams.

[0038] 4 and 5 show a perspective view of the sorting system 30. The system comprises a chamber 32 for analyzing the properties of the objects to be sorted. The chamber 32 analyzes all the objects and the pneumatic device 10 is able to deflect the objects according to the properties analyzed in the analysis chamber 32. The control unit selectively activates all the modules 100 and valves 12 or some of the modules 100 and valves 12 depending on the properties of the objects analyzed in the analysis chamber 32. The objects can be accelerated in front of a microwave sensor to pass the chamber 32 individually, which allows the estimation of the mass and / or water content of the objects and is ahead of the sorting system. This measuring chamber 32 is also able to quantify the speed of the objects and the time when they arrive at the sorting jet. The objects move in the line at a high speed between 5 m / s and 25 m / s. The objects leave the chamber 32 through a tube 36. The objects move past the device 10, which deflects them according to their non-conformity or other criteria detected in the chamber 32. The nozzle 14 holes are aligned along an axis transverse to the direction in which the objects are moving. This allows them to effectively block the progress of the objects. The air jet then forms a plane or curtain transverse to the direction in which the objects are moving. Multiple devices 10 can be used. For example, two, three or even four devices 10 (in FIG. 4) can be used to better match the sorting rate given by the speed at which the objects are moving. One of the devices 10 can be dedicated to deflecting objects that are non-conforming, and another device 10 can be dedicated to test sampling (which may be added to the systematic analysis in the chamber 32). The devices 10 can be placed on either side of the object's movement, centered in the direction in which the objects are moving, for example one device above the other.

[0039] The system may comprise a channel 34 for guiding the objects in the direction of movement at the outlet of the chamber 32. The channel 34 allows the objects to be transported in a file along a substantially straight trajectory, which allows the objects to be presented to the device 10 one by one, making it easier to deflect the objects. The channel comprises two flat surfaces 341 and 342 for guiding the objects.

[0040] The width of the channel 34 can be adjusted transversely to the direction of movement of the objects to be sorted. The width of the channel is adjustable in the direction of alignment of the nozzle 14. The distance between the flat surfaces 341 and 342 is adjusted to the width of the objects to be sorted. The channel 34 can be adjusted to guide objects with a width between 3 mm and 25 mm, depending on the type of product to be sorted. The nozzle 14 directs one or more jets of air in the channel 34 towards the objects to be sorted, depending on the characteristics of the objects to be sorted.

[0041] Figure 6 shows a schematic view from above of the sorting system 30. Figure 6 shows how the air jets can be adapted to the object according to its width by varying the number of modules in operation, as well as the fact that the strength of each jet varies according to the combination of valves in each module. At the exit of the chamber 32, the object is guided into the channel 34 between the flat surfaces 341 and 342. In the case of a thin object, the flat surfaces are brought as close together as possible so that a single nozzle 14 directs the air jet from the device 10 into the channel 34. A single module 100 is then activated. In the case of a larger object, the flat surfaces are spaced apart so that two nozzles 14 direct the air jet from the device 10 into the channel 34. In the case of an even wider object, the flat surfaces are spaced apart even more so that three nozzles 14 direct the air jet from the device 10 into the channel 34. According to the example of Fig. 6, up to six nozzles 14 corresponding to the operation of six modules 100 can emit air jets. The width of the channel 34 is, for example, between 5 and 50 mm, preferably between 5 and 30 mm, more preferably between 5 and 25 mm, to suit the number of air jets. The device 10 and the sorting system 30 can generate jets of variable width and strength. This variation makes the system 30 versatile, adaptable to varying masses, sizes, geometries, velocities, etc. of objects.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a sorting system 30 with in particular one or more sorting paths 38, 40. At the exit of the chamber 32, the objects are guided by a channel 34 and then pass in front of the nozzles of one or more devices 10. The objects to be deflected pass through an air jet 20 forming a curtain. The one or more devices 10 divert the objects to one or the other of the sorting paths according to arrows 42, 44 for indeterminate sampling or compliance tests. The objects not to be deflected continue their trajectory along arrow 46. According to FIG. 7, the deflection is performed in a vertical plane. A device 10 can be placed above the movement of objects to deflect them towards the lower path 40 and another device 10 can be placed below the movement of objects to deflect them towards the upper path 38. The sorting can be performed in a horizontal plane.

[0043] The distance between the outlet of the chamber 32 and the position of the nozzle 14 is chosen so that, if necessary, the object can leave the chamber 32 before being deflected. Otherwise, the object may be subjected to lateral forces already while still being partially guided and guided by the tube 36, which could prevent the object from being deflected.

[0044] The number of air jets and the strength of each air jet generated by each module 100 are variable according to an input set point coming from the control unit. The set point determines how many modules 100 are activated and the combination of valves 12 activated in each module 100. The operation of each jet is therefore commensurate with this set point. This set point is calculated according to several characteristics analyzed in the chamber 32. The mass of the object is taken into account and different combinations of valves 12 are activated to increase or decrease the strength of the jet. The speed of the object is also taken into account at the moment when it reaches the height of the jet. The shape and volume of the object also affect the number and strength of the air jets activated as well as the width of the channel 34. The force that must be applied to the object and the pressure upstream of the valves are also taken into account in order to avoid damaging the object. This makes it possible to maintain the quality of the sorting even if the tanks are not able to quickly recover their nominal pressure if several valve openings occur close together in time. The distance between the device 10 and the object to be sorted is a factor to be taken into account in order to ensure the efficiency of the sorting. The distance between the jet outlet (exit hole of nozzle 14) and the axis of displacement of the object is between 10 and 40 mm, preferably between 15 and 30 mm, for example 20 mm, which allows the object to be deflected to be presented to the jet in an area where deflection will be most effective, while remaining intact.

[0045] The control unit comprises a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), an I / O board (including an on-board FPGA (field-programmable gate array) processor) with highly responsive digital outputs, and a power control board (equipped with an FPGA controller and MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors)). This architecture allows reaction times of a few microseconds, ensuring sorting processes with valve opening or closing times of the order of a few milliseconds.

[0046] The sequence of steps for establishing an air jet is as follows: The PLC controls the opening of the valves 12. The digital outputs that actuate one or more of the valves 12 are switched on. The time that elapses from the command depends on the architecture of the control system implemented (PLC programming and cycle times, communication between the PLC and the digital output card, type of digital output card, etc.). This can take up to 1 millisecond. The current then builds up in the actuating coil of each valve (up to a few milliseconds) until it reaches a force sufficient to start moving the moving parts of the valves. Then the valve controlled according to the valve combination opens and the air starts to flow. Depending on the geometry of the lines and the nozzle, it takes some time for the air to escape from the nozzle holes. Finally, the jet is established. After an initial short-term transient, a stable jet is reached. The time that elapses between the actuating signal and the moment the jet is fully established is less than 5 ms, preferably less than 4 ms, more preferably less than 3 ms and most preferably less than 2 ms.

[0047] Under the effect of the air jet(s), the objects are diverted from their substantially straight path towards one or more sorting paths 38, 40. Thanks to the adaptation of the sorting paths 38, 40, the apparatus 10, and the number and strength of the air jets, the diverted objects are not damaged. These objects may be subjected to new compliance checks which the apparatus 10 may further carry out, but as the objects are undamaged they can be returned to the main system.

[0048] Although the present invention has been described above in relation to specific embodiments, the specific embodiments should be considered as illustrative and not limiting. In general, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples shown and / or described above.

Claims

1. - modules (100), each having a valve (12) for supplying compressed air, the strength of the jet of compressed air delivered by each module (100) being variable depending on the combination of valves (12) that are actuated; an outlet nozzle (14) for discharging one or more air jets coming from said modules (100) according to the number of modules (100) in operation, said outlet nozzle (14) having aligned outlet holes; A pneumatic device (10) comprising:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the modules (100) are in a fan-shaped pattern relative to the nozzles (14).

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the modules has a conduit (18) for directing the compressed air from the valve (12) towards the nozzle (14), the valve (12) being on either side of the conduit with respect to the direction of flow of the compressed air in the conduit.

4. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the valves (12) are connected to the conduit (18) by holes (13), the diameters of the holes of each of the valves being different.

5. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the valves (12) are arranged along the conduit (18) according to the diameters of the holes (13), the valve having the smallest diameter of the hole being at a distal end of the conduit (18) relative to the nozzle (14).

6. 6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising six modules (100), each module (100) including at least four valves (12), preferably five valves (12).

7. 7. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor (15) at the inlet of the module, capable of measuring the pressure loss caused by the successive opening of the valve.

8. A system (30) for sorting objects, comprising at least one pneumatic device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. 9. The system (30) of claim 8, further comprising a channel (34) for guiding the objects along a direction of movement, the nozzle (14) directing one or more air jets in the channel (34) towards the objects to be sorted according to characteristics of the objects to be sorted.

10. 10. The system (30) of claim 9, wherein the channel (34) has a width that can be adjusted transversely to the direction of movement of the object depending on the characteristics of the object.

11. a chamber (32) for analyzing said characteristics of said objects to be sorted; at least one sorting path (38, 40) along which the objects are deflected by activating one or more air jets according to the characteristics analyzed in the analysis chamber (32); The system (30) of claim 9 or 10, further comprising:

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a control unit operable to operate all of the modules (100) and the valves (12), or a portion of the modules (100) and the valves (12), depending on the characteristics of the object analyzed in the analysis chamber (32).

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the control unit operates all of the modules (100) and the valves (12), or a portion of the modules (100) and the valves (12), further depending on available pressure upstream of the valves (12).

Images