EP4259556A1 - Transfer device and installation for conveying products - Google Patents
Transfer device and installation for conveying productsInfo
- Publication number
- EP4259556A1 EP4259556A1 EP21836444.6A EP21836444A EP4259556A1 EP 4259556 A1 EP4259556 A1 EP 4259556A1 EP 21836444 A EP21836444 A EP 21836444A EP 4259556 A1 EP4259556 A1 EP 4259556A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- rollers
- products
- upstream
- transfer
- downstream
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 102
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 67
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011449 brick Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
- B65G47/52—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices
- B65G47/66—Fixed platforms or combs, e.g. bridges between conveyors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G39/00—Rollers, e.g. drive rollers, or arrangements thereof incorporated in roller-ways or other types of mechanical conveyors
- B65G39/10—Arrangements of rollers
- B65G39/12—Arrangements of rollers mounted on framework
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G13/00—Roller-ways
Definitions
- the present invention falls within the field of the transfer and conveying of products.
- the term “product” encompasses an individual object.
- a product is a container, such as a bottle or flask, or a cardboard brick, or even a can.
- a product can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic, metal or even glass. Depending on its shape and material, a product can be rigid or semi-rigid.
- Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food-processing or cosmetic type.
- a product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.
- a product may have a rounded cross section, globally of circular or ovoidal shape, or else of polygonal cross section, in particular rectangle or square.
- such a container comprises a bottom which may be flat or substantially flat, or alternatively, conversely, having one or more cavities, as is the case for example of a can with a concave bottom or a bottle with a background called “petaloid”.
- the products can receive several different successive treatments, such as the manufacture of the container, for example during a plastic injection or stretch-blow molding operation in the case of a plastic bottle, followed by filling then closing with a cap and labelling. At the end of these treatments, the products are said to be "finished".
- each batch comprises a group of several products, grouped together in a matrix arrangement, generally of generally parallelepipedic shape, often square or rectangle, according to columns and rows.
- a typical batch groups together six products in two rows and three columns.
- each group can be packaged by coating or case packing.
- Wrapping consists of surrounding or covering the group of products with a sheet or film, in order to hold the products together and facilitate the handling of such a batch thus obtained.
- a coating can be carried out through a filming or preferably wrapping step, or else by a coating by means of a sheet, in particular of paper or cardboard material.
- the products are transported along the production line.
- production in a direction of movement, from upstream to downstream, between and within the various stations dedicated to each treatment that the products must undergo.
- Such transport can take place through at least one conveying installation.
- the invention specifically relates to the conveying of products, alone, in groups or in batches, as well as the transfer of such products between an upstream conveyor and a downstream conveyor. Further, the conveying is carried out by moving the products resting at their bottom on the upper face of one or more conveyors.
- This upper surface can be provided to move, generally in the form of one or more endless bands wound around at least one motorized winding and at least one return winding.
- there are basically three types of tape namely:
- the invention also relates to such a transfer of the products.
- the transfer from the upstream conveyor to the downstream conveyor requires crossing the gap between the abutting ends of said conveyors.
- Such a gap due to the winding of the conveyors, has a hollow shape within which the bottom of the products can partially fit, unbalancing them and risking them falling.
- a widely used solution consists of closing this gap with a fixed zone, in particular in the form of a dead plate, on the surface of which the products move by sliding, solely under the action of the thrust of the products moved by the downstream conveyor. .
- the lack of motorization has the disadvantage of stagnating products of shorter length.
- friction and thrust can again induce an imbalance products, as well as a change in position of one or more of the products previously well-arranged in a matrix in a group.
- these plates show pronounced wear over time.
- a current solution consists in modifying the configuration of the contiguous ends of the upstream and downstream conveyors, by reducing the diameter of the windings of said ends. This smaller diameter thus makes it possible to reduce the length of the interstice and, consequently, the length of the dead plate.
- An alternative solution consists of a transfer zone provided with rollers mounted free to rotate directly around fixed axes, in several rows extending transversely, namely orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal direction.
- the freedom of movement in rotation of the rollers has the effect of accompanying the displacement induced by the upstream conveyor when crossing such a transfer zone.
- the surface is oriented along a downward slope, from upstream to downstream.
- a slope has a significant inclination, due to the mounting of the rotating rollers directly on their axis, with non-negligible friction.
- this descent causes a negative differential between the heights of the upper surfaces between the upstream conveyor and the downstream conveyor.
- Such a negative differential must be compensated, because it is well understood that the repetition of numerous transfers between the conveyors and/or the processing stations would lead to an undesired variation in the installation of a production line.
- the downstream conveyor is provided with an increasing incline, which once again leads to the risk of imbalance of the products backwards, or even slippage in the opposite direction of the conveying, once again likely to disorder the groups of products or the spacing between products, or even the interval between groups and succeeding products.
- the aim of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing a conveying device with an optimized transfer zone between the ends of the upstream and downstream conveyors, ensuring the stability of the products during their transfer.
- the invention provides a specific gradient for the transfer zone, with a generally flat surface, in order to avoid any imbalance of the products during their progression along said transfer zone. This flatness is obtained by transverse offset of rollers between two successive rows, according to a staggered configuration.
- the invention relates to a product transfer device, in a longitudinal direction of movement from upstream to downstream.
- such a transfer device comprises:
- said transfer zone comprising at least two parallel and contiguous rows of rollers mounted in rotation in alignment along axes transverse to said direction, including a first row of first rollers and a second adjacent row of second rollers, characterized in that
- rollers of the first row are staggered relative to the second rollers of the second row, forming a generally flat transfer face.
- said slope may decrease according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 23°, preferably according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 7°.
- Said rollers may comprise a diameter less than or equal to 20 millimeters, preferably a diameter less than or equal to 11 millimeters.
- Said transfer device may comprise a center distance between the first rollers and the second rollers, said center distance being greater than said diameter by at most 5 millimeters, preferably by at most 1 millimeter.
- the small diameter of the rollers compared to the larger diameter of the windings of the upstream and downstream conveyors, makes it possible to reduce the depth of the interstices between said rollers, but also to abut the upstream ends as closely as possible. and downstream of the transfer zone conveyors.
- the low degree of gradient of the slope, along an almost flat surface, in particular by means of smaller diameters of the rollers, ensures that the products remain stable and do not tilt until they are unbalanced during their progress.
- the rollers equipped with bearings make it possible to ensure their correct rotation along this slope with a low degree of inclination.
- the transfer according to the invention is carried out only by gravity along its transfer zone.
- the invention also relates to an installation for conveying products, in a longitudinal direction of movement from upstream to downstream.
- a conveying installation is equipped with a transfer device, as previously described.
- said conveying installation comprises
- Such a conveying installation is characterized in that said transfer surface comprises a transfer device according to the invention.
- the upstream end of the downstream conveyor can be positioned under the downstream end of the upstream conveyor at a height of at most 50 millimeters, preferably at a height of at most 20 millimeters.
- the gentle slope allows the products to circulate along the transfer device, on an almost flat surface, solely under the effect of simple gravity, without requiring motorization of the upstream conveyor or a push of the products from this upstream conveyor.
- controlled slope also allows the downstream conveyor to be positioned at a low height under the upstream conveyor, limiting any consequent subsequent height compensation along the production line.
- FIG. 1 schematically represents a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a conveying installation, showing very specifically the transfer zone equipped with a device for transferring products between the ends of the upstream and downstream conveyors;
- FIG. 2 schematically represents a simplified view of a vertical section of an embodiment of a transfer device
- FIG. 3 schematically represents a partial sectional view along the axis A-A' of FIG. 2, showing in particular the staggered configuration of the rollers between the rows;
- FIG. 4 schematically represents a view in section along the axis B-B' of FIG.
- FIG. 5 schematically represents a sectional view along the C-C axis of FIG.
- the present invention falls within the field of the transfer and conveying of products.
- the term “product” encompasses an individual object.
- a product is a container, such as a bottle or flask, or a cardboard brick, or even a can.
- a product can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic, metal or even glass. Depending on its shape and material, a product can be rigid or semi-rigid.
- Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food-processing or cosmetic type.
- a product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.
- a product may have a rounded section, generally of the shape circular or ovoid, or else of polygonal section, in particular rectangle or square.
- such a container comprises a bottom which may be flat or substantially flat, or alternatively, conversely, having one or more cavities, as is the case for example of a can with a concave bottom or a bottle with a background called “petaloid”.
- the products can receive several successive treatments. During these different stages, the products are transported along the production line, between and within the different stations dedicated to each treatment that the products must undergo.
- each batch comprises a group of several products, grouped together in a matrix arrangement, generally of generally parallelepipedic shape, often square or rectangle, according to columns and rows.
- a typical batch groups together six products in two rows and three columns.
- the transport of the products takes place in a direction D of movement, from upstream to downstream.
- a direction D of movement is shown in particular in FIG. 2, in the form of an arrow oriented from left to right.
- the movement of the products therefore takes place longitudinally.
- said movement takes place globally along a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane, in particular along a conveying surface.
- transverse means in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to said longitudinal direction D, substantially along the same horizontal plane.
- the transport takes place through at least one installation 1 for conveying products.
- Such a conveyor installation 1 comprises at least one upstream conveyor 2 with a downstream end 20, as well as at least one downstream conveyor 3 with an upstream end 30.
- the upstream end 30 of said downstream conveyor 3 is contiguous to the downstream end 20 of said upstream conveyor 2.
- the conveyors 2.3 are butted, the products passing from one to the other during their conveyance.
- the conveyors 2.3 can be used to convey the products between stations of the production line, or extend partially within such stations, ensuring the movement of the products with a view to their processing by said stations.
- Such conveying of the products takes place on the upper face of each of the conveyors 2.3, the products resting at their bottom on said upper face of each conveyor 2.3.
- the products are therefore transported in an upright manner, namely that the largest dimension of the products extends vertically or substantially vertically, according to an orthogonal height substantially orthogonal with respect to the upper face of the conveyors.
- the upper faces of the conveyors 2.3 form the conveying surface.
- This conveying surface extends globally along a horizontal or substantially horizontal mean plane, whether the conveyors 2.3 are located at the same height or at substantially equivalent heights, to within a few millimeters or centimeters, or whether one or the other of the conveyors 2.3 has a slight upward or downward inclination.
- the conveyors 2,3 comprise at least one belt, in particular provided with one or more endless belts mounted in winding.
- These bands can be of any type, in particular smooth or with a non-slip nature through a suitable material, such as rubberized for example, or else with free-rotating rollers.
- the type of belt is determined according to the function performed and the type of products transported.
- the conveyors 2.3 can be of the same type or of a different type.
- one and/or the other of the conveyors 2.3 can be motorized, independently or jointly, conferring mobility on the conveying surface.
- one and/or the other of the conveyors 2,3 can be fixed, forming a table on the upper face of which the products move by sliding or rolling, by accumulation and pushing of the products coming from the 'upstream.
- the conveying installation 1 comprises a transfer surface between the upstream end 30 and the downstream end 20 .
- Such a transfer surface ensures the correct passage of the products when they cross the gap between the ends 20,30.
- the transfer surface forms a junction between the conveyors 2.3, in order to allow the products to pass from one to the other and to ensure that no product stagnates in this interface between the conveyors, even if the upstream conveyor is stopped, in particular when emptying the conveying installation.
- Such a fixed upper face may in particular comprise a material facilitating the sliding of the products or else rollers mounted free in rotation.
- this transfer surface comprises a transfer device 4 according to the invention.
- a transfer device 4 hereinafter “device”
- This structure 40 is used to support a transfer zone.
- Said structure 40 can be attached for attachment to one or the other of the conveyors 2.3, in particular to their corresponding frame, or to a frame of the conveying installation 1, said frame supporting in particular one and/or or the other of the conveyors 2.3, or else on a lateral guide fitted to the installation 1 or one and/or the other of the conveyors 2.3.
- the transfer zone extends partially over the length of the transfer surface, except for clearance allowing in particular the winding and movement of the conveyors 2.3.
- the transfer zone comprises rollers 41. These rollers 41 are arranged in at least two rows extending parallel and contiguous. In particular, the transfer zone comprises at least a first row 410 of first rollers and an adjacent second row 411 of second rollers.
- the transfer device 4 comprises seven rows of rollers 41.
- the number of rows may vary depending on the length of the transfer surface to be covered by the transfer zone, namely the spacing between conveyors 2.3.
- the number of rows can also vary according to the dimensions of the rollers 41, in particular their diameter 44, as well as their spacing 43. Therefore, the juxtaposition of the rows of rollers 41 form the transfer zone.
- rollers 41 are mounted in rotation in alignment along axes 42 transverse to said direction D.
- each of said axes 42 extends orthogonally to the longitudinal direction D of movement; each of said axes 42 also extending horizontally.
- axes 42 are parallel to section axes B-B' and C-C.
- the rotation of the rollers 41 is provided free, without any motorization.
- pins 42 are mounted at their ends on the structure 40.
- the pins 42 can also be supported along their length by supports 400, positioned between the rollers 41, as can be seen in particular in Figures 4 and 5.
- said rollers 41 comprise bearings mounted in rotation around said axes 42.
- Such bearings can be of any type, in particular of the ball bearing, needle bearing, ceramic bearing type, or else in the form of a sleeve.
- the rollers 41 are not simple rollers mounted free in sliding rotation against the surface of the axes 42, but by means of bearings providing less rolling resistance than for rollers and thus conferring a more fluid rotation of said rollers 41, in particular with regard to the specific configuration of the transfer zone.
- said transfer zone is inclined along a decreasing slope 5 in said direction D.
- slope 5 forms a descent from upstream to downstream.
- the slope 5 extends along a straight line parallel to a plane passing through the axes 42 of the rollers of the rows. Therefore, the slope 5 is inclined at an angle between said passing the axes 42 and a plane parallel to the surface of the conveyor 2 upstream. Preferably, the slope 5 is inclined with respect to the horizontal.
- said slope 5 decreases according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 23° (twenty-three degrees), or less than or equal to 42.45%. As visible in Figure 3, this degree of slope can be understood with respect to a plane containing the surface of the conveyor 2 upstream, or with respect to a horizontal.
- said slope 5 decreases according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 12° (twelve degrees), ie less than or equal to 21.26%.
- said slope 5 decreases according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 7° (seven degrees), ie less than or equal to 12.28%.
- the bearings of the rollers 41 which ensure their rotary movement under the weight of the products sufficiently to move said products along said transfer zone under the action only of a gravity effect.
- the gravity movement along the transfer zone is conferred by a specific arrangement of the rollers 41 between the rows 410,411, tending to flatten the upper tangent plane forming the transfer face on which the products progress.
- the first rollers of the first row 410 are staggered with respect to the second rollers of the second row 411 .
- the rollers 41 are staggered between the first row 410 and the second row 411, so that the ends of the first rollers of the first row 410 are not aligned with the ends of the second rollers of the second row 41 1, with the exception of the distal ends of the rows located at the level of the structure 40.
- the distal ends are located on either side of the transfer device 4, namely to the right and to the left with respect to the longitudinal direction D of movement.
- FIG. 3 Such a configuration is notably visible in FIG. 3, highlighting the staggered configuration of the adjacent rows. The offset therefore takes place between two adjacent rows.
- Figures 4 and 5 show in particular the specific placement of the supports 400 of the axes 42 according to the shift made.
- the first rollers located at the ends of the first row 410 have a larger transverse dimension than the second rollers at the ends of the second row 411, in order to achieve said offset.
- the transfer zone comprises several identical first rows 410 separated by second rows 411, which are also identical to one another.
- the term "identical” is understood with respect to the transverse dimension of the rollers 41 .
- one and/or the other of the first rows 410 can be identical or different, namely with identical or different transverse dimensions of the first rollers.
- one and/or the other of the second rows 410 can be identical or different, namely with transverse dimensions of the second rollers that are identical or different.
- the offset of the rollers 41 between the rows 410.411 forms a generally flat transfer face, improving the movement of the products along the transfer zone.
- the staggered arrangement between the successive rows of rollers 41 gives several points and tangential lines to said rollers 41, on which come to rest the bottom of the products, all during their movement along the transfer zone.
- the flatness of the transfer zone is improved by a specific dimension of the rollers 41 .
- said rollers 41 comprise a diameter 44 less than or equal to twenty millimeters (20mm).
- said rollers 41 comprise a diameter 44 less than or equal to eleven millimeters (11 mm).
- the small diameter 44 of the rollers 41 with regard to the dimensioning of the windings of the conveyors 2,3 at their ends 20,30, makes it possible to position the transfer device 4 as close as possible to said ends 20,30, with a smaller gap between the transfer device 4 and said ends 20,30.
- rollers 41 of all the rows have equal diameters 44 .
- the first rollers of the first row 410 have a diameter 44 larger or smaller than the diameter 44 of the second rollers of the second row 411 .
- the axis 42 of the first row 410 can be offset in height with respect to the axis 42 of the second row 411, in order to maintain the flatness of the face of the transfer zone.
- the flatness of the transfer zone is improved by a specific spacing of the rollers 41 .
- a center distance 43 between the first rollers of the first row 410 and the second rollers of the second row 41 1 is greater than said diameter 44 by at most five millimeters (5 mm).
- said center distance 43 is between one and three millimeters (between 1 mm and 3 mm).
- said center distance 43 is at most one millimeter (1 mm).
- the center distance 43 is understood with respect to the diameters 44 of all the rollers 41 if they are the same, or of the largest diameters 44, or of the smallest diameters 44, again of an average of the diameters 44.
- the small dimension of the center distance 43 is made possible due to the mounting of the rollers 41 on bearings, precisely limiting the rolling movement and therefore reducing the clearance required between the adjacent rows 410.411.
- the invention also relates to an installation 1 for conveying products, in a longitudinal direction D of movement from upstream to downstream.
- Such a conveying installation 1 comprises at least one upstream conveyor 2 with a downstream end 20 and at least one downstream conveyor 3 with an upstream end 30 .
- the upstream end 30 of said downstream conveyor 3 is contiguous to the downstream end 20 of said upstream conveyor 2.
- the installation also comprises a transfer surface between the upstream end 30 and the downstream end 20
- said transfer surface comprises a transfer device 4 as previously described.
- the upstream end 30 of the downstream conveyor 3 is positioned under the downstream end 20 of the upstream conveyor 2. This difference in height makes it possible to install the transfer device 4 configured on a slope.
- the upstream end 30 of the downstream conveyor 3 is positioned under the downstream end 20 of the upstream conveyor 2 at a height of at most fifty millimeters (50 mm). In short, there is a maximum height difference of five centimeters (5cm) between the surface of the conveyor 2 upstream and the surface of the conveyor 3 downstream, measured at their ends 20.30.
- the upstream end 30 of the downstream conveyor 3 is positioned under the downstream end 20 of the upstream conveyor 2 at a height of at most twenty millimeters (20 mm). In short, there is a maximum height difference of two centimeters (2cm) between the surface of the conveyor 2 upstream and the surface of the conveyor 3 downstream, measured at their ends 20.30.
- the conveyors 2.3 are located at the same height and it is the difference in winding and/or strip thickness between the ends 20.30 which makes it possible to obtain the degree of slope 5 of the transfer device 4.
- the transfer device 4 and the conveying installation 1 ensure improved gravity movement of the products by combining several specific technical characteristics.
- Said transfer device 4 has no dead plate in its transfer zone, using a free rotation of its rollers 41, optimized due to their mounted on bearings.
- the use of bearings prolongs the life of the rollers 41 .
- the transfer device 4 comprises dimensions which allow it to be incorporated into an existing installation, directly replacing a transfer plate, without imposing any modification of the conveyors 2.3 but simply by carrying out an adjustment, in particular the height of the conveyor 3 downstream.
- the short length of the transfer device 4 combined with its characteristics, in particular the flatness and the gentle slope, ensures that the products and even batches of small format (i.e. dimension less than the length of the transfer zone) do not does not stagnate along this interface, in particular when emptying the conveying installation 1 .
- the present invention therefore relates to a device for transferring products between two ends of conveyors, in order to facilitate the transition from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor.
- the configuration of the device according to the invention makes it possible to fill the space between two conveyors while guaranteeing the balance and the configuration of the products, due to the specific design of the transfer zone.
- the transfer device according to the invention thus forms a transfer surface between an upstream conveyor and a downstream conveyor, more precisely between two ends of conveyors.
- the transfer device has rollers whose arrangement makes it possible to obtain an almost flat surface.
- the axis of rotation of the rollers is transverse to the direction of movement.
- the rollers are arranged in at least two rows extending parallel and contiguous, that is to say very close.
- the fact that the rollers are mounted in alignment along axes transverse to the direction of movement means that the rollers form one and the same continuous row: the rollers of the same row are aligned in such a way that a row has no areas forming cells or holes.
- each row is formed by a succession of rollers in a direction transverse to the advance of the products.
- Each of the at least two rows of rollers is therefore transverse to the direction of transport, and the rows are parallel to each other.
- a roller according to the invention is a cylinder having a length greater than its diameter. In other words, the rollers extend significantly along their axis of rotation.
- the transfer device thanks to this configuration of the rollers, has an almost flat surface, and allows the stable movement of the containers from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rollers For Roller Conveyors For Transfer (AREA)
- Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device (4) for transferring products in a longitudinal direction (D) of movement from upstream to downstream, comprising a transfer region and a structure (40) supporting the transfer region that comprises at least two parallel and contiguous rows of rollers (41) mounted in rotation so as to be aligned along transverse axes, including a first row (410) of first rollers and an adjacent second row (411) of second rollers, characterized in that the transfer region is inclined with a slope (5) decreasing in said direction; the rollers (41) comprising bearings mounted in rotation about said axes; the first rollers of the first row (410) are mounted in staggered fashion with respect to the second rollers of the second row (411), forming a generally planar transfer face. The invention also relates to a conveying installation (1) equipped with such a transfer device (4).
Description
DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
Dispositif de transfert et installation de convoyage de produitsTransfer device and installation for conveying products
La présente invention entre dans le domaine du transfert et du convoyage de produits. Au sens de la présente invention, le terme « produit » englobe un objet individuel. Un tel produit est un récipient, comme une bouteille ou un flacon, ou une brique cartonnée, ou encore une cannette. Un produit peut être en tout type de matériau, notamment en matériau plastique, en métal ou encore en verre. En fonction de sa forme et de son matériau, un produit peut être rigide ou semi-rigide. The present invention falls within the field of the transfer and conveying of products. Within the meaning of the present invention, the term “product” encompasses an individual object. Such a product is a container, such as a bottle or flask, or a cardboard brick, or even a can. A product can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic, metal or even glass. Depending on its shape and material, a product can be rigid or semi-rigid.
Un tel récipient est destiné à contenir, de façon non exhaustive, un fluide, un liquide, des poudres ou des granulés, notamment de type agroalimentaire ou cosmétique.Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food-processing or cosmetic type.
En outre, un produit peut présenter tout type de forme, symétrique ou non, régulière ou irrégulière. De plus, un produit peut avoir une section arrondie, globalement de forme circulaire ou ovoïdale, ou bien de section polygonale, notamment rectangle ou carrée.In addition, a product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular. In addition, a product may have a rounded cross section, globally of circular or ovoidal shape, or else of polygonal cross section, in particular rectangle or square.
En particulier, un tel récipient comprend un fond pouvant être plat ou sensiblement plat, ou bien, inversement, présentant une ou plusieurs cavités, comme c'est le cas par exemple d'une cannette avec un fond concave ou d'une bouteille avec un fond dit « pétaloïde ». In particular, such a container comprises a bottom which may be flat or substantially flat, or alternatively, conversely, having one or more cavities, as is the case for example of a can with a concave bottom or a bottle with a background called “petaloid”.
De manière connue, au sein d'une ligne industrielle, les produits peuvent recevoir plusieurs traitements successifs différents, comme la fabrication du contenant, par exemple lors d'une opération d'injection plastique ou d'étirage-soufflage dans le cas d'une bouteille en matériau plastique, suivi du remplissage puis de la fermeture par un bouchon et l'étiquetage. A l'issue de ces traitements, les produits sont dits "finis". In a known manner, within an industrial line, the products can receive several different successive treatments, such as the manufacture of the container, for example during a plastic injection or stretch-blow molding operation in the case of a plastic bottle, followed by filling then closing with a cap and labelling. At the end of these treatments, the products are said to be "finished".
En vue de leur manutention, de tels produits finis subissent un conditionnement en lot. En outre, chaque lot comprend un groupe de plusieurs produits, rassemblés selon une disposition en matrice, généralement de forme globalement parallélépipédique, souvent carrée ou rectangle, selon des colonnes et des rangées. A titre d'exemple, un lot habituel regroupe six produits selon deux rangées et trois colonnes. With a view to their handling, such finished products are packaged in batches. In addition, each batch comprises a group of several products, grouped together in a matrix arrangement, generally of generally parallelepipedic shape, often square or rectangle, according to columns and rows. By way of example, a typical batch groups together six products in two rows and three columns.
Une fois les groupes de produits réalisés, chaque groupe peut être conditionné par enrobage ou encaissage. Once the groups of products have been made, each group can be packaged by coating or case packing.
L'enrobage consiste à entourer ou recouvrir le groupe de produits d'une feuille ou d'un film, afin de maintenir les produits ensemble et de faciliter la manutention d'un tel lot ainsi obtenu. Un tel enrobage par être effectué au travers d’une étape de filmage ou préférentiellement de fardelage, ou bien par un enrobage au moyen d'une feuille, notamment en matériau papier ou cartonné. Wrapping consists of surrounding or covering the group of products with a sheet or film, in order to hold the products together and facilitate the handling of such a batch thus obtained. Such a coating can be carried out through a filming or preferably wrapping step, or else by a coating by means of a sheet, in particular of paper or cardboard material.
Au cours de ces différentes étapes, les produits sont transportés le long de la ligne de
production, selon une direction de déplacement, depuis l'amont vers l'aval, entre et au sein des différents postes dédiés à chaque traitement que doivent subir les produits. Un tel transport peut s'effectuer au travers d'au moins une installation de convoyage.During these different stages, the products are transported along the production line. production, in a direction of movement, from upstream to downstream, between and within the various stations dedicated to each treatment that the products must undergo. Such transport can take place through at least one conveying installation.
L'invention vise spécifiquement le convoyage de produits, seuls, en groupe ou en lots, ainsi que le transfert de tels produits entre un convoyeur amont et un convoyeur aval. Plus avant, le convoyage s'effectue par déplacement des produits reposant au niveau de leur fond en face supérieure d'un ou plusieurs convoyeurs. Cette surface supérieure peut être prévue mobile, généralement sous la forme d'une ou plusieurs bandes sans fin enroulées autour d'au moins un enroulement motorisé et d'au moins un enroulement de renvoi. En particulier, il existe essentiellement trois types de bande, à savoir : The invention specifically relates to the conveying of products, alone, in groups or in batches, as well as the transfer of such products between an upstream conveyor and a downstream conveyor. Further, the conveying is carried out by moving the products resting at their bottom on the upper face of one or more conveyors. This upper surface can be provided to move, generally in the form of one or more endless bands wound around at least one motorized winding and at least one return winding. In particular, there are basically three types of tape, namely:
- une bande à la surface lisse, ayant une fonction de transit horizontal des produits, voire légèrement incliné selon une faible pente n'excédant pas 3% au-delà de laquelle les produits risqueraient de glisser sur ladite surface lisse ; - a strip with a smooth surface, having a function of horizontal transit of the products, even slightly inclined along a slight slope not exceeding 3% beyond which the products would risk slipping on said smooth surface;
- une bande sous forme de tapis caoutchouté, dont le matériau présente un caractère agrippant des produits, afin de transiter les produits sur des pentes plus importantes et également réaliser des pas entre les packs en jouant simplement sur les vitesses entre les convoyeurs ; - a belt in the form of a rubberized mat, the material of which has a gripping nature of the products, in order to transit the products on steeper slopes and also to make steps between the packs by simply varying the speeds between the conveyors;
- une bande pourvue de galets libres en rotation, dédiée à l'accumulation des produits qui viennent s'accoler les uns aux autres. - a belt provided with free-rotating rollers, dedicated to the accumulation of products which come to stick together.
Dans ce contexte, le long d'une installation, il est nécessaire de transférer les produits entre un convoyeur amont et un convoyeur aval. L'invention vise aussi un tel transfert des produits. In this context, along an installation, it is necessary to transfer the products between an upstream conveyor and a downstream conveyor. The invention also relates to such a transfer of the products.
Plus avant, le transfert depuis le convoyeur amont vers le convoyeur aval nécessite de traverser l'interstice entre les extrémités aboutées desdits convoyeurs. Un tel interstice, du fait de l'enroulement des convoyeurs, présente une forme en creux au sein de laquelle le fond des produits peut partiellement s'insérer, les déséquilibrant et risquant de les faire chuter. Further, the transfer from the upstream conveyor to the downstream conveyor requires crossing the gap between the abutting ends of said conveyors. Such a gap, due to the winding of the conveyors, has a hollow shape within which the bottom of the products can partially fit, unbalancing them and risking them falling.
Une solution largement répandue consiste à obturer cet interstice par une zone fixe, notamment sous la forme d'une plaque morte, en surface de laquelle les produits se déplacent en glissant, uniquement sous l'action de la poussée des produits déplacés par le convoyeur aval. En outre, l'absence de motorisation a pour inconvénient de faire stagner les produits de moindre longueur. A widely used solution consists of closing this gap with a fixed zone, in particular in the form of a dead plate, on the surface of which the products move by sliding, solely under the action of the thrust of the products moved by the downstream conveyor. . In addition, the lack of motorization has the disadvantage of stagnating products of shorter length.
En outre, ce fonctionnement par poussée ne permet pas de transférer un flux de produits voulu espacé régulièrement. In addition, this operation by pushing does not make it possible to transfer a desired flow of regularly spaced products.
Toutefois, les frottements et la poussée peuvent encore une fois induire un déséquilibre
des produits, ainsi qu'un changement de position d'un ou plusieurs des produits préalablement bien disposés en matrice dans un groupe. De surcroît, ces plaques présentent une usure prononcée au fil du temps. However, friction and thrust can again induce an imbalance products, as well as a change in position of one or more of the products previously well-arranged in a matrix in a group. In addition, these plates show pronounced wear over time.
Cet inconvénient d'une plaque morte est d'autant plus contraignant lorsque la longueur de cette plaque est supérieure à la dimension longitudinale des produits ou d'un groupe de produits transférés, à savoir la longueur selon la direction longitudinale de déplacement depuis l'amont vers l'aval. This drawback of a dead plate is all the more restrictive when the length of this plate is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the products or of a group of products transferred, namely the length in the longitudinal direction of movement from the upstream downstream.
Une solution actuelle consiste à modifier la configuration des extrémités contiguës des convoyeurs amont et aval, en diminuant le diamètre des enroulements desdites extrémités. Ce diamètre inférieur permet ainsi de réduire la longueur de l'interstice et, par conséquent, la longueur de la plaque morte. A current solution consists in modifying the configuration of the contiguous ends of the upstream and downstream conveyors, by reducing the diameter of the windings of said ends. This smaller diameter thus makes it possible to reduce the length of the interstice and, consequently, the length of the dead plate.
Toutefois, un enroulement avec un diamètre diminué nécessite d'ajouter des enroulements de renvoi situés en partie inférieure, complexifiant les convoyeurs et augmentant leur coût de fabrication. Plus avant, diminuer l'enroulement des convoyeurs en amont et/ou en aval réduit la longueur de l'interstice et, de fait, de la plaque morte. Toutefois, cette solution nécessite des bandes de moindre épaisseur, qui sont par conséquent moins robustes au fil du temps, réduisant d'autant la durée de vie des convoyeurs. However, a winding with a reduced diameter requires the addition of return windings located in the lower part, making the conveyors more complex and increasing their manufacturing cost. Further, reducing the winding of the conveyors upstream and/or downstream reduces the length of the gap and, in fact, of the dead plate. However, this solution requires thinner belts, which are therefore less robust over time, thus reducing the life of the conveyors.
Une solution alternative consiste en une zone de transfert pourvue de galets montés libres en rotation directement autour d'axes fixes, selon plusieurs rangées s'étendant transversalement, à savoir orthogonalement par rapport à ladite direction longitudinale. La liberté de mouvement en rotation des galets a pour effet d'accompagner le déplacement induit par le convoyeur amont au moment de traverser une telle zone de transfert. An alternative solution consists of a transfer zone provided with rollers mounted free to rotate directly around fixed axes, in several rows extending transversely, namely orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal direction. The freedom of movement in rotation of the rollers has the effect of accompanying the displacement induced by the upstream conveyor when crossing such a transfer zone.
Toutefois, ces rangées de galets forment une surface non plane, avec des alvéoles régulières entre les rangées, encore une fois susceptible de déséquilibrer les produits. De surcroît, même si les produits se déplacent plus facilement sur les galets tournant librement, les frottements des galets autour de leur axe fixe limitent leur rotation. Dès lors, il est toujours nécessaire d'effectuer une poussée conséquente par les produits arrivant depuis le convoyeur amont, surtout si les produits ou le groupe de produits présentent une dimension longitudinale inférieure à la longueur de ladite plaque. However, these rows of rollers form a non-flat surface, with regular cells between the rows, again likely to unbalance the products. Moreover, even if the products move more easily on the freely rotating rollers, the friction of the rollers around their fixed axis limits their rotation. Therefore, it is always necessary to carry out a substantial thrust by the products arriving from the upstream conveyor, especially if the products or the group of products have a longitudinal dimension less than the length of said plate.
Dès lors, en vue de faciliter le déplacement des produits le long d'une zone de transfert à galets, la surface est orientée selon une pente descendante, depuis l'amont vers l'aval. De surcroît, une telle pente présente une inclinaison importante, du fait du montage des galets en rotation directement sur leur axe, avec des frottements non négligeables.
En l'état, cette descente entraîne un différentiel négatif entre les hauteurs des surfaces supérieures entre le convoyeur amont et le convoyeur aval. Un tel différentiel négatif doit être compensé, car on comprend bien que la répétition de nombreux transferts entre les convoyeurs et/ou les postes de traitement, entraînerait une déclinaison non souhaitée dans l'implantation d'une ligne de production. Therefore, in order to facilitate the movement of the products along a roller transfer zone, the surface is oriented along a downward slope, from upstream to downstream. In addition, such a slope has a significant inclination, due to the mounting of the rotating rollers directly on their axis, with non-negligible friction. As it is, this descent causes a negative differential between the heights of the upper surfaces between the upstream conveyor and the downstream conveyor. Such a negative differential must be compensated, because it is well understood that the repetition of numerous transfers between the conveyors and/or the processing stations would lead to an undesired variation in the installation of a production line.
Dès lors, le convoyeur aval est prévu incliné de façon croissante, ce qui entraîne encore une fois des risques de déséquilibre des produits vers l'arrière, voire des glissements en sens inverse du convoyage, encore une fois susceptibles de désordonner les groupes de produits ou l'espacement entre les produits, ou encore l'intervalle entre les groupes et les produits se succédant. Therefore, the downstream conveyor is provided with an increasing incline, which once again leads to the risk of imbalance of the products backwards, or even slippage in the opposite direction of the conveying, once again likely to disorder the groups of products or the spacing between products, or even the interval between groups and succeeding products.
En outre, il n'est pas possible d'envisager une déclivité trop importante, que ce soit pour la zone de transfert autant que pour le convoyeur aval, pour ne pas déséquilibrer les produits ou groupes de produits. Dès lors, avec une faible pente, les produits ne se déplacent pas correctement, risquant de perdre leur positionnement au sein d'un groupe ou la régularité de l'intervalle entre eux. In addition, it is not possible to envisage too great a gradient, whether for the transfer zone as much as for the downstream conveyor, so as not to unbalance the products or groups of products. Therefore, with a low slope, the products do not move correctly, risking losing their position within a group or the regularity of the interval between them.
L'invention a pour but de pallier les inconvénients de l’état de la technique en proposant un dispositif de convoyage avec une zone de transfert optimisée entre les extrémités des convoyeurs amont et aval, assurant la stabilité des produits lors de leur transfert. En particulier, l'invention prévoit une déclivité spécifique de la zone de transfert, avec une surface globalement plane, afin d'éviter tout déséquilibre des produits lors de leur progression le long de ladite zone de transfert. Cette planéité est obtenue par décalage transversal de rouleaux entre deux rangées successives, selon une configuration en quinconce. The aim of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing a conveying device with an optimized transfer zone between the ends of the upstream and downstream conveyors, ensuring the stability of the products during their transfer. In particular, the invention provides a specific gradient for the transfer zone, with a generally flat surface, in order to avoid any imbalance of the products during their progression along said transfer zone. This flatness is obtained by transverse offset of rollers between two successive rows, according to a staggered configuration.
Pour ce faire, l'invention vise un dispositif de transfert de produits, selon une direction longitudinale de déplacement depuis l'amont vers l'aval. To do this, the invention relates to a product transfer device, in a longitudinal direction of movement from upstream to downstream.
De plus, un tel dispositif de transfert comprend : In addition, such a transfer device comprises:
- une zone de transfert et une structure, ladite structure supportant la zone de transfert ;- a transfer zone and a structure, said structure supporting the transfer zone;
- ladite zone de transfert comprenant au moins deux rangées parallèles et contiguës de rouleaux montés en rotation en alignement selon des axes transversaux par rapport à ladite direction, dont une première rangée de premiers rouleaux et une deuxième rangée adjacente de deuxièmes rouleaux, caractérisé en ce que - said transfer zone comprising at least two parallel and contiguous rows of rollers mounted in rotation in alignment along axes transverse to said direction, including a first row of first rollers and a second adjacent row of second rollers, characterized in that
- ladite zone de transfert est inclinée selon une pente décroissante selon ladite direction ; - said transfer zone is inclined along a decreasing slope in said direction;
- lesdits rouleaux comprenant des roulements montés en rotation autour desdits axes
- les premiers rouleaux de la première rangée sont montés en quinconce par rapport aux deuxièmes rouleaux de la deuxième rangée, formant une face de transfert globalement plane. - said rollers comprising bearings mounted in rotation around said axes - The first rollers of the first row are staggered relative to the second rollers of the second row, forming a generally flat transfer face.
Selon des caractéristiques additionnelles, non limitatives, ladite pente peut être décroissante selon un degré de déclivité inférieur ou égal à 23°, préférentiellement selon un degré de déclivité inférieur ou égal à 7°. According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, said slope may decrease according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 23°, preferably according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 7°.
Lesdits rouleaux peuvent comprendre un diamètre inférieur ou égal à 20 millimètres, préférentiellement un diamètre inférieur ou égal à 11 millimètres. Said rollers may comprise a diameter less than or equal to 20 millimeters, preferably a diameter less than or equal to 11 millimeters.
Ledit dispositif de transfert peut comprend un entraxe entre les premiers rouleaux et les deuxièmes rouleaux, ledit entraxe étant supérieur audit diamètre d'au plus 5 millimètres, préférentiellement d'au plus 1 millimètre. Said transfer device may comprise a center distance between the first rollers and the second rollers, said center distance being greater than said diameter by at most 5 millimeters, preferably by at most 1 millimeter.
En outre, combiné à la pente, le faible diamètre des rouleaux, par rapport au diamètre plus important des enroulements des convoyeurs amont et aval, permet de diminuer la profondeur des interstices entre lesdits rouleaux, mais aussi d'abouter au plus près les extrémités amont et aval des convoyeurs de la zone de transfert. In addition, combined with the slope, the small diameter of the rollers, compared to the larger diameter of the windings of the upstream and downstream conveyors, makes it possible to reduce the depth of the interstices between said rollers, but also to abut the upstream ends as closely as possible. and downstream of the transfer zone conveyors.
De surcroît, le faible degré de déclivité de la pente, le long d'une surface quasiment plane, notamment au moyen de diamètres moindres des rouleaux, assure que les produits restent stables et ne penchent pas jusqu'à être déséquilibrés au cours de leur progression. Par ailleurs, les rouleaux équipés de roulements permettent d'assurer leur bonne rotation le long de cette pente à faible degré d'inclinaison. In addition, the low degree of gradient of the slope, along an almost flat surface, in particular by means of smaller diameters of the rollers, ensures that the products remain stable and do not tilt until they are unbalanced during their progress. . In addition, the rollers equipped with bearings make it possible to ensure their correct rotation along this slope with a low degree of inclination.
Ainsi, le transfert selon l'invention s'effectue uniquement de façon gravitaire le long de sa zone de transfert. Thus, the transfer according to the invention is carried out only by gravity along its transfer zone.
L'invention concerne aussi une installation de convoyage de produits, selon une direction longitudinale de déplacement depuis l'amont vers l'aval. Avantageusement, une telle installation de convoyage est équipée d'un dispositif de transfert, tel que précédemment décrit. The invention also relates to an installation for conveying products, in a longitudinal direction of movement from upstream to downstream. Advantageously, such a conveying installation is equipped with a transfer device, as previously described.
Plus avant, ladite installation de convoyage comprend Further on, said conveying installation comprises
- au moins un convoyeur amont avec une extrémité aval ; - at least one upstream conveyor with a downstream end;
- au moins un convoyeur aval avec une extrémité amont, l'extrémité amont dudit convoyeur aval étant contiguë à l'extrémité aval dudit convoyeur amont ; - at least one downstream conveyor with an upstream end, the upstream end of said downstream conveyor being contiguous to the downstream end of said upstream conveyor;
- une surface de transfert entre l'extrémité amont et l'extrémité aval. - A transfer surface between the upstream end and the downstream end.
Une telle installation de convoyage se caractérise en ce que ladite surface de transfert comprend un dispositif de transfert selon l'invention. Such a conveying installation is characterized in that said transfer surface comprises a transfer device according to the invention.
Selon des caractéristiques additionnelles, non limitatives, l'extrémité amont du convoyeur aval peut être positionnée sous l'extrémité aval du convoyeur amont à une
hauteur d'au plus 50 millimètres, préférentiellement à une hauteur d'au plus 20 millimètres. According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, the upstream end of the downstream conveyor can be positioned under the downstream end of the upstream conveyor at a height of at most 50 millimeters, preferably at a height of at most 20 millimeters.
Ainsi, la pente douce permet aux produits de circuler le long du dispositif de transfert, sur une surface quasiment plane, uniquement sous l'effet de la simple gravité, sans nécessiter de motorisation du convoyeur amont ou d'une poussée des produits provenant de ce convoyeur amont. Thus, the gentle slope allows the products to circulate along the transfer device, on an almost flat surface, solely under the effect of simple gravity, without requiring motorization of the upstream conveyor or a push of the products from this upstream conveyor.
En outre, la pente contrôlée permet aussi de positionner le convoyeur aval à une faible hauteur sous le convoyeur amont, limitant toute compensation conséquente ultérieure de hauteur le long de la ligne de production. In addition, the controlled slope also allows the downstream conveyor to be positioned at a low height under the upstream conveyor, limiting any consequent subsequent height compensation along the production line.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description détaillée qui va suivre des modes de réalisation non limitatifs de l'invention, en référence aux figures annexées, dans lesquelles : Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which will follow of the non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended figures, in which:
La figure 1 représente schématiquement une vue partielle en perspective d'un mode de réalisation d'une installation de convoyage, montrant tout spécifiquement la zone de transfert équipée d'un dispositif de transfert de produits entre les extrémités des convoyeurs amont et aval ; FIG. 1 schematically represents a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a conveying installation, showing very specifically the transfer zone equipped with a device for transferring products between the ends of the upstream and downstream conveyors;
La figure 2 représente schématiquement une vue simplifiée d'une coupe verticale d'un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de transfert ; FIG. 2 schematically represents a simplified view of a vertical section of an embodiment of a transfer device;
La figure 3 représente schématiquement une vue partielle en coupe selon l'axe A-A' de la figure 2, montrant notamment la configuration en quinconce des rouleaux entre les rangées ; FIG. 3 schematically represents a partial sectional view along the axis A-A' of FIG. 2, showing in particular the staggered configuration of the rollers between the rows;
La figure 4 représente schématiquement une vue en coupe selon l'axe B-B' de la figureFIG. 4 schematically represents a view in section along the axis B-B' of FIG.
3, montrant notamment une première rangée de premiers rouleaux ; et 3, showing in particular a first row of first rollers; and
La figure 5 représente schématiquement une vue en coupe selon l'axe C-C de la figureFIG. 5 schematically represents a sectional view along the C-C axis of FIG.
4, montrant notamment une deuxième rangée de deuxièmes rouleaux. 4, showing in particular a second row of second rollers.
La présente invention entre dans le domaine du transfert et du convoyage de produits. Au sens de la présente invention, le terme « produit » englobe un objet individuel. Un tel produit est un récipient, comme une bouteille ou un flacon, ou une brique cartonnée, ou encore une cannette. Un produit peut être en tout type de matériau, notamment en matériau plastique, en métal ou encore en verre. En fonction de sa forme et de son matériau, un produit peut être rigide ou semi-rigide. The present invention falls within the field of the transfer and conveying of products. Within the meaning of the present invention, the term “product” encompasses an individual object. Such a product is a container, such as a bottle or flask, or a cardboard brick, or even a can. A product can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic, metal or even glass. Depending on its shape and material, a product can be rigid or semi-rigid.
Un tel récipient est destiné à contenir, de façon non exhaustive, un fluide, un liquide, des poudres ou des granulés, notamment de type agroalimentaire ou cosmétique.Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food-processing or cosmetic type.
En outre, un produit peut présenter tout type de forme, symétrique ou non, régulière ou irrégulière. De plus, un produit peut avoir une section arrondie, globalement de forme
circulaire ou ovoïdale, ou bien de section polygonale, notamment rectangle ou carrée. En particulier, un tel récipient comprend un fond pouvant être plat ou sensiblement plat, ou bien, inversement, présentant une ou plusieurs cavités, comme c'est le cas par exemple d'une cannette avec un fond concave ou d'une bouteille avec un fond dit « pétaloïde ». In addition, a product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular. In addition, a product may have a rounded section, generally of the shape circular or ovoid, or else of polygonal section, in particular rectangle or square. In particular, such a container comprises a bottom which may be flat or substantially flat, or alternatively, conversely, having one or more cavities, as is the case for example of a can with a concave bottom or a bottle with a background called “petaloid”.
Comme évoqué précédemment, au sein d'une ligne industrielle, les produits peuvent recevoir plusieurs traitements successifs. Au cours de ces différentes étapes, les produits sont transportés le long de la ligne de production, entre et au sein des différents postes dédiés à chaque traitement que doivent subir les produits. As mentioned previously, within an industrial line, the products can receive several successive treatments. During these different stages, the products are transported along the production line, between and within the different stations dedicated to each treatment that the products must undergo.
En vue de leur manutention, de tels produits subissent un conditionnement en lot.With a view to their handling, such products are packaged in batches.
En outre, chaque lot comprend un groupe de plusieurs produits, rassemblés selon une disposition en matrice, généralement de forme globalement parallélépipédique, souvent carrée ou rectangle, selon des colonnes et des rangées. A titre d'exemple, un lot habituel regroupe six produits selon deux rangées et trois colonnes. In addition, each batch comprises a group of several products, grouped together in a matrix arrangement, generally of generally parallelepipedic shape, often square or rectangle, according to columns and rows. By way of example, a typical batch groups together six products in two rows and three columns.
Dans le cadre de la présente invention, le transport des produits, seul ou en lot, s'effectue selon une direction D de déplacement, depuis l'amont vers l'aval. Une telle direction D de déplacement est notamment représentée sur la figure 2, sous forme d'une flèche orientée de la gauche vers la droite. Le déplacement des produits s'effectue donc longitudinalement. En outre, ledit déplacement s'effectue globalement selon un plan horizontal ou sensiblement horizontal, selon notamment une surface de convoyage. De plus, le terme « transversal » s'entend selon une direction orthogonale ou sensiblement orthogonale par rapport à ladite direction D longitudinale, sensiblement selon le même plan horizontal. In the context of the present invention, the transport of the products, alone or in batches, takes place in a direction D of movement, from upstream to downstream. Such a direction D of movement is shown in particular in FIG. 2, in the form of an arrow oriented from left to right. The movement of the products therefore takes place longitudinally. In addition, said movement takes place globally along a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane, in particular along a conveying surface. In addition, the term "transverse" means in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to said longitudinal direction D, substantially along the same horizontal plane.
Ceci étant, le transport s'effectue au travers d'au moins une installation 1 de convoyage de produits. This being so, the transport takes place through at least one installation 1 for conveying products.
Une telle Installation 1 de convoyage comprend au moins un convoyeur 2 amont avec une extrémité 20 aval, ainsi qu'au moins un convoyeur 3 aval avec une extrémité 30 amont. De plus, l'extrémité 30 amont dudit convoyeur 3 aval est contiguë à l'extrémité 20 aval dudit convoyeur 2 amont. En somme, les convoyeurs 2,3 sont aboutés, les produits passant de l'un vers l'autre lors de leur convoyage. Such a conveyor installation 1 comprises at least one upstream conveyor 2 with a downstream end 20, as well as at least one downstream conveyor 3 with an upstream end 30. In addition, the upstream end 30 of said downstream conveyor 3 is contiguous to the downstream end 20 of said upstream conveyor 2. In short, the conveyors 2.3 are butted, the products passing from one to the other during their conveyance.
En outre, les convoyeurs 2,3 peuvent servir au convoyage des produits entre des postes de la ligne de production, ou bien s'étendre partiellement au sein de tels postes, assurant le déplacement des produits en vue de leur traitement par lesdits postes.In addition, the conveyors 2.3 can be used to convey the products between stations of the production line, or extend partially within such stations, ensuring the movement of the products with a view to their processing by said stations.
Un tel convoyage des produits s'effectue en face supérieure de chacun des convoyeurs 2,3, les produits reposant au niveau de leur fond sur ladite face supérieure de chaque
convoyeur 2,3. Les produits sont donc transportés de façon érigée, à savoir que la plus grande dimension des produits s'étend verticalement ou sensiblement verticalement, selon une hauteur orthogonale sensiblement orthogonale par rapport à la face supérieure des convoyeurs. Such conveying of the products takes place on the upper face of each of the conveyors 2.3, the products resting at their bottom on said upper face of each conveyor 2.3. The products are therefore transported in an upright manner, namely that the largest dimension of the products extends vertically or substantially vertically, according to an orthogonal height substantially orthogonal with respect to the upper face of the conveyors.
Dès lors, les faces supérieures des convoyeurs 2,3 forment la surface de convoyage. Cette surface de convoyage s'étend globalement selon un plan moyen horizontal ou sensiblement horizontal, que les convoyeurs 2,3 se situent à la même hauteur ou à des hauteurs sensiblement équivalentes, à quelques millimètres ou centimètres près, ou bien que l'un ou l'autre des convoyeurs 2,3 présente une légère inclinaison montante ou descendante. Therefore, the upper faces of the conveyors 2.3 form the conveying surface. This conveying surface extends globally along a horizontal or substantially horizontal mean plane, whether the conveyors 2.3 are located at the same height or at substantially equivalent heights, to within a few millimeters or centimeters, or whether one or the other of the conveyors 2.3 has a slight upward or downward inclination.
Selon différents modes de réalisation, les convoyeurs 2,3 comprennent au moins un tapis, notamment pourvu d'une ou plusieurs bandes sans fin montés en enroulement. Ces bandes peuvent être de tout type, notamment lisse ou avec un caractère antidérapant au travers d'un matériau adapté, comme par exemple caoutchouté, ou bien avec des galets libres en rotation. Le type de bande est déterminé suivant la fonction qui est réalisée et le type de produits transportés. Ainsi, les convoyeurs 2,3 peuvent être du même type ou d'un type différent. According to different embodiments, the conveyors 2,3 comprise at least one belt, in particular provided with one or more endless belts mounted in winding. These bands can be of any type, in particular smooth or with a non-slip nature through a suitable material, such as rubberized for example, or else with free-rotating rollers. The type of belt is determined according to the function performed and the type of products transported. Thus, the conveyors 2.3 can be of the same type or of a different type.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'un et/ou l'autre des convoyeurs 2,3 peuvent être motorisés, indépendamment ou conjointement, conférant une mobilité à la surface de convoyage. According to one embodiment, one and/or the other of the conveyors 2.3 can be motorized, independently or jointly, conferring mobility on the conveying surface.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'un et/ou l'autre des convoyeurs 2,3 peuvent être fixes, formant une table en face supérieure de laquelle se déplacent les produits par glissement ou roulement, par accumulation et poussée des produits venant de l'amont. Plus avant, l'installation 1 de convoyage comprend une surface de transfert entre l'extrémité 30 amont et l'extrémité 20 aval. Une telle surface de transfert assure le bon passage des produits lorsqu'ils traversent l'interstice entre les extrémités 20,30. En somme, la surface de transfert forme une jonction entre les convoyeurs 2,3, afin de permettre aux produits de passer de l'un vers l'autre et d'assurer qu'aucun produit ne stagne dans cette interface entre les convoyeurs, même si le convoyeur amont est arrêté, notamment lors de la vidange de l'installation de convoyage. Une telle face supérieure fixe peut notamment comprendre un matériau facilitant le glissement des produits ou bien des galets montés libres en rotation. According to one embodiment, one and/or the other of the conveyors 2,3 can be fixed, forming a table on the upper face of which the products move by sliding or rolling, by accumulation and pushing of the products coming from the 'upstream. Further on, the conveying installation 1 comprises a transfer surface between the upstream end 30 and the downstream end 20 . Such a transfer surface ensures the correct passage of the products when they cross the gap between the ends 20,30. In short, the transfer surface forms a junction between the conveyors 2.3, in order to allow the products to pass from one to the other and to ensure that no product stagnates in this interface between the conveyors, even if the upstream conveyor is stopped, in particular when emptying the conveying installation. Such a fixed upper face may in particular comprise a material facilitating the sliding of the products or else rollers mounted free in rotation.
Avantageusement, cette surface de transfert comprend un dispositif 4 de transfert selon l'invention.
Un tel dispositif 4 de transfert, ci-après « dispositif », comprend une structure 40. Cette structure 40 sert à supporter une zone de transfert. Advantageously, this transfer surface comprises a transfer device 4 according to the invention. Such a transfer device 4, hereinafter "device", comprises a structure 40. This structure 40 is used to support a transfer zone.
Ladite structure 40 peut être rapportée en fixation sur l'un et ou l'autre des convoyeurs 2,3, notamment de leur châssis correspondant, ou sur un cadre de l'installation 1 de convoyage, ledit cadre supportant notamment l'un et/ou l'autre des convoyeurs 2,3, ou bien sur un guide latéral équipant l'installation 1 ou l'un et/ou l'autre des convoyeurs 2,3. Said structure 40 can be attached for attachment to one or the other of the conveyors 2.3, in particular to their corresponding frame, or to a frame of the conveying installation 1, said frame supporting in particular one and/or or the other of the conveyors 2.3, or else on a lateral guide fitted to the installation 1 or one and/or the other of the conveyors 2.3.
En outre, la zone de transfert s'étend partiellement sur la longueur de la surface de transfert, au jeu près autorisant notamment l'enroulement et le mouvement des convoyeurs 2,3. In addition, the transfer zone extends partially over the length of the transfer surface, except for clearance allowing in particular the winding and movement of the conveyors 2.3.
Plus avant, la zone de transfert comprend des rouleaux 41. Ces rouleaux 41 sont disposés selon au moins deux rangées s'étendant de façon parallèle et contiguë. En particulier, la zone de transfert comprend au moins une première rangée 410 de premiers rouleaux et une deuxième rangée 411 adjacente de deuxièmes rouleaux.Further forward, the transfer zone comprises rollers 41. These rollers 41 are arranged in at least two rows extending parallel and contiguous. In particular, the transfer zone comprises at least a first row 410 of first rollers and an adjacent second row 411 of second rollers.
Selon le mode de réalisation visible sur la figure 3, le dispositif 4 de transfert comprend sept rangées de rouleaux 41. Le nombre de rangées peut varier en fonction de la longueur de la surface de transfert à couvrir par la zone de transfert, à savoir l'espacement entre les convoyeurs 2,3. Le nombre de rangées peut aussi varier en fonction des dimensions des rouleaux 41 , en particulier leur diamètre 44, ainsi que leur entraxe 43. Dès lors, la juxtaposition des rangées de rouleaux 41 forment la zone de transfert. According to the embodiment visible in Figure 3, the transfer device 4 comprises seven rows of rollers 41. The number of rows may vary depending on the length of the transfer surface to be covered by the transfer zone, namely the spacing between conveyors 2.3. The number of rows can also vary according to the dimensions of the rollers 41, in particular their diameter 44, as well as their spacing 43. Therefore, the juxtaposition of the rows of rollers 41 form the transfer zone.
On notera que deux rangées adjacentes de rouleaux 41 sont accolées au plus près l'une de l'autre, au jeu près autorisant la rotation desdits rouleaux 41 , sans contact de l'une des rangées avec l'autre. Il en va de même pour les rangées à chaque bout de la zone de transfert, positionnées au plus près des extrémités 20,30 des convoyeurs 2,3, au jeu près assurant le déplacement sans contact des bandes desdits convoyeurs 2,3 avec les rouleaux 41 , ainsi que la rotation sans contact avec les bandes desdits convoyeurs 2,3. A ce titre, les rouleaux 41 sont montés en rotation en alignement selon des axes 42 transversaux par rapport à ladite direction D. En somme, chacun desdits axes 42 s'étend orthogonalement par rapport à la direction D longitudinale de déplacement ; chacun desdits axes 42 s'étendant aussi horizontalement. En référence à la figure 3, les axes 42 sont parallèles aux axes de coupes B-B' et C-C. It will be noted that two adjacent rows of rollers 41 are joined as close as possible to each other, except for clearance allowing the rotation of said rollers 41, without contact of one of the rows with the other. The same applies to the rows at each end of the transfer zone, positioned as close as possible to the ends 20.30 of the conveyors 2.3, with the clearance ensuring the movement without contact of the bands of said conveyors 2.3 with the rollers 41, as well as the rotation without contact with the bands of said conveyors 2.3. As such, the rollers 41 are mounted in rotation in alignment along axes 42 transverse to said direction D. In short, each of said axes 42 extends orthogonally to the longitudinal direction D of movement; each of said axes 42 also extending horizontally. Referring to Figure 3, axes 42 are parallel to section axes B-B' and C-C.
Préférentiellement, la rotation des rouleaux 41 est prévue libre, sans quelconque motorisation. Preferably, the rotation of the rollers 41 is provided free, without any motorization.
En outre, les axes 42 sont montés à leurs extrémités sur la structure 40. Les axes 42
peuvent aussi être supportés sur leur longueur par des supports 400, positionnés entre les rouleaux 41 , comme notamment visible sur les figures 4 et 5. In addition, the pins 42 are mounted at their ends on the structure 40. The pins 42 can also be supported along their length by supports 400, positioned between the rollers 41, as can be seen in particular in Figures 4 and 5.
Selon une première caractéristique avantageuse, lesdits rouleaux 41 comprennent des roulements montés en rotation autour desdits axes 42. De tels roulements peuvent être de tout type, notamment de type roulement à billes, roulement à aiguilles, roulement céramique, ou encore sous forme de douille. En somme, les rouleaux 41 ne sont pas de simples galets montés libres en rotation en glissement contre la surface des axes 42, mais par l'intermédiaire de roulements assurant une résistance au roulement moindre que pour des galets et conférant ainsi une rotation plus fluide desdits rouleaux 41 , en particulier au regard de la configuration spécifique de la zone de transfert. According to a first advantageous characteristic, said rollers 41 comprise bearings mounted in rotation around said axes 42. Such bearings can be of any type, in particular of the ball bearing, needle bearing, ceramic bearing type, or else in the form of a sleeve. In short, the rollers 41 are not simple rollers mounted free in sliding rotation against the surface of the axes 42, but by means of bearings providing less rolling resistance than for rollers and thus conferring a more fluid rotation of said rollers 41, in particular with regard to the specific configuration of the transfer zone.
A ce titre, selon une deuxième caractéristique avantageuse, ladite zone de transfert est inclinée selon une pente 5 décroissante selon ladite direction D. En somme, la pente 5 forme une descente depuis l'amont vers l'aval. As such, according to a second advantageous characteristic, said transfer zone is inclined along a decreasing slope 5 in said direction D. In sum, slope 5 forms a descent from upstream to downstream.
En outre, comme visible sur la figure 2, la pente 5 s'étend selon une droite parallèle à un plan passant par les axes 42 des rouleaux des rangées. Dès lors, la pente 5 est inclinée selon un angle entre ledit passant les axes 42 et un plan parallèle à la surface du convoyeur 2 amont. Préférentiellement, la pente 5 est inclinée par rapport à l'horizontal. In addition, as seen in Figure 2, the slope 5 extends along a straight line parallel to a plane passing through the axes 42 of the rollers of the rows. Therefore, the slope 5 is inclined at an angle between said passing the axes 42 and a plane parallel to the surface of the conveyor 2 upstream. Preferably, the slope 5 is inclined with respect to the horizontal.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite pente 5 est décroissante selon un degré de déclivité inférieur ou égal à 23° (vingt-trois degrés), soit inférieur ou égal à 42,45 %. Comme visible sur la figure 3, ce degré de déclivité peut s'entendre par rapport à un plan contenant la surface du convoyeur 2 amont, ou bien par rapport à un horizontal. According to one embodiment, said slope 5 decreases according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 23° (twenty-three degrees), or less than or equal to 42.45%. As visible in Figure 3, this degree of slope can be understood with respect to a plane containing the surface of the conveyor 2 upstream, or with respect to a horizontal.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite pente 5 est décroissante selon un degré de déclivité inférieur ou égal à 12° (douze degrés), soit inférieur ou égale à 21 ,26 %. According to one embodiment, said slope 5 decreases according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 12° (twelve degrees), ie less than or equal to 21.26%.
Selon un mode préférentiel, ladite pente 5 est décroissante selon un degré de déclivité inférieur ou égal à 7° (sept degrés), soit inférieur ou égal à 12,28%. According to a preferred mode, said slope 5 decreases according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 7° (seven degrees), ie less than or equal to 12.28%.
Dès lors, du fait de cette faible pente 5, ce sont les roulements des rouleaux 41 qui assurent leur mouvement rotatif sous le poids des produits de façon suffisante pour déplacer lesdits produits le long de ladite zone de transfert sous l'action uniquement d'un effet gravitaire. En somme, une fois les produits reposant par leur fond sur la zone de transfert, avec notamment leur centre de gravité aligné ou dépassant l'axe 42 de la rangée la plus en amont, il n'est alors plus nécessaire de mouvoir ou pousser lesdits produits depuis le convoyeur 2 amont : ces produits descendent naturellement le long de la pente 5 de la zone de transfert.
Selon une troisième caractéristique avantageuse, le déplacement gravitaire le long de la zone de transfert est conféré par une disposition spécifique des rouleaux 41 entre les rangées 410,411 , tendant à aplanir le plan tangent supérieur formant la face de transfert sur laquelle progresse les produits. Therefore, because of this low slope 5, it is the bearings of the rollers 41 which ensure their rotary movement under the weight of the products sufficiently to move said products along said transfer zone under the action only of a gravity effect. In short, once the products rest with their bottom on the transfer zone, with in particular their center of gravity aligned with or exceeding the axis 42 of the row furthest upstream, it is then no longer necessary to move or push said products from the conveyor 2 upstream: these products descend naturally along the slope 5 of the transfer zone. According to a third advantageous characteristic, the gravity movement along the transfer zone is conferred by a specific arrangement of the rollers 41 between the rows 410,411, tending to flatten the upper tangent plane forming the transfer face on which the products progress.
Pour ce faire, les premiers rouleaux de la première rangée 410 sont montés en quinconce par rapport aux deuxièmes rouleaux de la deuxième rangée 411 . En d'autres termes, les rouleaux 41 sont décalés entre la première rangée 410 et la deuxième rangée 411 , de sorte que les extrémités des premiers rouleaux de la première rangée 410 ne soient pas alignées avec les extrémités des deuxièmes rouleaux de la deuxième rangée 41 1 , à l'exception des extrémités distales des rangées situées au niveau de la structure 40. En somme, les extrémités distales sont situées de part et d'autre du dispositif 4 de transfert, à savoir à droite et à gauche par rapport à la direction D longitudinale de déplacement. To do this, the first rollers of the first row 410 are staggered with respect to the second rollers of the second row 411 . In other words, the rollers 41 are staggered between the first row 410 and the second row 411, so that the ends of the first rollers of the first row 410 are not aligned with the ends of the second rollers of the second row 41 1, with the exception of the distal ends of the rows located at the level of the structure 40. In short, the distal ends are located on either side of the transfer device 4, namely to the right and to the left with respect to the longitudinal direction D of movement.
Une telle configuration est notamment visible sur la figure 3, mettant en exergue la configuration en quinconce des rangées adjacentes. Le décalage s'effectue donc entre deux rangées adjacentes. Les figures 4 et 5 montrent notamment le placement spécifique des supports 400 des axes 42 en fonction du décalage réalisé. Such a configuration is notably visible in FIG. 3, highlighting the staggered configuration of the adjacent rows. The offset therefore takes place between two adjacent rows. Figures 4 and 5 show in particular the specific placement of the supports 400 of the axes 42 according to the shift made.
En outre, selon ce mode de réalisation, les premiers rouleaux situés aux extrémités de la première rangée 410 présentent une dimension transversale plus grande que les deuxièmes rouleaux d'extrémités de la deuxième rangée 411 , afin de réaliser ledit décalage. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first rollers located at the ends of the first row 410 have a larger transverse dimension than the second rollers at the ends of the second row 411, in order to achieve said offset.
Selon un mode préférentiel de réalisation, comme visible sur la figure 3, la zone de transfert comprend plusieurs premières rangées 410 identiques séparées par des deuxièmes rangées 411 , elles aussi identiques entre elles. Le terme « identique » s'entend par rapport à la dimension transversale des rouleaux 41 . According to a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the transfer zone comprises several identical first rows 410 separated by second rows 411, which are also identical to one another. The term "identical" is understood with respect to the transverse dimension of the rollers 41 .
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, l'une et/ou l'autre des premières rangées 410 peuvent être identiques ou différentes, à savoir avec des dimensions transversales de premiers rouleaux identiques ou différentes. According to another embodiment, one and/or the other of the first rows 410 can be identical or different, namely with identical or different transverse dimensions of the first rollers.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, l'une et/ou l'autre des deuxièmes rangées 410 peuvent être identiques ou différentes, à savoir avec des dimensions transversales de deuxièmes rouleaux identiques ou différentes. According to another embodiment, one and/or the other of the second rows 410 can be identical or different, namely with transverse dimensions of the second rollers that are identical or different.
Dès lors, le décalage des rouleaux 41 entre les rangées 410,411 forme une face de transfert globalement plane, améliorant le déplacement des produits le long de la zone de transfert. En effet, la disposition en quinconce entre les rangées successives de rouleaux 41 confère plusieurs points et lignes tangentielles auxdits rouleaux 41 , sur
lesquels viennent reposer le fond des produits, tout au cours de leur déplacement le long de la zone de transfert. Ainsi, il n'y a plus aucun risque d'accrochage du fond en un point d'un rouleau (ce qui arrivait souvent dans le cas d'extrémités de galets de deux rangées successives qui sont alignées longitudinalement, déséquilibrant ou changeant alors le positionnement des produits). Therefore, the offset of the rollers 41 between the rows 410.411 forms a generally flat transfer face, improving the movement of the products along the transfer zone. Indeed, the staggered arrangement between the successive rows of rollers 41 gives several points and tangential lines to said rollers 41, on which come to rest the bottom of the products, all during their movement along the transfer zone. Thus, there is no longer any risk of the bottom catching at one point of a roller (which often happened in the case of ends of rollers of two successive rows which are aligned longitudinally, unbalancing or then changing the positioning some products).
Selon une configuration, la planéité de la zone de transfert est améliorée par une dimension spécifique des rouleaux 41 . According to one configuration, the flatness of the transfer zone is improved by a specific dimension of the rollers 41 .
Selon un mode de réalisation, lesdits rouleaux 41 comprennent un diamètre 44 inférieur ou égal à vingt millimètres (20mm). According to one embodiment, said rollers 41 comprise a diameter 44 less than or equal to twenty millimeters (20mm).
Selon un mode préféré de réalisation, lesdits rouleaux 41 comprennent un diamètre 44 inférieur ou égal à onze millimètres (11 mm). According to a preferred embodiment, said rollers 41 comprise a diameter 44 less than or equal to eleven millimeters (11 mm).
Dès lors, le faible diamètre 44 des rouleaux 41 , au regard du dimensionnement des enroulements des convoyeurs 2,3 au niveau de leurs extrémités 20,30, permet de positionner le dispositif 4 de transfert au plus près desdites extrémités 20,30, avec un interstice moindre entre le dispositif 4 de transfert et lesdites extrémités 20,30. Therefore, the small diameter 44 of the rollers 41, with regard to the dimensioning of the windings of the conveyors 2,3 at their ends 20,30, makes it possible to position the transfer device 4 as close as possible to said ends 20,30, with a smaller gap between the transfer device 4 and said ends 20,30.
Par ailleurs, selon une configuration, les rouleaux 41 de toutes les rangées présentent des diamètres 44 égaux. Furthermore, according to one configuration, the rollers 41 of all the rows have equal diameters 44 .
Selon une autre configuration, les premiers rouleaux de la première rangée 410 présentent un diamètre 44 plus grand ou plus petit que le diamètre 44 des deuxièmes rouleaux de la deuxième rangée 411 . Dans ce cas, l'axe 42 de la première rangée 410 peut être décalé en hauteur par rapport à l'axe 42 de la deuxième rangée 411 , afin de conserver la planéité de la face de la zone de transfert. According to another configuration, the first rollers of the first row 410 have a diameter 44 larger or smaller than the diameter 44 of the second rollers of the second row 411 . In this case, the axis 42 of the first row 410 can be offset in height with respect to the axis 42 of the second row 411, in order to maintain the flatness of the face of the transfer zone.
On notera que le diamètre 44 des rouleaux 41 d'une même rangée est le même. It will be noted that the diameter 44 of the rollers 41 of the same row is the same.
Selon une configuration, la planéité de la zone de transfert est améliorée par un écartement spécifique des rouleaux 41 . According to one configuration, the flatness of the transfer zone is improved by a specific spacing of the rollers 41 .
Selon un mode de réalisation, un entraxe 43 entre les premiers rouleaux de la première rangée 410 et les deuxièmes rouleaux de la deuxième rangée 41 1 est supérieur audit diamètre 44 d'au plus cinq millimètres (5mm). According to one embodiment, a center distance 43 between the first rollers of the first row 410 and the second rollers of the second row 41 1 is greater than said diameter 44 by at most five millimeters (5 mm).
Selon un mode plus précis de réalisation, ledit entraxe 43 est compris entre un et trois millimètres (entre 1 mm et 3 mm). According to a more specific embodiment, said center distance 43 is between one and three millimeters (between 1 mm and 3 mm).
Selon un mode préféré de réalisation, ledit entraxe 43 est d'au plus un millimètre (1 mm). En particulier, l'entraxe 43 s'entend par rapport aux diamètres 44 de tous les rouleaux 41 s'ils sont les mêmes, ou des diamètres 44 les plus grands, ou des diamètres 44 les plus petits, encore d'une moyenne des diamètres 44.
En outre, la faible dimension de l'entraxe 43 est rendue possible du fait du montage des rouleaux 41 sur des roulements, limitant de façon précise le mouvement de roulement et par conséquent, diminuant le jeu requis entre les rangées 410,411 adjacentes.According to a preferred embodiment, said center distance 43 is at most one millimeter (1 mm). In particular, the center distance 43 is understood with respect to the diameters 44 of all the rollers 41 if they are the same, or of the largest diameters 44, or of the smallest diameters 44, again of an average of the diameters 44. In addition, the small dimension of the center distance 43 is made possible due to the mounting of the rollers 41 on bearings, precisely limiting the rolling movement and therefore reducing the clearance required between the adjacent rows 410.411.
Comme évoqué précédemment, l'invention concerne aussi une installation 1 de convoyage de produits, selon une direction D longitudinale de déplacement depuis l'amont vers l'aval. As mentioned above, the invention also relates to an installation 1 for conveying products, in a longitudinal direction D of movement from upstream to downstream.
Une telle installation 1 de convoyage comprend au moins un convoyeur 2 amont avec une extrémité 20 aval et au moins un convoyeur 3 aval avec une extrémité 30 amont. De plus, l'extrémité 30 amont dudit convoyeur 3 aval est contiguë à l'extrémité 20 aval dudit convoyeur 2 amont. Such a conveying installation 1 comprises at least one upstream conveyor 2 with a downstream end 20 and at least one downstream conveyor 3 with an upstream end 30 . In addition, the upstream end 30 of said downstream conveyor 3 is contiguous to the downstream end 20 of said upstream conveyor 2.
L'installation comprend encore une surface de transfert entre l'extrémité 30 amont et l'extrémité 20 aval The installation also comprises a transfer surface between the upstream end 30 and the downstream end 20
Avantageusement, ladite surface de transfert comprend un dispositif 4 de transfert tel que précédemment décrit. Advantageously, said transfer surface comprises a transfer device 4 as previously described.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'extrémité 30 amont du convoyeur 3 aval est positionnée sous l'extrémité 20 aval du convoyeur 2 amont. Cette différence de hauteur permet d'implanter le dispositif 4 de transfert configuré en pente. According to one embodiment, the upstream end 30 of the downstream conveyor 3 is positioned under the downstream end 20 of the upstream conveyor 2. This difference in height makes it possible to install the transfer device 4 configured on a slope.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'extrémité 30 amont du convoyeur 3 aval est positionnée sous l'extrémité 20 aval du convoyeur 2 amont à une hauteur d'au plus cinquante millimètres (50mm). En somme, il y a au maximum un dénivelé de cinq centimètres (5cm) entre la surface du convoyeur 2 amont et la surface du convoyeur 3 aval, mesuré au niveau de leurs extrémités 20,30. According to one embodiment, the upstream end 30 of the downstream conveyor 3 is positioned under the downstream end 20 of the upstream conveyor 2 at a height of at most fifty millimeters (50 mm). In short, there is a maximum height difference of five centimeters (5cm) between the surface of the conveyor 2 upstream and the surface of the conveyor 3 downstream, measured at their ends 20.30.
Selon un mode préféré de réalisation, l'extrémité 30 amont du convoyeur 3 aval est positionnée sous l'extrémité 20 aval du convoyeur 2 amont à une hauteur d'au plus vingt millimètres (20 mm). En somme, il y a au maximum un dénivelé de deux centimètres (2cm) entre la surface du convoyeur 2 amont et la surface du convoyeur 3 aval, mesuré au niveau de leurs extrémités 20,30. According to a preferred embodiment, the upstream end 30 of the downstream conveyor 3 is positioned under the downstream end 20 of the upstream conveyor 2 at a height of at most twenty millimeters (20 mm). In short, there is a maximum height difference of two centimeters (2cm) between the surface of the conveyor 2 upstream and the surface of the conveyor 3 downstream, measured at their ends 20.30.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, les convoyeurs 2,3 se situent à la même hauteur et c'est la différence d'enroulement et/ou d'épaisseur de bande entre les extrémités 20,30 qui permet d'obtenir le degré de pente 5 du dispositif 4 de transfert. According to another embodiment, the conveyors 2.3 are located at the same height and it is the difference in winding and/or strip thickness between the ends 20.30 which makes it possible to obtain the degree of slope 5 of the transfer device 4.
Ainsi, le dispositif 4 de transfert et l'installation 1 de convoyage assurent un déplacement gravitaire amélioré des produits en combinant plusieurs caractéristiques techniques spécifiques. Ledit dispositif 4 de transfert est dépourvu de plaque morte dans sa zone de transfert, utilisant une libre rotation de ses rouleaux 41 , optimisée du fait de leur
montage sur des roulements. De surcroît, l'utilisation de roulements prolonge la durée de vie des rouleaux 41 . Thus, the transfer device 4 and the conveying installation 1 ensure improved gravity movement of the products by combining several specific technical characteristics. Said transfer device 4 has no dead plate in its transfer zone, using a free rotation of its rollers 41, optimized due to their mounted on bearings. In addition, the use of bearings prolongs the life of the rollers 41 .
En outre, le dispositif 4 de transfert comprend des dimensions qui lui permettent d'être incorporé dans une installation existante, directement en remplacement d'une plaque de transfert, sans imposer de modification des convoyeurs 2,3 mais simplement en effectuant un réglage, notamment de la hauteur du convoyeur 3 aval. In addition, the transfer device 4 comprises dimensions which allow it to be incorporated into an existing installation, directly replacing a transfer plate, without imposing any modification of the conveyors 2.3 but simply by carrying out an adjustment, in particular the height of the conveyor 3 downstream.
De surcroît, la faible longueur du dispositif 4 de transfert, combinée à ses caractéristiques, notamment la planéité et la pente douce, assure que les produits et même des lots de petit format (i.e. dimension inférieure à la longueur de la zone de transfert) ne stagne pas le long de cet interface, notamment au moment de la vidange de l'installation 1 de convoyage. In addition, the short length of the transfer device 4, combined with its characteristics, in particular the flatness and the gentle slope, ensures that the products and even batches of small format (i.e. dimension less than the length of the transfer zone) do not does not stagnate along this interface, in particular when emptying the conveying installation 1 .
La présente invention concerne donc un dispositif de transfert de produits entre deux extrémités de convoyeurs, afin de faciliter le passage d’un convoyeur amont à un convoyeur aval. La configuration du dispositif selon l’invention permet de combler l’espace entre deux convoyeurs tout en garantissant l’équilibre et la configuration des produits, du fait de la conception spécifique de la zone de transfert. The present invention therefore relates to a device for transferring products between two ends of conveyors, in order to facilitate the transition from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor. The configuration of the device according to the invention makes it possible to fill the space between two conveyors while guaranteeing the balance and the configuration of the products, due to the specific design of the transfer zone.
Le dispositif de transfert selon l’invention forme ainsi une surface de transfert entre un convoyeur amont et un convoyeur aval, plus précisément entre deux extrémités de convoyeurs. The transfer device according to the invention thus forms a transfer surface between an upstream conveyor and a downstream conveyor, more precisely between two ends of conveyors.
Le dispositif de transfert selon l’invention présente des rouleaux dont l’agencement permet d’obtenir une surface quasiment plane. L’axe de rotation des rouleaux est transversal à la direction de déplacement. Les rouleaux sont disposés selon au moins deux rangées s’étendant de façon parallèle et contigüe, c’est-à-dire très proche. Le fait que les rouleaux soient montés en alignement selon des axes transversaux à la direction de déplacement signifie que les rouleaux forment une seule et même rangée continue : les rouleaux d’une même rangée sont alignés de telle sorte qu’une rangée ne comporte pas de zones formant des alvéoles ou des trous. En d’autres termes, chaque rangée est formée par une succession de rouleaux dans une direction transversale à l’avance des produits Chacune des au moins deux rangées de rouleaux est donc transversale à la direction de transport, et les rangées sont parallèles entre elles. L’agencement en quinconce des rouleaux entre chaque rangée permet à un produit de circuler sur une surface quasiment plane, et de ne pas être en contact sur une succession d’extrémités de rouleaux, comme ce serait le cas si l’agencement n’était pas réalisé en quinconce mais de manière identique sur chaque rangée.
Un rouleau selon l’invention est un cylindre ayant une longueur plus importante que son diamètre. En d’autres termes, les rouleaux s’étendent de façon importante le long de leur axe de rotation. The transfer device according to the invention has rollers whose arrangement makes it possible to obtain an almost flat surface. The axis of rotation of the rollers is transverse to the direction of movement. The rollers are arranged in at least two rows extending parallel and contiguous, that is to say very close. The fact that the rollers are mounted in alignment along axes transverse to the direction of movement means that the rollers form one and the same continuous row: the rollers of the same row are aligned in such a way that a row has no areas forming cells or holes. In other words, each row is formed by a succession of rollers in a direction transverse to the advance of the products. Each of the at least two rows of rollers is therefore transverse to the direction of transport, and the rows are parallel to each other. The staggered arrangement of the rollers between each row allows a product to circulate on an almost flat surface, and not to be in contact on a succession of roller ends, as would be the case if the arrangement were not not done in staggered rows but identically on each row. A roller according to the invention is a cylinder having a length greater than its diameter. In other words, the rollers extend significantly along their axis of rotation.
Le dispositif de transfert, grâce à cette configuration des rouleaux, présente une surface quasiment plane, et permet le déplacement stable des récipients d’un convoyeur amont à un convoyeur aval.
The transfer device, thanks to this configuration of the rollers, has an almost flat surface, and allows the stable movement of the containers from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor.
Claims
1. Dispositif (4) de transfert de produits, selon une direction (D) longitudinale de déplacement depuis l'amont vers l'aval, comprenant 1. Device (4) for transferring products, in a longitudinal direction (D) of movement from upstream to downstream, comprising
- une zone de transfert et une structure (40), ladite structure (40) supportant la zone de transfert ; - a transfer zone and a structure (40), said structure (40) supporting the transfer zone;
- ladite zone de transfert comprenant au moins deux rangées parallèles et contiguës de rouleaux (41 ) montés en rotation en alignement selon des axes transversaux par rapport à ladite direction (D), dont une première rangée (410) de premiers rouleaux et une deuxième rangée (41 1 ) adjacente de deuxièmes rouleaux, caractérisé en ce que - said transfer zone comprising at least two parallel and contiguous rows of rollers (41) rotatably mounted in alignment along axes transverse to said direction (D), including a first row (410) of first rollers and a second row (41 1 ) adjacent to second rollers, characterized in that
- ladite zone de transfert est inclinée selon une pente (5) décroissante selon ladite direction ; - said transfer zone is inclined along a slope (5) decreasing in said direction;
- lesdits rouleaux (41 ) comprenant des roulements montés en rotation autour desdits axes ; - Said rollers (41) comprising bearings rotatably mounted around said axes;
- les premiers rouleaux de la première rangée (410) sont montés en quinconce par rapport aux deuxièmes rouleaux de la deuxième rangée (411 ), formant une face de transfert globalement plane. - The first rollers of the first row (410) are staggered relative to the second rollers of the second row (411), forming a generally flat transfer face.
2. Dispositif (4) de transfert selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que2. Transfer device (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that
- ladite pente (5) est décroissante selon un degré de déclivité inférieur ou égal à 23°, préférentiellement selon un degré de déclivité inférieur ou égal à 7°. - said slope (5) decreases according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 23°, preferably according to a degree of slope less than or equal to 7°.
3. Dispositif (4) de transfert selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que 3. Transfer device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
- lesdits rouleaux (41 ) comprennent un diamètre inférieur ou égal à 20 millimètres, préférentiellement un diamètre inférieur ou égal à 11 millimètres. - Said rollers (41) comprise a diameter less than or equal to 20 millimeters, preferably a diameter less than or equal to 11 millimeters.
4. Dispositif (4) de transfert selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend 4. Transfer device (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises
- un entraxe (43) entre les premiers rouleaux et les deuxièmes rouleaux, ledit entraxe (43) étant supérieur audit diamètre d'au plus 5 millimètres, préférentiellement d'au plus 1 millimètre. - a center distance (43) between the first rollers and the second rollers, said center distance (43) being greater than said diameter by at most 5 millimeters, preferably by at most 1 millimeter.
5. Installation (1 ) de convoyage de produits, selon une direction (D) longitudinale de déplacement depuis l'amont vers l'aval, comprenant 5. Installation (1) for conveying products, in a longitudinal direction (D) of movement from upstream to downstream, comprising
- au moins un convoyeur (2) amont avec une extrémité aval ; - at least one upstream conveyor (2) with a downstream end;
- au moins un convoyeur (3) aval avec une extrémité amont, l'extrémité (30) amont dudit convoyeur (3) aval étant contiguë à l'extrémité (20) aval dudit convoyeur (2) amont ;
- une surface de transfert entre l'extrémité (30) amont et l'extrémité (20) aval ; caractérisé en ce que - at least one downstream conveyor (3) with an upstream end, the upstream end (30) of said downstream conveyor (3) being contiguous to the downstream end (20) of said upstream conveyor (2); - A transfer surface between the upstream end (30) and the downstream end (20); characterized in that
- ladite surface de transfert comprend un dispositif (4) de transfert selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes. - said transfer surface comprises a transfer device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims.
6. Installation (1 ) de convoyage selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que 6. Installation (1) for conveying according to the preceding claim, characterized in that
- l'extrémité (30) amont du convoyeur (3) aval est positionnée sous l'extrémité (20) aval du convoyeur (2) amont à une hauteur d'au plus 50 millimètres, préférentiellement à une hauteur d'au plus 20 millimètres.
- the upstream end (30) of the downstream conveyor (3) is positioned under the downstream end (20) of the upstream conveyor (2) at a height of at most 50 millimeters, preferably at a height of at most 20 millimeters .
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR2013021A FR3117472B1 (en) | 2020-12-10 | 2020-12-10 | Transfer device and product conveying installation |
PCT/EP2021/085144 WO2022122995A1 (en) | 2020-12-10 | 2021-12-10 | Transfer device and installation for conveying products |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4259556A1 true EP4259556A1 (en) | 2023-10-18 |
Family
ID=76159454
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP21836444.6A Pending EP4259556A1 (en) | 2020-12-10 | 2021-12-10 | Transfer device and installation for conveying products |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20240034570A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4259556A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR3117472B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022122995A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4172516A (en) * | 1977-02-17 | 1979-10-30 | Curl Robert B | Crop discharge conveyor assembly |
JPS55101805U (en) * | 1979-01-09 | 1980-07-16 | ||
US4681203A (en) * | 1985-11-22 | 1987-07-21 | Omniquest, Inc. | Multi-track gravity conveyor |
JP5986282B1 (en) * | 2015-11-18 | 2016-09-06 | 大口 元気 | Wheel conveyor |
JP6937592B2 (en) * | 2017-03-07 | 2021-09-22 | トーヨーカネツ株式会社 | Conveyor device |
CN206358862U (en) * | 2017-03-15 | 2017-07-28 | 山东鸿源金属容器科技股份有限公司 | A kind of coating tinplate scratching resistant device |
US10793360B2 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-10-06 | Lewco, Inc. | Skate wheel conveyor with quick assemble feature |
-
2020
- 2020-12-10 FR FR2013021A patent/FR3117472B1/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-12-10 EP EP21836444.6A patent/EP4259556A1/en active Pending
- 2021-12-10 WO PCT/EP2021/085144 patent/WO2022122995A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-12-10 US US18/266,098 patent/US20240034570A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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FR3117472B1 (en) | 2024-01-12 |
US20240034570A1 (en) | 2024-02-01 |
WO2022122995A1 (en) | 2022-06-16 |
FR3117472A1 (en) | 2022-06-17 |
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