EP3464075B1 - Vibrating device for the ordered rearrangement of folding boxes in a container, discharge conveyor and method for discharging containers - Google Patents

Vibrating device for the ordered rearrangement of folding boxes in a container, discharge conveyor and method for discharging containers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3464075B1
EP3464075B1 EP17723014.1A EP17723014A EP3464075B1 EP 3464075 B1 EP3464075 B1 EP 3464075B1 EP 17723014 A EP17723014 A EP 17723014A EP 3464075 B1 EP3464075 B1 EP 3464075B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support
container
conveyor
folding boxes
drive members
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.)
Active
Application number
EP17723014.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3464075A1 (en
Inventor
Nicolas Brizzi
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.)
Bobst Mex SA
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Bobst Mex SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3464075A1 publication Critical patent/EP3464075A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B1/20—Reducing volume of filled material
    • B65B1/22—Reducing volume of filled material by vibration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/108—Article support means temporarily arranged in the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F31/00—Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms
    • B01F31/20—Mixing the contents of independent containers, e.g. test tubes
    • B01F31/24—Mixing the contents of independent containers, e.g. test tubes the containers being submitted to a rectilinear movement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/14—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form
    • B65B25/141—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form packaging flat articles in boxes
    • B65B25/143—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form packaging flat articles in boxes by introducing successive articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/14—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form
    • B65B25/145—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form packaging folded articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/24—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for shaping or reshaping completed packages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
    • B65B65/003—Packaging lines, e.g. general layout
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/52—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using roller-ways or endless conveyors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/54—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/28—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for discharging completed packages from machines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vibrating device for the orderly rearrangement of folding boxes in a container for an evacuation conveyor, the folding boxes being in particular made by a folder-gluer machine.
  • the present invention also relates to a conveyor for discharging containers loaded with folding boxes, as well as a conveyor for containers and a method for discharging containers.
  • the folder-gluer machines glue and fold flat folding boxes intended to contain products, such as drug blisters or the like, for example packaged by a third industry.
  • the boxes folded flat can then be stored efficiently in intermediate containers (for example cardboard boxes) to be transported to the manufacturer.
  • the document CH 659627 describes an example of a device for filling containers with folding boxes at the outlet of a folder-gluer machine.
  • the folded boxes are laid in a sheet and then transported by a box conveyor into a container.
  • Each container can contain a large number of folded boxes, such as several tens or hundreds of boxes.
  • the folded cans are received badly in the container, for example because they have clung to each other, by friction, static electricity or by stumbling on the edge of another box.
  • an operator In production, an operator is usually responsible for monitoring the correct filling of the folded boxes in the container. If he notices a bad positioning, the operator comes to shake the container manually so as to reorganize the arrangement of the folding boxes.
  • US4782865 describes a device for filling containers and simultaneously vibrating and weighing them.
  • WO2005/110850 describes a filling station for filling a container. The filling station is equipped with vibrating means capable of shaking the container.
  • US2712406 describes a mechanism for shaking and transporting bags.
  • US2006/092756 describes a pneumatic linear vibrator that is attached to a load table and configured to dispense contents into a container.
  • One of the aims of the present invention is to propose a vibrating device for the orderly rearrangement of folding boxes in a container and a method for conveying containers making it possible to at least partially solve the aforementioned drawbacks.
  • the subject of the present invention is a vibrating device for the orderly rearrangement of folding boxes in a container for an evacuation conveyor provided with drive members according to claim 1 and a method for conveying containers according to claim 12.
  • Vibrating the container loaded with folding boxes makes it possible to reposition the folding boxes in an orderly manner, by successive sliding of the boxes relative to each other, so that they rest entirely on the edge, at the bottom of the container.
  • a vibratory device is obtained for the ordered rearrangement of folding boxes in the containers which can be automated, produced for each container, in a reproducible way and at a very high rate, which was not possible manually.
  • the actuation of the actuators can be controlled according to sequences programmed which can be adapted in particular to optimize storage according to the shape of the folding boxes filling the container.
  • the invention also relates to an evacuation conveyor for the evacuation of containers loaded with folding boxes, characterized in that it comprises a vibrator device having one or more technical characteristics described below and claimed.
  • the drive members may include drive rollers.
  • the invention also relates to a receptacle conveyor comprising a conveying conveyor for conveying empty receptacles to a storage area. filling of the conveyor, and comprising an evacuation conveyor for the evacuation of containers loaded with folding boxes having one or more technical characteristics described below and claimed.
  • the invention also relates to a filling station, comprising a container conveyor having one or more technical characteristics described below and claimed.
  • Another subject of the invention is a method for evacuating containers from a filling zone, said method being defined by claim 12.
  • the longitudinal and transverse directions are defined by reference to the trajectory of the containers in the conveyor, along its median longitudinal axis.
  • the upstream and downstream directions are defined by referring to the direction of movement along the trajectory of the containers.
  • FIG. 1 is a general view showing elements of a filling station 1 for containers 2, in the form of cartons, the station 1 being able to be placed at the outlet of a folder-gluer machine for filling containers 2 with folding boxes 3.
  • the folding boxes 3 can be made by a folder-gluer machine which glues and folds flat the boxes 3 which can then be stored, glued and folded with a small footprint in containers 2 to be transported.
  • THE term "folding box” here designates folding boxes folded flat to be stored in a container 2.
  • the container 2 is a box that can contain several folding boxes 3.
  • the container 2 is for example made of cardboard.
  • a container 2 filled with two rows of folding boxes 3 positioned on the edge is shown by way of illustration on the Fig. 2 .
  • the filling station 1 comprises a box conveyor-filler 4 configured to pick up the folding boxes 3, for example placed in sheets at the outlet of the folder-gluer machine and to transfer them to a filling zone B of a container conveyor 5.
  • the folding boxes 3 having followed a substantially arch-shaped trajectory are arranged in an orderly manner in a container 2 by means of the movable end 6 of the carrier-filler of boxes 4.
  • the boxes Folding 3 are then generally arranged in several rows of boxes next to each other, more or less straightened vertically.
  • the container conveyor 5 comprises a conveying conveyor 7 for containers 2, a device for transferring containers 2 and an evacuation conveyor 8 for containers 2.
  • the conveying conveyor 7 conveys the empty containers 2 to the filling zone B along a substantially rectilinear conveying path La.
  • the evacuation conveyor 8 evacuates the containers 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 towards an outlet 9 along a substantially rectilinear evacuation path Lc1, Lc2, parallel to the conveying path La but in the opposite direction.
  • the transfer device moves the container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 from the filling zone B to the evacuation conveyor 8 (Arrow Tb).
  • the main direction of the rollers 10 extends in the transverse direction T.
  • the rollers 10 are mounted loose , parallel to each other, in a horizontal plane along the routing path Ta.
  • the delivery conveyor 7 further comprises a lateral drive device configured to longitudinally drive the empty containers 2 by squeezing the base of their opposite side walls.
  • the lateral drive device comprises for example at least one pair of belts 11, arranged symmetrically on either side of the train of free rollers 10, the drive bands of the belts 11 facing each other.
  • the empty containers 2 are conveyed along the train of rollers 10, driven and guided laterally by the belts 11.
  • This delivery conveyor 7 makes it possible to transport empty and open containers 2 without deforming them.
  • the container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 is moved from the filling zone B towards the discharge conveyor 8 (Arrow Tb), for example by means of a pusher system fitted with bars 11b.
  • the evacuation conveyor 8 allowing the evacuation of the containers 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 along the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2 comprises drive members 12.
  • the drive members 12 comprise drive rollers 13, mounted between two side cheeks of the container conveyor 5.
  • the drive rollers 13 are driven for example by means of belts (not visible).
  • the main direction of each roller 13 extends in the transverse direction T.
  • the rollers 13 are arranged next to each other, parallel in a horizontal plane, in particular of the same height as the first set of free rollers 10, along the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2.
  • the evacuation conveyor 8 further comprises a vibrator device 14 making it possible to improve the storage of the folding boxes 3 in the container 2, on the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2.
  • the vibrator device 14 comprises a support 15 capable of supporting a container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3, the support 15 having a surface defining a contact plane S1 intended to be in contact with the container 2, and at least one controllable actuator, in this example four actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, comprising one end which can be moved linearly in the vertical direction, connected to the support 15 in order to be able to move the support 15 between a retracted position ( Fig. 5a ) and a deployed position ( Fig. 5b ), and vice versa (U and D arrows).
  • a controllable actuator in this example four actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, comprising one end which can be moved linearly in the vertical direction, connected to the support 15 in order to be able to move the support 15 between a retracted position ( Fig. 5a ) and a deployed position ( Fig. 5b ), and vice versa (U and D arrows).
  • the contact surface S1 is positioned set back relative to a horizontal transport plane S2 defined by the tops of the drive members 12 ( Fig. 5a ). In this position, the drive members 12 support the container 2 and can convey it along the discharge path Lc1, Lc2.
  • the actuator raises the support 15 so that the contact surface S1 is positioned above the horizontal transport plane S2. Passing above the horizontal transport plane S2, the contact surface S1 supports the container 2 in place of the drive members 12, preventing contact between the container 2 and the drive members 12.
  • the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are also configured to vibrate the support 15 around the deployed position in order to reorder the arrangement of the folding boxes 3 contained in the container 2.
  • the vibrations are carried out by back and forth movements. comes from low amplitude and high frequency around the deployment stroke of the support 15 in the deployed position. The amplitude of the variations is less than or equal to the deployment stroke.
  • Vibrating the container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 makes it possible to reposition the folding boxes 3 in an orderly manner, by successive sliding of the boxes 3 relative to each other, so that their lower edges rest entirely at the bottom of the container 2.
  • the vibratory device 14 may comprise a control unit 17 connected to the controllable actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, such as a computer, a controller or a microcontroller, comprising memories and programs making it possible to execute a series of instructions ( Fig. 4 ).
  • the control unit 17 is configured in particular to control the deployment stroke of the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d so as to move the support 15 U between the retracted position and the deployed position and to control the small back and forth movements. -comes at high frequency making it possible to vibrate the support 15 around the deployed position.
  • a frequency range between 2 Hz and 50 Hz can be chosen to effectively vibrate the container 2, depending on the dimensions of the container 2, the boxes 3 placed inside the container 2.
  • the deployment stroke of the actuator 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d allowing U to move the support 15 from the retracted position to the deployed position beyond the drive members 12 is relatively large, such as greater than 1cm.
  • the variations in vibration amplitudes around this deployment stroke are much smaller. They are for example less than 1 mm.
  • the actuator 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d comprises according to the invention a pneumatic cylinder, electrically controlled, comprising a movable rod whose end is connected to the support 15.
  • a pneumatic cylinder electrically controlled, comprising a movable rod whose end is connected to the support 15.
  • the use of cylinders is advantageous because inexpensive.
  • the jacks are also easy to implement and their electronic control is simple, flexible and allows precise movement both over the long deployment stroke of the support 15 and over the small high-frequency amplitude variations around this deployment stroke for vibrate the support 15.
  • the vibrator device 14 can comprise for example at least two actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d connected to the support 15, arranged at a distance from each other.
  • the vibrator device 14 thus comprises four actuators 16.
  • the movable ends of the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are for example connected to the respective ends of two beams 19 of the support 15 arranged in parallel.
  • actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d make it possible, for example, to give tilting movements to the raised container 2 by controlling different strokes, simultaneously to at least two actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d or by controlling the actuators 16a sequentially, 16b, 16c, 16d according to a predetermined sequence of operation, for example by commanding a greater deployment stroke on a single actuator 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d at a time, then repeating this command in turn on each actuator 16a , 16b, 16c, 16d.
  • the actuators are raised, then the actuators generate the vibrations for 2 seconds at 10Hz, and lowered.
  • the size of the box, the type of cardboard and any impressions are parameters that are taken into account for the adjustment of vibrations.
  • dampers 18 can be interposed between the end of each actuator 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and the support 15 to avoid transmitting vibrations from the support 15 to the frame.
  • the dampers 18 are for example blocks of flexible material, such as rubber blocks.
  • the discharge conveyor 8 may include a positioning sensor 25 and a movable stop 26, controllable by the positioning sensor 25 to be moved between the retracted return position and an advanced blocking position (Arrow A in Fig. 5a ), and vice versa (Arrow R in Fig. 5b ).
  • the positioning sensor for example an electric cell 25, is configured to detect the positioning of a container 2 upstream of the stop 26, when the container 2 is positioned above the support 15 then withdrawn in the retracted position.
  • the positioning sensor 25 is for example configured to detect the arrival of a front wall of the container 2 at a downstream end of the support 15. It is for example an optical sensor capable of detecting the crossing of a beam transverse light located downstream of support 15.
  • the stop 26 is arranged downstream of the vibrator device 14 in the direction of movement of the containers 2 along the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2 from the filling zone B towards the outlet 9.
  • the stop 26, such as a cleat, slide between a retracted position ( Fig. 5a ) and a blocking position ( Fig. 5b ) in which the container 2 comes into abutment against the abutment 26.
  • the advantage of the abutment 26 is not to interrupt the drives of the various empty and filled containers, which means that the filling station 1 will operate non-stop .
  • the movement of the stop 26 can be controlled by the positioning sensor 25 to move the stop 26 into the blocking position A when a container 2 is detected above the support 15 and into the retracted position R to free the passage to the container 2 after the rearrangement of the folding boxes 3.
  • the control can be carried out directly for example by means of an electrical contact, or indirectly by means of a control unit such as the control unit 17.
  • the support 15 comprises at least two support elements each having a blade 20 and a support plate 21, interposed between two drive members 12 of the evacuation conveyor 8 in the longitudinal direction of the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2.
  • the support plate 21 is fixed substantially perpendicularly to the slat 20, on an underside of the slat 20, for example in a centered manner, the cross section of a support element having the general shape of a “T”.
  • This "T" shape allows the support plates 21 to be easily inserted vertically between two drive rollers 13, while being able to move vertically between the latter.
  • the slats 20 have, for example, a substantially planar upper surface.
  • the front and rear edges of each slat 20 with reference to the direction of movement of the container 2 on the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2 can be substantially inclined downwards to avoid hooking the container 2.
  • the slats 20 are arranged parallel to each other, the upper plane of the slats 20 forming the contact surface S1 intended to receive the container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 (shown in phantom on the Figs. 5a and 5b ). This plane is horizontal when the vibrator device 14 is mounted in the discharge conveyor 8.
  • the two beams 19 of the support 14 connect the lower ends of the support plates 21 to the movable ends of the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d.
  • the main direction of the slats 20 extends in the transverse direction T, parallel to the main direction of the rollers. training 13.
  • the positioning sensor 25 is for example arranged so as to detect the passage of the container 2 at the level of the edge of the last slat 20 of the support 15, in the direction of movement going towards the outlet 9.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the process with the different stages of conveying the empty containers 2 to the filling zone B, of filling the containers 2 and of evacuating the containers 100 loaded with folding boxes 3.
  • the routing conveyor 7 transports empty and open containers 2 on the first train of rollers 10, along the routing path La to the filling zone B.
  • the container 2 receives folding boxes 3 conveyed by the carrier-filler of boxes 4. These are arranged more or less straightened vertically in the container 2 in a more or less less orderly.
  • a third step 103 as soon as the container 2 is filled with folding boxes 3, the container 2 is moved from the filling zone B to the discharge conveyor 8 by the pusher system 11b (Arrow Tb; Figs. 1 And 3 ).
  • the container 2 is then driven on the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2 by the drive members 12 of the evacuation conveyor 8.
  • the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2 is divided into two parts.
  • a first part Lc1 the container 2 is driven as far as the vibrator device 14.
  • the support 15 of the device 14 is then in the retracted position ( Fig. 5a ). In this position, the contact surface S1 is located under the horizontal transport plane S2 of the drive members 12.
  • the drive members 12 in contact with the container 2 drive it above the support 15.
  • the stop 26 moves and advances A into the blocking position and blocks the container 2 well centered above of bracket 15 ( Fig. 5b ).
  • control unit 17 controls the movement of the support 15 from the retracted position to the deployed position ( Fig. 5b ; fifth step 105).
  • the contact surface S1 rises above the horizontal transport plane S2 of the drive members 12, lifting the container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3.
  • the control unit 17 then controls the vibration of the support 15 to reorder the arrangement of the folding boxes 3 in the container 2 (sixth step 106). It is also possible to order different strokes to the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, for example to give tilting movements to the container 2 raised.
  • control unit 17 controls the movement of the support 15 in the retracted position (seventh step 107).
  • the contact surface S1 then passes back under the horizontal transport plane S2 of the drive members 12.
  • control unit 17 controls the return and the displacement R of the stop 26 in the retracted position, freeing the passage of the container 2.
  • the container 2 loaded with well-ordered folding boxes 3 is then driven on the second part of the evacuation path Lc2 towards the outlet 9 where it can be evacuated.
  • a vibratory device 14 for the orderly rearrangement of folding boxes 3 in the containers 2 which can be automated, produced for each container 2, in a reproducible manner and at a very high rate, which was not possible manually.
  • the actuation of the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d can be controlled according to programmed sequences which can be adapted in particular to optimize storage according to the shape of the folding boxes 3 filling the container 2.
  • the drive members 12 comprise belts, the drive bands of which extend horizontally along the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2, in the longitudinal direction L of the evacuation conveyor 8.
  • the evacuation conveyor 8 comprises for example at least three drive belts 23, for example four, arranged one beside the other parallel in the longitudinal direction L.
  • the support 15 can, as previously, comprise at least two elements of support each having a slat 20 and a support plate 21, fixed perpendicular to the slat 20. As before, the slats 20 are arranged parallel to each other, the upper plane of the slats 20 forming the contact surface S1.
  • each support element is also interposed between two drive belts 23 of the evacuation conveyor 8.
  • This example also differs from the previous one in that the main direction of the slats 20 extends in the longitudinal direction L of the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2, parallel to the main direction of the drive belts 23.
  • THE evacuation conveyor 8 comprises only two drive belts 23 arranged on either side of the support 24.
  • the support 24, then central, can be produced by a single plate whose lower face is connected to the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Intermediate Stations On Conveyors (AREA)
  • Wrapping Of Specific Fragile Articles (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Structure Of Belt Conveyors (AREA)
  • Rollers For Roller Conveyors For Transfer (AREA)
  • Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif vibrateur pour le réarrangement ordonné de boites pliantes dans un récipient pour un convoyeur d'évacuation, les boites pliantes étant notamment confectionnées par une machine plieuse-colleuse. La présente invention concerne également un convoyeur d'évacuation de récipients chargés de boites pliantes, ainsi qu'un convoyeur de récipients et un procédé d'évacuation de récipients.The present invention relates to a vibrating device for the orderly rearrangement of folding boxes in a container for an evacuation conveyor, the folding boxes being in particular made by a folder-gluer machine. The present invention also relates to a conveyor for discharging containers loaded with folding boxes, as well as a conveyor for containers and a method for discharging containers.

Les machines plieuses-colleuses collent et plient à plat des boites pliantes destinées à contenir des produits, tels que des plaquettes de médicaments ou autre, par exemple emballés par une industrie tierce. Les boites pliées à plat peuvent alors être stockées efficacement dans des récipients intermédiaires (par exemple des cartons) pour être acheminées vers l'industriel.The folder-gluer machines glue and fold flat folding boxes intended to contain products, such as drug blisters or the like, for example packaged by a third industry. The boxes folded flat can then be stored efficiently in intermediate containers (for example cardboard boxes) to be transported to the manufacturer.

Le document CH 659627 décrit un exemple de dispositif de remplissage de récipients par des boites pliantes en sortie d'une machine plieuse-colleuse. Les boites pliées sont mises en nappe puis acheminées par un transporteur de boites dans un récipient. Chaque récipient peut contenir un nombre important de boites pliées, tel que plusieurs dizaines ou centaines de boites.The document CH 659627 describes an example of a device for filling containers with folding boxes at the outlet of a folder-gluer machine. The folded boxes are laid in a sheet and then transported by a box conveyor into a container. Each container can contain a large number of folded boxes, such as several tens or hundreds of boxes.

Il peut cependant arriver que les boites pliées se réceptionnent mal dans le récipient, par exemple parce qu'elles se sont accrochées les unes aux autres, par friction, électricité statique ou en butant sur l'arête d'une autre boite.However, it may happen that the folded cans are received badly in the container, for example because they have clung to each other, by friction, static electricity or by stumbling on the edge of another box.

En production, un opérateur est généralement chargé de surveiller le remplissage correct des boites pliées dans le récipient. S'il constate un mauvais positionnement, l'opérateur vient secouer manuellement le récipient de façon à réorganiser l'arrangement des boites pliantes.In production, an operator is usually responsible for monitoring the correct filling of the folded boxes in the container. If he notices a bad positioning, the operator comes to shake the container manually so as to reorganize the arrangement of the folding boxes.

Cependant, cette intervention ne peut pas être pas systématique. En effet, l'opérateur ne peut pas secouer tous les récipients du fait des très hautes cadences de production. Une machine plieuse-colleuse peut alimenter une station de remplissage au rythme de 200000 boites par heure. De plus, cette opération est fastidieuse pour l'opérateur du fait du caractère répétitif de la tâche. Egalement, la force de secouage appliquée par l'opérateur peut être variable. La reproductibilité du rangement des boites pliantes dans les récipients n'est ainsi pas garantie car elle est liée à l'appréciation de l'opérateur et à sa vigilance.However, this intervention cannot be systematic. Indeed, the operator cannot shake all the containers because of the very high production rates. A folder-gluer machine can supply a filling station at the rate of 200,000 boxes per hour. In addition, this operation is tedious for the operator due to the repetitive nature of the task. Also, the shaking force applied by the operator can be variable. The reproducibility of the storage of folding boxes in the containers is therefore not guaranteed because it is linked to the operator's judgment and vigilance.

Des autres exemples de dispositifs vibrateurs sont décrits dans les documents US4782865 , WO2005/110850 , US2712406 et US2006/092756 .Other examples of vibrating devices are described in the documents US4782865 , WO2005/110850 , US2712406 And US2006/092756 .

US4782865 décrit un dispositif pour remplir des containers et simultanément les faire vibrer et peser. WO2005/110850 décrit un poste de remplissage destiné à remplir un récipient. La station de remplissage est équipée avec des moyens vibrants, capables de secouer le récipient. US2712406 décrit un mécanisme de secouage et transport de sacs. US2006/092756 décrit un vibrateur linéaire pneumatique qui est fixé à une table de charge et configuré pour distribuer le contenu dans un récipient. US4782865 describes a device for filling containers and simultaneously vibrating and weighing them. WO2005/110850 describes a filling station for filling a container. The filling station is equipped with vibrating means capable of shaking the container. US2712406 describes a mechanism for shaking and transporting bags. US2006/092756 describes a pneumatic linear vibrator that is attached to a load table and configured to dispense contents into a container.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

Un des buts de la présente invention est de proposer un dispositif vibrateur pour le réarrangement ordonné des boites pliantes dans un récipient et un procédé de convoyage de récipients permettant de résoudre au moins partiellement les inconvénients précités.One of the aims of the present invention is to propose a vibrating device for the orderly rearrangement of folding boxes in a container and a method for conveying containers making it possible to at least partially solve the aforementioned drawbacks.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet un dispositif vibrateur pour le réarrangement ordonné de boites pliantes dans un récipient pour un convoyeur d'évacuation muni d'organes d'entraînement selon la revendication 1 et un procédé de convoyage de récipients selon la revendication 12.To this end, the subject of the present invention is a vibrating device for the orderly rearrangement of folding boxes in a container for an evacuation conveyor provided with drive members according to claim 1 and a method for conveying containers according to claim 12.

Faire vibrer le récipient chargé de boites pliantes permet de repositionner les boites pliantes de manière ordonnée, par glissements successifs des boites les unes par rapport aux autres, pour qu'elles reposent entièrement sur la tranche, au fond du récipient. Un dispositif vibratoire est obtenu pour le réarrangement ordonné de boites pliantes dans les récipients qui peut être automatisé, réalisé pour chaque récipient, de façon reproductible et à très haute cadence, ce qui n'était pas possible manuellement. En outre, l'actionnement des actionneurs peut être commandé selon des séquences programmées qui peuvent être adaptées notamment pour optimiser le rangement selon la forme des boites pliantes remplissant le récipient.Vibrating the container loaded with folding boxes makes it possible to reposition the folding boxes in an orderly manner, by successive sliding of the boxes relative to each other, so that they rest entirely on the edge, at the bottom of the container. A vibratory device is obtained for the ordered rearrangement of folding boxes in the containers which can be automated, produced for each container, in a reproducible way and at a very high rate, which was not possible manually. In addition, the actuation of the actuators can be controlled according to sequences programmed which can be adapted in particular to optimize storage according to the shape of the folding boxes filling the container.

Selon une ou plusieurs caractéristiques du dispositif vibrateur:

  • le dispositif vibrateur comporte une unité de pilotage reliée à l'actionneur, l'unité de pilotage étant configurée pour commander la course de l'actionneur entre la position escamotée et la position déployée et pour faire vibrer le support en position déployée,
  • l'unité de pilotage est configurée pour être reliée aux organes d'entrainement du convoyeur d'évacuation pour commander l'arrêt des organes d'entrainement avant de commander le déplacement du support en position déployée et pour commander la remise en route des organes d'entrainement après le déplacement du support en position escamotée,
  • le dispositif vibrateur comporte au moins deux actionneurs reliés au support et agencés à distance les uns des autres, l'unité de pilotage étant configurée pour commander les deux actionneurs de façon séquentielle selon une séquence de fonctionnement prédéterminée,
  • le support comporte au moins deux éléments de support présentant chacun une lamelle et une plaque de support, la plaque de support étant fixée perpendiculairement à la lamelle, les lamelles étant disposées parallèlement dans un même plan, les éléments de support étant intercalés entre deux organes d'entrainement du convoyeur d'évacuation,
  • le dispositif vibrateur comporte au moins un amortisseur interposé entre l'actionneur et le support,
  • l'actionneur comporte un vérin.
According to one or more characteristics of the vibrator device:
  • the vibrator device comprises a control unit connected to the actuator, the control unit being configured to control the stroke of the actuator between the retracted position and the deployed position and to cause the support to vibrate in the deployed position,
  • the control unit is configured to be connected to the drive members of the evacuation conveyor to control the stopping of the drive members before controlling the movement of the support in the deployed position and to control the restarting of the drive members training after the support has been moved to the retracted position,
  • the vibrator device comprises at least two actuators connected to the support and arranged at a distance from each other, the control unit being configured to control the two actuators sequentially according to a predetermined operating sequence,
  • the support comprises at least two support elements each having a slat and a support plate, the support plate being fixed perpendicularly to the slat, the slats being arranged parallel in the same plane, the support elements being interposed between two members of discharge conveyor drive,
  • the vibrator device comprises at least one damper interposed between the actuator and the support,
  • the actuator comprises a cylinder.

L'invention a aussi pour objet un convoyeur d'évacuation pour l'évacuation de récipients chargés de boites pliantes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un dispositif vibrateur présentant une ou plusieurs caractéristiques techniques décrites ci-dessous et revendiquées.The invention also relates to an evacuation conveyor for the evacuation of containers loaded with folding boxes, characterized in that it comprises a vibrator device having one or more technical characteristics described below and claimed.

Le convoyeur d'évacuation peut comporter:

  • un capteur de positionnement configuré pour détecter un positionnement d'un récipient sur le support,
  • une butée mobile, pilotable par le capteur de positionnement pour être déplacée entre position escamotée et une position de blocage.
The evacuation conveyor can include:
  • a positioning sensor configured to detect a positioning of a container on the support,
  • a movable stop, controllable by the positioning sensor to be moved between the retracted position and a blocking position.

Les organes d'entrainement peuvent comporter des rouleaux d'entrainement.The drive members may include drive rollers.

L'invention a aussi pour objet un convoyeur de récipients comportant un convoyeur d'acheminement pour acheminer des récipients vides vers une zone de remplissage du convoyeur, et comportant un convoyeur d'évacuation pour l'évacuation de récipients chargés de boites pliantes présentant une ou plusieurs caractéristiques techniques décrites ci-dessous et revendiquées.The invention also relates to a receptacle conveyor comprising a conveying conveyor for conveying empty receptacles to a storage area. filling of the conveyor, and comprising an evacuation conveyor for the evacuation of containers loaded with folding boxes having one or more technical characteristics described below and claimed.

L'invention a également pour objet une station de remplissage, comprenant un convoyeur de récipients présentant une ou plusieurs caractéristiques techniques décrites ci-dessous et revendiquées.The invention also relates to a filling station, comprising a container conveyor having one or more technical characteristics described below and claimed.

L'invention a encore pour objet un procédé d'évacuation de récipients d'une zone de remplissage, ledit procédé étant défini par la revendication 12.Another subject of the invention is a method for evacuating containers from a filling zone, said method being defined by claim 12.

De cette manière, il n'est pas nécessaire d'arrêter les organes d'entraînement, car le récipient est soulevé avant d'être soumis aux vibrations. Les autres récipients sur la ligne ne sont donc pas stoppé.In this way, it is not necessary to stop the driving members, because the container is raised before being subjected to the vibrations. The other containers on the line are therefore not stopped.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques apparaîtront à la lecture de la description de l'invention, ainsi que sur les figures annexées qui représentent un exemple de réalisation non limitatif de l'invention et sur lesquelles:

  • la Figure 1 montre un transporteur-remplisseur de boites et des éléments d'un convoyeur de récipients d'une station de remplissage, et plus particulièrement, un convoyeur d'acheminement des récipients vides vers une zone de remplissage et un premier exemple de réalisation d'un convoyeur d'évacuation pour évacuer les récipients chargés de boites pliantes;
  • la Figure 2 montre de façon schématique un exemple de récipient dont les parois latérales sont représentées en transparence, le récipient étant chargé de boites pliantes rangées de manière ordonnée;
  • la Figure 3 montre une vue sensiblement de dessus du convoyeur d'évacuation de la Figure 1 ;
  • la Figure 4 montre une vue en perspective d'un dispositif vibrateur du convoyeur d'évacuation de la Figure 3 ainsi que d'autres éléments du convoyeur d'évacuation représentés de manière schématique;
  • la Figure 5a montre de manière schématique une vue en coupe longitudinale partielle des organes d'entrainement du convoyeur d'évacuation et des éléments du support du dispositif vibrateur de la Figure 4 avec le support en position escamotée;
  • la Figure 5b est une vue similaire à la Figure 5a avec le support en position déployée;
  • la Figure 6 montre un organigramme des différentes étapes d'un procédé d'acheminement, de remplissage et d'évacuation de récipients au moyen du convoyeur de récipients de la Figure 1 ; et
  • les Figures 7 et 8 montrent respectivement un deuxième et un troisième exemple de réalisation du convoyeur d'évacuation.
Other advantages and characteristics will appear on reading the description of the invention, as well as on the appended figures which represent a non-limiting embodiment of the invention and in which:
  • there Figure 1 shows a conveyor-filler of boxes and elements of a container conveyor of a filling station, and more particularly, a conveyor for conveying empty containers to a filling zone and a first embodiment of a conveyor evacuation to evacuate containers loaded with folding boxes;
  • there Figure 2 schematically shows an example of a container whose side walls are shown in transparency, the container being loaded with collapsible boxes arranged in an orderly manner;
  • there Figure 3 shows a view substantially from above of the evacuation conveyor of the Figure 1 ;
  • there Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a vibrating device of the discharge conveyor of the Figure 3 as well as other elements of the discharge conveyor shown schematically;
  • there Figure 5a schematically shows a view in partial longitudinal section of the drive members of the evacuation conveyor and of the support elements of the vibrator device of the Figure 4 with the support in the retracted position;
  • there Figure 5b is a view similar to the Figure 5a with the carrier in the deployed position;
  • there Figure 6 shows a flowchart of the different stages of a process for conveying, filling and evacuating containers by means of the container conveyor of the Figure 1 ; And
  • THE Figures 7 and 8 respectively show a second and a third embodiment of the discharge conveyor.

Sur ces figures, les éléments identiques portent les mêmes numéros de référence. Les réalisations suivantes sont des exemples. Bien que la description se réfère à un ou plusieurs modes de réalisation, ceci ne signifie pas nécessairement que chaque référence concerne le même mode de réalisation, ou que les caractéristiques s'appliquent seulement à un seul mode de réalisation. De simples caractéristiques de différents modes de réalisation peuvent également être combinées ou interchangées pour fournir d'autres réalisations.In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers. The following achievements are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

Les directions longitudinale et transversale sont définies par référence à la trajectoire des récipients dans le convoyeur, selon son axe longitudinal médian. Les directions amont et aval sont définies en faisant référence au sens de déplacement selon la trajectoire des récipients.The longitudinal and transverse directions are defined by reference to the trajectory of the containers in the conveyor, along its median longitudinal axis. The upstream and downstream directions are defined by referring to the direction of movement along the trajectory of the containers.

Exemples de mode de réalisation de l'inventionExamples of embodiments of the invention

La Fig. 1 est une vue générale montrant des éléments d'une station de remplissage 1 de récipients 2, sous la forme de cartons, la station 1 pouvant être placée à la sortie d'une machine plieuse-colleuse pour le remplissage de récipients 2 par des boites pliantes 3.There Fig. 1 is a general view showing elements of a filling station 1 for containers 2, in the form of cartons, the station 1 being able to be placed at the outlet of a folder-gluer machine for filling containers 2 with folding boxes 3.

Les boites pliantes 3 peuvent être confectionnées par une machine plieuse-colleuse qui colle et plie à plat les boites 3 qui peuvent alors être stockées, collées et pliées avec un faible encombrement dans des récipients 2 pour être transportées. Le terme « boite pliante » désigne ici les boites pliantes pliées à plat pour être rangées dans un récipient 2.The folding boxes 3 can be made by a folder-gluer machine which glues and folds flat the boxes 3 which can then be stored, glued and folded with a small footprint in containers 2 to be transported. THE term "folding box" here designates folding boxes folded flat to be stored in a container 2.

Le récipient 2 est une boite pouvant contenir plusieurs boites pliantes 3. Le récipient 2 est par exemple en carton. Un récipient 2 rempli de deux rangées de boites pliantes 3 positionnées sur la tranche est montré à titre illustratif sur la Fig. 2.The container 2 is a box that can contain several folding boxes 3. The container 2 is for example made of cardboard. A container 2 filled with two rows of folding boxes 3 positioned on the edge is shown by way of illustration on the Fig. 2 .

Comme le montre la Fig. 1, la station de remplissage 1 comporte un transporteur-remplisseur de boites 4 configuré pour saisir les boîtes pliantes 3 par exemple mises en nappe en sortie de la machine plieuse-colleuse et pour les transférer vers une zone de remplissage B d'un convoyeur de récipients 5. Dans la zone de remplissage B, les boites pliantes 3 ayant suivi une trajectoire sensiblement en forme d'arche sont disposées de manière ordonnée dans un récipient 2 au moyen de l'extrémité mobile 6 du transporteur-remplisseur de boites 4. Les boites pliantes 3 sont alors généralement disposées sur plusieurs rangées de boites les unes à côté des autres, plus ou moins redressées verticalement.As shown in Fig. 1 , the filling station 1 comprises a box conveyor-filler 4 configured to pick up the folding boxes 3, for example placed in sheets at the outlet of the folder-gluer machine and to transfer them to a filling zone B of a container conveyor 5. In the filling zone B, the folding boxes 3 having followed a substantially arch-shaped trajectory are arranged in an orderly manner in a container 2 by means of the movable end 6 of the carrier-filler of boxes 4. The boxes Folding 3 are then generally arranged in several rows of boxes next to each other, more or less straightened vertically.

Le convoyeur de récipients 5 comporte un convoyeur d'acheminement 7 de récipients 2, un dispositif de transfert de récipients 2 et un convoyeur d'évacuation 8 de récipients 2.The container conveyor 5 comprises a conveying conveyor 7 for containers 2, a device for transferring containers 2 and an evacuation conveyor 8 for containers 2.

Le convoyeur d'acheminement 7 achemine les récipients 2 vides vers la zone de remplissage B selon un trajet d'acheminent La sensiblement rectiligne. Le convoyeur d'évacuation 8 évacue les récipients 2 chargés de boites pliantes 3 vers une sortie 9 selon un trajet d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2 sensiblement rectiligne, parallèle au trajet d'acheminement La mais de sens contraire. Le dispositif de transfert déplace le récipient 2 chargé de boites pliantes 3 de la zone de remplissage B vers le convoyeur d'évacuation 8 (Flèche Tb).The conveying conveyor 7 conveys the empty containers 2 to the filling zone B along a substantially rectilinear conveying path La. The evacuation conveyor 8 evacuates the containers 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 towards an outlet 9 along a substantially rectilinear evacuation path Lc1, Lc2, parallel to the conveying path La but in the opposite direction. The transfer device moves the container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 from the filling zone B to the evacuation conveyor 8 (Arrow Tb).

Selon un exemple de réalisation mieux visible sur la Fig. 3, le convoyeur d'acheminement 7 permettant d'acheminer les récipients 2 vides vers la zone de remplissage B comporte un train de rouleaux libres 10. La direction principale des rouleaux 10 s'étend dans la direction transversale T. Les rouleaux 10 sont montés fous, parallèlement les uns aux autres, dans un plan horizontal le long du trajet d'acheminement Ta. Le convoyeur d'acheminement 7 comporte en outre un dispositif d'entrainement latéral configuré pour entrainer longitudinalement les récipients 2 vides en serrant la base de leurs parois latérales opposées. Pour cela, le dispositif d'entrainement latéral comporte par exemple au moins une paire de courroies 11, agencées de manière symétrique de part et d'autre du train de rouleaux libres 10, les bandes d'entrainement des courroies 11 se faisant face. En fonctionnement, les récipients 2 vides sont acheminés le long du train de rouleaux 10, entrainés et guidés latéralement par les courroies 11. Ce convoyeur d'acheminement 7 permet de transporter des récipients 2 vides et ouverts sans les déformer.According to an example of embodiment better visible on the Fig. 3 , the conveying conveyor 7 making it possible to convey the empty containers 2 to the filling zone B comprises a train of free rollers 10. The main direction of the rollers 10 extends in the transverse direction T. The rollers 10 are mounted loose , parallel to each other, in a horizontal plane along the routing path Ta. The delivery conveyor 7 further comprises a lateral drive device configured to longitudinally drive the empty containers 2 by squeezing the base of their opposite side walls. For this, the lateral drive device comprises for example at least one pair of belts 11, arranged symmetrically on either side of the train of free rollers 10, the drive bands of the belts 11 facing each other. In operation, the empty containers 2 are conveyed along the train of rollers 10, driven and guided laterally by the belts 11. This delivery conveyor 7 makes it possible to transport empty and open containers 2 without deforming them.

Le récipient 2 chargé de boites pliantes 3 est déplacé de la zone de remplissage B vers le convoyeur d'évacuation 8 (Flèche Tb), par exemple au moyen d'un système poussoir muni de barres 11b.The container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 is moved from the filling zone B towards the discharge conveyor 8 (Arrow Tb), for example by means of a pusher system fitted with bars 11b.

Le convoyeur d'évacuation 8 permettant d'évacuer les récipients 2 chargés de boites pliantes 3 le long du trajet d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2 comporte des organes d'entrainement 12.The evacuation conveyor 8 allowing the evacuation of the containers 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 along the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2 comprises drive members 12.

Selon un premier exemple de réalisation visible sur la Fig. 3, les organes d'entrainement 12 comportent des rouleaux d'entrainement 13, montés entre deux joues latérales du convoyeur de récipients 5. Les rouleaux d'entrainement 13 sont entrainés par exemple au moyen de courroies (non visibles). La direction principale de chaque rouleau 13 s'étend dans la direction transversale T. Les rouleaux 13 sont disposés les uns à côté des autres, parallèlement dans un plan horizontal, notamment de même hauteur que le premier train de rouleaux libres 10, le long de la trajectoire d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2.According to a first embodiment example visible on the Fig. 3 , the drive members 12 comprise drive rollers 13, mounted between two side cheeks of the container conveyor 5. The drive rollers 13 are driven for example by means of belts (not visible). The main direction of each roller 13 extends in the transverse direction T. The rollers 13 are arranged next to each other, parallel in a horizontal plane, in particular of the same height as the first set of free rollers 10, along the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2.

Le convoyeur d'évacuation 8 comporte en outre un dispositif vibrateur 14 permettant d'améliorer le rangement des boites pliantes 3 dans le récipient 2, sur le trajet d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2.The evacuation conveyor 8 further comprises a vibrator device 14 making it possible to improve the storage of the folding boxes 3 in the container 2, on the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2.

Mieux visible sur la Fig. 4, le dispositif vibrateur 14 comporte un support 15 apte à supporter un récipient 2 chargé de boites pliantes 3, le support 15 présentant une surface définissant un plan de contact S1 destinée à être en contact avec le récipient 2, et au moins un actionneur pilotable, dans cet exemple quatre actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, comportant une extrémité déplaçable linéairement dans la direction verticale, reliée au support 15 pour pouvoir déplacer le support 15 entre une position escamotée (Fig. 5a) et une position déployée (Fig. 5b), et inversement (Flèches U et D).Better visible on the Fig. 4 , the vibrator device 14 comprises a support 15 capable of supporting a container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3, the support 15 having a surface defining a contact plane S1 intended to be in contact with the container 2, and at least one controllable actuator, in this example four actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, comprising one end which can be moved linearly in the vertical direction, connected to the support 15 in order to be able to move the support 15 between a retracted position ( Fig. 5a ) and a deployed position ( Fig. 5b ), and vice versa (U and D arrows).

Dans la position escamotée ou en retrait, la surface de contact S1 est positionnée en retrait par rapport à un plan horizontal de transport S2 défini par les sommets des organes d'entrainement 12 (Fig. 5a). Dans cette position, les organes d'entrainement 12 supportent le récipient 2 et peuvent l'acheminer le long du trajet d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2.In the retracted or recessed position, the contact surface S1 is positioned set back relative to a horizontal transport plane S2 defined by the tops of the drive members 12 ( Fig. 5a ). In this position, the drive members 12 support the container 2 and can convey it along the discharge path Lc1, Lc2.

Dans la position déployée (Fig. 5b), l'actionneur soulève le support 15 pour que la surface de contact S1 soit positionnée au-dessus du plan horizontal de transport S2. En passant au-dessus du plan horizontal de transport S2, la surface de contact S1 supporte le récipient 2 à la place des organes d'entrainement 12, empêchant le contact entre le récipient 2 et les organes d'entrainement 12.In the deployed position ( Fig. 5b ), the actuator raises the support 15 so that the contact surface S1 is positioned above the horizontal transport plane S2. Passing above the horizontal transport plane S2, the contact surface S1 supports the container 2 in place of the drive members 12, preventing contact between the container 2 and the drive members 12.

Les actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d sont également configurés pour faire vibrer le support 15 autour de la position déployée afin de réordonner la disposition des boites pliantes 3 contenues dans le récipient 2. Les vibrations sont réalisées par des mouvements de va-et-vient de faible amplitude et de haute fréquence autour de la course de déploiement du support 15 en position déployée. L'amplitude des variations est inférieure ou égale à la course de déploiement.The actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are also configured to vibrate the support 15 around the deployed position in order to reorder the arrangement of the folding boxes 3 contained in the container 2. The vibrations are carried out by back and forth movements. comes from low amplitude and high frequency around the deployment stroke of the support 15 in the deployed position. The amplitude of the variations is less than or equal to the deployment stroke.

Faire vibrer le récipient 2 chargé de boites pliantes 3 permet de repositionner les boites pliantes 3 de manière ordonnée, par glissements successifs des boites 3 les unes par rapport aux autres, pour que leurs tranches inférieures reposent entièrement au fond du récipient 2.Vibrating the container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 makes it possible to reposition the folding boxes 3 in an orderly manner, by successive sliding of the boxes 3 relative to each other, so that their lower edges rest entirely at the bottom of the container 2.

Le dispositif vibratoire 14 peut comporter une unité de pilotage 17 reliée aux actionneurs pilotables 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, tel qu'un ordinateur, un contrôleur ou un microcontrôleur, comportant des mémoires et programmes permettant d'exécuter une série d'instructions (Fig. 4).The vibratory device 14 may comprise a control unit 17 connected to the controllable actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, such as a computer, a controller or a microcontroller, comprising memories and programs making it possible to execute a series of instructions ( Fig. 4 ).

L'unité de pilotage 17 est notamment configurée pour commander la course de déploiement des actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d de manière à déplacer U le support 15 entre la position escamotée et la position déployée et pour commander les petits mouvements de va-et-vient à haute fréquence permettant de faire vibrer le support 15 autour de la position déployée. A titre d'exemple, une plage de fréquence comprise entre 2 Hz et 50 Hz peut être choisie pour faire vibrer efficacement le récipient 2, en fonction des dimensions du récipient 2, des boîtes 3 placées à l'intérieur du récipient 2.The control unit 17 is configured in particular to control the deployment stroke of the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d so as to move the support 15 U between the retracted position and the deployed position and to control the small back and forth movements. -comes at high frequency making it possible to vibrate the support 15 around the deployed position. By way of example, a frequency range between 2 Hz and 50 Hz can be chosen to effectively vibrate the container 2, depending on the dimensions of the container 2, the boxes 3 placed inside the container 2.

La course de déploiement de l'actionneur 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d permettant de déplacer U le support 15 de la position escamotée à la position déployée au-delà des organes d'entrainement 12 est relativement importante, telle que supérieure à 1cm. Les variations d'amplitudes de vibration autour de cette course de déploiement sont beaucoup plus petites. Elles sont par exemple inférieures à 1mm.The deployment stroke of the actuator 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d allowing U to move the support 15 from the retracted position to the deployed position beyond the drive members 12 is relatively large, such as greater than 1cm. The variations in vibration amplitudes around this deployment stroke are much smaller. They are for example less than 1 mm.

L'actionneur 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d comporte selon l'invention un vérin pneumatique, à pilotage électrique, comportant une tige mobile dont l'extrémité est reliée au support 15. L'utilisation de vérins est avantageuse car peu onéreuse. Les vérins sont en outre faciles à implémenter et leur pilotage électronique est simple, souple et permet un déplacement précis aussi bien sur la grande course de déploiement du support 15 que sur les petites variations d'amplitudes à haute fréquence autour de cette course de déploiement pour faire vibrer le support 15.The actuator 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d comprises according to the invention a pneumatic cylinder, electrically controlled, comprising a movable rod whose end is connected to the support 15. The use of cylinders is advantageous because inexpensive. The jacks are also easy to implement and their electronic control is simple, flexible and allows precise movement both over the long deployment stroke of the support 15 and over the small high-frequency amplitude variations around this deployment stroke for vibrate the support 15.

Le dispositif vibrateur 14 peut comporter par exemple au moins deux actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d reliées au support 15, agencés à distance les uns des autres. Dans l'exemple illustré en Fig. 4, le dispositif vibrateur 14 comporte ainsi quatre actionneurs 16. Les extrémités mobiles des actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d sont par exemple reliées aux extrémités respectives de deux longerons 19 du support 15 agencés en parallèle. Plusieurs actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d permettent par exemple de donner des mouvements d'inclinaison au récipient 2 soulevé en commandant des courses différentes, simultanément à au moins deux actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d ou en commandant séquentiellement les actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d selon une séquence de fonctionnement prédéterminée, par exemple en commandant une course de déploiement plus grande sur un seul actionneur 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d à la fois, puis en répétant cette commande à tour de rôle sur chaque actionneur 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d.The vibrator device 14 can comprise for example at least two actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d connected to the support 15, arranged at a distance from each other. In the example shown in Fig. 4 , the vibrator device 14 thus comprises four actuators 16. The movable ends of the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are for example connected to the respective ends of two beams 19 of the support 15 arranged in parallel. Several actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d make it possible, for example, to give tilting movements to the raised container 2 by controlling different strokes, simultaneously to at least two actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d or by controlling the actuators 16a sequentially, 16b, 16c, 16d according to a predetermined sequence of operation, for example by commanding a greater deployment stroke on a single actuator 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d at a time, then repeating this command in turn on each actuator 16a , 16b, 16c, 16d.

A titre d'exemple de séquence de commande des vérins permettant d'obtenir un bon rangement, les actionneurs sont montés, puis les actionneurs engendre les vibrations pendant 2 secondes à 10Hz, et redescendus. La taille de la boîte, le type de carton et les éventuelles impressions sont des paramètres sont pris en compte pour le réglage de vibrations.As an example of a control sequence for the cylinders to obtain good storage, the actuators are raised, then the actuators generate the vibrations for 2 seconds at 10Hz, and lowered. The size of the box, the type of cardboard and any impressions are parameters that are taken into account for the adjustment of vibrations.

Les extrémités des actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d sont reliées au support 15 directement ou indirectement par l'intermédiaire d'amortisseurs 18. En effet, des amortisseurs 18 peuvent être interposés entre l'extrémité de chaque actionneur 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d et le support 15 pour éviter de transmettre les vibrations du support 15 au bâti. Les amortisseurs 18 sont par exemple des blocs de matériau souple, tels que des blocs en caoutchouc.The ends of the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are connected to the support 15 directly or indirectly via dampers 18. Indeed, dampers 18 can be interposed between the end of each actuator 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and the support 15 to avoid transmitting vibrations from the support 15 to the frame. The dampers 18 are for example blocks of flexible material, such as rubber blocks.

Pour stopper l'avancée du récipient 2 et permettre à l'unité de pilotage 17 de commander l'arrêt des organes d'entrainement 12, le convoyeur d'évacuation 8 peut comporter un capteur de positionnement 25 et une butée 26 mobile, pilotable par le capteur de positionnement 25 pour être déplacée entre position escamotée de retour et une position de blocage avancée (Flèche A en Fig. 5a), et réciproquement (Flèche R en Fig. 5b).To stop the advance of the container 2 and allow the control unit 17 to control the stopping of the drive members 12, the discharge conveyor 8 may include a positioning sensor 25 and a movable stop 26, controllable by the positioning sensor 25 to be moved between the retracted return position and an advanced blocking position (Arrow A in Fig. 5a ), and vice versa (Arrow R in Fig. 5b ).

Le capteur de positionnement par exemple une cellule électrique 25 est configuré pour détecter le positionnement d'un récipient 2 en amont de la butée 26, lorsque le récipient 2 est positionné au-dessus du support 15 alors retiré en position escamotée. Le capteur de positionnement 25 est par exemple configuré pour détecter l'arrivée d'une paroi frontale du récipient 2 au niveau d'une extrémité aval du support 15. C'est par exemple un capteur optique apte à détecter le franchissement d'un faisceau lumineux transversal situé en aval du support 15.The positioning sensor, for example an electric cell 25, is configured to detect the positioning of a container 2 upstream of the stop 26, when the container 2 is positioned above the support 15 then withdrawn in the retracted position. The positioning sensor 25 is for example configured to detect the arrival of a front wall of the container 2 at a downstream end of the support 15. It is for example an optical sensor capable of detecting the crossing of a beam transverse light located downstream of support 15.

La butée 26 est disposée en aval du dispositif vibrateur 14 dans le sens de déplacement des récipients 2 le long du trajet d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2 depuis la zone de remplissage B vers la sortie 9. La butée 26, tel qu'un taquet, coulisse entre une position escamotée (Fig. 5a) et une position de blocage (Fig. 5b) dans laquelle le récipient 2 vient en butée contre la butée 26. L'avantage de la butée 26 est de ne pas interrompre les entraînements des différents récipients vides et remplis, ce qui fait que la station de remplissage 1 va fonctionner en non-stop.The stop 26 is arranged downstream of the vibrator device 14 in the direction of movement of the containers 2 along the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2 from the filling zone B towards the outlet 9. The stop 26, such as a cleat, slide between a retracted position ( Fig. 5a ) and a blocking position ( Fig. 5b ) in which the container 2 comes into abutment against the abutment 26. The advantage of the abutment 26 is not to interrupt the drives of the various empty and filled containers, which means that the filling station 1 will operate non-stop .

Le déplacement de la butée 26 est pilotable par le capteur de positionnement 25 pour déplacer la butée 26 en position de blocage A lorsqu'un récipient 2 est détecté au-dessus du support 15 et en position escamotée R pour libérer le passage au récipient 2 après le réarrangement des boites pliantes 3. Le pilotage peut être réalisé directement par exemple au moyen d'un contact électrique, soit indirectement au moyen d'une unité de contrôle telle que l'unité de pilotage 17.The movement of the stop 26 can be controlled by the positioning sensor 25 to move the stop 26 into the blocking position A when a container 2 is detected above the support 15 and into the retracted position R to free the passage to the container 2 after the rearrangement of the folding boxes 3. The control can be carried out directly for example by means of an electrical contact, or indirectly by means of a control unit such as the control unit 17.

Un exemple de réalisation du support 15 va être décrit en référence à la Fig. 4 et aux Figs. 5a et 5b. Le support 15 comporte aux moins deux éléments de support présentant chacun une lamelle 20 et une plaque de support 21, intercalés entre deux organes d'entrainement 12 du convoyeur d'évacuation 8 dans la direction longitudinale de la trajectoire d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2.An embodiment of the support 15 will be described with reference to the Fig. 4 and to Figs. 5a and 5b . The support 15 comprises at least two support elements each having a blade 20 and a support plate 21, interposed between two drive members 12 of the evacuation conveyor 8 in the longitudinal direction of the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2.

La plaque de support 21 est fixée sensiblement perpendiculairement à la lamelle 20, sur une face inférieure de la lamelle 20, par exemple de manière centrée, la section transversale d'un élément de support présentant une forme générale de « T ». Cette forme en « T » permet aux plaques de support 21 d'être facilement intercalées à la verticale entre deux rouleaux d'entrainement 13, tout en pouvant se déplacer verticalement entre ces derniers.The support plate 21 is fixed substantially perpendicularly to the slat 20, on an underside of the slat 20, for example in a centered manner, the cross section of a support element having the general shape of a “T”. This "T" shape allows the support plates 21 to be easily inserted vertically between two drive rollers 13, while being able to move vertically between the latter.

Les lamelles 20 présentent par exemple une surface supérieure sensiblement plane. Les bordures avant et arrière de chaque lamelle 20 en référence à la direction de déplacement du récipient 2 sur la trajectoire d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2 peuvent être sensiblement inclinées vers le bas pour éviter d'accrocher le récipient 2.The slats 20 have, for example, a substantially planar upper surface. The front and rear edges of each slat 20 with reference to the direction of movement of the container 2 on the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2 can be substantially inclined downwards to avoid hooking the container 2.

Les lamelles 20 sont disposées parallèlement entre elles, le plan supérieur des lamelles 20 formant la surface de contact S1 destinée à réceptionner le récipient 2 chargé de boites pliantes 3 (représenté en traits mixtes sur les Figs. 5a et 5b). Ce plan est horizontal lorsque le dispositif vibrateur 14 est monté dans le convoyeur d'évacuation 8.The slats 20 are arranged parallel to each other, the upper plane of the slats 20 forming the contact surface S1 intended to receive the container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3 (shown in phantom on the Figs. 5a and 5b ). This plane is horizontal when the vibrator device 14 is mounted in the discharge conveyor 8.

On prévoit par exemple quatre éléments de support 20, 21, régulièrement espacés les uns des autres, la surface de contact S1 s'inscrivant dans une forme rectangulaire. Les deux longerons 19 du support 14 relient les extrémités inférieures des plaques de support 21 aux extrémités mobiles des actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d.Provision is made for example for four support elements 20, 21, regularly spaced from each other, the contact surface S1 being inscribed in a rectangular shape. The two beams 19 of the support 14 connect the lower ends of the support plates 21 to the movable ends of the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d.

Dans l'exemple illustré, la direction principale des lamelles 20 s'étend dans la direction transversale T, parallèlement à la direction principale des rouleaux d'entrainement 13.In the example shown, the main direction of the slats 20 extends in the transverse direction T, parallel to the main direction of the rollers. training 13.

Le capteur de positionnement 25 est par exemple agencé de manière à détecter le passage du récipient 2 au niveau de la bordure de la dernière lamelle 20 du support 15, dans le sens de déplacement allant vers la sortie 9.The positioning sensor 25 is for example arranged so as to detect the passage of the container 2 at the level of the edge of the last slat 20 of the support 15, in the direction of movement going towards the outlet 9.

La Fig. 6 illustre le procédé avec les différentes étapes d'acheminement des récipients 2 vides vers la zone de remplissage B, de remplissage des récipients 2 et d'évacuation des récipients 100 chargés de boites pliantes 3.There Fig. 6 illustrates the process with the different stages of conveying the empty containers 2 to the filling zone B, of filling the containers 2 and of evacuating the containers 100 loaded with folding boxes 3.

Dans une première étape 101, le convoyeur d'acheminement 7 transporte des récipients 2 vides et ouverts sur le premier train de rouleaux 10, le long du trajet d'acheminement La jusqu'à la zone de remplissage B.In a first step 101, the routing conveyor 7 transports empty and open containers 2 on the first train of rollers 10, along the routing path La to the filling zone B.

Arrivé en zone de remplissage B, et dans une deuxième étape 102, le récipient 2 réceptionne des boites pliantes 3 acheminées par le transporteur-remplisseur de boites 4. Celles-ci sont disposées plus ou moins redressées verticalement dans le récipient 2 de façon plus ou moins ordonnée.Arrived in the filling zone B, and in a second step 102, the container 2 receives folding boxes 3 conveyed by the carrier-filler of boxes 4. These are arranged more or less straightened vertically in the container 2 in a more or less less orderly.

Dans une troisième étape 103, dès que le récipient 2 est rempli de boites pliantes 3, le récipient 2 est déplacé de la zone de remplissage B vers le convoyeur d'évacuation 8 par le système poussoir 11b (Flèche Tb; Figs. 1 et 3).In a third step 103, as soon as the container 2 is filled with folding boxes 3, the container 2 is moved from the filling zone B to the discharge conveyor 8 by the pusher system 11b (Arrow Tb; Figs. 1 And 3 ).

Le récipient 2 est ensuite entrainé sur le trajet d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2 par les organes d'entrainement 12 du convoyeur d'évacuation 8. Le trajet d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2 se décompose en deux parties. Dans une première partie Lc1, le récipient 2 est entrainé jusqu'au dispositif vibrateur 14. Le support 15 du dispositif 14 est alors en position escamotée (Fig. 5a). Dans cette position, la surface de contact S1 est située sous le plan horizontal de transport S2 des organes d'entrainement 12. Les organes d'entrainement 12 en contact avec le récipient 2 l'entrainent au-dessus du support 15.The container 2 is then driven on the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2 by the drive members 12 of the evacuation conveyor 8. The evacuation path Lc1, Lc2 is divided into two parts. In a first part Lc1, the container 2 is driven as far as the vibrator device 14. The support 15 of the device 14 is then in the retracted position ( Fig. 5a ). In this position, the contact surface S1 is located under the horizontal transport plane S2 of the drive members 12. The drive members 12 in contact with the container 2 drive it above the support 15.

Lorsque le capteur de positionnement 25 détecte la paroi frontale d'un récipient 2 en aval du support 15, et dans une quatrième étape 104, la butée 26 se déplace et avance A en position de blocage et bloque le récipient 2 bien centré au-dessus du support 15 (Fig. 5b).When the positioning sensor 25 detects the front wall of a container 2 downstream of the support 15, and in a fourth step 104, the stop 26 moves and advances A into the blocking position and blocks the container 2 well centered above of bracket 15 ( Fig. 5b ).

Puis, l'unité de pilotage 17 commande le déplacement du support 15 de la position escamotée à la position déployée (Fig. 5b; cinquième étape 105). Dans la position déployée, la surface de contact S1 monte au-dessus du plan horizontal de transport S2 des organes d'entrainement 12, soulevant le récipient 2 chargé de boites pliantes 3.Then, the control unit 17 controls the movement of the support 15 from the retracted position to the deployed position ( Fig. 5b ; fifth step 105). In the deployed position, the contact surface S1 rises above the horizontal transport plane S2 of the drive members 12, lifting the container 2 loaded with folding boxes 3.

L'unité de pilotage 17 commande ensuite la vibration du support 15 pour réordonner la disposition des boites pliantes 3 dans le récipient 2 (sixième étape 106). Il est également possible de commander des courses différentes aux actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, par exemple pour donner des mouvements d'inclinaison au récipient 2 soulevé.The control unit 17 then controls the vibration of the support 15 to reorder the arrangement of the folding boxes 3 in the container 2 (sixth step 106). It is also possible to order different strokes to the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, for example to give tilting movements to the container 2 raised.

Puis, l'unité de pilotage 17 commande le déplacement du support 15 en position escamotée (septième étape 107). La surface de contact S1 repasse alors sous le plan horizontal de transport S2 des organes d'entrainement 12.Then, the control unit 17 controls the movement of the support 15 in the retracted position (seventh step 107). The contact surface S1 then passes back under the horizontal transport plane S2 of the drive members 12.

Dans une huitième étape 108, l'unité de pilotage 17 commande alors le retour et le déplacement R de la butée 26 en position escamotée, libérant le passage du récipient 2.In an eighth step 108, the control unit 17 then controls the return and the displacement R of the stop 26 in the retracted position, freeing the passage of the container 2.

Le récipient 2 chargé de boites pliantes 3 bien ordonnées est alors entrainé sur la deuxième partie du trajet d'évacuation Lc2 vers la sortie 9 où il peut être évacué.The container 2 loaded with well-ordered folding boxes 3 is then driven on the second part of the evacuation path Lc2 towards the outlet 9 where it can be evacuated.

On dispose ainsi d'un dispositif vibratoire 14 pour le réarrangement ordonné de boites pliantes 3 dans les récipients 2 qui peut être automatisé, réalisé pour chaque récipient 2, de façon reproductible et à très haute cadence, ce qui n'était pas possible manuellement. En outre, l'actionnement des actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d peut être commandé selon des séquences programmées qui peuvent être adaptées notamment pour optimiser le rangement selon la forme des boites pliantes 3 remplissant le récipient 2.There is thus a vibratory device 14 for the orderly rearrangement of folding boxes 3 in the containers 2 which can be automated, produced for each container 2, in a reproducible manner and at a very high rate, which was not possible manually. In addition, the actuation of the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d can be controlled according to programmed sequences which can be adapted in particular to optimize storage according to the shape of the folding boxes 3 filling the container 2.

D'autres modes de réalisation peuvent être envisagés pour le support 15 et pour les organes d'entrainement 12, notamment comme représenté de manière schématique sur les Figs. 7 et 8.Other embodiments can be envisaged for the support 15 and for the drive members 12, in particular as represented schematically on the Figs. 7 and 8 .

Dans l'exemple de la Fig. 7, les organes d'entrainement 12 comportent des courroies dont les bandes d'entrainement s'étendent horizontalement le long du trajet d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2, dans la direction longitudinale Ldu convoyeur d'évacuation 8.In the example of the Fig. 7 , the drive members 12 comprise belts, the drive bands of which extend horizontally along the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2, in the longitudinal direction L of the evacuation conveyor 8.

Le convoyeur d'évacuation 8 comporte par exemple au moins trois courroies d'entrainement 23, par exemple quatre, agencées les unes à côté des autres parallèlement dans la direction longitudinale L. Le support 15 peut, comme précédemment, comporter aux moins deux éléments de support présentant chacun une lamelle 20 et une plaque de support 21, fixée perpendiculairement à la lamelle 20. Comme précédemment, les lamelles 20 sont disposées parallèlement les unes aux autres, le plan supérieur des lamelles 20 formant la surface de contact S1.The evacuation conveyor 8 comprises for example at least three drive belts 23, for example four, arranged one beside the other parallel in the longitudinal direction L. The support 15 can, as previously, comprise at least two elements of support each having a slat 20 and a support plate 21, fixed perpendicular to the slat 20. As before, the slats 20 are arranged parallel to each other, the upper plane of the slats 20 forming the contact surface S1.

Dans cet exemple, chaque élément de support est également intercalé entre deux courroies d'entrainement 23 du convoyeur d'évacuation 8. Cet exemple diffère également du précédent par le fait que la direction principale des lamelles 20 s'étend dans la direction longitudinale L du trajet d'évacuation Lc1, Lc2, parallèlement à la direction principale des courroies d'entrainement 23.In this example, each support element is also interposed between two drive belts 23 of the evacuation conveyor 8. This example also differs from the previous one in that the main direction of the slats 20 extends in the longitudinal direction L of the evacuation path Lc1, Lc2, parallel to the main direction of the drive belts 23.

Selon une variante de réalisation représentée schématiquement sur la Fig. 8, le convoyeur d'évacuation 8 comporte seulement deux courroies d'entrainement 23 agencées de part et d'autre du support 24. Le support 24, alors central, peut être réalisé par une seule plaque dont la face inférieure est reliée aux actionneurs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d.According to a variant embodiment shown schematically in the Fig. 8 , THE evacuation conveyor 8 comprises only two drive belts 23 arranged on either side of the support 24. The support 24, then central, can be produced by a single plate whose lower face is connected to the actuators 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d.

Claims (12)

  1. Vibrating device (14) for the orderly rearrangement of folding boxes (3) in a container (2) for a discharging conveyor (8), provided with drive members (12), the upper surfaces of which define a horizontal transport plane (S2), said vibrating device comprising:
    - a moving support (15) configured to support a container (2) loaded with folding boxes (3), the support (15) having a contact surface (S1) intended to come into contact with the container (2), and
    - at least one controllable actuator (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) having a movable end connected to the support (15) in order to move (U) the support (15) between:
    - a retracted position in which the contact surface (S1) is positioned below the horizontal transport plane (S2), allowing contact between the container (2) and the drive members (12), and a deployed position in which the contact surface (S1) is positioned above the horizontal transport plane (S2), preventing contact between the container (2) and the drive members (12), the actuator (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) also being configured to vibrate the support (15) about the deployed position in order to reorder the arrangement of the folding boxes (3) contained in the container (2),
    said vibrating device being characterised in that:
    the controllable actuator (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) has an electrically-controlled pneumatic jack, having a movable rod, the end of which is connected to the support (15), said electrically-controlled jack being configured to allow, by its electronic controlling, both the deployment and the vibration of said support (15).
  2. Device according to claim 1, comprising a control unit (17) connected to the actuator (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), the control unit (17) being configured to control the travel path of the actuator (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) between the retracted position and the deployed position and to vibrate the support (15) in the deployed position.
  3. Device according to claim 2, in which the control unit (17) is configured to be connected to the drive members (12) of the discharging conveyor (8), to control the stopping of the drive members (12) before controlling the movement of the support (15) in the deployed position and to control the switching back on of the drive members (12) after the movement of the support (15) in the retracted position.
  4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, having at least two actuators (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) connected to the support (15) and arranged at a distance from one another, the control unit (17) being configured to control the two actuators (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) sequentially according to a predetermined operating sequence.
  5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support (15) has at least two support elements, each having a strip (20) and a support plate (21), the support plate (21) being fixed perpendicularly to the strip (20), the strips (20) being disposed parallel in one same plane, the support elements (20, 21) being inserted between two drive members (12) of the discharging conveyor (8).
  6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one damper (18) inserted between the actuator (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and the support (15).
  7. Discharging conveyor (8) for the discharging of containers (2) loaded with folding boxes (3), having a vibrating device (14) according to one of the preceding claims.
  8. Conveyor according to claim 7, having:
    - a positioning sensor (25) configured to detect a positioning of a container (2) on the support (15),
    - a movable abutment (26), controllable by the positioning sensor (25) to be moved between retracted position and a blocking position (A, R).
  9. Conveyor according to claim 8, in which the drive members (12) have drive rollers (13).
  10. Container conveyor (5) having a conveying conveyor (7) to convey empty containers (2) to a filling zone (B) of the conveyor (5), having a discharging conveyor (8) for the discharging of containers (2) loaded with folding boxes (3) according to claim 8 or 9.
  11. Filling station, comprising a container conveyor (5) according to claim 10.
  12. Method for discharging containers (100) of a filling zone (B), comprising the successive steps consisting of:
    - controlling (104) an advancement (A) of an abutment (26) when an arrival of a container (2) loaded with folding boxes is detected;
    - controlling (105) the movement of a support (15) of a vibrating device of a retracted starting position, below a horizontal transport plane (S2) defined by the upper surfaces of drive members of the discharging conveyor to a deployed arrival position, above the horizontal transport plane, when the container (2) is located against the abutment (26);
    - vibrating (106) the support (15) in the deployed position to reorder the arrangement of the folding boxes (3) contained in the container (2);
    - controlling (107) the movement of the support (15) from the deployed position to the retracted position; and
    - controlling (108) a return (R) of the abutment (26), so as to allow a departure of the container (2);
    the method being characterised in that: the vibrating device has a controllable actuator (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) having an electrically-controlled pneumatic jack, having a movable rod, the end of which is connected to the support (15), said electrically-controlled pneumatic jack being electronically controlled to allow both said movements and said vibration of said support (15).
EP17723014.1A 2016-05-25 2017-05-15 Vibrating device for the ordered rearrangement of folding boxes in a container, discharge conveyor and method for discharging containers Active EP3464075B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16020187 2016-05-25
PCT/EP2017/025126 WO2017202499A1 (en) 2016-05-25 2017-05-15 Vibrating device for the orderly rearrangement of folding boxes in a container, discharging conveyor and method for discharging containers

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EP3464075A1 EP3464075A1 (en) 2019-04-10
EP3464075B1 true EP3464075B1 (en) 2023-08-09

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US (1) US11613387B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3464075B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6752902B2 (en)
KR (2) KR102375731B1 (en)
CN (1) CN109476385B (en)
BR (1) BR112018074184B1 (en)
CA (1) CA3025560C (en)
ES (1) ES2954925T3 (en)
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CN109476385A (en) 2019-03-15
KR102216232B1 (en) 2021-02-17
PL3464075T3 (en) 2023-12-11
CA3025560C (en) 2021-10-26
EP3464075A1 (en) 2019-04-10
WO2017202499A1 (en) 2017-11-30
KR102375731B1 (en) 2022-03-16
CA3025560A1 (en) 2017-11-30
JP2019516636A (en) 2019-06-20
KR20210018972A (en) 2021-02-18
JP6752902B2 (en) 2020-09-09
BR112018074184A2 (en) 2019-03-06
BR112018074184B1 (en) 2022-10-25
ES2954925T3 (en) 2023-11-27
US20200317376A1 (en) 2020-10-08
US11613387B2 (en) 2023-03-28
CN109476385B (en) 2021-11-23
KR20190010654A (en) 2019-01-30

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