• 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:
    The subject of the invention is a packaging device (1) for batching (2) products (3), such as bottles, flasks, drums, or other, in which, for their packaging, the products (3 ) move along a conveying direction (4), said batches (2) having, transversely to said conveying direction (4), at least two products (3), said device (1) comprising a feed means (5), for receiving products (3) circulating in a single line at a gripping area (6) upstream and bring them to a drop zone (7) for their subsequent conditioning. This device is characterized in that the feed means (5) comprises, on the one hand, in a gripping zone (6), a transfer means (8) to the unit of the products (3) arriving in a single line, and, on the other hand, at least one collector (9) movable and of controlled position, for receiving and then displacing in a controlled manner in position at least one product (3) from the transfer means (8) to the zone of deposit (7), the device (1) further comprising a conveyor (10) in the removal zone (7) on which the at least one collector (9) deposits the at least one product (3) which it has previously embedded in a gripping zone (6). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.
    公开号:FR3035865A1
    申请号:FR1554112
    申请日:2015-05-07
    公开日:2016-11-11
    发明作者:Gregory Choplin；Jean-Francois Grouas；Philippe Derouault
    申请人:C E R M E X Constructions Etudes Et Rech De Materiels Pour L'emballage D'expedition；CERMEX SA；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] The present invention relates to the field of batch product packaging, and relates to a particular packaging device, as well as to a packaging device feeding method.
    [0002] In this field, the treated products are of the type bottles, bottles, etc. and, undergo a first phase during which they are finalized to the unit, that is to say essentially filled, plugged, and labeled. At the end of such a phase, the equipment generally operates on a rotating carrousel basis, on the periphery of which the labeled products are shipped. CA 2330454 discloses for example a star solution on the periphery of which the products are driven to the unit. After this first step of preparing a product then ready for use, a second conditioning step is carried out in order to obtain, at the output, batches of several products, grouped together in a rectangular matrix, with or without quinconcage, and held together by a coating of the plastic film type, with or without a bottom portion in a cardboard tray, for example. At the end of this second packaging stage, the products are therefore in a group in which they are maintained, such as a burden, for example. These batches are generally in the form of a rectangular base, with several products extending along each of the two edges. A heating furnace is conventionally used to ensure that the film, wrapped around these products organized in a matrix, ensures, by retraction, the maintenance together of the different products. EP1379457 thus discloses for example a solution for coating, by film, a batch of products. Such secondary packaging equipment is, for example, a shrinkwrapper, which therefore processes products which, as input, are distributed transversely to the direction of advance.
    [0003] For this second conditioning step, it is therefore necessary to transform a stream from a single-wire configuration upstream, at the output of the preparation group, to a multi-wire configuration, that is to say with several longitudinal columns, each intended to form a longitudinal portion of a batch. In wrapping packaging equipment, the following steps are generally performed before the film coating, or layering: arranging the flow into separate lanes, defining the number of products of a batch in the transverse direction; longitudinal longitudinal spacing of the products to define the number of products of a batch in the longitudinal direction, as for example proposed in EP2936787; setting, with the aid of a feed cycler, the batches thus created to be synchronized with the coating or glazing module; then transfer to the batting mat using the cycler and a dead sheet. For the transformation of the flow into several corridors, FR2847242 proposes for example to arrange, on the one hand, a conveyor for single-line flow of products, and, on the other hand, inclined with respect to the preceding one, a conveyor for multi-wire flow. Under the effect of a pusher moving longitudinally on the second conveyor, the inclination between the two conveyors transforms directly, by geometric projection, the single-wire flow into transverse rows, which then need to be brought closer together to to obtain a compact multifilament flux.
    [0004] U53193078 proposes for its part a movable conveyor portion, one end of which is fixed and receives the products supplied by the single-wire flow, and the opposite end of which moves, by pivoting of said portion, to come face-to-face. a downstream traffic corridor, among several.
    [0005] FR2907437 proposes a solution using a movable intermediate element alternately, receiving the products, after a bent portion, and distributing them in several traffic corridors. A conventional way of transforming a single-wire flow into a multi-wire flow is also possibly based on an intermediate bulk conveying step, where the products then generally organize in a staggered manner. For example, FR2604693 proposes a solution that optimizes the transition from a single-wire to a multi-wire flow. One of the major drawbacks of such a solution is that the subsequent necessary passage of such a staggered organization staggered to an organization where the products are simply side by side very often generates jamming and is therefore not reliable especially at high cadence or for inflexible products. For example, DE4213557 proposes a guide which flares over a conveying means which progressively slows down, which naturally results in this configuration of the staggered products, and then separates into corridors. EP1537037 thus proposes a movable frame for agitating the bulk flow and then forcing the passage into predefined separate corridors. US5235996 proposes finally a solution of moving walls alternately longitudinally, in the extension of the walls defining the corridors. These principles, however, do not allow systematically to avoid jamming.
    [0006] Thus, there exists today in the state of the art a need to improve the feeding of a packaging machine of matrix batch products, of the shrink wrapper type, so, in particular, to avoid defects caused by falls, jamming, or others, caused during the transition from a single-line distribution of products to a transverse distribution of products. The invention thus aims to propose a solution in which the feeding of a batch packaging machine is reliable, and also allows as much as possible a compact overall configuration and versatile.
    [0007] To do this, the invention proposes to use a product transfer in which each product is referenced and whose position can be known and controlled to the unit. After preparation of the products, the latter are seized and moved in a controlled manner to the entrance area of the wrapping conditioning station, and then are deposited 25 distributed transversely. This avoids conveyor belt conveyor on which the products rest and on which their position and stability is in practice not strictly known. The invention thus relates to a packaging device, for packaging in batches of products, such as bottles, bottles, cans, or other, in which, for their packaging, the products evolve along a conveying direction said batches having, transversely to said conveying direction, at least two products, said device comprising a feed means, for receiving products traveling in a single line at an upstream setting zone and bringing them to the level of a removal zone for their subsequent conditioning. This device is characterized in that the feed means comprises, on the one hand, in a gripping zone, a means of transfer to the unit of the products arriving in a single line, and, on the other hand, to the less a mobile collector and controlled position, to receive and then move in a controlled manner in position at least one product from the transfer means to the dispensing zone, the device further comprising a conveyor 5 in the dispensing zone on which the at least one collector deposits the at least one product which it has previously embarked in the setting zone. The invention also relates to a method implemented by this device, namely a method of supplying a product packaging device as described above, in which they evolve in a conveying direction when of their packaging in batches. This process is characterized in that the products are transferred referenced to the unit from an upstream gripping zone where the products arrive referenced to the unit one after the other 15 up to a zone of deposit at a conveyor where they then circulate in several columns for their packaging. The invention will be better understood thanks to the description below, which is based on possible embodiments, explained in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, with reference to the appended figures, in which: FIG. 1 schematizes a power supply; with a shuttle running on a closed circuit rail between a labeling module and a wrapping module; FIG. 2 shows a supply with an alternating circuit 25 to that of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which each collector can seize simultaneously several products and deposit them at the entrance of a accumulation in corridors; FIG. 4 shows equipment to be mounted downstream of a preparation group, comprising a setting screw and a transfer wheel; FIG. 5 shows a principle with a direction of circulation opposite to that of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 shows the loading of a multi-product manifold 35 from a transfer wheel; FIG. 7 schematizes the conventional architecture of wrapping packaging equipment; FIG. 8 shows a circuit possibility for the rail on which the collectors run, with several sections. The invention therefore firstly relates to a packaging device 1, for packaging in batches 2 of the products 3, of the type 5 bottles, flasks, drums, or other, within which, for their packaging, the products 3 evolve along a conveying direction 4, said batches 2 having, transversely to said conveying direction 4, at least two products 3, said device 1 comprising a feed means 5 for receiving products 3 circulating in a single filament 10 at level of a gripping zone 6 and bring them to a drop zone 7 for their subsequent conditioning. The products 3 are thus made upstream of the packaging device 1, in particular in a product preparation group 3. These products 3 therefore arrive in the packaging device 1 to be packaged for shipment. The packaging device 1 therefore does not generally modify the structure itself of the products 1, which is done upstream. Thus, upstream of the packaging device 1, the product 1 is manufactured by making the container itself, its filling, capping, labeling. The sequence of steps may vary: making the container, labeling, filling and then capping, or making the container, filling, capping, then labeling, etc. The packaging device 1 thus differs from the modules upstream in that it does not intrinsically transform the products 3 to the unit. In general, the packaging device 1 thus receives finished products 3, ready to be packaged in batches 2, in the form of a burden, a box, etc. In general, it receives these products 3 of the last module ensuring the manufacture of the finished product 3, otherwise called preparation group.
    [0008] This preparation group can therefore be the terminal module itself, namely a labeling module 18 or a filling-plugging module. The preparation group may also include a succession of modules still upstream, such as filling, blowing, plugging, or even the entire succession of modules necessary to manufacture products 3 from preforms, etc. Preferably, the module just before the conditioning device 1 is a labeling module 18 or a filling-plugging module. Thanks to a feed means 5, the packaging device 1 thus receives the products 3 from the output of a preparation group, which delivers to the unit of the finished products 3, and which must be put into operation. groups for an expedition.
    [0009] The packaging device 1 may preferably be a wrapping package, where a film 16 is wrapped around a batch 2 of products 3. The packaging device 1 then comprises a feed means 5 for recovering the products 3 which have just been completed and treat them by wrapping in which a film 16 is wrapped around several products 3 to form a self-supporting group. The packaging device 1 must therefore ensure both the movement of the products 3 from the preparation group to the subsequent conditioning modules by conditioning that the organization of the products 3 into batches 2. The batches 2, downstream of the feed means 5, in particular have at least one row of several products 3 transverse to said conveying direction 4, or even several columns of products 3 extending in the conveying direction 4. The batches 2 can be organized in staggered rows, with a product 3 nested between two other products 3 next to him, or in non-stitched matrix. Of course, the packaging device 1 can be adapted to process several lines of parallel batches 2 in the conveying direction 4. The feed means 5 thus retrieves the finished products 3 in a gripping zone 6, at the group level. of preparation, and brings them into a drop zone 7, from which they will be packaged into 25 bundles. The products 3 are maintained and positioned individually within the upstream preparation unit to the conditioning device 1. According to the invention, the feed means 5 comprises, on the one hand, in the gripping zone 6, a means 8 to the unit of the incoming 3 products in single-wire, and, secondly, at least one collector 9 movable and controlled position, to receive and then move in a controlled manner in position at least one product 3 from the means transfer 8 to the removal zone 7, the device 1 further comprising a conveyor 10 in the drop zone 7 on which the at least one manifold 9 deposits the at least one product 3 which it has previously embarked on. gripping area 6.
    [0010] The transfer means 8, which receives the products 3 individually from the preparation group, can take the form of a rotating star between the branches from which the products 3 can come. The at least one collector 9 interacts with this transfer means 8 to enter the products 3 that it comprises. The products 3 thus pass from the transfer means 8 to the manifold 9 while being permanently referenced, unlike configurations in which, for example, a conveying belt brings a product line 3 into a collector 9, and where the products 3 are not brought to the collector 9 in a controlled manner and referenced in position to the unit. The feed means 5 thus manages the products 3 by systematically controlling the position, so that it is possible, at any time, to know the exact position of each product 3 in the feed means 5. traceability of the position is ensured successively at least by the transfer means 8 and by the collectors 9. A mechanical interaction is provided between the collector 9 and each product 3 that it carries, so that the position of the collector 9, As will be described later, the rate of the products 3 is ensured by the transfer means 8, which conditions the spacing between the successive products 3. It is in gripping zone 6, where the products 3 circulate one after the other with controlled spacing and controlled in position. The collector 9 ensures, for its part, at least the displacement from the gripping zone 6, directly at the level of the transfer means, in which the position of each product 3 is known, up to a conveyor 10 in the drop zone 7 The referencing of the products 3 is therefore never lost in the feed means 5, in particular since the products 3 of the transfer means 8 are directly harvested by collectors 9 controlled in position. A drive means or star is generally provided at the output of the preparation group, in which the products 3 are maintained and referenced to the unit. As will be further detailed below, this training means 30 of the preparation group and the transfer means 8 of the conditioning device may be the same means. The collectors 9 and the transfer means 8 upstream are thus coordinated, and each product 3 is tracked in position from said transfer means 8, which, as already mentioned, may be the drive means located at the output of the preparation group, or at least synchronized with it. The specific treatment of each product 3 is thus known and controlled throughout the process, without loss of control during the conditioning stage. The fact of referencing the product 3 in position from the take to the removal makes it possible to dispense with conveyor belt conveyors 5 in which the products can fall or position themselves in a problematic manner for a setting in a column in the direction of Conveying 4. The control and the control of the position of the collectors 9 also make it possible to deposit the products 3 in a controlled manner in position, and thus, for example, to deposit them immediately at a place which corresponds to the subsequent position of the product 3 in a batch 2. According to an additional possible feature, the at least one manifold 9 is set in motion between the gripping zone 6 and the removal zone 7 by means of a linear motor principle. The collector 9 is thus embedded on a shuttle whose movement is caused by a linear motor principle. Such a shuttle therefore rests on a base with which a magnetic interaction occurs which moves the shuttle in one direction or the other along the base. The speed of the collector 9 is therefore variable and its position is known specifically, which contributes to the control of the position of the products 3: the position of each collector 9 is known, and since the collector 9 controls the position of the at least one a product 3 that it embarks, or that it holds firmly, the position of each product 3 is known at least with respect to the frame of the conveyor 10. The packaging device 1 is therefore provided with a control unit 25 which controls the movement of the collectors 9 through the linear motor on which they are mounted. As is also mentioned elsewhere, this control unit preferably also controls the movement of the conveyor 10 on which the products 3 are deposited, and this in a manner coordinated with the movement of the collectors 9.
    [0011] According to another possible feature, the conditioning device 1 further comprises a guide rail 21 with a closed-loop portion, the at least one manifold 9 in the form of a shuttle circulating on said rail 21, between the The rail 21 thus performs the function of a linear motor and preferably extends substantially horizontally, that is to say parallel to the plane of the conveyor 10. The shuttles carrying the collectors 9 therefore circulate along this rail 21 which allows them to arrive both in gripping zone 6 3035865 - 9 - in area of removal 7. The closed portion of this rail 21 can perform both the outward and return . By using a linear motor principle, the collectors 9 can move relative to each other and can be moved separately. The position of each collector 9 is controlled by the unit. In advantageous embodiments, the circuit of the rail 21 comprises an active portion serving to connect, in one direction and in the other, the gripping zone 6 and the removal zone 7, as well as at least one switch 10 for connecting said active portion to other portions of the circuit, as shown in Figure 8. The active portion allows the collector 9 to circulate to fulfill its transport function between the gripping zone 6 and the dispense zone 7. The other portions can be used, for example, to disconnect the products 3 by bringing on a particular section the collectors 9 which are identified as the carrier. These other portions may also be used to swap collectors 9, and thus to extract collectors 9 used for maintenance, or even to disconnect collectors 9 which become unsuitable because of format change, or to leave temporarily pending collectors 9 for a new product format 3, etc. The rail 21 can thus itself be provided with a zone of accumulation of empty or full collectors 9, to ensure an accumulation between the preparation unit and the conveyor 10. Thus, in certain embodiments, the rail circuit 21 of Guiding comprises, in addition, at least one portion dedicated to receiving collectors 9 waiting, including collectors 9 from the gripping zone 6 but not yet authorized to go to the drop zone 7, or collectors 9 from the dispensing zone 7 but not yet authorized to go to the gripping zone 6, or collectors 9 adapted to another product format 3. According to another possible additional feature, the rail circuit 21 of guidance further comprises, connected to the active portion, an ejection portion on which the collectors 9 conveying at least one non-conforming product 3 harvested in a gripping zone 6, 35 are circulated so as to prevent said prodig uit 3 is brought into the dispense zone 7. Such a portion thus makes it possible to manage the presence of non-conforming products 3 downstream of the transfer means 8 and which are therefore taken in the collectors 9. According to another characteristic additional possible, the at least one collector 9 has a capacity that corresponds to a single product 3, so that a collector 9 can carry only one product 3 each time from the gripping zone 6 to the dispensing area 7, the supply means 5 comprising in particular a plurality of collectors 9, preferably at least one group of collectors 9 formed of as many collectors 9 as the number of products 3 which form a row of the batch 2 transverse to the direction of conveying 4, or the number of products 3 which form a plurality of aligned rows, intended to contribute to several lots 2 10 aligned transversely. One of the advantages of the manifolds 9 which treat the products 3 to the unit is that the possible ejection out of the useful portion of the rail 21 can be done in a precise way, avoiding to leave products 3 which are compliant, but mounted on a collector 9 to be out since 15 comprising at least one non-conforming product 3. Another advantage is that in case of failure on the transfer means 8, the previous collector 9 can move, and the next collector 9 remain on hold. It will thus be understood that, in general, the control of the products 3 at the unit ensures a better and more efficient treatment process since each product 3 only undergoes the operations which concern it. In other words, the treatment of each product 3 is specifically adapted to it. According to another possible characteristic, the at least one collector 9 has a capacity of several products 3, so that it can be gripped in the gripping zone 6 and bring into the dispense zone 7 a plurality of products 3 each time, preferably as many 3 products that the number of products 3 which form a row of the batch 2 transverse to the conveying direction 4, or even several rows aligned for several batches 2 next to each other. The multiple products 3 that can take the collector 9 thus arrive one after the other in the collector 9, and, as shown in Figure 6, the collector 9 moves as and when to put a free cell home vis-à-vis each new product 3 to recover from the transfer means 8. The advantage of a multiple manifold is in particular to easily deposit all the products 3 simultaneously dispense area 7.
    [0012] According to another possible additional feature, the feed means 5 comprises a plurality of collectors 9 which are movable relative to each other, in particular to approach or move away from the guide rail 21. It is thus possible, for example, to group the collectors 9 side by side so that the collectors 9 generally deposit the products 3 at the same position in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that all the products 3 forming a same transverse row are actually deposited at the same time, which simplifies the regulation of the longitudinal displacement of the conveyor 10. In cases where all the products 3 10 of a transverse row is contained in several collectors 9, these collectors 9 can, to deposit the products 3, group together and then deposit the products 3 simultaneously. Of course, this is applicable to cases where the removal is for products 3 which are then distributed in more than one lot 2.
    [0013] According to another possible additional feature, the supply means 5 comprises, for supplying the products 3 to the unit to the at least one manifold 9, at the gripping zone 6, a product transfer means 8. 3 to the unit, of the star type, the speed of the product 3 in said transfer means 8 and the speed of the collector 9 being, during the passage 20 from one to the other, parallel, which is particularly illustrated in FIG. 6. The product 3 therefore undergoes no variation in movement or speed during its introduction into the collector 9. The products 3 therefore pass from a displacement means in which they are referenced to the unit, namely the transfer means 8, to another displacement means in which they are also referenced to the unit, namely a collector 9. This passage from one to the other is done without shock or pressure for the product 3, which is not destabilized and will not fall or break. The device thus differs from the equipment where the products 3 arrive in a collector with a speed perpendicular to the subsequent displacement of the collector 9, and where the products 3 then undergo shocks that can lead to falls. As shown in FIG. 6, at the moment when the product 3 passes from the transfer means 8 to the collector 9, it is driven by a movement of the same speed as that of the collector 9 to go towards the drop zone. 7. The collector 9, especially when sized for several products 3, can therefore have a continuous movement without risk of jamming. The packaging device 1 may also have other technical characteristics detailed below. According to an additional possible feature, the conditioning device 1 has a downstream accumulation zone 11, within which the products 3 can accumulate in several adjacent columns which extend along the conveying direction 4 after having have been deposited by the feed means 5, so as to ensure that each row transverse to the conveying direction 4 is complete and has all the products 3 necessary to form a batch 2. This downstream accumulation zone 11 can be realized in particular by means of a succession of two mats the first of which circulates faster and on which the products 3 are deposited, longitudinal separations delimiting a plurality of corridors in which the products 3 are then arranged in adjacent columns, for subsequent separation creating batches 2 of at least one row of several transverse products. The manifolds 9 bring the products 3 in the extension of the corridors delimited by the successive partition walls. The accumulation then makes it possible to ensure that the successive products 3 in the conveying direction 4 are against each other and in sufficient number to form a complete batch 2, in particular in the case where each batch 2 must have several transverse rows against each other. According to another possible additional feature, the conditioning device 1 comprises, on the one hand, a main conveyor 12, which moves the products 3 for their conditioning within said device downstream of the feed means 5, and, on the other hand, a delivery conveyor 13 forming the conveyor 10 on which the at least one collector 9 deposits the at least one product 3 which it has embarked, the advance of the depositing conveyor 13 being synchronized with the successive removal of 30 products 3 on it provided by the at least one collector 9. The main conveyor 12 ensures the movement of the products 3 during their conditioning treatment wrapping type, and can have separate sections, especially for circulation within a selection module 22, a cycler module 14, a layering means 35, or even a thermal shrink film tunnel 16. It is therefore proposed here to have, on the one hand, a conveyor drops 13, die it receives the products 3 deposited by the collectors 9, and, 3035865 - 13 - on the other hand, a main conveyor 12, downstream to the depositing conveyor 13 which feeds it. The operation of the delivery conveyor 13 can thus be synchronized with the removal of products 3 by the collectors 9, so that they successively form the transverse rows of the batches 2, while the main conveyor 12, in particular if it is possible. is the conveyor ensuring the transfer of products within the retraction tunnel, continues to operate for example continuously. The delivery conveyor 13 therefore advances a distance corresponding to a product 3 in the longitudinal direction of the conveying direction 4 to bring a free receiving surface for the next row. The advance of the depositing conveyor 13, dedicated to the removal, can thus be calculated so that the rows of the same batch 2 come into contact with each other, but the rows of different batches 2 are distant. It will be understood that it is advantageous to deposit the products 3 15 as close as possible to the topping, in order to make the most of the referencing in position provided by the feeding means 5 and to avoid the portions of conveyors on which the products 3 can not to be referenced. The conditioning device 1 preferably takes the form of wrapping packaging equipment, where the successive batches 2 are coated with a film 16. Such a packaging device 1 comprises at least, before the retraction oven, a means of packaging. 20 to coat the successive batches 2 of film 16. The correct spacing of the batches 2 in the conveying direction 4 can be ensured by the succession of a selection module 22 and a cycler module 14, essentially aimed at bringing to the entrance of the layering module 15 compact and complete lots 2, properly spaced. The feed means 5 can then deposit the products 3 upstream of these two modules, which will be responsible for delimiting longitudinally the lots 2. The formation of the batches 2 can then be ensured on the occasion of the removal of the products. 3 in the supply means 5. In these cases, the conditioning device 1 comprises a module adapted to move longitudinally away from each other in the conveying direction 4 the products 3 organized in adjacent columns 35 extending in said direction, so as to form successive batches 2 of the cycler module type 14 or selection 22, the supply means 5 depositing the products 3 at the input of said module, possibly at a conveyor deposition 13 The feeding means 5 can also deposit the products 3 in batches 2 directly, in particular by depositing them at the same place in the removal zone 7, the clearance of the previously installed products 3 being ensured by the movement of the deposition conveyor 13, or even depositing them at different places to form a lot 2 whose products 3 will be moved once it has been completed. If the batches 2 are organized directly at the time of removal by the feed means 5, it is conceivable that the collectors 9 release the products 3 directly at the level of the topping module 15, where they will be coated with film 16 once Lot 2 is complete. In these embodiments of the packaging device 1, it comprises a layering means 15, where the products 3 organized in successive batches 2 are coated with film 16 for a subsequent shrinkage for the formation of self-supporting bundles maintained by said film 16, the means feedstock 5 depositing the products 3 at the inlet of said laying means 15, possibly directly on the film 16 already partially extended on the belt then forming the main conveyor 12. This main conveyor 12 can be driven with a continuous movement, the rate of removal of the successive products 3 being then coordinated to directly form the batches 2 on it. The invention also relates to a method embodying the invention as described above, namely a method of supplying a product packaging device 1 as described above, in which they evolve in a conveying direction 4 when they are packaged in batches 2, in particular by wrapping. According to the invention, the products 3 are transferred referentially to the unit from a gripping zone 6 where the products 3 arrive in a manner referenced to the unit one after the other to a dispensing zone. 7 at a conveyor 10 where they then circulate in several columns for their packaging. The products 3 are therefore deposited in the successive longitudinal columns directly by the feed means 5. Their correct positioning with a view to packaging 2 packeted 2 is therefore controlled and guaranteed, unlike feed solutions based on conveyors of the treadmill type. According to an additional possible feature, the method comprises an ejection step, after taking the product 3, during which a collector 9 comprising at least one non-compliant product 3 has left the circuit connecting it to the zone. 7. The ejection of non-compliant products is therefore at the collectors 9, through the design of the circuit on which they circulate and their driving unit. Since the position of each product 3 is known, it is possible to avoid the supply of defective products in batches 2. According to another possible additional feature, after the taking of products 3, the collectors 9 are grouped together to form together a group of products 3 aligned and to be deposited simultaneously, including a row of a batch 2, which allows in particular to implement for all the products 3, a deposition step, and this simultaneously.
    [0014] The process may also have other technical features detailed below. According to an additional possible feature, several products 3 are deposited simultaneously on the conveyor 10 by each collector 9 in the drop zone 7, in particular all the products 3 forming a complete row transverse to the conveying direction 4 and thus participating in the constitution of at least one batch 2. The collectors 9 thus release all the products 3 which form a transverse row in the batch 2 at the same time, which makes it possible to simplify the synchronization of the movement of the conveyor 10 or depositing conveyor 13 dedicated. The deposit 25 by the manifolds 9 can thus form the successive transverse rows of a single batch 2 or several lots 2 at the same time, in the cases where the packaging device 1 treats several columns of lots 2 next to each other . At the time of removal, the products 3 in the collectors 9 thus reproduce the shape of the transverse row.
    [0015] In cases where a manifold 9 does not carry all the products 3 alone, several manifolds 9 can move closer to each other to reproduce, together, the configuration of the row of the batch 2. According to another possible additional characteristic, the advance movement of the conveyor 10 on which the products 3 are deposited and the frequency of removal of the products 3 are coordinated, so that the conveyor 10 advances the equivalent of a transverse row 3035865 - 16 - when such a row has been filed, to make way for the next row in the lot 2 or again when the collectors 9, intended to transfer together a whole row of a future lot 2, deposited the products 3 qu they contained.
    [0016] The conditioning device 1 described below may also be used in a processing machine 17 described below. It is then a processing machine 17 of products 3, such as bottles, flasks, drums, or other containers, comprising a unit 10 for preparing products 3 to the unit, delivering finished products 3 and referenced to the unit behind each other in single-wire. As already described above, the product preparation group 3 consists of at least the final step of manufacturing the products 3 themselves, or even at least another upstream step. The product preparation group 3 thus comprises, for example, a plastic bottle blowing module, a filling module in which the products 3 are filled, a capping module where the products 3 are capped, and / or a labeling module 18 in which labeling is affixed to each successive product 3 to the unit, in particular by gluing or printing. The preparation group can thus consist essentially of a final labeling module 18, or any product finalization module 3 or any combination of such modules. This machine further comprises, mounted downstream of said preparation group and receiving the products 3 that the preparation group delivers, a conditioning device 1 as described above. At the output of the preparation group, the products 3 are therefore referenced in position to the unit and intrinsically finished and ready for packaging in batches 2 by the packaging device 1 whose feed means 5 retains the listing to the unit of products 3.
    [0017] In advantageous configurations, such as those shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1 to 5, the preparation group and the conditioning device 1 are arranged so that, viewed from above, the feed means 5, between the preparation group and the The following elements of the conditioning device 1 extend substantially perpendicularly to the conveying direction 4 of the conveyor 10 in the removal zone 7, or of the main conveyor 12. More particularly, the preparation group is thus housed between first, the supply means 5 and, perpendicularly, the following equipment of the packaging device 1. This then leads to a configuration where the collectors 9 are easily accessible in case of maintenance need, and where an extremely compact configuration can be obtained to contain both the packaging device 1 and the upstream preparation group. The collectors 9, between, on the one hand, the preparation group, and, on the other hand, the following modules of the conditioning device 1, such as the selection module 22 or cycler 14 or the layering means 15, are therefore The overall arrangement thus forms a compact machine and the various functional groups therefore remain accessible. The packaging device 1 thus forms, seen from above, an L configuration, in the hollow of which is the preparation group.
    [0018] According to an additional possible feature, the processing machine comprises an ejection means for extracting, before setting by the feed means 5, the non-compliant products 3 at the output of the preparation group. This ejection is therefore preferably positioned at the drive means at the output of the preparation group, since the products 3 are referenced and known in position at the unit. The products 3 detected upstream as non-compliant are thus ejected and it is avoided that non-compliant products 3 are seized by the collectors 9, which ensures that the products 3 supplied by the feed means 5 are all in conformity.
    [0019] In particular embodiments, the transfer means 8 of the packaging device 1 form the output of the preparation group and thus itself ensures the transfer of products 3 between, on the one hand, the preparation group, and, on the other hand, the conditioning device 1, more particularly directly at the collectors 9 of the supply means 5. The transfer means 8 thus forms both the output of the preparation group and the input of the supply means 5 of the packaging device 1. The processing machine 17 thus itself and in an integrated manner, on the one hand, the function of the preparation group, namely the terminal labeling or filling-plugging, or even functions upstream preparation, and, secondly, the packaging function of the products 3 that are cut. The processing machine 7 is therefore provided with one and the same means 3 processing the products 3 referenced to the unit at the interface between the conditioning device 1 and the preparation group. The finished products 3 at the output of the preparation group therefore circulate on a transfer means 8 at the level of which the collectors 9 of the feed means 5 5 come directly to grasp them. This ensures the continuity of referencing. In other words, the supply means 5 of the packaging device 1 takes the products 3 directly to the referenced output of the products 3 of the preparation group. According to an additional possible feature, the processing machine 17 has, on the one hand, a referenced transfer wheel 19, positioned at the outlet of the preparation unit and delivering the products 3 to the unit, and, on the other hand, on the one hand, a screw 20 between said wheel 19 and the transfer means 8 of the feed means 5, said screw 20 and the transfer means 8 being synchronized. The referenced transfer wheel 19 may take the form of a star at the output of the labeling module 18 which forms the preparation group. The screw 20 is synchronized with the movement of the transfer means 8 downstream, which brings the products to the manifolds 9 of the feed means 5. It allows to move referentially products 3 from the output of the upstream preparation group until the transfer means 8, to recreate a referencing. In some embodiments, the screw 20 is also synchronized with the transfer wheel 19 of the output of the preparation group, so as to ensure a controlled movement of the products 3 in position from the output of the labeling module 18 or group of preparation, 25 until the setting by the at least one manifold 9. The positional control of each product is optimal and the process is efficient ca adapted to each product 3. It is also conceivable that the processing machine 17 has a upstream accumulation zone 23 of the products 3 downstream of the wheel 19 and upstream of the screw 20, where the products 3 accumulate freely in single-wire to form a continuous flow even if the flow of incoming products 3 is discontinuous, for example, in view of an ejection upstream of non-compliant products.
    [0020] In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the packaging device 1 takes the form of a bundling device, in which, for the bundling operation proper, the products 3 circulate on a conveyor main unit 12 in the form of batches 2, in a conveying direction 4. A batch 2 has several products 3 aligned in a row transverse to the conveying direction 4, and generally also several products 3 aligned in the conveying direction 4. A batch 2 therefore has a matrix configuration, with or without a quincunx, the products 3 then being compactly aligned both in the conveying direction 4 and transversely. As shown in FIG. 7, the batches 2 thus evolve in the conditioning device 1 while being spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction 4. In such a packaging device 1, for the wrapping operation, a batch 2 of products 3 generally comes surrounded by a plastic film 16, then circulates in a heated tunnel where the film 16 retracts and then keeps the products 3 against each other. The products 3 are generally bottles, flasks, etc., filled and labeled in a preparation group, before this secondary conditioning step, which aims, for its part, to group them together and to bind in self-supporting bundles. Upstream of this conditioning device 1 is thus an equipment which produces the product 3 itself, generally finishing with a labeling step. Such a labeling module 18 generates at its output products 3 to the unit, one after the other, generally using rotating carousel, the packaging device 1 producing, meanwhile, successive batches 2 each comprising several products 3. At the output of the labeling module 18, the products 3 thus circulate one after the other in the direction of advance. A labeling module 18 from rotating elements, such as carousels, on the periphery of which are the products 3, is for example described in US2010276028. In general, the labeling module 18 comprises at least, at its exit, a means for driving the products 3 to the unit, such as a rotating star between the branches of which the products 3 are located. the output of the labeling module 18, the products 3 are therefore moved in a controlled manner to the unit by this drive means, unlike, for example, a bulk drive solution where the position of each product 3 is not precisely known, or even a conveyor in column on a carpet, then uncontrolled because it does not prevent the slipping of products 3 or even their fall, being insensitive to their absence, etc. The packaging device 1 is thus provided with a feed means 5, which ensures its supply of products 3 from the output of the labeling module 18. As shown in FIG. 3 must move from an organization in a single column to the output of the labeling module 18 or preparation group to a multi-column organization for packaging in the packaging device 1 in the form of batches 2 based on rows of several products 3 each. Several batches 2 may further be aligned transversely to the conveying direction 4. The transition from the single-wire configuration to the multi-wire configuration is accomplished by means of the feed means 5, as described herein. The supply means 5 thus comprises at least one movable collector 9, this collector 9 being capable of gripping and moving at least one product 3 from the gripping zone 6, where the products 3 still circulate in single filament, up to the zone of deposit 7 where the products 3 are organized in several columns on a conveyor 10 which takes them for their packaging. FIG. 1 shows, for example, a feed device 5 which comprises only a collector 9, this collector 9 can in turn receive a single product 3 and place it in the corresponding column 20. The collector 9 of the supply means 5 is movable in a controlled and known manner, which makes it possible to know at each instant with precision the position of the at least one product 3 that it moves. The collector 9 thus comprises, for example, for each product 3 that it must move, a cell to simply at least hold the product 3 by the body, or a gripper to seize each product 3, at his collar or elsewhere. The position of the collector 9, when it releases the products 3 in the deposition zone 7, is therefore known and controlled, at least in the direction transverse to the conveying direction 4. This thus makes it possible to guarantee the transverse position of the at least one a product 3 brought by the at least one collector 9 and thus depositing said at least one product 3 immediately at the right place in the transverse direction. Indeed, the constitution of batches requires products 3 distributed transversely to the conveying direction 4, which can realize such a collector 9 of known and controlled position, adapted to ensure a referencing of the at least one product 3 that moves . The collectors 9 are in fact preferably provided with mechanical means for grasping each product 3 separately, and are mounted on a movable shuttle in a controlled manner. The product 3 is therefore referenced between the gripping zone 6, which may be directly the output of the preparation group, and the deposition zone 7, from which the secondary conditioning operation proper takes place. It is thus possible to control exactly where the product 3 will be deposited on the conveyor 10, that is to say in particular at which longitudinal column. Thus, thanks to the control and the referencing of the product 3 during the journey and the removal in the removal zone 7, it is possible to deposit a product 3 intended to form the first product 3 of a transverse row of a batch 2, then, with another collector 9, to deposit the product 3 intended to form the second product 3 of such a row, then that for the third product 3 of the row, etc. It is of course possible to simultaneously drop all products 3 forming a transverse row of a batch 2. A manifold 9 can in fact harvest several products 3 successively by receiving them next to each other in a direction which is then transversal to the conveying direction 4, so that the simultaneous removal of all the products 3 immediately leads to the production of a transverse row of several products 3, to create, by grouping several, at least one lot 2, or even more lots 2 aligned transversely to the direction of conveying 4. The referencing of the products 3 to the unit with the collector 9 movable in a controlled manner and ensures immediate controlled removal in the successive longitudinal columns.
    [0021] The products 3 are released by the collectors 9 at a depositing zone 7 in which a conveyor 10 is located. They are deposited on the conveyor 10 which then introduces them into the heart of the sequence of the conditioning steps: separate corridors; spacing groups of transverse rows defining a lot 2; synchronization with the topping or coating; or directly topping. The products 3 are thus deposited at the latest during the actual layering, or coating by the film 16, directly at the entrance of one of these steps. As will be further described below, the release of the products 3 can therefore, depending on the configurations, be done at different locations before the coating of the batch 2 by the film 16 in the topping means 15: either at the entrance of a conveyance in corridors; at the entrance of a referencing cycler; either directly at the entrance of the laying table 15. A longitudinal accumulation may be provided downstream of the deposition by the collector 9, or even directly at the drop zone 7. Circulation corridors are then preferably arranged preferably with the aid of longitudinal walls to avoid the nesting of the products 3 in the form of a staggered organization which would lose the advantage of the controlled removal in the transverse position. The products 3 accumulate in these corridors in longitudinal columns, which ensures the presence of a sufficient number of products 3 in the conveying direction 4 to form batches 2 formed of several transverse rows. Such a downstream accumulation zone 11, downstream of the transfer, by the fleet of collectors 9 that comprises the feed means 5, makes it possible in particular to avoid voids in the continuous matrix arrangement of the products 3 such that it is required for wrapped 2 packs.
    [0022] It also makes it possible to implement configurations in which the number of products 3 carried by each collector 9 does not correspond to the number of products 3 in a transverse row of a batch 2. Indeed, in this type of case, the Products 3 of the same row are not necessarily dropped at the same time, and it is then useful to provide such a downstream accumulation zone 11 to complete each transverse row. In advantageous embodiments, each collector 9 is capable of receiving several products 3 and simultaneously moving them to the dispensing zone 7. The products 3 are thus successively received in such a collector 9 since the output of the labeling module 18, 25 preferably directly at the drive means at its output, star type. The collector 9 thus has single receiving areas aligned in a direction that subsequently corresponds to the direction transverse to the conveying direction 4, the direction of a row. The products 3 of the collector 9 are then all simultaneously deposited on the conveyor 10 in the deposition zone 7. This set of products 3 thus directly forms a row of the batch 2 transverse to the conveying direction 4 and the step of bursting then organization of an initially single product stream of products. We can of course perform such an operation for several batches 2 simultaneously.
    [0023] It is then sufficient, by a movement of the conveyor 10 on which the row has just been deposited, to disengage it in order to receive the products 3 of the next collector 9. Preferably, after the removal of the products 3 intended to form a row of the batch 2, the conveyor 10 advances by a distance which corresponds to such a row, so that the next row comes against the preceding row, which leads to immediately and by the only operation of collection then transfer, to the formation of a compact batch 2.
    [0024] The spacing between the batches 2 can be managed by lengthening the time between two successive drops of products 3 intended to form a row and / or by accelerating the movement of the conveyor 10. Of course, it is important to avoid that the Products 3 that are defective or non-compliant at the exit of the labeling module 18 are found in batches 2 subsequently coated with film 16 and packaged in the packaging device 2, which would then make the whole batch 2 non-compliant. The ejection of non-compliant products 3 can be arranged at the output of the labeling module 18, before the products 3 are picked up by the collectors 9, at the star drive means. Thus, a control means is integrated within the labeling module 18 and makes it possible to identify the products 3 which are not acceptable. As the path of each product 3 within the labeling module 18 is followed, it is possible to precisely eject the non-compliant products 3, in particular at the level of the drive unit at the output of the module. labeling 18 forming the preparation group. For example, a specific conveyor may be provided at the star wheel at the exit of the labeling module 18 so that the non-conforming products 3 are deposited therein, so that only the compliant products 3 can continue their journey towards the collectors. 9. The product stream 3 downstream of this star may therefore have missing discontinuities or products 3, which correspond to the products 3 which have been removed upstream, and the operation of the collectors 9 is adapted. The ejection, downstream of the labeling module 18, of the nonconforming products can also be provided by the collectors 9 themselves, once the products 3 are seized. In particular, when the collectors 9 are collectors 9 provided for a single product 3 at a time, the collector 9 identified as moving a non-conforming product 3 can simply not be brought into the dispensing zone 7. Alternatively, a device 35 complementary can come out of the collector defective product 3, etc. It will be understood that the ejection of non-compliant products 3, upstream of the seizing of the products 3 by the collectors 9, or at least upstream of the deposition by the collectors 9, generates shortages of products 3 which it should be managed to avoid ending up in incomplete lots 2.
    [0025] A free single-line accumulation zone may for example be provided for the products 3 upstream of the feed means 5, which ensures that the latter continuously grips, one after the other, products 3 which are all in compliance with each other. . A multi-filament accumulation zone may also be provided downstream of the multi-filament release of the products 3 by the feed means 5. The plurality of successive transverse rows in contact which comprise the batches 2 is thus defined subsequently to this accumulation, for example by a selection module 22 or a cycler module 14, see Figure 7. This accumulation downstream allows products 3 deposited in a column after a lack of product 3 to catch 15 already deposited previously. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the feed means 5 preferably retrieves the products 3 at a referenced transfer means 8 or drive means, generally in the form of a wheel 19 or peripheral cell star in which each Once a product 3 can be at the output of the labeling module 18. The labeling can also be achieved while the products 3 are in this transfer means 8. The collectors 9 circulate for their part on a guide or rail 21 which encounters the peripheral path of the transfer means 8 to be able to effect a change of drive at the level of the products 3 which then pass from a drive by the transfer means 8 or wheel to a drive by the collectors 9, as illustrated in FIG. 6. During this passage from one to the other, the collector 9 is preferably animated with a movement similar to that of the product 3 in the wheel 19, thus guaranteeing a fluid passage of to one another. The cell 30 in which the product 3 is located at the wheel or star and the cell of the collector 9 in which it must continue its journey are therefore at least momentarily animated by a movement of the same speed, in the direction, direction , and haste. It will be noted that one way of managing the possible absence of product 3 in the wheel following the elimination of a defective product may then consist in not advancing the collector 9 if the cell opposite is product vacuum 3, which ensures that the collectors 9 arriving in the drop zone 7 are systematically filled with compliant products 3. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the case where the collector 9 is dimensioned for several products 3, once positioned for reception, it extends linearly along a tangent to the star of the module 18, so that its movement brings to the periphery of the star the single receiving areas successively. In the case where the collectors 9 are dimensioned for a single product 3 at a time, as shown for example in FIG. 5, the guide rail 21 may for example have a curvature such as a half-turn, with respect to screw the curvature of the transfer means 8, and at which is organized the passage of the products 3 of the transfer means 8 to the collectors 9. The transfer into the collector 9 can also be done while it circulates on a portion right.
    [0026] It will also be noted that the collectors 9 are therefore cyclically used: after having recovered the at least one product 3, the collector 9 will then deposit it, then, with a return portion, return to restart this cycle. The rail 21 therefore has a useful portion in a closed loop on which the collectors 9 move to move the products 3 between the two zones. The integration between, on the one hand, the labeling module 18 and, on the other hand, downstream, the packaging device 1, and, more particularly, its feed means 5, can be made up of different manners. For example, in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 or 5, the feed means 25 grasps the products 3 directly from the star or exit wheel 19 of the labeling module 18 or preparation group, which results in an equipment integrating both the at least final production function of the product 3, of the labeling type, and the packaging function by batch wrapping 2.
    [0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the feed means 5 of the packaging device 1 can also load the products 3 from a star different from that of the output of the labeling module 18, which makes it possible in particular to reuse a module existing labeling, without structural modification, and therefore to propose "retro-fit" solutions. The supply of this star 8 products 3 is preferably made using a screw 20 whose pitch normally corresponds to the spacing of the receiving cells on the star. The pitch can of course be scalable between the beginning and the end of the screw 20. Such a screw 20 generally allows reference to products 3 which previously circulated possibly freely. Such free conveying can come from the preparation group directly or after division of the single-wire flow that it delivers in several parallel flows. The screw 20 can here be used while being fully synchronized both with the star or transfer means 8 downstream and with the drive means upstream, at the exit of the labeling module 18. In this case, this screw 20 thus performs a function of referencing, spacing, and displacement, in which the position of each product 3 is known and controlled from the output of the labeling module 18 to a transfer means 8 then remote. An upstream accumulation zone 23 may also be provided, in which the products 3 taken out of the labeling module 18 one after the other are freely conveyed, for example with a downstream belt which circulates faster than the flow rate of the 20. The screw 20 is then arranged downstream of this upstream accumulation zone 23 and again references the products 3 for their taking in the transfer means 8 which requires products 3 spaced from each other a controlled way. Downstream of the star of the labeling module 18, the products 3, hitherto referenced to the unit, therefore pass into an upstream accumulation zone 23 in which they cluster in contact with each other. To reference the products 3 again after such a loss of control, the feed means 5 is preferably provided with a screw 20, which defines a gap between the products 3 and a wheel which then ensures the transfer of the products. 3. Configurations where the screw 20 is not synchronized allow downstream mounting of an existing labeling module 18 or preparation group, without structural modification. The use of a synchronized screw on the output of the labeling module 18 requires a slight structural adaptation of the existing labeling module 18. The configurations where the products 3 are taken directly by the collectors 9 at the output of the labeling module 18 form complete, fully integrated machines, ensuring both the wrapping function and at least one labeling function. In cases where the wheel of the preparation group and the wheel of the feed means 5 are not the same, the latter 3035865 - 27 - makes it possible to correctly reference and control each product 3 before they are taken, individually, by The collectors 9. In general, the feed means 5 thus preferably ensures, on the one hand, the movement of the products 3 from the gripping zone 6 at the outlet of the labeling module 18 to the dispensing zone. 7, which can be located at different locations upstream of a film wrap means 16, and on the other hand, the creation, from a single continuous stream of products 3 one behind the other, of segments intended to form the rows of the batches 2 which are transverse to the conveying direction 4, 10 thereby forming a multi-filament flow. Coordination with the advance of the conveyor 10 which moves successively in the direction of conveying 4 these rows of products 3 allows to obtain batches 2 each comprising several such rows pressed against each other. A conventional packaging device 1 by wrapping 15 has the succession of different modules up to that in which the batch 2 matrix of products 3 is coated with a film 16, see Figure 7. The feed device 5 can therefore provide the products 3 at different locations upstream of this coating function: at the input of a selection module 22 where products 3, 20 previously in column of products 3 in contact with each other, are successively retained by fingers slower than their training mat, to create longitudinal spaces; at the entrance of a cycler module 14, ensuring, by means of transverse bars moving faster than the drive belt, that the longitudinal spaces are compatible with the film downstream coating 16; - At the entrance of a layering means 15, optionally directly on the film 16 during coating. Of course, in each of the configurations, the products 3 can be deposited by the feed means 5 on a dedicated deposit conveyor 13, then supplying one of these inputs. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the feed means 5 preferably comprises a battery of collectors 9, which circulate on a guide rail 21 that comprises said means. It is thus possible to animate these collectors 9 by means of a magnetic linear motor principle, which has the advantage of being able to manage and control the position and the speed of each collector 9 separately. The collectors 9 are therefore mounted on shuttles moved by the linear motor principle. The collectors 9 are thus movable relative to each other. Therefore, before removal, it is possible to bring them together until they form a compact alignment, extending transversely to the conveying direction 4 in the drop zone 7 to then reproduce the row. of batch 2 transverse to the conveying direction 4. They can then simultaneously deposit the products 3 they contain, and then form a row. This is particularly useful with collectors 9 which carry only one product 3 at a time and which are not grouped together when collecting the products 3. Since the exact position of each collector 9 is known and controlled, it is also possible to provide that they each release in turn the at least product 3 transported, in the corresponding longitudinal column 15, then to advance the conveyor depose 13 for the next row after a complete row has been filed. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the rail 21 is preferably in closed loop, between two half-turns which are approximately one for the exit of the labeling module 18 and, for the Another, at the level of the modules used for packaging in batch 2. The circuit formed by the rail 21 thus has a main portion which serves for the circulation of the collectors between the gripping zone 6 and the removal zone 7 for moving the products 3 between these areas. This circuit may also have bifurcations or points to other sections serving, for example, to disconnect collectors 9 defective or carrying at least one non-conforming product 3. These other sections can also be used for product accumulation 3, accumulation of loaded or empty collectors 9, possibly collectors 9 compatible with another format, etc. The complete circuit of the rail 21 may therefore be formed, for example, of a main closed loop, then possibly superimposed portions to each other, that the products 3 can leave and then join, etc., as shown in Figure 8. Of course, the successive loops are preferably counter-rotating.
    [0028] The feed means 5 thus replaces the conventional carpet conveying solutions on which the products 3 rest and where the passage of a single-ended stream at the output of the labeler to a multi-filament flow for packaging creates jamming or jamming problems. It is therefore understood that in the cases where the collectors 9 do not move the number of products 3 which corresponds to a transverse row of the batch 2, in particular the cases where the collectors 9 only convey, each one, a product 3, it It is possible to modify each time the transverse position at which the collectors 9 drop products 3, so as to obtain, after several successive depositions, a product configuration 3 distributed in several longitudinal columns, adjacent transverse to the conveying direction 4 and forming the transverse rows. A downstream accumulation zone 11 can then serve to ensure that the transverse rows are in contact with each other. It is also conceivable that collectors 9 with a capacity of less than one transverse row of the batch 2 are grouped, permanently or temporarily during the cycle, to transport together as many products 3 as must contain at least one row, and deposit simultaneously. The use of collectors 9 which cooperate with only one product 3 each time, however, guarantees the versatility of the feed means 5, since a new batch format 2, in terms of the number of products 3 in a transverse row or in a longitudinal column, does not require any structural modification, only a different setting of the operation of the collectors 9. In addition, an additional advantage of the use of collectors 9 with a single capacity is their extraction from the circuit when the particular product 3 they 25 are not compliant. This avoids disconnecting products 3 which are in fact compliant. In the case of an extraction of nonconforming products 3 upstream of the intake by the collector 9, the use of collector 9 having a capacity of a single product 3 makes it easy to make the collector 9 wait until the collector 9 arrival of the next 30 product 3 compliant. In cases where the capacity of the collectors 9 corresponds to the number of products 3 in a transverse row, a collector 9 normally carries the number of products 3 for one row each time. It is then possible to simultaneously drop all the products 3 that it conveys, thus creating a row in a single operation. The longitudinal movement of the conveyor on which the products 3 are deposited then makes it possible to accumulate rows against each other in the conveying direction 4. It is therefore thanks to the control in position of the collectors 9 that the means of Feed 5 distributes products 3 individually in the direction transverse to conveying direction 4. In addition, in general, as each product 3 is entered directly from labeling module 18, the orientation product 3 is controlled, which has a definite advantage since the products 3 have a special shape and / or their orientation in the batch 2 is important, such as products 3 with a rectangular base, etc., or products 3 of revolution, but to position in a predefined manner. As each product 3 is grasped and preferably immobilized in the collector 9, its orientation is controlled. It is also possible to use a collector 9 with a degree of freedom around an axis, motorized or not, to modify the orientation of the products 3 in a controlled manner between the capture by the collectors 9 and their removal. An accumulation means may also be provided between the gripping zone 6 and the deposition zone 7, for example with an accumulation table on which the collectors 9 deposit and then take up the products 3, or another means allowing ensure a buffer between the labeling module 18 and the packaging device 1. Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible to provide a packaging product supply solution 3 in batch 2 by wrapping, which is reliable, versatile, and which remarkably limits the equipment to be provided upstream of a layering means 15 for organizing the products into a multi-filament stream. Although the above description is based on particular embodiments, it is in no way limiting to the scope of the invention, and modifications may be made, in particular by substitution of technical equivalents or by different combination of some or all of the features developed above.
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [0001]
    REVENDICATIONS1. Packaging device (1) for batching (2) products (3), such as bottles, flasks, drums, or other, in which, for their packaging, the products (3) move along a conveying direction (4), said batches (2) having, transversely to said conveying direction (4), at least two products (3), said device (1) comprising a feed means (5), for receiving products (3) circulating in a single line at a gripping zone (6) and bringing them to a disposal zone (7) for their subsequent conditioning, characterized in that the feed means (5) comprises on the one hand, in a gripping zone (6), means for transfer (8) to the unit of the incoming products (3) in a single-wire, and, on the other hand, at least one movable collector (9) and controlled position, to receive and then move in a controlled position in position at least one product (3) from the transfer means (8) to the removal zone (7), the device (1) further comprising a conveyor (10) in the removal zone (7) on which the at least one collector (9) deposits the at least one product (3) which it has previously embarked in socket (6).
    [0002]
    2. Packaging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one collector (9) is moved between the gripping zone (6) and the dispensing zone (7) thanks to a principle of linear motor.
    [0003]
    3. Packaging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a guide rail (21) with a closed-loop portion, the at least one manifold ( 9) taking the form of a shuttle circulating on said rail (21), between the gripping zone (6) and the removal zone (7). 30
    [0004]
    4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the circuit of the rail (21) comprises an active portion serving to connect, in one direction and in the other, the gripping zone (6) and the removal zone (7), and at least one switch for connecting said active portion to other portions of the circuit. 3035865 - 32 -
    [0005]
    5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the circuit of the guide rail (21) further comprises at least one portion dedicated to receive collectors (9) pending.
    [0006]
    6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the circuit of the guiding rail (21) furthermore comprises, connected to the active portion, an ejection portion on which the collectors (9) conveying the minus a non-conforming product (3) harvested in the setting zone (6).
    [0007]
    7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one collector (9) has a capacity that corresponds to a single product (3), so that a collector (9) can only carry a single product (3) each time from the gripping zone (6) to the deposition zone (7).
    [0008]
    8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one collector (9) has a capacity of several products (3), so as to be able to seize in a gripping zone (6) and bring into zone depositing (7) a plurality of products (3) each time.
    [0009]
    9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the supply means (5) comprises a plurality of collectors (9) which are movable relative to each other.
    [0010]
    Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the feeding means (5) comprises, for supplying the products (3) to the unit to the at least one manifold (9), at the of the gripping zone (6), means for transferring (8) products (3) to the unit, of the star type, the speed of the product (3) in said transfer means (8) and the speed of the collector (9) being, when passing from one to the other, parallel. 30
    [0011]
    11. A method of feeding a packaging device (1) of products (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein they evolve in a conveying direction (4) for batch packaging ( 2), characterized in that the products (3) are transferred in a referenced manner to the unit 35 from a gripping zone (6) where the products (3) arrive referentially to the unit one after the other. other up to a leveling zone (7) at the level of a conveyor (10) where they then circulate in several columns for their packaging.
    [0012]
    12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises an ejection step, after taking the product (3), during which a collector (9) comprising at least one non-compliant product (3) is out of the circuit connecting it to the removal zone (7).
    [0013]
    13. A method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein after the taking of products (3), the collectors (9) are grouped together to form a group of products (3) aligned and to deposit simultaneously, including a row of a lot (2).
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    CN107771153B|2021-01-26|
    CN107771153A|2018-03-06|
    FR3035865B1|2019-09-06|
    US20180111710A1|2018-04-26|
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    FR3035864B1|2015-05-07|2019-10-04|C.E.R.M.E.X. Constructions Etudes Et Recherches De Materiels Pour L'emballage D'expedition|LOT PACKAGING ARCHITECTURE WITH CONTROLLED POWER SUPPLY|US20180208338A1|2017-01-20|2018-07-26|Alain Cerf|Sleeve Film Wrapping a Pack of Containers|
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    法律状态:
    2016-04-21| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2016-11-11| PLSC| Publication of the preliminary search report|Effective date: 20161111 |
    2017-04-21| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |
    2018-04-23| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 4 |
    2019-04-19| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 5 |
    2020-04-22| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 6 |
    2021-04-28| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 7 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    FR1554112A|FR3035865B1|2015-05-07|2015-05-07|CONTROLLED POWER SUPPLY FOR BATCH PACK SOLUTION|
    FR1554112|2015-05-07|FR1554112A| FR3035865B1|2015-05-07|2015-05-07|CONTROLLED POWER SUPPLY FOR BATCH PACK SOLUTION|
    US15/572,152| US10766650B2|2015-05-07|2016-05-04|Controlled feed for batch packaging|
    EP16726918.2A| EP3292044B1|2015-05-07|2016-05-04|Controlled feed for batch packaging|
    CN201680032250.0A| CN107771153B|2015-05-07|2016-05-04|Controlled feeding of packages for bulk items|
    PCT/FR2016/051052| WO2016177972A1|2015-05-07|2016-05-04|Controlled feed for batch packaging|
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