Tool for transferring products with safety system, and associated facility and method for transferring products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer tool comprising a tool holder (9) for a product transfer facility, the holder (9) comprising: at least one slider (10) with an upper end (100) and a lower end (101); at least one slide (11) provided with at least one space (110) for receiving at least one portion of the lower end (101) of the slider (10), the slider (10) being mounted movably within the space (110) for sliding relative to the slide (11); additional compensation means (12) capable of exerting a force in the opposite direction with respect to the sliding of the at least one portion of the lower end (101) of the slider (10), the sliding taking place in a direction extending from the upper end (100) to the lower end (101). The invention also relates to the associated facility and method for transferring products.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Product transfer tool with safety system, as well as associated product transfer installation and process

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to the conveying of products within an industrial line for the continuous processing of said products. The invention particularly concerns the transfer of products to or from an accumulation surface. For the purposes of this invention, the term "product" encompasses an individual object. Such a product may be a container, such as a bottle or flask, or a can, or even a cardboard carton. A product may be made of any type of material, including plastic or composite materials, metal, cardboard, or glass. A product may be rigid or semi-rigid.

[0005] A product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.

[0006] A container is intended to hold, but not limited to, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, particularly of an agri-food or cosmetic type, or dedicated to maintenance or personal hygiene.

[0007] Typically, such products are produced along an industrial production line, undergoing several successive treatments at dedicated stations, such as plastic bottle or flask blowing, filling and capping, labeling, and sterilization or pasteurization. Once processed, the finished products are grouped into batches for handling and transport.

[0008] Along an industrial line, products are moved, generally longitudinally, from upstream to downstream, between successive processing stations, using suitable conveyors, primarily endless belts. Furthermore, these products are processed and conveyed sequentially in one or more parallel lines, i.e., in a single-line or multi-line flow. The products are arranged upright, usually vertically, with their bottoms resting on a conveyor surface. In addition, during this conveying process, the products in each line can be arranged in a specific way, including spacing and / or orientation.

[0009] Generally, in order to ensure the continuous production of such an industrial line, despite the shutdown of a processing station or for reasons of different processing rates between two stations, one or more accumulation areas for said products are provided, each accumulation area ensuring the temporary storage of a variable quantity of products between a station located upstream and a station located downstream with respect to said accumulation area.

[0010] In a specific configuration, such an accumulation surface allows for the receipt and movement of products grouped in rows, from an inlet to an outlet. Upstream, an inlet conveyor extends along an inlet edge and feeds the accumulation surface with an inlet flow at the inlet edge. The accumulation surface then extends transversely to the inlet conveyor. Groups of products are transferred transversely to the longitudinal direction from the inlet conveyor onto the accumulation surface, successively forming the rows on the accumulation surface.

[0011] Along the accumulation surface, the rows are moved from the infeed edge to an outfeed edge located opposite the infeed edge. Downstream, an outfeed conveyor receives one or more rows of product from the accumulation surface.

[0012] In order to move the products, in the form of groups and rows, to and from the accumulation surface, and possibly along it, a sequential transfer by pushing of said products is carried out.

[0013] The accumulation surface can be a dead plate type surface, with products passing through said surface from the inlet to the outlet by means of one or more transfer tools, such as a pusher or a conveyor belt. The latter allows the products, once on the accumulation surface, to move to the outlet edge, where they will be picked up by at least one transfer tool. Prior art

[0014] Furthermore, the pushing of products is carried out by means of at least one transfer tool, operating on the infeed and / or outfeed conveyor, and possibly along the accumulation surface, from the infeed conveyor to the outfeed conveyor. In addition, such a transfer tool is equipped with at least one pusher-type transfer element, in the form of a plate extending vertically downwards.

[0015] Thus each transfer tool includes a beam and motorization means which ensure the movement of said beam relative to a chassis above the conveyors and possibly the accumulation surface, and / or the movement of at least one transfer element relative to said beam.

[0016] Furthermore, the transfer tool moves, driven by the movement of the beam and / or by a motor relative to the beam, to position itself by lowering the pusher opposite a group of products being conveyed to the inlet. This group comes into contact with the walls of the products and, by moving the tool (and / or the pusher(s)), pushes the group towards the inlet edge of the accumulation surface (and, conversely, at the outlet, pushes a row from the outlet edge of the accumulation surface towards the outfeed conveyor). Once the transfer is complete, the tool is then raised to return to its vertical position at the level of the next group (or the next row of products) to be moved.

[0017] In a related way, the tool and / or components can be moved longitudinally to follow the progress of the products during their transfer.

[0018] In addition, organs can also be moved in other directions and other movements, through a combination of transverse and longitudinal translational displacements.

[0019] In summary, motorization means ensure a transverse and / or longitudinal movement of the tool and / or of the transfer element(s) relative to the tool beam.

[0020] More specifically, the plate-type pusher element(s) are attached to the beam, suspended by several supports distributed along the plate. These supports thus serve as a link between the transfer element and the beam.

[0021] A challenge during product transfers is that, during a transfer, a product that has shifted or fallen due to impact or imbalance can obstruct the descent of the tool. The lower edge of one or more components, namely the lower edge of the corresponding plate, then strikes the product, risking damage to the product and, more importantly, to the tool and the installation.

[0022] To mitigate these risks, a sliding support is used. This support, mounted vertically for mobilization, allows the tool plate to move upwards during its descent if it encounters an underlying obstacle. Specifically, each support is equipped with a sliding mechanism whose upper end is connected to a beam of a transfer tool, acting as a reference point, and whose lower end is mobilizable along a vertical translation relative to the plate. Therefore, if the tool plate makes contact during its downward travel, the plate moves vertically upwards relative to the lower end of the sliding mechanism, thus limiting the impact. An existing solution consists of mounting plates attached to the plate, with spacing that creates an internal recess allowing the lower end of the sliding mechanism to move vertically.

[0023] However, due to the speed of movement induced by the high transfer rate, a latency regularly occurs between the impact and the vertical movement of the tool, causing product deterioration and damage to the tool, particularly its plate.

[0024] This risk is further compounded by friction between the surface materials of the plates and the lower end of the slide, which are mounted in a sliding contact. This sliding connection can seize due to wear over time or irregular maintenance. Consequently, maintenance is required, shutting down a crucial accumulation section of the production line, which is normally designed to act as a buffer for other processing stations in such situations.

[0025] Description of the invention

[0026] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing to provide a transfer tool comprising a support with a safety system that, during the tool's downward movement, protects against impact of at least one tool component in the event of contact with an underlying obstacle. In other words, during the descent of the tool and / or the transfer component(s), in the event of a collision, impact, or blockage of the lower edge of the component, namely the lower edge of one or more plates, the support's safety system is equipped with additional means to compensate for the downward movement of each of the tool components. These compensation means are configured to offset the impact and improve the sliding of the lower end of the slide.This compensation therefore ensures an accompaniment of the movement of the organ opposite to its descent, by application of a compensating force, preferably by exerting a force in an opposite direction extending vertically and upwards.

[0027] Such compensation can be achieved in particular by elastic, pneumatic or mechanical means, preferably in the form of elastic return means, in particular at least one compression spring.

[0028] In addition, the compensating force can be exerted by damping, in particular by means of a shock absorber, during an impact during the descent of the tool.

[0029] Furthermore, according to an additional feature, the invention provides means for detecting even minimal movement occurring during sliding between the component and the slider, in particular its lower end, reducing the reaction time to transmit the emergency stop command, limiting the risks of product deterioration and damage to said component concerned.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention allows several different supports to be modulated, with compensation means determined for some of them, for a given tool according to its characteristics, including its dimensions and mass, but also its movements during transfers, particularly the speed and acceleration during its downward movement.

[0031] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a product transfer tool, comprising:

[0032] - a beam;

[0033] - at least one push transfer element for said products, said at least one element extending vertically and having at least one face intended to come into contact with at least a part of a peripheral wall of the products to be transferred;

[0034] - means of connecting an upper part of each suspended component under said beam.

[0035] Such a tool is characterized by the fact that

[0036] - said means of connection include at least one medium, said medium comprising:

[0037] - at least one slider with an upper end and a lower end;

[0038] - at least one slide provided with at least one receiving space for at least a part of said lower end of said slide;

[0039] - said at least one slide being mounted movable within said space according to a sliding relative to said at least one slide;

[0040] - additional compensation means capable of exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least a part of the lower end of said at least one slide, said sliding being oriented in a direction extending from the upper end to the lower end and, the upper end of said at least one slide being connected to said beam and said at least one slide being connected to said at least one component.

[0041] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, the transfer tool is characterized in that said additional compensation means can exert a force in the opposite direction through damping means in the form of at least one damper forming a link between said at least one slide and said at least one slide, when said sliding is operated in a direction extending from the upper end to the lower end.

[0042] In one embodiment, the transfer tool is characterized in that said at least one slide comprises at least one mounting plate braced with said support and a component of said tool, thus providing said receiving space. In another embodiment, the transfer tool is characterized in that said at least one slide comprises at least one housing; and the additional compensation means include

[0043] - at least one spring positioned within said at least one housing;

[0044] - said at least one spring being compressed within said housing.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the transfer tool is characterized in that said at least one slide comprises two housings located on either side of said at least one slide; and the additional compensation means comprise two springs, each of the two springs being positioned within one of said two housings.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the transfer tool is characterized in that said support includes means for detecting a movement of said at least one slide between the lower end and said at least one slide.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the transfer tool is characterized in that the detection means comprise at least one proximity detector of said lower end of said at least one slider, said detector being in the form of an inductive sensor.

[0048] In some embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said beam relative to a chassis.

[0049] In some embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said at least one component relative to said beam.

[0050] In some embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said beam relative to a chassis and said at least one component relative to said beam.

[0051] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, said means of connection comprise at least two supports.

[0052] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a product transfer installation comprising at least one such transfer tool.

[0053] In particular, the said installation includes

[0054] - at least one product accumulation surface with an entry edge and an opposite exit edge;

[0055] - at least one infeed conveyor extending along the infeed edge and motorized in a longitudinal direction, so as to convey products in one or more rows;

[0056] - at least one output conveyor extending along the output edge and motorized in said longitudinal direction, so as to convey products in one or more rows; - motorized transfer means at least in a transverse and / or longitudinal direction of movement of at least one group of products from said at least input conveyor to said accumulation surface and / or of at least one row of products from said accumulation surface to said at least one output conveyor;

[0057] - said transfer means being controlled in movement according to at least one downward vertical movement from an elevated position to a low pushing position of said at least one group or of said at least one row of products.

[0058] Such an installation is characterized by the fact that

[0059] - said transfer means comprise at least one transfer tool according to the invention; the additional compensation means of said at least one support of each member of each tool being capable of performing compensation by exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least one part of the lower end of said slider, during said downward vertical movement of said at least one tool and / or of a member of said transfer means.

[0060] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for compensating the movement of a product transfer tool.

[0061] In particular, such a transfer process includes at least the following steps:

[0062] - we control the descent according to a downward vertical movement of at least one transfer element of a transfer tool from a high position to a low position;

[0063] - in the lower position of the transfer element, a transfer of at least one group of products and / or at least one row of products is carried out by pushing at least one element of said tool into contact with at least part of a peripheral wall of the products to be transferred.

[0064] Such a process is characterized by the fact that

[0065] - in the event of contact of a transfer element of said tool with a product during said descent, said downward vertical movement of said at least one element of the tool is compensated by exerting a force in the opposite direction.

[0066] Depending on additional, non-limiting characteristics, said transfer process may include the following step:

[0067] - In the event of contact between the transfer element of the tool and a product during its descent, the downward vertical movement is dampened. According to one embodiment, in the event of contact between the transfer element of the tool and a product during its descent, a movement of at least one element is detected, and the stopping of the tool's descent is monitored.

[0068] According to one embodiment, in the event of contact of said transfer member of said tool with a product during said descent, an upward vertical movement of said tool is controlled back to said high position.

[0069] Presentation of the drawings

[0070] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0071] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a perspective view of an example of a transfer installation, equipped with an input tool and an output tool, highlighting the product movements and the respective transfers;

[0072] [Fig. 2] schematically represents a perspective view of one embodiment of a transfer tool, with an enlargement showing a first type of support;

[0073] [Fig. 3] schematically represents a side view of a first type of support, showing in particular compensation means in the form of two springs in a compressed position;

[0074] [Fig. 4] schematically represents a view similar to figure 3, with the two springs in the deployed position, during the raising of the slide;

[0075] [Fig. 5] schematically represents a side view of a second type of support, with compensation means in the form of a single spring in a compressed position;

[0076] [Fig. 6] schematically represents a side view of a support equipped with a means for detecting the movement of the slider, showing on the left the support in the retracted position and on the right the detection of said movement from a distance threshold;

[0077] [Fig. 7] schematically represents a simplified view of the transfer of input products, showing in particular the transfer cycle of a group of products to an accumulation surface;

[0078] [Fig. 8] schematically represents a view similar to figure 7, when an impact occurs during the descent of the tool;

[0079] [Fig. 9] schematically represents a view similar to figure 8, the compensation in the opposite direction of the descent, raising the tool during the impact;

[0080] [Fig. 10] schematically represents a view similar to figure 9, showing in particular the stopping of the tool's movement; and

[0081] [Fig. 11] schematically represents a view similar to figure 10, showing in particular the raising of the tool to a high position, as well as the return to the original position of the compensation means and the tool component.

[0082] Detailed description

[0083] The invention relates to the transfer of products 1.

[0084] As mentioned previously, each of the product 1s is an individual object. Such a product 1 could be a container, like a bottle or flask, or a can, or even a cardboard carton. A product 1 can be made of any type of material, including plastic or composite materials, metal, cardboard, or glass. A product 1 can be rigid or semi-rigid.

[0085] A product 1 can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.

[0086] A product 1 of container type is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive way, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of agri-food or cosmetic type, or dedicated to maintenance or personal hygiene.

[0087] Such products 1 are conveyed along an industrial production line, undergoing several successive treatments as they pass through dedicated stations, such as plastic bottle or flask blowing, filling and capping, labeling, and sterilization or pasteurization. Once processed, the finished products 1 are grouped into batches through a packaging stage, in preparation for handling and transport.

[0088] Along said industrial line, the products 1 are moved in a direction extending longitudinally, hereinafter referred to as the "longitudinal direction" unless otherwise indicated.

[0089] Furthermore, the aforementioned products 1 are conveyed one after the other in one or more parallel lines, i.e., in a single-line or multi-line flow. Moreover, the products 1 are arranged upright, essentially vertically, and their base rests on a conveying surface. Furthermore, during this conveying, the products 1 in each line can be arranged in a specific way, including spacing and / or orientation.

[0090] In particular, along said industrial line, several products 1 can be transferred, by group(s) or row(s), between different conveying and accumulation surfaces.

[0091] The invention is particularly aimed at such a transfer of products 1.

[0092] To this end, the invention relates to a product transfer installation 2. Such an installation 2 comprises at least one product 1 accumulation surface 3 with an inlet edge 30 and an opposite outlet edge 31.

[0093] Such an accumulation surface 3 comprises a flat surface along which the products 1, accumulated in rows, are moved. This movement can be carried out by the motorized surface provided, in the form of one or more conveyors, or by one or more dedicated means, the accumulation surface 3 then being in the form of a dead plate.

[0094] It is therefore understood that the accumulation surface 3 is oriented orthogonally to the infeed conveyor 4 and the outfeed conveyor 5, which are substantially in the same plane. Furthermore, the installation 2 includes at least one infeed conveyor 4 extending along the infeed edge 30 and driven in this longitudinal direction, so as to convey products 1 in one or more rows.

[0095] Installation 2 further includes at least one output conveyor 5 extending along the output edge 31 and motorized in said longitudinal direction, so as to convey products 1 in one or more rows.

[0096] It should be noted that at the input, the input conveyor 4 can move the products 1 in one direction, while at the output, the output conveyor 5 can move the products 1 in the same direction or in the opposite direction.

[0097] In particular, installation 2 includes motorized transfer means 6, at least in one transverse direction of movement. Such a transverse direction extends in a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane, perpendicular to said longitudinal direction. In short, the transverse direction is horizontal and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0098] Furthermore, said transfer ensures the movement along said transverse direction of at least one group of products 1 from said at least input conveyor 4 to said accumulation surface 3 and / or of at least one row of products 1 from said accumulation surface 3 to said at least output conveyor 4.

[0099] In other words, depending on the configuration of the installation 2, transfer means 6 include one or more of the transfer tools 7, hereinafter referred to as "tool 7", unless otherwise specified. These tools 7 are dedicated to infeed transfer, or outfeed transfer, or both (the tool 7 then traveling along the accumulation surface 3 from the infeed edge 30 to the outfeed edge 31, and can in particular ensure the movement of the products 1 along said accumulation surface 3).

[0100] In one embodiment, the transfer means 6 comprise a tool 7 including a plurality of transfer elements 70 that traverse the entire installation 2, ensuring the transfer of the products 1 into and out by passing along the accumulation surface 3. Preferably, two tools 7, separate from the transfer means 6, are each dedicated to the inlet transfer and the outlet transfer.

[0101] Furthermore, the transfer means 6 can be motorized in other directions of movement, in particular longitudinally, for example to accompany the longitudinal movement of the products 1 on the conveyors 4,5. The transfer means 6 can also be motorized in movement according to a combination of longitudinal and transverse translation.

[0102] Furthermore, said transfer means 6 are controlled in displacement according to at least one downward vertical movement from an elevated position to a low pushing position of said at least one group or of said at least one row of products 1. Such a downward vertical movement therefore consists of a descent of the tool 7.

[0103] Preferably, said transfer means 6 are controlled according to a cycle with several successive displacements, namely:

[0104] - the aforementioned descent;

[0105] - a movement from the lower position along a transverse horizontal motion;

[0106] - an upward vertical movement from the height of said low position to the height of the elevated position;

[0107] - a return movement to the elevated position, preferably along a translation opposite to the transverse horizontal movement.

[0108] Such a cycle is represented in a simplified way in Figure 1, showing means 6 of transfer comprising two distinct tools 7 for the transfers of products 1 into input and output.

[0109] As mentioned previously, other movements of the transfer means 6 are possible, such as a longitudinal movement, accompanying the advance of the products 1 on the conveyors 4,5 during their transverse transfer, or a rotation in the form of a combination of longitudinal and transverse translations to enclose and / or hold the products 1 during said transfer.

[0110] It should be noted that the transfer installation 2 may include dedicated control means 20, managing and supervising its operation, as well as one and / or another of its elements, such as its motorization of the movements of the conveyor surfaces 4,5, possibly the movement of the accumulation surface 3, but also the movements of the transfer means 6 as mentioned above.

[0111] Further on, the transfer of products 1, in group(s) or in row(s), is carried out by pushing using at least one transfer tool 7, which is the subject of the invention.

[0112] Such a tool 7 comprises a beam. Located at the top, this beam serves as a load-bearing structure for at least one transfer element 70, in the form of a plate, located below. Such a frame is generally in the form of a longitudinal member, often called a "frame beam". In embodiments of the installation 2, it is the beam that is controlled in displacement, according to the aforementioned movement(s).

[0113] In embodiments of installation 2, at least one transfer element 70 is controlled in motion, according to the aforementioned movement(s).

[0114] In addition, the installation 2 and / or the tool 7 may include control means 20 and suitable motorization means, in order to ensure the movements of said beam and / or at least one transfer element 70, and thus those of the tool 7.

[0115] In some embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said beam relative to a chassis.

[0116] In some embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said at least one component relative to said beam.

[0117] In some embodiments, the transfer tool includes means for motorizing said beam relative to a chassis and said at least one component relative to said beam.

[0118] Thus, the tool 7 comprises at least one thrust transfer element 70 for said products 1. This element 70 extends vertically and has at least one face 71 intended to come into contact with at least a portion of a peripheral wall of the products 1 to be transferred. Such an element 70 is often called a "shovel" or "pusher" or even a "plate".

[0119] According to one embodiment, the organ 70 has a ridged face 71, forming a rake, the ridges of which are shaped complementaryly to a part of said peripheral wall, so that the products 1 are partially retained within the ridges, when the organ 70 comes into contact with and when it moves said products 1 transversely during their transfer.

[0120] According to a preferred embodiment, the component 70 has a face 71 that is flat or essentially flat.

[0121] Furthermore, said organ 70 may comprise a single plate, coming into contact with and pushing a single group or row of products 1, or several parallel plates spaced apart according to the dimensions of the products 1, framing a group or row of products 1 in order to hold them during the pushing, but also simultaneously transferring an additional group or row of products 1. Thus, the number of groups or rows of products 1 transferred is equal to the number of plates, less one.

[0122] Furthermore, in the case of multiple plates, they can be mounted movably relative to the beam, so as to modify the spacing between them to adapt to the dimensions of the products 1, but also to allow them to be clamped, held, and guided during transfer, and then released after transfer. Therefore, the installation 2 may include first means for motorizing the beam and / or the tool 7 may include second means for motorizing at least one component 70 relative to the beam, and / or possibly third means for motorizing several components 70 relative to each other relative to the beam. In addition, the tool 7 includes means 8 for connecting an upper portion of each component 70 suspended beneath the beam. These connecting means 8 thus ensure the connection between the frame beam and each underlying component 70.Furthermore, these 8 connecting means may include dedicated means to ensure the vertical suspension fixing of one or more plates, as well as their mobility relative to each other.

[0123] As mentioned previously, the aforementioned connecting means 8 may include the second, or even third, motorization means. In particular, the connecting means 8 include at least one tool holder 9, which is the subject of the invention. Such a tool holder 9 is hereinafter referred to as "holder 9", unless otherwise specified.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the connecting means 8 comprise at least two supports 9. These two supports 9 are then spaced on either side of a balance point of the component 70, preferably with respect to the center of gravity of the corresponding component 70 of the tool 7. Preferably, the connecting means 8 comprise a larger number of supports 9, spaced at intervals along the component 70, regularly or irregularly, depending on the weight and dimensions of the component 70 to be supported uniformly along its entire length. Such a configuration is notably visible in Figure 2, where a component 70 is equipped with six supports 9.

[0125] For example, a tool 7 may include a component 70 in the form of a plate with a length of 6 m (meters) and a weight of 35 kg (kilograms), the component then being equipped with six supports 9 distributed regularly on either side of the center of gravity of said component 70.

[0126] Further on, each tool support 9 7 for product transfer installation 2 1, includes at least one slide 10 with an upper end 100 and a lower end 101.

[0127] In particular, it is the upper end 100 of each support 9 that is intended to be connected to said beam, thus keeping it suspended beneath the latter. The upper end 100 can be mounted directly under the beam, or indirectly, via other elements of the connecting means 6.

[0128] The support 9 also includes at least one slide 11. Within the tool 7, it is the slide 11 which is connected to said at least one component 70. In addition, said slide 11 is provided with at least one space 110 for receiving at least a part of said lower end 101 of the slide 10. Therefore, the space 110 provided within the slide 11 is dimensioned additionally to allow the insertion of the lower end 101 of the slide 10, with the clearance allowing its movement.

[0129] Accordingly, the slide 10 is mounted to move within the space 110 by sliding relative to the slide 11. Such sliding can be achieved by sliding in contact with the materials of the different parts, with materials specifically chosen to improve this sliding.

[0130] For example, said slide 10 may be made of metal, preferably stainless steel or "inox", possibly with a surface treatment to reduce the coefficients of friction, in particular by heat treatment; said slide 11 may be made of metal, preferably steel, possibly with a surface treatment or coating reducing the coefficients of friction, in particular in PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or Teflon® (tetrafluoroethylene).

[0131] Furthermore, once assembled to connect component 70 to tool 7, this sliding movement, which occurs in the event of an impact, takes place vertically or essentially vertically. According to one embodiment, the overall sliding of all the slides 10 of the same component 70 within their respective slide 11 is parallel to each other, ensuring a perfectly flat descent of said component 70 (i.e., the edge of component 70 remains perfectly horizontal).

[0132] According to another embodiment, a functional set allows a slight rotation of the slides 10 within the slide 11 for the same organ 70, allowing the organ 70 to rotate (i.e. the edge of the organ 70 tilts relative to the horizontal depending on the point of impact).

[0133] According to different embodiments, a support 9 includes a slide 10 per slide 11, or several slides 10 for the same slide 11 which then presents a receiving space 110 for each of said slides 10.

[0134] In particular, the support 9 may include a stop 90 attached to the lower end 101 of the slide 10 and limiting the stroke of said slide 10 when stopped against said slide 11.

[0135] Figures 3 to 5 show a limitation of the upward stroke of the slide 10 when stopped by the stop 90.

[0136] Preferably, said stop 90 is located under the slide 11 and comes to rest against a lower face 111 of said slide 11. Such a stop 90 can be of any shape, preferably in the form of a plate or plate, mounted by screw fixing with the lower end 101 of said slide 10. Thus, when the stop 90 is stopped, the slide 10 is in a position supporting the slide 11, and consequently the member 70 to which it is connected within the tool 7 and in particular the beam.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the slide 11 comprises at least one mounting plate 112 for spaced attachment of the support 9 to a member 70 of the tool 7, thus providing a receiving space 1101. In other words, the slide 11 comprises at least one mounting plate 112, attached at intervals to one face of the member 70, preferably the contact face 71, notably by means of several spacers 1120. The receiving space 110 is thus provided within the volume delimited peripherally by the spacers 1120. In the corresponding embodiment, the stop 90 then comes to rest against the lower edge of the mounting plate 112.

[0138] In particular, the slide 10 may also include a complementary stop 102, located on the side of the upper end 100, relative to said slide 11 (i.e. above said slide 11), so as to limit the stroke in the other direction of said slide 10. In short, correspondingly, this complementary stop 102 limits the downward stroke of said slide 10.

[0139] Advantageously, the invention provides for compensating the downward vertical movement of at least one component 70, namely each component 70 of the tool 7, in the event of an impact, such as a collision or strike with a product 1, particularly a product 1 that is offset from its line or row, or that has fallen onto its conveying surface. The invention therefore provides compensation during the descent of said component 70, in order to prevent impact with a product 1, especially a fallen product 1, so as not to damage it or the tool 7, particularly the component 70 that strikes said product 1.

[0140] To this end, the support 9 includes additional compensating means 12 capable of exerting a force compensating the sliding of said slide 10 along a path extending from the upper end 100 to the lower end 101, namely when the slide 10 slides from top to bottom within the receiving space 110 of said slide 11. Preferably, said force is exerted in the opposite direction to the direction of sliding of said slide 11 on at least a portion of the lower end 101 of said slide 10.

[0141] It should be noted that this compensating force exerted is understood in the sense of the resultant of the forces applied by the compensating means 12, in particular according to a component extending along the longitudinal direction of the slide 10, namely along a longitudinal median axis extending from the upper end 100 to the lower end 101 of said slide 10.

[0142] Thus, with one or more supports 9 equipping each of the organ(s) 70 of the tool(s) 7 of a transfer installation 2, the means 12 of compensation of said at least one support 9 of each organ 70 are capable of performing compensation by exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least a part of the lower end 101 of said slide, during said downward vertical movement of said transfer means.

[0143] In other words, during the descent of the tool 7 and / or the component 70, upon impact on the lower edge of the component 70, the slide 10 follows the movement, and the lower end 101 of the slide 10 extends downwards relative to the slide 11. The slide 11 thus rises with the component 70, being fixed at its upper end relative to the slide 10. Consequently, the additional compensating means 12 accompany this relative upward movement of the slide 11, providing an upward vertical force to the slide 11, and therefore to the component 70 to which the slide 11 of the corresponding support 9 is connected. The compensation thus amounts to reducing part of the weight of the component 70 during its descent and upon impact. In other words, compensation limits the deceleration and / or the force of said impact.

[0144] According to one embodiment, said additional compensation means 12 exert a force in the opposite direction through damping means in the form of at least one damper forming a link between said slide 10 and said slide 11, when said sliding is oriented in a direction extending from the upper end to the lower end.

[0145] In other words, the shock absorber(s) provide said force in the opposite direction (i.e. a resultant of the forces of each shock absorber), which dampens the impact of the component 70 against the obstacle.

[0146] It should be noted that the compensation means 12 can be of any type, mechanical or electrical, even electromechanical, or pneumatic or fluidic, or even elastic. For example, the compensation means 12 may include at least one pneumatic or fluid piston, or a gear such as a rack and pinion, or even a linear motor.

[0147] According to a preferred embodiment, said slide O includes at least one housing 113. Such a housing 113 is provided between a fixed surface of the slide 11 and a surface connected to said slide 10.

[0148] According to one embodiment, as shown in the figures, the housing 113 is provided inside a casing 114 forming a housing for said slide 11. This casing 114 is secured to the mounting plate 112, in particular by means of the spacers 1120.

[0149] In addition, each housing 113 is closed at the top and open at the bottom, ensuring the deployment of the compensating means 12 and the force to be exerted between the slide 11 and the slide 10.

[0150] In addition, the additional compensation means 12 include at least one spring 120 positioned within said at least one housing 113. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a support 9 equipped with a single housing 113 and a single spring 120 located on one side of the slide 11.

[0151] According to another preferred embodiment, said slide 11 comprises two housings 113 located on either side of said slide 11.

[0152] In addition, the additional compensation means 12 include two springs 120, each of the two springs 120 being positioned within one of said two housings 113. Figure 3 shows such an embodiment with two housings 113 located symmetrically with respect to said space 110 receiving the slide 11.

[0153] Furthermore, in both of the aforementioned embodiments, said at least one spring 120 is compressed within said housing 113.

[0154] It should be noted that each spring 120 is in a compressed position within the housing 113 when there is no force applied to the member 70, apart from its own weight, namely that there is no contact exerted against the lower edge of said member 70 and that the slide 10 returns to its stop against the slide 11. In other words, in normal operation of the installation 2, each spring 120 is in a compressed position within the housing 113.

[0155] Figures 3 and 5 show such a compressed configuration of the spring(s) 120, while Figure 5 shows two springs 120 in their deployed configuration. Furthermore, when a spring 120 is deployed, it extends towards each of its ends, abutting against the housing 113 and against the plate or base plate forming the stop 90. Such a deployment is illustrated schematically in Figure 9.

[0156] It should be noted that the springs 120 are specifically chosen according to the number of springs 120 within a support 9, as well as the number of supports 9 for a single component 70. In particular, the springs 120 are chosen with a determined stiffness, in relation to the characteristics of the tool 7.

[0157] Further, according to one embodiment, the invention provides for directly detecting, at the level of the support 9, the slightest displacement of the sliding motion of said slider 10. To this end, the support 9 includes means 13 for detecting a displacement D of said slider 10 between the lower end 101 and said slide 11. According to the corresponding embodiment, the displacement D of the slider 10 is detected relative to the displacement of the plate forming the stop 90 and connected to said slider 10. According to a preferred embodiment, the detection means 13 include at least one proximity sensor 130 for said lower end 101 of the slider 10.

[0158] The aforementioned detector 130 can be of any type, including mechanical or electromechanical, optical, magnetic, wave-emitting, or ultrasonic. Preferably, such a detector 130 can be electromechanical, ideally in the form of an inductive sensor. This type of inductive sensor allows for the detection of movement exceeding 1 mm (millimeter) with optimal precision, offering high responsiveness in both detection and transmission of a detection signal.

[0159] Such detection of the displacement D by means of a detector 130 in the form of an inductive sensor is represented in a simplified way in Figure 6. In particular, as can be seen on the right, as soon as a displacement D is detected, in particular by loss of contact in a dedicated element of the inductive sensor of detector 130, a signal is then transmitted to dedicated control means 20, in particular managing the operation of the transfer installation 2.

[0160] Therefore, it should be noted that a component 70 of the same tool 7 can include different supports 9, in particular:

[0161] - one but preferably several supports 9 equipped with additional compensation means 12, namely for example equipped with one or more springs 120;

[0162] - at least one other support 9 equipped with detection means 13, namely a detector 130, and incorporating or being devoid of additional compensation means 12;

[0163] - one or more other supports without additional compensation means 12 and without detection means 13; these supports 9 then only ensure the sliding of the slide 10 relative to the slide 11. When the same support 9 includes additional compensation means 12, as well as detection means 12, the additional compensation means 12 may be located on one side of the slide 11, in particular in the form of a single spring 120, while the detection means 13 are located on the other side.

[0164] The invention further relates to a product transfer method 1, providing for compensation in case of impact. This transfer method can preferably, but not exclusively, be adapted for the implementation of all or part of the transfer installation 2, according to the aforementioned embodiments, taken alone or in combination.

[0165] According to the invention, such a product transfer process 1 comprises, without limitation, at least the steps described below.

[0166] First, we control the descent by means of a downward vertical movement of one or more organs 70 of a transfer tool 7 from a high position to a low position.

[0167] Then, in the lower position of at least one component 70, a transfer of at least one group of products 1 and / or at least one row of products 1 is carried out by pushing at least one component 70 of said tool 7 into contact with at least a part of a peripheral wall of the products 1 to be transferred.

[0168] As mentioned previously, a longitudinal movement and / or a combination of other movements along longitudinal and transverse translations can be applied to said tool 7 and / or to one or more organs 70.

[0169] As mentioned previously, tool 7 can be controlled according to other movements, the succession of which forms the transfer cycle.

[0170] Advantageously, if the tool 7 comes into contact with a product 1 during its descent, the downward vertical movement of at least one component 70 of the tool 7 is compensated by exerting a force in the opposite direction. In other words, if the tool 7, in particular the lower edge of one or both of its components 70, strikes and jams against a product 1, especially a product 1 that has shifted or fallen, then the descent is compensated by exerting a force in the opposite direction. As mentioned previously, this reverse force raises the relevant part 70, by sliding the slide 10 within the slide 11, with an accompanying movement of said part 70. Figures 8 and 9 show in a simplified way respectively the impact and then the compensation by means of an initially compressed spring which relaxes, following the sliding movement of the slide 10 and accompanying the induced upward movement of the part 70 attached to the slide 11.

[0171] According to one embodiment, if a component 70 of said tool 7 comes into contact with a product 1 during said descent, said downward vertical movement is dampened. Such damping can be achieved as mentioned above.

[0172] According to one embodiment, in the event of contact of a component 70 of said tool 7 with a product 1 during said descent, a movement D of said at least one component 70 is detected and at least the stopping of the descent of said tool 7 and / or of one or more components 70 is checked.

[0173] In particular, in the corresponding embodiment, the travel D of any slide 10 relative to the corresponding slide 11 is detected for each component 70 of each tool 7 of the installation 2.

[0174] According to one embodiment, in the event of detection of a displacement D, the stopping of all or part of the components or means of the installation 2 is controlled, preferably the total stopping of the installation 2 is controlled.

[0175] Such a step is represented in a simplified way in Figure 10.

[0176] According to one embodiment, in the event of contact of a component 70 of said tool 7 with a product 1 during said descent, an upward vertical movement is controlled back towards said high position H. Such a step is represented in a simplified way in figure 11.

[0177] Furthermore, during the upward movement of tool 7 and / or component 70, the corresponding component 70 returns to its initial position, namely that the slide 10 moves upward within the slide 11, due to the weight of component 70 which pulls the slide 11 downwards. At this point, the total mass of said component 70 compresses the spring(s) 120.

[0178] The invention therefore advantageously allows the integration of a safety system into a support for a transfer element, in order to limit the negative consequences of a shock or impact between said transfer element and an obstacle on the operation of a product transfer installation.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Product transfer tool (7), comprising - a beam; - at least one thrust transfer element (70) of said products (1), said at least one element (70) extending vertically and having at least one face (71) intended to come into contact with at least a part of a peripheral wall of the products (1) to be transferred; - means (8) for connecting an upper part of each component (70) suspended beneath said beam; characterized in that - said means (8) of connection comprise at least one support (9), said support (9) comprising - at least one slider (10) with an upper end (100) and a lower end (101); - at least one slide (11) provided with at least one space (110) for receiving at least a part of said lower end (101) of said slide (10); - said at least one slide (10) being mounted movable within said space (110) according to a sliding relative to said at least one slide (11); - additional compensation means (12) capable of exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least a part of the lower end (101) of said at least one slide (10), said sliding being oriented in a direction extending from the upper end (100) to the lower end (101) and, the upper end (100) of said at least one slide (10) being connected to said beam and said at least one slide (11) being connected to said at least one member (70).

2. Transfer tool (7) according to claim characterized in that said additional compensation means (12) exert a force in the opposite direction through damping means in the form of at least one damper forming a link between said at least one slide (10) and said at least one slide (11), when said sliding is operated in a direction extending from the upper end (100) to the lower end (101).

3. Transfer tool (7) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one slide (11) of the support (9) comprises at least one plate (112) of fixing said support (9) in a braced manner with a member (70) of said tool (7), providing said receiving space (110).

4. Transfer tool (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least one slide (11) of the support (9) comprises at least one housing (113); and in that the additional compensation means (12) comprise - at least one spring (120) positioned within said at least one housing (113); - said at least one spring (120) being compressed within said housing (113).

5. Transfer tool (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one slide (11) of the support (9) comprises two housings (113) situated on either side of said slide (11); and in that the additional compensation means (12) comprise - two springs (120), each of the two springs (120) being positioned within one of said two housings (113).

6. Transfer tool (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support (9) comprises - means (13) for detecting a movement (D) of said at least one slide (10) between the lower end (100) and said at least one slide (11).

7. Transfer tool (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the detection means (13) comprise at least one proximity detector (130) of said lower end (100) of said at least one slider, said detector (130) being in the form of an inductive sensor.

8. Transfer tool (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that - said means (8) of connection comprise at least two supports (9).

9. Product transfer installation (2), comprising - at least one product accumulation surface (3) (1) with an inlet edge (30) and an opposite outlet edge (31); - at least one infeed conveyor (4) extending along the infeed edge (30) and motorized in a longitudinal direction, so as to convey products (1) in one or more lines; - at least one output conveyor (5) extending along the output edge (31) and motorized in said longitudinal direction, so as to convey products (1) in one or more rows; - motorized transfer means (6) at least in a transverse direction of movement of at least one group of products (1) from said at least input conveyor (4) to said accumulation surface (3) and / or of at least one row of products (1) from said accumulation surface (3) to said at least one output conveyor (5); - said transfer means (6) being controlled in displacement along at least one downward vertical movement from an elevated position to a lowered pushing position of said at least one group or of said at least one row of products (1); characterized in that - said means (6) of transfer comprise at least one transfer tool (7) according to any one of the preceding claims; - the additional compensation means (12) of said at least one support (9) of each component (70) of each tool (7) being capable of performing compensation by exerting a force in the opposite direction to the sliding of said at least one part of the lower end (100) of said slide (10), during said downward vertical movement of said at least one tool (7) and / or of a component (70) of said transfer means (6).

10. Product transfer process (1), comprising at least the following steps: - the descent is controlled by a downward vertical movement of at least one transfer element (70) of a transfer tool (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, from a high position to a low position; - in the lowered position of said transfer member (70), a transfer of at least one group of products (1) and / or at least one row of products (1) is effected by pushing at least one member (70) of said tool (7) into contact with at least a portion of a peripheral wall of the products (1) to be transferred; characterized in that - in the event of contact of a transfer element (70) of said tool (7) with a product (1) during said descent, said downward vertical movement of said at least one element (70) of the tool (7) is compensated by exerting a force in the opposite direction.

11. Transfer method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - In the event of contact of a component (70) of said tool (7) with a product (1) during said descent, said downward vertical movement is dampened.

12. Transfer method according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that - in the event of contact of an element (70) of said tool (7) with a product (1) during said descent, a movement (D) of said at least one element (70) is detected and at least the stopping of the descent of said tool (7) is checked.

13. A transfer method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that - in the event of contact of a component (70) of said tool (7) with a product (1) during said descent, an upward vertical movement of said tool (7) is controlled back to said high position.

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