Sorting system

Abstract

The invention is a sorting system (1) comprising: an operating station (10) comprising a plurality of operating workstations (11) suitable for checking the conformity of a product; a sorting station (30) in which an operation is performed on the products; a feeding station (20) for products, preferably stickpacks, blisters, sachets, or the like. The feeding station comprises a plurality of transport shuttles (21) and a track (22) which extends in a closed loop. The track (22) comprises a loading segment (221) facing the operating station (10), comprising a plurality of loading positions (2210) facing the operating workstations (11), and a collection segment (222) facing the sorting station (30) comprising a plurality of collection positions (2220) facing the collection workstations (31). Each collection device (310) comprises a plurality of product housings (310 ' ) aligned on at least one row (310a, 310b, 310c), wherein each transport shuttle (21) is positionable in the respective collection position (2220) so as to be positioned facing a respective product housing (310 ' ) in which the product housed in the transport tank (210) is collectable.

Description

DESCRIPTION"SORTING SYSTEM"

[0001] The present invention relates to a sorting system suitable for sorting products.

[0002] Specifically, the technical field to which the present invention pertains is that of the packaging industry for products in the pharmaceutical and / or food and / or beauty sectors.

[0003] In particular the term "products" refers to stickpacks, blisters, sachets, or similar products, for example containing drugs or foods or products, which by means of suitable systems are first produced and then inserted into special cases or boxes.

[0004] In the present discussion, the term "sorting" signifies a sorted collection of products. Subsequently to said "sorting" operation, there follows a packaging operation: the packaging operation is preferably carried out directly after the sorting operation, i.e., the sorted collected products are subjected to packaging operations; the packaging is preferably carried out indirectly, i.e., the sorted collected products are subjected to one or more operations that move them to another location where the packaging is carried out.

[0005] The known systems are suitable for operating and handling large quantities of products at high speeds , in the order of hundreds of products per minute .

[0006] Said systems have specific operating stations suitable for carrying out specific operations . Such stations include stations suitable for carrying out packaging operations , i . e . , operations for repositioning products within special cases . In particular, a plurality of products is repositioned within the same case .

[0007] In the prior art , solutions are known for packaging systems comprising specific packaging stations that are suitable for repositioning a plurality of products within the same case .

[0008] Such packaging operations are more complex the higher the speed at which they are carried out and the greater the number of products to be inserted into the same case . A further problem is also related to the shape of the products , stickpacks , blisters , sachets , or the like, which have portions that by interfering with each other make the movements thereof even more complex .

[0009] In the prior art , multiple embodiments of packaging systems are known that are designed to manipulate and carry out packaging operations on a large number of products .

[0010] The object of the present invention is to propose a sorting system that meets all of the needs of the technical sector, effectively solving all of the aforesaid problems . In other words , the object of the present invention is to provide a sorting system suitable for successfully managing the direct or indirect operations of packaging a plurality of products within the same case in providing for appropriate sorting upstream of the same .

[0011] Such object is achieved by a system according to claim 1 . Those claims that are dependent thereupon request protection for further features and entail further technical benefits .

[0012] In addition, further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description provided below of the preferred embodiments thereof given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying figures , in which :

[0013] - Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the sorting system comprising an operating station, a feeding station and a sorting station, according to the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment ;

[0014] - Figures 2 ' and 2" are two perspective views of a feeding station and a sorting station in accordance with the sorting system shown in Figure 1 ;

[0015] - Figures 3a, 3b and 3c are three views , respectively, of three steps for the sorting of products within specific collection devices included within the sorting station in Figure 1 ;

[0016] - Figure 4 shows a view of a step for the unloading of the sorted products ;

[0017] - Figure 5 shows a collection device comprising device positioning means according to one preferred embodiment .

[0018] With reference to the accompanying figures , a sorting system according to the present invention is indicated in the entirety thereof with the numeral 1 .

[0019] Consistently with the object of the present invention, the sorting system 1 is suitable for carrying out specific operations on products and in particular it is suitable for carrying out sorting operations , i . e . the sorted collection of products .

[0020] According to one preferred embodiment , the sorting system 1 is suitable for operating with products in the form of a stickpack .

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment , the sorting system 1 is suitable for operating with products in the form of blisters .

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment , the sorting system 1 is suitable for operating with products in the form of sachets .

[0023] According to the present invention, the sorting system 1 comprises an operating station 10 that is suitable for carrying out specific operations on products .

[0024] The operating station 10 is preferably suitable for carrying out a product control operation .

[0025] During said product control operation, preferably, the conformity of each product is checked : for example by checking the features of the product , such as the weight , or aesthetic features , or the presence of labels . Compliance with certain preset parameters identifies the product as conforming, while non- compliance with certain parameters identifies the product as non-conforming . Conforming products are therefore to be placed inside a case, while non-conforming products are to be discarded .

[0026] According to one preferred embodiment , the operating station 10 comprises a plurality of operating workstations 11 wherein operations are carried out on respective products in parallel .

[0027] Preferably each operating workstation 11 comprises a sensor suitable for checking the weight of each product .

[0028] Each operating workstation 11 preferably comprises a sensor suitable for checking the aesthetic conformity of each product .

[0029] Each operating workstation 11 preferably comprises a sensor suitable for checking for the presence of labels or recognition elements on each product .

[0030] Preferably, said operating workstations 11 are positioned parallel therebetween . For example, according to one preferred embodiment , the operating workstations all extend parallel to an operating axis X-X .

[0031] According to the present invention, the sorting system 1 comprises a sorting station 30 that is suitable for sorting products . In other words , the sorting station 30 is suitable for carrying out the sorted collection of products in order to subsequently allow direct or indirect ( following further movements ) packaging operations to be performed .

[0032] According to the present invention, the sorting system 1 comprises a feeding station 20 positioned between the operating station 10 and the sorting station 30 . In particular, by means of the feeding station 20 ,products are moved from the operating station 10 to the sorting station 30 .

[0033] Furthermore, the sorting system 1 comprises a sorting station 30 comprising a plurality of collection workstations 31 , wherein the products are collected in a sorted manner .

[0034] The collection workstations 31 are preferably mutually parallel therebetween, preferably with respect to an operating axis Y-Y .

[0035] Hereinafter, said sorting station 30 will be fully described .

[0036] The feeding station 20 , according to the present invention, comprises :- a plurality of transport shuttles 21 ;- a track 22 extending in a closed loop whereupon the transport shuttles 21 are moved .

[0037] Said track 22 comprises a loading segment 221 positioned facing the operating station 10 , comprising a plurality of loading positions 2210 facing the operating workstations 11 .

[0038] Furthermore, said track 22 comprises a collection segment 222 positioned facing the sorting station 30 comprising a plurality of collection positions 2220 facing the collection workstations 31 .

[0039] In other words , the loading segment 221 and the collection segment 222 are a function of the characteristics of the operating station 10 and the sorting station 30 .

[0040] Preferably, in fact , each transport shuttle 21 is controllable in movement so as to be positioned, as needed, within the loading segment 221 and / or within the collection segment 222 .

[0041] In particular, a transport shuttle 21 may be moved into a respective loading position 2210 , facing an operating workstation 11 wherein an operation, for example verification, is carried out on a product . Once the transport shuttle 21 is moved into said loading position 2210 the product preferably is loaded onto the respective transport shuttle .

[0042] According to one preferred embodiment , the transport shuttles 21 are positionable in the respective loading positions 2210 thereof corresponding only to those operating workstations 11 wherein the operation is concluded or has a positive result : in the embodiment , wherein the operating station 10 performs conformity verification operations , the transport shuttles 21 only move conforming products , while non-conforming products are discarded . Said conforming products are moved, by means of the feeding station 20 , towards the sortingstation 30 . For example, failure to position a transport shuttle 21 in front of an operating workstation 11 will result in discarding the non-conforming product which is discarded into a collection hopper included within the operating station 10 positioned between the operating workstations 11 and the feeding station 20 .

[0043] According to one preferred embodiment , the feeding station 20 comprises a plurality of transport shuttles 21 in a number at least equal to the number of loading positions 2210 , i . e . , equal to the number of operating workstations 11 .

[0044] In the event that all of the products under verification in the operating station 10 are found to be conforming, the feeding station 20 has transport shuttles 21 ready to accommodate said conforming product s .

[0045] According to one preferred embodiment , the feeding station 20 comprises a plurality of transport shuttles 21 in a number at least equal to the sum of the number of loading positions 2210 and the number of collection positions 2220 .

[0046] In this way, the number of transport shuttles 21 is such as to allow for simultaneous operation with the operating station 10 and the sorting station 30 .

[0047] According to one preferred embodiment , the track 22 comprises an accumulation segment positionedprior to the loading segment 221 , wherein transport shuttles 21 are housed within said accumulation segment , ready to be moved into the loading segment 221 after being subjected to the operation in the collection segment 222 .

[0048] According to one preferred embodiment , each transport shuttle 21 may be moved into a respective collection position 2220 facing a collection workstation 31 .

[0049] According to the present invention, each collection device 310 comprises a plurality of product housings 310 ' aligned on at least one row 310a, 310b, 310c .

[0050] Each transport shuttle 21 is positionable in the respective collection position 2220 so as to be positioned facing a respective product housing 310 ' in which the product housed in the transport tank 210 may be discharged .

[0051] In other words , according to one preferred embodiment , each transport shuttle 21 is positionable in a relative position wherein it faces a respective product housing 310 ' . At this point , the product is moved from the transport shuttle 21 to the collection device 310 thereby being housed within the respective product housing 310 ' .

[0052] According to one preferred embodiment , the sorting station 30 comprises sorted-collection means 32 suitable for moving the product from a respective transport shuttle 21 to a respective product housing 310 ' .

[0053] Said sorted-collection means 32 preferably comprise a gripping member that is suitable for picking up the product in order to move it into the collection device .

[0054] Preferably, said sorted-collection means 32 comprise a thrust bar 321 that is axially moved to engage the product and discharge it into the product housing 310 ' .

[0055] Preferably, each row 310a, 310b, 310c comprises at least two product housings 310 ' .

[0056] Preferably, each row 310a, 310b, 310c comprises a predefined number of product housings 310 ' , for example, 5 , or 8 or 10 .

[0057] According to one preferred embodiment , each collection device 310 comprises a plurality of parallel rows 310a, 310b, 310c, each comprising a plurality of product housings 310 ' .

[0058] Each collection device 310 preferably comprises at least two rows 310a, 310b, 310c .

[0059] Preferably, each collection device 310 comprises three rows 310a, 310b, 310c .

[0060] According to one preferred embodiment , the sorting station 30 comprises device positioning means 33 operatively connected to the collection devices 310 .

[0061] The device positioning means 33 are preferably configured for positioning, and for positionally controlling, each collection device 310 in a position in which the row 310a, 310b, 310c is positioned in front of the collection segment 222 .

[0062] Preferably, the device positioning means 33 are suitable for moving the collection devices 310 in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the rows 310a, 310b, 310c .

[0063] For example, in a preferred embodiment , in which the rows 310a, 310b, 310c are arranged in a substantially horizontal manner, i . e . parallel to a ground plane, the device positioning means 33 are suitable for moving each device in a substantially vertical direction .

[0064] For example, in a preferred embodiment , in which the rows 310a, 310b, 310c are arranged substantially vertically, i . e . , orthogonally to a ground plane, the device positioning means 33 are suitable formoving each device in a substantially horizontal direction .

[0065] According to one preferred embodiment , for each collection device 310 , the device positioning means 33 comprise a pneumatic member 330 .

[0066] According to one preferred embodiment , each row 310a, 310b, 310c has a passage slot 311 extending through all of the product housings 310 ' .

[0067] According to one preferred embodiment , two adjacent product housings 310 ' are separated by separator elements 312 ' , 312" positioned at the two opposite sides of said passage slot 311 .

[0068] According to one preferred embodiment , the sorting station 30 comprises unloading means 35 suitable for carrying out the operation of unloading the sorted products housed in the collection device 310 in a collection drawer 38 or a case .

[0069] The unloading means 35 preferably comprise an elongated member 351 movable through the passage slot 311 to engage the sorted-collected products inside the product housings 310 ' and perform the unloading operation .

[0070] Preferably, the unloading means 35 comprise a plurality of elongated members 351 each movable through the passage slot 311 .

[0071] Preferably, said elongated members 351 are moved in translation within the passage slots 311 .

[0072] According to one preferred embodiment , the sorting station 30 comprises a collection drawer 38 at each collection device 310 . By means of unloading means 35 , all products collected in a sorted manner within a collection device 310 are unloaded inside said collection drawer 38 . The collection drawer 38 is then moved to a specific position wherein, by suitable means , the products stored therein are subjected to the final packaging operation, in a respective case .

[0073] According to one embodiment variant , instead of performing a step inside a collection drawer 38 , all of the products collected in a sorted manner within a collection device 310 are unloaded, by means of the unloading means 35 , directly into a respective case .

[0074] According to one preferred embodiment , the position and spacing of the loading positions 2210 on the track depends upon the operating station 10 .

[0075] According to one preferred embodiment , the position and spacing of the collection positions 2220 on the track are a function of the sorting station 30 , and in particular of the collection devices 310 , and in particular of the position of the product housings 310 ' belonging to a row 310a, 310b, 310c .

[0076] According to one preferred embodiment the track 22 lies on an imaginary plane I and the loading segment 221 and the collection segment 222 lie on the same imaginary plane I .

[0077] The imaginary plane I is preferably parallel to a ground plane . The feeding station 20 has a preferably horizontal extension .

[0078] Preferably, the imaginary plane I is inclined or transverse to a ground plane . The feeding station 20 preferably has an inclined or even vertical extension .

[0079] According to one preferred embodiment , the loading segment 221 lies on a first imaginary plane and the collection segment 222 lies on a second imaginary plane .

[0080] According to such embodiment , the track 22 comprises connection segments between the loading segment 221 and the collection segment 222 that are suitable for joining them .

[0081] According to one preferred embodiment , as a function of the type or position of the operating station 10 and the sorting station 30 , the shape or path of the track 22 may be set according to needs or the spacings .

[0082] According to the present invention, each transport shuttle 21 comprises a transport tank 210 and movement means 215 .

[0083] According to one preferred embodiment , each transport tank 210 is shaped to house product s as a function of the shape and type of the products themselves .

[0084] Preferably, each transport tank 210 is shaped to house the products in an inclined or orthogonal position with respect to the track 22 .

[0085] For example, in a preferred embodiment , each transport tank 210 is suitable for receiving products in a horizontal position and to tilt them to bring them to a vertical position .

[0086] For example, in a preferred embodiment , the operating station 10 is suitable for moving conforming products to a vertical position in order to position them on the respective transport tank 210 .

[0087] The collection devices 310 are preferably shaped according to the position of the products on the transport shuttles 21 . In other words , if the product is positioned so as to be vertical on the transport shuttle 21 , the product housings 310 ' are positioned similarly on the collection device 310 .

[0088] According to one preferred embodiment , each transport shuttle 21 is controllable in movement independently of the others , in such a way as to controlthe number of shuttles and the positioning thereof as neede .

[0089] According to one preferred embodiment , the transport shuttles 21 and the track 22 are operatively connected by means of a magnetic connection .

[0090] Preferably, the transport shuttles 21 , in the movement means 215 thereof, and the track 22 comprise magnetically active and / or passive sensitive members .

[0091] According to one preferred embodiment , the track 22 comprises magnetically active sensitive members , suitable for creating a proper magnetic field .

[0092] In other words , the track 22 comprises a plurality of magnetically active sensitive members mutually aligned along the entire closed loop of the track 22 .

[0093] The movement means 215 of each transport shuttle 21 preferably comprise magnetically passive sensitive members , for example ferromagnetic members , suitable for undergoing the action of the magnetic field created by the magnetically active sensitive members .

[0094] According to one preferred embodiment , the activation and deactivation of the magnetically active sensitive members of the track 22 involves the creation of respective magnetic fields that are suitable for influencing the magnetically passive sensitive members ofeach transport shuttle 21 by moving it and controlling it to in any desired position .

[0095] According to one preferred embodiment , the track 22 comprises magnetically passive sensitive members , while each transport shuttle 21 comprises magnetically active sensitive members .

[0096] According to one preferred embodiment , the sorting system 1 comprises a control unit 50 operatively connected to said magnetically active sensitive members suitable for controlling the switching on and / or off of said elements in order to carry out a movement of the transport shuttles 21 .

[0097] According to one preferred embodiment , said control unit 50 is operatively connected to the operating station 10 so as to receive a conforming product signal and to control a respective transport shuttle 21 in movement / positioning in a loading position 2210 within the loading segment 221 .

[0098] According to one preferred embodiment , said control unit 50 is operatively connected to the sorting station 30 to receive a signal to control a respective transport shuttle 21 in a respective collection position 2220 in the collection segment 222 .

[0099] According to one preferred embodiment , the control unit 50 is configurable, by means of programmingas a function of the features and dimensions of the operating station 10 and of the sorting station 30 .[000100] According to one preferred embodiment , the control unit 50 is configurable, by means of programming, as a function of the features , positioning and dimensions of the track 22 .[000101] According to one preferred embodiment , the control unit 50 is configurable, by means of programming, as a function of the features of the product .[000102 ] Specifically, by means of the control unit 50 , by adjusting the production of the magnetic field produced by the magnetically active elements , in addition to the speed of movement of each thereof , the parking positions of the respective shuttles are controllable .[000103] According to one preferred embodiment , the control unit 50 is a control unit housed inside the sorting system 1 , preferably inside the feeding station 20 .[000104 ] According to one preferred embodiment , the control unit 50 is a control unit housed externally to the sorting system 1 , i . e . , externally to the feeding station 20 , and externally to the operating station 10 and / or the sorting station 30 . For example, the control unit 50 is located remotely .[000105] According to one preferred embodiment , the control unit 50 also controls the movements of the various movable components described that form part of the sorting station 30 .[000106] Innovatively, the sorting system fully fulfills the intended object in overcoming the typical problems of the prior art .[000107 ] Advantageously, the sorting operations of the products are carried out in a simple and controlled manner .[000108] Advantageously, the sorting operations are carried out on a plurality of products which are then collected in a certain and correct manner in order to be subsequently moved towards the packaging or to be subjected to packaging .[000109] Advantageously, the sorting system is suitable for simplifying packaging operations that require many products to be inserted, even in the order of ten or several tens , inside the same case .[000110] Advantageously, the sorting system performs the collection of products in an extremely efficient and fast manner, in order to then carry out the unloading of said products inside a case .[000111] Advantageously, the sorting system is suitable for carrying out the operations of collecting the products by means of a translational action .[000112 ] Advantageously, the sorting system is suitable for carrying out the operations of unloading the products into a drawer or directly into a case, by means of a translational action .[000113] Advantageously, the sorting station is extremely flexible . [000114 ] It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the invention described above in order to meet contingent needs , which changes all fall within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims .

Claims

Claims1. A sorting system (1) for sorting products, preferably a stickpack, blister, sachet, or the like, comprising : i) an operating station (10) , preferably comprising a plurality of operating workstations (11) , suitable for performing an operation on a product, preferably a control operation; ii) a sorting station (30) , comprising a plurality of collection workstations (31) each comprising a collection device (310) ; iii) a feeding station (20) comprising:- a plurality of transport shuttles (21) , wherein each transport shuttle (21) comprises a transport tank (210) and movement means (215) ;- a track (22) extending in a closed loop, comprising a loading segment (221) , facing the operating station (10) , comprising a plurality of loading positions (2210) facing the operating workstations (11) , and a collection segment (222) , facing the sorting station (30) , comprising a plurality of collection positions (2220) facing the collection workstations (31) ; wherein each transport shuttle (21) is operatively connected to the track (22) by the movement means (215) , being movable to a respective collection position (2220)facing a product collection workstation (31) ; wherein each collection device (310) comprises a plurality of product housings (310' ) aligned on at least one row (310a, 310b, 310c) , wherein each transport shuttle (21) is positionable in the respective collection position (2220) so as to be positioned facing a respective product housing (310' ) in which the product housed in the transport tank (210) is collectable.

2. Sorting system (1) according to claim 1, wherein each collection device (310) comprises a plurality of parallel rows (310a, 310b, 310c) , each comprising a plurality of product housings (310' ) .

3. Sorting system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the sorting station (30) comprises device positioning means (33) operatively connected to the collection devices (310) , for positioning each collection device (310) in a collection position in which the row (310a, 310b, 310c) is positioned in front of the collection segment (222) .

4. Sorting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each row (310a, 310b, 310c) has a passage slot (311) extending through all the product housings (310' ) .

5. Sorting system (1) according to claim 4, wherein two adjacent product housings (310' ) are separated by separator elements (312', 312") positioned at the twoopposite sides of said passage slot (311) .

6. Sorting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sorting station (30) comprises unloading means (35) suitable for carrying out the operation of unloading the sorted products housed in the collection device (310) in a collection drawer (38) or a case.

7. Sorting system (1) according to claim 6 in conjunction with claim 4, wherein the unloading means (35) comprise an elongated member (351) movable through the passage slot (311) to engage the sorted collected products inside the product housings (310' ) and perform the sorting action.

8. Sorting system (1) according to claim 7 in conjunction with claim 2, wherein the unloading means (35) comprise a plurality of elongated members (351) each movable through the passage slot (311) .

9. Sorting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sorting station (30) comprises sorted-collection means (32) suitable for moving the product from a respective transport shuttle (21) to a respective product housing (310' ) .

10. Sorting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each transport tank (210) is shaped to house the products in a position parallel tothe track (22) or orthogonal to the track (22) , and the product housings (310' ) are shaped and positioned similarly to the products in the transport tank (210) .

11. Sorting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each transport shuttle (21) is controllable in movement independently of the others.

12. Sorting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport shuttles (21) and the track (22) comprise magnetically active and / or passive sensitive members.

13. Sorting system (1) according to claim 12, wherein the track (22) comprises magnetically active sensitive members suitable for creating an appropriate magnetic field, and the movement means (215) of each transport shuttle (21) comprise magnetically passive sensitive members, for example ferromagnetic members, suitable for undergoing the action of the magnetic field created by the magnetically active sensitive members.

14. Sorting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the track (22) lies on an imaginary plane (I) , and the loading segment (221) and the collection segment (222) lie on the same imaginary plane (I) .

15. Sorting system (1) according to claim 14, wherein the imaginary plane (I) is parallel to a ground plane, or the imaginary plane (I) is inclined or transverse to aground plane .

16. Sorting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the loading segment (221) lies on a first imaginary plane and the collection segment (222) lies on a second imaginary plane.

17. Sorting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating station (10) comprises, for each operating workstation (11) , a sensor suitable for checking the weight of each product or a sensor suitable for checking the aesthetic conformity of each product, or a sensor suitable for checking for the presence of labels or recognition elements on each product, and sends the conforming products to the feeding station (20) in the transport shuttles (21) placed in the corresponding transport tank (210) , while discarding the non-conforming products.

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