Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
  • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
  • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
  • B07C3/02—Apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
  • B07C3/06—Linear sorting machines in which articles are removed from a stream at selected points
  • B07C3/065—Linear sorting machines in which articles are removed from a stream at selected points construction of switches therefor
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10S209/00—Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
  • Y10S209/90—Sorting flat-type mail

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device intended for carrying out a selection of blanks of cardboard cut out on a dispensing machine, in particular in order to eliminate from a stream of products those which are considered to be defective.
• the present invention relates in particular to a selection device making it possible to significantly improve the selection rate.
• sorters able to sort products of around 30 cm in length have thus been used on the move with a speed of the order
• SUBSTITUTE RULE RULE 26 180 m / mm which represents a selection of 600 products per minute. Under such conditions it is estimated that the reliability of the sorting is of the order of 99.7%.
• the object of the present invention is to propose a selection device able to improve both the number of possible selections per minute as well as the reliability thereof.
• the present invention thus relates to a device for selecting cardboard blanks cut during their movement between at least two series of drive belts, defining two paths for the blanks, namely an upper path and a lower path forming a bifurcation angle
• this device comprising path selection means, consisting of a flap arranged in the bifurcation angle of the two paths, and which is mounted to pivot about a downstream axis, capable of occupying two positions, namely a lower position, or normal operating position, which directs the blanks towards the upper path and an upper position, or selection position, which directs the blanks towards the lower path, characterized in that: the upper path of the drive belts blanks, at least in the upstream and downstream parts close to the pivoting flap, form a curve whose radius of curvature is substantially uniform, the post face and higher than the flap has a curvature close to that of the belt it is greater, so that in the selection position, it defines therewith a substantially parallel path.
• the concavity of the curve is oriented on the side of the flap and the front part of the upper face of the flap curves downward.
• the lower path of the blank drive belts forms a curve whose radius of curvature is substantially uniform, the concavity of the curve preferably being oriented on the side opposite the flap.
• the lower face of the flap may have a curvature close to that of the belt which is lower therein, so that, in the normal operating position, it defines therewith a substantially parallel path.
• the device according to the invention preferably comprises means capable of holding the cardboard blank, at least when it passes through the flap, on at least part of its surface, between two holding elements, one of which at least consists of a belt strand.
• the other holding element can be constituted by another strand of belt or by a roller.
• the device comprises at least four belts which define the two upper and lower paths.
• upstream of the flap, a first portion of the lower strand of a first belt or upper belt, and a first portion of the upper strand of a second belt, or lower belt are in contact, and downstream of the flap a second portion of the lower strand of the first belt is in contact with the upper strand of a third belt and a second portion of the upper strand of the second belt is in contact with the lower strand of a fourth belt.
• An upper strand of the fourth belt may also be in contact with the lower strand of the third belt.
• Each module will thus include its own mechanical drive system, consisting in particular of four belts, and its own selection system, consisting of a pivotally mounted flap.
• This flap can be mounted on a lever movable around a downstream axis of rotation under the action of a jack controlled by a rapid pneumatic valve supplied by a pressurized air tank. It is thus particularly easy to modify the relative positioning of several modules according to the different specific applications of the device.
• all the mechanical elements of the device can be arranged on a plate unique so as to constitute an adjustable and positionable module independently.
• Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the operating principle of a selector device according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the selection means used in the device according to the invention.
• Figures 3a and 3b are enlarged partial vertical and longitudinal sections showing the bifurcation zone of the two paths and the selection flap in the upper and lower positions respectively.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a variant of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of the variant shown in Figure 4, the selection means being removed.
• the device according to the invention essentially consists of four belts arranged symmetrically two by two with respect to a longitudinal axis xx '.
• the first and second upper 1 and lower 2 belts respectively are wound on rolls 5.5a and 7.7a so as to form an upper loop and a loop which are symmetrical with respect to the axis xx '.
• the two loops from upstream to downstream, comprise a first zone in which two strands of belt la and 2a, disposed respectively between two rollers 5a, 5b and 7a, 7b are rectilinear and in contact with one another along axis xx '.
• a second zone is defined by three respective rollers 5b, 7b which give the two following belt strands 1b and 2b on the one hand a spacing and on the other hand a regular curvature whose concavity is directed upwards and downwards respectively .
• the device also comprises a third belt 3 whose upper strand 3a is in contact with the strand 1b of the first belt 1, so as to match the curvature thereof, and a fourth belt 4 whose lower strand 4a is in contact with the strand 2b of the second belt 2, so as to match its curvature.
• These belts are driven in rotation by motors, not shown in the drawing. They are slaved to each other, for example, by means of notches, so that their displacement speeds are as close as possible so as to avoid any sliding.
• the direction of rotation of the belts is as shown by the arrows in FIG. 1, namely a rotation in the clockwise direction for the belts 1 and 4 and a rotation in the opposite direction for the belts 2 and 3.
• the device also includes selection means, consisting of a flap 6 mounted pivoting around a downstream axis O parallel to the axes of rotation of the rollers 5 and 7.
• This flap 6 is capable of occupying two positions, namely a low position, or normal operating position (which corresponds for example to the passage of correct blanks), and a high position, or selection position (which corresponds for example to a defective blank selection position).
• the upper face of the flap 6 has a curvature whose concavity is oriented upwards and its radius of curvature is such that, in the low position, it defines with the belt strand lb which is above it a parallel path.
• the underside of the flap 6 has a curvature whose concavity is oriented downwards and its radius of curvature is such that, in the high position, it defines with the belt strand 2b which is below it a parallel path.
• the Applicant has found that by giving the upper path followed by the cardboard blank, or normal operating path, a regular curvature in the upstream and downstream vicinity of the selection flap 6 and by giving the posterior part of the upper face of that -when a curve close to that of the belt which was higher, it was possible to greatly increase the number of cardboard blanks selectable by the device. Indeed with the devices of the prior art it was possible to control the passage of about 600 blanks per minute with a number of operating incidents of the machine (stuffing) of about one in 24 hours of operation. The device according to the invention made it possible to control the passage of 1000 blanks of cardboard per minute with only a single incident in 800 hours of operation.
• the shutter 6 is normally in the low position, but it is likely to move to the high position each time a blank to be selected is detected.
• This detection is carried out by an anomaly detector 10 which can be of any type appropriate to the parameter that one wishes to control.
• the detector 10 is disposed at a distance d from the flap 6 which is sufficient so that, taking into account the speed of movement of the belts la and 2a, and therefore of a blank of cardboard 8 transported, analysis means, not shown. on the drawing, have time to analyze it and decide which upper or lower path it should follow.
• a second detector, or passage detector 10a is arranged downstream of the anomaly detector 10, preferably near the flap 6, and controls the tilting upward thereof when the analysis means have decided on the passage by the lower path of the blank 8.
• the cardboard blank 8 is admitted between the strands 1a and 2a of the contacting portion of the first and second belts 1 and 2, and is driven by these towards the selection flap 6.
• the flap 6, in a given time tl switches upwards and the blank 8 which is presented in front of the flap 6 is then routed by the latter between the strands 2b and 4a of the belts 2 and.
• the flap 6 remains in the low position and the cardboard blank 8 is then routed between the strands 1b and 3a of the belts 1 and 3.
• the strands 1a and 2a of the belts 1 and 2 are in contact but deviate from one another at a distance dJL from the front part of the flap 6. Furthermore the most upstream area of the belt 3 is in contact with the strand 1b at a distance d2 from the front part of the flap 6.
• the length of the cardboard blanks 8 must therefore be greater than the distance dl + d2_ if it is desired that at least part of this is maintained at all times by two strands of belt, namely the strands 1a and 2a then the strands 1b and 3a.
• the selection means can comprise a reserve of pressurized air 14 which supplies a rapid type solenoid valve 16 which is itself connected to a jack 18. This acts on one end of an arm 20 pivotally mounted about an axis 22 which ends in the flap 6.
• the solenoid valve 16 is controlled by the sensor 10a via an interface 24.
• the detector 10a when the blank 8 passes 8 controls the opening of the rapid solenoid valve 16 which allows the pressurized fluid contained in the reserve 14 to be admitted into the jack 18 whose piston moves down, so that the lever 20 pivots around its axis 22 which has the effect of moving the flap in position high.
• other means of controlling the shutter 6 could also be provided.
• FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the device also comprises two belt loops, namely an upper loop and a lower loop respectively formed by a belt 1 and a belt 2.
• the strand lower of the belt 1 forms a curve of large radius (about 3 meters) between its two end rollers 5a whose concavity is oriented downwards.
• the lower strand of the belt 1 is separated into two zones, namely an upstream zone la and a downstream zone lb.
• the concavity is obtained by means of a part of rollers 9 which apply the strand 2a of the belt 2 against the area la of the belt 1 and give these two belts the desired curvature and by rollers 11.
• the upper strand of the belt 2 comprises a first zone 2a which is curved, followed by a second zone 2c at the bifurcation zone, also curve with concavity oriented downwards under the action of rollers 13 and with a smaller radius of curvature, and a third zone 2b with concavity oriented upwards under the action of rollers 12.
• the device comprises, as before, two intermediate belts 3 and 4 which have a shape such that they are in contact with one another.
• the intermediate belt 3 has an elongated shape and is arranged under the area 1b so that its upper strand 3a is in contact with the area 1b.
• the rollers 11 give the strand 3a and the area lb a curvature, with a concavity oriented downwards which, in addition to the advantage presently mentioned. also has the effect of improving the contact of the belts and therefore their mutual drive.
• the lower loop formed by the belt 2 ends in a series of tension rollers 15 and a drive roller 17.
• the belts 3 and 4 are arranged so that the lower strand 3b of the belt 3 is in contact with the upper strand 4a of the belt 4.
• Such an arrangement makes it possible to drive all of the belts by means of a single drive belt, namely the belt 1 itself driven by the drive roller 17.
• the upper face of the strand 2c of the belt 2 applies by rollers 13 the cardboard blank 8 against the lower face of the flap 6, when the latter is in the raised position and, the coefficient of friction of this lower face being much lower than that of the belt, the transfer of the blank 8 is thus ensured.
• the lower face of the flap 6 thus ensures, in cooperation with the strand 2a of the belt 2, the holding of the blank 8 before it this is supported by strands 2a and 4a.
• FIGS. 3a and 3b show a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in which the bifurcation zone of the upper and lower paths constitutes an angle of approximately 20 ° whose sides are curved, the two concavities being facing down.
• the rear part 6a of the upper face of the flap 6 is parallel to the curvature of the belt strand 1b which is higher than it, when the flap 6 is in the high position, while its front part 6b is more curved down.
• the lower face 6c of the flap 6 is parallel over its entire length to the belt strand 2c which is lower when the flap 6 is in the low position.
• the selection device according to the invention can be used with machines separating a strip of cardboard into any number of series of cardboard blanks. Depending on the specific use, it is advantageous to be able to easily and quickly convert a machine comprising a given number of selection devices arranged in parallel into a machine having a different number of these selection devices.
• the present invention is particularly suitable for such a rapid conversion, insofar as it promotes the constitution of a modular structure.
• Each of the basic modules of this structure comprises a set of belts and selection means constituted in particular by a pivoting flap and means for controlling the latter, so as to be completely autonomous.
• a module essentially consists of a plate 30 supporting axes on which the various rollers 5,7,15,17 are rotatably mounted around which the upper 1 and lower belts 2 as well as intermediate belts 3 and 4.
• the plate 30 is crossed by a slot 33 which extends from the arrival side of the cardboard blanks 8 and which separates into two divergent slots at the level of the selection flap 6 so as to follow the path of the belts.
• This slot 33 allows the use of cardboard blanks 8 which have a width greater than that of the belts 1,2,3,4.
• the shutter 6 and its actuating means are fixed on the side of the plate 30 where the rollers are arranged. For reasons of clarity of the drawing, they are not shown on it.
• the shutter 6 control means for reasons of saving space will preferably be disposed on the side of the plate 30 where the belts are installed.

Landscapes

• Making Paper Articles (AREA)
• Separation, Sorting, Adjustment, Or Bending Of Sheets To Be Conveyed (AREA)
• Structure Of Belt Conveyors (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=9478000

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Families Citing this family (16)

Family Cites Families (9)

• 1995
  • 1995-04-11 FR FR9504339A patent/FR2732909B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 1996
  • 1996-04-11 WO PCT/FR1996/000550 patent/WO1996032206A1/fr active IP Right Grant
  • 1996-04-11 JP JP53077496A patent/JP3794025B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1996-04-11 US US08/750,453 patent/US5979891A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1996-04-11 EP EP96913572A patent/EP0765195B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1996-04-11 DE DE69611212T patent/DE69611212T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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