WO2004096680A1 - Adjustable positioning system for a conveyor - Google Patents

Adjustable positioning system for a conveyor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004096680A1
WO2004096680A1 PCT/FR2003/001311 FR0301311W WO2004096680A1 WO 2004096680 A1 WO2004096680 A1 WO 2004096680A1 FR 0301311 W FR0301311 W FR 0301311W WO 2004096680 A1 WO2004096680 A1 WO 2004096680A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
conveyor
adjustment
guides
rotation
support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2003/001311
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bruno Lallemand
Daniel Maerten
Pascal Delaporte
Original Assignee
Netra Systems
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Netra Systems filed Critical Netra Systems
Priority to AU2003246863A priority Critical patent/AU2003246863A1/en
Priority to PCT/FR2003/001311 priority patent/WO2004096680A1/en
Publication of WO2004096680A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004096680A1/en

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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
    • B65G51/00—Conveying articles through pipes or tubes by fluid flow or pressure; Conveying articles over a flat surface, e.g. the base of a trough, by jets located in the surface
    • B65G51/02—Directly conveying the articles, e.g. slips, sheets, stockings, containers or workpieces, by flowing gases
    • B65G51/03—Directly conveying the articles, e.g. slips, sheets, stockings, containers or workpieces, by flowing gases over a flat surface or in troughs
    • B65G51/035—Directly conveying the articles, e.g. slips, sheets, stockings, containers or workpieces, by flowing gases over a flat surface or in troughs for suspended articles, e.g. bottles
    • 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
    • B65G21/00—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors
    • B65G21/20—Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces
    • B65G21/2045—Mechanical means for guiding or retaining the load on the load-carrying surface
    • B65G21/2063—Mechanical means for guiding or retaining the load on the load-carrying surface comprising elements not movable in the direction of load-transport
    • B65G21/2072—Laterial guidance means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an adjustable positioning system for a conveyor, said system comprising at least one conveyor element and means for adjusting the position of the element.
  • the conveyor element adjustable in position can be a guide for guiding, and possibly the suspension, of articles during transport, or a box of blowing in the case of an air conveyor, or an element (wall or the like) of cowling or air deflection.
  • the invention also relates to a conveyor equipped with this adjustable positioning system.
  • the invention finds mainly, but not exclusively, its application in the field of transport of articles guided between at least two parallel and spaced guides, and more particularly, but not exclusively, in the field of transport of suspended articles, such as by example of plastic bottles or flasks, preforms, ...
  • lateral guides In the aforementioned conveyors, it is also known to implement on either side of the path of the articles at least two additional guides parallel spaced from one another, and commonly called “lateral guides". These lateral guides are positioned in height below the level of the guides under the neck, and allow guiding at the level of the body of the bottle. They are useful in particular for limiting the lateral swinging of the articles transported, and make it possible to limit the risks of blocking or unhooking of the articles during transport. In some cases, the conveyor comprises several pairs of lateral guides each arranged at two different height levels.
  • FIG. 1 of this publication illustrates a conveyor equipped with a pair of longitudinal guides (upper guides referenced “7”) and a pair of lateral guides (lower guides referenced “6”).
  • the dimensions of the articles transported condition the positioning of the guide elements. More particularly, in the case for example of bottles suspended by means of their collar, the spacing between the two guides under the collar must be less than the diameter of the collar, and slightly greater than the diameter of the article under the collar, so that the bottles are held vertically by the neck guides without being wedged between the neck guides. Also, the spacing between the lateral guides or between the longitudinal guides must be adjusted according to the size of the articles in their region of contact with these guides.
  • a first solution for adjusting the position of each guide consists in using jacks oriented transversely to the guide and spaced regularly along the guide.
  • This solution is, for example, that used in the conveyor described in US-A-5,542,789.
  • the main drawback of this solution is that it requires the use of a large number of jacks, - in practice one jack every meter of conveyor and this for each guide -, which makes it expensive.
  • the possibilities for adjusting the position of the guides are therefore very limited.
  • a second solution described in particular in international patent application WO-A-0068122 consists in using guides under a mobile neck in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor, and for each under-neck guide an articulated link actuated by a jack.
  • the articulated link allows the guide to be pushed back into a first position in which it is locked in position by a first fixed stop, the guide being resiliently recalled by springs in a second position, in which it is locked in position by a second fixed stop.
  • This second solution has many drawbacks.
  • the use of return springs makes it very unreliable, and to the knowledge of the applicant this solution has never been implemented on conveyors on the market.
  • This solution only allows adjustment between two positions defined by the fixed stops.
  • the position of the second fixed stop must be adjusted according to the position of the first fixed stop, which complicates the development and adjustment of the conveyor.
  • this solution can be implemented only in straight conveyor portions and cannot be implemented in curved portions.
  • a third solution for adjusting the spacing between two guides under the neck consists in using an elastically deformable guide, and in implementing adjustment means which are designed to move and deform this guide so as to give it a given curvature which depends on its position.
  • This solution is suitable only for curved portions (turns) of the conveyor, and cannot be implemented in a straight portion.
  • air conveyors for the transport of 0 plastic bottles or the like which are equipped with one or more boxes (or ducts) for blowing side air, such as for example the blowing boxes referenced “14" or “ 17 "in Figures 3 and 4 of US Patent 6,368,027 of the Applicant. It is also advantageous to be able to adjust the position of these blowing boxes so as to best adapt the position of the air jets from these blowing boxes relative to the format of the articles transported.
  • the present invention aims to propose a new solution for adjusting the position of a conveyor element, which allows in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned solutions of the prior art and which allows simple adjustment of the position of the element conveyor.
  • the invention thus has as its first object an adjustable positioning system for a conveyor, said system comprising at least one conveyor element and means for adjusting the position of the element.
  • the adjustment means comprise:
  • the element is chosen from the following list: guide, box or air blowing sheath, wall (hood, air deflector, etc.).
  • guide box or air blowing sheath
  • wall hood, air deflector, etc.
  • the invention is however not limited to these elements alone, but can be applied to any conveyor element, in particular elongated, for which it is advantageous to have a position adjustment means, so that the position can be easily and quickly adapted. of the element for example depending on the format of the items transported.
  • the adjustable positioning system of the invention has the following additional characteristics, taken individually or in combination: - the adjustment means make it possible to adapt the position of each element according to the format of the items transported;
  • the adjustment support is pivotally mounted along an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the plane of translation of the element;
  • the element is articulated in rotation relative to the adjustment support along an axis of rotation which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the adjustment support;
  • the guidance system comprises at least two elements that are adjustable in position, the two elements being positioned parallel to one another and spaced apart in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis (A), and the means for adjusting the two elements are coupled and allow a simultaneous and preferably symmetrical adjustment of the position of the two elements;
  • the two facing elements are mounted on the same adjustment support, and when it is desired to obtain a symmetrical adjustment of the positions of the two elements, the axis of rotation of this support is preferably centered between the two elements;
  • Each element has a single degree of freedom by being mounted free in translation in a direction (D) perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (A).
  • Each element is slidably mounted on at least one slide, which slide is articulated relative to the adjustment support.
  • the adjustment means comprise at least two pivoting adjustment supports coupled in rotation.
  • the actuating means comprise a jack, and preferably an electric jack and or are preferably of the multi-position type.
  • the invention also relates to a conveyor equipped with an aforementioned adjustable positioning system.
  • the conveyor allows the transport of suspended articles, and more particularly of light hollow articles comprising a protuberance for their suspension, such as by example of empty plastic containers having a flange or the like (bottles, flasks, etc.) or also plastic preforms forming an intermediate product and intended subsequently to be stretched and blown in a mold to form a plastic container (final product) .
  • a protuberance for their suspension such as by example of empty plastic containers having a flange or the like (bottles, flasks, etc.) or also plastic preforms forming an intermediate product and intended subsequently to be stretched and blown in a mold to form a plastic container (final product) .
  • it is an air conveyor equipped with means making it possible to propel the articles under the action of air jets.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conveyor section equipped with a lateral guide system which has two guides adjustable in position, and which is produced in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 4 is a detailed view allowing a better visualization of the articulation in rotation of a guide relative to a rotary adjustment support
  • FIG. 5 is a detailed view allowing a better visualization of the articulation in rotation of an adjustment support relative to the fixed frame of the conveyor section
  • FIG. 6 and 7 illustrate, in top view, two different positions for adjusting the spacing between the two lateral guides of the guide system of the conveyor of Figure 1
  • - Figure 8 illustrates a variant of air conveyor comprising two side blowing boxes which are adjustable in position according to the invention
  • - Figure 9 illustrates a variant of air conveyor comprising a two-sided cover, formed of two side walls which are adjustable in position according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 a straight section 1 of an air conveyor, it being specified that in a manner known per se an air conveyor is formed of a plurality of sections mounted end to end, and certain sections being able according to the configuration of the conveyor line be curved.
  • This section 1 usually comprises a box 2 made of U-shaped sheet metal closed at the bottom by an apron 3.
  • the box 2 and the apron 3 delimit a chamber 4 (commonly called “plenum”), which in operation is intended for be supplied with pressurized air by means of fans (not shown) judiciously distributed over the length of the conveyor.
  • plenum commonly called “plenum”
  • the apron 3 is in the example illustrated a sheet shaped so as to comprise a central recess 3a delimiting a longitudinal blowing channel 5.
  • On the underside of the apron 3 are fixed by any appropriate means, two guides under neck 6, for example plastic, which allow the suspension and guidance of articles. These two guides under the neck 6 are centered relative to the vertical median plane 1a (FIG. 2) of the section 1 of the conveyor.
  • the upper faces 6a of the guides under the neck 6 are coplanar and define a support plane P for the articles.
  • the articles transported are empty plastic bottles B (figure 2) or B '(figure 1) suspended by means of their flange on the guides under neck 6.
  • In the walls of the recess 3a of the deck 3 are formed slots or blowing openings 3b (FIG. 2) judiciously distributed along the length of the blowing channel and making it possible to communicate the blowing channel 5 with the chamber 4.
  • the air conveyor which has just been described by way of example is not limitative of the invention.
  • the guidance system of the invention a preferred embodiment of which will now be detailed, can in fact be applied to any type of known article conveyor, and in particular, but not exclusively, to any type of conveyor in which the articles are suspended during transport.
  • the conveyor is not necessarily an air conveyor, but can for example also be a mechanical conveyor.
  • the conveyor section 1 is equipped with an adjustable guide system according to the invention and allowing lateral guidance of the bottles B below their flange.
  • This guide system comprises two identical guides 7 in the form of two guide profiles, for example made of plastic, positioned in parallel, opposite one another and spaced apart. These opposite guides 7 are centered relative to the median vertical plane 1a of the conveyor section 1.
  • the vertical median plane 1a of the section 1 constitutes a plane of symmetry on the one hand for the two guides 7 facing each other, and on the other hand for the two guides under the neck 6.
  • These guides 7 are positioned in height at below the level of the guides under the neck 6, and define a guide plane P 'which is preferably substantially parallel to the support plane P of the articles defined by the guides under the neck 6.
  • the distance E between the two guides 7 is adjustable by to the implementation of means which will now be described in detail.
  • Each guide 7 is clamped in holding vices 8 regularly distributed and spaced along the length of the guide 7 ( Figure 1).
  • Each holding vise 8 is slidably mounted on a slide 9 oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guides 7 ( Figure 1 / Longitudinal axis A), which corresponds to the direction of transport of the bottles.
  • Each slide 9 is fixed, via a fixing interface 10, to a first support 11 appearing in the particular example illustrated in the form of a substantially vertical arm.
  • each fixing interface 10 is adjustable in height relative to the first support 11, so as to allow height adjustment of each guide 7.
  • Each first support 11 is mounted on a second support 12, hereinafter called “adjustment support”, and is articulated in rotation relative to this adjustment support 12 along a first axis of rotation 11a substantially perpendicular to the plane P of support of the articles defined by the guides under the neck 6.
  • Each adjustment support 12 is fixed to the frame of the conveyor being oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (A) of the guides 7 and is articulated in rotation according to a second axis of rotation 12a, which is substantially perpendicular to the support plane P of the articles.
  • FIG. 4 shows the detail of the articulation in rotation of a support 11 relative to an adjustment support 12.
  • This articulation is produced essentially by means of an axis 11b mounted free in rotation and housed in the lower part in the adjustment support 12.
  • This axis 11b is guided in rotation by a rolling bearing 11c.
  • the lower part of the support 11 is threaded and is fixed on the upper part of the axis 11 b.
  • FIG. 5 shows the detail of the articulation in rotation of an adjustment support 12 relative to the fixed frame S of the conveyor.
  • This articulation is carried out essentially by means of an axis 12b fixed on the fixed frame S of the conveyor.
  • the adjustment support 12 is threaded on the upper part of this axis 12b.
  • Inside the adjustment support 12 is mounted a rolling bearing 12c allowing the adjustment support 12 to be guided in rotation relative to the fixed axis 12b.
  • the first supports 11 of the two guides 7 are positioned two by two facing each other, and the two supports 11 opposite each pair are mechanically connected by an adjustment support 12 appearing in the particular example illustrated in the form of a substantially horizontal arm.
  • Each set - pair of supports 11 / adjustment support 12 - substantially forms a U.
  • the assemblies (U-shaped) - pair of supports 11 / adjustment support 12 - are at number of three
  • the axis of rotation 12a of each second support 12 is centered between the two guides 7 (axis 12a situated in the median longitudinal plane 1a of the section 1 of conveyor), and the adjustment supports 12 are mechanically connected between them by a transmission bar 14 (shown only in Figure 1), so that the rotation of one of the sets - pair of supports 11 / adjustment support 12 - along the axis of rotation 12a causes the same rotation of the other sets.
  • each guide 7 is also fixed to the fixed frame of the conveyor by a fixing system 13 ( Figures 1 and 3), which in particular comprises a rod 13a integral with the guide 7 and mounted sliding relative to the fixed frame of the conveyor along an axis 13b.
  • a fixing system 13 which in particular comprises a rod 13a integral with the guide 7 and mounted sliding relative to the fixed frame of the conveyor along an axis 13b.
  • each guide 7 has a single degree of freedom by being mounted free in translation in a plane (aforementioned guide plane P ') substantially parallel to the plane P of support for the articles, and in a direction D ( direction parallel to the aforementioned axis 13b of sliding of the fixing rod 13a) which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the guide 7.
  • This fixing system 13 prevents in particular any translational movement of the guide 7 in its longitudinal direction A (direction bottle transport).
  • the conveyor section 1 is equipped with an actuator 15.
  • this actuator 15 is a linear cylinder, which is mounted on a fixed support 16 integral with the frame of the conveyor, and whose movable rod 15a is oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction (A) of the guides 7, and fixed to the end of one of the adjustment supports 12, by means of a fixing piece 17.
  • the rod 15a of the jack is articulated with respect to the part 17 along an axis of rotation 15b 5 parallel to the axis of rotation 12a of the support 12.
  • the body 15c of this jack 15 is also articulated with respect to fixed support 16 along an axis of rotation 15d parallel to the axis of rotation 12a of the support 12.
  • the spacing E between the guides 7 is adjusted so as to allow lateral guidance during transport of a first type of bottles B having a maximum diameter d1.
  • the spacing E between the guides 7 is adjusted so as to allow lateral guiding during transport of a second type of bottles B ′ having a maximum diameter d2 less than the aforementioned diameter d1.
  • the displacements of the two guides 7 opposite each other are perfectly symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal median plane 1a (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the conveyor section 1;
  • each first support 11 and each on-board slide 9 undergoes a double translation movement: a translation
  • Each first support 11 also undergoes a slight rotational movement along its axis 11a, so as to keep its orientation during its movement related to the rotation of the adjustment support 12;
  • each support 11 advantageously makes it possible, during the pivoting movement of the adjustment supports 12 along the axis 12a, to maintain the orientation of this support 11 at during its double translational movement 0, and thereby maintain the parallel orientation of each slide 9 relative to the guide 7, which allows the slides 9 to slide perfectly longitudinally relative to the holding vices 8.
  • the system of the invention allows precise adjustment in position of the guides
  • the adjustment system of the invention makes it possible to obtain an infinite number of adjustment positions for the guide (adjustment system multi-position), in contrast to the solution described in international patent application WO-A-0068122; it is thus advantageously possible to easily configure the guide means so as to transport any format of bottles (multi-format conveyor); it should however be noted that in a simplified variant of the invention, when it is desired to adjust the position of a guide with a limited number of positions (for example two or three different positions for conveying only two or three formats different from bottles), it is possible in this case to use, as a cylinder 15, a pneumatic cylinder with two or three positions;
  • the preferred variant embodiment of the invention which has just been described in detail with reference to the appended FIGS. 1 to 7 also presents the following main additional advantages: the guides 7 are advantageously locked in position in the longitudinal direction, and having a single degree of freedom in translation in the radial direction (D), when changing the position of the guides, the junctions between successive guides in the longitudinal direction are not modified, which guides thus remain perfectly aligned and end to end ;
  • the articulation of the guides 7 with respect to the adjustment support can be achieved by any other equivalent means fulfilling the same function; for example, in another variant, the supports 11 could be fixed in rotation relative to the adjustment support 12, and the articulation in rotation of the guides 7 could be achieved by providing a articulation in rotation between the interface 10 for fixing the the slide 9 and its support 1.
  • the guides 7 could be movable in translation also in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor; in this case, during a change of position, each guide 7 moves not only radially but also longitudinally.
  • the articulation of each guide 7 with respect to the adjustment supports 12 must make it possible to maintain the orientation of the guides 7 during movement.
  • the use of slides 9 becomes unnecessary, the guides 7 being able, for example, to be mounted directly on the supports 11.
  • the cylinders 15 can be replaced by any type of actuator (manual or automatic).
  • the actuator 15 is not necessarily designed to act directly on the adjustment supports 12, but may for example be provided to act directly on the supports 11, on the transmission bar 14, or even directly on the guides 7 when those -these are movable in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor.
  • the guides 7 facing each other could be positioned at different heights, the guide plane P 'defined by the guides 7 not necessarily being parallel to the support plane P defined by the guides under neck 6.
  • the means for adjusting the position of each guide 7 could be decoupled, each guide 7 being adjusted in position independently of the other guide.
  • the conveyor could have only one guide, instead of two guides facing each other.
  • the U-shaped assemblies - adjustment support 12 / supports 11 - could be designed so as to be adjustable in height, for example by means of jacks, which also makes it possible to adjust the height of the guides. 7.
  • the invention can also be applied to the adjustment of the position of the guides under neck 6, and it is also conceivable to produce a conveyor comprising several pairs of opposite guides and adjustable in position in accordance with the invention, each pair of guides being positioned at different heights.
  • the invention can also be applied to the adjustment, in a vertical plane and transverse to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor, of a bottom guide such as for example the guide referenced "9" in FIG. 1 of US Pat. No. 6,368,027 or referenced “12” in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the patent
  • the invention can advantageously be implemented in any type of conveyor portion (straight or curved).
  • the invention can find its application in the adjustment of the position of an element on any type of conveyor, the conveyor not necessarily being an air conveyor.
  • the invention can for example be applied to the adjustment of the position of the walls forming the article guide corridors in a mechanical conveyor.
  • FIG. 8 shows a partial view of conveyor (similar to the view of FIG. 4), for which the guides 7 previously described are replaced by blowing boxes (or ducts), of longitudinal axis A, and intended to be supplied in the usual way with pressurized air.
  • Each box T is provided with slots or blowing openings 7 ′ a, which are judiciously distributed over its entire length, and by which the pressurized air escapes in the form of air jets directed onto the articles to be conveyed. Adjustment of the position of the boxes T takes place in the same way as for the guides 7 previously described.
  • the upper part of the conveyor which is usual, has not been shown. Depending on the application, this upper part may for example comprise an additional blowing box such as the box 2, 3 of the variant of FIG. 2, on which guides are mounted under the neck 6, or in a simpler embodiment comprise only guides under collars 6 mounted directly on the frame S of the conveyor.
  • FIG. 9 shows a partial view of a conveyor (similar to the view of FIG. 4), for which the guides 7 previously described are replaced by side walls 7 "forming a two-sided longitudinal cover. The adjustment in position of the 7 "walls operates in the same way as for the guides 7 previously described.
  • the upper part of the conveyor which is usual, has not been shown. This upper part comprises for example an additional blowing box such as the box 2, 3 of the variant of FIG. 2, on which guides are mounted under the neck 6.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Framework For Endless Conveyors (AREA)
  • Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

The adjustable positioning system for a conveyor (1) comprises at least one position-adjustable element such as a guide (7), for example, and means for adjusting the position of said element. The adjusting means comprise at least one pivoting adjusting support (12), whereby the element (7) is mounted and articulated thereon, and actuating means enabling the adjusting support (12) to be pivoted and enabling the element (7) to be translated without altering the orientation of the element (7) during the displacement thereof. Preferably, the actuating means comprise an electric actuator whose shaft is coupled to the adjusting support (12).

Description

SYSTEME A POSITIONNEMENT REGLABLE POUR CONVOYEUR ADJUSTABLE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR CONVEYOR
La présente invention a pour objet un système à positionnement réglable pour convoyeur, ledit système comportant au moins un élément de convoyeur et des moyens de réglage de la position de l'élément. Plus particulièrement, de manière préférentielle mais non exhaustive et non limitative de l'invention, l'élément de convoyeur réglable en position peut être un guide pour le guidage, et éventuellement la suspension, d'articles en cours de transport, ou un caisson de soufflage dans le cas d'un convoyeur à air, ou un élément (paroi ou similaire) de capotage ou de déflection d'air. L'invention a également pour objet un convoyeur équipé de ce système à positionnement réglable. L'invention trouve principalement, mais non exclusivement son application dans le domaine du transport d'articles guidés entre au moins deux guides parallèles et espacés, et plus particulièrement, mais non exclusivement, dans le domaine du transport d'articles suspendus, tels que par exemple des bouteilles ou flacons en plastique, des préformes,...The present invention relates to an adjustable positioning system for a conveyor, said system comprising at least one conveyor element and means for adjusting the position of the element. More particularly, preferably but not exhaustive and not limiting of the invention, the conveyor element adjustable in position can be a guide for guiding, and possibly the suspension, of articles during transport, or a box of blowing in the case of an air conveyor, or an element (wall or the like) of cowling or air deflection. The invention also relates to a conveyor equipped with this adjustable positioning system. The invention finds mainly, but not exclusively, its application in the field of transport of articles guided between at least two parallel and spaced guides, and more particularly, but not exclusively, in the field of transport of suspended articles, such as by example of plastic bottles or flasks, preforms, ...
ART ANTERIEUR Pour transporter des articles légers, tel que par exemple des récipients creux en plastique (bouteille, flacons,...), il est à ce jour connu d'utiliser des convoyeurs qui sont équipés de deux rails de guidage parallèles et espacés, sur lesquels les articles sont suspendus. Dans ce type de convoyeur, les articles sont transportés, par exemple sous l'action de jets d'air, en étant guidés le long du convoyeur entre les deux rails de guidage. S'agissant plus particulièrement du transport de récipients plastiques tels que des bouteilles ou flacons, les articles sont le plus souvent suspendus sur les deux rails de guidage par l'intermédiaire d'une protubérance de leur col, communément appelée collerette. Pour cette raison, dans ce type d'application particulière les rails de guidage sont encore communément appelés « guides sous col ». Des exemples de ce type de convoyeurs sont décrits par exemple dans les brevets US-A-5 542 789 et US-A-5246 314.PRIOR ART To transport light articles, such as for example hollow plastic containers (bottle, bottles, etc.), it is today known to use conveyors which are equipped with two parallel and spaced guide rails, on which the articles are suspended. In this type of conveyor, the articles are transported, for example under the action of air jets, being guided along the conveyor between the two guide rails. As regards more particularly the transport of plastic containers such as bottles or flasks, the articles are most often suspended on the two guide rails by means of a protuberance from their neck, commonly called a collar. For this reason, in this particular type of application, the guide rails are also commonly called “guides under the neck”. Examples of this type of conveyors are described for example in US-A-5,542,789 and US-A-5,246,314.
Il existe également une variante de convoyeur d'articles de type de bouteilles ou similaires dans laquelle chaque article est transporté en étant supporté et guidé par des rails de guidage par l'intermédiaire d'un module ou navette mobile faisant office d'interface entre l'article et les rails de guidage. Ce type de convoyeur est décrit par exemple dans la demande de brevet internationale WO-A-9746472.There is also a variant of conveyor for articles of the bottle type or the like in which each article is transported while being supported and guided by guide rails by means of a mobile module or shuttle acting as an interface between the article and guide rails. This type of conveyor is described for example in international patent application WO-A-9746472.
Dans les convoyeurs précités, il est également connu de mettre en oeuvre de part et d'autre du trajet des articles au moins deux guides supplémentaires parallèlement espacés l'un de l'autre, et communément appelés « guides latéraux ». Ces guides latéraux sont positionnés en hauteur au dessous du niveau des guides sous col, et permettent un guidage au niveau du corps de la bouteille. Il sont utiles notamment pour limiter le balancement latéral des articles transportés, et permettent de limiter les risques de blocage ou de décrochement des articles en cours de transport. Dans certains cas, le convoyeur comporte plusieurs paires de guides latéraux disposées chacune à deux niveaux en hauteur différents.In the aforementioned conveyors, it is also known to implement on either side of the path of the articles at least two additional guides parallel spaced from one another, and commonly called "lateral guides". These lateral guides are positioned in height below the level of the guides under the neck, and allow guiding at the level of the body of the bottle. They are useful in particular for limiting the lateral swinging of the articles transported, and make it possible to limit the risks of blocking or unhooking of the articles during transport. In some cases, the conveyor comprises several pairs of lateral guides each arranged at two different height levels.
Il est également connu d'équiper un convoyeur avec une paire de guides dits « guides longitudinaux » qui sont positionnés en hauteur en sorte de limiter le basculement de chaque bouteille dans sa direction de transport. Un convoyeur équipé de ce type de guides est par exemple décrit dans la demande de brevet français FR-A-2 767 517. Plus particulièrement, la figure 1 de ce cette publication illustre un convoyeur équipé d'une paire de guides longitudinaux (guides supérieurs référencés « 7 ») et une paire de guides latéraux (guides inférieurs référencés « 6 »).It is also known to equip a conveyor with a pair of guides called "longitudinal guides" which are positioned in height so as to limit the tilting of each bottle in its direction of transport. A conveyor equipped with this type of guides is for example described in French patent application FR-A-2 767 517. More particularly, FIG. 1 of this publication illustrates a conveyor equipped with a pair of longitudinal guides (upper guides referenced “7”) and a pair of lateral guides (lower guides referenced “6”).
Dans les convoyeurs précités de l'art antérieur, on comprend que les dimensions des articles transportés conditionnent le positionnement des éléments de guidage. Plus particulièrement, s'agissant par exemple de bouteilles suspendues par l'intermédiaire de leur collerette, l'écartement entre les deux guides sous col doit être inférieur au diamètre de la collerette, et légèrement supérieur au diamètre de l'article sous collerette, en sorte que les bouteilles soient retenues verticalement par les guides sous col sans être coincées entre les guides sous col. Egalement, l'écartement entre les guides latéraux ou entre les guides longitudinaux doit être réglé en fonction de la dimension des articles dans leur région de contact avec ces guides.In the aforementioned conveyors of the prior art, it is understood that the dimensions of the articles transported condition the positioning of the guide elements. More particularly, in the case for example of bottles suspended by means of their collar, the spacing between the two guides under the collar must be less than the diameter of the collar, and slightly greater than the diameter of the article under the collar, so that the bottles are held vertically by the neck guides without being wedged between the neck guides. Also, the spacing between the lateral guides or between the longitudinal guides must be adjusted according to the size of the articles in their region of contact with these guides.
Lorsque l'on souhaite transporter avec un même convoyeur des articles de dimensions différentes, il est indispensable de pouvoir facilement régler avec précision la position des guides et notamment l'écartement entre les guides sous col ou l'écartement entre les guides latéraux ou longitudinaux. Dans ce but, différentes solutions ont déjà été proposées à ce jour.When it is desired to transport articles of different dimensions with the same conveyor, it is essential to be able to easily adjust with precision the position of the guides and in particular the spacing between the guides under the neck or the spacing between the lateral or longitudinal guides. To this end, various solutions have already been proposed to date.
Une première solution pour régler la position de chaque guide consiste à utiliser des vérins orientés transversalement au guide et espacés régulièrement le long du guide. Cette solution est par exemple celle retenue dans le convoyeur décrit dans le brevet US-A-5 542 789. Le principal inconvénient de cette solution est qu'elle impose la mise en œuvre d'un nombre élevé de vérins, - en pratique un vérin tous les mètres de convoyeur et ce pour chaque guide -, ce qui la rend onéreuse. Il en découle également qu'avec cette solution, pour minimiser le coût, on est conduit à utiliser des vérins pneumatiques à deux ou trois positions, et il est n'est pas envisageable d'un point de vue économique d'utiliser des vérins multi position, du type vérins électriques. Les possibilités de réglage de la position des guides sont de ce fait très limitées.A first solution for adjusting the position of each guide consists in using jacks oriented transversely to the guide and spaced regularly along the guide. This solution is, for example, that used in the conveyor described in US-A-5,542,789. The main drawback of this solution is that it requires the use of a large number of jacks, - in practice one jack every meter of conveyor and this for each guide -, which makes it expensive. It also follows that with this solution, to minimize the cost, one is led to use pneumatic cylinders with two or three positions, and it is not conceivable from an economic point of view to use multi cylinders position, such as electric cylinders. The possibilities for adjusting the position of the guides are therefore very limited.
Une deuxième solution décrite notamment dans la demande de brevet internationale WO-A-0068122 consiste à mettre en oeuvre des guides sous col mobiles selon la direction perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal du convoyeur, et pour chaque guide sous-col une biellette articulée actionnée par un vérin. La biellette articulée permet de repousser le guide jusque dans une première positon dans laquelle il est bloqué en position par une première butée fixe, le guide étant rappelé élastiquement par des ressorts dans une seconde position, dans laquelle il est bloqué en position par une seconde butée fixe. Cette deuxième solution présente de nombreux inconvénients. La mise en oeuvre de ressorts de rappel la rend très peu fiable, et à la connaissance de la demanderesse cette solution n'a jamais été mise en œuvre sur des convoyeurs du marché. Cette solution permet 5 uniquement un réglage entre deux positions définies par les butées fixes. De surcroît, la position de la seconde butée fixe doit être réglée en fonction de la position de la première butée fixe, ce qui complique la mise au point et le réglage du convoyeur. Enfin, cette solution peut être mise en oeuvre uniquement dans des portions rectilignes de convoyeur et ne peut pas être o mise en oeuvre dans des portions courbes.A second solution described in particular in international patent application WO-A-0068122 consists in using guides under a mobile neck in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor, and for each under-neck guide an articulated link actuated by a jack. The articulated link allows the guide to be pushed back into a first position in which it is locked in position by a first fixed stop, the guide being resiliently recalled by springs in a second position, in which it is locked in position by a second fixed stop. This second solution has many drawbacks. The use of return springs makes it very unreliable, and to the knowledge of the applicant this solution has never been implemented on conveyors on the market. This solution only allows adjustment between two positions defined by the fixed stops. In addition, the position of the second fixed stop must be adjusted according to the position of the first fixed stop, which complicates the development and adjustment of the conveyor. Finally, this solution can be implemented only in straight conveyor portions and cannot be implemented in curved portions.
Une troisième solution pour le réglage de l'écartement entre deux guides sous col, et décrite notamment dans la demande de brevet internationale WO-A-0168491 , consiste à utiliser un guide élastiquement déformable, et à mettre en oeuvre des les moyens de réglage qui sont 5 conçus pour déplacer et déformer ce guide en sorte de lui conférer une courbure donnée qui dépend de sa position. Cette solution est adapté uniquement pour des portions courbes (virages) de convoyeur, et ne peut être mise en oeuvre dans une portion rectiligne.A third solution for adjusting the spacing between two guides under the neck, and described in particular in international patent application WO-A-0168491, consists in using an elastically deformable guide, and in implementing adjustment means which are designed to move and deform this guide so as to give it a given curvature which depends on its position. This solution is suitable only for curved portions (turns) of the conveyor, and cannot be implemented in a straight portion.
Il existe également des convoyeurs à air pour le transport de 0 bouteilles plastiques ou similaires qui sont équipés d'un ou plusieurs caissons (ou gaines) de soufflage d'air latéraux, tel que par exemple les caissons de soufflage référencés « 14 » ou «17 » sur les figures 3 et 4 du brevet US 6,368, 027 de la demanderesse. Il est également intéressant de pouvoir régler la position de ces caissons de soufflage en sorte d'adapter au 5 mieux la position des jets d'airs issus de ces caissons de soufflage par rapport au format des articles transportés.There are also air conveyors for the transport of 0 plastic bottles or the like which are equipped with one or more boxes (or ducts) for blowing side air, such as for example the blowing boxes referenced "14" or " 17 "in Figures 3 and 4 of US Patent 6,368,027 of the Applicant. It is also advantageous to be able to adjust the position of these blowing boxes so as to best adapt the position of the air jets from these blowing boxes relative to the format of the articles transported.
Il existe également des convoyeurs à air pour le transport de bouteilles plastiques ou similaires, tel que par exemple le convoyeur décrit dans la demande de brevet européen EP-A-0 705 777, qui sont équipés o d'un capotage des articles (parois référencées «9» dans le document EP-A- 0 705 777) et/ou d'éléments déflecteurs d'air (parois déflectrices référencées «12» dans le document EP-A-0 705 777). Il est intéressant de pouvoir disposer d'un solution simple de réglage de la position de des ces éléments de convoyeur, en sorte notamment d'adapter au mieux cette position au format des articles transportés. OBJECTIF DE L'INVENTIONThere are also air conveyors for transporting plastic bottles or the like, such as for example the conveyor described in European patent application EP-A-0 705 777, which are fitted with a covering of the articles (walls referenced "9" in document EP-A- 0 705 777) and / or air deflecting elements (deflecting walls referenced "12" in document EP-A-0 705 777). It is advantageous to be able to have a simple solution for adjusting the position of these conveyor elements, so in particular to best adapt this position to the format of the articles transported. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
La présente invention vise à proposer une nouvelle solution pour le réglage de la position d'un élément de convoyeur, qui permet notamment de pallier aux inconvénients des solutions précitées de l'art antérieur et qui permet un réglage simple de la position de l'élément de convoyeur. RESUME DE L'INVENTIONThe present invention aims to propose a new solution for adjusting the position of a conveyor element, which allows in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned solutions of the prior art and which allows simple adjustment of the position of the element conveyor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
L'invention a ainsi pour premier objet système à positionnement réglable pour convoyeur, ledit système comportant au moins un élément de convoyeur et des moyens de réglage de la position de l'élément.The invention thus has as its first object an adjustable positioning system for a conveyor, said system comprising at least one conveyor element and means for adjusting the position of the element.
De manière caractéristique selon l'invention, les moyens de réglage comportent :Typically according to the invention, the adjustment means comprise:
- au moins un support de réglage pivotant sur lequel est monté et est articulé l'élément,- at least one pivoting adjustment support on which the element is mounted and articulated,
- et des moyens d'actionnement qui permettent de faire pivoter le support de réglage et translater l'élément sans modification de l'orientation de l'élément au cours de son déplacement.- And actuation means which allow the adjustment support to pivot and translate the element without modifying the orientation of the element during its movement.
Plus particulièrement, et de manière non exhaustive selon l'invention, l'élément est choisi par la liste suivante : guide, caisson ou gaine de soufflage d'air, paroi (de capotage, déflectrice d'air, ...). L'invention n'est toutefois pas limitée à ces seuls éléments, mais peut être appliquée à tout élément de convoyeur, notamment longiligne, pour lequel il est avantageux de disposer d'un moyen de réglage position, en sorte adapter facilement et rapidement la position de l'élément par exemple en fonction du format des articles transportés.More particularly, and in a non-exhaustive manner according to the invention, the element is chosen from the following list: guide, box or air blowing sheath, wall (hood, air deflector, etc.). The invention is however not limited to these elements alone, but can be applied to any conveyor element, in particular elongated, for which it is advantageous to have a position adjustment means, so that the position can be easily and quickly adapted. of the element for example depending on the format of the items transported.
Plus particulièrement, le système à positionnement réglable de l'invention présente les caractéristiques additionnelles suivantes, prises isolément ou en combinaison : - les moyens de réglage permettent d'adapter la position de chaque élément en fonction du format des articles transportés ;More particularly, the adjustable positioning system of the invention has the following additional characteristics, taken individually or in combination: - the adjustment means make it possible to adapt the position of each element according to the format of the items transported;
- le support de réglage est monté pivotant selon un axe de rotation sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan de translation de l'élément ; - l'élément est articulé en rotation par rapport au support de réglage selon un axe de rotation qui est parallèle à l'axe de rotation du support de réglage ;- The adjustment support is pivotally mounted along an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the plane of translation of the element; - The element is articulated in rotation relative to the adjustment support along an axis of rotation which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the adjustment support;
- le système de guidage comprend au moins deux éléments réglables en position, les deux éléments étant positionnés parallèlement l'un à l'autre et espacés dans une direction transversale à leur axe longitudinal (A), et les moyens de réglage des deux éléments sont couplés et permettent un réglage simultané et de préférence symétrique de la position des deux éléments ;the guidance system comprises at least two elements that are adjustable in position, the two elements being positioned parallel to one another and spaced apart in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis (A), and the means for adjusting the two elements are coupled and allow a simultaneous and preferably symmetrical adjustment of the position of the two elements;
- les deux éléments en vis-à-vis sont montés sur le même support de réglage, et lorsque l'on souhaite obtenir un réglage symétrique des positions des deux éléments, l'axe de rotation de ce support est de préférence centré entre les deux éléments ;- the two facing elements are mounted on the same adjustment support, and when it is desired to obtain a symmetrical adjustment of the positions of the two elements, the axis of rotation of this support is preferably centered between the two elements;
- chaque élément possède un unique degré de liberté en étant monté libre en translation dans une direction (D) perpendiculaire à son axe longitudinal (A).- Each element has a single degree of freedom by being mounted free in translation in a direction (D) perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (A).
- chaque élément est monté coulissant sur au moins une glissière, laquelle glissière est articulée par rapport au support de réglage.- Each element is slidably mounted on at least one slide, which slide is articulated relative to the adjustment support.
- les moyens de réglage comportent au moins deux supports de réglage pivotants couplés en rotation. - les moyens d'actionnement comportent un vérin, et de préférence un vérin électrique et ou sont de préférence de type multi-position. L'invention a également pour objet un convoyeur équipé d'un système à positionnement réglable précité.- The adjustment means comprise at least two pivoting adjustment supports coupled in rotation. - The actuating means comprise a jack, and preferably an electric jack and or are preferably of the multi-position type. The invention also relates to a conveyor equipped with an aforementioned adjustable positioning system.
De préférence, mais non nécessairement, le convoyeur permet le transport d'articles suspendus, et plus particulièrement d'articles creux légers comportant une protubérance pour leur suspension, tel que par exemple des récipients vides en plastique comportant une collerette ou similaires (bouteilles, flacons, ...) ou encore des préformes en plastique formant un produit intermédiaire et destinées ultérieurement à être étirées et soufflées dans un moule pour forme un récipient plastique (produit final).Preferably, but not necessarily, the conveyor allows the transport of suspended articles, and more particularly of light hollow articles comprising a protuberance for their suspension, such as by example of empty plastic containers having a flange or the like (bottles, flasks, etc.) or also plastic preforms forming an intermediate product and intended subsequently to be stretched and blown in a mold to form a plastic container (final product) .
De préférence, mais non nécessairement, il s'agit d'un convoyeur à air équipé de moyens permettant de propulser les articles sous l'action de jets d'air.Preferably, but not necessarily, it is an air conveyor equipped with means making it possible to propel the articles under the action of air jets.
DESCRIPTION DES FIGURES D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description ci-après de trois variantes préférées de réalisation d'un convoyeur de bouteilles ou similaires, laquelle description est donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif et en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels : - la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un tronçon de convoyeur à air équipé d'un système de guidage latéral qui comporte deux guides réglables en position, et qui est réalisé conformément à une variante préférée de réalisation de l'invention,DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of three preferred embodiments of a bottle conveyor or the like, which description is given by way of example limiting and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of an air conveyor section equipped with a lateral guide system which has two guides adjustable in position, and which is produced in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
- les figures 2 et 3 sont deux vues en section transversale du tronçon de là figure 1- Figures 2 and 3 are two cross-sectional views of the section from there Figure 1
- la figure 4 est une vue de détail permettant de mieux visualiser l'articulation en rotation d'un guide par rapport à un support de réglage rotatif,FIG. 4 is a detailed view allowing a better visualization of the articulation in rotation of a guide relative to a rotary adjustment support,
- la figure 5 est une vue de détail permettant de mieux visualiser l'articulation en rotation d'un support de réglage par rapport au bâti fixe du tronçon de convoyeur,FIG. 5 is a detailed view allowing a better visualization of the articulation in rotation of an adjustment support relative to the fixed frame of the conveyor section,
- les figures 6 et 7 illustrent, en vue de dessus, deux positions différentes de réglage de l'écartement entre les deux guides latéraux du système de guidage du convoyeur de la figure 1 , - la figure 8 illustre une variante de convoyeur à air comportant deux caissons de soufflage latéraux qui sont réglables en position conformément à l'invention, et - la figure 9 illustre une variante de convoyeur à air comportant un capotage deux faces, formé de deux parois latérales qui sont réglables en position conformément à l'invention. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE- Figures 6 and 7 illustrate, in top view, two different positions for adjusting the spacing between the two lateral guides of the guide system of the conveyor of Figure 1, - Figure 8 illustrates a variant of air conveyor comprising two side blowing boxes which are adjustable in position according to the invention, and - Figure 9 illustrates a variant of air conveyor comprising a two-sided cover, formed of two side walls which are adjustable in position according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
On a représenté sur la figure 1 un tronçon rectiligne 1 d'un convoyeur à air, étant précisé que de manière connue en soi un convoyeur à air est formé d'une pluralité de tronçons montés bout à bout, et certains tronçons pouvant selon la configuration de la ligne de convoyage être courbes.There is shown in Figure 1 a straight section 1 of an air conveyor, it being specified that in a manner known per se an air conveyor is formed of a plurality of sections mounted end to end, and certain sections being able according to the configuration of the conveyor line be curved.
Ce tronçon 1 comporte de manière usuelle un caisson 2 en tôle en forme de U fermé en partie inférieure par un tablier 3. Le caisson 2 et le tablier 3 délimitent une chambre 4 (communément appelée « plénum »), qui en fonctionnement est destinée à être alimentée en air sous pression au moyen de ventilateurs (non représentés) judicieusement répartis sur la longueur du convoyeur.This section 1 usually comprises a box 2 made of U-shaped sheet metal closed at the bottom by an apron 3. The box 2 and the apron 3 delimit a chamber 4 (commonly called “plenum”), which in operation is intended for be supplied with pressurized air by means of fans (not shown) judiciously distributed over the length of the conveyor.
Le tablier 3 est dans l'exemple illustré une tôle mise en forme en sorte de comporter un décrochement central 3a délimitant un canal de soufflage longitudinal 5. Sur la face inférieure du tablier 3 sont fixés par tout moyen approprié, deux guides sous col 6, par exemple en plastique, qui permettent la suspension et le guidage d'articles. Ces deux guides sous col 6 sont centrés par rapport au plan vertical médian 1a (figure 2) du tronçon 1 de convoyeur.The apron 3 is in the example illustrated a sheet shaped so as to comprise a central recess 3a delimiting a longitudinal blowing channel 5. On the underside of the apron 3 are fixed by any appropriate means, two guides under neck 6, for example plastic, which allow the suspension and guidance of articles. These two guides under the neck 6 are centered relative to the vertical median plane 1a (FIG. 2) of the section 1 of the conveyor.
En référence à la figure 2, les faces supérieures 6a des guides sous col 6 sont coplanaires et définissent un plan support P pour les articles. Dans l'exemple particulier illustré, et de manière non limitative de l'invention, les articles transportés sont des bouteilles B (figure 2) ou B' (figure 1) en plastique vides suspendues par l'intermédiaire de leur collerette sur les guides sous col 6. Dans les parois du décrochement 3a du tablier 3 sont ménagées des fentes ou ouvertures de soufflage 3b (figure 2) judicieusement réparties sur la longueur du canal de soufflage et permettant de faire communiquer le canal de soufflage 5 avec la chambre 4. Lorsque la chambre 4 est alimentée en air sous pression (ventilateurs en fonctionnement), cet air s'échappe par les ouvertures ou fentes de soufflage 3b sous la forme de jets d'air de transport qui sont dirigés sur les bouteilles B, B' et qui permettent de propulser les bouteilles B, B' en ligne le long des guides sous col 6.With reference to FIG. 2, the upper faces 6a of the guides under the neck 6 are coplanar and define a support plane P for the articles. In the particular example illustrated, and in a nonlimiting manner of the invention, the articles transported are empty plastic bottles B (figure 2) or B '(figure 1) suspended by means of their flange on the guides under neck 6. In the walls of the recess 3a of the deck 3 are formed slots or blowing openings 3b (FIG. 2) judiciously distributed along the length of the blowing channel and making it possible to communicate the blowing channel 5 with the chamber 4. When the chamber 4 is supplied with pressurized air (fans in operation), this air escapes through the blowing openings or slots 3b in the form of transport air jets which are directed onto the bottles B, B 'and which make it possible to propel the bottles B, B' in line along the guides under neck 6.
Le convoyeur à air qui vient d'être décrit à titre d'exemple n'est pas limitatif de l'invention. Le système de guidage de l'invention, dont une variante préférée de réalisation va à présent être détaillée, peut en effet s'appliquer à tout type de convoyeur d'articles connu, et en particulier, mais non exclusivement, à tout type de convoyeur dans lequel les articles sont suspendus en cours de transport. Le convoyeur n'est pas nécessairement un convoyeur à air, mais peut par exemple également être un convoyeur mécanique. En référence aux figures 1 , 2 et 3, le tronçon 1 de convoyeur est équipé d'un système de guidage réglable conforme à l'invention et permettant un guidage latéral des bouteilles B au dessous de leur collerette.The air conveyor which has just been described by way of example is not limitative of the invention. The guidance system of the invention, a preferred embodiment of which will now be detailed, can in fact be applied to any type of known article conveyor, and in particular, but not exclusively, to any type of conveyor in which the articles are suspended during transport. The conveyor is not necessarily an air conveyor, but can for example also be a mechanical conveyor. Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the conveyor section 1 is equipped with an adjustable guide system according to the invention and allowing lateral guidance of the bottles B below their flange.
Ce système de guidage comporte deux guides 7 identiques sous la forme de deux profils de guidage, par exemple en matière plastique, positionnés parallèlement, en vis à vis l'un à l'autre et espacés. Ces guides 7 en vis-à-vis sont centrés par rapport au plan vertical médian 1a du tronçon 1 de convoyeur. Ainsi, le plan vertical médian 1a du tronçon 1 constitue un plan de symétrie d'une part pour les deux guides 7 en vis à vis, et d'autre part pour les deux guides sous col 6. Ces guides 7 sont positionnés en hauteur au dessous du niveau des guides sous col 6, et définissent un plan de guidage P' qui est de préférence sensiblement parallèle au plan de support P des articles défini par les guides sous col 6. L'écartement E entre les deux guides 7 est réglable grâce à la mise en œuvre de moyens qui vont à présent être décrits en détail. Chaque guide 7 est pincé dans des étaux de maintien 8 régulièrement répartis et espacés sur la longueur du guide 7 (figure 1). Chaque étau de maintien 8 est monté coulissant sur une glissière 9 orientée parallèlement à la direction longitudinale des guides 7 (figure 1/ Axe longitudinal A), qui correspond à la direction de transport des bouteilles.This guide system comprises two identical guides 7 in the form of two guide profiles, for example made of plastic, positioned in parallel, opposite one another and spaced apart. These opposite guides 7 are centered relative to the median vertical plane 1a of the conveyor section 1. Thus, the vertical median plane 1a of the section 1 constitutes a plane of symmetry on the one hand for the two guides 7 facing each other, and on the other hand for the two guides under the neck 6. These guides 7 are positioned in height at below the level of the guides under the neck 6, and define a guide plane P 'which is preferably substantially parallel to the support plane P of the articles defined by the guides under the neck 6. The distance E between the two guides 7 is adjustable by to the implementation of means which will now be described in detail. Each guide 7 is clamped in holding vices 8 regularly distributed and spaced along the length of the guide 7 (Figure 1). Each holding vise 8 is slidably mounted on a slide 9 oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guides 7 (Figure 1 / Longitudinal axis A), which corresponds to the direction of transport of the bottles.
Chaque glissière 9 est fixée, via une interface de fixation 10, sur un premier support 11 se présentant dans l'exemple particulier illustré sous la forme d'un bras sensiblement vertical. De préférence, chaque interface de fixation 10 est réglable en hauteur par rapport au premier support 11 , en sorte de permettre un réglage en hauteur de chaque guide 7.Each slide 9 is fixed, via a fixing interface 10, to a first support 11 appearing in the particular example illustrated in the form of a substantially vertical arm. Preferably, each fixing interface 10 is adjustable in height relative to the first support 11, so as to allow height adjustment of each guide 7.
Chaque premier support 11 est monté sur un deuxième support 12, dit par la suite « support de réglage », et est articulé en rotation par rapport à ce support de réglage 12 selon un premier axe de rotation 11a sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan P de support des articles défini par les guides sous col 6. Chaque support de réglage 12 est fixé sur le bâti du convoyeur en étant orienté transversalement à l'axe longitudinal (A) des guides 7 et est articulé en rotation selon un deuxième axe de rotation 12a, qui est sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan P de support des articles.Each first support 11 is mounted on a second support 12, hereinafter called “adjustment support”, and is articulated in rotation relative to this adjustment support 12 along a first axis of rotation 11a substantially perpendicular to the plane P of support of the articles defined by the guides under the neck 6. Each adjustment support 12 is fixed to the frame of the conveyor being oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (A) of the guides 7 and is articulated in rotation according to a second axis of rotation 12a, which is substantially perpendicular to the support plane P of the articles.
On a représenté sur la figure 4 le détail de l'articulation en rotation d'un support 11 par rapport à un support de réglage 12. Cette articulation est réalisée essentiellement au moyen d'un axe 11b montée libre en rotation et logé en partie inférieure dans le support de réglage 12. Cet axe 11 b est guidé en rotation par un palier de roulement 11c. La partie inférieure du support 11 est enfilée et est fixée sur la partie supérieure de l'axe 11 b.FIG. 4 shows the detail of the articulation in rotation of a support 11 relative to an adjustment support 12. This articulation is produced essentially by means of an axis 11b mounted free in rotation and housed in the lower part in the adjustment support 12. This axis 11b is guided in rotation by a rolling bearing 11c. The lower part of the support 11 is threaded and is fixed on the upper part of the axis 11 b.
On a représenté sur la figure 5 le détail de l'articulation en rotation d'un support de réglage 12 par rapport au bâti fixe S du convoyeur. Cette articulation est réalisée essentiellement au moyen d'un axe 12b fixé sur le bâti fixe S du convoyeur. Le support de réglage 12 est enfilé sur la partie supérieure de cet axe 12b. A l'intérieur du support de réglage 12 est monté un palier de roulement 12c permettant un guidage en rotation du support de réglage 12 par rapport à l'axe fixe 12b. Dans l'exemple de réalisation particulier des figures, dans le but de coupler le réglage de la position des deux guides 7 et de permettre un réglage simultané et symétrique de la position de ces guides 7, les premiers supports 11 des deux guides 7 sont positionnés deux par deux en vis-à-vis, et les deux supports 11 en vis-à-vis de chaque paire sont reliés mécaniquement par un support de réglage 12 se présentant dans l'exemple particulier illustré sous la forme d'un bras sensiblement horizontal. Chaque ensemble - paire de supports 11 / support 12 de réglage - forme sensiblement un U. Dans l'exemple particulier illustré sur la figure 1 , les ensembles (en forme de U) - paire de supports 11 / support de réglage 12 - sont au nombre de trois Egalement, l'axe de rotation 12a de chaque deuxième support 12 est centré entre les deux guides 7 (axe 12a situé dans le plan longitudinal médian 1a du tronçon 1 de convoyeur), et les supports de réglage 12 sont reliés mécaniquement entre eux par une barre de transmission 14 (représentée uniquement sur la figure 1), de telle sorte que la mise en rotation de l'un des ensembles - paire de supports 11 / support de réglage 12 - selon l'axe de rotation 12a entraîne la même rotation des autres ensembles.FIG. 5 shows the detail of the articulation in rotation of an adjustment support 12 relative to the fixed frame S of the conveyor. This articulation is carried out essentially by means of an axis 12b fixed on the fixed frame S of the conveyor. The adjustment support 12 is threaded on the upper part of this axis 12b. Inside the adjustment support 12 is mounted a rolling bearing 12c allowing the adjustment support 12 to be guided in rotation relative to the fixed axis 12b. In the particular embodiment of the figures, in order to couple the adjustment of the position of the two guides 7 and to allow a simultaneous and symmetrical adjustment of the position of these guides 7, the first supports 11 of the two guides 7 are positioned two by two facing each other, and the two supports 11 opposite each pair are mechanically connected by an adjustment support 12 appearing in the particular example illustrated in the form of a substantially horizontal arm. Each set - pair of supports 11 / adjustment support 12 - substantially forms a U. In the particular example illustrated in FIG. 1, the assemblies (U-shaped) - pair of supports 11 / adjustment support 12 - are at number of three Also, the axis of rotation 12a of each second support 12 is centered between the two guides 7 (axis 12a situated in the median longitudinal plane 1a of the section 1 of conveyor), and the adjustment supports 12 are mechanically connected between them by a transmission bar 14 (shown only in Figure 1), so that the rotation of one of the sets - pair of supports 11 / adjustment support 12 - along the axis of rotation 12a causes the same rotation of the other sets.
Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur les figures annexées, chaque guide 7 est en outre fixé sur le bâti fixe du convoyeur par un système dé fixation 13 (figures 1 et 3), qui comporte notamment une tige 13a solidaire du guide 7 et montée coulissante par rapport au bâti fixe du convoyeur selon un axe 13b. Grâce à ce système de fixation 13, chaque guide 7 possède un unique degré de liberté en étant monté libre en translation dans un plan (plan de guidage précité P') sensiblement parallèle au plan P de support des articles, et dans une direction D (direction parallèle à l'axe 13b précité de coulissement de la tige de fixation 13a) qui est perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale A du guide 7. Ce système de fixation 13 empêche notamment tout mouvement de translation du guide 7 dans sa direction longitudinale A (direction de transport des bouteilles).In the embodiment illustrated in the appended figures, each guide 7 is also fixed to the fixed frame of the conveyor by a fixing system 13 (Figures 1 and 3), which in particular comprises a rod 13a integral with the guide 7 and mounted sliding relative to the fixed frame of the conveyor along an axis 13b. Thanks to this fixing system 13, each guide 7 has a single degree of freedom by being mounted free in translation in a plane (aforementioned guide plane P ') substantially parallel to the plane P of support for the articles, and in a direction D ( direction parallel to the aforementioned axis 13b of sliding of the fixing rod 13a) which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the guide 7. This fixing system 13 prevents in particular any translational movement of the guide 7 in its longitudinal direction A (direction bottle transport).
En référence à la figure 6, le tronçon 1 de convoyeur est équipé d'un actionneur 15. Dans l'exemple particulier illustré cet actionneur 15 est un vérin linéaire, qui est monté sur un support fixe 16 solidaire du bâti du convoyeur, et dont la tige mobile 15a est orientée sensiblement selon la direction longitudinale (A) des guides 7, et fixée à l'extrémité de l'un des supports de réglage 12, au moyen d'une pièce de fixation 17. La tige 15a du vérin est articulée par rapport à la pièce 17 selon un axe de rotation 15b 5 parallèle à l'axe de rotation 12a du support 12. Le corps 15c de ce vérin 15 est également articulé par rapport support fixe 16 selon un axe de rotation 15d parallèle à l'axe de rotation 12a du support 12.Referring to Figure 6, the conveyor section 1 is equipped with an actuator 15. In the particular example illustrated this actuator 15 is a linear cylinder, which is mounted on a fixed support 16 integral with the frame of the conveyor, and whose movable rod 15a is oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction (A) of the guides 7, and fixed to the end of one of the adjustment supports 12, by means of a fixing piece 17. The rod 15a of the jack is articulated with respect to the part 17 along an axis of rotation 15b 5 parallel to the axis of rotation 12a of the support 12. The body 15c of this jack 15 is also articulated with respect to fixed support 16 along an axis of rotation 15d parallel to the axis of rotation 12a of the support 12.
Le fonctionnement du système de réglage de l'écartement E entre les deux guides 7 qui vient d'être décrit structurellement va à présent être l o expliqué en référence aux figures 6 et 7.The operation of the system for adjusting the spacing E between the two guides 7 which has just been described structurally will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
Sur la figure 6, l'écartement E entre les guides 7 est réglé en sorte de permettre le guidage latéral en cours de transport d'un premier type de bouteilles B présentant un diamètre maximum d1. Sur la figure 7, l'écartement E entre les guides 7 est réglé en sorte de permettre le guidage 15 latéral en cours de transport d'un deuxième type de bouteilles B' présentant un diamètre maximum d2 inférieur au diamètre d1 précité. Pour passer de la position de réglage de la figure 6 à celle de la figure 7, il suffit d'actionner le vérin 15 de telle sorte que sa tige 15a se déplace vers la droite (figure 6/ flèche F), ce qui provoque la rotation vers la droite de l'ensemble - support 20 12/ supports 11 selon l'axe 12a (Figure 6 / flèche R). Ce mouvement de rotation est transmis simultanément aux autres ensembles - support 12/ supports 11 -, par la barre de transmission 14 (non représentée sur les figures 6 et 7).In FIG. 6, the spacing E between the guides 7 is adjusted so as to allow lateral guidance during transport of a first type of bottles B having a maximum diameter d1. In FIG. 7, the spacing E between the guides 7 is adjusted so as to allow lateral guiding during transport of a second type of bottles B ′ having a maximum diameter d2 less than the aforementioned diameter d1. To pass from the adjustment position of FIG. 6 to that of FIG. 7, it suffices to actuate the jack 15 so that its rod 15a moves to the right (FIG. 6 / arrow F), which causes the clockwise rotation of the assembly - support 20 12 / supports 11 along axis 12a (Figure 6 / arrow R). This rotational movement is transmitted simultaneously to the other assemblies - support 12 / supports 11 -, by the transmission bar 14 (not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).
La rotation dans le sens de la flèche R des ensembles - support 12/ 25 supports 11 - provoque simultanément les déplacements de pièces suivants :The rotation in the direction of arrow R of the assemblies - support 12/25 supports 11 - simultaneously causes the following parts to move:
- le rapprochement l'un vers l'autre des deux guides 7, chaque guide 7 et les étaux de maintien 8 qui lui sont associés étant translatés uniquement radialement dans la direction D précitée perpendiculaire- the bringing together of the two guides 7, each guide 7 and the holding clamps 8 associated therewith being translated only radially in the above-mentioned direction D perpendicular
30 à la direction de transport des bouteilles ; de manière avantageuse, les déplacements des deux guides 7 en vis-à-vis sont parfaitement symétriques par rapport au plan médian longitudinal 1a (figures 6 et 7) du tronçon de convoyeur 1 ;30 to the direction of transport of the bottles; advantageously, the displacements of the two guides 7 opposite each other are perfectly symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal median plane 1a (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the conveyor section 1;
- chaque premier support 11 et chaque glissière 9 embarquée subissent un double mouvement de translation : une translationeach first support 11 and each on-board slide 9 undergoes a double translation movement: a translation
5 radiale dans la direction D identique à celle précitée des guides 7 ; une translation longitudinale (figure 6 / Flèches T et T) selon une direction parallèle la direction de transport des bouteilles (c'est-à-dire parallèle à l'axe longitudinale A des guides 7) ; chaque glissière 9 est maintenue et guidée par le guide 7 qui lui est fixe dans la direction o longitudinale, grâce au système de fixation 13 précédemment décrit ;5 radial in the direction D identical to that mentioned above of the guides 7; a longitudinal translation (Figure 6 / Arrows T and T) in a direction parallel to the direction of transport of the bottles (that is to say parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the guides 7); each slide 9 is held and guided by the guide 7 which is fixed to it in the longitudinal direction o, thanks to the fixing system 13 previously described;
- chaque premier support 11 subit également un léger mouvement de rotation selon son axe 11a, en sorte de garder son orientation lors de son déplacement lié à la rotation du support de réglage 12 ;- Each first support 11 also undergoes a slight rotational movement along its axis 11a, so as to keep its orientation during its movement related to the rotation of the adjustment support 12;
- Le corps 15c et la tige 11a du vérin 1 subissent une légère rotation 5 selon les axes 15b et 15d précités.- The body 15c and the rod 11a of the jack 1 undergo a slight rotation 5 along the axes 15b and 15d above.
Il est important de souligner que l'articulation selon l'axe de rotation 11a de chaque support 11 permet avantageusement, au cours du mouvement de pivotement des supports de réglage 12 selon l'axe 12a, de maintenir l'orientation de ce support 11 au cours de son double mouvement 0 de translation, et par là-même de maintenir l'orientation parallèle de chaque glissière 9 par rapport au guide 7, ce qui permet aux glissières 9 de parfaitement coulisser longitudinalement par rapport aux étaux de maintien 8.It is important to emphasize that the articulation along the axis of rotation 11a of each support 11 advantageously makes it possible, during the pivoting movement of the adjustment supports 12 along the axis 12a, to maintain the orientation of this support 11 at during its double translational movement 0, and thereby maintain the parallel orientation of each slide 9 relative to the guide 7, which allows the slides 9 to slide perfectly longitudinally relative to the holding vices 8.
Les principaux avantages de l'invention sont les suivants : 5 - le réglage de la position des guides est simple puisqu'il suffit de commander chaque vérin 15 ;The main advantages of the invention are as follows: 5 - the adjustment of the position of the guides is simple since it suffices to control each jack 15;
- le système de réglage est compact et moins onéreux que les solutions de l'art antérieur, du type de celle décrite dans le brevet US- A-5 542 789, et basées sur la mise en œuvre de vérins orientés o perpendiculairement aux guides ;- The adjustment system is compact and less expensive than the solutions of the prior art, of the type described in US Pat. No. 5,542,789, and based on the use of cylinders oriented o perpendicular to the guides;
- le système de l'invention permet un réglage précis en position des guides ;the system of the invention allows precise adjustment in position of the guides;
- lorsque l'actionneur (vérin 15) est de type multi-position, tel que par exemple un vérin électrique, le système de réglage de l'invention permet d'obtenir un nombre infini de positions de régalge pour le guide (système de réglage multi-position), par contraste avec la solution décrite dans la demande de brevet internationale WO-A- 0068122 ; il est ainsi avantageusement possible de facilement configurer les moyens de guidage en sorte transporter un format quelconque de bouteilles (convoyeur multi format) ; il convient toutefois de noter que dans une variante simplifiée de réalisation l'invention, lorsqu'il est recherché un réglage en position d'un guide avec un nombre limité de positions (par exemple deux ou trois positions différentes pour convoyer seulement deux ou trois formats différents de bouteilles), il est dans ce cas possible d'utiliser, en guise de vérin 15, un vérin pneumatique à deux ou trois positions ;- when the actuator (cylinder 15) is of the multi-position type, such as for example an electric cylinder, the adjustment system of the invention makes it possible to obtain an infinite number of adjustment positions for the guide (adjustment system multi-position), in contrast to the solution described in international patent application WO-A-0068122; it is thus advantageously possible to easily configure the guide means so as to transport any format of bottles (multi-format conveyor); it should however be noted that in a simplified variant of the invention, when it is desired to adjust the position of a guide with a limited number of positions (for example two or three different positions for conveying only two or three formats different from bottles), it is possible in this case to use, as a cylinder 15, a pneumatic cylinder with two or three positions;
Plus particulièrement la variante préférée de réalisation de l'invention qui vient d'être décrite en détail en référence aux figures 1 à 7 annexées présente en outre les principaux avantages supplémentaires suivants : - les guides 7 étant avantageusement bloqués en position dans le sens longitudinal, et possédant un unique degré de liberté en translation dans la direction radiale (D), lors d'un changement de position des guides on ne modifie pas les jonctions entre guides successifs dans la sens longitudinal, lesquels guides restent ainsi parfaitement alignés et bout à bout ;More particularly, the preferred variant embodiment of the invention which has just been described in detail with reference to the appended FIGS. 1 to 7 also presents the following main additional advantages: the guides 7 are advantageously locked in position in the longitudinal direction, and having a single degree of freedom in translation in the radial direction (D), when changing the position of the guides, the junctions between successive guides in the longitudinal direction are not modified, which guides thus remain perfectly aligned and end to end ;
- Le couplage du réglage des guides en vis-à-vis au moyen du support commun de réglage 12 avec axe de pivotement centré sur le plan central longitudinal 1a du convoyeur permet avantageusement, d'une part avec un unique vérin de modifier simultanément les positions des deux guides en vis-à-vis, et d'autre part permet de garantir un réglage parfaitement symétrique de la position des deux guide en vis à vis, lesquels guides restent ainsi toujours parfaitement centrés sur le plan central longitudinal 1a du convoyeur, quelle que soit leur position de réglage.- The coupling of the adjustment of the opposite guides by means of the common adjustment support 12 with pivot axis centered on the longitudinal central plane 1a of the conveyor advantageously allows, on the one hand with a single cylinder to simultaneously modify the positions of the two guides facing each other, and on the other hand makes it possible to guarantee a perfectly symmetrical adjustment of the position of the two guides opposite, which guides thus always remain perfectly centered on the longitudinal central plane 1a of the conveyor, whatever their adjustment position.
L'invention n'est pas limitée à la variante préférée de réalisation qui a été décrite à titre d'exemple en référence aux figures 1 à 7 annexées. En particulier, l'invention peut également être mise en œuvre conformément aux variantes ci-après citées à titre non exhaustif.The invention is not limited to the preferred variant embodiment which has been described by way of example with reference to Figures 1 to 7 attached. In particular, the invention can also be implemented in accordance with the variants cited below, which are not exhaustive.
L'articulation des guides 7 par rapport au support de réglage peut être réalisée par tout autre moyen équivalent remplissant la même fonction ; par exemple, dans une autre variante, les supports 11 pourraient être fixes en rotation par rapport au support de réglage 12, et l'articulation en rotation des guides 7 pourrait être réalisée en prévoyant une articulation en rotation entre l'interface 10 de fixation de la glissière 9 et son support 1 .The articulation of the guides 7 with respect to the adjustment support can be achieved by any other equivalent means fulfilling the same function; for example, in another variant, the supports 11 could be fixed in rotation relative to the adjustment support 12, and the articulation in rotation of the guides 7 could be achieved by providing a articulation in rotation between the interface 10 for fixing the the slide 9 and its support 1.
Dans une autre réalisation, les guides 7 pourraient être mobiles en translation également dans la direction longitudinale du convoyeur ; dans ce cas, lors d'un changement de position, chaque guide 7 se déplace non seulement radialement mais également longitudinalement. L'articulation de chaque guide 7 par rapport aux supports de réglage 12 doit permettre de maintenir l'orientation des guides 7 en cours de déplacement. Dans cette variante, la mise en œuvre de glissières 9 devient inutile, les guides 7 pouvant par exemple être montés directement sur les supports 11.In another embodiment, the guides 7 could be movable in translation also in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor; in this case, during a change of position, each guide 7 moves not only radially but also longitudinally. The articulation of each guide 7 with respect to the adjustment supports 12 must make it possible to maintain the orientation of the guides 7 during movement. In this variant, the use of slides 9 becomes unnecessary, the guides 7 being able, for example, to be mounted directly on the supports 11.
Les vérins 15 peuvent être remplacés par tout type d'actionneur (manuel ou automatique). L'actionneur 15 n'est pas nécessairement conçu pour agir directement sur les supports de réglage 12, mais peut par exemple être prévu pour agir directement sur les supports 11, sur la barre de transmission 14, ou encore directement sur les guides 7 lorsque ceux-ci sont mobiles dans la direction longitudinale du convoyeur.The cylinders 15 can be replaced by any type of actuator (manual or automatic). The actuator 15 is not necessarily designed to act directly on the adjustment supports 12, but may for example be provided to act directly on the supports 11, on the transmission bar 14, or even directly on the guides 7 when those -these are movable in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor.
Les guides 7 en vis-à-vis pourraient être positionnés à des hauteurs différentes, le plan de guidage P' défini par les guides 7 n'étant pas nécessairement parallèle au plan de support P défini par les guides sous col 6. Les moyens de réglage en position de chaque guide 7 pourraient être découplés, chaque guide 7 étant réglé en position indépendamment de l'autre guide. Dans certaines réalisations, le convoyeur pourrait ne comporter qu'un seul guide, au lieu de deux guides en vis-à-vis. Dans une variante de réalisation, les ensembles en forme de U - support de réglage 12/ supports 11- pourraient être conçus en sorte d'être réglables en hauteur, par exemple au moyen de vérins, ce qui permet de régler également en hauteur les guides 7.The guides 7 facing each other could be positioned at different heights, the guide plane P 'defined by the guides 7 not necessarily being parallel to the support plane P defined by the guides under neck 6. The means for adjusting the position of each guide 7 could be decoupled, each guide 7 being adjusted in position independently of the other guide. In certain embodiments, the conveyor could have only one guide, instead of two guides facing each other. In an alternative embodiment, the U-shaped assemblies - adjustment support 12 / supports 11 - could be designed so as to be adjustable in height, for example by means of jacks, which also makes it possible to adjust the height of the guides. 7.
L'invention peut également être appliquée au réglage de la position des guides sous col 6, et il est également envisageable de réaliser un convoyeur comportant plusieurs paires de guides en vis à vis et réglables en position conformément à l'invention, chaque paire de guides étant positionnée à des hauteurs différentes.The invention can also be applied to the adjustment of the position of the guides under neck 6, and it is also conceivable to produce a conveyor comprising several pairs of opposite guides and adjustable in position in accordance with the invention, each pair of guides being positioned at different heights.
L'invention peut également être appliquée au réglage, dans un plan vertical et transversal à la direction longitudinal du convoyeur, d'un guide de fond tel que par exemple le guide référencé « 9 » sur la figure 1 du brevet US 6 368 027 ou référencé «12 » sur les figures 3 et 4 du brevetThe invention can also be applied to the adjustment, in a vertical plane and transverse to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor, of a bottom guide such as for example the guide referenced "9" in FIG. 1 of US Pat. No. 6,368,027 or referenced “12” in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the patent
US 6 368 027.US 6,368,027.
L'invention peut avantageusement être mise en œuvre dans tout type de portion de convoyeur (rectiligne ou courbe).The invention can advantageously be implemented in any type of conveyor portion (straight or curved).
L'invention peut trouver son application au réglage de la position d'un élément sur tout type de convoyeur, le convoyeur n'étant pas nécessairement un convoyeur à air. L'invention peut par exemple être appliquée au réglage de la position des parois formant les couloirs de guidage d'articles dans un convoyeur mécanique.The invention can find its application in the adjustment of the position of an element on any type of conveyor, the conveyor not necessarily being an air conveyor. The invention can for example be applied to the adjustment of the position of the walls forming the article guide corridors in a mechanical conveyor.
On a représenté sur la figure 8 une vue partielle de convoyeur (similaire à la vue de la figure 4), pour lequel les guides 7 précédemment décrits sont remplacés par des caissons (ou gaines) de soufflage , d'axe longitudinal A, et destinés à être alimentés de manière usuelle en air sous pression. Chaque caisson T est pourvu de fentes ou ouvertures de soufflage 7'a, qui sont judicieusement réparties sur toute sa longueur, et par lesquelles s'échappe l'air sous pression sous la forme de jets d'air dirigés sur les articles à convoyer. Le réglage en position des caissons T s'opère de la même manière que pour les guides 7 précédemment décrits. Il convient de noter que sur la figure 8, par soucis de simplification, la partie supérieure du convoyeur, qui est usuelle, n'a pas été représentée. Selon l'application, cette partie supérieure peut par exemple comporter un caisson de soufflage supplémentaire tel que le caisson 2, 3 de la variante de la figure 2, sur lequel sont montés des guides sous col 6, ou dans une réalisation plus simple comporter seulement des guides sous cols 6 montés directement sur le bâti S du convoyeur.FIG. 8 shows a partial view of conveyor (similar to the view of FIG. 4), for which the guides 7 previously described are replaced by blowing boxes (or ducts), of longitudinal axis A, and intended to be supplied in the usual way with pressurized air. Each box T is provided with slots or blowing openings 7 ′ a, which are judiciously distributed over its entire length, and by which the pressurized air escapes in the form of air jets directed onto the articles to be conveyed. Adjustment of the position of the boxes T takes place in the same way as for the guides 7 previously described. It should be noted that in FIG. 8, for the sake of simplification, the upper part of the conveyor, which is usual, has not been shown. Depending on the application, this upper part may for example comprise an additional blowing box such as the box 2, 3 of the variant of FIG. 2, on which guides are mounted under the neck 6, or in a simpler embodiment comprise only guides under collars 6 mounted directly on the frame S of the conveyor.
On a représenté sur la figure 9 une vue partielle de convoyeur (similaire à la vue de la figure 4), pour lequel les guides 7 précédemment décrits sont remplacés par des parois latérales 7" formant un capotage longitudinal deux faces. Le réglage en position des parois 7" s'opère de la même manière que pour les guides 7 précédemment décrits. Il convient de noter que sur la figure 9, par soucis de simplification, la partie supérieure du convoyeur, qui est usuelle, n'a pas été représentée. Cette partie supérieure comporte par exemple un caisson de soufflage supplémentaire tel que le caisson 2, 3 de la variante de la figure 2, sur lequel sont montés des guides sous col 6. FIG. 9 shows a partial view of a conveyor (similar to the view of FIG. 4), for which the guides 7 previously described are replaced by side walls 7 "forming a two-sided longitudinal cover. The adjustment in position of the 7 "walls operates in the same way as for the guides 7 previously described. It should be noted that in FIG. 9, for the sake of simplification, the upper part of the conveyor, which is usual, has not been shown. This upper part comprises for example an additional blowing box such as the box 2, 3 of the variant of FIG. 2, on which guides are mounted under the neck 6.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Système à positionnement réglable pour convoyeur, ledit système comportant au moins un élément (7 ; T ; 7") de convoyeur et des moyens de réglage de la position de l'élément (7 ; T ; 7"), caractérisé en ce que les moyens de réglage comportent :1. Adjustable positioning system for conveyor, said system comprising at least one element (7; T; 7 ") of conveyor and means for adjusting the position of the element (7; T; 7"), characterized in that that the adjustment means include:
- au moins un support de réglage pivotant (12) sur lequel est monté et est articulé l'élément (7 ; T ; 7"),- at least one pivoting adjustment support (12) on which the element (7; T; 7 ") is mounted and articulated,
- et des moyens d'actionnement (15) qui permettent de faire 0 pivoter le support de réglage (12) et translater l'élément (7 ; 7' ;- And actuation means (15) which make it possible to rotate the adjustment support (12) and translate the element (7; 7 ';
7") sans modification de l'orientation de l'élément (7 ; 7' ; 7") au cours de son déplacement.7 ") without changing the orientation of the element (7; 7 '; 7") during its movement.
2. Système selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce que le support de réglage (12) est monté pivotant selon un axe de rotation (12a) 5 sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan de translation (P') de l'élément2. System according to claim 1 characterized in that the adjustment support (12) is pivotally mounted along an axis of rotation (12a) 5 substantially perpendicular to the translation plane (P ') of the element
(7 ; T ; 7").(7; T; 7 ").
3. Système selon la revendication 1 ou 2 caractérisé en ce que l'élément (7 ; 7' ; 7") est articulé en rotation par rapport au support de réglage (12) selon un axe de rotation (11a) qui est parallèle à l'axe de o rotation (12a) du support de réglage (12).3. System according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the element (7; 7 '; 7 ") is articulated in rotation relative to the adjustment support (12) along an axis of rotation (11a) which is parallel to the axis of rotation (12a) of the adjustment support (12).
4. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3 caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins deux éléments (7 ; 7' ; 7") de convoyeur réglables en position, en ce que les deux éléments (7 ; T ; 7") sont positionnés parallèlement l'un à l'autre et espacés dans une direction 5 transversale à leur axe longitudinal (A), et en ce que les moyens de réglage des deux éléments (7 ; 7' ; 7") sont couplés en sorte de permettre un réglage simultané de la position des deux éléments (7 ; 7' ; 7").4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that it comprises at least two elements (7; 7 '; 7 ") of conveyor adjustable in position, in that the two elements (7; T; 7 ") are positioned parallel to each other and spaced in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis (A), and in that the means for adjusting the two elements (7; 7 '; 7") are coupled in sort of allowing simultaneous adjustment of the position of the two elements (7; 7 '; 7 ").
5. Système selon la revendication 4 caractérisé en ce que les deux o éléments (7 ; 7' ; 7") en vis-à-vis sont montés sur le même support de réglage pivotant (12). 5. System according to claim 4 characterized in that the two o elements (7; 7 '; 7 ") facing each other are mounted on the same pivoting adjustment support (12).
6. Système selon la revendication 4 caractérisé en ce que les moyens de réglage permettent un réglage symétrique de la position des deux éléments (7 ; ; 7").6. System according to claim 4 characterized in that the adjustment means allow a symmetrical adjustment of the position of the two elements (7;; 7 ").
7. Système selon les revendications 5 et 6 caractérisé en ce que l'axe 5 de rotation (12a) du support de réglage (12) est centré entre les deux éléments (7 ; 7' ; 7").7. System according to claims 5 and 6 characterized in that the axis of rotation (12a) of the adjustment support (12) is centered between the two elements (7; 7 '; 7 ").
8. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7 caractérisé en ce que chaque élément (7 ; T ; 7") possède un unique degré de liberté en étant monté libre en translation dans une direction (D) o perpendiculaire à son axe longitudinal (A).8. System according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that each element (7; T; 7 ") has a single degree of freedom by being mounted free in translation in a direction (D) o perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (AT).
9. Système selon la revendication 8 caractérisé en ce que chaque élément (7 ; 7' ; 7") est monté coulissant sur au moins une glissière (9), laquelle glissière (9) est articulée par rapport au support de réglage (12). 59. System according to claim 8 characterized in that each element (7; 7 '; 7 ") is slidably mounted on at least one slide (9), which slide (9) is articulated relative to the adjustment support (12) .5
10. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9 caractérisé en ce que les moyens de réglage comportent au moins deux supports de réglage (12) pivotants couplés en rotation.10. System according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the adjustment means comprise at least two pivoting adjustment supports (12) coupled in rotation.
11. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10 caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'actionnement comportent un vérin (15), et de o préférence un vérin électrique.11. System according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the actuating means comprise a jack (15), and o preferably an electric jack.
12. Système selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11 caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'actionnement sont de type multi-position.12. System according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the actuating means are of the multi-position type.
13. Système de guidage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12 caractérisé en ce que l'élément est un guide (7). 513. Guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the element is a guide (7). 5
14. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12 caractérisé en ce que l'élément est un caisson ou gaine de soufflage d'air (7'). 14. System according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the element is a box or air blowing sheath (7 ').
15. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12 caractérisé en ce que l'élément est une paroi (7"). 015. System according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the element is a wall (7 "). 0
16. Système selon l'un des revendications 1 à 15 caractérisé en ce que les moyens de réglage permettent d'adapter la position de chaque élément (7), en fonction du format des articles transportés.16. System according to one of claims 1 to 15 characterized in that the adjustment means make it possible to adapt the position of each element (7), depending on the format of the items transported.
17. Convoyeur d'articles équipé d'un système conforme à l'une des revendications 1 à 1617. Article conveyor equipped with a system according to one of claims 1 to 16
18. Convoyeur selon la revendication 17 caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend deux guides (6) pour la suspension et le guidage des articles.18. Conveyor according to claim 17 characterized in that it comprises two guides (6) for the suspension and guiding of the articles.
19. Convoyeur selon la revendication 17 ou 18 caractérisé en ce qu'il est équipé de moyens (2, 3, 4, 5) permettant de propulser les articles sous l'action de jets d'air. 19. Conveyor according to claim 17 or 18 characterized in that it is equipped with means (2, 3, 4, 5) for propelling the articles under the action of air jets.
PCT/FR2003/001311 2003-04-25 2003-04-25 Adjustable positioning system for a conveyor WO2004096680A1 (en)

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AU2003246863A AU2003246863A1 (en) 2003-04-25 2003-04-25 Adjustable positioning system for a conveyor
PCT/FR2003/001311 WO2004096680A1 (en) 2003-04-25 2003-04-25 Adjustable positioning system for a conveyor

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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FR2898587A1 (en) * 2006-03-15 2007-09-21 Cetec Ind Conditionnement Soc Bag maintaining and transporting device, has spacer lugs disposed on lower level of sole and kept in lower level position when bags are not pushed to interfere with sole and when sole is transported in upward direction
EP1935811A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2008-06-25 Krones AG Air conveyor for containers
ITPR20090080A1 (en) * 2009-10-19 2011-04-20 Fontanaengineering Di Fontana Mauro & C S A S AIR TRANSPORT DEVICE
DE102011056441A1 (en) * 2011-12-14 2013-06-20 Krones Ag Device for transporting plastic preforms
DE102013223088B4 (en) 2012-11-13 2024-06-27 GASSNER Verwaltungs-GmbH Container closure conveyor

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US3527336A (en) * 1968-02-28 1970-09-08 Associated Millwrights Inc Guide rail system
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WO1997046472A1 (en) 1996-06-04 1997-12-11 Sidel Device for conveying objects having a neck or the like, such as for example bottles, flasks and the like and device for loading same designed for the said conveying device
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WO2000068122A1 (en) 1999-05-06 2000-11-16 Rafale Technologie Device for conveying objects
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2898587A1 (en) * 2006-03-15 2007-09-21 Cetec Ind Conditionnement Soc Bag maintaining and transporting device, has spacer lugs disposed on lower level of sole and kept in lower level position when bags are not pushed to interfere with sole and when sole is transported in upward direction
EP1935811A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2008-06-25 Krones AG Air conveyor for containers
DE102006060110A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2008-06-26 Krones Ag Air conveyor for containers
US8205740B2 (en) 2006-12-20 2012-06-26 Krones Ag Pneumatic conveyor for containers
ITPR20090080A1 (en) * 2009-10-19 2011-04-20 Fontanaengineering Di Fontana Mauro & C S A S AIR TRANSPORT DEVICE
DE102011056441A1 (en) * 2011-12-14 2013-06-20 Krones Ag Device for transporting plastic preforms
US8851806B2 (en) 2011-12-14 2014-10-07 Krones Ag Apparatus for the conveying of plastics material preforms
DE102013223088B4 (en) 2012-11-13 2024-06-27 GASSNER Verwaltungs-GmbH Container closure conveyor

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