Facility and method for sorting packages

Abstract

The present invention relates to a facility for sorting packages (I), the facility comprising a conveyor (1) that has a conveying surface (2) configured to support the packages (3); an identification and sorting device (4) configured to identify at least one portion of the packages (3) and to sort the identified packages (3); and a distribution device (7). The distribution device (7) comprises a shaft (8) and a first plurality of sorting members (9) mounted on the shaft (8) and projecting radially from the shaft; the shaft (8) is movably mounted so as to be able to rotate with respect to the conveyor (1) in a first direction of rotation such that the sorting members (9) are able to drive the packages (3) in a conveying direction (DC). The present invention also relates to a method for sorting packages (3).

Description

Description Title of the invention: INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR SORTING PACKAGING

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of sorting packaging, in particular bottles and / or containers. It relates in particular to a sorting method and a sorting installation for a selective collection sorting center.

[0003] STATE OF THE ART

[0004] The possibilities for recycling packaging, such as bottles and / or flasks, depend on the sorting that can be done with this packaging. Selective collection sorting centers use automatic identification and sorting devices as is well known. These devices typically perform on-the-fly identification of packaging moving along a conveyor and then, depending on the results of the identification, discriminate them by directing them to specific containers or other conveyors. The identification and sorting of packaging is generally carried out by means of an optical identification unit and a separation unit.

[0005] An optical identification unit is typically configured to project light radiation onto the packages to be identified and to analyze the reflected light in order to characterize the packages. The radiation may, for example, be visible radiation to characterize the packages according to their color (light polyethylene terephthalate or dark polyethylene terephthalate for example) and / or near infrared radiation to characterize the packages according to their composition (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.).

[0006] A separation unit is typically configured to move identified packages. The movement may be carried out actively or passively, for example by ejecting from the conveyor, or by gripping, the identified packages from the stream of packages passing in front of an optical identification unit. Sorting units may, for example, be in the form of the form of gripping devices or mechanical or pneumatic ejection devices.

[0007] The performance of these identification and sorting units relies on both the characterization capacity of the optical identification units and the accuracy of the sorting units.

[0008] The performance of identification units and sorting units may be reduced if the packages passing in front of said units overlap, for example when the packages are stacked or nested. The performance of identification units and sorting units may also be reduced if the surface density of packages, corresponding to the number of packages per square meter of conveying surface, is too high. Indeed, identification units and sorting units are typically configured to identify and sort, respectively, packages that are clearly distinct and arranged in a single layer.

[0009] The present invention falls within this context.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a packaging sorting installation, in particular bottles and / or containers, comprising: - a conveyor comprising a conveying surface configured to support the packaging; - an identification and sorting device configured to identify at least some of the packages and to sort the identified packages; the conveyor being configured to transport the packages in a conveying direction from a loading area of ​​the conveying surface to the identification and sorting device; and - a distribution device located between the loading area and the identification and sorting device; the distribution device comprising: - a shaft extending along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction; and - a first plurality of sorting members mounted on the shaft and extending radially projecting from the shaft; the sorting members being spaced apart from each other along the first axis and arranged above the conveying surface; and the shaft being mounted to be able to rotate relative to the conveyor along the first axis in a first direction of rotation so that the sorting members are able to drive the packages in the conveying direction.

[0012] Passing the packages between two adjacent sorting members of the first plurality of sorting members during their transport on the conveying surface makes it possible to eliminate or reduce the overlap between the packages and to reduce a parameter representative of the surface density of packages by distributing the packages on the conveying surface. The elimination or reduction of the overlap between the packages, and the reduction of the parameter representative of the surface density of packages, thus improve the performance of the package identification units by ensuring good discrimination of the packages dispersed on the conveying surface during identification.Eliminating or reducing the overlap between packages, and reducing a parameter representative of the surface density of packages, also improves package sorting performance by allowing the ejection or gripping of a single, precisely identified package.

[0013] Thus, the identification and sorting performance of the sorting installation according to the present invention is improved.

[0014] In the case of bottles and / or containers, the inventors have also demonstrated, in addition to a better distribution of the packaging on the conveying surface, an alignment of a portion of the bottles and / or containers after their passage between two adjacent sorting members of the first plurality.

[0015] For the purposes of the present invention, "bottles and / or containers" means containers intended to contain a liquid and extending in a main direction of elongation.

[0016] By "alignment" of a bottle and / or a container, it is understood that the main direction of elongation of a bottle and / or a container is substantially parallel to the conveying direction. For the purposes of the present invention, two directions are considered to be substantially parallel. if they are parallel to within plus or minus 30 degrees, plus or minus 20 degrees, plus or minus 10 degrees or plus or minus 5 degrees.

[0017] The features set out below may optionally be implemented, independently or in combination.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the packaging sorting installation comprises a measuring device configured to determine a parameter representative of the surface density of packaging upstream of the distribution device and / or to detect an accumulation of packaging upstream of the distribution device, and a control device configured to control the movement of the shaft in an elevation direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying surface as a function of the parameter representative of the surface density of packaging and / or of the detected accumulation.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the shaft is mounted so as to be movable in translation relative to the conveyor in the elevation direction. Thus, the sorting members mounted on the shaft can be spaced more or less from the conveying surface, for example depending on the type of packaging and / or bottles. Furthermore, in the event of a blockage upstream of the distribution device, it is also possible to raise the shaft to allow the packaging to pass and remove the blockage, i.e. to move the shaft in the elevation direction so as to move the shaft away from the conveying surface.

[0020] According to one embodiment, each sorting member of the first plurality comprises a plurality of fibers, each fiber of the first plurality of sorting members extending radially projecting from the shaft. This embodiment allows the sorting members to be manufactured in a simple and inexpensive manner. According to one embodiment, each sorting member of the first plurality has a generally discoidal shape.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the sorting installation further comprises a second plurality of sorting members, each sorting member of the second plurality extending radially projecting from the shaft. According to one embodiment, the sorting members of the second plurality are located between the sorting members of the first plurality along the first axis. This embodiment makes it possible to improve the distribution of the packages. When the packages pass between two adjacent sorting members of the first plurality, the sorting members of the second plurality make it possible to press the packages towards the conveying surface and to prevent the packages from flying away or spinning under the effect of the rotation of the sorting members of the first plurality.

[0022] The sorting members of the second plurality also make it possible to separate the tangled packages which have a height, in the elevation direction, greater than the distance between the conveying surface and the sorting members of the second plurality.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the largest radial dimension of the sorting members of the first plurality is greater than the largest radial dimension of the sorting members of the second plurality. Thus, the sorting members of the second plurality extend radially projecting from the shaft over a distance less than that of the first plurality of sorting members. According to one embodiment, the sorting members of the second plurality are contiguous to the sorting members of the first plurality.

[0024] According to one embodiment, each sorting member of the second plurality comprises a plurality of fibers, each fiber of the second plurality of sorting members extending radially projecting from the axis. This embodiment makes it possible to manufacture the sorting members in a simple and inexpensive manner. According to one embodiment, each sorting member of the second plurality has a generally discoidal shape.

[0025] According to one embodiment, at least one sorting member of the second plurality of sorting members delimits an annular groove around the first axis. A radial section of said groove has, for example, an arcuate or triangular shape. This embodiment makes it possible to improve the guidance of the packages as they pass through the distribution device.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the conveyor is configured to transport the packages at a conveying speed of between 0.5 and 5 meters per second, preferably between 1 and 4 meters per second.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the rotation speed of the shaft is between 10 and 100 revolutions per minute, preferably between 20 and 90 revolutions per minute, more preferably between 30 and 80 revolutions per minute, advantageously between 40 and 70 revolutions per minute, for example between 40 and 60 revolutions per minute.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the distance in the elevation direction between the conveying surface and the end of the sorting members of the first plurality closest to the surface of the conveying surface is between 5 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the packaging sorting installation further comprises guide means upstream of the distribution device in the conveying direction, configured to guide the packages towards the first plurality of sorting members of the distribution device.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a method for sorting packaging, in particular bottles and / or containers, in a sorting installation according to the first aspect of the invention, said method comprising the following steps: - a step of loading packaging onto the conveyor surface; - a step of distributing the packages on the conveying surface during the passage of the packages between two adjacent sorting members of the first plurality of sorting members of the distribution device; - a step of identifying at least part of the packaging; and - a sorting step for identified packaging.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the sorting method further comprises the following steps: - a step of measuring a parameter representative of the surface density of packaging upstream of the distribution device and / or of detecting an accumulation of packaging upstream of the distribution device; and - a step of controlling the movement of the shaft in the elevation direction by the control device, as a function of the parameter representative of the surface density of packaging measured and / or the accumulation detected.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the sorting method further comprises a step of adjusting the conveying speed.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the sorting method further comprises a step of adjusting the rotation speed of the shaft.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the sorting method further comprises a step of adjusting the distance between the sorting members of the first plurality and the conveying surface.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] Characteristics of the present invention will emerge more clearly from reading the detailed description which follows, given without limitation with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0037] [Fig. 1] represents a schematic sectional view of the sorting installation according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0038] [Fig. 2] represents a schematic top view of the sorting installation according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0039] [Fig. 3] represents a schematic sectional view of the distribution device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0040] [Fig. 4] represents a flowchart of a sorting method according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Referring to [Fig. 1], a schematic sectional view of the sorting installation I according to one embodiment of the invention is shown. The sorting installation I comprises a conveyor 1 with a conveying surface 2 configured to support the packages 3.

[0043] The conveyor 1 is configured to move the packages 3 on the conveying surface 2 in a conveying direction De.

[0044] Thus, the packages 3 supported by the conveying surface 2 are transported in the conveying direction De, from a loading zone 5, where the conveying surface 2 is supplied with packages 3, to a loading zone unloading 6, where the packages 3 are unloaded from the conveyor surface 2.

[0045] In [Fig. 1], a belt conveyor is shown. As illustrated, the conveying surface 2 is then a conveyor belt driven in rotation at its ends, in a direction of rotation Si so as to transport the packages 3 in the conveying direction De. It goes without saying that any other type of conveyor, such as for example a roller conveyor, could be envisaged by those skilled in the art to transport the packages in the conveying direction De.

[0046] The sorting installation I comprises an identification and sorting device 4 configured to identify at least part of the packages 3 transported and to sort the identified packages.

[0047] The identification and sorting device 4 is positioned between the loading area 5 and the unloading area 6, for example above or to the side of the conveyor surface 2.

[0048] The identification and sorting device 4 comprises, in a known manner, an identification unit and a separation unit. The identification unit makes it possible to identify at least a portion of the packages 3 passing near the identification unit during their transport on the conveying surface 2, for example according to their shape and / or their material. The separation unit then moves the identified packages to specific locations according to their type. Thus, only the unsorted packages reach the unloading zone 6 and, for example, fall into a hopper.

[0049] The identification and sorting device 4 may be an identification and sorting arch arranged above the conveying surface 2. Such an arch is known per se from the prior art. Such arches may implement various identification technologies, such as optical identification technologies involving radiation in the near infrared, in the mid-infrared or even in the visible, and various sorting technologies, such as sorting robots. It goes without saying that any other type of identification and sorting device within the reach of a person skilled in the art may be used.

[0050] The sorting installation I also comprises a distribution device 7 located upstream of the identification and sorting device 4, i.e. between the loading zone 5 and the identification and sorting device 4.

[0051] Preferably, the distribution device 7 is located upstream of the identification and sorting device 4, at a sufficient distance so that the packages 3 are stable when they pass near the identification and sorting device 4. The distance between the distribution device 7 and the identification and sorting device 4 depends on the conveying speed. For a conveying speed of 3 m / s, the distance between the distribution device 7 and the identification and sorting device 4 is typically at least 1.5 m, preferably at least 2 m.

[0052] The distribution device 7 comprises a shaft 8 extending along a first axis A substantially perpendicular, preferably perpendicular, to the conveying direction De, as illustrated in [Fig.2],

[0053] The shaft 8 is arranged above the conveying surface 2 in a direction of elevation DT substantially perpendicular, preferably perpendicular, to the conveying surface. The shaft 8 is preferably mounted to move in translation in the direction of elevation DT relative to the conveying surface 2. It is thus possible to adjust the distance between the shaft 8 and the conveying surface 2.

[0054] The distribution device 7 also comprises a first plurality of sorting members 9 mounted on the shaft 8 and extending radially projecting from the shaft 8.

[0055] The sorting members 9 of the first plurality are spaced apart from each other along the first axis A. They are arranged above the conveying surface 2.

[0056] The sorting members 9 of the first plurality have for example a general discoidal shape, for example a disc shape. The sorting members 9 of the first plurality will be detailed more precisely later in connection with [Fig. 3],

[0057] The distance between the sorting members 9 of the first plurality and the conveying surface 2 is adjustable by moving the shaft 8 in the elevation direction DT. Preferably, the distance between the end of the sorting members 9 of the first plurality closest to the conveying surface and the conveying surface 2 is between 5 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm. According to one embodiment, the distance between the end of the sorting members 9 of the first plurality closest to the conveying surface and the conveying surface 2 is adjusted according to the packages to be sorted.

[0058] The shaft 8 is mounted to be movable in rotation relative to the conveyor along the first axis A. The direction of rotation S2 of the shaft 8 is such that the sorting members 9 of the first plurality drive the packages 3 in the conveying direction De. Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], in the case of a belt conveyor whose conveyor belt is driven in rotation in a direction of rotation Si, the direction of rotation S2 of the shaft 8 is opposite to the direction of rotation of the conveyor belt Si.

[0059] The rotational speed of the shaft 8 is adjustable. According to one embodiment, the rotational speed of the shaft 8 is between 10 and 100 revolutions per minute, preferably between 20 and 90 revolutions per minute, more preferably between 30 and 80 revolutions per minute, advantageously between 40 and 70 revolutions per minute, for example between 40 and 60 revolutions per minute. The distribution device 7 is designed to operate with a conveying surface transporting the packages at a conveying speed usual for packaging conveyors, such as for example a conveying speed between 0.5 and 5 meters per second, preferably between 1 and 4 meters per second.

[0060] As shown in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], when the packages 3 transported on the conveying surface 2 encounter the distribution device 7, they pass between the sorting members 9 of the first plurality, which causes them to be distributed on the conveying surface. Thus, a parameter representative of the surface density of packages is reduced. The parameter representative of the surface density of packages may, for example, correspond to the surface density of packages as defined previously or to a coverage rate.

[0061] The coverage rate is defined as the ratio between the surface area of ​​a measurement zone occupied by the packages 3 and the total surface area of ​​the measurement zone. According to one embodiment, the parameter representing the surface density of packages is reduced after the passage of the packages 3 between the sorting members 9 of the first plurality of the distribution device 7. The entangled packages are also separated under the effect of the sorting members 9 of the first plurality.

[0062] As schematically illustrated in [Fig. 2], the packages, in this case bottles and / or containers, are aligned with the conveying direction De. According to one embodiment, the proportion of bottles and / or containers aligned with the conveying direction De increases after the bottles and / or containers have passed between the sorting members 9 of the first plurality of the distribution device 7.

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the distribution device 7 preferably comprises a second plurality of sorting members 10 extending radially projecting from the shaft 8, between the sorting members 9 of the first plurality. The second plurality of sorting members will be detailed more precisely later in connection with [Fig. 3].

[0064] The sorting installation I also advantageously comprises guide means 11 located on either side of the conveying surface 2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction De, upstream of the distribution device 7 in the conveying direction De.

[0065] These guide means 11 are configured to guide the packages 3 towards the first plurality of sorting members 9 of the distribution device 7. They thus make it possible to prevent packages from becoming blocked between the sorting members of the first plurality located at the ends of the shaft 8 and the edge of the conveying surface 2. These guide means 11 may take the form of metal flaps on either side of the conveying surface. These guide means 11 arranged upstream of the distribution device 7 may extend to the height of the distribution device 7 to accompany the packages located at the edge of the conveying surface 2.

[0066] [Fig. 3] illustrates the structure of the distribution device 7 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0067] In the illustrated example, the sorting members 9 of the first plurality are distributed equidistantly along the first axis A. Thus, two adjacent sorting members of the first plurality of sorting members 9 are separated by the same distance E2. This distance is determined according to the packages that are to be sorted. Alternatively, the distance between two adjacent sorting members is variable.

[0068] In one embodiment, the distance E2 between two adjacent sorting members of the first plurality is between 50 and 300mm, preferably between 75 and 200mm, more preferably between 100 and 175mm, for example between 140 and 150mm. This embodiment makes it possible to pass, between two adjacent sorting members of the first plurality, bottles and / or containers with a capacity of between 1 and 10L, typically between 1 and 5L.

[0069] As illustrated, all the sorting members 9 of the first plurality have the same shape, a general discoidal shape, for example a disc shape. The sorting members 9 of the first plurality have the same radius R1. The radius R1 of the sorting members 9 of the first plurality is preferably between 200 and 400mm, preferably between 220 and 350mm, more preferably between 250 and 300mm, for example between 270 and 290mm.

[0070] As also illustrated, the sorting members 10 of the second plurality have for example the same shape, a general discoidal shape, for example a disc shape. The sorting members 10 of the second plurality all have the same radius R2. The radius R2 of the sorting members 10 of the second plurality is less than the radius R1 of the sorting members 9 of the first plurality. Thus, the packages can pass between two sorting members 9 of the first plurality in the opening whose dimension in the elevation direction DT is defined as a function of the radii R1 and R2. The radius R2 of the sorting members 10 of the second plurality is preferably between 50 and 200mm, between 100 and 160mm or between 120 and 140mm. According to one embodiment, the radius of the shaft 8 is between 20 and 50mm or between 20 and 40mm.

[0071] Preferably, all the sorting members 9 of the first plurality have the same thickness E1 along the first axis A. The thickness E1 of the sorting members 9 of the first plurality is preferably between 10 and 200 mm, between 50 and 100 mm, or between 70 and 90. According to an alternative embodiment, the thickness of the two sorting members 9 of the first plurality located at the ends of the shaft 8 differs from that of the other sorting members 9 of the first plurality. This latter embodiment makes it possible to adapt the distribution device 7 to the dimensions of the conveying surface 2 in a direction parallel to the first axis A.

[0072] For example, all the sorting members 10 of the second plurality have the same thickness. Preferably, the sorting members 10 of the second plurality are contiguous to the sorting members 9 of the first plurality. When the sorting members 10 of the second plurality are contiguous to the sorting members 9 of the first plurality, the thickness of the sorting members 10 of the second plurality corresponds to the distance E2.

[0073] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the sorting members located at the ends of the shaft 8 are sorting members 9 of the first plurality. Alternatively, the sorting members located at the ends of the shaft 8 could be sorting members 10 of the second plurality.

[0074] According to one embodiment, each sorting member 9, 10 of the first plurality and the second plurality is made of fibers. The fibers are assembled in the shaft 8 and extend radially from the shaft.

[0075] The thickness E1, E2 of each sorting member 9, 10 along the first axis A makes it possible to mount several rows of fibers along the first axis A. According to one embodiment, the fibers are assembled on the shaft in a staggered or aligned manner. According to one embodiment, the diameter of the fibers is between 0.5 and 5 mm or between 1 and 2 mm. According to one embodiment, the diameter of the fibers constituting the sorting members 9 of the first plurality differs from that of the fibers constituting the sorting members 10 of the second plurality. According to one embodiment, the fibers constituting the sorting members 9 of the first plurality have a diameter greater than the fibers constituting the sorting members 10 of the second plurality. For example, the fibers constituting the sorting members 9 of the first plurality have a diameter of 2 mm and the fibers constituting the sorting members 10 of the second plurality have a diameter of 1 mm.

[0076] The fibers may be made of plastic, for example polyester, or metal. Preferably, each fiber is elastically deformable. By "elastically deformable" is meant that the fiber deforms when an external force is applied to it, in particular when a bottle and / or a container is passed through it, and that the fiber returns to its initial shape and size when this force is no longer exerted, in particular after the bottle and / or container has passed through it, up to a predetermined threshold of the value of this force.

[0077] As illustrated in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], the sorting installation I may comprise a measuring device 12 upstream of the distribution device 7 configured to determine a parameter representative of the surface density of packages 3 upstream of the distribution device 7 or to detect the accumulation of packages 3 upstream of the distribution device 7. The determination of said parameter representative of the surface density of packages 3 may be carried out by image analysis in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The detection of the accumulation of packages 3 may be carried out by detecting the height of the packages 3 upstream of the distribution device 7, for example by means of an optical cell mounted at a predetermined distance from the conveying surface 2 in the elevation direction DT.

[0078] The sorting installation I may also comprise a control device 13 configured to control the movement of the shaft 8 in the elevation direction DT according to the information transmitted by the measuring device 12. Thus, if the measuring device 12 detects an accumulation of packages 3 or a parameter representative of the surface density of packages 3 that is significant, the control device 13 moves the shaft so as to increase the distance between the sorting members 9 of the first plurality and the conveying surface 2. Jams and the stopping of the sorting installation I can thus be avoided.

[0079] [Fig. 4] represents a flowchart of a sorting method according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0080] In step 101, the rotational speed of the shaft 8 is adjusted. According to one embodiment, the rotational speed of the shaft 8 is between 10 and 100 revolutions per minute, between 20 and 90 revolutions per minute, between 30 and 80 revolutions per minute, between 40 and 70 revolutions per minute, or between 40 and 60 revolutions per minute.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the rotation speed of the shaft 8 is adjusted according to the packages 3 to be sorted. According to one embodiment, in the absence of adjustment, the rotation speed of the shaft 8 is set to a default value. During step 101, the distance between the sorting members 9 of the first plurality and the conveying surface 2 can also be adjusted.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the distance between the end of the sorting members 9 of the first plurality closest to the conveying surface and the conveying surface 2 is between 5 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm. As indicated previously, the distance between the sorting members 9 of the first plurality and the conveying surface 2 may for example differ depending on the packages 3 to be sorted.

[0083] According to one embodiment, in the absence of adjustment, the distance between the sorting members 9 of the first plurality and the conveying surface 2 is set to a default value. During step 101, the conveying speed at which the conveyor 1 transports the packages 3 can also be adjusted. According to one embodiment, the conveying speed is between 0.5 and 5 meters per second or between 1 and 4 meters per second.

[0084] According to one embodiment, in the absence of adjustment, the conveying speed is set to a default value.

[0085] In step 102, packages 3 are loaded onto the conveying surface 2. They are transported by the conveyor 1 onto the conveying surface 2 in the conveying direction De.

[0086] In step 103, optional, a measuring device 12 determines a parameter representative of the surface density of packages 3 upstream of the distribution device 7 and / or detects an accumulation of packages 3 upstream of the distribution device. The measuring device 12 transmits this information to a control device 13.

[0087] In step 104, optional, the control device 13 moves the shaft 8 in the elevation direction DT as a function of the parameter representative of the surface density of packages 3 and / or the detection of accumulation of packages 3 upstream of the distribution device 7 transmitted by the measuring device 12 in step 103.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control device 13 moves the shaft 8 if the measuring device 12 measures a parameter representative of the surface density of packages 3 greater than a target value. According to one embodiment, the control device 13 moves the shaft 8 if the measuring device 12 detects an accumulation of packages 3.

[0089] In step 105, the packages 3, transported on the conveying surface 2, pass between the sorting members 9 of the first plurality and are distributed on the conveying surface 2.

[0090] In step 106, after passing through the distribution device 7, at least some of the packages 3 are identified by the identification and sorting device 4, then, in step 107, the identified packages 3 are sorted and separated.

[0091] Steps 102 to 107 are then repeated in a loop.

[0092] EXAMPLES

[0093] Examples of distribution of polyethylene terephthalate bottles and / or containers

[0094] Packaging: - bottles and / or containers made of polyethylene terephthalate, - loading of 30 bottles per m 2 .

[0095] Settings: - positioning of the distribution device between 0 and 30mm from the conveying surface, - shaft rotation speed between 20 and 70 rpm, - diameter of the first plurality of sorting organs: 560mm, - diameter of the second plurality of sorting organs: 260mm, - conveyor surface movement speed: 3 m / s.

[0096] To measure the positioning of the distribution device relative to the conveying surface, the smallest distance between the radial end of the sorting members of the first plurality and the conveying surface is measured.

[0097] Results :

[0098] We observe - good dispersion of packaging (no overlap and reduction of more than half of the surface density of packaging) when the distribution device is positioned between 10 and 20 mm from the conveying surface and when the rotation speed of the shaft is between 40 and 70 rpm, - good alignment of the packages (more than 65% of the packages aligned) when the distribution device is positioned between 10 and 25mm from the conveying surface and when the shaft rotation speed is between 40 and 60 rpm, - systematic stuffing if the direction of rotation of the shaft is identical to the conveying direction, - rotation of the bottles above 60 rpm.

[0099] Examples of distribution of bottles and / or containers in high density polyethylene or polypropylene

[0100] Packaging: - bottles and / or containers made of high-density polyethylene or polypropylene, - loading of 30 bottles per m 2 .

[0101] Settings: - positioning of the distribution device between 0 and 30mm from the conveying surface, - shaft rotation speed between 20 and 70 rpm, - diameter of the first plurality of sorting organs: 560mm, - diameter of the second plurality of sorting organs: 260mm, - conveyor surface movement speed: 3 m / s.

[0102] Results :

[0103] We observe: - good dispersion of packaging (no overlap and reduction of more than half the number of packages per m 2 ) when the distribution device is positioned between 5 and 20 mm from the conveying surface and when the shaft rotation speed is between 40 and 70 rpm, - good alignment of the packages (more than 65% of the packages aligned) when the distribution device is positioned between 5 and 25mm from the conveying surface and when the shaft rotation speed is between 40 and 60 rpm, - systematic stuffing if the direction of rotation of the shaft is identical to the conveying direction, - reduced rotation of the bottles when the distribution device is positioned close to the conveying surface.

Claims

Claims

1. Installation for sorting packaging (I), in particular bottles and / or containers, comprising: - a conveyor (1) comprising a conveying surface (2) configured to support the packages (3); and - an identification and sorting device (4) configured to identify at least a portion of the packages (3) and to sort the identified packages (3); the conveyor (1) being configured to transport the packages (3) in a conveying direction (De) from a loading area (5) of the conveying surface (2) to the identification and sorting device (4); characterized in that the installation (I) further comprises a distribution device (7) located between the loading area (5) and the identification and sorting device (4), the distribution device (7) comprising: - a shaft (8) extending along a first axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction (De); and - a first plurality of sorting members (9) mounted on the shaft (8) and extending radially projecting from the shaft (8); the sorting members (9) being spaced apart from each other along the first axis (A) and arranged above the conveying surface (2); and the shaft (8) being mounted to be able to rotate relative to the conveyor (1) along the first axis (A) in a first direction of rotation (S2) so that the sorting members (9) are able to drive the packages (3) in the conveying direction (De).

2. Packaging sorting installation (I) according to claim 1, further comprising a measuring device (12) configured to determine a parameter representative of the surface density of packaging (3) upstream of the distribution device (7) and / or to detect an accumulation of packaging (3) upstream of the distribution device (7), and a control device (13) configured to control the movement of the shaft (8) in an elevation direction (DT) substantially perpendicular to the conveying surface (2) as a function of the parameter representative of the surface density of packaging (3) and / or of the detected accumulation.

3. Packaging sorting installation (I) according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the shaft (8) is mounted to move in translation relative to the conveyor (1) in the elevation direction (DT).

4. Packaging sorting installation (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second plurality of sorting members (10), each of said sorting members (10) of the second plurality extending radially projecting from the shaft, the sorting members (10) of the second plurality being located between the sorting members (9) of the first plurality along the first axis (A).

5. Packaging sorting installation (I) according to claim 4, in which the largest radial dimension (R1) of the sorting members of the first plurality (9) is greater than the largest radial dimension (R2) of the sorting members (10) of the second plurality.

6. Packaging sorting installation (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which each sorting member (10) of the first plurality comprises a plurality of fibers, each fiber extending radially projecting from the shaft (8).

7. Packaging sorting installation (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conveyor (1) is configured to transport the packages (3) at a conveying speed of between 0.5 and 5 meters per second, preferably between 1 and 4 meters per second; and wherein the rotation speed of the shaft (8) is between 10 and 100 revolutions per minute, preferably between 20 and 90 revolutions per minute, more preferably between 30 and 80 revolutions per minute, advantageously between 40 and 70 revolutions per minute, for example between 40 and 60 revolutions per minute.

8. Packaging sorting installation (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising guide means (11) upstream of the distribution device (7) in the conveying direction (De), configured to guide the packages (3) towards the first plurality of sorting members (9) of the distribution device (7).

9. Method for sorting packaging (3), in particular bottles and / or flasks, in a sorting installation (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said method comprising the following steps: - a step of loading (102) packages (3) onto the conveying surface (2); - a step of distributing (105) the packages (3) on the conveying surface (2) during the passage of the packages (3) between two adjacent sorting members (9) of the first plurality of sorting members of the distribution device (7); - a step of identifying (106) at least part of the packaging (3); and - a sorting step (107) of the identified packaging.

10. Sorting method according to claim 9, in a sorting installation (I) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, further comprising the following steps: - a step of measuring (103) a parameter representative of the surface density of packaging (3) upstream of the distribution device (7) and / or of detecting an accumulation of packaging (3) upstream of the distribution device (7) by the measuring device (12); and - a step (104) of controlling the movement of the shaft (8) in the elevation direction (DT) by the control device (13), as a function of the parameter representative of the surface density of packaging (3) and / or of the detected accumulation.

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