EP0581699A1 - Sortieranlage für Gemeinschaftsbesteck - Google Patents

Sortieranlage für Gemeinschaftsbesteck Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0581699A1
EP0581699A1 EP93420318A EP93420318A EP0581699A1 EP 0581699 A1 EP0581699 A1 EP 0581699A1 EP 93420318 A EP93420318 A EP 93420318A EP 93420318 A EP93420318 A EP 93420318A EP 0581699 A1 EP0581699 A1 EP 0581699A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cutlery
sensor
lateral guide
distance
detection zone
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP93420318A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Fabien Aulagner
Cécile Cerisola
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Validex (societe A Responsabilite Limitee)
Original Assignee
Validex (societe A Responsabilite Limitee)
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Validex (societe A Responsabilite Limitee) filed Critical Validex (societe A Responsabilite Limitee)
Publication of EP0581699A1 publication Critical patent/EP0581699A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the sorting of community cutlery at the outlet of a dishwasher.
  • the cutlery In a collective restaurant, the cutlery is generally presented in a series of separate compartments each comprising a single piece of cutlery such as knives, forks, large spoons and small spoons.
  • the cutlery is generally mixed with each other and arranged out of order.
  • the cutlery ends up out of order on a conveyor intended to bring them from the dishwasher to the compartments of use. It is then necessary to sort the cutlery to distribute them in their respective compartments according to their type, and it is also necessary to orient them properly in the respective compartments so that all the handles are in the same direction in the same compartment. These sorting operations are generally carried out manually.
  • the document WO-A-8 606 661 describes a device in which a ramp of optical cells, arranged transversely with respect to the direction of travel of the cutlery, is associated with a computer to evaluate the entire contour of the cutlery and thus recognize its type. Such a device is complex and expensive.
  • Document FR-A-2 651 696 describes a device with two sensors detecting respectively the minimum diameter and the maximum diameter of the dishes. Such detection is insufficient for a complete sorting of cutlery.
  • An automatic sorting device for community cutlery has also been proposed, implementing a complete recognition of the shape of the cutlery by a video camera and a video image processing device.
  • Such an installation is particularly complex and expensive, and proves incapable of sorting the cutlery at a sufficient speed because the recognition of images requires a particularly complex processing of information.
  • the problem proposed by the present invention is to considerably simplify the recognition of the shape of the cutlery, in order to carry out an almost instant sorting and over a short distance, while considerably simplifying the means necessary for the implementation of sorting and by reducing the cost of installation.
  • the invention allows sorting of cutlery by simple means that do not require video cameras and complex image processing means.
  • the invention aims to recognize the types of cover when they pass through a detection area.
  • the invention also aims to recognize not only the type of cutlery, but also the direction of the cutlery when they pass through the detection area, then making it possible to switch the cutlery into different compartments according to of their direction of progression, in order to place the sleeves in the same orientation in each compartment.
  • Figure 1 shows a top view of a collective fork, comprising a fork head 1 and a fork handle 2.
  • the fork head 1 comprises teeth such as tooth 3, and a solid portion 4 of the fork head.
  • a width IF of a fork is defined, which is the width of the head 1.
  • a length LF of the full portion of the fork is also defined, as shown in the figure, which is the sum of the length of the handle 2 and the length of the solid part 4 of the fork head.
  • FIG. 2 represents a top view of a large collective spoon, in which the width IGC of large spoon is defined, which is the width of the head 5 at the end of the handle 6.
  • FIG. 3 represents a collective knife, in which the width IMC of the knife handle is defined.
  • FIG. 4 represents a small collective spoon, in which there are the head 7, the handle 8, the length LPC of the small spoon, the width IPC of the small spoon or width of the head 7, and the width IMPC of the handle 8.
  • the object of the invention is to recognize the shape of these four cutlery, by simple means, according to the dimensions of the parts identified in the figures.
  • the cutlery is placed on an inlet conveyor 9 possibly provided with known means for placing the cutlery one by one in a file in a longitudinal orientation in the direction of movement of the conveyor as shown by the arrow 10.
  • the cutlery is thus brought one by one into a detection area 11, in which one recognizes their shape and possibly their direction.
  • the cutlery then moves through a sorting area 12 provided with a series of sorting flaps such as the flap 13, each flap 13 being actuated by a drive device such as the device 14 controlled by a processing device for signals, the flap 13 being movable between a passage position in which the flap lets the cutlery pass along the sorting area to the next flap, and an interception position as shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 5 in which the flap deviates the cover to a corresponding reception compartment 15.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 5 represents seven reception compartments, each corresponding to a type among the four covers shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and to a single orientation of this covered.
  • all sorted cutlery is of the same type and is oriented with the handle in the same direction. The compartments can then be used directly for the presentation of cutlery in a self-service.
  • Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a detection area structure 11 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the detection area comprises a support plane 16, parallel to the direction of progression 10 as shown in FIG. 5, and associated with a lateral guide plane 17 also parallel to the direction of progression 10, and for example vertical.
  • Means are provided for keeping the cutlery in abutment against the lateral guide plane 17 during their travel on the support plane 16 in the detection area 11.
  • these means consist in tilting the support plane 16 laterally so that it either in slope towards the lateral guide plane 17 as shown in FIG. 7.
  • the cutlery slides by gravity on the support plane 16 and comes to bear against the lateral guide plane 17.
  • the detection area further comprises a plurality of material presence sensors, positioned in the detection area with respect to a plurality of corresponding detection areas of the support plane 16.
  • the detection area 11 comprises a first sensor C1, a second sensor C2 and a third sensor C3, arranged for example as shown in the figures.
  • the first sensor C1 is such that its detection zone is positioned relative to the lateral guide plane 17 at a distance D1 such that the sensor C1 is activated during the passage of a large spoon, and such that the sensor C1 is not not activated when passing a knife, fork or teaspoon.
  • the second sensor C2 is such that its detection zone is positioned relative to the lateral guide plane 17 at a distance D2 such that the second sensor C2 is activated during the passage of a small spoon, a large spoon or a fork, but is not activated when passing a knife.
  • the third sensor C3 is such that its detection zone is positioned relative to the lateral guide plane 17 at a distance D31 such that the sensor C3 is activated during the passage of all types of cutlery.
  • its detection zone is positioned relative to the second detection zone of the second sensor C2, and in the direction of progression of the cutlery, at a distance D32 such that the third sensor C3 is activated simultaneously with the second sensor C2 for part of the course of a fork, and such that the third sensor C3 is at no time activated simultaneously with the second sensor C2 when passing a small spoon.
  • the conditions for positioning the sensors as defined above are achieved as a function of the dimensions of the cutlery which it is desired to sort.
  • the community cutlery has generally little different shapes, in particular with regard to the stainless steel cutlery which is most generally used.
  • the sensors C1, C2, C3 are thus positioned in positioning zones as shown in FIG. 8: considering that the sensor C2 is fixed, the sensor C1 can be moved in a longitudinal strip 18 parallel to the lateral guide plane 17, said strip 18 being defined by the two limit values of the distance D1 relative to this lateral guide plane 17, the strip being able to have the same length as the detection area 11.
  • the sensor C3 can be placed in an area rectangular 19 defined by the limit values of the distance D31 and the distance D32.
  • This second embodiment makes it possible to recognize not only the type of cutlery, but also the direction of the forks, large spoons and small spoons. Only the direction of the knives is not detected by this device. The detection of the direction of knife orientation requires an additional device, not shown in the figures.
  • the area 20 in which the fourth sensor C4 must be located is limited by a first segment 21 perpendicular to the lateral guide plane 17, a second adjacent segment 22 parallel to the lateral guide plane 17, and a curved arc 23 connecting the ends of the two segments 21 and 22 to form a curvilinear triangle as shown in FIG. 8.
  • each sensor such as the sensors C1, C2, C3 or C4, can advantageously be an optical sensor with beam interruption.
  • Each sensor comprises, with regard to the detection zone, a transmitter such as the respective transmitters E1, E2, E3 of the first three sensors, and comprises, placed opposite the corresponding transmitter, a receiver such as the respective receivers R1, R2 and R3 of the first three sensors.
  • the receivers are placed above the detection area 11, facing the corresponding detection zone, while the transmitters E1, E2, E3 are incorporated in the support plane 16 in said corresponding detection zone.
  • the light beam such as the beam 24 of the sensor C1 is cut off when the corresponding cover passes, such as a large spoon, the corresponding receiver R1 then producing an electrical signal sent to a signal processing device.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the electrical connection diagram between the sensors and the sorting flaps.
  • the signal processing device can advantageously be an automaton programmed to recognize each of the sequences different from signals emitted by the sensors C1, C2, C3 and C4 during the passage of the cutlery in the detection area 11, and to emit a separate indication or command signal for each recognized sequence.
  • the signal processing device 25 or programmed automaton thus comprises a plurality of separate outputs each connected to a drive device actuating an associated sorting flap. There is thus an output connected to the drive device 14 which actuates the sorting flap 13.
  • There is a number of outputs and a number of driving devices and sorting flaps corresponding to the number of different sequences that the device can recognize processing signals 25 as a function of the signals emitted by the sensors C1, C2, C3 and C4.
  • the four sensors make it possible to recognize the four pieces of cutlery, and the direction of orientation of the forks, small spoons and large spoons. Seven outputs of the signal processing device 25 can then be provided, with seven drive devices and seven sorting flaps.
  • means are provided for scrolling the cutlery one by one in the detection area 11. It is possible to use various known means, for example driving rollers, support plane zones 16 made up of conveyor belts , an anteroposterior inclination of the support plane 16 for sliding the cutlery by gravity in the direction of progression 10, and generally all known means which do not disturb detection by the sensors.
  • the device according to the invention allows reliable sorting even when the sorted cutlery has common deformations which do not hinder their use. While being particularly simple, this device thus has a great tolerance for common deformations of cutlery as found in community kitchens.

Landscapes

  • Table Equipment (AREA)
  • Apparatuses For Bulk Treatment Of Fruits And Vegetables And Apparatuses For Preparing Feeds (AREA)
EP93420318A 1992-07-29 1993-07-26 Sortieranlage für Gemeinschaftsbesteck Withdrawn EP0581699A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9209672 1992-07-29
FR929209672A FR2694216B1 (fr) 1992-07-29 1992-07-29 Installation de tri pour couverts de collectivités.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0581699A1 true EP0581699A1 (de) 1994-02-02

Family

ID=9432610

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93420318A Withdrawn EP0581699A1 (de) 1992-07-29 1993-07-26 Sortieranlage für Gemeinschaftsbesteck

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0581699A1 (de)
FR (1) FR2694216B1 (de)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5511670A (en) * 1994-01-13 1996-04-30 Ethicon, Inc. Needle sorting device
DE19518329A1 (de) * 1995-05-18 1996-11-21 Premark Feg Corp Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Identifizierung von unterschiedlichen, länglichen metallischen Gegenständen, insbesondere von Besteckteilen
US5911449A (en) * 1997-04-30 1999-06-15 Ethicon, Inc. Semi-automated needle feed method and apparatus
US5956927A (en) * 1998-02-06 1999-09-28 Ethicon, Inc. Suture capture and tensioning arrangement in a machine for the automated packaging of needles and attached sutures
US5964075A (en) * 1998-02-06 1999-10-12 Ethicon, Inc. Cover or label-applying arrangement in a machine for the automated packaging of needles and attached sutures
US5983601A (en) * 1998-02-06 1999-11-16 Ethicon, Inc. Machine for the automated packaging of needles and attached sutures
US6014851A (en) * 1998-02-06 2000-01-18 Ethicon, Inc. Package feed arrangement in a machine for the automated packaging of needles and attached sutures
US6073750A (en) * 1994-01-13 2000-06-13 Ethicon, Inc. Needle transfer device
US6123185A (en) * 1994-01-13 2000-09-26 Ethicon, Inc. Needle sorting device
DE102006061839A1 (de) * 2006-12-21 2008-06-26 Brimato Technologie Gmbh Verfahren zur Sortierung unterschiedlicher ferromagnetischer Besteckteile sowie Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens
CN103785617A (zh) * 2012-10-29 2014-05-14 海门黄海创业园服务有限公司 餐具分类系统及其方法
CN112006634A (zh) * 2020-09-07 2020-12-01 嘉兴志盛厨具制造有限公司 成套餐具杀菌消毒方法及其设备

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1986006661A1 (en) * 1985-05-14 1986-11-20 Regionala Stiftelsen I Värmland Med Firma Erress Apparatus for sorting cutlery
EP0220832A2 (de) * 1985-09-24 1987-05-06 British Airways Plc Verfahren und Gerät zum Sortieren von Waren
FR2651696A1 (fr) * 1989-09-12 1991-03-15 Hobart Corp Machine pour le triage automatique d'objets, notamment de pieces de vaisselle.

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1986006661A1 (en) * 1985-05-14 1986-11-20 Regionala Stiftelsen I Värmland Med Firma Erress Apparatus for sorting cutlery
EP0220832A2 (de) * 1985-09-24 1987-05-06 British Airways Plc Verfahren und Gerät zum Sortieren von Waren
FR2651696A1 (fr) * 1989-09-12 1991-03-15 Hobart Corp Machine pour le triage automatique d'objets, notamment de pieces de vaisselle.

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6073750A (en) * 1994-01-13 2000-06-13 Ethicon, Inc. Needle transfer device
US5727668A (en) * 1994-01-13 1998-03-17 Ethicon, Inc. Needle sorting device
US5511670A (en) * 1994-01-13 1996-04-30 Ethicon, Inc. Needle sorting device
US6997305B2 (en) 1994-01-13 2006-02-14 Ethicon, Inc. Needle sorting device
US6644464B1 (en) 1994-01-13 2003-11-11 Ethicon, Inc. Needle sorting device
US6123185A (en) * 1994-01-13 2000-09-26 Ethicon, Inc. Needle sorting device
DE19518329A1 (de) * 1995-05-18 1996-11-21 Premark Feg Corp Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Identifizierung von unterschiedlichen, länglichen metallischen Gegenständen, insbesondere von Besteckteilen
US5829600A (en) * 1995-05-18 1998-11-03 Premark Feg L.L.C. Method and apparatus for identifying different, elongated metallic objects
US5911449A (en) * 1997-04-30 1999-06-15 Ethicon, Inc. Semi-automated needle feed method and apparatus
US6014851A (en) * 1998-02-06 2000-01-18 Ethicon, Inc. Package feed arrangement in a machine for the automated packaging of needles and attached sutures
US5983601A (en) * 1998-02-06 1999-11-16 Ethicon, Inc. Machine for the automated packaging of needles and attached sutures
US5964075A (en) * 1998-02-06 1999-10-12 Ethicon, Inc. Cover or label-applying arrangement in a machine for the automated packaging of needles and attached sutures
US5956927A (en) * 1998-02-06 1999-09-28 Ethicon, Inc. Suture capture and tensioning arrangement in a machine for the automated packaging of needles and attached sutures
DE102006061839A1 (de) * 2006-12-21 2008-06-26 Brimato Technologie Gmbh Verfahren zur Sortierung unterschiedlicher ferromagnetischer Besteckteile sowie Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens
DE102006061839B4 (de) * 2006-12-21 2013-04-25 Brimato Technologie Gmbh Verfahren zur Sortierung unterschiedlicher ferromagnetischer Besteckteile sowie Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens
CN103785617A (zh) * 2012-10-29 2014-05-14 海门黄海创业园服务有限公司 餐具分类系统及其方法
CN112006634A (zh) * 2020-09-07 2020-12-01 嘉兴志盛厨具制造有限公司 成套餐具杀菌消毒方法及其设备
CN112006634B (zh) * 2020-09-07 2023-11-24 嘉兴志盛厨具制造有限公司 成套餐具杀菌消毒方法及其设备

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2694216B1 (fr) 1994-09-09
FR2694216A1 (fr) 1994-02-04

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