• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    While a row of articles advances along a longitudinal axis (6), a first support (26) performs an annular path having a rising section (S) for lifting at least one article (2c), defining an end (40) of the row ( 4), with respect to a following article (2a); the first support (26) is moved along this annular path in a coordinated manner by controlling two actuators in function of at least two inputs, which have variable values and are indicative respectively of the axial length and height of the articles (2); the annular path is therefore different when the values of these inputs vary.
    公开号:CH711393A2
    申请号:CH00925/16
    申请日:2016-07-19
    公开日:2017-01-31
    发明作者:Ferrero Adolfo
    申请人:Carle & Montanari - Opm S P A；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] The present invention relates to a method for separating articles from a row where these articles come into contact with one another, in particular to be able to package them separately, in respective packages. Preferably, but not exclusively, the present invention refers to the formation of groups of wafers, which must then be transferred in a row and in positions spaced from each other to be packaged by packaging machines commonly known as "flow-pack" machines.
    [0002] The GB 2013 599 A document corresponds to the preamble of claim 1 and describes a transfer mechanism which distances products arriving in a row along a longitudinal direction on a conveyor. This mechanism comprises an elevator having a plurality of support plates, which are driven and guided so as to move along an annular path. Taking into consideration any of the support plates, the latter performs a climb in order to lift a certain number of products from a horizontal entrance surface, with a simultaneous horizontal longitudinal motion component. In a first step of the climb, this component of motion has the same speed as the row, so that the support plate defines a shoulder for the following products defining the new end of the row. When the next support plate starts its ascent to lift the following products, the previous support plate moves longitudinally away from the row, while it runs through a second phase of its own ascent.
    [0003] The transfer mechanism also comprises a ring conveyor arranged above a horizontal outlet surface and provided with a plurality of thrusters, which come into contact with the products, at the end of the ascent, to push them onto this surface.
    [0004] This prior document suggests realizing the horizontal exit surface, the horizontal entrance surface and the support plates in the form of vertical plates, offset from one another, so that the support plates can be inserted and slid through the inlet surfaces and exit.
    [0005] This solution has the main disadvantage of not being flexible, since it is not possible to easily change the type of production, i.e. to vary the quantity, height and / or length of the products to be lifted by each plate support. In this case, in fact, it would be necessary to completely replace the elevator, which is rigidly designed to make the non-modifiable annular path run on the plates.
    [0006] Furthermore, this solution is relatively complex and cumbersome and has a relatively high number of components, above all as regards the elevator. In fact, the latter requires a large number of support plates and a relatively complex drive system to distance the products and to constantly define a support shoulder for the end of the row, which changes continuously.
    [0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for separating articles from a row in which these articles move into contact with each other, which allows to solve the problems described above in a simple and economic manner and, preferably, allows to reach high transfer rates.
    [0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for separating articles from a row in which these articles move towards each other, as defined in claim 1.
    [0009] The present invention also relates to a machine for separating articles from a row in which these articles move towards each other, as defined in claim 11.
    [0010] The invention will now be described with reference to the annexed drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment, in which:the fig. from 1a to 1f <SEP> show, in a simplified and schematic way, a sequence of operations performed according to a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention;fig. 2 <SEP> is a side view showing a detail of a preferred embodiment of the machine of the present invention to carry out the sequence of operations of the figs. 1a - 1f;the fig. 3 and 4 <SEP> are a perspective from above and a perspective from below, which show other details of the machine of fig. 2 ; isfig. 5 <SEP> is a schematic perspective related to a variant of fig. 2 .
    [0011] In the attached figures, the reference number 1 indicates, as a whole, a transfer machine (partially illustrated) for separating and spacing one or more articles 2 from a row 4, in which the articles 2 preferably advance continuously. (ie without stops) along a longitudinal axis 6 and are in axial contact with each other. Preferably, the advancement of the row 4 along the axis 6 takes place at a constant speed. In particular, the articles 2 are defined by food products, such as for example wafers, and the machine 1 is used to separate groups of wafers from the row 4 and to arrange them at a predefined step one from the other, so as to be able to package each group of wafers separately from the adjacent ones.
    [0012] With reference to fig. 1a, the feeding of the row 4 along the axis 6 is caused by a transport device 7 (schematically shown in broken line) or by a gravity lowering device, arranged upstream of the machine 1 and having an exit surface 8 on which a part of row 4 rests.
    [0013] At its entrance, the machine 1 comprises a surface 9, which is parallel to the axis 6, faces upwards, defines an axial extension of the surface 8, preferably avoiding empty spaces between the surfaces 8 and 9, and defines a support for part of the row 4.
    [0014] The surface 9 is defined by a member 11, which has at least one lower attachment portion 12 connected to a fixed frame, not shown, forming part of the machine 1. The surface 9 is fixed, so the articles 2 have respective lower faces 14 which creep on the surface 9.
    [0015] The surface 9 is defined by a plurality of fingers 15, parallel to the axis 6 and spaced apart in a direction 16, which is horizontal and is orthogonal to the axis 6. In particular, the fingers 15 are formed by respective vertical plates or plates, defining the upper part of the member 11. In other words, the member 11 has the shape of a comb, in which the fingers 15 define respective prongs that protrude upwards from the portion 12.
    [0016] The machine 1 also comprises a retaining member 17 (schematically illustrated), which is arranged above the surface 9 and is operated by an actuation device 18 (Fig. 3), configured in such a way as to moving the member 17 along an annular trajectory in a vertical plane, on which the axis 6 lies, this annular trajectory comprises a rectilinear lower branch parallel to the axis 6. The organ 17 runs along this rectilinear branch at the same speed as the row 4, at a height such as to remain adjacent to or resting on the upper faces 19 of one or more articles 2a, to prevent the articles 2a from rising from the surface 9. In the remaining part of its annular trajectory, the organ 17 is raised, backed up and lowered, to perform a tracking motion and then repeat the retention action on the following items 2b, not shown in fig. 1a, but visible in figs. 1c - 1f.
    [0017] The machine 1 also comprises an outlet surface 20 (illustrated in broken line in Figs. 1a - 1f and in greater detail in Fig. 4), which is fixed, is parallel to the surface 9 and defines a support for the lower faces 14 once the articles 2 have been separated from the row 4 and have been spaced from the following articles. According to the preferred embodiment shown, the surface 20 is higher than the surface 9. In particular, as shown in fig. 4, the surface 20 is the upper face of a fixed member 21 similar to the organ 11, so that it is defined by a plurality of fingers 22 parallel to the axis 6 and spaced apart parallel to the direction 16.
    [0018] With reference to fig. 2, the machine 1 further comprises a conveyor 23 (partially illustrated) arranged above the surface 20 and having a transport element 24, which is defined by a belt, a belt or a chain and extends along a path a ring lying on a vertical plane parallel to the axis 6. This ring-shaped path has a lower branch facing and substantially parallel to the surface 20. The transport element 24 is motorized to slide along its own ring-shaped path and supports a plurality of pushers 25, which are spaced apart from each other and project outwards so as to come into contact against respective articles 2 at the beginning of the lower branch of its own ring-shaped path, to then push and accompany these articles 2 towards an exit of the machine 1.
    [0019] With reference to fig. 1a, the machine 1 further comprises two supports 26 and 27, which longitudinally engage the empty space between the surfaces 9 and 20 and are actuated by respective actuating devices 28 and 29 (Fig. 2 and 4), configured in such a way to move the supports 26, 27 along respective paths or paths, different from each other, in the vertical plane on which the axis 6 lies. The path of the support 26 is annular and is performed in a continuous cycle always in the same direction. The path of the support 27, preferably, is an alternative straight line along the axis 6.
    [0020] As indicated in fig. 1b, the supports 26, 27 have respective surfaces 31, 32 facing upwards and respective shoulders 33, 34 facing frontally, ie along the axis 6 towards the entrance of the machine 1 and, therefore, towards the row 4. visible in fig. 1a, each of the supports 26, 27 comprises a relative plurality of fingers 35,36, which are parallel to the axis 6, are spaced apart along the direction 16 and define the surfaces 31, 32 and the shoulders 33, 34. fingers 35 are offset with respect to the fingers 36 and 15 along the direction 16 and are sized so that they can be inserted and slid (both longitudinally and vertically) into the empty spaces between the fingers 36 and into those between the fingers 15. Similarly, the fingers 36 are staggered, parallel to the direction 16, with respect to the fingers 35 and with respect to the fingers 22, and are sized so as to be able to insert and slide longitudinally in the empty spaces between the fingers 35 and in those between the fingers 22. Advantageously, the fingers 36 are arranged higher than the surface 9, to avoid interference with the fingers 15.
    [0021] Like fingers 15 and 22, fingers 35 and 36 are also preferably defined by respective vertical plates or plates. In particular, the supports 26 and 27 comprise respective attachment portions 38 and 39 and are in the form of respective combs, in which the fingers 35 and 36 define prongs that project upwards from the attachment portions 38 and, respectively, 39.
    [0022] As shown in fig. 4, the devices 28, 29 are distinct from one another. In particular, the devices 18, 28 and 29 and the conveyor 23 comprise respective motors, controlled by a control unit 30 (schematically illustrated) in a coordinated manner on the basis of a control logic which is contained in a memory of the unit 30 and which determines the laws of motion (trajectories, speeds, accelerations) of the supports 26 and 27, of the member 17 and of the thrusters 25, essentially as a function of values indicative of the height of the articles 2 and of the length or position of the articles 2 in row 4 itself.
    [0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the member 17, the supports 26 and 27 and the thrusters 25 are moved according to the sequence of steps shown in figs. 1a - 1f.
    [0024] Fig. 1a shows that, at the beginning of each cycle, the support 26 is arranged below the surface 9 in correspondence with one or more articles 2c which precede the articles 2a while the latter are retained by the organ 17 on the surface 9. The lengths axial of the articles 2a, 2b, 2c, etc. are equal to each other and, preferably, are less than that of the fingers 35 and 36.
    [0025] During this positioning step, the support 26 is operated in such a way as to vertically align the shoulder 33 with an end front face 37 of the articles 2c, which is in contact with the articles 2a. In particular, the path of the support 26 can comprise a rectilinear positioning portion P, parallel to the axis 6 and below the surface 9, in which the shoulder 33 is aligned vertically and synchronized with the face 37.
    [0026] At the same time, the support 27 is performing a forward stroke C1 of its own path, in which it is aligned with the row 4 along the axis 6 and is operated so as to translate at the same speed as the row 4. According to an aspect of the present invention, the shoulder 34 is arranged at the end point 40 of the articles 2c, whereby it defines an axial support for the row 4 during the forward stroke C1. Therefore, in this step, the articles 2c remain clamped along the axis 6 between the articles 2a and the shoulder 34. Furthermore, the surface 32 is supporting one or more articles 2d, which have previously been separated from the end point 40 of the articles 2c. In particular, in this phase, the fingers 36 are flowing in the spaces between the fingers 22 so as to transfer the articles 2d onto the surface 20, together with the action of one of the pushers 25. Advantageously, the surface 32 is coplanar with the surface 20 when the support 27 runs the forward run C1.
    [0027] While the support 27 carries out the forward stroke C1, as shown in fig. 1b, the support 26 is actuated so as to cover an upward section S of its own annular path, with a longitudinal motion component at the same speed as the row 4 and with a vertical motion component upwards, so as to pass the surface 9 and then lift items 2c. During the upward movement, in practice, the articles 2c are guided by the shoulder 34 and by the articles 2a, which do not lift thanks to the retention action of the organ 17. Progressively, therefore, the articles 2c leave the row 4, whereby the articles 2a define a new end point 41 in which the row 4 terminates axially. At the same time, the shoulder 33 replaces the shoulder 34 in defining the axial support for the row 4. The section of ascent S ends when the articles 2c have been lifted from the surface 9 by an amount at least equal to the height of the articles 2a, to be completely detached from the end point 41.
    [0028] In fact, at the end of the ascent segment S, as shown in fig. 1e, the face 37 is decoupled from the articles 2a, as well as the shoulder 34 is decoupled from the end points 40 and 41. In particular, the surface 31 is arranged higher than the surface 32 (for example, of 1–2 mm) . Starting from the end of the ascent segment S, the annular path of the support 26 comprises a straight advancement section A, parallel to the axis 6 and executed at the same speed as the row 4, to allow the shoulder 33 to continue to define the support axial for the end point 41 of the row 4.
    [0029] The motion of the transport element 24 is controlled by the unit 30 as a function of the advancement of the row 4 so as to bring one of the pushers 25 into contact with the face 37 of the articles 2c when the support 26 runs along the section of rectilinear advancement A. The longitudinal advancement speed of the thrusters 25 is greater than that of the row 4 and of the support 26, whereby the lower faces 14 of the articles 2c begin to slide on the surface 31 and move away longitudinally from the articles 2a due to the thrust of the relative pusher 25, as shown in fig. 1d.
    [0030] Still with reference to fig. 1d, while the support 26 carries out the straight advancement section A, the member 17 rises from the articles 2a and then moves back, until it goes on to hold the subsequent articles 2b in a manner not shown.
    [0031] Moreover, when the preceding articles 2d have been transferred onto the surface 20, the support 27 is operated so as to perform a return stroke C2 towards the surface 9, with an opposite speed of a higher entity than that of the stroke of one way C1.
    [0032] As shown in fig. 1e, the return stroke C2 ends when the shoulder 34 arrives at the end point 41, ie when it becomes coplanar with the shoulder 33 in a vertical plane orthogonal to the axis 6. At this point, the support 27 starts again the stroke of gone C1 in synchronism with the row 4, and the shoulder 34 again defines the axial support for the row 4, so that it is possible to move the support 26 longitudinally away from the end point 41.
    [0033] In particular, as shown in fig. 1f, the support 26 performs a descent portion D of its own annular path, so as to bring the surface 31 below the level defined by the surfaces 32 and 20 and then to deposit the articles 2c.
    [0034] The descent portion D is performed before the fingers 35 reach the position of the surface 20 and therefore risk interfering with the fingers 22. At the same time, the descent portion D begins when the surface 31 is aligned vertically with the surface 32, so that this step causes the deposit of the articles 2c directly on the support 27. In the meantime, the articles 2c continue to be pushed by the relative pusher 25, so that they start to crawl with their lower faces 14 on the surface 32.
    [0035] Finally, once the descent section D has ended, the support 26 is operated so as to perform a return section (not shown) towards the initial position of the cycle, shown in fig. 1a, while the support 27 continues its forward travel C1 in synchronism with the row 4, so as to continue to define the axial support for the end point 41 of the row 4 and, at the same time, so as to transfer the articles 2c on the surface 20. In particular, the fingers 36 are inserted between the fingers 22 while the pusher 25 continues to exert a thrusting action on the face 37 at a higher speed than that of the forward stroke C1 of the support 27.
    [0036] It is therefore evident that, at the exit of the machine 1, the articles 2c are distanced from the preceding articles 2d and from the following articles 2a by a distance or pitch equal to that between the pushers 25.
    [0037] According to a variant which is not shown, by means of the descent portion D of the support 26, the articles 2c are deposited directly on the surface 20. This occurs if the fingers 35 of the support 26 are configured so that they can be inserted and slid longitudinally between the fingers 22 and therefore reach the surface 20 when the descending portion D begins. In this case, the fingers 36 of the support 27 can only perform an axial support function for the end point 40, 41 of the row 4, without transferring the articles 2c and without inserting itself between the fingers 22. In particular, in this case the fingers 36 may have a shorter length than the examples shown in the attached figures.
    [0038] According to a further variant not shown, the support 27 carries out the return stroke C2 and then starts a new forward stroke C1 (always in synchronism with the row 4) in advance with respect to what is shown in fig. 1d, that is, before the pusher 25 comes into contact with the articles 2c. In this case, where the shoulder 34 has already come to define the axial support for the end point 41 of the row 4, it is possible to use the support 26 to longitudinally move the articles 2c away from the articles 2a, accelerating the support 26 with respect to the row 4, for example to avoid rubbing of the articles 2c on the surface 31. The pusher 25 can then be used simply to continue the movement of the articles 2c on the surfaces 32 and / or 20, after the descent portion D of the support 26.
    [0039] According to a further variant not shown, the trajectory of the support 27 is annular, and not an alternative rectilinear motion. In this case, along the forward stroke C1 the surface 32 can be arranged slightly higher than the surface 20, so as to limit the friction on the surface 20, during the sliding of the fingers 36 between the fingers 22, and with a descent final to then deposit items 2c on the surface 20.
    [0040] According to a further variant not shown, the surface 20 is defined by a continuous plane, and not by the fingers 22, so that at the end of the forward stroke C1 the fingers 36 are not inserted through the surface 20, but stop for allowing the pushers 25 to transfer the articles 2 onto the surface 20.
    [0041] According to a further variant not shown, the support 27 is a fixed element, axially spaced from the member 11, so that the surfaces 32 and 20 coincide. Possibly, the axial distance between the shoulder 34 and the member 11 can be adjusted.
    [0042] In this case, the row 4 does not advance continuously, but intermittently, since it remains stationary against the shoulder 34 when the support 26 performs the descent portion D, the return section towards the cycle start position and the ascent segment S. The row 4 advances only when the support 26 carries out the straight advancement section A. In this phase, the new end point 41 remains axially abutting against the shoulder 33, until it reaches an axial abutment against the shoulder 34, which is fixed. At this point, the support 26 executes the descent section D to deposit the article 2c. As mentioned above, the positions of the support 26 along its annular path depend mainly on two indicative values respectively of the height of the articles 2 (with respect to the surface 9) and of the length or position of the articles 2 along the axis 6. In fact, the the height of the articles 2 determines the extent of the raising of the support 26 along the ascent segment S; and the length of the articles 2 (taken in combination with a value indicative of the speed of the row 4 if the support 27 is movable) determines the starting point of the cycle, ie the position in which the ascent segment S must begin.
    [0043] If the support 27 is movable, the positions of the support 26 along its annular path also depend on the value of the speed of the row 4, which determines the slope of the ascent stretch S.
    [0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned values are set manually by a user, are stored in the unit 30 and can be modified by changing the setting. Alternatively, at least one of the two values is detected in real time on the row 4 by one or more sensors and is sent as a variable input signal in the unit 30. In this case, to determine the position in which the ascent segment S must starting, in a manner equivalent to the length of the articles 2, the instantaneous position of the boundary line between the face 37 and the end point 41 could be detected.
    [0045] Advantageously, the unit 30 can be programmed or configured to allow a user to vary the control logic, within certain limits, and therefore vary the laws of motion.
    [0046] Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the device 28 chosen to obtain the annular path of the support 26.
    [0047] According to one aspect of the present invention, the motors or actuators of the device 28 are two, i.e. they define two distinct degrees of freedom and are controlled by separate control lines in a way coordinated between them by the unit 30 so as to define the trajectory , the speed and acceleration of the support 26.
    [0048] These motors are indicated by the reference numerals 43 and 44 and, preferably, are rotary electric motors having respective shafts, rotating around axes 45, 46 which are fixed and perpendicular to the vertical plane on which the annular path of the support 26 lies The motors 43, 44 are fixed to the frame of the machine 1 in a manner not shown and are configured so as to be able to rotate their shafts in both directions, under the control of the unit 30. Preferably, the shafts of the motors 43, 44 they are connected to each other and to the attachment portion 38 by means of a lever transmission 47.
    [0049] In particular, the transmission 47 comprises an articulated parallelogram 48, which has two connecting rods 49, parallel and of equal length to each other, and an upper arm 50 which is fixed to the attachment portion 38 and is hinged to the upper ends of the connecting rods 49. The lower ends of the connecting rods 49 are hinged to respective cranks 51 and 52, in identical eccentric positions. The crank 51 is driven by the motor 43 to rotate around the axis 45. The crank 52 rotates idle around a fixed axis 53 parallel to the axis 45 and is rotated by the motor 43, in synchrony with the crank 51, thanks to to a lower connecting rod 55 whose ends are hinged to the cranks 51 and 52 in positions that are eccentric, spaced from the lower ends of the connecting rods 49 and identical to each other. Thanks to this articulated parallelogram 48, the surface 31 remains always parallel to itself during the displacement of the support 26. However, other configurations of leverisms are conceivable to obtain the same effect.
    [0050] The lever transmission 47 also comprises a crank 60, which is driven by the motor 44 to rotate around the axis 46 and extends upwards in a position side by side with the articulated parallelogram 48. The transmission to levers 47 finally, it comprises a connecting rod 61, whose opposite ends are hinged to an outer radial end of the crank 60 and, respectively, to a portion of the arm 50.
    [0051] As mentioned above, the set of motors 43, 44 and the lever transmission 47 constitutes a system with two degrees of freedom, defined by the angles of rotation around the axes 45 and 46: setting these rotation angles in a coordinated manner between them instant by instant, through the motors 43, 44, it is possible to impose on the support 26 the desired position and law of motion.
    [0052] Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the device 29 chosen to obtain the path of the support 27. The motor of the device 29 is indicated by the reference number 63 and is coupled to the attachment portion 39 through a guide and slide device 64, comprising a guide 65 parallel to the axis 6 and a slide 66 which slides along the guide 65 and is fixed to the attachment portion 39. Preferably, the guide 65 is arranged laterally with respect to the support 27, and the slide 66 is coupled to the attachment portion 39 a support arm 68 is horizontal and orthogonal to the axis 6. In particular, the motor 63 is a rotary electric motor and drives the slide 66 along its reciprocating rectilinear movement through a connecting rod and crank transmission 69.
    [0053] Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the device 18 chosen to move the member 17.
    [0054] Preferably, the device 18 has components and related couplings which are the same as those of the device 28 and is tipped upside down with respect to the device 28, so it is not described in detail. For simplicity, the components of the device 18 are indicated by the same reference numbers used in fig. 2 for the device 28, followed by the reference letter «a». In particular, the member 17 is coupled to the arm 50a at the opposite end with respect to the point where the connecting rod 61a is hinged. Preferably, the member 17 is coupled to the arm 50a by means of a spring device 70 (Fig. 2), which performs a damping function.
    [0055] Still with reference to fig. 3, the machine 1 preferably also comprises two conveyor belts 72, arranged above the surface 9 and from opposite side parts of the space provided for the row 4, ie from opposite side parts of the member 17. The conveyor belts 72 are arranged in positions such as to hold laterally and guide the row 4 along its advancement towards the supports 26, 27. Advantageously, the conveyor belts 72 are coupled to a movement device 73 (partially illustrated and not described in detail), which is motorized and is configured so as to translate the conveyor belts 72 in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the axis 6 in opposite directions from each other and with a pulsating motion. In this way, the contact of the conveyor belts 72 against the sides of the row 4 is made intermittent, to improve the driving effect without altering the position and orientation of the articles 2 which make up the row 4.
    [0056] As regards the devices 28 and 18, other systems with two degrees of freedom can be provided as an alternative to the preferred solution described above. In the schematic variant of fig. 5, for example, the two actuators of the device 28 are defined by linear electric actuators 43b, 44b having stems that are translating along respective axes 45b, 46b orthogonal to each other and parallel to the aforesaid vertical plane. In particular, the lever transmission 47 is replaced by a guide and slide transmission 47b comprising: at least one fixed guide 80 with respect to the frame of the machine 1 and parallel to the axis 45b; a slide 81, slidably coupled to the guide 80 and actuated by the actuator 43b to translate along the axis 45b; a guide 82 mounted on the slide 81 and parallel to the axis 46b; a guide 83 mounted on the stem of the actuator 44b and parallel to the axis 45b; and a slide 84, which comprises two portions 85,86 slidably coupled respectively to the guides 82 and 83, is driven by the actuator 44b to translate along the axis 46b and ends with a portion 87 fixed to the attachment portion 38. In particular, the actuator 44b is mounted in a fixed position with respect to the frame of the machine 1. Alternatively, the actuator 44b could be mounted on the slide 81, without the need for a guide 83.
    [0057] From the foregoing it is clear that the annular path followed by the support 26 in the vertical plane can be changed relatively easily, automatically based on input signals (provided by suitable sensors or defined by a user's settings), so as to adapt the transfer process to the parameters of the row 4 (height of the articles 2; length and / or position of the articles 2 themselves along the axis 6; speed of the row 4; etc. ..). In fact, the two actuators 43, 44 define two degrees of freedom which, with coordinated movements between them, allow the support 26 to be positioned in any position in the vertical plane, while the configuration of the unit 30 is variable as a function of input values , indicative of the aforementioned parameters. By varying the positions of the annular path of the support 26 it is therefore possible to change the type of production, in order to adapt the machine 1 to a different length, quantity and / or height of the articles which must be lifted from the support 26 at each cycle.
    [0058] The fact of providing the support 27 makes it possible to keep the row 4 continuously in motion, so that high production rates are obtained. Furthermore, the machine 1 needs only two movable components, i.e. the supports 26 and 27, so it has a relatively low number of parts and is not bulky.
    [0059] Moreover, the actuation devices 28, 29 are distinct from each other, so that it is possible to vary the length and the times of the trajectories followed by the supports 26 and 27 independently of one another, by acting on the values of the parameters operational logic of the command with which the unit 30 is configured.
    [0060] In general, to effect a change of production, in addition to varying the input values in the control logics of the unit 30, it is necessary to vary the pitch between the thrusters 25 along the transport element 24, but these are a relatively simple maintenance operation. In some cases, it may also be necessary to replace the supports 26, 27, so as to have new supports with fingers of different length, but even this maintenance operation is relatively simple, since it does not require the complete replacement of the devices 28, 29. In fact, it is simply necessary to disassemble the attachment portions 38, 39 from the devices 28, 29 and to mount in the same positions the new supports which have been chosen according to the articles to be transferred.
    [0061] Furthermore, the particular sequence of steps illustrated in Figs. 1a - 1f and the constructive characteristics described above allow to obtain high transfer rates.
    [0062] Finally, it is clear from the foregoing that modifications and variations can be made to the method and machine 1 described with reference to the attached figures, which do not depart from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the attached claims.
    [0063] In particular, as mentioned above, the devices 28, 29 could be different from those illustrated: for example, also the device 29 could include a linear motor; and / or the transmission to levers 47, 47a could be configured differently.
    [0064] Moreover, in other applications other than the present one (formation of groups of food products, in particular wafers), for example for the transfer of articles 2 which are relatively heavy and / or robust, the conveyor belts 72 and / or l the member 17 may not be necessary, or they could be replaced by fixed guide and holding walls.
    权利要求:
    Claims (17)
    [1]
    1. Transfer method comprising the steps of:- advancing a row (4) along a longitudinal axis (6), said row being constituted by articles (2) which are arranged in contact with each other along said axis (6);- moving a first support (26) along an annular path in a vertical plane on which said axis (6) lies; said first support (26) having a first surface (31) facing upwards and a first shoulder (33) facing axially towards said row (4); said annular path comprising:a) a return section so as to arrange said first support (26) below at least one article (2c) which defines an end (40) of said row (4) and must be separated from a following article (2a) of said row (4);b) an ascent section (S), in which said first support (26) raises said article (2c) with respect to the following article (2a); during the ascent section (S), said first shoulder (33) defining an axial support for a new end (41) of the row (4), in correspondence with said following article (2a);c) a downhill section (D);- pushing said item (2c) along an exit surface (20); characterized in that said first support (26) is moved along said annular path in a coordinated manner by controlling two actuators (43, 44) according to at least two inputs, which have variable values and are indicative respectively:- of the length or axial position of said articles (2) in said row (4), and- the height of these articles (2); said annular path being different as the values of said inputs vary.
    [2]
    2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the step of moving a second support (27), having a second surface (32) facing upwards and a second shoulder (34) facing axially towards said row (4 ), controlling at least one further actuator (63) in a coordinated manner with said two actuators (43, 44) and so as to bring said second shoulder (34) to define an axial support for said row (4) when said first shoulder (33 ) is disengaged from said row (4).
    [3]
    3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that said article (2c) is transferred from said first support (26) onto said outlet surface (20) through said second support (27).
    [4]
    4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that:- during the ascent section (S), said first support (26) has a longitudinal motion component at a speed equal to that of advancing the row (4);- starting from the end of the ascent section (S), said first support (26) runs along a straight section (A) along said axis (6) at a speed equal to that of advancement of said row (4), while said first shoulder (33) continues to define the axial support for said new end (41);- said second support (27) is moved along:a) a return stroke (C2) towards said row (4) when said first support (26) runs along said rectilinear portion (A), to bring said second shoulder (34) to define an axial support for said new end (41) ;b) a forward stroke (CI) along said axis (6) at the same speed of advance of said row while said second shoulder (34) defines the axial support for said new end (41);- said first support (26) runs along the descent section (D) and the return section when said second support (27) runs along said forward travel (C1).
    [5]
    5. Method according to any of the claims from 2 to 4, characterized in that, at the end of the ascent section (S), said first surface (31) is higher than said second surface (32).
    [6]
    6. Method according to any of the claims from 2 to 5, characterized in that said second support (27) is translated axially with alternative rectilinear motion.
    [7]
    7. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that said article (2c) is deposited by said first support (26) on said second surface (32) during the descent portion (D) of said annular path.
    [8]
    8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:- starting from the end of the ascent section (S), said first support (26) runs along a straight section (A) along said axis (6) at a speed equal to that of advancement of said row (4), while said first shoulder (33) continues to define the axial support for said new end (41);- the step of pushing said article (2c) is performed parallel to said axis (6) and is started when said first support (26) runs along the straight section (A).
    [9]
    9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that it pushes said article (2c) at a speed greater than that of said first support (26) and of said row (4).
    [10]
    10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said following article (2a) is held downwards against an entry surface (9) when said first support (26) runs along the ascent section (S), through a retaining member (17) which is moved in said vertical plane along a ring path in a coordinated manner with said first support (26).
    [11]
    11. Machine for carrying out the method of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:- said first support (26), where said first surface and said first shoulder are defined by first fingers (35) parallel to said axis (6);- a first actuation device (28) for moving said first support (26) along said annular path;- a control unit (30) which controls said first actuation device (28);- said exit surface (20);- at least one pusher (25) movable above said exit surface (20);characterized by the fact that:- said first actuation device (28) comprises two actuators (43, 44) defining respective degrees of freedom for the movement of the first support (26) in said vertical plane;- said control unit (30) is configured so as to control the two actuators (43, 44) in a coordinated manner according to at least two inputs, which have variable values and are indicative respectively:a) from the length or axial position of said articles (2) in said row (4), andb) the height of said articles (2);said control unit being configured so as to vary said annular path when the values of said inputs vary.
    [12]
    12. Machine according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises:- said second support (27);- a second actuation device (29) comprising at least one further actuator (63) for moving said second support (27);said control unit (30) being configured to control said further actuator (63) in a coordinated manner with said two actuators (43, 44) and so as to bring said second shoulder (34) to define an axial support for said row (4) when said first shoulder (33) is disengaged from said row (4).
    [13]
    13. Machine according to claim 12, characterized in that said second support (26, 27) comprises second fingers (35, 36) parallel to said axis (6) and defining said second surface and said second shoulder; said second fingers (36) being offset with respect to said first fingers (35) along a horizontal direction (16) perpendicular to said axis (6) so as to be able to slide in spaces between said first fingers (35).
    [14]
    14. Machine according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said two actuators (43, 44) are defined by a first and a second rotary motor; said first actuation device (28) comprising a lever transmission (47) which connects said first support (16) to said first and second motor.
    [15]
    15. Machine according to claim 14, characterized in that said lever transmission (47) comprises:- an articulated parallelogram (48) driven by said first motor and having an arm (50) fixed to said first support (26);- a crank (60) driven by said second motor;- a connecting rod (61) having opposite ends hinged to said crank (60) and to said arm (50).
    [16]
    16. Machine according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said second actuation device (29) comprises a fixed guide (65) and a slide (66), which slides along said fixed guide (65) under the action of said further actuator (63) and is fixed to said second support (27).
    [17]
    17. Machine according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that it further comprises:- an entry surface (9) defining a support for a part of the said row (4);- a retaining member (17) movable in said vertical plane along a ring trajectory to hold said part downwardly against said entry surface (9); and- a third actuation device (18) for moving said retaining member (17) along said ring path; said control unit (30) being configured so as to control said third actuation device in a coordinated manner with said two actuators (43, 44).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    DE102016008806A1|2017-01-26|
    CH711393B1|2020-04-30|
    ITUB20152312A1|2017-01-20|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    GB1602861A|1977-09-20|1981-11-18|British Steel Corp|Apparatus for and methods of stacking elongate articles|
    US4228888A|1977-11-15|1980-10-21|Alisyncro S.A.S. Di Bruno & C.|Apparatus for feeding articles such as sweetmeat products to a packaging machine|
    GB2013599B|1978-01-27|1982-06-09|Langen H J & Sons Ltd|Spacer escalator for spacing loads in carton loading machine|
    US4564104A|1983-08-01|1986-01-14|Scandia Packaging Machinery Co.|Article feeding and stacking mechanism|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    ITUB2015A002312A|ITUB20152312A1|2015-07-20|2015-07-20|METHOD AND MACHINE TO SEPARATE ITEMS FROM ONE ROW WHERE THESE ARTICLES CONTINUE BETWEEN THEM|
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