Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
  • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
  • B65G47/52—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices
  • B65G47/68—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor lane and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor lane or to one broader conveyor lane, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor
  • B65G47/71—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor lane and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor lane or to one broader conveyor lane, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor the articles being discharged or distributed to several distinct separate conveyors or to a broader conveyor lane
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
  • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
  • B65G47/74—Feeding, transfer, or discharging devices of particular kinds or types
  • B65G47/76—Fixed or adjustable ploughs or transverse scrapers
  • B65G47/766—Adjustable ploughs or transverse scrapers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
  • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
  • B65G47/74—Feeding, transfer, or discharging devices of particular kinds or types
  • B65G47/84—Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
  • B65G47/841—Devices having endless travelling belts or chains equipped with article-engaging elements

Definitions

• the invention relates to an arrangement for the distribution of products on a conveyor belt at high speed.
• the invention more particularly relates to an arrangement for the distribution of products, in which the products are transported on a conveyor belt which runs along a long longitudinal direction, from an upstream arrival zone to a downstream exit zone.
• This type of arrangement is particularly useful in product packaging installations, for example in installations comprising a conveyor line for conveying products to a boxing machine, the stacking boxing machine. batches of products in crates or cartons.
• the conveying line generally comprises, upstream of the boxing machine, a conveyor belt which transports the products, with a determined spacing between two consecutive products, to a device for grouping the products, also called "aggregator", which comprises a series of mobile transport cells.
• the grouper has, opposite the carpet, an empty cell provided to receive a predetermined number of products that are stacked in the cell so as to constitute a lot.
• the cells are thus shifted progressively, notch by notches, which makes it possible to route the batches of products to the boxing machine.
• phaser a phasing device also called "phaser”.
• the arrangement usually comprises upstream of the phaseur a distribution device, also called “deviator”, for deflecting the products to perform in particular a duplication of the queue by forming a second parallel file of products.
• a distribution device also called “deviator”
• Numerous distribution devices are known from the state of the art, such as high-speed or spool type deflectors.
• An acute deflector comprises a deflection element called "acute ille" which is pivotally mounted at one of its ends around a vertical axis and is capable of pivoting between at least two extreme positions, respectively a first position wherein the needle deflects at least one produ it to a first file and a second position in which the acute ille deviates at least one produ it to a second file.
• acute angle of the deflector will, depending on its position, transversely deflect one or several products, to offset laterally with respect to the initial longitudinal file.
• the distribution sequence corresponds to an alternating deflection cycle of one product out of two, that is to say from one product to a first file then from the next product to a second
• a needle diverter as for a slide deflector
• the minimum setpoint value of the upstream spacing is determined according to the deviator, for example by adding firstly the length of the needle or the drawer in the longitudinal direction of travel of the products and, secondly, a path length which is a function of the running speed of the products and which corresponds to the switching time required for each of the deviators to move from one position to another.
• Such deviators are not particularly likely to selectively treat a line of products to start or divert, that is to say, they are not able to treat the products if they do not have spacing between them defined upstream constant value greater than or equal to a minimum setpoint value.
• the products have deviations from the upstream spacing value, particularly because of the use of conveyor belts or device for detecting and removing products. defective.
• Such devices for detecting and eliminating defective products for example due to the non-conformity of their weight, cause "holes" in the queue because of the absence of eliminated products. Consequently, an installation comprising such a device for detecting and eliminating defective products usually requires the use of other specific means, such as timing mats, to supply the deflector with regularly spaced products. between them.
• the needle diverters and the slide-out difters do not allow, by their design and operation, to process products at a very high rate, for example at rates of more than 900 products per minute.
• the state of the art is still known of distribution devices, generally called paddle deflectors, such as those described and shown in the product distribution arrangements of DE-A1-3116991 or EP -A1 -0.395.178.
• paddle deflectors such as those described and shown in the product distribution arrangements of DE-A1-3116991 or EP -A1 -0.395.178.
• Each of these documents also describes an example of application of such vane deflectors, more precisely the document DE-A1 -31 .1 6991 illustrates the case of a doubling of file tand is the document EP-A1 -0.395. 178 illustrates the case of a product deflection at 90 °.
• the distribution devices described in these documents are also not likely to selectively process a queue of products to start or to divert, ie they are not able to process the products themselves. they do not have between them a predetermined upstream spacing of constant value greater than or equal to a minimum nominal value.
• vane diverters requires the use of other specific upstream means to supply the diverter with products that are regularly spaced apart from each other.
• the invention aims in particular to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a simple, economical and effective solution allowing in particular to deflect products at a high rate. and that, moreover, they are not necessarily spaced regularly between themselves.
• the invention proposes an arrangement of the type described above, characterized in that the phaser comprises a first and a second belt that are arranged in parallel and that are driven independently, and in that each belt is controlled in an active operating state before the end of the active state of the other belt, so that the deviation of a product begins before the previously deviated downstream product has reached its final position in the second line.
• the phaser is controlled selectively, according to the said allocation sequence, so that the cleat occupies at least: a first engaged position in which the cleat comes laterally in contact with the product occupying the initial position so as to transversely deviate led it produ it from the first file, and
• a second engaged position in which, said deflected product occupying the final position in the second line, the cleat is immobilized so as to allow the deviated product to continue its displacement;
• each driving belt of the phaser carries at least one cleat and is arranged on the side of the upper face of the belt, each belt is wound on at least two drive pulleys so that a lower strand of the belt extends substantially parallel to the upper face of the belt, the cleat occupying the first and second positions engaged when it is located on the lower strand, and the phaser comprises means for driving the pulleys in rotation at the determined deflection speed;
• the phaser comprises a main axis parallel to the belt which is inclined downstream so as to form, with the long longitudinal direction of movement of the products on the conveyor belt, a determined angle whose value is between 0 ° and 90 °;
• the cleat is positioned on the belt so as to vertically present a lateral deflection face, which is intended to come into contact with the product to be deflected and which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of movement of the products. it's the first line on the conveyor belt;
• the cleat is controlled from its second position engaged towards at least one retracted position of waiting, when having reached its final position in the second line, the deflected product is no longer transversely in contact with the lateral deflection face of the cleat;
• the belt comprises a passive operating state in which it is stopped, each cleat occupying the second engaged position or the retracted position of waiting, and the active operating state in which the belt is rotated around the pulleys of whereby a cleat moves generally transversely from the retracted retracted position to the second engaged position or from the second engaged position to the retracted retracted position;
• the belt is controlled in its active state by means of detection means, such as a sensor, positioned upstream of the phaser capable of providing a signal for detecting a product that is capable of being exploited according to the determined allocation sequence to divert products to the second file;
• detection means such as a sensor
• the retracted positions of the cleats of the first belt are offset relative to the retracted positions of the cleats of the second belt, so as to prevent a crossing of the cleats of the second belt;
• the second file comprising the deflected products is parallel to the first file;
• the belt in the engaged position, the belt is driven at a deflection speed determined in such a way that the longitudinal driving speed of the cleat is equal to the running speed;
• the second file comprising deviated products is orthogonal to the first file.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view which diagrammatically represents an arrangement comprising a phaser according to a first embodiment and which illustrates a first example of application in which the second line of deviated products is parallel to the first queue;
• FIG. 1A is a side view which shows in detail the first cleat between the retracted waiting position and the first engaged position
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 1, that represents the first engaged position of the cleat corresponding to the initial position A of the product and to an active operating state of the phaser;
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view that represents the second engaged position of the cleat corresponding to the final position B of the product;
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view that represents the cleat stopped temporarily in its second engaged position; corresponding to a passive operating state of the phaser to allow the iberation of the deviated product;
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view, identical to FIG. 1, that illustrates the second stopper in the retracted standby position, corresponding to a passive operating state of the phaser;
• FIG. 5A is a side view which shows in detail the first cleat between the second engaged position and the retracted retracted position
• FIG. 6 is a view from above that represents the arrangement according to FIGS. 1 to 5 and which illustrates the example of a production sequence in which there is one product out of two;
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view which schematically represents a second embodiment of an equalized phaser of a first and second belt in parallel;
• FIG. 8 is a view from above which represents a preferred example of implementation of an arrangement comprising a distribution device according to the invention in a product packaging installation
• FIG. 9 is a view from above which diagrammatically represents an arrangement comprising a phaser according to the first or second embodiment and which illustrates a second example of application in which the second deflected product queue is orthogonal. in the first row.
• L, V, T the longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientations according to the reference L, V, T indicated in the figures will be adopted without limitation.
• FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows an arrangement 10 for the distribution of products Pn.
• the arrangement 10 comprises a conveyor belt 12 which runs in a longitudinal direction oriented from upstream to downstream, which corresponds generally to an orientation of the left to the right in Figure 1 in perspective.
• the arrangement 10 comprises a feeder device 14, such as a belt, which is intended to supply the conveyor belt 12 with Pn products and a distribution device 16, called a deflector.
• the belt 12 is driven at a substantially constant speed of travel V1 so that the belt 12 conveys the products Pn from an inlet zone 18 situated upstream to an outlet zone 20 situated downstream.
• the products Pn form a longitudinal queue, called first file F1 of products Pn, in which two successive products Pn are separated by a determined upstream spacing E1.
• the upstream spacing E1 between two consecutive products is greater than or equal to a minimum setpoint value determined.
• a spacing corresponds by definition to the longitudinal distance between the downstream end of a first product of a given line and the downstream end of a second product located immediately upstream. on the same file or another file, in particular parallel to that of the first product. Consequently, and as can be seen in FIG. 1, the spacing E1 corresponds to the distance between the downstream vertical face of a product Pn and the downstream vertical face of the upstream product Pn + 1, which follows immediately. .
• a distribution device 16 is arranged between the arrival zone 18 and the exit zone 20 in the path of the products Pn so as to deflect all or part of the products Pn in a predetermined allocation sequence.
• the invention is also not limited to the deviation of a product as a unitary element so that the distribution device is also likely to deflect a set of several products such as a lot.
• the distribution device 16 is constituted by at least one phaser 22 or 23 (see FIG. 7) which is controlled selectively so as to transversely deflect a product Pn on two from the first file F1 to form a second longitudinal file F2, parallel in the first file F1.
• the phaser 22 is arranged above the upper horizontal surface 24 on which the products Pn and between the arrival zone 18 and the outlet zone 20 pass.
• the phaser 22 comprises at least one cleat 26 which is driven at a deflection speed V2 and which is controlled, according to said distribution sequence, in order selectively to come into contact with at least one product Pn of the first line F1 to deviate laterally.
• said product Pn from an initial position A to a determined final position B, which is shifted transversely with respect to the initial position A, so as to form at least a second file F2 of products Pn.
• FIGS. 1 to 6 a first embodiment of the phaser 22 forming the distribution device 16 according to the invention is represented.
• the phasor 22 comprises a belt 30 which is arranged on the side of the face upper 24 of the belt 12 and that it i is likely to cause in displacement at least one cleat 26.
• the belt 30 of the phaser 22 here comprises a first cleat 26 and a second cleat 28.
• the phaser 22 has more than two cleats on the belt 30.
• the belt 30 carries, on its outer face 32, the first cleat 26 and the second cleat 28 which are arranged at substantially opposite positions in the direction of the greater length of the belt 30.
• the first cleat 26 and the second cleat 28 are here similar and are for example formed by elements in the form of parallelepiped plates.
• the shape and materials used for the manufacture of the cleats 26, 28 are likely to vary, in particular depending on the type of product Pn to be treated.
• the cleats have a generally "V", “U” or “L” shape in a generally horizontal cross-section arranged on the belt 30 with a predetermined inclination downstream so as product in the direction of the second file F2.
• the belt 30 is wound on a first pulley 34, which is upstream, and on a second pulley 36, which is downstream, and which can be rotated respectively about a first axis of rotation A1 and a second axis of rotation A2.
• the phaser 22 has a main axis X which is parallel to the lower strand 38 of the belt 30 and that it is orthogonal to the axes A1 and A2 of the pulleys 34 and 36.
• the main axis X is inclined downstream so as to form an angle ⁇ determined with the long longitudinal disruption of scrolling products Pn on the conveyor belt 12.
• the value of the angle ⁇ is between 0 ° and 90 °, preferably equal to 30 °, 45 ° or 60 °.
• the lower strand 38 of the belt 30 extends substantially parallel to the upper face 24 of the belt 1 2 at a height which is determined according to the tabs 26, 28 and Pn products.
• the phaser 22 comprises drive means, such as a servomotor 40, capable of driving the pulies 34, 36 in rotation at said determined deflection velocity V2.
• the belt 30 is driven at a deflection velocity V2 which is determined in such a way that the longitudinal drive speed VL of the cleat 26, 28 is equal to the running speed V1 Pn products.
• the longitudinal speed VL is zero when the value of the angle ⁇ is equal to 90 °.
• the products Pn that are deflected by the phaser 22 are not stopped or slowed down during the distribution operation, which makes it possible to maintain a running speed V1 for each product Pn, deviated or not, and so to obtain ir a high rate distribution according to the desired allocation sequence between the first file F1 and the second file F2.
• the tabs 26 and 28 are positioned on the belt 30 so as to present each vertically when they are on the lower run 38 a lateral deflection face 42 which extends parallel to the long scrolling direction. Pn products on the conveyor belt 12.
• the cleats 26, 28 thus have an inclination with respect to the belt 30 which corresponds to the value of the inclination of the main axis X of the phaser 22 relative to the belt 12, the angle ⁇ .
• the cleats 26, 28 have a orientation of the lateral face 42 differs from the longitudinal orientation.
• the lateral deflection face 42 of the cleats 26, 28 is intended to come laterally in contact with the product Pn to deflect to exert on the latter a thrust force, d it deflection, preferably substantially in the transverse direction.
• the cleats 26, 28 of the phaser 22 are selectively controlled between at least a first engaged position and a second engaged position.
• the phaser 22 respectively comprises an active operating state in which the belt 30 drives the cleats 26, 28 and a passive operating state in which the belt 30 and the cleats 26, 28 are no longer driven.
• the belt 30 is selectively controlled in its active state or in its passive state as a function of the signals emitted by detection means 44, such as a sensor and / or an encoder, which are arranged upstream of the phaser 22 and that they are capable of detecting the arrival of a product Pn on the belt 12.
• the sensor 44 is, for example, constituted by an electric cell which is arranged at the edge of the belt 12 and that it is electrically connected to the servomotor 40, so that the detection of a product triggers, according to the sequence of d determined allocation, the start of the servomotor 40 at the appropriate time.
• the arrangement 10 according to the invention can be equipped with an encoder (not shown) that accurately measures the distance traveled by the belt 12 from the detection signal of a product Pn It is by the sensor 44. Thanks to the encoder, the longitudinal position relative to the phaser 22 of the product Pn detected by the sensor 44 is precisely known, which ensures the triggering of the servomotor 40 at the appropriate time.
• the value of the upstream spacing E1 between two consecutive products aligned longitudinally is determined so as to be greater than or equal to a minimum setpoint value which is in particular a function of characteristics of the phaser 22, such as the number of cleats, the length of the belt 30 or center distance A1 -A2, etc.
• the phaser 22 being controlled selectively according to the detection signal, it is therefore likely to process a queue comprising products whose upstream spacing E1 is not necessarily constant or regular.
• This feature is particularly useful to allow reliable operation of the arrangement 10 according to the invention at high speed.
• the belt 30 of the phaser 22 is initially in a passive operating state in which it is stopped while the first cleat 26 is in a first retracted position, said waiting and the second cleat 28 is in a second retracted position, called back.
• first cleat 26 is in the first retracted position waiting and the second cleat 28 is in the second position engaged so that the second retracted retracted position is an optional intermediate position, particularly used or not depending on the rhythm.
• the products Pn run on the upper surface 24 of the belt 12 at the running speed V1 and are aligned longitudinally in a first line F1 of the products Pn, with an upstream spacing E1 determined between two products. Successive Pn arranged one behind the other.
• the sensor 44 detects the arrival of a first product P1 and consequently emits a corresponding detection signal, led it signal causing the start of the servomotor 40 so that the belt 30 of the phaser 22 passes from its passive state to its active state.
• the change of state of the belt 30 causes the drive of the first cleat 26 which passes from its retracted waiting position to its first engaged position, as shown in Figure 2.
• the start-up of the servomotor 40 comprises a preliminary acceleration phase ph 1, which allows the belt to move from a zero speed to the deflection speed V2.
• the retracted waiting position is chosen so that the first cleat 26 reaches an intermediate engagement position at the end of the acceleration phase ph 1, before it has reached its first engaged position.
• FIG. 1A shows in detail a side view of the phaser 22 illustrating the different phases and the corresponding positions of the first cleat 26 around the axis 34 of rotation. A1.
• FIG. 1A the retracted retracted position of the first cleat 26 has been represented in solid lines, the intermediate position of engagement in fine broken lines and the first position engaged in strong broken lines.
• phase of displacement of the first cleat 26 between the intermediate position of engagement and the first engaged position is said phase of engagement ph2.
• the first stop 26 comes synchronously laterally in contact with at least a product, here the first product P1, from the first engaged position.
• the first product P1 simultaneously occupies its initial position A so as to be deflected transversely by the first cleat 26 out of the first longitudinal line F1.
• the belt 30 is rotated by the servomotor
• the first product P1 deflected by the cleat 26 maintains a constant speed of movement and a relative position on the belt 12 which is identical with respect to the other Pn products.
• the first cleat 26 moves from the first engaged position to a second engaged position which is reached when the first product P1 simultaneously occupies its final position B in the second line F2.
• the deflected product P1 travels, from its initial position A to its final position B in the second file F2, a substantially straight oblique path.
• the second product P2 located upstream is detected by the sensor 44 but continues, in accordance with the distribution sequence, its displacement longitudinally along the first file F1 without being deflected.
• the distance traveled by the first deviated product P1 determines the transverse distance or spacing "e" between the first file F1 and the second file F2.
• the first product P1 reaches its final position B when the first stop 26 reaches its second engaged position reciprocally.
• the belt 30 temporarily stops being driven and goes into the passive state so as to allow the deflected product P1 to continue its displacement longitudinally along the second file F2, parallel to the first file F1.
• the arrangement 10 comprises guide means, such as a slide or a rail, arranged laterally on the side of the belt 12 above the surface 24 so as to position and guide longitudinally the deviated product Pn, especially when leaving final position B.
• guide means such as a slide or a rail
• the final position B of each deflected product Pn may be modified for each application and are determined according to the main parameters of the phaser 22, in particular the length of the belt 30 corresponding generally to the center distance A1 -A2 and the position of the cleats 26, 28.
• the first file F1 and the second file F2 are spaced transversely from each other by a determined spacing "e", represented in FIG. 6.
• the belt 30 temporarily stops being driven (passive state) for a determined period which corresponds to the time required for the deflected product P1 to no longer be transversely in contact with the lateral deflection face 42 of the catch 26.
• the belt 30 is then again controlled in its active state and driven by the servomotor 40 to move the first cleat 26 from its second engaged position to the other retracted position, said return.
• the belt 30 is again controlled in its active state and driven by the servomotor 40 to move the first cleat 26 from its second position. engaged directly to the retracted position waiting or the first engaged position.
• the tilting of the first cleat 26 from its second engaged position to its retracted retracted position is preferably performed in a similar manner to the previously described engagement tilting between the retracted waiting position and the first engaged position.
• the tilting of the first cleat 26 successively comprises a disengagement phase ph3 during which the cleat 26 preferably undergoes acceleration to be moved from its second engaged position to an intermediate disengagement position.
• the phaser 22 is then ready to deflect the next product Pn from the first line F1 according to the determined distribution sequence, here the third product P3.
• a detection signal is again transmitted to control the rotational drive of the servomotor 40.
• the belt 30 is driven by the servomotor 40 which is controlled by the sensor 44, the second cleat 28 is thus moves synchronously to reach its first engaged position when the third product P3 reaches the initial position A.
• the second cleat 28 then moves successively between the engaged and retracted positions according to a cycle which is identical to that which has just been described above for the first cleat 26 and so as to deviate the third product.
• the first and second lines F1 and F2 are out of phase with each other and have a longitudinal spacing E between two successive products respectively belonging to each of the rows F1, F2, which is here equal to the upstream spacing E1.
• FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the phaser, the improved phasor 23 being particularly capable of being implemented in an arrangement
• the improved phasor 23 differs mainly from it in that it comprises two similar belts 50, 52 arranged in parallel, and in that each belt 50, 52 is wound around a third pulley 54. which is arranged above the associated lower strand 38 and above the associated upstream 34 and downstream 36 pulleys.
• the first 50 and the second 52 belts are arranged side by side substantially symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane having the main axis X of the phaser 23.
• the axis X of the phasor 23 is inclined at an angle ⁇ relative to the long longitudinal direction of the belt 1 2 so that the phaser 23 is positioned oblique downstream with respect to the first file F 1 of products Pn.
• first 50 and the second 52 belts are driven independently, respectively by a first 56 and a second 58 servomotors.
• Each belt 50, 52 here includes a first latch 60, a second latch, and a third latch (not visible in FIG. 7) which are spaced apart along the belt 50, 52 and are similar to the cleats 26. , 28 of the first embodiment.
• the cleats here comprise additional waiting positions, with respect to the positions described with reference to the first embodiment of realisation.
• the third cleat is in a medial retracted position way between the position retracted and retracted position, in the vicinity of the third pulley 54.
• the first cleat 60 of the second belt 52 occupies a retracted retracted position offset by a few degrees of rotation angle of the upstream pulley 34, relative to the retracted retracted position of the first cleat 60 of the first belt 50.
• the two other tabs of the second belt 52 are offset relative to the corresponding tabs of the first belt 50.
• the cleats of the belts 50, 52 are arranged without a few degrees of rotation angle offset and each belt 50, 52 is selectively controlled.
• the phaser 23 then operates in a similar manner to a phasing device comprising two phasors similar to the phasor 22 previously described operating independently of one another as a function of the detection of the products to activate the phaser 22. one and / or the other of the servomotors 56, 58.
• phaser 23 The operating principle of the second embodiment of the phaser 23 will be described below, which is similar to that of the phaser 22, but which advantageously makes it possible to process a product stream Pn at a higher, faster rate.
• the presence of a second belt 52 makes it possible to begin to divert another product Pn before the first product P1 has been released in the final position B by one of the tabs of the first belt 50.
• the phaser 23 is shown in the passive state, the cleats 60 occupying the retracted retracted positions previously described.
• the detection signal emitted by the sensor 44 causes the passage of the first belt 50 of the phaser 23 from its passive state to its active state.
• the first servomotor 56 is turned on so that the first latch 60 of the first belt 50 moves from its retracted retracted position to its first engaged position in which it contacts and deflects the product P1 to deviate. his move until reaching his second engaged position.
• the second servomotor 58 Shortly after the first servomotor 56 is turned on, or simultaneously, the second servomotor 58 is turned on as well, until the first tab 60 of the second belt 52 comes to occupy its retracted retracted position. As soon as the first cleat 60 of the second belt 52 reaches its retracted retracted position, the second servomotor 58 is stopped, pending the arrival of a third product P3, while the first belt 50 is for example always trained.
• the second product P2 situated immediately upstream of the first product P1, continues its longitudinal movement along the first file F1 without being deflected, in accordance with the staggered distribution sequence of one product out of two.
• the sensor 44 Shortly before the retraction of the first cleat 60 of the first belt 50, the sensor 44 detects the arrival of a third product P3 which triggers the start of the second servomotor 58, the second belt 52 passing from the passive state in the active state.
• the first cleat 60 of the second belt 52 then occupies a first position engaged simultaneously with the arrival of the third product in its initial position A so as to transversely deflect said third product P3.
• the phaser 23 therefore forms a second line F2 which, parallel to the first line F1, consists of the products Pn deflected by the cleats of one or the other 52 of the belts according to the said disengagement sequence.
• the first product P1 having reached its final position B, the first cleat 60 of the first belt 50 then retracts and comes to occupy its retracted retracted position, as the third associated cleat is read to occupy its retracted position d Waiting, if the first servomotor 56 is stopped.
• the first belt 50 of the phaser 23 is again ready to deflect one of the products. its further components that will have been detected by the sensor 44.
• the first cleat 60 of the second belt 52 continues simultaneously are transverse deviation displacement of the third product P3 from its initial position A to its final position B in the second file F2, as previously the first cleat 60 of the first belt 50 with the first product P1.
• the inner surface 68 of the belts 50, 52 is notched to cooperate with complementary transverse notches carried by the axial driving surface 70 of the pulleys 34, 36, 54.
• the phasor 23 is here carried by a portal-like frame 72 which rests, for example, on the ground (not shown) and which is advantageously mounted mobile with respect to the belt 12.
• the mounting of the phaser 23 on a gantry 72 makes it easy to arrange it over any conveyor belt 12, and makes it possible to easily choose the longitudinal position and the angle ⁇ of inclination towards the downstream to settle them.
• the gantry 72 comprises, on either side of the belt 12, two vertical longitudinal plates 74, 76 which respectively support the pulleys 34, 36, 54 associated with the first belt 50 and the pulleys 34, 36, 54 associated with the second belt. belt 52.
• the phaser 23 comprises means 78 for adjusting the center distance A1 -A2 between the upstream pulley 34 and the downstream pulley 36 of each belt 50, 52.
• the adjustment of the center distance A1 -A2 makes it possible, in particular, to adapt the length of the lower run 38 of each belt 50, 52 at the upstream spacing E1 between the products Pn and the longitudinal dimension of the products Pn.
• each upstream pulley 34 is carried by a slider 80 which is movable in translation on a rail 82 fixed to the plate 74, 76 of associated support.
• each slider 80 is controlled here by an adjustment screw 84 fixed to the associated support plate 74, 76.
• the phaser 23 comprises means 86 for catching the tension of each belt 50, 52.
• These means 86 include, for example, a vertical rail and slider system (not shown) for moving the axis A3 of the third pulley 54 in vertical translation, relative to the plate 74, 76 of associated support.
• the means 86 for catching the voltage can operate automatically, for example by means of a elastic device which biases the axis A3 of the third pulley 54 vertically upwards.
• an ejection device 88 of Pn products is arranged between the sensor 44 and the phaser 22 or 23, so as to prevent certain malfunctions, in particular those due to spacings.
• upstream E1 too short that is to say less than the minimum value of setpoint.
• the minimum setpoint value is determined so as to allow the distribution device 16 formed by the phaser 22 or 23 to position at least one stopper in the retracted position waiting when a product Pn to deviate is detected.
• the ejection device 88 comprises, for example, means (not shown) for producing a jet of compressed air capable of ejecting a product Pn out of the belt 12.
• the ejection device 88 is controlled as a function of the detection signal produced by the sensor 44 so that when it detects the arrival of an upstream product Pn which is too close to the product Pn immediately before it downstream. , the ejection device 88 preferably causes the ejection of the upstream product Pn out of the belt 12.
• the arrangement 10 comprises a phaser 22, 23 able to deflect a part of the products of a first file F1 to split it so as to form a second file F2 parallel to the first F1 file.
• first upstream phasor and the second downstream phasor are arranged longitudinally next to each other between the arrival and exit zones of the belt.
• the first upstream phaser then deviates out of the first file F1 more than one product out of two, for example two products out of three so that one of these two products deviated in the second file F2 is later diverted to its turn by the second downstream phaser in the third file F3.
• the arrangement according to the invention therefore makes it possible to proceed at least with a duplication of a queue of products Pn.
• An arrangement 10 according to the invention of the type of that described above in FIGS. 1 to 6 advantageously constitutes a first section T1 of such an installation 90 comprising a distribution device, such as a phaser 22 or an improved phasor 23, according to FIG. one of the embodiments described above.
• the doubling of the queues obtained by virtue of the invention advantageously makes it possible to form batches, in particular batches comprising at least two products next to one another, or to prepare the products in question. view of the constitution of such lots.
• the product packaging installation 90 shown in FIG. 8 is more particularly intended to group products in batch Li, in particular with a view to conveying said batches of products to a boxing machine (not shown).
• a packaging installation 90 of this type comprises a conveying line 92 which extends longitudinally along a conveyor belt 112 on which run upstream to downstream products P to convey.
• the installation 90 comprises successively from upstream to downstream a supply device 14 of products of the conveyor line 92, a distribution device 16 of the products produced in accordance with the teachings of the invention, a device for grouping batch products.
• Li comprising at least first phasing means 122 and second phasing means 222.
• the batches Li comprise four products P which are grouped so as to register globally in a square, a batch Li formed respectively of two rows of two products or two columns of two products.
• the feed device 14 here comprises a feed belt 94 which conveys a line F of products P separated longitudinally from an upstream spacing E1 to an input zone 118 of the conveyor belt 112. It will be noted that, for example, comparison, the upstream spacing E1 corresponds to the designated upstream spacing E1 in the description of the first example of application of FIGS. 1 to 6.
• a distribution device 16 is arranged, downstream of the input zone 118, on said first upstream section T1 of the conveyor belt 112 for dispensing the products P of the file F on the upper face 132 of the belt 112 in a sequence of determined distribution.
• the distribution device 16 comprises a phaser 96 comprising at least one cleat, here two cleats 98, 100, and which is arranged relative to the belt 112 so as to distribute the products P of the file F for the purpose of splitting it to respectively downstream a second file F2 of products P, hereinafter referred to as Pn, which is parallel to a first F1 file of products P, hereinafter referred to as Pn + 1, which corresponds here to the upstream queue F.
• a phaser 96 comprising at least one cleat, here two cleats 98, 100, and which is arranged relative to the belt 112 so as to distribute the products P of the file F for the purpose of splitting it to respectively downstream a second file F2 of products P, hereinafter referred to as Pn, which is parallel to a first F1 file of products P, hereinafter referred to as Pn + 1, which corresponds here to the upstream queue F.
• the phaser 96 is, for example, similar to the phasor 22 described in the first embodiment and represented in FIGS. 1 to 6, so that the phaser 96 is characterized firstly by its position oblique with respect to the longitudinal direction of travel of the carpet 1 12 and, secondly, by the position of the tabs 98, 100 which move transversely, here from the right to the left, at a speed whose longitudinal component VL is equal to the speed of travel of the belt 1 12.
• phaser 96 is a phasor similar to the improved phasor 23 previously described and shown in FIG.
• the phaser 96 comprises for driving the tabs 98, 100, a belt which is wound between a first right pulley 134 and a second left pulley 136 respectively of axis of rotation A1 and A2.
• a main axis X of the phaser 96 is defined as the median axis which is orthogonal to the axes A1 and A2 of the pulleys and contained in a horizontal plane parallel to the phaser belt.
• the oblique position of the phaser 96 is defined by the main axis X whose intersection with the longitudinal direction of travel of the belt 1 12 forms an acute angle ⁇ which is advantageously between 0 ° and 90 °, for example equal to 45 °.
• the two pulleys are arranged above the belt January 12 so that the lower strand of the belt extends substantially parallel to the upper face 132 of the belt January 12 and so that the tabs 98, 100 extend parallel to the direction longitudinal running of the belt 1 12, or with an angle ⁇ determined with respect to the main axis X of the phaser 96.
• the right pulley can be rotated by means of a servomotor capable of selectively driving the belt carrying the tabs 98, 100 rotating around the pulleys in the same direction as the belt 1 12 and with a drive speed V2, called deflection, cleats 98, 100 determined so that the longitudinal component VL of the speed the drive speed is advantageously equal to the running speed V1 of the belt 1 12.
• a servomotor capable of selectively driving the belt carrying the tabs 98, 100 rotating around the pulleys in the same direction as the belt 1 12 and with a drive speed V2, called deflection, cleats 98, 100 determined so that the longitudinal component VL of the speed the drive speed is advantageously equal to the running speed V1 of the belt 1 12.
• the product distribution sequence downstream of the phaser 96 is here analogous to that shown above, namely a staggered distribution with an alternation of one product out of two so as to form a second file F2 parallel to the first file F1 .
• the second file F2 consists of deviated Pn products which are positioned with a spacing E'2 between two products P1, P3, P5 etc. successive and the first line F1 consists of Pn + 1 products positioned with a spacing E2 between two products P2, P4, P6 etc. successive.
• the spacings E'2 and E2 of the queues F2 and F1 are here equal to each other.
• the first and second queues F2 and F1 are phase-shifted together and have a spacing E between two successive products Pn, Pn + 1 respectively belonging to each of the queues F2, F1, said spacing E being equal to the upstream spacing E1.
• the phaser 122 is structurally identical to one or the other of the phasors 22, 23 described respectively in the first and second embodiments and will therefore not be described in detail hereinafter.
• the phaser 1 22 comprises a cleat 126 and a cleat January 28 which are driven at a deceleration speed V3 by a servomotor whose running is advantageously controlled according to the detection signal of a sensor 142.
• the operation of the phaser 1 22 is similar so that, downstream of the phaser 1 22, the products Pn, Pn + 1 of the rows F2 and F1 are grouped together in a row so as to form batches of the intermediate batches, comprising respectively a product Pn and a product Pn + 1 grouped transversely next to each other. Intermediate batches I then traverse a third downstream section T3 of belt 1 12 comprising the second phasing means 222.
• the second phasing means 222 are here intended to group two intermediate batches I i previously constituted by the first phasing means 1 22 to form a batch Li.
• the second phasing means 222 comprise at least one phasor preferably identical to one or the other of the phasors 22, 23 described respectively in the first and second embodiments or as described in the aforementioned patent application. No. 0550528 to which reference will be made for further details.
• the phaser 222 is arranged above the belt January 12 and is centered with respect to the rows F1 and F2.
• the phasor 222 comprises respectively at least one first cleat 226 and a second cleat 228, for example similar to the cleats 26, 28 of the phaser 22.
• the products P1, P2 forming the first intermediate batch L'i arrive in front, they are advantageously detected by detection means, such as a sensor 242, which i synchronously controls the start-up of the servomotor. phaser 222.
• the first stop 226 then moves from an upstream waiting position (passive state) to an engaged position (active state) in each of which is driven longitudinally downstream by the servomotor at a deceleration speed V4.
• the retarding speed V4 is lower than the running speed V1
• the first product P1 and the second product P2 forming the first intermediate batch L '1 join the cleat 226 of the phaser 222 and abut against the upstream transverse face. of this one.
• the difference in speed between the running speed V1 and the retarding speed V4 of the cleats 226, 228 therefore causes the products P1, P2 to slide on the belt.
• the first product P1 and the second product P2 are then progressively joined by the products P3 and P4 of the intermediary batch L'i following, respectively belonging to the second and first rows F2, F1 and i, downstream of the phaser 1 22. and upstream of the phaser 222, are initially separated by a spacing E 'that i is equal to the upstream spacing E2 between the products Pn + 1 of the first file F1. Indeed, the spacing E 'between the products P1 and P2 of the batch
• a final batch L1 comprising here four products P1, P2, P3 and P4 which are grouped two by two in rows and columns.
• the downstream spacing E "between two batches Li is substantially equal to twice the value of the spacing E 'between the intermediate batches L'.
• the conditioning installation 90 successively comprises first phasing means 122 and second phasing means 222 when the difference between the running speed V1 of the belt and the slowing speeds of the phasing means required to form the batches.
• the i or Li is important, for example when the scrolling speed V1 is twice the required slowdown speed.
• the conditioning installation 90 comprises only first phasing means 1 22 whose characteristics, such as the length of the belt, the position of the cleats or the retarding speed V 2, are determined in such a way that grouping together rank of the first and second products P1, P2 and the grouping of the following products P3 and P4 operate under the lower strand of the phaser 122.
• the conditioning installation 90 comprises, downstream of the exit zone 120 of the conveyor belt 1 1 2, a regrouper
• the first batch L1 is filled with one of the cavities 146 empty, then the train 144 moves from one cell to receive the next batch L2 so that the batches Li of products are for example conveyed by the aggregator 25 to a mach boxing.
• a phasor of the type of phasors 22 or 23 is capable of being implemented to ensure different functions according to the applications.
• the phasor 22 or 23 has the function, in the arrangement according to the invention of the first section T1 of the installation 90, of diverting at least part of the products from one line to form another parallel line, then speaks of a function in two rows, while it provides another function in sections T2 or T3 of the installation.
• the phaser 22 or 23 then has the function of selectively slowing down at least one determined product to align the products transversely in rows and / or longitudinally in columns so as, in the example of the packaging installation 90, to constitute batches of products to be collected by a consolidator to be cashed.
• phaser for the constitution of batches of products is only one possible example of application.
• phaser is still likely to be implemented in an installation type installation 90 to proceed to the balancing of at least one product line of which two products are separated by a determined spacing.
• balancing of a product line means the use of the phaser to slow down at least one given product so that the spacing between two successive products of this queue is in particular greater than or equal to a minimum value. deposit.
• such a minimum value of spacing set point between two products arranged one behind the other or one beside the other corresponds for example advantageously to the time necessary for at least one of the cells of the regrouper is moved one notch and a new empty cell is presented facing the carpet.
• the 25-cell cluster is only one possible and non-limiting example of a product grouping device that can be implemented in an installation, such as the packaging installation 90.
• the grouping device is constituted by a robot or robotic arm provided at its free end with gripping means such as pliers or suction cups so as to collect the products grouped or distributed according to a determined sequence, for example in batches.
• the products are taken dynamically by such a robot, it is de ire without stopping or slowing down the conveyor belt, and the sampling is realisé in the exit zone of the carpet.
• the second section T2 of the belt 1 1 2 consists of two parallel mats between them, respectively a first and a second carpet which are longitudinally aligned with each of the queues. F 1 and F 2.
• the products P of the queue F which are not deflected by the phaser 96 continue their displacement from upstream to downstream and these products Pn + 1 forming the first line F1 are conveyed by the first mat that is trained. at a running speed V1 identical to that of the belt 1 1 2 sections T1 and T3.
• the choice of an appropriate value of the speed of travel V'1 of this second belt with respect to the speed makes it possible to vary the value of the spacing E, that is to say on the spacing between a product Pn of the second file F2 and a product Pn + 1 of the first file F 1.
• FIG. 9 schematically shows an arrangement 10 'according to a second example of application of the invention comprising a distribution device 16 which may be constituted by a phaser 22 according to the first embodiment or by a phasor 23 according to the second embodiment.
• the arrangement 10 ' is characterized in that the distribution device 16 is constituted by a phaser 22, 23 which is arranged between the arrival zone 18 and the exit zone 20 and which is arranged in oblique with respect to the belt 12, or with a downward inclination angle ⁇ relative to the longitudinal direction.
• the phasor 22, 23 comprises at least one cleat 26 'which is driven at a deflection speed V2 and which is controlled, according to a determined distribution sequence, in order selectively to come into contact with at least one product Pn of the first F1 file.
• the catch 26 ' is capable of laterally deflecting the product Pn from an initial position A to a determined final position B which is shifted transversely relative to the initial position A.
• the phaser 22, 23 is intended to deflect the products of the first line F1 to form a second queue F2 of Produ's Pn which is here orthogonal to the first file F1.
• the second deflected product line F2 is formed on another belt 46 which is arranged orthogonally to the exit zone 20 of the belt 1 2 and which is driven transversely, from bottom to top in FIG. scrolling speed V'1.
• the belt 46 is arranged with an angle d of 90 °, the angle being determined by the direction towards which it is desired to redirect the products.
• the determined distribution sequence corresponds to an application, referred to as a return, in which all the products Pn of the first file F1 are deflected laterally so as to be displaced on the upper face of the other. conveyor belt 46.
• At least a portion of the products Pn are not deflected by the phaser 22, 23 towards the other belt 46 so as to be selectively removed to recovery means (not shown) arranged for example at the end of the exit zone 20 of the belt 1 2.
• FIG. 9 a disassembly sequence in which all the products Pn are deflected at 90 ° from the first file F 1 to the second file F2 orthogonal to the first file F1 is more particularly represented.
• the scroll speed V1 of the belt 1 2 and the scroll speed V'1 of the other carpet 46 are preferably equal and the angle ⁇ has a value of 45 ° in order to maintain the rate.
• the belt 30, 50, 52 is thus driven at a deflection speed V 2 determined so that the longitudinal drive speed V L of the cleat 26 'is equal to the traveling speed V 1.
• the value of the angle ⁇ is preferably between 0 and 90 °, for example equal to 30 °, 45 ° or 60 °.
• the value of the scrolling speed V '1 makes it possible to vary the spacing between the products Pn which are deflected from the second file F2, so if the running speed V' 1 is greater the spacing E2 between the products will increase.
• tand is that if it is lower than the spacing E2 of iminuera.
• the value of the running speed V '1 of the belt 46 makes it possible to modulate the spacing between the products Pn n deviated from the second file F2.
• FIG. 9 shows a phaser 22 comprising a first cleat 26 'and a second cleat 28' which are distributed opposite each other on the belt 30 which is driven by a servomotor advantageously controlled via the sensor 44.
• the arrangement 10 'of FIG. 9 comprises another belt 46 which is arranged parallel to the conveyor belt 12.
• the second belt 46 is then arranged so that its arrival zone extends transversely vis-à-vis the exit zone of the belt 12, that is to say parallel to the side of the zone
• the arrival zone of the second belt 46 is arranged at the end of the exit zone of the belt 12, that is to say longitudinally in facing relation to the extension of this belt. last.
• the choice of an appropriate value of the drive speed V'1 of the belt 46 makes it possible to act on the value of the spacing between the products Pn, that is to say on the final value, after deflection by the phaser 22, the spacing between a product Pn and a product Pn-1 located immediately upstream.
• the deviation of the products Pn from the first line F1 of the belt 12 to the second file F2 of the belt 46 is performed without changing orientation of the Pn products thus deviated.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)
• Control Of Conveyors (AREA)
• Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)

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• 2006
  • 2006-08-24 FR FR0653447A patent/FR2905118B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2007
  • 2007-08-14 CN CN2007800313856A patent/CN101506069B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2007-08-14 EP EP07788415A patent/EP2074046A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2007-08-14 JP JP2009525018A patent/JP2010501438A/ja active Pending
  • 2007-08-14 BR BRPI0715676-6A patent/BRPI0715676A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2007-08-14 WO PCT/EP2007/058398 patent/WO2008022940A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2007-08-14 US US12/438,577 patent/US7810630B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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