Plant with feeding station

Abstract

The invention is a plant (1) comprising a storage station (2), in which products (900) are stored, preferably tubular die-cut items, an operating station (7) suitable for performing an operation on said products, and a feeding station (3). The feeding station (3) comprises a base surface (4) and at least one shuttle (5). The base surface (4) extends with respect to an imaginary plane (I) that is substantially horizontal, on which a longitudinal axis (X-X) and a transverse axis (Y-Y) lie, both orthogonal to a vertical axis (V-V); moreover, the base surface (4) comprises a loading region (41) facing the storage station (2) and an unloading region (42), longitudinally spaced apart from the loading region (41), facing the operating station (7). The transport shuttle (5) comprises a housing tray (50) extending parallel to the base surface (4), i.e., substantially horizontally, and is suitable for containing a pack of products (900); furthermore, the transport shuttle (5) comprises movement means (55) and lifting means (59) of the housing tray (50). Said movement means (55) and the base surface (4) comprise magnetically sensitive elements, respectively passive and active, or vice versa, configured to move each transport shuttle (5) from the loading region (41) to the unloading region (42) and vice versa, wherein the lifting means (59) are configured to move the housing tray (50) vertically as a function of the relative position of the shuttle (5) on the surface (4).

Description

DESCRIPTION" PLANT WITH FEEDING STATION"

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant suitable for performing specific operations on products.

[0002] In particular, by "products" it is meant substantially planar products, for example having a substantially planar development, or for example because they are folded on themselves so as to be substantially planar. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, "product" refers to a die-cut item or a "tubular" die-cut item folded onto itself in a planar manner. Said tubular die-cut item is a die-cut item folded in such a way as to subsequently undergo volume-setting operations into the form of a case or a box, to be filled thereafter.

[0003] Known plants are suitable for operating and handling high quantities of products at high speeds, even in the order of hundreds of products per minute.

[0004] Said plants comprise specific operating stations suitable for performing specific operations.

[0005] Among said stations there is the storage station in which the products are stored and collected in groups, preferably in packs.

[0006] Furthermore, among said stations there is the operating station suitable for performing specific operations on a product or on a pack of products, for example picking andhandling operations.

[0007] In the state of the art, the transfer of the products between the storage station and the operating station is often subject to problems, for example jamming and / or product loss. Furthermore, with the increase in the quantity of products and / or with the increase in the speed of product handling, difficulties and problems also increase. Moreover, such difficulties and problems are also greater when the products to be handled are tubular die-cut items.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a plant that effectively solves the aforementioned problems. In other words, the object of the present invention is to provide a plant suitable for effectively managing the transfer of products from the storage station to the operating station by providing a dedicated feeding station.

[0009] Preferably, such a plant is of the case packer type: by "product" it is meant a tubular die-cut item suitable for being volume-setted and expanded and subsequently filled.

[0010] Said object is achieved by a plant in accordance with claim 1. The claims dependent thereon seek protection for further features and entail additional technical advantages.

[0011] In addition, further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description below of its preferred embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a plant according to the present invention, in a first operational configuration;

[0013] - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a plant according to the present invention, in a second operational configuration;

[0014] - Figure 3 is a top view of the feeding station and of the operating station of the plant according to the present invention, in a first embodiment;

[0015] - Figure 3a shows a side view of the feeding station, in a first embodiment;

[0016] - Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of the movements of the shuttles belonging to a plant, in particular to the feeding station, of the present invention, wherein each step is shown from above and from the side.

[0017] With reference to the attached figures, the number 1 denotes a plant in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] Said plant 1 comprises a storage station 2, in which products 900 are stored, and an operating station 7 suitable for performing an operation on said products.

[0019] Said plant 1 further comprises a feeding station 3 connecting the storage station 2 and the operating station 7.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the products 900 are tubular die-cut items. According to a preferred embodiment, the products 900 are tubular die-cut items pressedin such a way as to be planar.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the operating station 7 is suitable for performing specific operations on a product, for example the picking of the tubular die-cut item and the expansion and volume-setting thereof. Or again, preferably, the operating station 7 is suitable for performing specific operations on a product, for example the filling of the case / box obtained from the tubular die-cut item.

[0022] The shapes and features of the storage station 2 do not limit the present invention. Detailed features of the storage station 2 of interest for the present invention are described below.

[0023] The shapes and features of the operating station 7 do not limit the present invention. Detailed features of the operating station 7 of interest for the present invention are described below.

[0024] In accordance with the present invention, the feeding station 3 comprises a base surface 4 and at least one transport shuttle 5 that engages said base surface 4 and moves on it.

[0025] The base surface 4 extends with respect to an imaginary plane I that is substantially horizontal. In other words, the base surface 4 is parallel to a ground support plane of the plant 1 and in particular to the support surface of the feeding station 3.

[0026] On said imaginary plane I lie a longitudinal axis X-X and a transverse axis Y-Y, wherein both said axes are orthogonal to a vertical axis V-V.

[0027] In accordance with the present invention, the base surface 4 comprises a loading region 41 facing the storage station 2 and an unloading region 42 facing the operating station 7.

[0028] The loading region 41 and the unloading region 42 are longitudinally spaced apart from each other.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the base surface 4 comprises a plurality of tiles 400 modularly engageable with one another.

[0030] In accordance with the present invention, the transport shuttle 5 comprises a housing tray 50 suitable for containing a pack of products 900.

[0031] In accordance with the present invention, the transport shuttle 5 comprises movement means 55 suitable for operating with the base surface 4.

[0032] According to the present invention, the movement means 55 and the base surface 4 comprise magnetically sensitive elements, respectively passive and active, or vice versa, configured to move each transport shuttle 5 from the loading region 41 to the unloading region 42 and vice versa.

[0033] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the base surface 4 comprises magnetically active sensitive elements,suitable for creating an appropriate magnetic field, and the movement means 55 of each transport shuttle 5 comprise magnetically passive sensitive elements, for example ferromagnetic elements, suitable for undergoing the action of the magnetic field created by the magnetically active sensitive elements.

[0034] That is to say, the magnetically active sensitive elements are electrically controllable to produce a magnetic field.

[0035] Preferably, the base surface 4 comprises a plurality of magnetically active sensitive elements arranged in a matrix configuration.

[0036] Preferably, each tile 400 comprises a plurality of magnetically active sensitive elements arranged in a matrix configuration.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, each transport shuttle 5 is controllable in movement, on the base surface 4, independently of the others.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the feeding station 3 comprises at least three shuttles 5, and said shuttles are controlled to move so as to always have a shuttle 5 in the unloading region 42.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the magnetically sensitive elements control the transport shuttle 5 in the unloading region 42 in a plurality of unloadingpositions aligned along the longitudinal axis X-X. Preferably, in fact, the transport shuttle 5 in the unloading region 42 is movable forward, that is, towards the operating station 7, when the unloading of products 900 is required.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the transport shuttle 5 engages and moves on the base surface 4 defining a substantially annular trajectory, substantially closed, that is, from the loading region to the loading region.

[0041] In accordance with the present invention, each shuttle 5 comprises lifting means 59 of the housing tray 50 configured to move the housing tray 50 vertically.

[0042] In particular, the lifting means 59 are suitable for moving the housing tray 50 to different heights from the base surface 4.

[0043] In accordance with the present invention, the lifting means 59 operate based on the relative position of the shuttle 5 on the surface 4.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, each transport shuttle 5 comprises movement means 55 comprising two skates 550.

[0045] Preferably, each skate 550 comprises magnetically sensitive elements configured to be controlled to move on the base surface 4.

[0046] In particular, each skate 550 comprises magnetically sensitive elements configured to be controlled to move on thebase surface 4, and in particular by the magnetic fields produced by it.

[0047] Preferably, the two skates 550 are movable independently of one another.

[0048] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the lifting means 59 are configured to move the housing tray 50 to a predefined height as a function of the relative position between the two skates 550.

[0049] Preferably, the lifting means 59 are configured to control the housing tray 50 to a lowered position with the two skates 550 positioned mutually distal from each other. Preferably, the lifting means 59 are configured to control the housing tray 50 to a raised position with the two skates 550 positioned mutually proximal to each other.

[0050] Or in an alternative embodiment, the lifting means 59 are configured to control the housing tray 50 to a lowered position with the two skates 550 positioned mutually proximal to each other. Preferably, the lifting means 59 are configured to control the housing tray 50 to a raised position with the two skates 550 positioned mutually distal from each other.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the two skates 550 are controllable longitudinally, either one proximal to the other or one distal from the other.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the two skates 550 are controllable transversely, either one proximal to theother or one distal from the other.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the lifting means 59 comprise at least two lifting arms 590.

[0054] Preferably, each lifting arm 590 extends from a skate 550 to the tray 50 and the relative position of the skate 550 with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X or the transverse axis Y-Y determines the height of the tray 50.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the base surface 4 comprises an intermediate region 44 longitudinally enclosed between the loading region 41 and the unloading region 42.

[0056] Preferably, the magnetically sensitive elements are configured to control a transport shuttle 5, once the products have been loaded in the loading region 41, to remain parked in said intermediate region 44 while another shuttle 5 is in the unloading region 42 and is subject to unloading operations operating with the operating station 7.

[0057] That is to say, while a shuttle 5 is in the unloading region 42 and is subject to unloading operations by the operating station 7, a second shuttle 5 loaded with products 900 is controlled to remain parked in said intermediate region 44 so as to take place in the unloading region 42 as soon as it is vacated by the previous shuttle 42.

[0058] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the feeding station 3 comprises a control group operativelyconnected to the base surface 4 and to the magnetically active sensitive elements. Preferably, the control group is configured to control the activation of the magnetically active sensitive elements to create an appropriate magnetic field by controlling the shuttles 5 to move.

[0059] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the control group is suitable for controlling the movements and parking states of the shuttles 5.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the control group comprises load detection sensors, suitable for detecting the end of the loading operations of the products 900 in the loading region 41.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the control group comprises unloading detection sensors, suitable for detecting the end of the unloading operations of the products 900 in the unloading region 42.

[0062] Preferably, the control group controls the movement of the shuttles based on what is detected by said sensors.

[0063] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the control group is a dedicated control group operable through a specifically configured and specifically connected electronic device.

[0064] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the housing tray 50 of each shuttle 5 is shaped according to the shape of the products 900.

[0065] Preferably, the housing tray 50 is shaped to house a pack of products 900.

[0066] Preferably, the housing tray 50 comprises a shaped support surface 500 comprising at least one support 501 suitable for contacting the products 900 and at least one space 502 through which the operating station 7 is configured to operate and engage a respective product in an unloading operation.

[0067] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the housing tray 50 is interchangeable and replaceable depending on the dimensions and shapes of the products to be transported.

[0068] In particular, preferably, the operating station 7 comprises at least one picking element and at least one transport element.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, said picking element is an elongated component which, by extending into said space 502, is suitable for engaging at least one product 900 to pick it and thus unload the shuttle 5.

[0070] Preferably, said picking element is a bar or a tie-rod movable longitudinally to come into contact with the product and pick it.

[0071] Preferably, the operating station 7 comprises two picking elements transversely spaced apart.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the transport element is a conveyor belt.

[0073] Preferably, said support surface 500 extends substantially parallel to the base surface 4.

[0074] Preferably, the products 900 are housed in the housing tray 50 in such a way that each product is orthogonal to the housing tray 50 and to the base surface 4.

[0075] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the storage station 2 performs the operations of storing the products 900 on a shuttle 5 in a region distal from the base surface 4 and moves the product-loaded shuttle 5 up to the loading region 41 in which the shuttle 5 engages the base surface 4.

[0076] Preferably, the storage station 2 picks up an empty shuttle 5, i. e., unloaded of products, to bring back to the loading region a shuttle 5 full of products.

[0077] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the products 900 are tubular die-cut items and the storage station 2 is configured to perform the operations of storing tubular die-cut items in packs to perform the operations of loading a pack of tubular die-cut items onto a shuttle 5 positioned in the loading region 41 and the operating station 3 is configured to perform the operations of picking a tubular die-cut item belonging to a pack housed on a shuttle 5 positioned in the unloading region 42.

[0078] By way of example, figure 5 schematically shows the phases of the movements of the shuttles 5 (loaded and unloadedwith products) on the base surface 4 showing their translations in the longitudinal direction, in the transverse direction, and in the vertical direction.

[0079] Innovatively, the plant fully achieves the intended object by overcoming the typical issues of the known art.

[0080] Advantageously, the plant comprises a feeding station in which each shuttle is suitable for handling a pack of products.

[0081] Advantageously, the feeding station is extremely versatile and the shuttles are movable as needed.

[0082] Advantageously, the feeding station is extremely versatile and the shuttles are movable as a based on the execution of the loading and / or unloading operations.

[0083] Advantageously, the feeding station is extremely versatile and the movement speed of the shuttles is a function of the execution of the loading and / or unloading operations.

[0084] Advantageously, the feeding station has extremely compact dimensions and is easily positionable in a plant with minimal difficulty.

[0085] Advantageously, the feeding station performs the loading and unloading operations without being affected by the dimensions and formats of the products.

[0086] Advantageously, the shuttles are configurable according to the products to be handled.

[0087] It is clear that a person skilled in the art, inorder to meet contingent needs, may make modifications to the invention described above, all falling within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A plant (1) comprising a storage station (2), in which products (900), preferably tubular die-cut items are stored, an operating station (7) suitable for performing an operation on said products, and a feeding station (3) which comprises: - a base surface (4) extending with respect to an imaginary plane (I), substantially horizontal, on which a longitudinal axis (X-X) and a transverse axis (Y-Y) lie, both orthogonal to a vertical axis (V-V), wherein the base surface (4) comprises a loading region (41) facing the storage station (2) and an unloading region (42), longitudinally spaced apart from the loading region (41), facing the operating station (7);- at least one transport shuttle (5) comprising a housing tray (50) extending parallel to the base surface (4), i. e., substantially horizontally, and suitable for containing a pack of products (900), wherein the transport shuttle (5) comprises movement means (55) and lifting means (59) of the housing tray (50);wherein the movement means (55) and the base surface (4) comprise magnetically sensitive elements, respectively passive and active, or vice versa, configured to move each transport shuttle (5) from the loading region (41) to the unloading region (42) and vice versa, and wherein the lifting means (59) are configured to move the housing tray (50) vertically as a function of the relative position of the shuttle (5) on thesurface ( 4 ).

2. Plant (1) according to claim 1, wherein the magnetically sensitive elements control the transport shuttle (5) in the unloading region (42) in a plurality of unloading positions aligned along the longitudinal axis (X-X).

3. Plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each transport shuttle (5) comprises movement means (55) comprising two skates (550) both comprising magnetically sensitive elements configured to be controlled to move on the base surface (4), wherein the two skates (550) are movable independently of each other, and the lifting means (59) are configured to move the housing tray (50) to a predefined height based on the relative position between the two skates (550).

4. Plant (1) according to claim 3, wherein the lifting means (59) are configured to control the housing tray (50) to a lowered position with the two skates (550) positioned mutually distal from each other, and the lifting means (59) are configured to control the housing tray (50) to a raised position with the two skates (550) positioned mutually proximal to each other.

5. Plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting means (59) comprise at least two lifting arms (590).

6. Plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base surface (4) comprises an intermediate region(44) longitudinally enclosed between the loading region (41) and the unloading region (42), wherein the magnetically sensitive elements are configured to control a transport shuttle (5), once the products have been loaded in the loading region (41), to remain parked in said intermediate region (44) while another shuttle (5) is in the unloading region (42) and is subject to unloading operations operating with the operating station ( 7 ).

7. Plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each transport shuttle (5) is controllable to move, on the base surface (4), independently of the others.

8. Plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding station (3) comprises at least four shuttles (5), and said shuttles are controlled to move so as to always have a shuttle (5) in the unloading region (42).

9. Plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base surface (4) comprises magnetically active sensitive elements, suitable for creating an appropriate magnetic field, and the movement means (55) of each transport shuttle (5) comprise magnetically passive sensitive elements, for example ferromagnetic elements, suitable for undergoing the action of the magnetic field created by the magnetically active sensitive elements.

10. Plant (1) according to claim 9, wherein the feeding station (3) comprises a control group operatively connected tothe base surface (4) and to the magnetically active sensitive elements, wherein the control group is configured to control the activation of the magnetically active sensitive elements to create an appropriate magnetic field by controlling the shuttles (5) movement.

11. Plant (1) according to claim 10, wherein the control group comprises load detection sensors, suitable for detecting the end of the operations of loading the products (900) in the loading region (41) and / or unloading detection sensors, suitable for detecting the end of the operations of unloading the products (900) in the unloading region (42).

12. Plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base surface (4) comprises a plurality of tiles (400) modularly engageable with one another.

13. Plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each housing tray (50) is shaped to house a pack of products (900), preferably so that each product is orthogonal to the housing tray (50) and to the base surface (4).

14. Plant (1) according to claim 13, wherein the housing tray (50) comprises a shaped support surface (500) comprising at least one support (501) suitable for contacting the products (900) and at least one space (502) through which the operating station (7) is configured to operate and engage a respective product in an unloading operation.

15. Plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the storage station (2) performs the operations of storing the products (900) on a shuttle (5) in a distal region from the base surface (4) and moves the product-loaded shuttle (5) up to the loading region (41) in which the shuttle (5) engages the base surface (4).

16. Plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the products (900) are tubular die-cut items and the storage station (2) is configured to perform the operations of storing tubular die-cut items in packs to perform the operations of loading a pack of tubular die-cut items onto a shuttle (5) positioned in the loading region (41) and the operating station (3) is configured to perform the operations of picking a tubular die-cut item belonging to a pack housed on a shuttle (5) positioned in the unloading region (42).

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