WO2019220272A1

WO2019220272A1 - Linear transport system and method for moving electronic cigarette parts using the transport system

Info

Publication number: WO2019220272A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/053777
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco RENCO; Luca Testoni; Andrea Grimandi; Luca Federici
Original assignee: G.D S.P.A.
Priority date: 2018-05-16
Filing date: 2019-05-08
Publication date: 2019-11-21
Also published as: DE112019002447T5; IT201800005411A1

Abstract

This invention relates to a linear transport system (1) comprising: at least one transport carriage (2) comprising a plurality of wheels (3), a runner (4) defining a feed path of the transport carriage (2) and having at least one sliding surface (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) on which the wheels (3) of the carriage (2) are slidable, movement means configured to move the carriage (2) along the runner (4); cleaning devices (5) mounted on the carriage (2) and configured to clean the sliding surfaces (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) as the carriage (2) moves along the runner (4).

Description

DESCRIPTION

LINEAR TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOVING ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE PARTS USING THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Technical field

This invention relates to a linear transport system and to a method for moving electronic cigarette parts using the transport system. Background art

The invention is applicable in particular in the sectors which use linear transport (or transfer) systems (or modules) for the moving and assembling of products (filling, closing, assembling, labelling, etc.).

The linear transport systems referred to herein are provided with rails (typically defining a closed path) on which carriages driven by linear motors (for example, magnetic induction motors) run in order to transport the products from one processing station to another along the path.

Usually, as it moves along the path, the carriage is coupled to the rail by its wheels, which come into contact with distinct sliding surfaces of the rail in order to balance the forces in play during movement. The linear motor has the advantage of being very precise in positioning and, at the same time, in implementing the law of motion which controls the movement of the carriages.

The coupling between the carriage wheels and the rail surfaces must be just as precise, otherwise the system will not perform as it should.

In effect, the Applicant has found that the presence of dirt on the sliding surfaces reduces the performance of the carriages (causing skidding, slower movements and incorrect positioning at the processing stations) which in turn has a negative effect on the quality of the end product.

The dirt may be the result of wheel wear and/or dust produced during processing.

In order to ensure that the carriages move smoothly along the path, the linear transport system must be provided with a system for keeping the contact surfaces between the wheels and the rail clean.

At present, the rails of prior art linear transport systems are cleaned by a specialized operator during system shutdowns when the operator is able to access the sliding surfaces of the rails to clean them manually, usually by mechanically removing the dirt.

Disadvantageously, therefore, every time the rails have to be cleaned, the system must be shut down, thus reducing productivity and the efficiency of the production process.

Moreover, the Applicant has also found that on account of system layout, the rails are not always easy to access for cleaning/maintenance purposes and that some parts of the rails are difficult to reach.

Aim of the invention

In this context, the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to propose a linear transport system, as well as a method for moving electronic cigarette parts using the transport system, to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a linear transport system which allows automatically cleaning the sliding surfaces practically and effectively at every point where the wheels run on them.

Another aim of this invention is to provide a method for moving electronic cigarette parts which uses the above mentioned linear transport system and which allows automatically cleaning the sliding surfaces practically and effectively, and preferably continuously, at every point where the wheels run on them, thereby improving the efficiency of the production process.

The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a linear transport system, as well as a method for moving electronic cigarette parts using the transport system, comprising the technical features described in claims 1 and 13, respectively, and/or in one or more of the claims dependent thereon. Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of this invention are more apparent in the non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a linear transport system, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a stretch of the linear transport system according to this invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross section of the stretch of the linear transport system of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view, partly in cross section, of the stretch of the linear transport system of Figure 1 in a variant embodiment of the cleaning devices;

Figure 4 is a schematic, exploded perspective view of an existing linear transport system and a cleaning kit according to this invention; and - Figure 5 is an overall view of the linear transport system according to this invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a linear transport system according to this invention, hereinafter referred to simply as system 1.

The system 1 comprises at least one transport carriage 2 comprising a plurality of wheels 3.

Preferably, with reference to the embodiment of the carriage 2 illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the plurality of wheels 3 comprises two groups 3', 3" of wheels 3.

Preferably, each group of wheels 3 comprises a number "n" of between 1 and 6 wheels, and still more preferably, 6 wheels.

For simplicity of illustration, Figures 1 -4 show a single carriage 2; the system 1 may, however, comprise a plurality of carriages 2 (Figure 5), whose number may be selected according to production requirements, as explained in more detail below.

The system 1 comprises a runner 4 defining a feed path of the carriage 2 and having at least one sliding surface 4a, 4b, 4b, 4c.

Preferably, with reference to the embodiment of the runner 4 illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the runner 4 has at least two different sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the carriage 2 is configured to be mounted on the runner 4 in such a way that each group 3’, 3” of wheels 3 can slide on a respective sliding surface 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

For simplicity of illustration, the accompanying drawings show only one stretch of the runner 4 on which the carriage 2 is mounted. Preferably, the runner 4 extends in a closed path.

Preferably, the carriage 2 comprises two opposite side walls C1 , C2 between which the runner 4 is adapted to be interposed, and a connecting wall C3 which connects the two side walls C1 , C2.

Still more preferably, the side walls C1 , C2 and the connecting wall C3 define a carriage 2 having a monolithic, specifically rigid, substantially U- shaped structure (an upturned U in the embodiment illustrated). Again with reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the cavity in the U shape defined by the walls C1 , C2 and C3 of the carriage 2 receives the guide 4. In this case, therefore, the wheels 3 are mounted on the carriage 2 so they are placed inside the cavity of the U shape.

Preferably, a first group 3' of wheels 3 is positioned on a first side wall C1 of the two side walls C1 , C2 of the carriage 2 and is adapted to slide on at least one respective sliding surface 4a, 4c of the runner 4, and a second group 3" of wheels 3 is positioned on a second side wall C2 of the two side walls C1 , C2 of the carriage 2 and is adapted to slide on at least one respective sliding surface 4b, 4d of the runner 4.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in particular as clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4, the runner 4 preferably has four sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the carriage 2 preferably has:

- a first group 3' of wheels 3 comprising a first row of wheels 3a adapted to run on the first sliding surface 4a and a third row of wheels 3c adapted to run on the third sliding surface 4c;

- a second group 3" of wheels 3 comprising a second row of wheels 3b adapted to run on the first sliding surface 4b and a fourth row of wheels 3d adapted to run on the third sliding surface 4d.

More specifically, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the second sliding surface 4b and the fourth sliding surface 4d are disposed mirror symmetrically on the side of the runner 4 opposite to the first sliding surface 4a and the third sliding surface 4c.

More specifically, the embodiment of the runner 4 illustrated in the accompanying drawings has a central core 4' and two opposite wings 4" on which the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d lie at an angle to each other in twos.

Preferably, the central core 4' of the runner 4 is disposed between the two side walls C1 , C2 of the carriage 2 and the upper wing of the two opposite wings 4" is disposed under the connecting wall C3.

It should, however, be noted that without departing from the scope of this invention, the runner 4 and the carriage 2 may differ in shape from the one illustrated and the carriage 2 may also comprise a larger number of groups of wheels 3.

The system 1 then comprises movement means for the carriage 2, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, configured to move the carriage 2 along the runner 4.

Preferably, the movement means are magnetic induction means. More specifically, the magnetic induction movement means may comprise a linear motor connected to the runner 4 (and provided with individually energizable windings) and a plurality of permanent magnets connected to the carriage 2. The carriage 2 is moved along the runner 4 thanks to the interaction between the windings of the linear motor and the permanent magnets. Thus, each carriage 2 can be moved independently of the other carriages 2 (as shown schematically in Figure 5, for example) by suitably energizing specific windings of the linear motor of the runner 4 or through a specific winding energizing logic in order to move each carriage 2 as required.

The system 1 preferably also comprises assembly/holding means, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, mounted on the carriage 2 and configured to hold/assemble products, not illustrated, at processing stations, not illustrated. For example, each carriage may have a gripper mounted on it to hold electronic cigarette parts to be assembled. In this case, the system 1 is a system for transporting electronic cigarette parts. Advantageously, the system 1 according to this invention, also comprises cleaning devices 5 mounted on the carriage 2 and configured to clean the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as the carriage 2 moves along the runner 4. Thanks to the presence of the cleaning devices 5, therefore, dirt can be effectively removed during normal operation of the system 1 where the carriage 2 is slidable on the runner 4.

Preferably, the cleaning devices 5 are positioned alongside at least one wheel 3 of each group 3’, 3” of wheels 3 of the carriage 2; in this case, every particle of dirt that is deposited by the wheel 3 is removed immediately by the cleaning devices 5.

It should be noted that if the system 1 comprises more than one carriage, these may or may not all be provided with the cleaning devices 5. For example, it may be sufficient for only one of the carriages to be provided with the cleaning devices 5 described above. According to this invention, the cleaning devices 5 are preferably passive devices: in other words, being mounted at a fixed position on the carriage 2, the cleaning devices 5 apply a cleaning action on the runner 4 when the carriage 2 moves along the runner 4.

Thus, the cleaning devices 5, when mounted on the carriage 2, are constantly in contact with the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and entrained in motion by the carriage 2 in such a way as to clean the surfaces continuously while the carriage 2 moves.

In a possible alternative embodiment of this invention, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the cleaning devices 5 can be provided with movement means capable of moving the cleaning devices 5 between an operating position where they are in contact with the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and a non-operating position where they are raised and not in contact with the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

The movement means may also preferably be configured to move the cleaning devices 5 by, for example, setting them in rotation to increase cleaning efficacy.

More specifically, according to this invention, the cleaning devices 5 may be mounted directly on the carriage 2, that is, built into the carriage 2 (this embodiment is not illustrated in the accompanying drawings) and be configured to constantly clean the runner 4 as the carriage 2 moves, or they may be reversibly mounted on the carriage 2 and be configured to perform a maintenance cleaning cycle.

Whatever the case, a cycle for cleaning the runner 4 might in any case be imaginable in the context of maintenance operations even if the cleaning devices 5 are mounted directly on the carriage 2: in effect, it is known that the carriages in transport systems of this kind are in any case removable from the respective runner. A carriage 2 with the cleaning devices 5 mounted on it can therefore be coupled to/uncoupled from the runner 4 as and when required.

Preferably, the system 1 may comprise a supporting structure 6 which the cleaning devices 5 are mounted on and the supporting structure 6 is configured to be reversibly connected to the carriage 2 to clean the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as the carriage 2 moves.

It is thus advantageously possible to choose whether to keep the cleaning devices 5 mounted and active on the carriage 2 at all times or remove them when not necessary and use them only during programmed cleaning cycles. As shown in Figure 4, the cleaning devices 5 are preferably mounted at opposite ends of the supporting structure 6 in such a way that while the carriage 2 moves, the cleaning devices 5 are positioned on the outside of each group 3', 3" of wheels 3.

Preferably, the cleaning devices 5 comprise one or more of the following:

- spatulas, preferably of plastic material,

- brushes, preferably of nylon,

- pads, preferably of spongy material.

The cleaning devices 5 shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 4, in particular, are brushes, whilst the cleaning devices 5 shown in Figure 3 are spatulas. Preferably, the system 1 may comprise elastic elements 7 (illustrated schematically in Figure 3) and, still more preferably, springs, configured to keep the cleaning devices 5 in contact with the respective sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to be cleaned.

Thus, the cleaning devices 5 advantageously adapt automatically to the feed path of the carriage 2; this ensures that they remain contact with the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d even in the curved stretches of the runner 4. In addition, the cleaning action of the cleaning devices 5 can advantageously be adjusted by increasing the tension of the elastic elements 7. That way, even dirt clinging strongly to the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d can be removed.

With reference in particular to the embodiment of Figure 3, the elastic elements 7 keep the spatulas 5 in contact with the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. In effect, in the case of spatulas in particular, which generally have a more rigid structure than brushes, the presence of the elastic elements 7 has a particularly positive effect on the quality of cleaning achieved (that is, on the action of the spatulas themselves).

Furthermore, the cleaning devices 5, when they are mounted directly on the carriage 2, can be applied on supporting portions of the carriage 2 positioned at an intermediate position between adjacent wheels 3 of each group 3', 3" of wheels 3. In other words, an embodiment not illustrated might comprise a carriage 2 provided with cleaning devices 5 interposed between some of the wheels 3.

According to this invention, the cleaning devices 5 might also be mounted on the carriage 2 in such a way as to place the wheels 3 in contact with the cleaning devices 5 so as to also keep the wheels 3 clean while the carriage 2 moves.

This invention also has for an object a method for cleaning a linear transport system 1 , comprising the following steps:

- providing a linear transport system 1 comprising at least one transport carriage 2 equipped with a plurality of wheels 3 and a runner 4 defining a feed path of the transport carriage 2, where the carriage 2 is configured to be mounted on the runner 4 in such a way that the wheels 3 can slide on at least one sliding surface 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the runner 4, and

- moving the carriage 2 along the runner 4.

Advantageously, the method comprises a step of cleaning the sliding surface 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d by means of cleaning devices 5 mounted on the carriage 2 during the step of moving the carriage 2 along the runner 4. Thanks to the step of cleaning, the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d are kept clean and the carriage 2 can move smoothly.

Preferably, the step of cleaning comprises a sub-step of reversibly mounting on the carriage 2 a supporting structure 6 which mounts the cleaning devices 5 which are configured to perform the step of cleaning. In other words, the cleaning devices 5 are not mounted directly on the carriage 2 but on a supporting structure 6 which is turn mounted on the carriage 2.

More specifically, the assembly comprising the supporting structure 6 and the cleaning devices 5 defines a cleaning kit 10 for linear transport systems 1 which are the object of this invention.

The cleaning kit 10 comprises a supporting structure 6 configured to be retrofitted removably to the at least one carriage 2 of a linear transport system of the type adapted to slide on a runner 4 by means of a plurality of wheels 3 on at least one sliding surface 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the runner 4; more specifically, the supporting structure 6 comprises cleaning devices 5 configured and oriented in such a way as to clean the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as the carriage 2 moves along the runner 4.

Thanks to this invention, therefore, an existing linear transport system can, as illustrated in Figure 4, be implemented using a cleaning kit 10 which allows the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to be cleaned without having to modify the existing system.

This invention achieves the preset aims by overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art and providing the user with an efficient linear transport system 1 and cleaning method capable of ensuring that the sliding surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the runner 4 on which the wheels 3 of the carriage 2 run are automatically kept adequately clean, preventing dirt from building up on the runner 4 and reducing the downtime necessary for cleaning operations.

Claims

1 . A linear transport system (1 ), comprising:

- a linear runner (4) defining a feed path and having at least one pair of sliding surfaces (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) which are laterally opposite to each other,

- a plurality of transport carriages (2) slidably movable on the runner (4), wherein each transport carriage (2) has the shape of "U" around the runner (4) and is provided with a pair of groups (3', 3") of wheels (3) applied on opposite sides of the transport carriage (2), each group (3', 3") of wheels (3) being slidably engaged on at least one respective sliding surface (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the runner (4);

- movement means configured to move the transport carriages (2) along the runner (4);

characterized in that it comprises cleaning devices (5) mounted on at least one of the transport carriages (2) and configured to clean the sliding surfaces (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) as the carriage (2) moves along the runner (4).

2. The linear transport system (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the cleaning devices (5) are positioned alongside at least one wheel (3) of each group (3’, 3”) of wheels (3) along the feed direction of the carriage (2).

3. The linear transport system (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning devices (5) are of passive type, being mounted at a fixed position on the carriage (2) in such a way as to apply a cleaning action on the runner (4) when the carriage (2) moves along the runner (4).

4. The linear transport system (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a supporting structure (6) which the cleaning devices (5) are mounted on, the supporting structure (6) being configured to be reversibly connected to the at least one carriage (2) to clean the sliding surfaces (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) as the carriage (2) moves.

5. The linear transport system (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning devices (5) are mounted at opposite ends of the supporting structure (6) in such a way that while the carriage (2) moves, the cleaning devices (5) are positioned on the outside of each group (3', 3") of wheels (3).

6. The linear transport system (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning devices (5) are mounted directly on the carriage (2).

7. The linear transport system (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising elastic elements (7), preferably springs, configured to keep the cleaning devices (5) in contact with the respective sliding surfaces (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) to be cleaned.

8. The linear transport system (1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the cleaning devices (5) are applied to supporting portions of the carriage (2) positioned at an intermediate position between adjacent wheels (3) of each group (3', 3") of wheels (3).

9. The linear transport system (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning devices (5) comprise one or more of the following:

spatulas, preferably of plastic material,

brushes, preferably of nylon,

pads, preferably of spongy material.

10. The linear transport system (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the runner (4) has, on each side of it, a pair of sliding surfaces (4a, 4c; 4b, 4d) inclined at an angle to each other and wherein, each group (3’, 3”) of wheels (3) comprises a pair of rows of wheels (3a, 3c; 3b, 3d), each disposed in rolling relation with a corresponding sliding surface (4a, 4c; 4b, 4d) of the runner (4), the runner (4) preferably having a central core (4') and two opposite wings (4") on which the sliding surfaces (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) lie at an angle to each other in twos.

1 1 . The linear transport system (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the carriage (2) comprises two opposite side walls (C1 , C2) between which the runner (4) is adapted to be interposed, the side walls (C1 , C2) being connected by a connecting wall (C3), the side walls (C1 , C2) and the connecting wall (C3) preferably defining a carriage (2) having a monolithic, preferably rigid, substantially U-shaped structure.

12. The linear transport system (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the movement means are magnetic induction means and comprise a linear motor, connected to the runner 4 and provided with individually energizable windings, and a plurality of permanent magnets, connected to the support carriages (2) in such a way that each carriage (2) can be moved along the runner (4) by the interaction between the windings of the linear motor of the runner (4) and the permanent magnets of the support carriages (2).

13. A method for moving parts of electronic cigarettes in an assembly line, comprising the following steps:

preparing a linear transport system (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims;

holding the electronic cigarette parts by means of grippers mounted on each support carriage (2);

- moving the support carriages (2) along the runner (4) in such a way as to simultaneously clean the sliding surfaces 4a, 4c; 4b, 4d).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of cleaning comprises a sub-step of reversibly mounting on at least one of the support carriages (2) a supporting structure (6) on which the cleaning devices (5) used to perform the step of cleaning are mounted, the supporting structure (6) being configured to dispose the cleaning devices (5) on opposite ends of the supporting structure (6) in such a way that while the carriage (2) moves, the cleaning devices (5) are positioned on the outside of each group (3', 3") of wheels (3).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the step of moving the supporting carriages (2) along the runner (4) is carried out by moving each carriage (2) independently of the other carriages (2) by movement means of the magnetic induction type.