WO2010142317A1 - Procédé et dispositif permettant de grouper des articles - Google Patents

Procédé et dispositif permettant de grouper des articles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010142317A1
WO2010142317A1 PCT/EP2009/057031 EP2009057031W WO2010142317A1 WO 2010142317 A1 WO2010142317 A1 WO 2010142317A1 EP 2009057031 W EP2009057031 W EP 2009057031W WO 2010142317 A1 WO2010142317 A1 WO 2010142317A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
units
speed
track
holding device
diverter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2009/057031
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Linus Bokesand
Tommy Karlsson
Hans ÖSTERGREN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FlexLink Components AB
Original Assignee
FlexLink Components AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FlexLink Components AB filed Critical FlexLink Components AB
Priority to PCT/EP2009/057031 priority Critical patent/WO2010142317A1/fr
Publication of WO2010142317A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010142317A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • B65G47/02—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors
    • B65G47/04—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles
    • B65G47/06—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines
    • B65G47/08—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding
    • B65G47/082—Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding grouping articles in rows
    • 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
    • B65G47/22—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors
    • B65G47/26—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles
    • B65G47/30—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a series of conveyors
    • B65G47/31—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a series of conveyors by varying the relative speeds of the conveyors forming the series

Definitions

  • the present invention relates a method and an arrangement for controlling a flow of units from at least one incoming track to at least one outgoing track.
  • Conveyor systems which handles, diverts, rotates, pushes and/or accumulates products in the manufacturing processes. Such systems can for instance be used in packaging, filling, machining or assembly processes.
  • Particular conveyor systems can comprise diverters designed to distribute products from one to several lanes. Such diverters preferably enable distribution in a continuous motion flow.
  • FIG. 1 An unstructured flow 10 of products is entering the machine on an in-feed conveyor 11. The flow is transported to the Stopper 12 at the end of the machine 13.
  • the Stopper 12 is a device that, when activated, holds back the product flow (e.g. a plate attached to a pneumatic cylinder). Products accumulate against the stopper, and when the accumulated queue of products is long enough a Clamp 14 is activated. The Clamp is positioned a certain distance upstream of the Stopper. When the Clamp is activated the Stopper is retracted and the products 15 between the Clamp and Stopper will be discharged to the downstream conveyor. Groups 15 of products are thereby created. A gap in the product flow is created directly downstream of the Clamp. When the gap is a desired length, the Clamp is released again. When the gap reaches the Stopper, the Stopper is activated again and the cycle starts over.
  • Another problem is that the products that are accumulated on the in-feed conveyor are pulsating forward. This can cause product damages and/or dislocations.
  • the reason for the pulsations is the continuous starting and stopping of the product flow, caused by the stopper 12 and the clamp 14.
  • a further problem is that the products that are accumulated stands still on a continuously running in-feed conveyor. This result in a friction force transferred from the conveyor to the products. In combination with the full stop caused by the stopper and the clamp, the products may be damaged and dislocated.
  • US 6763929 propose a solution for separating continuously fed products into groups.
  • the products are fed on a feeding conveyor, where said products are separated and grouped by a first and second conveyor band with locating elements.
  • the elements are anchored into the conveyors at certain distance from each other.
  • Within the distance between an element of the first and an element of the second conveyor a group is formed, which is fed forward at a speed which is lower than the speed of the feeding conveyor.
  • the group When the group is released, it accelerates on the feeding conveyor away from the next group formed between two other elements. Grouping of products is thereby enabled.
  • a problem with this solution is that the elements are particularly designed to interact with bottles or similar. It is not possible to have elements mounted on conveyors below the feeding conveyor which intercepts between products independent of the product shape. There is a high risk that the elements hits the products and pushes these away from the feeding conveyor. Another problem is that since the first and second conveyors are run at a lower speed than the feeding conveyor, products are accumulated on the in-feed conveyor and are pulsating forward.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved method for creating gaps between groups/trains of products from an unstructured incoming flow of products without interrupting said flow.
  • the object is solved by means of a method for controlling a flow of units from at least one incoming track to at least one outgoing track.
  • the method comprises the steps of:
  • the incoming track feeds the flow of units at a first speed towards a diverter track, which receives said units.
  • Said diverter track comprises a support structure on which said received units rest.
  • the diverter track further comprises at least one holding device which holds at least one of said received units and feeds said unit at a second speed being higher than the first speed.
  • the holding device controls the second speed so that it deviates from the speed of the rest of the units resting on said structure, such that a plurality of said received units are brought together and forms a group of units which is fed to the outgoing track.
  • the object is also solved by means of an arrangement adapted for controlling a flow of units from at least one incoming track to at least one outgoing track.
  • the incoming track is adapted to feed the flow of units at a first speed towards a diverter track which is adapted to receive said units.
  • Said diverter track comprises a support structure on which said received units rest.
  • the diverter track further comprises at least one holding device which is adapted to hold at least one of said received units and feed this at a second speed being higher than the first speed.
  • the holding device is adapted to control the second speed so that it deviates from the speed of the rest of the units resting on said structure such that a plurality of said received units are brought together and forms a group of units which is fed to the outgoing track.
  • the main advantage with the present invention is that groups of products can be created in a non-interrupted flow.
  • the incoming flow of products does not need to be restricted in order to create the gaps between the groups.
  • the possible throughput using the new technology is significantly improved.
  • the fact that the products are discharged in slugs, helps making a stable transfer to the conveyor downstream.
  • Figure 1 shows a prior art arrangement for creating gaps between groups/trains of products.
  • Figure 2 shows an arrangement for creating gaps between groups/trains of products according to the present invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a flow chart illustrating the method according to the present invention.
  • the present invention relates to an arrangement and a method for controlling a flow of products from at least one incoming track to at least one outgoing track. From now on the products will be named units. In spite of the fact that the detailed description describes the method performed by the arrangement, the person skilled in the art realizes that the arrangement, adapted to perform these method steps, is also disclosed in the description.
  • the incoming track 16 feeds the flow of units 23 at a first speed towards a diverter track 20, which receives said units. See figure 2.
  • the diverter track comprises a support structure 21 on which said received units rest.
  • the support structure may be static. It could for instance consist in a support bed, a tube structure or any other means enabling support and sliding for the received units.
  • the support structure may as an alternative be adapted to move the resting units. It could for instance consist in a conveyor, a linkage or a mechanical arrangement enabling support and active movement of the units.
  • the incoming 16 and the outgoing tracks 19 may consist in one or more tracks.
  • the tracks may comprise a conveyor for feeding the units 23.
  • Other means, such as a linkage, for supporting the units in the respective track are also included within the scope of the invention.
  • the diverter track 20 comprises a holding device.
  • the holding device 18 may consist in at least one conveyor belt with holders 22 adapted to hold the received units 24.
  • the holding device may as an alternative consist in a linkage with holders 22 adapted to hold the received units.
  • the linkage refers to a series of links connected with joints to form a closed chain, or a series of closed chains.
  • Such holders 22 may for instance be cleats mounted on two conveyors or linkages running on each side of the received units. With such an arrangement, the unit 24 is held by clamping it between one holder/cleat mounted on each conveyor/linkage.
  • the holders/cleats may clamp the unit at top and bottom or from the sides.
  • An alternative is to use one conveyor or linkage with holders wherein these holders have means such as magnets, grippers to hold the units. Any means able to grip and hold the units can be used.
  • the holding device 18 may as an alternative consist in a mechanical arrangement with at least one holder adapted to hold the received units 24.
  • the arrangement is adapted to enable a reciprocal motion of the holder.
  • Such arrangements may for example involve screw-driven linear units, pneumatic cylinders or robot arms.
  • the support structure 21 is preferably designed so that the holders 22 can extend through the structure. This is necessary since the structure is arranged so that the received units 24, 25 in the diverter track 20 can support the units from below.
  • the incoming track 27 see figure 3 feeds the flow of units at a first speed towards the diverter track 20 which receives said units.
  • Said diverter track comprises the support structure on which said received units rest.
  • the holding device 18 in the diverter track 20 holds 28 at least one 24 of said received units and feeds said unit at a second speed being higher than the first speed.
  • the holding device 18 controls 29 the second speed so that it deviates from the speed of the rest of the units 25 resting on said structure such that a plurality of said received units are brought together and forms a group of units 26 which is fed to the outgoing track 19.
  • the scope of the present invention is to create slugs of units, without restricting the incoming flow of units 23. This is achieved by using the holding device 18 with the holders 22 that comes in contact only with some of the units in the flow, whereas the other units in each group of units 26 are pushed (or held back) by this unit. The slugs of units are accelerated (compared to the incoming unit speed), which creates a defined gap between each slug of units.
  • gaps can be created between groups/trains 26 of units from an unstructured incoming flow of units 23 without interrupting said flow.
  • the reason is that the holding device 18 feeds some of the received units 24 at a second speed which deviates from the speed on the incoming track 16.
  • the holding device 18 grips at least one 24 of the units. This means that not all of the units that rest on the support structure 21 are gripped.
  • the non-gripped units 25 will only rest on the support structure.
  • the held units 23 will be fed at the second speed. Since this speed is higher than the first speed on the incoming track 16, the held units are accelerated.
  • the second speed (the speed of the held units 24) is controlled so that it deviates from the speed of the non-held units 25.
  • the second speed may be controlled so that the units held by the holding device 18 pushes the rest of the units resting on the structure forward in the longitudinal direction of flow. This means that groups of units are formed, which comprises one held unit and the non-held units located between two held units downstream from said held unit.
  • the support structure 21 may be an arrangement such as a conveyor, a linkage or any other means enabling support and active movement of the received units 24, 25.
  • This structure may be run in a third speed which is lower than the second speed. Still, the second speed (the speed of the held units 24) is controlled so that it deviates from the speed of the non-held units 25. The result will be the same as if the support structure were standing still (static). That is, non-held units resting on the support structure will be pushed forward by the held units. Since the non-held units need to be able to slide on the support structure, the friction coefficient needs to be low.
  • the movable support structure 21 may be run in a third speed which is higher than the second speed. Still, the second speed (the speed of the held units 24) is controlled so that it deviates from the speed of the non-held units 25. The result will be that the units held by the holding device 18 holds back the rest of the non-held units located between two held units upstream from said held unit. The no-held units 25 will accumulate against the held unit 24 in each group of units 26.
  • the length of the group of units 26 may depend on the speed deviation (between the first and the second speed).
  • the length of the group of units 26 may also be varied by the holding device 18, see fig. 2. In practical terms, the length depends on the pitch between the holders 22 and on the speed difference between the units 23 fed towards the diverter track and the speed of the diverter track 20. The pitch may be varied depending on the mechanical structure of the holding device.
  • the holding device 18 may be synchronized so that the units 24 are held on a predefined position on the units. This enables formation of exact slug lengths since the holders 22 always grip the units on defined positions. If small variations in the slug/group 26 length are acceptable, the holding device can run freely without being synchronized with the flow of units.
  • the grouped units 26 are fed by the diverter track 20 to the outgoing track 19. There is normally no gap between the units in the slug/group. In the event that there are small gaps between the products, these are considered as a group of units. As the units are being discharged in groups, they are supporting each other, which can be an advantage for unstable units.
  • the invention relates to the creation of the gaps, while applications using the gaps (such as a complete diverter) are not discussed.
  • the gaps created between the products can be used in for example a diverter, where the gap can be utilized to shift between two or more conveyor lanes.
  • the diverter comprises a pivoting diverter mechanism for high speed vertical / horizontal distribution of the units 23.
  • the arrangement may comprise an intermediate track, in the following exemplified by a choke belt 17.
  • the belt is positioned between the incoming track 16 and the diverter track 20.
  • the choke belt is arranged with the purpose of controlling the speed with which the units are fed to the diverter track.
  • the position of the choke belt means that it will feed the flow of units 23 to the diverter track.
  • the choke belt may consist in a conveyor belt, a linkage or any other means such as a mechanical arrangement, which enables support and movement of the units.
  • the choke belt may be omitted if the units 23 enter the diverter track at a controlled speed.
  • the choke belt may be run in a variable speed, which is lower than the second speed and feed the units 23 towards the diverter track.
  • the choke belt will thereby hold back the units upstream without interrupting the flow of units. This will ensure that the speed of the incoming units does not exceed the second speed at which the held units are fed.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un agencement permettant de commander un débit d’unités (23) entre au moins une voie d’arrivée (16) et au moins une voie de sortie (19). Le procédé comprend les étapes suivantes : - la voie d’arrivée (16) alimente le débit d’unités (23) à une première vitesse vers une voie de dérouteur (20), qui comprend une structure support (21) sur laquelle lesdites unités reçues reposent ; - la voie de dérouteur (20) comprend également un dispositif de retenue (18) qui retient une unité (24) et l’alimente à une seconde vitesse supérieure à la première vitesse ; - le dispositif de retenue (18) régule la seconde vitesse pour qu’elle diffère de la vitesse du reste des unités (25) qui reposent sur ladite structure, de manière à ce qu’une pluralité desdites unités reçues soient rassemblées et forment un groupe d’unités (26) qui est alimenté vers la voie de sortie (19) (Fig. 2).
PCT/EP2009/057031 2009-06-08 2009-06-08 Procédé et dispositif permettant de grouper des articles Ceased WO2010142317A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2009/057031 WO2010142317A1 (fr) 2009-06-08 2009-06-08 Procédé et dispositif permettant de grouper des articles

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2009/057031 WO2010142317A1 (fr) 2009-06-08 2009-06-08 Procédé et dispositif permettant de grouper des articles

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010142317A1 true WO2010142317A1 (fr) 2010-12-16

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ID=42025827

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PCT/EP2009/057031 Ceased WO2010142317A1 (fr) 2009-06-08 2009-06-08 Procédé et dispositif permettant de grouper des articles

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3000950A1 (fr) * 2013-01-17 2014-07-18 Marel France Procede et dispositif pour alimenter en produits alimentaires longs et flexibles une machine de conditionnement
DE102018125898A1 (de) 2018-10-18 2020-04-23 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Gruppierung und/oder Separierung von im Reihentransport beförderten Stückgütern oder Gebinden
CN111591718A (zh) * 2020-05-28 2020-08-28 湖南省烟草公司衡阳市公司 一种烟姿校正方法及装置
JP7575660B2 (ja) 2020-09-17 2024-10-30 シブヤパッケージングシステム株式会社 物品集積装置

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2090804A (en) * 1981-01-08 1982-07-21 Sig Schweiz Industrieges Grouping articles before packaging
DE3151997A1 (de) * 1980-12-31 1982-08-12 O.C.M.E. Officina Costruzioni Meccaniche Emiliana S.p.A., Parma Vorrichtung zur auswahl und bildung von mehrreihigenund mehrzeiligen gegenstandsgruppen
IT1163831B (it) * 1983-07-21 1987-04-08 Ocme Spa Dispositivo selezionatore-formatore di gruppi di oggetti a piu' file longitudinali e righe trasversali
EP0708028A1 (fr) * 1994-10-20 1996-04-24 Riverwood International Corporation Mécanisme convoyeur pour espacer des articles
GB2316926A (en) * 1996-09-06 1998-03-11 Riverwood Int Corp Infeed arrangement for a packaging machine
DE19715613C1 (de) * 1997-03-05 1998-10-15 Kisters Maschinenbau Gmbh Verfahren zur Herstellung von zu verpackenden Gruppen aus in mehreren Produktreihen nestend nebeneinander angeordneten zylindrischen Produkten
US6182814B1 (en) * 2000-03-03 2001-02-06 Sig Pack, Inc., Doboy Division Inline vacuum slug feeder
EP1293454A2 (fr) * 2001-09-03 2003-03-19 Renholmens Mekaniska Verkstad AB Dispositif pour la séparation de lattes de bois empilés
US20040154902A1 (en) * 2003-02-12 2004-08-12 Schoeneck Richard Jerome Retractable transfer device metering and product arranging and loading apparatus and methods
WO2007137923A1 (fr) * 2006-05-26 2007-12-06 A.C.M.I. - Societa' Per Azioni Machine servant à regrouper des emballages

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3151997A1 (de) * 1980-12-31 1982-08-12 O.C.M.E. Officina Costruzioni Meccaniche Emiliana S.p.A., Parma Vorrichtung zur auswahl und bildung von mehrreihigenund mehrzeiligen gegenstandsgruppen
GB2090804A (en) * 1981-01-08 1982-07-21 Sig Schweiz Industrieges Grouping articles before packaging
IT1163831B (it) * 1983-07-21 1987-04-08 Ocme Spa Dispositivo selezionatore-formatore di gruppi di oggetti a piu' file longitudinali e righe trasversali
EP0708028A1 (fr) * 1994-10-20 1996-04-24 Riverwood International Corporation Mécanisme convoyeur pour espacer des articles
GB2316926A (en) * 1996-09-06 1998-03-11 Riverwood Int Corp Infeed arrangement for a packaging machine
DE19715613C1 (de) * 1997-03-05 1998-10-15 Kisters Maschinenbau Gmbh Verfahren zur Herstellung von zu verpackenden Gruppen aus in mehreren Produktreihen nestend nebeneinander angeordneten zylindrischen Produkten
US6182814B1 (en) * 2000-03-03 2001-02-06 Sig Pack, Inc., Doboy Division Inline vacuum slug feeder
EP1293454A2 (fr) * 2001-09-03 2003-03-19 Renholmens Mekaniska Verkstad AB Dispositif pour la séparation de lattes de bois empilés
US20040154902A1 (en) * 2003-02-12 2004-08-12 Schoeneck Richard Jerome Retractable transfer device metering and product arranging and loading apparatus and methods
WO2007137923A1 (fr) * 2006-05-26 2007-12-06 A.C.M.I. - Societa' Per Azioni Machine servant à regrouper des emballages

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3000950A1 (fr) * 2013-01-17 2014-07-18 Marel France Procede et dispositif pour alimenter en produits alimentaires longs et flexibles une machine de conditionnement
WO2014111392A1 (fr) * 2013-01-17 2014-07-24 Marel France Procede et dispositif pour alimenter en produits alimentaires longs et flexibles une machine de conditionnement
DE102018125898A1 (de) 2018-10-18 2020-04-23 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Gruppierung und/oder Separierung von im Reihentransport beförderten Stückgütern oder Gebinden
CN111591718A (zh) * 2020-05-28 2020-08-28 湖南省烟草公司衡阳市公司 一种烟姿校正方法及装置
CN111591718B (zh) * 2020-05-28 2021-09-21 湖南省烟草公司衡阳市公司 一种烟姿校正方法及装置
JP7575660B2 (ja) 2020-09-17 2024-10-30 シブヤパッケージングシステム株式会社 物品集積装置

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